The recent decision by the U.S. Postal Service to have Chicago mail carriers start their shifts later in the morning is not going over too well with some local carriers and their union.

Some mail carriers have expressed concerns about safety issues because, with the start time being moved from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., it will mean having to work later into the evenings, even after dark. Their start time had been as early as 6:30 a.m., but it has gradually been moved later.

One Chicago carrier who asked not to be named also noted that mail carriers work full days on Saturdays as well, and this will mean even longer days.

“We are definitely opposed to this change,” said Mack I. Julion, president of Local Branch 11 of the National Association of Letter Carriers. “If people think they are getting their mail late now, it is going to be even later.

“This is not being done in a vacuum,” added Julion, noting that shifts are being altered for postal workers in Florida and various other places around the country.

After being told that some carriers expressed safety concerns about working late, Julion said he agreed, and added that they have reason to be worried.

via Mail carriers fret over later shifts.