Statement of Congressman Tim Ryan on the Closing of the United States Postal Services Akron Remote Encoding Center

Statement of Congressman Tim Ryan on the Closing of the United States Postal Services Akron Remote Encoding Center
MAY 5, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement today in response to an announcement by the USPS that the Akron Remote Encoding Center (REC) will close on February 3, 2006:

"The Akron Remote Encoding Center was set up as a temporary facility in June 1994 to speed up the process of routing difficult-to-read addresses. Now, over ten years later, mail-processing technology has advanced to an extent that 38 of the 55 Remote Encoding Centers established in the early 1990's have been closed. Today the United State Postal Service has announced that on February 3rd, 2006, the Akron Remote Encoding Center will also be closed.

"While I recognize that the Akron Remote Encoding Center was always meant to be a temporary facility, I am very concerned about the job loss that will result from this closure. With that in mind, I intend to work closely with U.S. Postal Service officials over the course of the year to ensure that workers at the facility are provided every possible option and assistance for relocation or re-employment elsewhere.

"USPS officials have assured me that all career employees approximately 165 now working at the Akron REC will have the opportunity to be reassigned to other postal positions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. I have also been assured that all part-time, non-career employees will also be offered assistance in efforts to secure other non-postal employment.

"I want to encourage any affected postal service workers who might have questions or concerns to please contact me or my staff at (800) 856-4152 if I can be of assistance in any way."

http://timryan.house.gov/HoR/OH17/Newsroom/Press+Releases/2005/postofficeclosing5505.htm