23 September 2008 - 07H44
French postal workers strike against privatisation
French postal unions called for a strike to protest the decision to privatise the state-run company, demanding a public debate on the subject. More than half of the French population opposes the privatisation.
Five French workers unions are calling for a national strike Tuesday to protest the looming privatisation of La Poste, the state postal-services company, which employs 300,000 people.
According to the planned reform, La Poste would become an incorporated company as of January 2010.
La Poste did not confirm whether the mail distribution or post offices’ activity would be affected by the strike.
Less than one postal worker in five went on strike during the last protest movements, a level that unions are hoping to take higher this time. “25% or 30% would be good,” said a union leader quoted by AFP.
The government met with unions, consumer groups and local politicians earlier this month. The Sarkozy administration went on to create a commission on the future of La Poste with just political and union leaders.
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Comments
Attendez, xaye
You do realize that La Poste has been maintained by French taxpayer monies since the 1950s, don't you?
The government is selling off commonly owned French public services [Post, EDF, GDF, etc] to the highest bidders. Will there be compensation for nearly 60 years of public investment? No.
Besides, what could be up next on the privatization agenda? Social Security, maybe. Sarkozy and his pals certainly are hot on that idea.
Personally, I've never had a single bad experience with La Poste. And I have a special affection for post office workers who, for the most part, enjoy what they do.
I support the strike entirely.
it's about time!
From my experienced with the overall service from La Poste staffs and its admin sides , I can only say they are downright horrid. Good riddance! It's about time it's going privatisation.
For example: I sent an important documents to a country called SINGAPUR; La Poste sent it CHINA!!!
The receiver never received the documents after 2months!!!
Next, a package was sent to ME from HK since July2008; it never arrived which I believed was stolen by the
staff working at La Poste. 'Cos the mistake made by the sender was it was not registered when sent.
After writing to La Poste to inquire about the whereabouts, until to this day, there is simply NO reply
nor any kind of apology whatsoever. Even their Collisimo service is horrible; they never tell you
package send by Coliisimo to overseas will arrive in 30days; they will tell you it will arrive in 5days just so
you will use the service and wasted your money using their service.
I say it's about time La Poste becomes a private company where service can be better improve and customer service is their top priority.
Progress
I think the postal workers are afraid they will have to get off their butts and do some work,knowing its almost impossible to be fired under govt ownership
postal system
Sarkosy ,he is going down the wrong tracks,the french are educated and not like the uneducated and divided english,utilities and certain companies are the nations .not for private institutions,ie the wealthy.