USPS announces next phase of organizational changes

The United States Postal Service announced on Wednesday the start of its next phase of organizational changes over the next two months.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in a statement that this second phase of changes will consolidate 67 service districts into 50 districts. The changes also include plans to realign its logistics and processing operations to add an additional division, bringing the total to 13.

As for employees, the Postal Service also said it will offer its voluntary early retirement option, effective April 30, to most of its non-bargaining employees at its headquarters, area and district offices as part of a reduction in workforce.

DeJoy said that the changes will “strengthen our mission and commitment to serve the American people by improving efficiency and streamlining decision making throughout the organization.”

“By improving operational focus and business strategy execution along with greater investment, we will strengthen our public service mission, achieve service excellence, and place the Postal Service on a path toward financial sustainability,” he said.

The next phase of organizational changes are slated to begin in May.

The changes come amid increasing scrutiny of DeJoy’s leadership of the Postal Service amid the coronavirus pandemic and financial strains. DeJoy recently apologized before a House panel for mail delays during the peak holiday season.

The Government Accountability Organization identified the Postal Service as an area of government that was in high need of reform.