This summer, German regulators received a record number of complaints about the Post. Many Germans complain about late or missing letters and packages. The explanation given by the Post is sickness-related absences, holidays and a shortage of skilled workers.
The German daily news network reported that this summer, a particularly large number of Germans were troubled by not getting their letters or packages on time. In July and August alone, the Federal Network Agency received around 6,500 complaints against Deutsche Post . Throughout the first half of 2022, there were about 8,900 complaints. That compares with 15,100 complaints for all of 2021. Large cities such as
Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich have been particularly affected, but also Freudenstadt in Bavaria, Ingelheim in Leyfrez Smaller cities such as Northeim in Lower Saxony are also affected.
Usually, parcel problems are more serious, but this summer the main problem is letter delivery. Critics complained about delayed, lost or misdelivered deliveries. The Federal Network Agency has now launched 14 related checks and asked Deutsche Post to correct the problem. However, inspections are only a means of pressure and do not contain any punitive measures.
DHL International Express Group (DHL), a division of Deutsche Post, explained, “The main reasons for the problem are the Covid-19 pandemic and the lack of skilled workers in the post office. In addition, many employees will be on summer vacation starting in July 2022. But now, the business situation is Stabilizing again."
However, the Federal Network Agency noted that the number of complaints in September remained high. It is reported that Germany sends about 1 billion letters every month. Other postal and parcel services have also been criticized, but DHL is by far the market leader, so most complaints are directed against it.
This has also been criticized by politicians. Reinhard Houben, a member of the Liberal Democrats in the Bundestag, said that other companies in Germany also had personnel problems related to the new crown epidemic, but their service quality had not deteriorated as significantly as the post office, and he hoped that this was only a temporary problem. "If the quality of the letter service has been poor, the legislature should consider the possibility of giving the Federal Network Agency sanctioning authority, thereby sharpening the sword in their hands." This would put more pressure on the Post to improve service.
Bundestag SPD MP Falko Mohrs understands the Post Office's difficulties: "Nevertheless, the Post is and will continue to be required to take these complaints seriously because the service it provides is fundamental across the country. "
Germany's Verdi trade union (Verdi) said it was aware of the problems in the postal industry. The courier workforce in the industry is very burdened and more permanent staff needs to be hired.
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