May 6 (Reuters) - Dutch postal operator PostNL's

first-quarter operating losses widened on Tuesday,

hurt by a steep decline in mail volume and higher wage costs

that undercut gains in parcel delivery and pressured

profitability.

The company posted an operating loss before interest and

taxes of 15 million euros ($17 million), compared with a loss of

9 million euros a year ago. However, it was in line with the

company-compiled consensus of 15 million euro.

($1 = 0.8831 euros)