Although I am for serious reform of the USPS, I believe that you are correct about the overfunding of the pensions. The Postmaster General has indicated that that is one thing he wants Congress to address. That said, the money that should come back to the USPS won’t fix their deficits for very long. Just using the money up is just like what the States did with their cut of the stimulus. Now its gone and the States are left with the deferred problem of what to cut now. The fact of the matter is that thanks to other modes of communication, the USPS is going to be forced to undergo a substantial downsizing. But what we will likely see is the Congress trying to please their rural constituents and thus ignore the overall realities of the situation to curry favor and buy votes. It’s like Harry Reid’s little goodies for air service to Ely, NV. The planes go empty and each passenger costs the taxpayer something like $5,000. Stuff like that is going away and it can be handled effectively or by default, your choice.
I agree with you. The majority of carriers have no problem with a 5 day delivery week for example. That would solve a lot of the overtime and under staffing right there. That is an area I differ with the unions on, as do most of the rank and file. The Unions are afraid of losing members because a five day week means less employees. The rank and file know it is needed because of the points you make. The rural areas and smaller offices are going to have to change. And when you try to close a small post office in a small town..you get a firestorm. Many people on here may not like the USPS, but go to a small community and tell them you are closing their PO. Look out!