Venezuela suspends international mail deliveries in currency row

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/20/venezuela-international-mail-postal-service

Venezuela's postal service has indefinitely suspended international mail deliveries, citing a collapse in the distribution system due to "excessive demand".

Employees at the state-run company Ipostel told local media that the service had fallen victim to an ongoing dispute with international airlines over currency controls.

According to El Universal, postal workers said tonnes of undelivered international mail had accumulated at Ipostel sorting offices after deliveries to at least 29 countries were suspended. On Tuesday, employees refused to open post offices in Caracas in protest at the decision, which many suspect might lead to mass firings.

"The company is practically bankrupt, not only with its international deliveries but also its basic services because we have no materials or equipment," said Jose Gallardo, of a labour union in the eastern state of Anzoategui.