U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) recently called out the United States Postal Service (USPS) for its malfunctioning operations in Minnesota that include delayed mail, poor working conditions, and failed priorities.
“I write to you with grave concern and urgency regarding the United States Postal Service’s operations within the Minnesota-North Dakota Region,” Rep. Stauber wrote in a Nov. 22 letter sent to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “The information I have received from rural carriers and elected officials in northern Minnesota is distressing and demands immediate attention.”
In his letter, for example, the lawmaker pointed to reports of alleged prioritization of certain third-party packages over essential mail, such as medications, bills, and paychecks.
“Moreover, the reports of employees working without adequate benefits and fair compensation are deeply troubling,” he wrote. “Our dedicated postal workers deserve better treatment and fair employment conditions as they tirelessly serve our communities.”
Rep. Stauber also questioned the benefit of a Biden administration policy that earmarks $3 billion for the procurement of a fleet of electric vehicles for the USPS.
“I wonder whether the acquisition of electric vehicles, which are unreliable in cold weather climates like Minnesota, is the most judicious use of resources at this juncture given the financial challenges plaguing the USPS,” he wrote.
The congressman, who has asked USPS leadership multiple times over the past year to fix these issues, again requested that DeJoy answer several questions regarding what he said are “pressing concerns” and to “ensure transparency and fairness within USPS operations,” according to his letter.
Among several questions, for instance, Rep. Stauber asked DeJoy to clarify the alleged prioritization of third-party packages over essential items; provide details regarding sick leave policies for USPS workers; include information about the wage structure and working hours of USPS employees in the Minnesota-North Dakota region; and to outline the specific strategies and initiatives employed by USPS to attract and retain personnel during peak season.
The congressman requested that DeJoy provide answers to these and other questions by Dec. 4.
“The gravity of these allegations necessitates immediate action and transparency,” Rep. Stauber wrote. “Constituents rely on the USPS for vital services, and their trust must not be compromised.”