New strategy for Belgian post offices
Faced with the prospects of a liberalised postal market in 2003, complaints from employees and unions over lack of staff and poor working conditions, Belgian post office La Poste is to implement deep reforms of its distribution system and network of 1,364 offices. While 900 offices will concentrate on banking and commercial activities, as well as the more traditional postal services, remaining open until 18h00 and covering 96 per cent of the population, 460 offices will only offer universal services and will only be open between 09h00 and midday.
Towns and cities will have less offices, but the smallest offices will be kept on. Union representatives are generally in favour of the plan but are concerned as to customer service, as while 7 hours 38 minutes is dedicated to customer services in post offices today, once the plan is implemented 460 offices will only be open for three hours per day.
Abstracted from Le Soir Abstracted from Le Soir in French. Copyright 2001 Financial Times Information, Dow Jones, Dialog.
Source: World Reporter (Trade Mark)
LE SOIR, 19th July 2001
