WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter today to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing concern about recent United States Postal Service layoffs, particularly with increased reports of delayed and undelivered mail in the District of Columbia and across the country.
“These layoffs are imprudent, particularly in light of complaints about delayed and undelivered mail in the District of Columbia and nationwide,” Norton wrote.
The text of the letter follows.
January 12, 2022
Louis DeJoy
Postmaster General and CEO
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260
Dear Postmaster General DeJoy:
I am writing to express my deep concern about recent layoffs at the United States Postal Service (USPS). I understand that USPS hires seasonal workers for the increased mail volume during the holidays. However, it has come to my attention that permanent USPS employees recently have been laid off, in addition to the traditional layoffs for seasonal workers after the holidays. These layoffs are imprudent, particularly in light of complaints about delayed and undelivered mail in the District of Columbia and nationwide.
Given the increase in delayed and undelivered mail, I would like to know the following:
- Why did USPS lay off seasonal workers, who could help address the ongoing delivery issues, after the holidays this year?
- How many permanent employees has USPS laid off since the end of the holidays this year?
I request that you provide a written response to this letter by January 21, 2022.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Holmes Norton