Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe noted that while we have to wait for Congress on legislation, we haven’t rolled over … “Take a look at what’s happening in this economy … there are big, big changes. If we don’t do it ourselves, there’s no one around to do this for us.”

The PMG affirmed that the Postal Service is holding places for people to jump into as USPS thinks about a plan for tougher times. And, Donahoe added that all the changes the Postal Service is trying to put in place are for the good of our employees. “We’re leaving no stone unturned and what we do should not be on the backs of Postmasters or letter carriers.”

With a conversational sit-down on stage with League President Mark Strong, PMG Donahoe took questions from Leaguers and noted follow-ups on questions asked at Forum. Mark said that under POStPlan, one District was reposting a position every 30 days despite a former Postmaster in place … the PMG noted the best was to deal on the District level first, then take it higher but he said to never feel afraid of telling Mark about these things and “we will take care of quickly …”

As to the wait on Congress, Bob Brinkmann put out the call for everyone to respond to Issa’s new bill just marked up in the House. “It’s not a good bill, but he will get the votes to pass. Make calls to your representatives and ask to retain the current level of service for rural America.” The House bill would reduce the quality of postal service in rural America but there is a very strong coalition in the Senate that protects post offices. “We’re closer than any time in the last six years for postal legislation,” said Brinkmann. And, he noted, Issa has indicated willingness to compromise.