NEW LOCAL: Union wants mail facility investigation
By John K. Manna
New Castle News
June 25, 2009 11:01 am
— A union official wants a halt to a postal study considering consolidation of New Castle’s mail processing operations with Pittsburgh’s.
David Wigley, president of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, has asked the Office of Inspector General of the postal service by letter to conduct “an immediate investigation” into the postal service’s “violations” of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act and that the study “be immediately terminated.”
A spokeswoman for the postal service had no comment.
The union has said on several occasions that consolidation could result in the loss of up to 75 percent of the jobs at the local facility.
Wigley is basing his request to the inspector general on comments initially made by the postal service regarding the study in April and then events of last week when local officials, along with Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire reported that the facility on Cascade Street would not close.
In last week’s announcement, they said that 23 New Castle employees would be offered other positions. The facility has about 190 jobs.
Two postal officials originally disclosed the information in a conference call to the three Lawrence County commissioners on June 16.
Wigley also made reference to statements made by Tad Kelley, postal service spokesman in Pittsburgh, that the study has been concluded, but the results have not been released. Kelley added that a public meeting will be conducted the second week of July and the results of the study will be made public at that time.
The intent of the meeting is to obtain public input on the study.
In his letter to the inspector general’s office, Wigley wrote, “Due to the conflicting statements and misrepresentations given by (U.S. Postal Service) officials to media and elected officials regarding both the intent and status of the (Area Mail Processing) study, as well as the communication by USPS officials of a decision regarding the AMP study prior to the required public meeting, APWU local 227 believes that any chance for a fair outcome of the ... study of the New Castle (Processing and Distribution Facility) at this time has been subverted.”
Please click here to read letter from APWU Local 227 to USPS Office of Inspector General June 23, 2009
New Castle Postal Center Stays
New Castle's mail processing facility that was scheduled to close will now stay open. Workers picketed in May to try to save the facility. Now Lawrence County officials say it will remain in operation, but some of the work will still be transferred to Pittsburgh. The Postal Service will try to relocate 23 affected workers. The community stood to lose 175 jobs if it had closed.
NEW LOCAL: New Castle mail facility to stay open
New Castle News
June 19, 2009 01:42 pm
The mail processing facility in New Castle will remain open at least for now.
Congressman Jason Altmire announced Friday that the U.S. Postal Service has decided to keep the facility in operation. However, union representatives indicate this may not be a final determination.
A closing could mean the loss of 175 jobs from the post office building on Cascade Street.
Reporter John K. Manna will have more details in the Weekend edition of the New Castle News.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
New Castle mail processing facility to remain open
Friday, June 19, 2009
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey today announced that the United States Postal Service has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open.
As part of its announcement, USPS said that it would transfer the processing of a small portion of its mail to Pittsburgh. It is expected that the 23 New Castle Post Office employees affected by this change will be offered other USPS positions, a statement from Mr. Casey said. The New Castle facility has 175 jobs.
First published on June 19, 2009 at 11:47 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09170/978545-100.stm#ixzz0J5idX8HO&C
New Castle Post Office Saved
(Source www.WYTV.com)
Last Update: 6/19 1:54 pm
U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) Friday joined other Lawrence County leaders in announcing that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open. In the weeks leading up to this announcement, Congressman Altmire; Lawrence County Commissioners Rick DeBlasio, Steve Craig and Dan Vogler; New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo; Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA); State Senator Elder Vogel; State House Representatives Jared Gibbons and Chris Sainato; and local union officials, postal workers and community members all worked together to show USPS how vitally important the New Castle Mail Processing Facility is to the local community. Had the facility been closed, Lawrence County could have lost 175 jobs and possibly seen a decline in the quality of its mail service.
As part of its announcement, USPS said that it would transfer the processing of a small portion of its mail to Pittsburgh. It is expected that the 23 New Castle Post Office employees affected by this change will be offered other USPS positions.
"USPS's announcement that they are going to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open is a huge victory for this community," U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) said. "For months, elected officials at every level of government, local community leaders and thousands of Lawrence County residents have worked together to save this facility. I want to thank everyone who wrote letters and fought to keep this facility open for all their hard work -- it certainly paid off."
"I am pleased to hear that the USPS has agreed to keep mail processing operations at the New Castle facility," said Senator Arlen Specter. "This is important for the New Castle economy and the hundreds of employees that provide a vital service to the community. I will continue to dialogue with the USPS to retain jobs in the region."
"I am grateful that the United States Postal Service has listened to the outpouring of support the New Castle Mail Processing Facility has received from local community leaders and the congressional delegation," said Senator Bob Casey. "This facility and these jobs are very important to Lawrence County. This is a great victory for all members of the community who have worked so diligently to sway the USPS."
"This is a great example of everyone working together to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Plant in New Castle open, the employees, management, Congressman Altmire, Senators Specter and Casey, Governor Rendell and other local officials," Commissioner Richard DeBlasio said. "My fellow Commissioners were involved from the first day we heard about the possibility of the facility closing. This means a lot to the community and my appreciation goes out to everyone involved."
"Considering the fiscal situation in which the Postal Service currently finds itself, I am relieved to know that the majority of the employees at the New Castle facility will not be affected at this time," Commissioner Dan Vogler said. "My appreciation goes to our federal legislative delegation for working with the Lawrence County Commissioners in expressing our support for the New Castle facility. I also must note that fact that my colleague Commissioner Rick DeBlasio took the lead here at the County level on this important issue."
"The retention of jobs at the New Castle Mail processing facility was a team effort, beginning with the great workers at the New Castle facility, their union representation, Federal and State officials; including Senator Specter, Governor Rendell, Congressman Altmire; and local officials led by the efforts of Commissoner DeBlasio," Commissioner Steve Craig said.
"The news that the U.S. Postal Services Processing and Distribution facility will stay in New Castle is just great news! The Postal workers are to be congratulated for all their work in making this happen," New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo said. "We also want to express our deep appreciation to Congressman Altmire, Senator Vogel and Representative Chris Sainato for all their work to keep the facility in the New Castle Area. This is just great news. It shows how this community along with our U.S. and State Representatives can work together in the interest of our community."
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2009 :: Last modified: Friday, May 22, 2009 12:05 AM EDT
Lawmakers urge halt to closure of New Castle mail facility
NEW CASTLE — Lawmakers are making a plea to the U.S. Postal Service to keep New Castle’s post office open.
In a joint letter sent Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, D-Philadelphia, and Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
— Lawmakers are making a plea to the U.S. Postal Service to keep New Castle’s post office open.In a joint letter sent Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, D-Philadelphia, and Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would study operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to Pittsburgh.
In their letter, the three legislators said that the move would strip New Castle of “quality jobs” and that the local facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
05/21/2009
Legislators urge postal service to
keep New Castle facility open
Less than a month after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter crossed party lines to join the Democratic side of the aisle, he joined the other two Democratic members of Lawrence County's federal legislative contingent in a plea to keep New Castle's post office open.
Through a joint letter sent Wednesday to Specter, D-Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would
undertake a study of operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to a facility in Pittsburgh.
In their letter, the three legislators said the move would strip New Castle of "quality jobs," and that the New Castle facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
Postal workers take part in picket
New Castle News
May 9, 2009
Employees of New Castle’s mail processing and distribution facility on Cascade Street, their families and friends joined in an informational picket at the site yesterday. The picket was set up in response to a study being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service to determine the feasibility of consolidating operations in New Castle with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center. David Wigley, president of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, expected 300 people to join in the picket over the course of the day.
