21/05/2024
Clarification of DA to employees who are at residential training center
20/05/2024
Applicability of Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 - clarification. Today 20.5.24 SG FNPO participated in Karnataka National union of Railwaymail service & MMS Employees, Group C, Karnataka Circle working committee meeting at Udupi
17/05/2024
Removal of static QR code from all counters-reg
Guidelines for issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Gramin Dak Sevaks for applying passport and going abroad on private visit
15/05/2024
Granting relief to Government employee who was placed under suspension on the day of his superannuation.
Granting relief to a govt employee who was p ..
Regarding course on PA SBCO - Dakshta course on Dak Karmayogi Portal
14/05/2024
World Postal News Last week
We want to save our service. We don't want it to be privatized. We want to give the people what they deserve,"
Postal workers protest distribution center move at Fayetteville location
Earlier this year, the decision was made that no public comment from postal workers was allowed at the meetings.
"We want to save our service. We don't want it to be privatized. We want to give the people what they deserve," said Mills, who is working to fight what he calls the silencing of postal workers across the nation.
While postal workers could previously address concerns for three minutes at the Postal Board of Governors meetings, over the years that time has dwindled. Earlier this year, the decision was made that no public comment from postal workers was allowed at the meetings.
That sparked APWU to launch a national campaign called "We Will Not Be Silenced. "
In Arkansas, postal workers said they want their disapproval of a recent announcement (that the Northwest Arkansas distribution center will move to Oklahoma City) to be heard.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) previously told 5NEWS there would be no service impacts or career layoffs, but Mills said USPS has not been fully transparent with postal workers on the effects.
"There's going to be impacts, there's going to be changes, and you don't move mail 12 hours and say there's not going to be a delay," Mills exclaims. "So I just believe in calling them out when it's not right."
In response, USPS said it "respects the rights of unions and employees to participate in off-the-clock rallies on issues of concern to their membership."
For Mills, it's about protecting customers, postal workers, and his family. Specifically, his daughter Kaylynn, who is also a postal worker protesting alongside her father.
"If my daughter chooses to go work for the post office 20 years from now, I want her to have the ability to know that I took part in helping make it so her benefits are even better once she gets to that spot," said Kaylynn Mills, vice president of the local APWU.
Canada Post suffers C$748m loss in 2023
“Like other businesses, we need to adapt to what Canadians need, where
they live, how they shop and use our services. Canada Post is committed
to leading that change, building on the improvements
Despite growing parcel volumes last year, Canada Post has recorded a pre-tax loss of C$748m (US$543m) for 2023 as a result of the post-pandemic surge in parcel delivery competition, the ongoing erosion of transaction mail, and continued growth in addresses and delivery costs.
According to the post, its parcel delivery market share has fallen from 62% pre-pandemic to 29% in 2023, while transaction mail volumes have reduced by 3.3 billion since 2006 to 2.2 billion letters in 2023.
Total revenue last year fell by C$240m (US$174m) compared to 2022 and all three lines of business – parcels, transaction mail and direct marketing – saw a drop. Meanwhile, the cost of operations in 2023 rose by C$11m (US$8m) compared to the previous year due to higher labor costs, non-capital investments and depreciation expenses. This was partly offset by lower employee benefit costs driven by an increase in discount rates, according to Canada Post.
Universal service hindrance
Under the Canada Post Corporation Act, the postal operator must serve all Canadians in a financially self-sustaining manner based on revenue generated by the sale of postal products and services, not taxpayer dollars.
However, this has been hindered by falling mail volumes – over the last 20 years, the amount of mail Canadians receive has declined by more than 50%, while the number of addresses has increased by more than three million, resulting in lower revenues and higher costs.
The growth in its parcel delivery business has not been enough for Canada Post to counter the decline in mail volumes and revenues and as competition in the sector increases, the post says it must make changes to “ensure the viability of the national postal service”.
Doug Ettinger, president and CEO, Canada Post, explained, “Canadians understand our business model must change. They can see it in their mailbox. An operating model designed to deliver nearly 5.5 billion letters in 2006 cannot be sustained on the 2.2 billion letters we delivered last year. This trend is not unique to Canada.
