Letter to Tammy L. Whitcomb, USPS - Investigate Mismanagement & Poor Conditions at ABQ Facilities

Letter

Dear Acting Inspector General Whitcomb,

I am extremely concerned with allegations that USPS management asked employees at Albuquerque USPS facilities to falsify data in their mail processing efficiency reports in order to hide poor performance. This ultimately contributed to unwarranted staffing cuts and severely impacted services. I urge you to immediately launch an investigation into these allegations and work closely with the American Postal Workers Union to address concerns.

The allegation is simple: in order to make it appear that mail was processed and delivered on time, USPS management ordered employees to modify records indicating that mail and parcels had been processed in a timely manner. In fact, due to chronic understaffing, mail was still sitting in facilities long after they should have been delivered to customers. Management appears to have ordered these actions due to performance-based incentives that are based, in part, on favorable mail processing reports. Due to inaccurate reports, the Arizona District, which manages New Mexico USPS facilities, has further reduced staff levels at Albuquerque facilities, further perpetuating the problem and undermining timely service.

Over the last 8 years, massive staff cuts have produced a dire situation at Albuquerque USPS facilities. Mail is frequently delayed and staff lack the capacity to process mail on time. I am well aware of the dedication of postal workers at these facilities who work hard, long hours because of their commitment to deliver the mail to customers. But due to staffing cuts based on falsified records, USPS employees in Albuquerque lack the capacity and support they need to do their jobs. I am also appalled by reports of crumbling and filthy facilities sorely in need of repairs and additional custodial staff. In fact, there are numerous reports of bats living in the main post office in Albuquerque located at 1135 Broadway Blvd NE.

These reports and allegations are completely unacceptable and disturbing. I request that your office immediately launch an investigation into the falsification of records and poor working conditions of USPS employees in Albuquerque facilities. When mail is late and workers don't have the support they need to do their job, businesses lose money, seniors have to wait for their prescriptions, and New Mexicans suffer. Please contact me if I can assist your office with the investigation in any way.

Sincerely,

Source