Parishes could do work of post offices

Austrian Post AG is considering an unusual option as part of its current cost-cutting measures – making churches post offices.

Austrian Post is considering an unusual option as part of its current cost-cutting measures – making churches post offices.

After the announcement that the Post will close 33 branches in Styria, the company is looking for so-called “post partners” to replace them in order to arrange continuation of its services all over the country. “Post partners” are shops that do some of the postal service’s work.

The Post is currently negotiating with the Catholic Church in Styria.

Georg Plank, a spokesman for Graz-Seckau diocese, said that communication platforms would be lost if post offices closed down, especially in small towns and rural areas. Elderly and disabled people would suffer the most from such developments, he explained. The church, however, possessed a dense, comprehensive network, he added.

Plank said it remained to be seen who would take over which roles in churches in question: “There are many enthusiastic volunteers in many parishes who could do it.”

Plank said the church would bow out if grocery stores or service stations applied to become the “post partner” in a town to avoid a competitive situation.

Austrian Post is positive about the suggestion. Company spokesman Michael Homola said: “There are no strong arguments against this option.”

The idea, however, is still in the discussion stage.