7 September 2007

The vast majority of Australia Post’s workforce would have looked around in amazement following CEPU claims that the average annual wage in Post was $36,000.

Mr Rod McDonald, head of Corporate Human Resources for the corporation, said that the average mail officer or postie would be earning around $50,000 with overtime and allowances – and that’s without the 4 per cent increase that was given to all award staff this week.

“The labour market is extremely tight at the moment and the CEPU isn’t helping by misrepresenting the business. We need to continue to attract and retain the best people so that the business continues to grow.”

Mr McDonald said that the union had also failed to mention the 14 per cent annual superannuation contribution, better than average sick leave provisions, paid maternity leave and the many other benefits and entitlements that are part of the Post offer.

“If we can get the unions back to the negotiating table, all these condition and entitlements will be locked in to EBA7,” he said.

Australia Post has had a 12% pay offer on the table, along with a $500 performance bonus, since May. On average, that means Post staff have missed out on around $50 a fortnight up until this week’s decision to pay award staff an immediate 4 per cent increase.

“The nature of our business and shift structure allows a great deal of flexibility – not only for those who work full-time, but members of the community who want secure, well-paid part-time work.

“This is part of the reason why Australia Post was recognised this week as one of the country’s top 20 employers in an independent survey by consultancy firm Managing Work Life Balance,” Mr McDonald said.

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