House subcommittee hearing today at 10 AM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia will hold a hearing entitled, “Restoring the Financial Stability of the U.S. Postal Service: What Needs to be Done?”
The Subcommittee will examine how the nationwide economic downturn, coupled with technological trends, has produced declining volumes and revenues for the United States Postal Service.
“With the Postal Service facing budget shortfalls the Subcommittee will consider a number of options to restore financial stability, and examine ways for the Postal Service to continue to operate without cutting services,” Chairman Stephen F. Lynch said.
The Postal Service’s recent decision to close six of its 80 district offices, eliminate positions across the country and offer another early retirement opportunity makes the Subcommittee’s hearing very timely.
The hearing aims to generate effective short and long term strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency at the Postal Service. In addition, the Subcommittee will question the Board of Governors on Postal executives’ compensation packages.
“Given the ongoing financial losses at the Postal Service, there has been a considerable backlash among postal customers and current and former employees regarding the Postal executives’ compensation packages, including that of Postmaster General Potter. Members of Congress have been hearing from our constituents and we intend to look into this matter at the hearing and ascertain how those pay levels were determined and how to bring them in line with the current reality,” added Chairman Lynch.
Witnesses’ testimonies, the Chairman’s opening statement and a 10 a.m. live broadcast of the hearing can be found on the Subcommittee’s website, federalworkforce.oversight.house.gov
March 25th, 2009 16:05
PostCom has learned that postal staff at headquarters have been told it would be a good idea if they “spiffed up” their resumes. An ax could fall on more than a few heads.
March 26th, 2009 08:51
the post office could make cuts without cutting jobs . 1st.. stop paying outrageous rents… in these little office spaces ,like in the back of a store , consolidate the smaller offices , to government owned space ……….2cnd.. awarding a PRIVATE CONTRACTOR, at outrageous bids to replace door knobs, lights,lawn care ,snow removal ,vehicle repairs ,etc… have a postal maintenance crew that covers 5-6 offices, self sufficient which would save big money. 3RD.. THE USPS RELOCATION PROGRAM LOSING ON THE AVERAGE 58,000 PER HOME ,ON THE 500 PLUS HOMES THEY BOUGHT AND SOLD IN 2008…………..
March 26th, 2009 12:31
What is your Pension Benefit???
John E. Potter
USPS Pension Benefit
$1,350,318
John E. Potter
CSRS Annuity
30 Years
$2,453,057
H. Glen Walker
FERS Annuity
2 Years
$ 60,702
Patrick R. Donahoe
CSRS Annuity
33 Years
$2,522,570
Anthony J. Vegliante
CSRS Annuity
31 Years
$2,171,701
Mary Anne Gibbons
FERS Annuity
23 Years
$ 815,758
March 27th, 2009 18:26
The Subcommittee has demanded a full accounting of senior executive windfalls and managerial relocation expenses.
PMG and BoG Chair requested Congressional authority to reduce the frequency of mail delivery, from 6 days to 5 days a week…The Subcommittee did not appear to be receptive to the request.
March 29th, 2009 10:00
There are more the 830 HeadQuarters employees who are paid over $100,000, and more the 90 of these have a salary over $150,000. The dollar amounts do not include any bonus monies. At the Eastern Area Office (located in Pittsburgh), more than $13 million in salaries is paid to a mere 152 employees. None of the above move a single piece of mail. These layers must be greatly reduced in order to create a more efficient and financially viable USPS. Until the USPS can bring a detailed expense sheet to the table and prove that it has eliminated all wasteful spending, 5-day delivery can not be a consideration.
Also, I must say that I was disheartened to see the majority of the Sub-Committee disappear after the testimonies of the PMG and the BoG. NAPUS, NAPS, NALC, APWU and the others are the backbone of the USPS. These are the employees who actually work the mail, and they are not the ones who have been drinking the Koolaid. Their testimonies and suggestions should be given the same, if not more, respect and attention as that given to the PMG. I hope the members who needed to attend to other matters find the time to view the tapes of what they missed.