[Press Release from APWU Oshkosh Area Local 178, Feb. 15, 2024]
[Oshkosh, Wisconsin, February 15, 2024] – Senator Tammy Baldwin has reached out to the Postmaster General expressing concerns about the significant operational changes within the United States Postal Service (USPS) that are affecting Wisconsin, particularly with the implementation of the Optimized Collections Initiative. These changes include shifting from traditional to optimized collection routes, which could result in delays in mail pickup and delivery. Please see the attached letter.
In her letter to the Postmaster General, Senator Baldwin highlights her concerns about the impact of these changes on Wisconsin communities, including Madison, Green Bay, and Milwaukee. The Senator emphasized the potential exacerbation of delivery issues in the state, citing the USPS’s history of significant delays in delivering mail to Wisconsin residents.
“At a time when the USPS is raising postage rates and losing mail volume, it is difficult to understand why further steps are being taken to reduce mail services,” said Senator Baldwin. “The Postal Service is vital for small businesses, seniors, and rural communities that rely on the prompt delivery of life-saving medications, bill payments, and other time-sensitive pieces of mail.”
Senator Baldwin has requested additional information from the USPS regarding the implementation timeline for the Optimized Collections Initiative in Wisconsin, as well as a list of affected postal facilities. She has also posed several questions to the USPS, seeking clarification on how businesses and individuals will be informed about these changes, whether customers will experience service delays, and what measures will be taken to ensure mail-in ballots for upcoming elections are not impacted.
The Senator has urged the USPS to provide a comprehensive explanation of the proposed changes and to respond to her inquiries by March 12, 2024.
“I believe the USPS must prioritize the needs of Wisconsin residents and ensure that any operational changes do not compromise the quality and efficiency of mail services,” stated Senator Baldwin.
For media inquiries, please contact Jerry Stidman, APWU Oshkosh Area Local 178, Public Liason at JSti125754@aol.com or (812) 243-2214.
About Senator Tammy Baldwin: Senator Tammy Baldwin has represented the state of Wisconsin in the United States Senate since 2013. She is a member of the Democratic Party and serves on various committees, including the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations.