Termination of AMPs Is Good News For Northern Michigan, Southern Texas

The APWU has been notified that studies of the consolidation of some mail-processing operations at the Gaylord (MI) Main Post Office and at Beaumont (TX) P&DF have been brought to a close and the proposed consolidations will not take place.

“After review, it has been determined that there are currently no significant opportunities to improve efficiency and/or service through consolidation of mail processing operations at the Gaylord, MI MPO,” the Postal Service wrote to the APWU on May 14. “Therefore, no significant changes will be made at this time.” The study to consider moving sortation 60 miles away to Traverse City, MI, was announced Dec. 19, 2005.

The proposal would have meant the relocation of as many as 80 APWU-represented employees. On May 3, Rep. Bart Stupak (D), who represents constituents in northern Michigan and its Upper Peninsula, introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish firm deadlines for Area Mail Processing surveys and would prohibit the USPS from removing equipment or reducing the workforce in affected facilities during AMP studies.

The bill, H.R. 2177, would require the Postal Service to complete AMP studies within 180 days. Extensions of 60 days would be permitted only if “persons likely to be affected” are notified prior to the expiration of the original deadline.

Like the study in Michigan, the study in Texas that was recently terminated was a long time under way. A “notice of the completion” letter regarding the movement of processing from Beaumont to Houston was received on May 16 [PDF]. That study was announced Nov. 16, 2005.

Thirty-one AMP feasibility surveys have been terminated or placed on hold in the last year.