The postmaster general announced on Thursday, May 17, that he would move forward with the closing of hundreds of mail-processing plants. That followed his announcement on Wednesday, May 9, that rather than proceed with post office closings he would sharply reduce hours in thousands of rural post offices.

In response to the latest announcement, NALC President Fredric Rolando said: “Since $3.1 billion of the reported $3.2 billion loss in the most recent fiscal quarter stems from pre-funding future retiree health benefits—which no other entity in America is compelled to do—the USPS and congressional response ought to address the actual problem. Moreover, what’s lacking is a business plan for the future that takes advantage of opportunities to meet the needs of an evolving society. Dismantling the network and reducing services to Americans and their businesses is not a business plan.”