The Post Office is nearly bankrupt. A large part of the problem is the onerous pension plan contributions required by Congress, but other underlying issues like the drop-off in mail volume due to electronic payments are also a factor.
When a corporation finds themselves in this position, we expect lay-offs and a restructuring plan. Last year, in an attempt to save money, the Post Office tried closing smaller postal stations and initiating shorter hours at others. This week, the Post Office announced that, beginning in August, they plan to stop Saturday delivery of regular mail, moving the Post Office to a five day delivery schedule. They will, however, continue delivering packages on Saturday. Congress is already making noises to stop the change.
Basically, Congress is aware of the problem but is saying "You're an independent business and we're the board members. We want you to act like an independent business and come up with solutions to solve your cash flow problems. Then we will refuse to approve them".
Really, what is the big deal if we lose Saturday delivery? They're still going to deliver packages, so your latest purchase from Amazon will arrive as promised. Is it really going to matter if the latest credit card offer, pizza shop flyer or utility bill is delayed until Monday?
I've never encountered a USPS Mail Carrier that wasn't dedicated to their community.
ReplyDeleteToo bad the Republican controlled 113th Congress doesn't share that same sense of duty.
I beg to differ! The Postal Service is NOT bankrupt, it has been profitable and NOT taking subsidies for over 30 years, and so what is really happening is delivery business corps want to dismantle it, privitize, increase letter & parcel delivery prices, and make big bucks! Don't believe the hype ! Here's Jim Hightower saying it best .. http://jimhightower.com/node/7956
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