Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has implemented changes as of Oct. 1 that will slow down mail delivery for tens of millions of people and affect billions of pieces of mail. That date marks the first day of the new service standards for first-class mail and periodicals, which USPS management is implementing as part of its 10-year plan. The changes lengthen the delivery target from the previous two- and three-day standard to as many as five days for many pieces of mail, depending on distance of travel. The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) called it a step backward for USPS and for the millions across the country who rely on speedy mail service.
“The people deserve the prompt, reliable and efficient mail service promised under the law,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Postal workers are proud to serve our communities every single day. We believe management’s response to months of poor performance should be to improve service and regain the public’s trust, instead of this focus on moving the goalposts and slowing service standards. We’ll stay united with the public until the service standards and postal performance reflect the needs of the public for quality and fast service.”