Cause and effect and network consolidation
Yesterday’s editorial in the El Paso Times is another argument for being more open about the process of rearranging the USPS distribution network. The editorial deals with allegations that standard mail is sitting in the El Paso plant for 12 days.
Both the original article and the editorial make a connection between the shift of mail from Las Cruces to El Paso, and the delays. Today’s piece says: “What’s known is this: El Paso is now handling Las Cruces’ mail, and several employees at the main post office say there is a shortage of staff to handle the load.”
When I looked for USPS input, I found: ”El Paso Postmaster Felix Guerra could not be reached for comment…” “Jim Coultress, a spokesman for the Postal Service who is based in San Antonio, …said the Postal Service has had an increase in standard-class mail service since it raised rates in January.”
It seems to me that we worry so much about presenting the official, approved story, that we allow the APWU and various individual employees, who don’t have to worry about checking their story with HQ, to be the story. And that is the story the media reports. And editorializes on.
If we can’t trust the managers on the ground to speak to the media, I think the consolidation effort is going to be much more difficult than it needs to be.
