A recent overhaul of local mail delivery routes has prompted a formal grievance from the union representing Toledo’s letter carriers, who say the new changes are overburdening workers and making routes significantly more difficult.
The National Association of Letter Carriers filed the grievance against the U.S. Postal Service on behalf of Toledo mail carriers, citing concerns about the implementation of a computer-generated system known as Carrier Optimal Routing. The system is designed to make delivery more efficient, but union officials say it’s ignoring the reality of workers on the ground.
“They just put all this information into the program, and it generates the most optimal output,” said David Kennedy, regional administrative assistant for NALC Region 11, which covers Ohio. “That’s how you can come up with a route that is very different and involves a lot more walking.”
USPS did not respond to The Blade’s request for comment.