Despite the Postal Service’s statement that the study is looking at possible consolidation, employees in New Castle believe that would actually mean moving much of the work to Pittsburgh. More than 200 people work at the Cascade Street facility, which processes mail for several counties. Moving some of the operation would affect about 150 jobs, Wigley said. But if the entire facility is closed, all jobs would be affected.
Elected officials have passed resolutions and sent letters to the Postal Service objecting to any consolidation that would result in the loss of jobs in New Castle. Moving the operations to Pittsburgh would result in area residents having their mail delayed by another day, the union has contended. State Rep. Chris Sainato has said a change
in mail service would drastically affect senior citizens who rely on the mail service as their means of paying bills, obtaining medications and receiving Social Security checks.
Once the study is complete, a public meeting will be conducted to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback. Contacted on Thursday, a spokesman for the Postal Service would only say the study is expected to be completed in the summer. Wigley said he believes consolidation or closing may be “a done deal already.” He said the Postal Service isn’t communicating with him, but that he has “confidential sources.”
Legislators urge postal service to keep New Castle facility openLess than a month after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter crossed party lines to join the Democratic side of the aisle, he joined the other two Democratic members of Lawrence County's federal legislative contingent in a plea to keep New Castle's post office open.Through a joint letter sent Wednesday to Specter, D-Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would undertake a study of operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to a facility in Pittsburgh.In their letter, the three legislators said the move would strip New Castle of "quality jobs," and that the New Castle facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could
cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
New Castle Workers Picket to Keep Post Office Open
WYTV Youngstown
Last Update: 5/08 9:25 pm
Postal workers took their message to the streets to tell the U.S. Postal Service to keep the New Castle Mail Processing and Distribution Center open.
The postal service has seen a significant drop in mail volume. A feasibility study was started last month to see if it would be more efficient for them to move operations from the New Castle center to Pittsburgh.
"For this to even be thought of, is a shame," says Edward S. Mitchell Jr., known fondly at the New Castle office as "Cousin Eddie". Mitchell has been a postal worker in New Castle for 38 years.
Two-hundred workers process nearly two-million pieces of mail a day in New Castle, and say there could be real problems if all that work is outsourced to Pittsburgh. "Pittsburgh is too far away. Pittsburgh is too far away, and our mail it will delay, and our mail it will delay," echoed the crowd of gathered protesters.
"Where it would take maybe one day to get a letter across town, it now may take two or three days, and that makes no sense," says Desi Neurohr, Secretary Treasurer of the Pittsburgh Local American Postal Workers Union.
Then there's the workers. A postal service spokesperson says they've never had a lay-off, and will try to find new jobs for any displaced workers. "No lay-off but they're saying that they can move you up to 1,500 miles, because as far as we heard, there's no other offices open that even has openings for us," says Cousin Eddie.
"We do have no lay-off protection, but that doesn't mean our lives can't be disrupted," adds Neurohr.
Plus, the impact of pulling 200 people and their families out of New Castle would be devastating to the local economy. "They won't be around here to invest and re-invest their good paying jobs back into the community," says Tom Molanick, Southwest Business Agent with the Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union.
The U.S.P.S. says there will be a time and place for public comment and the study will take a few months to complete.
Raising the stakes
Ellwood City Ledger
May 4, 2009
NEW CASTLE - Informational picketing will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the New Castle Processing and Distribution Facility at 435 S. Cascade St.
The picketing is related to the possible closing or consolidation of the facility, said David Wigley, president of American Postal Workers Union Local 227.
On April 10, the U.S. Postal Service announced to the nearly 150 employees there that it was studying consolidating the majority of the New Castle mail-processing operations into the Pittsburgh General Mail Facility.
On April 30, the stakes were raised, Wigley said in a press release, when the postal service said it was studying closing the New Castle facility.
Wigley said in the statement that closing the facility could result in delivery delays, as well as the loss of
jobs.
According to the postal service, though, consolidating area mail processing facilities "should have minimal impact to customer services. Business mail entry, retail and delivery services are expected to remain unchanged in most cases." In addition, the postal service said local postmarks would continue to be available at post offices and ZIP codes would not change.
In a letter to postal facilities throughout the region dated April 10, the postal service said that if a feasibility study supported consolidation, the postal service would have a public meeting to allow community members to ask questions and provide feedback.
Comments concerning the study and the possible closing may be sent to: Manager Consumer Affairs, 1001 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15290-9631.
Tad Kelley, a spokesman with the postal service, said previously that no decision has been made regarding consolidation and a decision will not be made until at
least late summer.
New Castle mail-sorting site in jeopardy; 150 jobs at stake
Mark E. Crepp , Ledger Staff
NEW CASTLE - The U.S. Postal Service is conducting a study to determine whether a mail-sorting center in New Castle should be consolidated with one in Pittsburgh.
A decision concerning the fate of the New Castle Processing and Distribution Facility on South Cascade Street will probably not be made until late summer, said Tad Kelly, a postal service spokesman.
About a dozen such studies are taking place nationwide, Kelly said, as the postal service tries to cut costs and maintain service to customers. The studies are looking at processing facilities that are in close proximity to each
other, and the postal service is trying to keep costs stable, he said.
Even before the study is completed, local and state officials have urged the postal service not to close the New Castle facility, which employs about 150 people.
In a letter to U.S. Postmaster General John Potter and federal officials, state Rep. Chris Sainato, D-9, Union Township, has asked that any request by the postal service to consolidate New Castle and Pittsburgh services be denied.
"With the economic crisis and high unemployment rate, this proposal would be devastating to people in Lawrence County," Sainato said.
"Senior citizens in my district rely on the mail service as their means of paying bills, obtaining their medications and receiving their Social Security checks," he said. "I don't want my constituents to experience a drastic change in their mail delivery."
The Lawrence County Commissioners and New Castle City Council have passed resolutions asking the postal service not to close the facility.
Postal workers have also established a Web site to distribute information, SaveNewCastleMail.com.
The Web site includes an online petition that residents can electronically sign to show their opposition to the possible closing. Postal workers also plan informational picketing outside the facility on May 8.
Source, Ellwood City Ledger
Postal Service may close New Castle mail center
The Associated Press
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The U.S. Postal Service may close a western Pennsylvania mail processing center with 200 workers and moving the work to Pittsburgh.
Postal spokesman Tad Kelley says officials will take months to study closing the facility in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The center handles about 1.8 million pieces of mail daily but much of that is bulk material like catalogs that might better be handled at a bulk mail facility north of Pittsburgh.
The rest could be handled at a 24-hour mail processing center in Pittsburgh staffed by 900 workers. The Pittsburgh facility opened in 1982 and includes administrative offices with another 100 workers.
Union officials say they oppose closing the New Castle operation.
Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com
New Castle Post Office Could Close
Source WYTV April 30, 2009
The United States Postal Service has started a feasibility study to see if it's more efficient to move mail processing operations, currently done in New Castle, to Pittsburgh.
Officials say they're studying about a dozen plants nationwide, to avoid duplicate services during these tough economic times.
"We saw a reduction of four-billion letters in our system just in 2008, a tremendous loss of mail," says Tad Kelley, USPS spokesperson. "That could mean anything from taking one tray of mail, to an entire closure of the place," says David Wigley, President of the Local American Postal Workers Union.
