Rep. Angie Craig Calls on USPS Postmaster General DeJoy to Release Plan to Handle Holiday Mail Deliveries in South Metro

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Angie Craig is calling on United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to release his plan to handle mail deliveries in the South Metro during the peak holiday shipping season.

In a letter, Rep. Craig expressed her continued frustration about persistent mail delays in Minnesota and reports of poor working conditions for postal workers. She also requested information on how USPS is preparing to handle the peak holiday shipping season.

“The United States Postal Service is a critical resource to Minnesotans in the Second District of Minnesota. I write to express deep concern and frustration with the ongoing poor delivery service in the Second District, and to request information on the steps USPS is taking to address the needs of my constituents and wellbeing of its employees this holiday season,” wrote Rep. Craig.

Last year, Rep. Craig’s office received outreach from thousands of constituents concerned about their postal service during the winter holiday season – some reporting weeks-long mail delivery delays.

Rep. Craig encourages her constituents to contact her office if they are having any trouble navigating or accessing any federal agency, including their local post offices. For assistance, they should visit Representative Craig’s website at https://craig.house.gov/casework.

A copy of the letter can be found below or here.

November 9, 2023

The Honorable Louis DeJoy

Postmaster General

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20260

Dear Postmaster General DeJoy,

The United States Postal Service is a critical resource to Minnesotans in the Second District of Minnesota. I write to express deep concern and frustration with the ongoing poor delivery service in the Second District, and to request information on the steps USPS is taking to address the needs of my constituents and wellbeing of its employees this holiday season.

I am extremely concerned about reports of poor treatment causing USPS employees to be nervous to come to work. At the busiest time of year for the shipping industry, current and prospective Postal Employees deserve respect and a welcoming workplace for the important service they provide to our communities.

It is unacceptable, particularly when the Postal Service is experiencing staffing shortages, that workers would be treated poorly at their workplace. I am thankful for our letter carriers and postal workers putting long hours in to work through the backlog of mail, and I am concerned that not enough is being done to recruit and retain employees.

As you know from my previous letters, throughout the past year - especially during the peak holiday shipping season last year - my office fielded complaints from thousands of constituents who were dissatisfied with the service of mail delivery. To say I’ve been underwhelmed with your past responses to my letters would be putting it mildly.

Minnesotans need to know their prescription medications, shipments from small businesses, rent checks and holiday gifts will be delivered in time. Last year, many were not. And rather than receive support from the Postal Service, frustrated constituents turned to my office requesting assistance in receiving their deliveries.

In Minnesota, extreme weather happens. But when it does, USPS customers need to be able to rely on responsive support.

In addition to describing the steps USPS has taken to prepare for the FY24 peak holiday shipping season, I respectfully request your response to the following questions:

1. In the Minnesota-North Dakota region, what are the adequate staffing levels needed to accommodate the FY24 peak season, and what are the current staffing levels?

2. What, specifically, is USPS doing to recruit and retain workers during the FY24 peak season? And what steps are being taken to address reports of poor working conditions at USPS facilities?

3. As part of a recent report reviewing USPS performance during the FY23 peak holiday shipping season, Postal Service Management and the Office of Inspector General agreed on a recommendation that USPS “implement a process to respond to inquiries within three business days”. To date, what systems and processes has USPS implemented to meet this recommendation?

4. In how many business days can constituents in the Minnesota-North Dakota region expect to receive a response to their inquiries this holiday season?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, I look forward to receiving your response no later than Monday, November 27, 2023.

Sincerely,

Angie Craig

Member of Congress

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