Today’s report that Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS) is laying off one-third of its personnel (see related story) is obviously not happy news. After all, eight people will lose their jobs, adding to the hardship and economic downturn already experienced on the island due to Hurricane Irma.
But at least the process is taking place in a transparent manner, with full involvement of the St. Maarten Communications Union (SMCU), a guidance committee with representatives of management, government and the union, as well as an appeals committee of independent persons appointed one each by those three parties. What’s more, it’s based on a social plan established since 2012 that includes a termination package.
There was also a voluntary dismissal option, but not every request could be honoured, because of selection criteria for the 14 employees who are to remain. PSS is going to focus on its core business of mainly mail delivery and parcel service, so the staff must be tailored for such.
The move seems inevitable, as the postal company has been in financial trouble going back to the days of the former Netherlands Antilles when it was owned by the Central Government and how its takeover by the new country St. Maarten occurred. The damage Irma caused to its Philipsburg premises merely compounded the problem and an audit confirmed that downsizing is the best way forward.
Some still see it as a pity that PSS was unable to continue clearly lucrative money transfer services, partly due to security concerns at its – much smaller – temporary location. Nevertheless, the path now chosen would appear to be a realistic one that deserves the benefit of the doubt.