Wigley says he's concerned for the nearly 200 employees who work in the New Castle plant and the many local residents and businesses the branch serves. "It'd be an inconvenience to all of us here, and we need the jobs here in Lawrence County," says Victor Papa of New Castle.
"We are an organization that, throughout its existence, has never had a lay-off, so we will work with employees to find them a place to work, whether it's Pittsburgh or somewhere else," says Kelley.
The feasibility study starts a long process which should allow for public comment on any possible consolidation, but Wigley says right now no hearings are scheduled.
There's a website: SaveNewCastleMail.Com, where folks can get more information, and sign a petition to keep the facility open.
Wigley says New Castle City Council and Lawrence County Commissioners have also passed resolutions against any consolidation. New Castle resident Connie Pappas says, "I'll tell you what, they take everything out of New Castle and put it someplace else. It's totally ridiculous."
http://www.wytv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=3517@wytv.dayport.com&navCatId=11
Please click above link for video of the story from WYTV
Officials join effort to save post office
Author(s): DEBBIE WACHTER MORRIS DMORRIS@NCNEWSONLINE.COM Date: April 30, 2009 Section: Local
County officials have joined the campaign to save the New Castle post office as the regional mail distribution center. Following the action of New Castle City Council last week, the commissioners Tuesday adopted a resolution opposing any consolidation and closing of the postal facility, which has been located on Cascade Street in New Castle for more than 20 years.
The building processes and distributes mail for Lawrence, Butler and Armstrong counties.
Commissioner Steve Craig said county officials met Tuesday with David Wigley, president of Local 227 of the American Postal Workers Union, to discuss their concern for the potential loss of local jobs, should that occur.
About 150 to 200 people work at the New Castle mail center.
The U.S. Postal Service announced earlier this month it is conducting a study to determine the feasibility of consolidating the mail processing operation at the Cascade Street facility with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center.
Should that occur, there is a threat that the New Castle operation could close.
The next-day mail service the New Castle area enjoys also could be delayed if distribution operations move to Pittsburgh, local officials fear.
"We're trying to do what we can to keep the facility and the jobs here," Craig commented Wednesday, adding, "This is one of the most efficient mail processing centers in the country.
"It's been ranked number two and, at times, even number one," he said.
Because the study is just beginning, the commissioners noted they are jumping on it early.
"It's not an issue we can resolve personally, but we're going to try to work with our federal legislators," Craig said.
Commissioner Dan Vogler echoed Craig's sentiments about the potential employment loss.
"We certainly don't want to see the jobs leave the county," he said, adding the county's resolution will be sent to the postmaster general, as well as state legislators and U.S. Congressmen.
He said the study is to be completed by September and decisions made after that.
The matter also is to be addressed at the next meeting of the Lawrence County Regional Council of Governments, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 8 at the Jameson South campus.
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
Postal Service may close New Castle mail center
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The U.S. Postal Service may close a western Pennsylvania mail processing center with 200 workers and moving the work to Pittsburgh.
Postal spokesman Tad Kelley says officials will take months to study closing the facility in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The center handles about 1.8 million pieces of mail daily but much of that is bulk material like catalogs that might better be handled at a bulk mail facility north of Pittsburgh.
The rest could be handled at a 24-hour mail processing center in Pittsburgh staffed by 900 workers. The Pittsburgh facility opened in 1982 and includes administrative offices with another 100 workers.
Union officials say they oppose closing the New Castle operation.
Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com/
The following appeared in Letters to the Editor, New Castle News, April 25, 2009
Editor, The News:
The Postal Service in New Castle April 10, 2009 the US Postal Service notified the American Postal Workers Union of their intent to conduct an Area Mail Processing study of the mail processing operations at New Castle Distribution Center
The postal service plan could mean slower, less reliable mail service for all of us here in New Castle
This plan could also negatively affect the local economy because it shuts down parts of our local mail sorting facility, depriving our area of good paying jobs. It would affect employees, their families, and the business community. Moving operations would be very disruptive!
New Castle 1001 California Avenue , Pittsburgh , PA 15290
David P. McIltrot
Legislative Director
New Castle
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
April 24, 2009
Section: Local
Page: 0
City opposing consolidation proposal
New Castle officials are opposing a possible consolidation of postal operations in the city with those in Pittsburgh. The U.S. Postal Service is conducting a study to determine the feasibility of consolidating the mail processing operation at the Cascade Street facility with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center.
Representatives of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, have said that consolidation would mean the loss of about 150 of the 200 jobs in New Castle.
A resolution approved by city council Thursday night says that consolidation would result in a lowering of standards in mail delivery. It adds that being a financially distressed city, New Castle "cannot afford to lose such a viable employer."
The study is expected to be completed in the summer.
Representatives of Local 227, American Workers Union, have said that consolidation would mean the loss of about 150 of the 200 jobs in New Castle. A resolution approved by city council Thursday night says that consolidation would result in a lowering of standards in mail delivery. It adds that being a financially distressed city, New Castle "cannot afford to lose such a viable employer." The study is expected to be completed in the summer.
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
Altmire to monitor postal study
Date: April 15, 2009
Publication: New Castle News (PA)
U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire released the following statement on the New Castle postal study: "I encourage the public to voice their opinions and concerns during this study process. I will closely review the findings of this study once it is completed. I will also work to make sure that the U.S. Postal Service takes Lawrence County's needs fully into account before making any final decisions."
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
Postal service to study revamping
Author(s): JOHN K. MANNA JMANNA@NCNEWSONLINE.COM
Date: April 15, 2009 Section: Local
The U.S. Postal Service is looking into the feasibility of consolidating some operations in New Castle Pittsburgh Cascade Street
In addition, moving the operation to the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center also would adversely affect mail service, Wigley said.
Wigley was informed of the feasibility study Friday through identical letters from Charles P. McCreadie, western Pennsylvania district manager, and Eileen Mills, plant manager in New Castle.
"The reason for the study," the letters say, "is to review mail volume and determine capacity needs in order to increase efficiency and improve productivity. In doing so, we will be able to continue to provide universal service at a reasonable cost for a long time to come."
A continual decline in single-piece First Class Mail volume over the last decade and the current economic downturn has led the Postal Service to realign its processing and delivery network, the letters say.
"The reality is, we have an excess of equipment, staff and facilities to process a declining volume of mail."
If the study supports consolidation, a public meeting will be conducted to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback.
"Community input will be considered before a decision is made as to whether or not the proposed consolidation should be implemented," the letters say.
Wigley said he came up with the 75 percent figure based on the size of the "outgoing" mail at the New Castle facility.
"The outgoing operation is roughly 75 percent or more of the work we do here."
Mail processing clerks, mail handlers, maintenance personnel and vehicle maintenance employees would be affected, he said, adding, "If we lose the jobs, what's it going to do to the local economy?"
Wigley said mail with zip codes starting with 160, 161 and 162 are sorted in New Castle and delivered overnight. If the processing is moved to Pittsburgh, mail would be delivered in two days, he said.
NEW LOCAL: Union wants mail facility investigation
By John K. Manna
New Castle News
June 25, 2009 11:01 am
— A union official wants a halt to a postal study considering consolidation of New Castle’s mail processing operations with Pittsburgh’s.
David Wigley, president of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, has asked the Office of Inspector General of the postal service by letter to conduct “an immediate investigation” into the postal service’s “violations” of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act and that the study “be immediately terminated.”
A spokeswoman for the postal service had no comment.
The union has said on several occasions that consolidation could result in the loss of up to 75 percent of the jobs at the local facility.
