‘The agreement sets out a UNI|UPU cooperation programme that focuses especially on sustainable development and innovation within the postal sector’ the joint press statement indicated on the day the agreement was struck (25 October). The parties to the agreement agree to continue promoting social dialogue support initiatives within the sector. In order to ensure sustainable development across international postal services within a context of diversification, digitalization, and new technologies utilization, the parties will try to develop joint actions within the framework of their respective areas of responsibility:
- development of the postal sector and its related employment implications and the impact of new technologies, particularly in the areas of health and security;
- improvement and development of the skills of postal workers, with a focus on training measures to respond to the challenges of new technologies and services introduced in the postal sector, including the promotion and development of responsible data protection practices;
- identification of activities geared towards the sustainable development of international postal services, possibly in conjunction with other organizations, in particular through the organization of regional seminars on the social responsibility of postal service providers;
- identification of activities aimed at promoting innovation in international postal services and developing new ways to make use of the national and international postal networks, including from the perspective of the optimum utilization of human capital and the fostering of decent working conditions for postal employees;
- development of new positive working practices, including working conditions reflecting the changes in the postal sector due to new technologies and new services;
The Annex to the agreement identifies five joint activities that both parties will drive forward together until 31 December 2021 when the agreement expires.