PMG Pat Donahoe today is sending a message of reassurance to USPS customers, telling them the Postal Service is “here to stay” and that he has a plan to lead USPS to profitability and long-term growth.

In a video posted internally as well as on USPS public-facing websites, Donahoe brings customers up-to-date on steps the Postal Service is taking on the legislative, network optimization and wages and benefits fronts. The PMG notes Congress must resolve issues associated with pre-funding of the Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund. He also continues to urge Congress to allow USPS to move from a six-day delivery schedule to five days per week.

The PMG says USPS continues to support congressional approval of a proposal to let the Postal Service manage its own health care plan — a step he notes could save as much as $700 million annually.

Donahoe also discusses the Postal Service’s network optimization strategy, including a reduction in processing facilities and resulting changes in service standards. On the retail front, he reaffirms USPS is studying whether to close up to 3,700 retail facilities and that the organization continues to consolidate delivery routes.

Donahoe says, if fully implemented, the Postal Service’s plan could lead to up to $20 billion in savings over the next three years and restore profitability by 2013. “I can assure you we’ll come out of these changes in much better shape from a financial standpoint,” Donahoe says.

“The key thing is that we hear from you with other ideas to make sure that, together, we do this the right way,” concludes the PMG. “Thanks for your business, thanks for your trust and stay in touch.”