I remember when the downstream access providers were allowed to 'compete' with Royal Mail. A lot of the went under quickly but those with the backing of foreign postal services did well (think TNT / Whistl was owned by the Dutch mail service). They basically creamed off all the easily sortable and high volume business mail and could cherry pick what they would deliver and where.
Royal Mail on the other hand had to deliver the 'final mile' because no provider had the national reach and capacity to deliver everywhere. Royal Mail still made a profit but it was much smaller. The problem for the consumers and Royal Mail was business mail (thousands of letters a day in PR1 at the time) was cheaper to sort and deliver and subsidised your handwritten card to an auntie in Cornwall or the Shetland Islands. The 'real cost' of sending personal communication was subsidised by profits on business mail.
Of course, with those gone, stamped mail costs have risen exceptionally over the years to reflect the 'true cost'. People grumble about the price of a stamp, not realising it's expensive to the consumer because the 'subsidy' has passed to business and the cost to consumer.
Fast forward a few years and Royal Mail transformed from a letter delivery service with the odd parcel to a parcel delivery service with the odd letter. They still have the universal service obligation but costs and infrastructure needed to deliver parcels is different.
The outcome is that postie walks are longer, take more time to deliver and consume more fuel resources. I get as pissed off as the next waiting for something to arrive but Royal Mail is still a great national service. My main posties are sound, friendly and represent their service well.
Sure there are efficiencies, but comparisons to other delivery workers should be a warning, not an opportunity. The alternative is a gig economy with all your stuff in the boot of a car with drivers stressed, harassed and skint.
Online shopping for better or worse is still a growth industry so we will always need our posties. Supporting those striking is valuing the work they do, recognising that delivery infrastructure is valued and those who work in it deserve to be paid fairly and treated well.
The sell off of Royal Mail has replaced a national treasure with a vindictive, aggressive management organisation that is beneath contempt.
Don't work in the industry anymore and apologies for the rant but let's dispell that myth that Royal Mail's problems are down to their staff.
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