West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has expressed concern over the potential closure or downsizing of the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Justice emphasized the impact such a move would have on the state's postal services and the livelihoods of hundreds of workers. The center, which employs 800 people, is currently under review as part of the Postal Service's "Delivering for America" plan, aimed at transforming the organization's financial and operational state.
President of the West Virginia American Postal Worker's Union, Sini Melvin, stated that the review could lead to the closure of the Charleston facility, with operations being transferred to processing centers in Pennsylvania. Melvin raised concerns about the potential degradation of service and increased delays resulting from this move. She also highlighted the distance between the Charleston plant and areas it currently services, such as Beckley, Princeton, and Bluefield, which would be significantly increased by the relocation.
Melvin drew attention to the negative consequences observed in other plants that had undergone similar consolidation measures, particularly in Pittsburgh. She pointed out that residents in those areas experienced delays in receiving mail, leading to a decline in customer satisfaction with the Postal Service. Express Delivery services in West Virginia have already been impacted by staffing issues and the closure of the Clarksburg Processing and Distribution Center in 2013. Melvin emphasized that closing the Charleston facility would exacerbate delays and reduce the quality of service provided.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito also expressed concern about the possible closure and promised to seek answers from the USPS to ensure the support and certainty of the facility's workers. Capito recognized the importance of the facility to West Virginia's economy and the need to prioritize the well-being of hardworking individuals employed there.
If the plan to close the Charleston facility is approved, it would eliminate the last processing facility in the state, resulting in 700 job losses. The Postal Service will hold a public meeting if the review concludes in favor of the change.