Unite reacts cautiously to the Hooper Report
17 December 2008
Unite the Union representing Royal Mail managers today
(Wednesday 17th) gave a cautious welcome to the long anticipated
independent report produced by Richard Hooper and his
colleagues.
- Unite welcomes the commitment to the universal service and the
fact that it has been recognised that Royal Mail is best placed to
provide this.
- Unite is opposed to the full blown privatisation of Royal Mail
and will want to explore with BERR what the likely affect a
minority partner will have on Unite members and the service to the
public.
- Unite recognises that the commitment to solving the pensions
fund deficit issue is positive and will allow Royal Mail to
concentrate on improvements in efficiency and productivity
issues.
- Unite also welcomes the recognition in the Hooper Report of the
past failures in industrial relations and looks forward to improved
engagement between management and the trade unions.
Paul Reuter, Unite national officer for the Royal Mail Group said,
"There are not too many surprises in the report but the devil is in
the detail and we will be looking to ensure that our voice is heard
during the deliberations of BERR before it makes its policy
announcements in the new year."
Brian Scott, Assistant National Secretary for Unite said,
"The Hooper Report confirms the failure of Royal Mail
senior executives to prepare the organisation for the future. Unite
members have had to bare the brunt of ongoing job cuts for the last
5 to 6 years."
Unite also calls upon Royal Mail to enter into immediate debate
about the number of jobs required to meet the universal
obligation.
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 or Brian Scott on 07970
471 910
