Slovenska Posta transformation will involve restructuring
State-run postal service company Slovenska Posta will transform into a 100-Percent state-run joint stock company as of May 1, 2004. According to Jaroslav Dobrotka, director general of Slovenska Posta, the transformation will also involve internal restructuring of the company, reducing the number of the company’s levels of management. Currently operating postal directorates and postal service operation centers will be merged into so-called regional postal centers, which will directly manage individual post offices. The draft bill on transforming the postal service company will be discussed by the cabinet later this week and subsequently it will be discussed by parliament. The Transport Ministry, representing the government, will execute shareholders’ rights in the company.
The management restructuring within Slovenska Posta will also result in laying off 150 employees. Mr. Dobrotka said that naturally management staff cuts will not be the only part of the company affected by the planned lay-offs. The company will also prepare other projects on partial transformation in order to increase labor productivity.
Slovenska Posta also plans to expand its product portfolio by introducing several new services, such as electronic, special logistics and Internet services. “We plan to equip some post offices to provide Internet access, such as in Internet cafés,” said Mr. Dobrotka. According to him, within the framework of cost saving projects the company wants to continue offer to lease individual small post offices, while the number of leased post offices should increase to fifteen.
Transformation of the postal service company should help the company to maintain its leading position on the market mainly in delivery services, mail service and other business activities. With regards to protection and support for competition, the transformation should secure operating conditions for the newly established company on equal terms to other private trading companies providing similar services.
