Tag: Europe

Deutsche Post and the services trade union reach agreement

Posted by | Apr 30, 2008 | |

Deutsche Post and the services trade union Ver.di reached an agreement today in their collective-bargaining negotiations for about 130,000 company employees. Both parties agreed on an extended job security pact, a pay increase for workers covered by the collective-bargaining agreement and additional weekly working time.

The Group’s employees covered by the agreement will receive a one-time payment of 200 euros as well as a 4 percent raise that takes effect on Nov. 1, 2008. Ver.di had originally demanded 7 percent. In addition, the workers will receive a 3 percent raise in December 2009. This ensures planning security for more than two years. The working week for workers covered by the agreement will remain at 38.5 hours.

In return, Deutsche Post won an agreement to reduce paid breaks, i.e., employees will work about 50 minutes more each week for the wages set by the bargaining agreement. Ver.di’s original demand for 10 additional days to shorten the total working time – or vacation days – has been dropped.

The working week of Deutsche Post’s civil servants will remain at 38.5 hours – as opposed to rules applying to other federal civil servants. This agreement is still subject to approval by the German finance minister. Paid breaks for this employee group will be reduced as well, meaning that the previously mentioned additional work on top of the 38.5 workweek will take effect.

The agreement, which is still subject to approval by Ver.di’s collective-bargaining commission, will run through June 30, 2010.

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Austrian Stamp Most Expensive Stamp Ever Made

Posted by | Apr 30, 2008 | |

Austrian postal operator Post.at, is to release what is thought to be the most expensive stamp ever made – a revolutionary lenticular stamp to celebrate the UEFA EURO 2008. The new stamp goes on sale on 5 May 2008 and the issue will have a matching special postmark.

According to Post.at, 48 images of a TV recording are superposed on the stamp. To the viewer, the optical effect is that of a film sequence of approx. 3 minutes. The stamp features the legendary goal scored by Andi Herzog, Austria’s record-breaking international player. With this dream goal against Sweden scored in the 76th minute on 6 September 1997, Andi Herzog paved the way for the Austrian national team to enter the main draw of the World Championships 1998 in France. On the stamp, the goal and its setup from three different perspectives are shown.

Austrian Post aimed to bring the legendary team spirit of the 90s back to the hearts and minds of today’s players and to football enthusiasts in Austria. The Andi Herzog stamp is the technologically most sophisticated stamp of all time. It is also the largest one, measuring 6.5 by 4.7 cm. In addition to that, it is also the most expensive stamp ever made, its nominal value being 5.45 euro. This stamp is available for purchase at all postal branches and in our online shop.

Also available will be an exclusive picture postcard produced with lenticular technology to match the special-issue stamp. This postcard also features the record-breaking international player and is available in Post.at’s online shop only.

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On course toward a historic merger

Posted by | Apr 29, 2008 | |

Posten’s sales in the first quarter advanced slightly as a result of acquisitions completed mainly in the logistics business. Sales as well as profits were negatively affected by the shorter first quarter, with two fewer work days than in the first quarter the preceding year. Yet consolidated operating earnings of SEK 694m reflected one of the strongest quarters ever.

With sales of SEK 4.3 billion, the messaging business is essential for Posten. Posten Messaging’s sales declined as a result of fewer work days in the quarter. At the same time, operations are encountering challenges in the form of intensifying competition, more substitution, and a higher general level of costs, and operating earnings declined. Thanks to focused efforts to continually streamline operations, the business reported an operating margin close to 11 pct.

Posten Logistics continues to grow profitably. Acquisitions completed in Norway and Finland accounted for about half of the sales growth. The operations are focused on creating a Nordic structure for heightened customer benefits, increased efficiency, and specialization on the Nordic market with the goal of bolstering Posten Logistics’ position and future competitive strength.

Of the core businesses, Stralfors delivered the strongest relative improvement in earnings. Stralfors continues to grow briskly in information logistics. Several key orders were secured from major corporations with a broad customer base in the Nordic countries. Keeping focused on productivity improvements and streamlining operations will further boost profitability in the business. Stralfors’ European platform will give rise to new, interesting business opportunities in the group formed by the merger with Post Danmark
as the European postal market is deregulated.

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An Post reports 7 pct rise in revenues

Posted by | Apr 29, 2008 | |

An Post has today reported a 7 per cent or EUR 57.2 million rise in revenues to EUR 876 million last year, helped by an increase in mail during the general election.

The postal service’s operating profit before exceptional items increased to EUR 29.1 million compared with EUR 14.7 million during the pervious year.

The company said delivery of items purchased online, and exceptional volumes generated during the election contributed to a growth in the volume of mail delivered.

Increases in the cost of postage introduced in March 2007 had contributed to an growth in revenue from mail delivery.

The company said wages and other staff costs increased EUR 32 million to EUR 600.9 million, with labour costs for its 9,905 staff rising as a result of the implementation of national wage agreements.

To meet the cost of the additional production hours associated with the general election the company incurred once off costs of EUR 10.7 million. This total included an agreement reached with postmasters this year.

Over the year the average number of staff employed declined by about 90.

Other operating costs rose by 6.3 per cent to EUR 245.9 million reflecting an increased marketing spend and upgrading of the An Post fleet.

The accounting deficit in An Post’s pension scheme showed a deficit of EUR 114 million last year, down from EUR 193 million the previous year.

Last year also marked the start of the 50-50 Postbank joint venture with Fortis which will is offering banking services out of more than 250 post offices.

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Spree of acquisitions on courier service market in Romania

Posted by | Apr 29, 2008 | |

The Romanian courier services market has seen several acquisitions since the beginning of the year that have introduced major players such as UPS and the French Post Office on the domestic market, while the German Post Office has strengthened its position, and the Austrians remain interested in the market. So what is in store for the courier services industry?

Domestic couriers had announced as early as two years ago that they planned to attract strategic investors or investment funds to further develop some businesses on one of the most dynamic markets in Romania

Still, the first deals were only clinched as late as at the beginning of the year. The spree of acquisitions started with the direct entrance of UPS in Romania, through the acquisition of Trans Courier Service, and continued with the biggest deal sealed so far on this market, the sale of Cargus to DHL.

While the German Post Office provider acquired Cargus to strengthen its presence on the market, the French Post Office in turn took over a company to enter the Romanian market. Thus, the courier service unit GeoPost and Turkey’s Yurtici Kargo took over 80% in Pegasus, in a deal ZF estimates at 6-9m euros.

Domestically, sale announcements also came from TCE Logistica and Curiero. While TCE representatives are preparing to start talks, Curiero has already reached an agreement with Asesoft for a 25 pct stake.

Smaller companies on the market, such as Sprint Courier, Concorde Courier, Alo Courier, Nemo Expres and Roexpres, are also likely to be the target of some acquisitions in the following period considering the large investments required to support growth and remain competitive.

In addition, a rising number of foreign shipping, courier and logistics companies are interested in the domestic market, which includes the Austrian Post Office.

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