Postal workers are 'exhausted'

Doctors warn of growing number of work-related illnesses and injuries, similar to those at France Telecom

POSTAL workers in France are "physically and psychologically exhausted", a new report has warned.

A group of doctors responsible for looking after La Poste's 300,000 staff says a growing number of employees are taking time off due to work-related illnesses and injuries.

The report, which has been handed to La Poste president Jean-Claude Bailly, warns of a severe decline in working conditions and a number of suicide attempts.

One of the report's authors, Sébastien Roux, told Le Figaro: "La Poste is currently in the position that France Télécom was in five years ago.

"The situation has worsened in the past year and a half due to constant reorganisation and job cuts."

The group is currently being overhauled to prepare it for the opening up of the postal market to international competition next year.

A La Poste spokesman said some of the claims made in the report were "excessive" and the organisation was doing all it could to tackle work stress.

Related stories:
€23m laundry bill for La Poste
Argument over La Poste public vote
Pick up post from your metro station

Photo:La Poste