After years of debate about ways to properly cut costs for the U.S. Postal Service, an unlikely proposal was finally passed: Saturday mail service delivery will be ending in August of 2013. In order for the economic stabilization of the U.S. Postal Service, it is an “absolutely necessary” move forward, according to Patrick R. Donahoe, postmaster general and CEO. While the Postal Service will continue to deliver packages six days a week, the mail carriers will only be present five days of the week. This is projected to save around $2 billion. However, it is still unclear as to how the Postal Service will bypass congressional approval.
Congress has always had a hand in the U.S. Postal Service, and for the past 30 years it has always been a stipulation that there must be Saturday delivery. With the new announcement of this provision being overstepped, many are wondering how Congress will react to such news. Unless there is a move to block by Congress, which has occurred in the past, the Postal Service’s plans will continue to progress.
Also in opposition to this new move is Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers. Ronaldo believes that the Postal Service’s plan to end Saturday mail is a “disastrous idea that would have a profoundly negative effect on the Postal Service and on millions of customers.” Ronaldo argues that this move will harm those dependent on such communication and commerce. Postmaster General Donahoe disagrees with Ronaldo, believing that the cut of Saturday mail is an imperative move in order to rescue the now-rising Postal Service monetary losses.
A recent poll has been sent to the American public, with the results yielding that a majority of Americans will support the elimination of Saturday mail. President Obama has even proposed halting deliveries in order to reduce costs. While some are still skeptical, many are not opposed to the idea.
The end of mail being delivered on Saturdays does not signal the end of package delivery or the closing of Post Offices on the weekends. However, this change will cut jobs and overtime hours for postal workers.
Sources:
Fox News
Washington Post