Chaffetz Introduces Bill Designating 12 Postal Holidays
TweetWashington, DC—Today Congressman Chaffetz introduced HR 5919. This bill would grant USPS Postmaster General the authority to implement up to twelve “postal holidays” per year in order to reduce USPS operating costs. The Postmaster General would select days in which delivered mail volume is historically lower than normal. By reducing the number of delivery days, USPS will be able to achieve savings by reducing work hours.
“USPS is experiencing severe financial pressures due to competition from the Internet, reduced demand due to the recession, and large unfunded liabilities for retiree healthcare,” said Chaffetz. “While my bill will help to reform its dire financial situation, there is no silver bullet that will solve the Postal Service’s financial problems. Postal holidays are one of many steps needed to reform the Postal System. I am also supporting efforts to consolidate postal facilities by replicating the successful BRAC process that was used to close surplus military facilities.”
* In past three years, USPS has lost $12 billion and is expected to lose about $7 billion this year.
* At the end of FY 2009, USPS was $10 billion in debt and is expected to reach its maximum debt limit of $15 billion in 2011.
* USPS Postmaster General John Potter has stated that USPS could lose $238 billion over the next ten years unless significant reforms are implemented.
* The USPS retiree health benefit plan was $52 billion underfunded at the end of fiscal year 2009.
July 30th, 2010 05:45
What tree did he fall from? And what 12 days does he propose?
July 30th, 2010 06:04
If Potter really wanted to cut costs, he would do it Marvin Runyan style, and cut out all the over priced, unnecessary managers. Why does the USPS need 37 Vice Presidents? Cutting management means saving money.
July 30th, 2010 08:29
Potter should resign like Burris. It is the only way.
July 30th, 2010 08:48
Five day delivery and now more holidays?? Perhaps al these non woking days should be scheduled on Mondays. Monday is the day that most federal holidays are “celebrated” any way.
July 30th, 2010 09:10
Where is the savings if you still have to pay these people. What is the USPS going to do pay these employees to stay home, when the next day they have to pay overtime to get the mail up and out. Why do I need to two supervisors in my section? Up to 3 years ago we had more mail, more routes and more carriers and one supervisor. Now we have less mail, less routes and less people and two supervisors!
July 30th, 2010 14:55
I don’t believe that the retiree health benefit plan was underfunded at all! $238 billion is some made up bullsh*t number. We are not actually losing money. These articles are getting old. Eliminate prefunding, cut management, and lets put an end to the lies.
July 30th, 2010 16:43
I knew it as soon as I read the proposed bill– he is a republican. Only republicans want to TAKE from the American worker.
Anybody anywhere in America should really think twice before voting for a republican for any office. They had their chance – look at the shape of the country. Now all of a sudden, they know how to fix what they messed up..
Give me a break.
July 31st, 2010 20:49
I’m okay with this as long as
they are paid days off.