As the Postal Service continues to focus on redesigning its management structure and streamlining operations to increase efficiency and control costs, USPS actions have drawn nationwide media attention . And, PMG Pat Donahoe addressed concerns over recent media reports in an open letter this week to Postmasters.

“Finding the right balance in the service we provide is one of our top priorities, as we seek to compete for customers and get on a sound financial footing,” Donahoe wrote in the letter.

Earlier this month, Donahoe announced a series of actions already taken to help USPS meet its goal of evolving into a forward-thinking, fast-acting company (Link, 01/21). These first steps included reorganizing senior executive ranks at postal headquarters and closing the Southeast Area office, and are part of a much larger process involving every level of the organization. This could mean closing up to 10 districts nationwide, eliminating about 7,500 jobs through attrition, and consolidating select Post Offices, stations and branches, according to Donahoe.

“We all share the goal of strengthening the Postal Service,” Donahoe wrote to Postmasters. “Your continued commitment and leadership are vital to our success,” Donahoe concluded.

Donahoe also said in the letter:

pmg donahoe letter

I’ve heard from a number of Postmasters that I could choose my words more when describing some of the least visited Post Offices. I certainly appreciate and value all of our Postmasters and Clerks and the terrific job they do every day, and I will communicate with greater care about their vital role and these important issues  facing our organization.