October 26, 2006
Reported By: Lee Peck

Despite the rain, local members of the American Postal Workers Union turned out to deliver a message to residents. "There's a plan to consolidate smaller offices with larger offices and it's going to affect everybody," said Lake Charles postal worker Michael Knatt. The U.S. Postal Service is considering closing down 139 mail processing and distribution facilities across the country. Alexandria, Louisiana could be a target. If closed Alexandria's mail would be sent to Lafayette for processing. Southwest Louisiana saw similar changes in 1997, when mail in the Lake Area started being processed in Lafayette. Now add in Alexandria's mail and union members says you can expect the possibility of mail deliveries later in the day -- sometimes even in the evening; mail collection taking place earlier in the day; and loss of local postmarks, not to mention delays.  "When they do this we are going to have unreliable mail service, especially when it comes to delivery. It could slow down by as much as a week," said Southwest Louisiana Postal Union President Gene Nichols.Most residents we spoke to had no idea about this plan. "If they need to cut back, they can do find some other way to do that. I'm sure there are other ways," said Lake Charles resident Sara Brasher."What corporation is going to want to relocate if you don't even have local mail service. They're always trying to attract new businesses to Louisiana and Lake Charles. What's that going to do? Besides John Q. Public -- he's not even going to be able to get local services," said Lake Charles resident Jennifer Ewing. "This is happening all over the U.S. Some of the larger cities are going to be hurt because it will take most of the postal work of it," said retired postal employee Clarence LaFargue.

Union members say postal cuts will only cost citizens time and money and possibly lead to more cuts in the future. They are hoping Congress will take up the issue. If you would like to help call 1-8-777-OUR MAIL. -- It's toll free. Click here for more information.