USPS Cuts List of Stations Considered for Closure to 168

The USPS announced Dec. 14 that it has reduced the number of stations and branches under consideration for closure to 168, but cautioned that the new list does not represent a final decision on consolidation. “At this point no facility-specific final decisions have been made as a result of this initiative,” the Postal Service said in a press release.

APWU President William Burrus insisted that the union will continue to oppose management efforts to downgrade service. “Cutting service is counter-productive and will weaken the USPS in the long-run,” he said.

Executive Vice President Cliff Guffey said APWU locals were instrumental in organizing opposition among neighborhood residents and elected officials in communities where stations have been targeted for closure. “The elderly, the handicapped, and people who live in poor neighborhoods will be most directly affected by these cutbacks,” he said. 

Assistant Clerk Craft Director Mike Morris urged union members to remain vigilant. “New stations could be added to the list at any time,” he said, “so our members must continue to fight for customer service.”

The USPS announcement updates a review process that began in May; more than 3,200 stations and branches were initially under consideration for closure, and the number has been pared down several times since then.

A list provided to the Postal Regulatory Commission includes explanations of why approximately 500 stations were removed from consideration. (Note: If Column A is blank, the office remains under consideration for closure.)