Wigley is basing his request to the inspector general on comments initially made by the postal service regarding the study in April and then events of last week when local officials, along with Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire reported that the facility on Cascade Street would not close.
In last week’s announcement, they said that 23 New Castle employees would be offered other positions. The facility has about 190 jobs.
Two postal officials originally disclosed the information in a conference call to the three Lawrence County commissioners on June 16.
Wigley also made reference to statements made by Tad Kelley, postal service spokesman in Pittsburgh, that the study has been concluded, but the results have not been released. Kelley added that a public meeting will be conducted the second week of July and the results of the study will be made public at that time.
The intent of the meeting is to obtain public input on the study.
In his letter to the inspector general’s office, Wigley wrote, “Due to the conflicting statements and misrepresentations given by (U.S. Postal Service) officials to media and elected officials regarding both the intent and status of the (Area Mail Processing) study, as well as the communication by USPS officials of a decision regarding the AMP study prior to the required public meeting, APWU local 227 believes that any chance for a fair outcome of the ... study of the New Castle (Processing and Distribution Facility) at this time has been subverted.”
Please click here to read letter from APWU Local 227 to USPS Office of Inspector General June 23, 2009
New Castle Postal Center Stays
New Castle's mail processing facility that was scheduled to close will now stay open. Workers picketed in May to try to save the facility. Now Lawrence County officials say it will remain in operation, but some of the work will still be transferred to Pittsburgh. The Postal Service will try to relocate 23 affected workers. The community stood to lose 175 jobs if it had closed.
NEW LOCAL: New Castle mail facility to stay open
New Castle News
June 19, 2009 01:42 pm
The mail processing facility in New Castle will remain open at least for now.
Congressman Jason Altmire announced Friday that the U.S. Postal Service has decided to keep the facility in operation. However, union representatives indicate this may not be a final determination.
A closing could mean the loss of 175 jobs from the post office building on Cascade Street.
Reporter John K. Manna will have more details in the Weekend edition of the New Castle News.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
New Castle mail processing facility to remain open
Friday, June 19, 2009
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey today announced that the United States Postal Service has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open.
As part of its announcement, USPS said that it would transfer the processing of a small portion of its mail to Pittsburgh. It is expected that the 23 New Castle Post Office employees affected by this change will be offered other USPS positions, a statement from Mr. Casey said. The New Castle facility has 175 jobs.
First published on June 19, 2009 at 11:47 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09170/978545-100.stm#ixzz0J5idX8HO&C
New Castle Post Office Saved
(Source www.WYTV.com)
Last Update: 6/19 1:54 pm
U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) Friday joined other Lawrence County leaders in announcing that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open. In the weeks leading up to this announcement, Congressman Altmire; Lawrence County Commissioners Rick DeBlasio, Steve Craig and Dan Vogler; New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo; Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA); State Senator Elder Vogel; State House Representatives Jared Gibbons and Chris Sainato; and local union officials, postal workers and community members all worked together to show USPS how vitally important the New Castle Mail Processing Facility is to the local community. Had the facility been closed, Lawrence County could have lost 175 jobs and possibly seen a decline in the quality of its mail service.
As part of its announcement, USPS said that it would transfer the processing of a small portion of its mail to Pittsburgh. It is expected that the 23 New Castle Post Office employees affected by this change will be offered other USPS positions.
"USPS's announcement that they are going to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open is a huge victory for this community," U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) said. "For months, elected officials at every level of government, local community leaders and thousands of Lawrence County residents have worked together to save this facility. I want to thank everyone who wrote letters and fought to keep this facility open for all their hard work -- it certainly paid off."
"I am pleased to hear that the USPS has agreed to keep mail processing operations at the New Castle facility," said Senator Arlen Specter. "This is important for the New Castle economy and the hundreds of employees that provide a vital service to the community. I will continue to dialogue with the USPS to retain jobs in the region."
"I am grateful that the United States Postal Service has listened to the outpouring of support the New Castle Mail Processing Facility has received from local community leaders and the congressional delegation," said Senator Bob Casey. "This facility and these jobs are very important to Lawrence County. This is a great victory for all members of the community who have worked so diligently to sway the USPS."
"This is a great example of everyone working together to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Plant in New Castle open, the employees, management, Congressman Altmire, Senators Specter and Casey, Governor Rendell and other local officials," Commissioner Richard DeBlasio said. "My fellow Commissioners were involved from the first day we heard about the possibility of the facility closing. This means a lot to the community and my appreciation goes out to everyone involved."
"Considering the fiscal situation in which the Postal Service currently finds itself, I am relieved to know that the majority of the employees at the New Castle facility will not be affected at this time," Commissioner Dan Vogler said. "My appreciation goes to our federal legislative delegation for working with the Lawrence County Commissioners in expressing our support for the New Castle facility. I also must note that fact that my colleague Commissioner Rick DeBlasio took the lead here at the County level on this important issue."
"The retention of jobs at the New Castle Mail processing facility was a team effort, beginning with the great workers at the New Castle facility, their union representation, Federal and State officials; including Senator Specter, Governor Rendell, Congressman Altmire; and local officials led by the efforts of Commissoner DeBlasio," Commissioner Steve Craig said.
"The news that the U.S. Postal Services Processing and Distribution facility will stay in New Castle is just great news! The Postal workers are to be congratulated for all their work in making this happen," New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo said. "We also want to express our deep appreciation to Congressman Altmire, Senator Vogel and Representative Chris Sainato for all their work to keep the facility in the New Castle Area. This is just great news. It shows how this community along with our U.S. and State Representatives can work together in the interest of our community."
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2009 :: Last modified: Friday, May 22, 2009 12:05 AM EDT
Lawmakers urge halt to closure of New Castle mail facility
NEW CASTLE — Lawmakers are making a plea to the U.S. Postal Service to keep New Castle’s post office open.
In a joint letter sent Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, D-Philadelphia, and Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
— Lawmakers are making a plea to the U.S. Postal Service to keep New Castle’s post office open.In a joint letter sent Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, D-Philadelphia, and Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would study operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to Pittsburgh.
In their letter, the three legislators said that the move would strip New Castle of “quality jobs” and that the local facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
05/21/2009
Legislators urge postal service to
keep New Castle facility open
Less than a month after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter crossed party lines to join the Democratic side of the aisle, he joined the other two Democratic members of Lawrence County's federal legislative contingent in a plea to keep New Castle's post office open.
Through a joint letter sent Wednesday to Specter, D-Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would
undertake a study of operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to a facility in Pittsburgh.
In their letter, the three legislators said the move would strip New Castle of "quality jobs," and that the New Castle facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
Postal workers take part in picket
New Castle News
May 9, 2009
Employees of New Castle’s mail processing and distribution facility on Cascade Street, their families and friends joined in an informational picket at the site yesterday. The picket was set up in response to a study being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service to determine the feasibility of consolidating operations in New Castle with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center. David Wigley, president of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, expected 300 people to join in the picket over the course of the day.
Despite the Postal Service’s statement that the study is looking at possible consolidation, employees in New Castle believe that would actually mean moving much of the work to Pittsburgh. More than 200 people work at the Cascade Street facility, which processes mail for several counties. Moving some of the operation would affect about 150 jobs, Wigley said. But if the entire facility is closed, all jobs would be affected.
