There’s a bill in Congress proposing some changes in the U.S. Postal Service.
One of the most controversial changes proposed could perhaps eliminate a day (or more) of deliveries. That, coupled with another increase in stamp prices, could create some problems for some businesses and residents in the West Side.
“The specifics of [the dropped delivery day(s)] have not even begun to be discussed,” says USPS Spokeswoman Karen Mazurkiewicz. “It’s something Congress would decide for us.”
The proposal could cause complications not only with customers but internally as well.
“Right across the board, this could potentially mean a decrease of 16 and a half percent of the employees,” says Mazurkiewicz.
Even though the Postal Service has never laid off employees for financial reasons in its 230-year history, the struggling economy is taking its toll on the service. For example, USPS is reporting a $384-million dollar loss in just the first quarter this year. But the problem runs deeper than the post office and its losses.
Residents, businesses and organizations on the West Side might feel some impact with the removal of a mail day.
“It’s something we’ll need to get used to,” says West Side resident, Lisbeth Zaragoza. “A lot of people rely on mail as a means of communication and a way to get necessities like medicine.”
Steven Smith is the director of Undergraduate Admissions at D’Youville College and he sends and receives hundreds of letters on a daily basis sometimes, but he’s not too worried about the proposed cut.
“It depends on the day of the week you’re talking about cutting,” he says. “If it’s a Saturday, it won’t be too hard to take… but I don’t see the college having any issue with it.”
“Saturdays are actually one of the most desired days for businesses to get their messages to possible consumers. Most people are home on Saturday to retrieve their mail,” says Mazurkiewicz.
“If it’s not a Saturday,” Smith says, “postmark dates would possibly present issues. But it’s something we’ll get over and adapt to.”
While some businesses and institutions aren’t too worried about the possible change, it’s still scaring some local residents.
“What’s going to happen if Mr. Handly down the street is waiting for his medication in the mail?” Zaragoza asks. “He’s going to have to wait until Monday. You know UPS and FedEx don’t deliver on weekends.”
Visit www.usps.com for more information.