Postal changes bad for customers

Postal changes bad for customers

Postal workers take pride in providing prompt, dependable mail service to Youngstown and surrounding areas, which is why we are so concerned about the Postal Service’s AMP (Area Mail Processing) study and the Postal Service’s plan to shift mail-sorting operations from Youngstown to Cleveland and Akron.

According to The Vindicator’s July 20 article, Northern Ohio District Manager Todd Hawkins said that “the continued internet diversion has led to a 20 percent decline in mail volume since 2007.” In 2006 we had a record profit at the USPS and internet was the same then as now.

The real problem is that the USPS has to pre-fund billions of dollars in future retirement payments, the USPS is the only federal agency that is required to do this. The other problem is that the USPS gives huge discounts to the large mailers instead of charging the same rate as any other business. Lastly, postal management has paid out millions of dollars in union grievances and EEO settlements that could have been settled easily just by treating employees with dignity and respect; but postal management refuses to do that.

The USPS “consolidation” plan will result in slower, less reliable mail service for the citizens of the Youngstown area. Mail will be collected earlier in the day and arrive later — possibly after dark. The Postal Service is all about members and productivity. It no longer worries about customer service and the sanctity of the mail.

Sending our mail to Cleveland or Akron for processing also will hurt local businesses and will drain more jobs from an already high unemployment area in Youngstown and surrounding areas. The Postal Service claims the move will “improve efficiency,” but it has yet to prove that the plan would save money or that it could maintain the current level of service.

Youngstown postal workers encourage citizens and community leaders to take a stand against the consolidation by contacting the Postal Service, area legislators or attending town hall meetings that will be announced.

Frank Antinone, Youngstown

The writer is legislative director for Local 443, American Postal Workers Union.