Decision to close Swedesboro mail facility requires more detail

Rep. Andrews and Sen. Sweeney demand answers from Postmaster General
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Andrews joined New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney and Mike Gallagher, Eastern Region Coordinator of the American Postal Workers Union, to insist that the United States Postal Service provide detailed information justifying their decision to close the Philadelphia Logistics & Distribution Center (L&DC), a Swedesboro Priority Mail facility that employs nearly 600 employees. While the USPS alleges that the closure is necessary for cost-savings purposes, the decision does not disclose a specific, detailed breakdown of the Postal Service’s findings and the USPS continues to withhold this information from the public. 

In a letter sent today to Postmaster General John E. Potter, Congressman Andrews insisted that the United States Postal Service fulfill its duty to provide detailed information justifying their decision to close a Swedesboro Priority Mail facility. Under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA), the Postal Service must disclose any information relating to cost savings that result from closing a logistics facility like the Philadelphia Logistics & Distribution Center (L&DC). Furthermore, Congressman Andrews indicated that the USPS is obligated under its collective bargaining agreement to publically disclose information that directly relates to the “wages, hours or working conditions” of Union employees. Yet, to date, the Postal Service has provided only baseless claims that the closure will save money, failing to provide the required factual basis for their conclusions.

"The hundreds of displaced workers deserve a clear and detailed explanation behind the post office's decision to close the plant. Simply asserting that our economic crisis is the reason behind the cutbacks is not enough,” said Congressman Andrews. “If the Postal Service has a legitimate reason to close the facility, they should prove it. We are saying prove it and if the USPS is confident in their rationale then what’s the harm?” 

“The arrogance of the Postal Service to close the facility without even notifying the public at the outset of their plan is just unacceptable,” said Senator Sweeney. “The Postal Service is supposed to be accountable to the public, so we challenge them to show us that their math is correct and that this plan will actually save money.”

“The Postal Service alleges they’re going to save money by closing the facility, but with this decision comes their responsibility to pay relocation benefits for any displaced workers, including the cost of house hunting, moving and closing costs,” said Mike Gallagher, Eastern Region Coordinator of the American Postal Workers Union. “The cost of relocating the employees will certainly outweigh the costs of facility open.”

Congressman Andrews and Senator Sweeney indicated that they are prepared to take any recourse necessary to see that the employees’ rights are respected. Both officials are determined to see that the USPS fulfills its legal duty and disclose all required information prior to any decision that affects the employment of these workers.

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