USPS to end Saturday First Class deliveries by August

[madmarva]

The post offices will still be open on Saturdays and packages will be delivered.

[silveralex]

Doesn't really seem to affect me as I'm not a big letter writer.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I guess this means we won't get bills on Saturday!

Chris

[Nostalgiabuff]

it will also likely mean more people losing their jobs unfortunately

[jimsmegos]

Having a covered a few of the postal changes over the past couple of years (closing some rural offices, consolidating sorting and distribution centers), I honestly feel this is just another shock headline that covers up he real problem... the top of this pyramid is by far too heavy. There is an insanely high number of "upper management" personnel who literally do nothing that is relevant to or for the business as a whole. It's simply a bloated and overloaded Goliath that needed to be restructure decades ago. And now its another fantastic political football that when used scares the hell out of old folks. Personally I like the USPS and its services... UPS is okay but no where near as handy and FedEx? Not impressed at all and that's saying something considering the home office for Ground is here in Harrison. Seriously, there is only one location to ship FedEx from here... that's just stupid to me.

IMO the greatest thing to happen to the USPS was the internet and eCommerce. I for one know that my usage of their services increased at least a thousand fold from the late 90's and on. There is no way anyone will ever convince me that the loss of mailed letters and bills due to email and electronic bill pay services was so damaging considering the shot in the arm that came from package and special services offered. Well nothing of course other than poor management. and that happens at the top.

Think about it... Delivery Confirmation alone is virtually a clear profit situation especially if you compare the cost of it vs. a traditional stamp even with the new equipment that had to be put in place.

[jimsmegos]

I guess this means we won't get bills on Saturday!

Chris

Which gives Monday the opportunity to suck just a little bit more.

[Mikey]

I wont use UPS because I want the stuff I ship to arrive in one piece

[johnmiic]

The other problem, besides top-heavy management, is the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act which required they pay billions per year into an account to pre-fund future health care benefit payments to retirees; something no other Gov't agency really does. This seems to me was done on purpose to hobble the agency and needs to be undone to set things right. Their budget gap would not be as severe if this rule was thrown out.

[torgospizza]

The other problem, besides top-heavy management, is the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act which required they pay billions per year into an account to pre-fund future health care benefit payments to retirees; something no other Gov't agency really does. This seems to me was done on purpose to hobble the agency and needs to be undone to set things right. Their budget gap would not be as severe if this rule was thrown out.

John's right. In fact, they would be in the black if it wasn't for the PAEA. It's an utterly manufactured crisis they're facing, but it doesn't get reported because it's not as sexy a story as getting steamrolled by UPS or FedEx. Having to pay pensions 75 years in advance definitely hinders profitability. Could you imagine if any other organization or private company had to function under such a burden?

[jimsmegos]

The other problem, besides top-heavy management, is the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act which required they pay billions per year into an account to pre-fund future health care benefit payments to retirees; something no other Gov't agency really does. This seems to me was done on purpose to hobble the agency and needs to be undone to set things right. Their budget gap would not be as severe if this rule was thrown out.

Very good point John. I forgot about that actually.

[johnmiic]

John's right. In fact, they would be in the black if it wasn't for the PAEA. It's an utterly manufactured crisis they're facing, but it doesn't get reported because it's not as sexy a story as getting steamrolled by UPS or FedEx. Having to pay pensions 75 years in advance definitely hinders profitability. Could you imagine if any other organization or private company had to function under such a burden?

Very good point John. I forgot about that actually.

Thanks Guys.

[Rallygirl]

I come from a postal family. One grandpa and two aunts have retired from the postal service. Currently, I have two aunts and three cousins who are all USPS employees. I lasted two years working nights during college and decided that if I ever work there again, it would be too soon.

I think the postal union is a HUGE problem. I know family who get overtime pay for not working O.T. They sign up for the approved O.T. list and them when someone who is not on the O.T. list gets back in a few minutes late, the union gets all the O.T. people that same pay not NOT working. So imagine a crappy, snowy Michigan day like today and how many non-O.T. employees may be getting back to the office a few minutes late. All those minutes get added up and the union makes sure the O.T. list people get paid that same amount,...for not working.

[JediJaida]

Holy Jiminy Crickets! That's robbery!

At least in the Sanitation Department you can't really get away with that kind of malarkey!

Since we're going to get hit with snow tomorrow night, EVERYONE is working mandatory overtime, except for those who are on vacation, or out sick. That is IT!

I have to work a twelve hour shift tomorrow night, into Saturday morning, and I'm not looking forward to it as it disrupts my sleep schedule for a couple of days.

Getting paid overtime money for NOT doing any overtime at all? That's just ridiculous.

And they wonder why they are losing money.