Elected officials have passed resolutions and sent letters to the Postal Service objecting to any consolidation that would result in the loss of jobs in New Castle. Moving the operations to Pittsburgh would result in area residents having their mail delayed by another day, the union has contended. State Rep. Chris Sainato has said a change
in mail service would drastically affect senior citizens who rely on the mail service as their means of paying bills, obtaining medications and receiving Social Security checks.
Once the study is complete, a public meeting will be conducted to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback. Contacted on Thursday, a spokesman for the Postal Service would only say the study is expected to be completed in the summer. Wigley said he believes consolidation or closing may be “a done deal already.” He said the Postal Service isn’t communicating with him, but that he has “confidential sources.”
Legislators urge postal service to keep New Castle facility openLess than a month after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter crossed party lines to join the Democratic side of the aisle, he joined the other two Democratic members of Lawrence County's federal legislative contingent in a plea to keep New Castle's post office open.Through a joint letter sent Wednesday to Specter, D-Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would undertake a study of operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to a facility in Pittsburgh.In their letter, the three legislators said the move would strip New Castle of "quality jobs," and that the New Castle facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could
cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
New Castle Workers Picket to Keep Post Office Open
WYTV Youngstown
Last Update: 5/08 9:25 pm
Postal workers took their message to the streets to tell the U.S. Postal Service to keep the New Castle Mail Processing and Distribution Center open.
The postal service has seen a significant drop in mail volume. A feasibility study was started last month to see if it would be more efficient for them to move operations from the New Castle center to Pittsburgh.
"For this to even be thought of, is a shame," says Edward S. Mitchell Jr., known fondly at the New Castle office as "Cousin Eddie". Mitchell has been a postal worker in New Castle for 38 years.
Two-hundred workers process nearly two-million pieces of mail a day in New Castle, and say there could be real problems if all that work is outsourced to Pittsburgh. "Pittsburgh is too far away. Pittsburgh is too far away, and our mail it will delay, and our mail it will delay," echoed the crowd of gathered protesters.
"Where it would take maybe one day to get a letter across town, it now may take two or three days, and that makes no sense," says Desi Neurohr, Secretary Treasurer of the Pittsburgh Local American Postal Workers Union.
Then there's the workers. A postal service spokesperson says they've never had a lay-off, and will try to find new jobs for any displaced workers. "No lay-off but they're saying that they can move you up to 1,500 miles, because as far as we heard, there's no other offices open that even has openings for us," says Cousin Eddie.
"We do have no lay-off protection, but that doesn't mean our lives can't be disrupted," adds Neurohr.
Plus, the impact of pulling 200 people and their families out of New Castle would be devastating to the local economy. "They won't be around here to invest and re-invest their good paying jobs back into the community," says Tom Molanick, Southwest Business Agent with the Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union.
The U.S.P.S. says there will be a time and place for public comment and the study will take a few months to complete.
Raising the stakes
Ellwood City Ledger
May 4, 2009
NEW CASTLE - Informational picketing will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the New Castle Processing and Distribution Facility at 435 S. Cascade St.
The picketing is related to the possible closing or consolidation of the facility, said David Wigley, president of American Postal Workers Union Local 227.
On April 10, the U.S. Postal Service announced to the nearly 150 employees there that it was studying consolidating the majority of the New Castle mail-processing operations into the Pittsburgh General Mail Facility.
On April 30, the stakes were raised, Wigley said in a press release, when the postal service said it was studying closing the New Castle facility.
Wigley said in the statement that closing the facility could result in delivery delays, as well as the loss of
jobs.
According to the postal service, though, consolidating area mail processing facilities "should have minimal impact to customer services. Business mail entry, retail and delivery services are expected to remain unchanged in most cases." In addition, the postal service said local postmarks would continue to be available at post offices and ZIP codes would not change.
In a letter to postal facilities throughout the region dated April 10, the postal service said that if a feasibility study supported consolidation, the postal service would have a public meeting to allow community members to ask questions and provide feedback.
Comments concerning the study and the possible closing may be sent to: Manager Consumer Affairs, 1001 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15290-9631.
Tad Kelley, a spokesman with the postal service, said previously that no decision has been made regarding consolidation and a decision will not be made until at
least late summer.
New Castle mail-sorting site in jeopardy; 150 jobs at stake
Mark E. Crepp , Ledger Staff
NEW CASTLE - The U.S. Postal Service is conducting a study to determine whether a mail-sorting center in New Castle should be consolidated with one in Pittsburgh.
A decision concerning the fate of the New Castle Processing and Distribution Facility on South Cascade Street will probably not be made until late summer, said Tad Kelly, a postal service spokesman.
About a dozen such studies are taking place nationwide, Kelly said, as the postal service tries to cut costs and maintain service to customers. The studies are looking at processing facilities that are in close proximity to each
other, and the postal service is trying to keep costs stable, he said.
Even before the study is completed, local and state officials have urged the postal service not to close the New Castle facility, which employs about 150 people.
In a letter to U.S. Postmaster General John Potter and federal officials, state Rep. Chris Sainato, D-9, Union Township, has asked that any request by the postal service to consolidate New Castle and Pittsburgh services be denied.
"With the economic crisis and high unemployment rate, this proposal would be devastating to people in Lawrence County," Sainato said.
"Senior citizens in my district rely on the mail service as their means of paying bills, obtaining their medications and receiving their Social Security checks," he said. "I don't want my constituents to experience a drastic change in their mail delivery."
The Lawrence County Commissioners and New Castle City Council have passed resolutions asking the postal service not to close the facility.
Postal workers have also established a Web site to distribute information, SaveNewCastleMail.com.
The Web site includes an online petition that residents can electronically sign to show their opposition to the possible closing. Postal workers also plan informational picketing outside the facility on May 8.
Source, Ellwood City Ledger
Postal Service may close New Castle mail center
The Associated Press
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The U.S. Postal Service may close a western Pennsylvania mail processing center with 200 workers and moving the work to Pittsburgh.
Postal spokesman Tad Kelley says officials will take months to study closing the facility in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The center handles about 1.8 million pieces of mail daily but much of that is bulk material like catalogs that might better be handled at a bulk mail facility north of Pittsburgh.
The rest could be handled at a 24-hour mail processing center in Pittsburgh staffed by 900 workers. The Pittsburgh facility opened in 1982 and includes administrative offices with another 100 workers.
Union officials say they oppose closing the New Castle operation.
Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com
New Castle Post Office Could Close
Source WYTV April 30, 2009
The United States Postal Service has started a feasibility study to see if it's more efficient to move mail processing operations, currently done in New Castle, to Pittsburgh.
Officials say they're studying about a dozen plants nationwide, to avoid duplicate services during these tough economic times.
"We saw a reduction of four-billion letters in our system just in 2008, a tremendous loss of mail," says Tad Kelley, USPS spokesperson. "That could mean anything from taking one tray of mail, to an entire closure of the place," says David Wigley, President of the Local American Postal Workers Union.
Wigley says he's concerned for the nearly 200 employees who work in the New Castle plant and the many local residents and businesses the branch serves. "It'd be an inconvenience to all of us here, and we need the jobs here in Lawrence County," says Victor Papa of New Castle.
"We are an organization that, throughout its existence, has never had a lay-off, so we will work with employees to find them a place to work, whether it's Pittsburgh or somewhere else," says Kelley.
The feasibility study starts a long process which should allow for public comment on any possible consolidation, but Wigley says right now no hearings are scheduled.
There's a website: SaveNewCastleMail.Com, where folks can get more information, and sign a petition to keep the facility open.
