'Demoralized' Indiana Postal Workers Urge Congress For Funding

The Indiana Postal Workers Union says mail carriers are disturbed by recent delays in delivery times as a result of national postal service policies. The union is urging Congress to give funding to the United States Postal Service.

Doug Brown, president of the Indiana Postal Workers Union, says during the pandemic, mailing of first class letters decreased significantly, even as packages remained steady. The loss in revenue prompted the U.S. Postal Service to suspend overtime and additional truck runs that help understaffed offices run efficiently.

“It’s demoralizing because we are in a culture that delivers every piece of mail: every package, every day,” he said. “When we’re told you have to delay the mail it’s upsetting for postal workers. We want to deliver for America.”

Brown says mail sorting machines are slated for removal in cities across the state with some already disassembled or idled. As of Tuesday, removals have been temporarily suspended until after the election.

But without additional funding, he said it’s very possible mail-in ballots could be delayed. 

Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.