On June 10, 2009, USPS informed NALC that it was conducting a study of the impact of switching to five-day delivery and developing an implementation plan. The study was to be completed in 60 days. USPS sought our “input” and our views on the issues such a change would raise and the “impact” it would have. And they wanted that input and those views -- for one of the most momentous decisions in postal history -- by June 19, 2009, just seven business days later.

On June 17, NALC responded, requesting a prompt meeting with the USPS’ study team and its technicians to receive a detailed briefing including review of the relevant data, projections, sensitivity analyses and assumptions being used in the study.

On July 7, we attended a meeting in response to our letter. We received none of the information or data requested. We were told that there were a lot of experienced, knowledgeable people in the Postal Service who understood the issues, had determined to explore dropping Saturday delivery, would conduct meetings and polls, and expected the draft report in a few weeks. USPS told us they “understood our position.”

The Postal Service cannot unilaterally end Saturday delivery. Such a change would require a change in the law and a 90-day review by the Postal Regulatory Commission. NALC will fight any attempt by the Postal Service to convince Congress to make this radical change.

Needless to say, we relay this report with great disappointment and regret. NALC will proceed professionally and vigorously to oppose the elimination of six-day delivery on its merits. Notwithstanding our position, we will also carefully scrutinize the Postal Service’s study to ensure that its data and assumptions are credible and that it fully considers all the ramifications of such a radical change. NALC would much prefer to work with the USPS on win-win solutions to the ongoing crisis, but is prepared to act on its own to defend the long-term viability of the U.S. Postal Service.