January 5, 2010

ELMIRA -- Elmira postal workers get word all the mail sorting machines at the Sullivan Street Facility will be moved out by next month.  But the local union president says his fight to keep jobs in Elmira was worth it.
     A U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman says no date has been set, but it could happen during the long president's day weekend.
     It's not the news American Postal Workers Local 2255 president John Dahl wanted to hear.  You may remember, Dahl asked our local lawmakers in Washington to help keep jobs in the area.  Even the City of Elmira passed a resolution supporting the postal workers.
     As it stands, 24 clerks and nine mail handlers at the Sullivan Street Facility have received 60-day notices saying their jobs are potentially affected.  A postal service spokeswoman says the next step is to send employees letters about their options.
     Because it's a government contract, no one can be laid off under the plan.  Some could retire, but many would have to uproot their families.
     “The congressman, senators -- towns have voted -- they don't want this to happen.  I look at it as that's the American people saying we don't want this to happen.  But the postal service is allowed to do whatever it wants, no matter what the American people -- who they're supposed to serve – say,” said Dahl.
     Four out of the five mail sorting machines will move to Rochester, the other heads to Buffalo.