They're trying to garner support for House Resolution 1351
IRON MOUNTAIN --
Tuesday was designated as a Day of Action by postal employees throughout the country, and employees and supporters rallied Tuesday evening in Iron Mountain. They were hoping to garner support for the U.P. Post Office Processing Center in Kingsford, which is being looked at for possible closure.
The demonstrators were hoping to gather support from Congressman Dan Benishek for House Resolution 1351, which would allow the postal service to apply pension overpayments to meet current financial needs.
“And one thing I’d like to add, too,” explains Tony Carobine, President of the American Postal Workers Union, “the postal service does not receive any tax payer dollars. All the money generated from the postal service to run it comes from stamps and postage."
Two-hundred-fifty facilities are being looked at for potential closure. The Kingsford site may possibly be closed and relocated to Green Bay. This could mean layoffs for the hundred plus workers there.
“But they can only move people within 50 miles,” said demonstrator Lynn Pallas-Barber. “If there are no jobs within 50 miles, I don't know at this point and time what will happen to our employees."
It's part of a larger consolidation and facility closure plan to save the USPS up to three billion dollars a year.
Many of the letter carriers at the rally said they're part of a communication system that's vital in connecting people throughout the rural areas of the U.P.
The demonstrators said they’ll continue to try to get Congressman Benishek’s support for HR 1351. But if they don’t get it, they will seek the support of other congressmen until the bill is brought to the floor or voted on.
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