Fort Wayne USPS facility getting upgrade, but some jobs could be cut
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The United States Postal Service this week announced big changes to its Fort Wayne Processing and Distribution Center that could result in some layoffs.
About $5 million is being invested to modernize and transform the facility into a local processing center, with some of its operations being transferred to Indianapolis.
The USPS said in a news release the move follows a “thorough business review and solicitation of public feedback on the facility’s future.” However, Tim Bracht, vice president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 286 told our partners at WPTA-TV the union disagrees with the changes.
In November, workers expressed frustration with what they called a lack of transparency in the process during a public meeting, the station reported.
Bracht said the Indianapolis Regional Processing and Distribution Center already has too much on its plate, and the transition in Fort Wayne is a disaster waiting to happen.
“The Postal Service stated, ‘Well, the delivery standards won’t change.’ Well, they’re not being up front,” Bracht told WPTA. “The standards aren’t going to change, but in reality, it’s going to be delayed from 2 days to 3-4 days. They’ve kept the union not only locally, but nationally in the dark intentionally.”
The USPS said the $5 million investment will go toward deferred maintenance and modernization efforts at the South Clinton Street location, including amenities for employees such as new lighting, and renovated bathrooms and breakrooms.
The news release stated that there will be no “career layoffs” as a result of the move. However, there could be a reduction in “pre-career” employees, but a USPS spokesperson could not confirm how many workers would be affected when questioned by WPTA’s Emilia Miles.
“After the Fort Wayne facility is converted to an LPC, it is expected that the facility will be equipped to efficiently mail and ship packages, letters, and flats,” the Postal Service said in the release. “The LPC is also anticipated to offer express services and accept bulk and permit mail.”
The USPS said the investment is part of a $40 million effort to improve its processing, transportation and delivery networks.