The US Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has rejected a request by the American Postal WorkersUnion (APWU) for an emergency order to prevent network consolidation measures by USPS as part of
its cost-cutting measures to be implemented from 1 July onwards.In June the APWU filed a complaint to stop the Postal Service from consolidating mail processingfacilities and reducing service until after the PRC issued an advisory opinion on the plan.
Under cost-saving network consolidation plans be completed by 2014, USPS wants to close 229sorting facilities halving its network of 461 mail-processing locations. From this month onwards,48 mail processing facilities would be consolidated in the first stage and overnight mail deliveryreduced, followed by 92 more plants in early 2013. A further 89 facilities would be consolidated bythe end of 2014.
But the PRC stated on Friday that the potential harm to USPS from a preliminary injunctionoutweighed the potential harm to mailers from not issuing it. “APWU has failed to demonstrate thatit has a substantial likelihood of prevailing on the merits, that it will suffer irreparable harm,or that the balance of the equities in this matter weighs in its favour.”
The US regulator said it is still considering the APWU’s initial complaint filed on 12 Junewhile USPS is due to respond by 2 July.
In response, APWU President Cliff Guffey said: “The decision demonstrates the need to strengthenthe commission’s authority and to enhance public input into USPS plans that would affect service ona nationwide basis.”
Federal law requires the US postal operator to seek an advisory opinion from the PRC when itplans to make nationwide changes in service. According to the union, the commission expects toissue a formal opinion on the USPS modified plan by Labour Day, which is on Monday September 3 thisyear.
