Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito are standing up for postal services in West Virginia. They're focusing on a review of the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center. This review could lead to major changes, possibly negatively impacting the state and its final mail sorting center.
The Senators have voiced their concerns to Louis DeJoy, the Postmaster General of USPS. They're concerned about a proposal to convert the Charleston plant in Southridge to a Local Processing Center (LPC). This could result in fewer jobs and potential service disruptions.
In their letter, the Senators expressed fears of West Virginia losing its only Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC). They worry this could disadvantage their constituents. While they understand the need for USPS to become more efficient, they don't want this to result in job losses or poor service in West Virginia.
The Senators are urging USPS to collaborate with all those who would be affected. This includes state and federal groups, unions, and customers in West Virginia. They're particularly worried about employees who may be reassigned by the Postal Service.
Following the review's conclusion in November 2023, local people responded. The American Postal Workers Union Local 133 has been working to raise awareness. They've been informing people about potential effects on their postal services.
A recent meeting drew about 200 people at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on February 14. More than 30 people voiced their concerns, many of whom are associated with the postal service.
Union workers suggest that many tasks at the Southridge plant would be relocated to centers in Pittsburgh or Warrendale, PA.
According to USPS, maintaining the facility and converting it to an LPC could cost between $20 million and $30 million. This could also impact 24 positions at the plant.
This isn't an isolated incident. USPS is reviewing at least 58 other postal facilities across the US.