Wigley says New Castle City Council and Lawrence County Commissioners have also passed resolutions against any consolidation. New Castle resident Connie Pappas says, "I'll tell you what, they take everything out of New Castle and put it someplace else. It's totally ridiculous."
http://www.wytv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=3517@wytv.dayport.com&navCatId=11
Please click above link for video of the story from WYTV
Officials join effort to save post office
Author(s): DEBBIE WACHTER MORRIS DMORRIS@NCNEWSONLINE.COM Date: April 30, 2009 Section: Local
County officials have joined the campaign to save the New Castle post office as the regional mail distribution center. Following the action of New Castle City Council last week, the commissioners Tuesday adopted a resolution opposing any consolidation and closing of the postal facility, which has been located on Cascade Street in New Castle for more than 20 years.
The building processes and distributes mail for Lawrence, Butler and Armstrong counties.
Commissioner Steve Craig said county officials met Tuesday with David Wigley, president of Local 227 of the American Postal Workers Union, to discuss their concern for the potential loss of local jobs, should that occur.
About 150 to 200 people work at the New Castle mail center.
The U.S. Postal Service announced earlier this month it is conducting a study to determine the feasibility of consolidating the mail processing operation at the Cascade Street facility with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center.
Should that occur, there is a threat that the New Castle operation could close.
The next-day mail service the New Castle area enjoys also could be delayed if distribution operations move to Pittsburgh, local officials fear.
"We're trying to do what we can to keep the facility and the jobs here," Craig commented Wednesday, adding, "This is one of the most efficient mail processing centers in the country.
"It's been ranked number two and, at times, even number one," he said.
Because the study is just beginning, the commissioners noted they are jumping on it early.
"It's not an issue we can resolve personally, but we're going to try to work with our federal legislators," Craig said.
Commissioner Dan Vogler echoed Craig's sentiments about the potential employment loss.
"We certainly don't want to see the jobs leave the county," he said, adding the county's resolution will be sent to the postmaster general, as well as state legislators and U.S. Congressmen.
He said the study is to be completed by September and decisions made after that.
The matter also is to be addressed at the next meeting of the Lawrence County Regional Council of Governments, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 8 at the Jameson South campus.
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
Postal Service may close New Castle mail center
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The U.S. Postal Service may close a western Pennsylvania mail processing center with 200 workers and moving the work to Pittsburgh.
Postal spokesman Tad Kelley says officials will take months to study closing the facility in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The center handles about 1.8 million pieces of mail daily but much of that is bulk material like catalogs that might better be handled at a bulk mail facility north of Pittsburgh.
The rest could be handled at a 24-hour mail processing center in Pittsburgh staffed by 900 workers. The Pittsburgh facility opened in 1982 and includes administrative offices with another 100 workers.
Union officials say they oppose closing the New Castle operation.
Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com/
The following appeared in Letters to the Editor, New Castle News, April 25, 2009
Editor, The News:
NEW LOCAL: Union wants mail facility investigation
By John K. Manna
New Castle News
June 25, 2009 11:01 am
— A union official wants a halt to a postal study considering consolidation of New Castle’s mail processing operations with Pittsburgh’s.
David Wigley, president of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, has asked the Office of Inspector General of the postal service by letter to conduct “an immediate investigation” into the postal service’s “violations” of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act and that the study “be immediately terminated.”
A spokeswoman for the postal service had no comment.
The union has said on several occasions that consolidation could result in the loss of up to 75 percent of the jobs at the local facility.
Wigley is basing his request to the inspector general on comments initially made by the postal service regarding the study in April and then events of last week when local officials, along with Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire reported that the facility on Cascade Street would not close.
In last week’s announcement, they said that 23 New Castle employees would be offered other positions. The facility has about 190 jobs.
Two postal officials originally disclosed the information in a conference call to the three Lawrence County commissioners on June 16.
Wigley also made reference to statements made by Tad Kelley, postal service spokesman in Pittsburgh, that the study has been concluded, but the results have not been released. Kelley added that a public meeting will be conducted the second week of July and the results of the study will be made public at that time.
The intent of the meeting is to obtain public input on the study.
In his letter to the inspector general’s office, Wigley wrote, “Due to the conflicting statements and misrepresentations given by (U.S. Postal Service) officials to media and elected officials regarding both the intent and status of the (Area Mail Processing) study, as well as the communication by USPS officials of a decision regarding the AMP study prior to the required public meeting, APWU local 227 believes that any chance for a fair outcome of the ... study of the New Castle (Processing and Distribution Facility) at this time has been subverted.”
Please click here to read letter from APWU Local 227 to USPS Office of Inspector General June 23, 2009
New Castle Postal Center Stays
New Castle's mail processing facility that was scheduled to close will now stay open. Workers picketed in May to try to save the facility. Now Lawrence County officials say it will remain in operation, but some of the work will still be transferred to Pittsburgh. The Postal Service will try to relocate 23 affected workers. The community stood to lose 175 jobs if it had closed.
NEW LOCAL: New Castle mail facility to stay open
New Castle News
June 19, 2009 01:42 pm
The mail processing facility in New Castle will remain open at least for now.
Congressman Jason Altmire announced Friday that the U.S. Postal Service has decided to keep the facility in operation. However, union representatives indicate this may not be a final determination.
A closing could mean the loss of 175 jobs from the post office building on Cascade Street.
Reporter John K. Manna will have more details in the Weekend edition of the New Castle News.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
New Castle mail processing facility to remain open
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey today announced that the United States Postal Service has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open.
As part of its announcement, USPS said that it would transfer the processing of a small portion of its mail to Pittsburgh. It is expected that the 23 New Castle Post Office employees affected by this change will be offered other USPS positions, a statement from Mr. Casey said. The New Castle facility has 175 jobs.
First published on June 19, 2009 at 11:47 am
New Castle Post Office Saved
(Source www.WYTV.com)
Last Update: 6/19 1:54 pm
U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) Friday joined other Lawrence County leaders in announcing that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open. In the weeks leading up to this announcement, Congressman Altmire; Lawrence County Commissioners Rick DeBlasio, Steve Craig and Dan Vogler; New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo; Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA); State Senator Elder Vogel; State House Representatives Jared Gibbons and Chris Sainato; and local union officials, postal workers and community members all worked together to show USPS how vitally important the New Castle Mail Processing Facility is to the local community. Had the facility been closed, Lawrence County could have lost 175 jobs and possibly seen a decline in the quality of its mail service.
As part of its announcement, USPS said that it would transfer the processing of a small portion of its mail to Pittsburgh. It is expected that the 23 New Castle Post Office employees affected by this change will be offered other USPS positions.
"USPS's announcement that they are going to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open is a huge victory for this community," U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) said. "For months, elected officials at every level of government, local community leaders and thousands of Lawrence County residents have worked together to save this facility. I want to thank everyone who wrote letters and fought to keep this facility open for all their hard work -- it certainly paid off."
"I am pleased to hear that the USPS has agreed to keep mail processing operations at the New Castle facility," said Senator Arlen Specter. "This is important for the New Castle economy and the hundreds of employees that provide a vital service to the community. I will continue to dialogue with the USPS to retain jobs in the region."
"I am grateful that the United States Postal Service has listened to the outpouring of support the New Castle Mail Processing Facility has received from local community leaders and the congressional delegation," said Senator Bob Casey. "This facility and these jobs are very important to Lawrence County. This is a great victory for all members of the community who have worked so diligently to sway the USPS."