“Like other businesses, we need to adapt to what Canadians need, where they live, how they shop and use our services. Canada Post is committed to leading that change, building on the improvements we’ve made across the organization over the last few years. Canadians still value the importance of their national postal service, which is why we’re working in partnership with the Government of Canada to put it back on the path to long-term financial sustainability.”
SingPost CEO: Our transformation continues to yield results
The Group’s transformation into a logistics enterprise has yielded benefits, achieving a net profit of S$81.5 million for the full year, an increase from S$38.8 million last year. Group revenue declined from S$1.87 billion to S$1.69 billion, largely due to the reduction in sea freight revenues. Operating fundamentals of core businesses have improved, offset by the decline in operating profit from Famous Holdings.
Logistics
Logistics revenue was lower at S$1.17 billion compared to S$1.32 billion while operating profit declined to S$67.4 million from S$84.7 million for the full year.
The Australia business, comprising FMH and CouriersPlease, posted revenue of A$ 921.3 million compared to A$866.7 million, and operating profit of A$ 63.2 million compared to A$62.3 million, for the full year. The continued growth in the Australia business was underpinned by new customer acquisitions and volume growth, despite challenging market conditions. The results included a 1-month consolidation of Border Express following the completion of the acquisition on 1 March 2024.
The operations of Quantium Solutions have been re-engineered as part of the new International business segment. Besides driving operational efficiency, low yielding warehousing contracts were phased out, resulting in an improved performance.
In the freight forwarding business, the industry-wide contraction in sea freight rates and volumes post pandemic has led to a decline in revenue and profit contributions from Famous Holdings group. Freight forwarding revenue was lower at S$263.1 million compared to S$417.7 million, while operating profit decreased to S$22.4 million from S$43.4 million for the full year.
Post and Parcel
Post and Parcel revenue for both domestic and international businesses declined to S$514.1 million from S$524.5 million for the full year. The segment recorded an operating profit of S$ 7.5 million largely contributed by the International business, compared to a segment loss of S$12.0 million last year.
The Domestic Post & Parcel business posted higher revenue on the back of eCommerce volume growth of 11% for the full year. It also had the benefit of the postage rate adjustment in October 2023 which helped to mitigate the impact of the continued decline in volumes of letter mail and printed papers. In the International Post & Parcel business, the moderating conveyance costs, stringent cost management, as well as operational synergies, contributed to an improved performance.
Property
Property revenue was stable at S$77.7 million for the full year, compared to S$76.6 million last year, with operating profit of S$42.2 million. This was due to positive rental reversions at SingPost Centre. Overall occupancy at SingPost Centre was 96.2% compared to 98.2% as at 31 March 2023, with the occupancy for the retail mall and office space running at 99.6% and 94.8% respectively.
Transformation has yielded benefits
Vincent Phang, Group Chief Executive Officer of SingPost said, “Our transformation continues to yield results in our core businesses as we execute our strategy.” SingPost recently announced the outcome of the strategic review of the Group and its portfolio of businesses, with the view to enhancing shareholder returns and ensuring the Group is appropriately valued. Please refer to the SGX announcement dated 19 March 2024 Board strategic review unveils pathways to growth and unlocking shareholder value.
Proposed final dividend
The Board is recommending a final exempt (one-tier) dividend of 0.56 cents per ordinary share for the financial year ended 31 March 2024. Including the interim dividend of 0.18 cents per share paid out in November 2023, total dividend would amount to 0.74 cents per share, or 40% of the underlying net profit. This represents an increase of 28% year on year.
The proposed final dividend is subject to the approval of shareholders at the 32nd Annual General Meeting to be duly convened. The date payable and record date of the final dividend will be announced at a later date.
Australia Post to invest $290,000 in community projects
As part of its work to make a positive impact on communities across the country, Australia Post has awarded grants to 152 grassroots community and not-for-profit groups through its annual People of Post Grants.
This year, the funding available to individual groups has been doubled to up to A$2,000 (US$1,315), with the total investment reaching more than A$290,000 (US$190,683). The initiative sees Australia Post team members nominate local not-for-profit community initiatives that address some of Australia’s most pressing social issues including mental health, disaster support and resilience, Indigenous children’s literacy, and environmental sustainability.
In 2024, more than half of the grants will support projects to improve mental health and connection; 23% will go to groups supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.
