JOHNSON STATEMENT ON USPS ANNOUNCEMENT
Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson today released the following statement on the United States Postal Service’s announcement regarding the elimination of Saturday delivery:
I have long said the elimination of Saturday mail delivery should be a last resort option, and I am disappointed with the Postal Service’s decision to end Saturday delivery. Last spring, the Senate passed a bipartisan postal reform bill that would have addressed the Postal Service’s current budget shortfalls and prohibited the agency from eliminating Saturday delivery for at least two years while alternative cost savings are implemented. Unfortunately, the bill was never brought up for a vote in the House, and this inaction prevented postal reform from moving forward.
The elimination of Saturday delivery does not take effect until August 1st, so there is still time for Congress to come together and pass comprehensive postal reform. This is a top priority for me, and I will continue working to preserve the universal service mandate that ensures those in South Dakota and other rural areas continue having access to quality and affordable mail service.
Darryl Issa continually blocks legislation that would be positive postal reform including eliminating the Bush pre-funding mandate for retirees 75 years in advance. Issa will only entertain his own bill (2309) that would virtually destroy the postal service enabling him and other members of the uberwealthy to buy the profitable package portions while leaving the unprofitable letter mail to be funded by the taxpayers. Why will Issa not let any other bill come to the floor? Issa should resign.
6 day mail delivery is a wasted cost.
Revenue cannot be generated to cover 6 day delivery cost.
USPS restructured in 1972 to operate to achieve a breakeven point. Craft unions, Management unions, Headquarters management John (HARRY) Potter failed to take action to reduce cost as revenue generation was declining as FIRST CLASS MAIL volume was decreasing due to advances in communication technology. Salaries increased in crafts and exploded in management to the point of no recovery as is example in John Potter severance package.
Politics should be eliminated and reality dwelt with. The Ben Franklin, Lyndon Johnson era disappeared with George Bush in the 21st century. Modern transportation via air and automobile replaced covered wagon pulled by ox.
NO constitutional amendment was necessary to prohibit actions to benefit and improve American lifestyle. USPS needs a majot metamorphis to serve some purpose to maintain an existence as many Americans have devoted their hardworking lives in the USPS. Management and Unions must reach a working agreement in maintaing negoitated contractural agreements. Employees that do their jobs must have protection from ego managers who have no regard for dignity or respect for employees. The dead-beat non productive, unscheduled call ins-abscence abuser must be dwelt with. Compromise is necessary to meet contractural obligations from both sides.
Politicans need to take a ride and a new business model created.