The Latvian Postal Service (Latvijas Pasts) has decided to close or reorganize 105 of the 176 post offices across the country. It has caused outrage in the public space. Beāte Krauze-Čebotare, head of Latvijas Pasts, said that as the number of letters and subscribed press decreased, the postal service was in a financially difficult situation.
More than 2,600 citizens have already signed up for the initiative. The Latvian Union of Communication Workers, which includes post office workers, are the authors of the initiative, explained that the collection of signatures was started because the decision to close departments was taken hastily, a social plan was missing and there was no discussion.
“Before making such a change, so fast when there hasn't even been consultation yet... For us, consultation with the employer begins tomorrow. And then one can imagine our shock and incomprehension that [talk] about 105 post offices closing is already going on in the press. This is unacceptable to the Union. The initiative is also launched because the postal service is being told to modernize, but the legal framework remains as it was when there was a letter market. When the main segment was letters.
“We draw public attention to the need to change the Postal Law to suit the situation. It must also be a modern, legal framework, rather than measuring profitability with services that are not really subject to profitability. A parcel machine cannot replace it and the postman at home will not be able to replace it either. Because post is a place where universal services are provided, a department with all the facilities and equipment,” Union spokeswoman Irēna Liepiņa said.
The trade union said the profits of Latvian Post exceeded one million euros last year, which also raises confusion about such a decision. On Wednesday, January 31, Union representatives met with the Transport Minister to point out the consequences after the closure of more than a hundred post offices - especially in the regions.
