U.S. mail processing moving out of Portsmouth facility
Whether that leaves local employees without jobs remains to be seen. The USPS had previously projected a net reduction of roughly 76 jobs among the three sites, but on Tuesday, spokesman Tom Rizzo said employees are being relocated, not laid off.
“The idea here is to be more efficient in doing mail,” he said.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Northern New England District Manager Deborah Essler said, “Given the drastic 20 percent decline in mail volume the Postal Service has experienced since 2007, we must take action to reduce the size of our mail processing network. Consolidating operations and placing our people where we need them is necessary if the Postal Service is to remain viable to provide mail service to the nation.”
Essler said the consolidation “makes sense given the fiscal realities” and that both the Manchester and Scarborough centers have the capacity to handle additional workload. The USPS could “realize significant savings by shifting operations there,” she said.
During a May meeting at the Frank Jones Center regarding the proposal, figures were presented suggesting the move would save roughly $6.4 million, including $4.5 million in work-hour savings and $2.7 million in maintenance savings, offset a bit by an $800,000 increase in transportation costs.
Tim Dwyer, president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 301, has said the USPS was “grossly overstating” savings figures. He has argued that savings would not be realized and delivery standards would suffer.
Dwyer could not immediately be reached for comment on the announcement Tuesday.
According to the USPS, the consolidation would cause first class mail service between “038” and “039” zip codes to become a two-day commitment. The “039” area will experience upgraded service to Maine destinations, the USPS said.
“The significant cost savings and productivity gains expected from this consolidation were deciding factors in making this very difficult decision,” Essler said.
Retail service for purchasing stamps and other postal products will continue to be available at their current locations in Portsmouth. Retail, delivery and bulk mail will continue at their current location and letter carriers will still be located at the Heritage Avenue site.
Retail service for purchasing stamps and other postal products will continue to be available at their current locations in Portsmouth. Retail, delivery and bulk mail will continue at their current location and letter carriers will still be located at the Heritage Avenue site.
Mailers who drop ship to Destination Sectional Center Facility “038” and “039” can expect future changes when the transition is complete. They will be kept informed and provided updated information, the USPS said.
An exact timetable for the transition has not yet been set but is expected to be completed by January 2012. Affected career employees will be addressed in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, the USPS said.
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