APWU Welcomes Reversal of Some USPS Consolidation Efforts, Keeping Mail Processing Local at More Facilities

The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network.

The union has consistently opposed local mail being consolidated and sorted hundreds of miles away only to then return to the local area.  Such a process can only further delay mail. 

As such, the union has consistently advocated that mail generated in a local area, for delivery in the local area, should stay and be processed and sorted in the local area.

Recently management has announced a reversal of some previous consolidation efforts and now plan to keep processing of “local mail local” in a number of locations previously expected to have that work moved long distances as part of management’s network modernization plans.

“While the union is still assessing these newly announced changes and seeking more clarification and details, we welcome what appears to be some positive steps in the right direction,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Postal workers, elected representatives and communities across the country have made their voices heard to keep local mail local and to avoid any further slow-down in the mail.”

However, along with some positive developments are negative ones.  Postal management and the Postal Board of Governors are also filing a case with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) that we believe will further slowdown mail service for many areas of the country, particularly in rural America.

“The APWU believes that USPS must modernize its network in a way that speeds up and improves service” said Dimondstein. “While we are pleased that more facilities will keep their local mail local, we have serious concerns about the latest service standard proposal. We are prepared to engage in the PRC review and to organize in our communities to defend the quality mail service we all deserve.”