Press Release via PostCom
Hearing will examine proposed USPS operational strategies and reforms from the perspective of customers and employee/management groups
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. in room G50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security and the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia will hold a joint oversight hearing entitled, “Having Their Say: Customer and Employee Views on the Future of the Postal Service.”
Specifically, the hearing will examine various mailer, union, and management association views on improving the financial condition of the Postal Service in response to recent reports on the short- and long-term strategies for a viable and financially sound United States Postal Service.
“With mail volume projected to be at a low 167 billion pieces, the Postal Service is expecting to end fiscal year 2010 with a loss of over $7 billion. Given these figures, it is imperative that we are forward thinking and innovative in our planning if we are serious about improving the Postal Services’ financial conditions,” said Chairman Stephen F. Lynch. “Customers and employees represent critical elements of the postal industry. Therefore, hearing their ideas and concerns are essential before we embark on any proposed reforms, or legislate drastic changes.”
According to a recent GAO report, given current mail volume declines, the Postal Service’s existing business model is no longer viable. In light of this, decisions must be made about reducing operations, improving efficiency, and increasing product and pricing flexibility. Focusing on those that are most associated with the Service, the hearing will solicit comments on a host of Postal issues, including delivery frequency, network realignment, and employee retiree health benefit obligations.
“Major changes are needed if we expect the Postal Service to continue providing the products and services that so many Americans depend on,” said Sen. Carper. “I look forward to hearing suggestions and plans from the Postal Service’s employees and customers who rely on the Postal Service daily at our hearing. It is imperative that Congress, postal management, postal employees, customers and other stakeholders give up on old fights and biases and work together to cut the Postal Service’s costs and adjust its operations to meet a changing environment.
Stakeholders on both sides of the issue must make shared sacrifices and work together to implement these common sense measures in order to ensure that the Postal Service remains viable in the 21st Century.”
Witness testimonies the Chairman’s opening statement, and a 2:30 p.m. live broadcast of the hearing can be found on the Subcommittee’s website, www.federalworkforce.oversight.house.gov