Some post office services have been available in other locations for several years, such as purchasing stamps, through Approved Postal Provider agreements with retail outlets. It’s a nice option for people who want to avoid multiple stops for their errands, and with post offices around the country closing or reducing their hours, it’s a matter of convenience, too.
Just last week, however, the U.S. Postal Service’s union members were rallying in protest of a newer USPS program: to set up Contract Postal Units where retail employees would be able to conduct business for postal customers. This would effectively establish post offices in retail locations that would be staffed by the retailer’s employees rather than USPS employees. The program, which is being tested in 80 Staples office supply stores nationwide, allows customers to not only buy stamps, but to also send packages and use Priority and certified mail.
It’s no wonder the unions are enraged, rallying at more than 50 locations in 27 states to fight this proposal late last month. Union workers are paid an average of $25 an hour, while retail employees make only $7-11. That doesn’t bode well for the future of their jobs.
The writing has long been on the wall for the USPS, however, and this new program is just one more effort to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately, it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a huge, gaping cut ”“ and there’s nothing the postmaster can do about it himself.
Union members must come to terms with the financial realities that are behind decisions such as this new program. The postal service is indeed, looking to cut costs, laying off employees and closing post offices. It has been cutting back as much as possible for the past several years, because it is running in the red due to Congress’ inaction on its pension problem.
Previous Associated Press reports have shown that the USPS would not be in debt were it not for its federal obligation to pre-pay health benefits for retirees. It’s not the Internet that’s killing the USPS, it’s these pension obligations, and unless Congress addresses it, the service will become the victim of a thousand cuts.
Postal Service Inspector General David Williams, in a January 2010 report, argued for the USPS to be an independent entity, without the quasi-governmental identity it currently holds, so it could operate more like a business. We advocated for that approach in 2011, and still feel that it would be the best way to move forward. If the postal service was not hamstrung by needing Congressional approval for certain actions, its officials could have resolved the pension matter years ago and would most likely not be looking to replace union workers with retail workers at this time.
Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe told the AP that the Staples program is simply an effort to provide greater convenience and “one-stop shopping” for customers, as well as “grow the business.” It does those things, yes, but it also seems to be a significant move away from the way the USPS has always done business. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Most people would rather be able to conduct their postal business at a store, which has longer hours and sells additional items they may need, so it’s a great convenience to have post offices within those locations.
If we want to keep the postal service around in years to come, changes must be made. If those changes are made to employee pay and post office locations, services might not need to be reduced, as proposed in late 2011. The loss of Saturday mail delivery and increased delivery time spans for first class mail and periodicals will all be much more keenly felt by the general public than will efficiencies such as relocating postal services to a retail store.
Union workers have argued that this Contract Postal Unit program is not only a blow to paying employees a living wage, but also endangers the security of our mail. This is an unfounded concern, we feel, since everyone knows that tampering with the U.S. mail is a federal offense. Those who are staffing the mail counter will undoubtedly receive training as to its proper handling and be subject to punishment for violations.
The U.S. Mail has long been thought of as a sort of sacred entity, a staple of every downtown and a place where people are well-paid and have long-term careers. That image is no longer sustainable, especially without Congressional action, and while it’s not easy for union employees to hear, this Contract Postal Unit program is probably the future of the service.
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