"This is a great example of everyone working together to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Plant in New Castle open, the employees, management, Congressman Altmire, Senators Specter and Casey, Governor Rendell and other local officials," Commissioner Richard DeBlasio said. "My fellow Commissioners were involved from the first day we heard about the possibility of the facility closing. This means a lot to the community and my appreciation goes out to everyone involved."
"Considering the fiscal situation in which the Postal Service currently finds itself, I am relieved to know that the majority of the employees at the New Castle facility will not be affected at this time," Commissioner Dan Vogler said. "My appreciation goes to our federal legislative delegation for working with the Lawrence County Commissioners in expressing our support for the New Castle facility. I also must note that fact that my colleague Commissioner Rick DeBlasio took the lead here at the County level on this important issue."
"The retention of jobs at the New Castle Mail processing facility was a team effort, beginning with the great workers at the New Castle facility, their union representation, Federal and State officials; including Senator Specter, Governor Rendell, Congressman Altmire; and local officials led by the efforts of Commissoner DeBlasio," Commissioner Steve Craig said.
"The news that the U.S. Postal Services Processing and Distribution facility will stay in New Castle is just great news! The Postal workers are to be congratulated for all their work in making this happen," New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo said. "We also want to express our deep appreciation to Congressman Altmire, Senator Vogel and Representative Chris Sainato for all their work to keep the facility in the New Castle Area. This is just great news. It shows how this community along with our U.S. and State Representatives can work together in the interest of our community."
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2009 :: Last modified: Friday, May 22, 2009 12:05 AM EDT
Lawmakers urge halt to closure of New Castle mail facility
NEW CASTLE — Lawmakers are making a plea to the U.S. Postal Service to keep New Castle’s post office open.
In a joint letter sent Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, D-Philadelphia, and Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
In their letter, the three legislators said that the move would strip New Castle of “quality jobs” and that the local facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
05/21/2009
Legislators urge postal service to
keep New Castle facility open
Less than a month after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter crossed party lines to join the Democratic side of the aisle, he joined the other two Democratic members of Lawrence County's federal legislative contingent in a plea to keep New Castle's post office open.
Through a joint letter sent Wednesday to Specter, D-Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.
The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would
undertake a study of operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to a facility in Pittsburgh.
In their letter, the three legislators said the move would strip New Castle of "quality jobs," and that the New Castle facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
Postal workers take part in picket
New Castle News
May 9, 2009
Employees of New Castle’s mail processing and distribution facility on Cascade Street, their families and friends joined in an informational picket at the site yesterday. The picket was set up in response to a study being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service to determine the feasibility of consolidating operations in New Castle with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center. David Wigley, president of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, expected 300 people to join in the picket over the course of the day.
Despite the Postal Service’s statement that the study is looking at possible consolidation, employees in New Castle believe that would actually mean moving much of the work to Pittsburgh. More than 200 people work at the Cascade Street facility, which processes mail for several counties. Moving some of the operation would affect about 150 jobs, Wigley said. But if the entire facility is closed, all jobs would be affected.
Elected officials have passed resolutions and sent letters to the Postal Service objecting to any consolidation that would result in the loss of jobs in New Castle. Moving the operations to Pittsburgh would result in area residents having their mail delayed by another day, the union has contended. State Rep. Chris Sainato has said a change
in mail service would drastically affect senior citizens who rely on the mail service as their means of paying bills, obtaining medications and receiving Social Security checks.
Once the study is complete, a public meeting will be conducted to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback. Contacted on Thursday, a spokesman for the Postal Service would only say the study is expected to be completed in the summer. Wigley said he believes consolidation or closing may be “a done deal already.” He said the Postal Service isn’t communicating with him, but that he has “confidential sources.”
Legislators urge postal service to keep New Castle facility openLess than a month after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter crossed party lines to join the Democratic side of the aisle, he joined the other two Democratic members of Lawrence County's federal legislative contingent in a plea to keep New Castle's post office open.Through a joint letter sent Wednesday to Specter, D-Philadelphia, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey Jr., D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, urged Postmaster General John Potter to discontinue a process that could result in closure of the New Castle Mail Processing Facility.The U.S. Postal Service announced last month that it would undertake a study of operations at the New Castle center with the possibility that some operations would be transferred to a facility in Pittsburgh.In their letter, the three legislators said the move would strip New Castle of "quality jobs," and that the New Castle facility is more than 50 miles from the Pittsburgh center, which could
cause mail delivery delays if the New Castle office is closed.
WYTV Youngstown
Last Update: 5/08 9:25 pm
Postal workers took their message to the streets to tell the U.S. Postal Service to keep the New Castle Mail Processing and Distribution Center open.
The postal service has seen a significant drop in mail volume. A feasibility study was started last month to see if it would be more efficient for them to move operations from the New Castle center to Pittsburgh.
"For this to even be thought of, is a shame," says Edward S. Mitchell Jr., known fondly at the New Castle office as "Cousin Eddie". Mitchell has been a postal worker in New Castle for 38 years.
Two-hundred workers process nearly two-million pieces of mail a day in New Castle, and say there could be real problems if all that work is outsourced to Pittsburgh. "Pittsburgh is too far away. Pittsburgh is too far away, and our mail it will delay, and our mail it will delay," echoed the crowd of gathered protesters.
"Where it would take maybe one day to get a letter across town, it now may take two or three days, and that makes no sense," says Desi Neurohr, Secretary Treasurer of the Pittsburgh Local American Postal Workers Union.
Then there's the workers. A postal service spokesperson says they've never had a lay-off, and will try to find new jobs for any displaced workers. "No lay-off but they're saying that they can move you up to 1,500 miles, because as far as we heard, there's no other offices open that even has openings for us," says Cousin Eddie.
"We do have no lay-off protection, but that doesn't mean our lives can't be disrupted," adds Neurohr.
Plus, the impact of pulling 200 people and their families out of New Castle would be devastating to the local economy. "They won't be around here to invest and re-invest their good paying jobs back into the community," says Tom Molanick, Southwest Business Agent with the Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union.
Ellwood City Ledger
May 4, 2009
NEW CASTLE - Informational picketing will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the New Castle Processing and Distribution Facility at 435 S. Cascade St.
The picketing is related to the possible closing or consolidation of the facility, said David Wigley, president of American Postal Workers Union Local 227.
On April 10, the U.S. Postal Service announced to the nearly 150 employees there that it was studying consolidating the majority of the New Castle mail-processing operations into the Pittsburgh General Mail Facility.
On April 30, the stakes were raised, Wigley said in a press release, when the postal service said it was studying closing the New Castle facility.
Wigley said in the statement that closing the facility could result in delivery delays, as well as the loss of
jobs.
According to the postal service, though, consolidating area mail processing facilities "should have minimal impact to customer services. Business mail entry, retail and delivery services are expected to remain unchanged in most cases." In addition, the postal service said local postmarks would continue to be available at post offices and ZIP codes would not change.
In a letter to postal facilities throughout the region dated April 10, the postal service said that if a feasibility study supported consolidation, the postal service would have a public meeting to allow community members to ask questions and provide feedback.
Comments concerning the study and the possible closing may be sent to: Manager Consumer Affairs, 1001 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15290-9631.
Tad Kelley, a spokesman with the postal service, said previously that no decision has been made regarding consolidation and a decision will not be made until at
least late summer.
