3 October 2007

The results of an independent ballot released this morning by the Australian Electoral Commission shows that out of a workforce of nearly 35,000 people, only 7,655 CEPU members voted to take industrial action.

Australia Post’s head of Corporate Human Resources, Mr Rod McDonald, said this represents less than half (around 45 per cent) of CEPU membership in Post and clearly demonstrates that more than 78 per cent of Post people do not endorse the union’s agenda.

“It’s hardly a strong mandate and we will continue to urge our people not to take industrial action.

“All that a strike will achieve is to take money out of the pocket of our people. If the union follows through on its threat of a 48 hour strike that means the average postie or mail officer and their families will lose more than $300 out of their pay packet.

“Based on past experience, we are confident that any disruptions to mail services and our retail operations will be minimal,” Mr McDonald said.

Australia Post has been negotiating with the CEPU and CPSU over its latest enterprise bargaining agreement for over 12 months and recently took a decision to bypass the unions and award staff an immediate 4 per cent pay increase because it felt further delays were unfair to its employees.

Australia Post’s EBA offer includes a 12 per cent pay increase over the life of the 2.5 years agreement plus one $500 performance bonus. The agreement also locks in all existing award entitlements and conditions and commits to ongoing job security.

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For further media information or interviews:

Ian Cropper  03 9204 5095 or 0409 399 130