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Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
August 27, 2009
(202) 225-3761

Upton Fights for Local Postal Workers - Concerned with Unauthorized Study Recommending Closure of Kalamazoo Processing Facility
Upton voiced his concerns to Postmaster General Potter in late July

KALAMAZOO, MI – Upon learning of an unauthorized study recommending the consolidation of the Kalamazoo Automated Mail Processing facility into Grand Rapids, Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) immediately voiced his concerns directly to the Postmaster General, John Potter.  Upton is concerned with the intent of the non-sanctioned study and its recommendations that will have widespread implications upon postal efficiency in Kalamazoo as well as impact many postal families within the community.  Upton has heard from dozens of local postal workers who may be faced with the decision to either move their families or commute over a hundred miles a day just to keep their current job.  Upton is also concerned with rumors swirling over the closings of regional post offices including the Arcadia Creek Station post office in downtown Kalamazoo.

“The motives behind an unauthorized pre-study recommending the consolidation of our local facility into Grand Rapids raise serious red flags and concerns,” said Upton.  “The U.S. Postal Service has clear guidelines for such studies, and it appears that some folks in management are looking to railroad a decision that will have a tremendous impact upon our community.  Over half of the mail processed in the Oshtemo facility is addressed to the Kalamazoo area, and if such a recommendation is to improve efficiency, it makes no sense to redirect that mail to Grand Rapids and then back to Kalamazoo.” 

In mid July, Upton was informed by local postal workers of the non-sanctioned pre-study commissioned by officials in Grand Rapids that recommended for the Oshtemo facility to be consolidated into operations in Grand Rapids.  United States Postal Service policy stipulates that such a study requires public notification, a comment period, and a chance for public input – none of which occurred.  Upton voiced his concerns to Postmaster General Potter in a letter dated July 29th, 2009, and requested assurances that any forthcoming study be free of bias and also sought Potter’s thoughts on the pre-study.  Despite repeated inquiries, Upton has yet to receive a response.  

“Local postal facilities serve as a cornerstone to communities large and small, and provide hundreds of good-paying, stable jobs,” said Upton.  “We owe it to our postmen and women who have faithfully served our community, many for their entire careers, to keep them employed within their own community.  Any discussion otherwise must be without bias, above board, and in full sunlight for the public to weigh in.  I eagerly await the Postmaster General’s explanation on such a critical matter that stands to affect hundreds of families in the Kalamazoo community.”  

Upton has met with local postal workers and will soon visit the Automated Mail Processing (AMP) facility on Ninth Street in Oshtemo to discuss the possibility of consolidation of the Oshtemo and Grand Rapids AMP facilities.  Upton looks forward to meeting with plant managers, union leaders, and employees of the Oshtemo facility.  Upton was hoping that Charles Howe, USPS District Manager, would be able to attend, but was informed that Howe was unavailable and would not be sending a district representative in his place.

“There is no question that the U.S. Postal Service must make adjustments to maintain operations to keep up with the times as mail volumes have decreased.  But as postal operations evolve, they must not forget the word ‘service’ in their name . . . service to residential customers, business clients who mail in bulk, their employees and their communities,” Upton concluded.

The full text of Upton’s letter to Postmaster General Potter is provided below.  A PDF of the letter is also attached.  (Please note, to respect the privacy of the individual in Minnesota, the name has been redacted.)

July 29, 2009

Dear Mr. Postmaster General:

It has been brought to my attention that senior management within the Greater Michigan District has conducted a “pre-AMP study” that, according to (name redacted), at the USPS Great Lakes Area office in Bloomington, Minnesota is not authorized under USPS regulations.  A copy of the first four pages of that study, as well as other relevant communications is attached for your convenience. 

It is very troubling to me that those responsible for managing a very significant USPS facility in my District have engaged in activities that undermine the very important AMP study process and have, in fact, poisoned the well through their actions.  Such apparent disregard for USPS regulations should not be tolerated. 

I will be traveling to the Kalamazoo Automated Mail Processing Facility early in August to meet directly with the parties involved.  I am asking for your assurance that any AMP Study conducted in this region be free from bias and specifically wish to know your reaction and thoughts to this serious matter. 

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