Postal facility change won't affect service

I'd like to clarify some misleading information regarding a paid advertisement by the local American Postal Workers Union. The ad addresses the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study, currently underway, that will determine if transferring canceling and processing collection mail from our Palatine plant to a similar facility in Carol Stream will improve efficiency and reduce operating costs without impacting service.

I assure you that from a customer's perspective there will be no change in service. Mailers will continue to drop off mail in Palatine, and we will continue to provide excellent service.

The ad implies changes made in operations at Palatine will add extra processing steps and delay mail. That's not true. The study is being conducted to determine operational improvements in processing the mail.

The ad says the Palatine facility recently completed a 500,000 square feet addition, costing $13 million. This is true. But the ad doesn't mention the addition was completed based on larger mail volume projections from five years ago. The added space will be for new equipment.

The ad also says the study is being conducted in secret. But my office has followed postal guidelines; notifying businesses, elected officials, members of Congress, the mayor of Palatine, and news media.

In conclusion, the Postal Service is facing historic challenges. First-Class Mail volume is declining. Last year we lost 9 billion pieces of mail. This year we expect to lose 10 billion pieces. We must operate within our means to ensure future mail delivery to every home and business at affordable rates.

If approved, employees impacted by the study won't be laid off. They'd be offered other jobs in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements with our unions. They would retain their salary, continue to receive outstanding benefits, and remain part of the Postal Service.

Robert A. Hart

District Manager

Northern Illinois District