The Managing Director of Australia Post gave a clear and open presentation on the opportunities as well as the significant changes faced by the business and what Australia Post is doing to resolve those challenges. Importantly, he made the firm commitment to work with the CEPU and CPSU to find the best solutions for employees and the business.

 

Australia Post presented an overview of the issues facing the business. In particular:

 

- Challenges in the mail business

- New business opportunities

- Australia Post's response to the internet revolution

- The critical importance of safety; and

- The need for greater flexibility to meet our challenges

 

The CEPU and CPSU gave clear, honest and frank overview of the areas of concern to their members and provided their views about how to best protect and grow Australia Post's business to help play an important role in creating productive, rewarding and secure jobs at Australia Post.

 

The Unions emphasised the following headline areas in their presentation to Australia Post:

 

- Safety

- The need for full time, secure and meaningful work and

- Making sure the work is fairly rewarded, including protection of take-home pay

 

The parties have agreed to come together in a concentrated manner over the next few weeks to achieve real outcomes that will capture real benefits within a new Fair Work Agreement.

 

The Summit allowed for positive and open discussions by all involved. Everyone participated and are committed to continuing discussions in the spirit of openness, honesty, diligence and professionalism.

 

NSW Branch Secretary Jim Metcher who was a participant in the summit said the issues put on the table by the Union were significant and were overdue for resolution.

 

He said, the FND medical policies that undermine injured workers returning to work safely or their rights to workers compensation entitlements had to be settled once and for all along with the accountability for proper dispute resolution processes covering all of a new EBA in terms of arbitration if necessary for determining resolution of disputes or disagreements.

 

Jim said, the Union or members were no longer prepared to have a situation where management say one thing and do another without being held accountable for not adhering to EBA commitments or undertakings.