An Post CEO David McRedmond called on the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to ensure that posts do not sell their services at below cost. This follows the reform of international postage at last week’s extraordinary congress.

“It is vital that postal operators receive cost-reflective payments at this critical point when the postal industry is moving from an old world of letters to a new world of e-commerce. We cannot and should not sell services below cost, and we should value our trusted brands, our great employees and our secure global network.”

McRedmond presented the ‘new customer’ for An Post: “Ciara, thirty-something, socially aware, and looking for flexible e-commerce and financial services”.

“The switch to provide advanced fintech services linked to e-Commerce requires significant technology investment. And the advanced delivery network for parcels requires investment in new sortation equipment and facilities, and the use of robotics and AI to be responsive to customer needs”.

The An Post CEO made two calls to action: The UPU and national postal operators are to reform all postal tariffs that reflect improved services and investment. Additionally postal operators should call for responsible labour regulation to tackle the use of the gig economy that has undermined quality employment, trusted brands and a reliable global network.

“This industry is worth fighting for to maintain global, ubiquitous services for all citizens which they can value and trust,” McRedmond concluded.