Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 10:15:00 AM EST
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Congressman Andrews, Senator Sweeney and the head of the Postal Workers Union held a press conference late last week to call for more information into the proposed closure of the Swedesboro Priority Mail facility that employs nearly 600 employees. They said that the USPS alleges that the closure is necessary for cost-savings purposes, but that they don't give a specific, detailed breakdown of the findings and that the Postal Service is withholding information from the public:In a letter sent today to Postmaster General John E. Potter, Congressman Andrews insisted that the United States Postal Service fulfill its duty to provide detailed information justifying their decision to close a Swedesboro Priority Mail facility. Under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA), the Postal Service must disclose any information relating to cost savings that result from closing a logistics facility like the Philadelphia Logistics & Distribution Center (L&DC). Furthermore, Congressman Andrews indicated that the USPS is obligated under its collective bargaining agreement to publically disclose information that directly relates to the "wages, hours or working conditions" of Union employees. Yet, to date, the Postal Service has provided only baseless claims that the closure will save money, failing to provide the required factual basis for their conclusions. Here's what the Congressman had to say:"The hundreds of displaced workers deserve a clear and detailed explanation behind the post office's decision to close the plant. Simply asserting that our economic crisis is the reason behind the cutbacks is not enough," said Congressman Andrews. "If the Postal Service has a legitimate reason to close the facility, they should prove it. We are saying prove it and if the USPS is confident in their rationale then what's the harm?" And Senator Sweeney took his turn:"The arrogance of the Postal Service to close the facility without even notifying the public at the outset of their plan is just unacceptable," said Senator Sweeney. "The Postal Service is supposed to be accountable to the public, so we challenge them to show us that their math is correct and that this plan will actually save money." It remains to be seen whether they can get the information they are seeking. |
| Jason Springer :: Andrews and Sweeney blast decision to close Swedesboro Mail facility |
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