A lasting impact
Nicky Tracey, Australia Post’s general manager for community and stakeholder engagement, said, “At the heart of this initiative are Australia Post team members, who witness first-hand the incredible work community groups do every day across Australia. Our People of Post Grants give them the chance to give back.
“At a time when cost of living is high, it’s great that Australia Post can help make a lasting impact on some of Australia’s most pressing issues. We also know that community groups are pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging and making a positive difference to individuals every day, which is particularly important at a time when one in seven Australians experience social isolation and loneliness.”
Since it launched in 2018, the People of Post Grants program has awarded more than 1,900 grants totaling more than A$1.5m (US$986,295). The grants have supported many causes, including delivering intergenerational programs to tackle social isolation and loneliness in Victoria and planting initiatives to restore the habitat and healthy ecosystems for native animals in Queensland.
The full list of Australia Post’s 2024 People of Post Grants recipients is available at auspost.com.au/popgrants.
Commitment to workplace inclusivity
The post has also announced its continued commitment to fostering a culture of access and inclusion. Group chief executive and managing director Paul Graham participated in the Australian Disability Network’s first-ever CEO Insights session at IMPACT 2024, where he challenged corporate Australia to build its accessibility approach on one simple question: “How can we do it, not why we can’t”.
He added, “With 5.7% of our team members with a disability, tracking to be over 6% in FY24, we are focused on building inclusive practices to provide accessibility for everyone in our communities.
“Our Accessibility Matters Employee Reference Group has more than 100 members who are integral in the design and rollout of initiatives throughout the organization that set up team members to do meaningful work and thrive. We are proud of the higher engagement and tenure our team members with a disability have at Australia Post.”
Full support
Australia Post introduced the Workplace Adjustment Guidelines and Passport several years ago to support team members living with disability, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully do their role. Last year the post also announced its Access and Inclusion Plan for 2023-2025, and is one of the largest Australian employers certified as a Disability Confident Recruiter.
09/05/2024
Con-donation of breaks in service of GDS – Delegation of powers.
Verification of Educational documents through GDS Online Portal(verification facility) of selected candidates for GDS Posts -reg.
implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) - nomination of invitee members
08/05/2024
Appointment of successful candidates of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2023 (CGLE-2023)
SB Order 02/2024 : Online PAN Verification functionality in Finacle CBS System-reg
Procedure to renewal ATM card in Post Office after the expiration of card?
Customer
should visit post office for requesting renewal of ATM Card. ATM card
will be issued without collecting any charges. The detailed procedure as
follows
07/05/2024
Important World Postal News last week
Privatization has failed one of Britain’s most important institutions
Following reports that foreign private equity investor EP Corporate Group could be buying into a controlling stake of Royal Mall Group’s corporate holding company, International Distribution Services (IDS), CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “Handing over the ownership of Royal Mail to a foreign private equity investor cannot be right.
“Royal Mail’s vulnerability to this type of bid can’t demonstrate more clearly how privatisation has failed one of Britain’s most important institutions.
“Royal Mail needs a new ownership and governance model with its focus on delivering a postal service for workers and customers, not one simply about shareholder payouts and running down conditions.”
In an emergency motion at the CWU annual conference on Thursday 25 April delegates unanimously resolved that in the event of any takeover, it would completely oppose all attempts to:
Break up the company;
Introduce franchising to Royal Mail;
Introduce outsourcing into the company;
Introduce a three-or-four day USO or other severe USO cuts;
Raid the pension surplus.
The emergency motion also endorsed the call for a new ownership and governance model for Royal Mail.
New bill would place restrictions on DeJoy’s USPS reform efforts
USPS is stripping rural America of reliable service without "legitimate justification," senator says.
The U.S. Postal Service would face new restrictions in implementing the reforms it says are necessary to save the mailing agency from financial ruin under a bill that adds to the mounting pressure on USPS management.
The Protecting Access to Rural Carriers for Every Location (PARCEL) Act, introduced by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., would prohibit the consolidation of mail processing operations unless the Postal Service met certain conditions. Under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's 10-year Delivering for America plan, USPS is in the midst of consolidating mail sorting away from individual post offices in favor of centralized centers and moving processing operations away from hundreds of cities and towns in favor of 60 mega-centers throughout the country.
