New, consolidated USPS facilities are operating smoothly, but not yet delivering on improved working conditions

The Postal Service opened its new facilities before bathrooms and break rooms were built.

The U.S. Postal Service has found initial success as it consolidates mail and package sorting operations into centralized facilities, though it is failing to deliver on workplace improvements that management had promised as a means to boost morale.

USPS has opened its new facilities without yet including permanent bathrooms, break rooms or locker rooms, according to an inspector general’s audit, forcing employees to use mobile restrooms and other temporary spaces. From an operational perspective, however, the new centers are largely operating smoothly and functioning as designed. New machines are sorting packages more quickly, allowing USPS to meet its targets, and mail has been efficiently sorted for carriers.