Dear Senator:
As the Senate begins debate on S. 1789, the 21st Century Postal Service Act, the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) urges you to amend this legislation to ensure that the final bill helps solve the financial crisis facing the United States Postal Service (USPS) and protects the long-term stability of this institution and its services.
Our nation’s transportation system is the backbone of our economy, and the USPS is a key component of that network. As a universal provider of mail services to millions of homes, businesses and PO Boxes in every state, city, town and borough, the Postal Service is a major user and supporter of our vast transportation network. USPS employs the largest civilian fleet of vehicles in the world, its drivers cover over one billion miles each year and mail travels by virtually every mode of transport – aircraft, train, truck, boat, ferry, helicopter, street car, subway and hovercraft.
TTD affiliated unions have long recognized the importance of an economically sound Postal Service and we do not believe that cutting or reducing service or scapegoating postal employees will provide that stability. That is why we urge you to support the Udall amendment to S. 1789 which seeks to preserve the six-day delivery mail system. A five-day delivery schedule will not only eliminate a service that customers expect and value but will further disadvantage the USPS as it competes for business.
We also urge you to support the Schumer amendment to maintain door-to-door delivery for millions of homes and businesses. Many Americans depend on direct and timely mail delivery. To restrict these services would interrupt the transportation and distribution of essential documents and goods.
Additionally, TTD rejects the notion that we can return the Postal Service to fiscal stability by attacking its dedicated workforce. The Akaka amendment would prevent unfair cuts to insurance benefits for injured workers. We ask you to join us in support of this amendment because weakening the benefits of the Postal Service’s hard-working employees will do nothing to improve service or resolve the current crisis.
We urge you to support the passage of amendments which will make critical changes to S. 1789 and take necessary steps to ensure the future viability of the U.S. Postal Service, a vital transportation link in our economy.
Sincerely,
Edward Wytkind
President