In some cases, such as Tester’s home state of Montana, those changes will move major elements of mail processing out of a state entirely. Several lawmakers have voiced concern with that approach, citing the potential for increased delays as traffic and weather disrupt mail transportation.
Under the PARCEL Act, USPS would only be able to proceed with its plans to stand up the mega-centers—known as Regional Processing and Delivery Centers—if mail processing remains inside of state boundaries or causes no harm to local mail delivery. USPS would also have to complete a geographical review of its changes, including the impact of moving mail through mountain passes, and receive public input in support of the consolidations.
Lawmakers from states such as Colorado and Nevada have criticized USPS plans to move mail processing across or out of their states, noting the mountain passes in the new routes would likely cause significant logistical difficulties.
During a Senate hearing last month, DeJoy defended his plan and said he was committed to seeing it through. He told lawmakers that a return to the previous status quo would mean a continuation of the “financial death spiral” that predated his arrival. DeJoy stressed that he is not closing facilities, but repurposing and investing in them to meet modern needs. He added the Postal Service maintains “a process to analyze the movement of mail” and makes data-based decisions.
Mail delays have spiked across the country and performance has been particularly poor in areas piloting the new network structure, leading DeJoy to apologize and promise improvements. He added, however, that his efforts will bear fruit if given appropriate time.
“It’s easy to criticize when you show up at the crime scene and see the damage, but the path there is long and people are working very hard to change minds and hearts in terms of how we perform,” the postmaster general said.
A recent inspector general report found the standing up of a new RPDC in Richmond, Virginia, led to worse service, an uninformed public, decreased employee availability and a spike in late and canceled mail transportation trips.
The changes have caused “additional labor and transportation costs, and it is uncertain if expected savings will be achieved,” the IG said. Previous IG reports have found prior efforts to consolidate facilities led USPS to perform worse while realizing just a tiny fraction of the cost reductions it had anticipated.
The Postal Regulatory Commission said last week that while postal leaders have said the negative impacts are temporary, they have not shown any evidence to support that contention. The watchdog is now seeking increased scrutiny of the agency’s reforms.
USPS in recent months has faced a long series of letters and calls to explain or adjust its reform plans, including a recent demand from several Senate Democrats that the postal board of governors abandon DeJoy’s changes altogether. Tester’s bill, which the senator introduced as USPS plans to move processing operations from Missoula in his state to Spokane, Washington, marks a new effort to statutorily limit the postmaster general.
“USPS leadership has failed to listen to the people of Montana time and time again, and it’s time to put a stop to their attack on service in rural America,” Tester said. He added his bill would “bring full operations back to Missoula and ensure that Postmaster DeJoy won’t be able to strip rural America of reliable service without public approval and legitimate justification ever again.”
PostNord Sweden tests new box combining both parcels and letters
PostNord Sweden has deployed its first “hybrid box” where individuals can post their letters, pick up packages, and send return packages. The initiative is a response to declining mail volumes and the growing need for cost-effective and innovative parcel solutions.
Since parcel lockers are filled every day, the mailbox part of the box can be emptied simultaneously, that is, on a daily basis.
The Hybrid Box is designed to handle postal items up to 3 cm thick C4 envelopes and is positioned at an accessible height of 120 cm, with the possibility of adjustment to further increase accessibility.
The Hybrid Box is designed to:
- deliver parcels and handle returns.
- function as a “priority mailbox” with daily emptying (Monday to Friday), ensuring improved service and accessibility.
- be emptied once a day in connection with parcel delivery using our Svanen-certified e-commerce transport.
The deployed Hybrid Box is a test under evaluation. If successful, PostNord assesses that it could replace thousands of traditional mailboxes, improving accessibility and service levels in a cost-effective manner across Sweden.
03/05/2024
Promotion and posting to the post of senior Manager, Mail Motor service (MMS), Group 'A in Level II of pay Matrix, transfer of Senior Manager, MMS and assignment of additional charge- regarding.
Request for clarification regarding admissibility of Vande Bharat Express on availing L.T.C.regarding.
02/05/2024
Handling of Registered Packets (Domestic & International]) at CRCs 2024
Stopping manual posting of POSB disbursement voucher posting respect of PLI CSI GL integration
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)