USPS revisits schedule for branch closures

In the wake of declining mail volumes and over-the-counter retail transactions, the US Postal Service has updated its stance on closing postal branches nationwide. In May, the agency announced it was considering the closure of 3,105 of its 4,851 post office branches and stations. It amended that figure to less than 1,000 closures, to be done no earlier than October 2.

On July 28, the USPS submitted a list to the PRC of 677 retail facilities that would be studied for possible closure. Among these were 54 offices in New York City, 25 offices in Chicago and 33 in Santa Ana, CA. For every branch closed, the USPS must provide adequate notice of at least 60 days and allow for a comment period, according to government regulations.

According to a Congressional Research Service report filed earlier this month, "the USPS has not said whether any employees at closed retail facilities will lose their jobs. Most, however, probably will be offered positions at new facilities."

In the past five years, the USPS has reduced its total employment by nearly 41,000. As of 2008, the USPS had 36,065 retail postal facilities.