Robert Menendez

MENENDEZ PRESSES U.S. POSTAL SERVICE FOR ANSWERS ON PLANNED CLOSURE OF LOGAN TOWNSHIP FACILITY

Up to 650 will lose jobs

October 28, 2009

WASHINGTON – With the U.S. Postal Service preparing to close its Philadelphia Logistics and Distribution Center in Logan Township, NJ, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is pressing the Postmaster General to detail plans to assist those who will lose their jobs and to explain how the closure decision was made. The Center employs 650 workers. Though they have not been given guidance as to whether they will be considered for employment in other USPS facilities, they have been told they are eligible for pre-retirement packages if they resign by November 1.

“This news has created serious anxiety and apprehension amongst the office’s 650 workers and their families,” wrote Menendez. “Other mass layoffs in the area have made an already difficult job market even worse, as the unemployment rate for Gloucester County climbs above the national average at 10 percent. I understand the need to cut costs in this difficult economy, however sudden layoffs of this magnitude will only serve to exacerbate and lengthen the economic predicament we are in.”

“Many if not all of these workers are understandably scared about the uncertainty of their status and are wondering if they will be offered positions in surrounding facilities.  While the USPS has stated that it will try to find jobs for these dislocated workers, no concrete plan has been presented on this matter.  This lack of timely information not only adds to the anxiety of these workers, it also makes it nearly impossible for them to make plans for their future.”

PDF of letter to Post Master General: http://menendez.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/20091028ltr_USPS.pdf

Text of letter:

October 28, 2009

The Honorable John E. Potter
Postmaster General and CEO
United States Post Office
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington D.C., 20260-0010

Dear Postmaster Potter:

I am writing to express my concern with the Unites States Postal Service’s (USPS) decision to close the Philadelphia Logistics and Distribution Center (L&DC) located in Logan Township, New Jersey.  I would like to know what the basis behind this decision was and what is being done to help the approximately 650 employees who currently work at this facility.

As you know, the USPS announced earlier this month that it intends to shutter its L&DC facility located in Logan Township, New Jersey.  Needless to say, this news has created serious anxiety and apprehension amongst the office’s 650 workers and their families.  Other mass layoffs in the area have made an already difficult job market even worse, as the unemployment rate for Gloucester County climbs above the national average at 10 percent.  I understand the need to cut costs in this difficult economy, however sudden layoffs of this magnitude will only serve to exacerbate and lengthen the economic predicament we are in.

My primary concern is what will happen to the 650 employees stationed in the Logan L&CD.  Many if not all of these workers are understandably scared about the uncertainty of their status and are wondering if they will be offered positions in surrounding facilities.  While the USPS has stated that it will try to find jobs for these dislocated workers, no concrete plan has been presented on this matter.  This lack of timely information not only adds to the anxiety of these workers, it also makes it nearly impossible for them to make plans for their future. 

For example, I understand the USPS has offered a pre-retirement package for employees who choose to resign before November 1.  While I am not opposed to this approach to manage costs, workers need to be fully informed of their prospects for employment before they are forced to make such an important life decision.  In light of this lack of information, I strongly urge you to extend the USPS’s deadline until an employment plan is submitted and workers have ample time to review it. 

Finally, I would like to hear from you the USPS’s reasoning behind this closure.  In such a densely populated region, it seems that such drastic downsizing could seriously jeopardize the professional service my constituents in the area have enjoyed over the years.  In addition to your response to my letter, I would like to meet with you in person and work towards a positive solution to this matter.  Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to your prompt response.     

Sincerely,

ROBERT MENENDEZ
United States Senator

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