Postal Service Looks To Cut 40,000 Jobs In First Layoff In History

[mick silver]

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - "We lost 2 billion dollars and like any other business we have to stay afloat." And to keep from sinking, the United States Postal Service is considering cutting thousands of jobs nationwide. Lavelle Pepper with the post office in Shreveport says they too are feeling the affects of the same disease hitting the country... a struggling economy. "We employ about 685,000 people. If we do layoffs it would include clerks, carriers, mail handlers across all crafts."

Pepper says the postal service is looking to eliminate 40,000 jobs nationwide. There's not an exact number on how many of those could be from the Ark-La-Tex. Pepper says workers who are not part of union with six or less years of service would likely be the first on the chopping block. "We've identified 16 thousand people that are not covered under contract. We'll see what those numbers add up to."

The postal service is also offering early retirement packages to workers over the age of 50 who have more than 20 years on the job. But according to pepper it may not be enough. "The preliminary numbers look like it's not going to be enough and we may have to do something else." But despite what may happen, Pepper says customers will not feel the pain they're going through. "The general public when it takes place won't se any decrease in service.. They largely
http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=9247633

[mick silver]

they are just getting this , they are going to run it like a business

[hihosilver]

But it also includes a bailout for over 50 with 20 years of service. I used to work at a govt position. Most felt it was a job for life once hired and working. I was bored to tears. And how many people getting laid off with private industry get a deal like that offered. Over 50 and 20 years? More social welfare at tax payer expense!

[Kelly]

Over 50 and 20 years? More social welfare at tax payer expense!


Actually, it may be more realistic to look at that as a reward for many long years of service and sticking to a single job. After all, these people have been working at the same job since they were 30 years of age. I believe that is called "seniority" in most jobs. Furthermore, YOU try being over 50 and getting laid off from a job these days. Your chances of finding another are absolutely NIL. There is rampart age discrimination by employers, and even ten years ago people over 50 were finding it hard to get a job. They are automatically disqualified by their age.

[hihosilver]

YOU try being over 50 and getting laid off from a job their age.


Kelly

I am over 50 and reality is i could get laid off at my job. I am aware of the issues in trying to find another job and age. But also i think when a person is laid off from private industry they call it a severance package. And the severance payment is normally so much per year of service, cobra insurance for up to 18 months option and that is about it. I understand what you are saying and agree in theory, but the rest of us get unemployment for a few months.