New Castle mail-sorting site in jeopardy; 150 jobs at stake
Mark E. Crepp , Ledger Staff
NEW CASTLE - The U.S. Postal Service is conducting a study to determine whether a mail-sorting center in New Castle should be consolidated with one in Pittsburgh.
A decision concerning the fate of the New Castle Processing and Distribution Facility on South Cascade Street will probably not be made until late summer, said Tad Kelly, a postal service spokesman.
About a dozen such studies are taking place nationwide, Kelly said, as the postal service tries to cut costs and maintain service to customers. The studies are looking at processing facilities that are in close proximity to each
other, and the postal service is trying to keep costs stable, he said.
Even before the study is completed, local and state officials have urged the postal service not to close the New Castle facility, which employs about 150 people.
In a letter to U.S. Postmaster General John Potter and federal officials, state Rep. Chris Sainato, D-9, Union Township, has asked that any request by the postal service to consolidate New Castle and Pittsburgh services be denied.
"With the economic crisis and high unemployment rate, this proposal would be devastating to people in Lawrence County," Sainato said.
"Senior citizens in my district rely on the mail service as their means of paying bills, obtaining their medications and receiving their Social Security checks," he said. "I don't want my constituents to experience a drastic change in their mail delivery."
The Lawrence County Commissioners and New Castle City Council have passed resolutions asking the postal service not to close the facility.
Postal workers have also established a Web site to distribute information, SaveNewCastleMail.com.
The Web site includes an online petition that residents can electronically sign to show their opposition to the possible closing. Postal workers also plan informational picketing outside the facility on May 8.
Source, Ellwood City Ledger
The Associated Press
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The U.S. Postal Service may close a western Pennsylvania mail processing center with 200 workers and moving the work to Pittsburgh.
Postal spokesman Tad Kelley says officials will take months to study closing the facility in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The center handles about 1.8 million pieces of mail daily but much of that is bulk material like catalogs that might better be handled at a bulk mail facility north of Pittsburgh.
The rest could be handled at a 24-hour mail processing center in Pittsburgh staffed by 900 workers. The Pittsburgh facility opened in 1982 and includes administrative offices with another 100 workers.
Union officials say they oppose closing the New Castle operation.
Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com
Source WYTV April 30, 2009
The United States Postal Service has started a feasibility study to see if it's more efficient to move mail processing operations, currently done in New Castle, to Pittsburgh.
Officials say they're studying about a dozen plants nationwide, to avoid duplicate services during these tough economic times.
http://www.wytv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=3517@wytv.dayport.com&navCatId=11
Please click above link for video of the story from WYTV
Officials join effort to save post office
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The U.S. Postal Service may close a western Pennsylvania mail processing center with 200 workers and moving the work to Pittsburgh.
Postal spokesman Tad Kelley says officials will take months to study closing the facility in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The center handles about 1.8 million pieces of mail daily but much of that is bulk material like catalogs that might better be handled at a bulk mail facility north of Pittsburgh.
The rest could be handled at a 24-hour mail processing center in Pittsburgh staffed by 900 workers. The Pittsburgh facility opened in 1982 and includes administrative offices with another 100 workers.
Union officials say they oppose closing the New Castle operation.
Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com/
The following appeared in Letters to the Editor, New Castle News, April 25, 2009
Editor, The News:
The Postal Service in
The postal service plan could mean slower, less reliable mail service for all of us here in
This plan could also negatively affect the local economy because it shuts down parts of our local mail sorting facility, depriving our area of good paying jobs. It would affect employees, their families, and the business community. Moving operations would be very disruptive!
David P. McIltrot
Legislative Director
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
April 24, 2009
Section: Local
Page: 0
City opposing consolidation proposal
New Castle officials are opposing a possible consolidation of postal operations in the city with those in Pittsburgh. The U.S. Postal Service is conducting a study to determine the feasibility of consolidating the mail processing operation at the Cascade Street facility with the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center.
Representatives of Local 227, American Postal Workers Union, have said that consolidation would mean the loss of about 150 of the 200 jobs in New Castle. A resolution approved by city council Thursday night says that consolidation would result in a lowering of standards in mail delivery. It adds that being a financially distressed city, New Castle "cannot afford to lose such a viable employer." The study is expected to be completed in the summer. Mail processing clerks, mail handlers, maintenance personnel and vehicle maintenance employees would be affected, he said, adding, "If we lose the jobs, what's it going to do to the local economy?"
Representatives of Local 227, American Workers Union, have said that consolidation would mean the loss of about 150 of the 200 jobs in New Castle. A resolution approved by city council Thursday night says that consolidation would result in a lowering of standards in mail delivery. It adds that being a financially distressed city, New Castle "cannot afford to lose such a viable employer." The study is expected to be completed in the summer.
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
Altmire to monitor postal study
Date: April 15, 2009
Publication: New Castle News (PA)
U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire released the following statement on the New Castle postal study: "I encourage the public to voice their opinions and concerns during this study process. I will closely review the findings of this study once it is completed. I will also work to make sure that the U.S. Postal Service takes Lawrence County's needs fully into account before making any final decisions."
Copyright (c) 2009, New Castle News
Postal service to study revamping
Author(s): JOHN K. MANNA JMANNA@NCNEWSONLINE.COM
Date: April 15, 2009 Section: Local
The U.S. Postal Service is looking into the feasibility of consolidating some operations in
In addition, moving the operation to the Pittsburgh processing and distribution center also would adversely affect mail service, Wigley said.
Wigley was informed of the feasibility study Friday through identical letters from Charles P. McCreadie, western Pennsylvania district manager, and Eileen Mills, plant manager in New Castle.
"The reason for the study," the letters say, "is to review mail volume and determine capacity needs in order to increase efficiency and improve productivity. In doing so, we will be able to continue to provide universal service at a reasonable cost for a long time to come."
A continual decline in single-piece First Class Mail volume over the last decade and the current economic downturn has led the Postal Service to realign its processing and delivery network, the letters say.
"The reality is, we have an excess of equipment, staff and facilities to process a declining volume of mail."
If the study supports consolidation, a public meeting will be conducted to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback.
"Community input will be considered before a decision is made as to whether or not the proposed consolidation should be implemented," the letters say.
Wigley said he came up with the 75 percent figure based on the size of the "outgoing" mail at the New Castle facility.
"The outgoing operation is roughly 75 percent or more of the work we do here."
Wigley said mail with zip codes starting with 160, 161 and 162 are sorted in New Castle and delivered overnight. If the processing is moved to Pittsburgh, mail would be delivered in two days, he said.
The same would apply to mail sent from New Castle to Youngstown, Oil City and Erie.
Mail sent now from New Castle on Saturdays already goes to Pittsburgh to be processed.
Furthermore, he noted that the U.S. postmaster has suggested reducing mail delivery nationwide from six days to five days a week.
"It seems like we're moving backwards to Pony Express days," Wigley said.
He plans to contact elected officials to make them aware of the study and its possible implications, he said.
Ralph Alberico, one of 40 mail handlers in New Castle, commented, "We cancel the mail and we handle every bit of the mail that Pittsburgh wants to take."
The facility handles an average of 200,000 letters a day and 500,000 to 600,000 pieces a day during the Christmas season, he said.
To lose that "would just be devastating," he said.
Tad Kelley, spokesman for the western Pennsylvania district, said the study probably will be completed in the summer.
Asked whether consolidation would mean moving the New Castle operation to Pittsburgh, Kelley said nothing has been determined at this point.
