Closure Of Tulsa Postal Center Would Mean Loss Of 500 Jobs

Craig Day, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The postal service wants to close 250 mail processing and distribution facilities across the country to save money. That includes a large center in Tulsa.

But there is concern that the massive cost cutting plan, will also cost jobs and cut convenience.

In an effort to save three billion dollars a year, the postal service may close many of its processing and distribution centers, including the one at 21st and 91st East.

The U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says it's a way for the postal service to get its finances in order.

"We can sit and keep this existing network going on forever until we're about 10 to 15 percent of the mail, but that is completely irresponsible," Donahoe said.

Of the 250 facilities on the potential closure list, four are in Oklahoma: Tulsa, McAlester, Poteau and Woodward. The Tulsa facility is the largest of those four and employs 573 people.

"Right now, jobs are hard to find anyway and it's a really bad time to be out of a job," said Tulsa resident Meredith Howard.

Not only is Howard concerned about potential job losses, she also wonders about how closures would affect the speed of mail delivery.

"I'm really sad about it, because we usually get our mail really fast," she said.

While some don't want changes, others understand why they might be needed. But say there may be better options.

"I could see where they could cut out Saturday service. I mean, I'm fine with only getting my mail five days a week, that's no big deal. Most people don't sit down and write out the bills on Saturday anyway," said Gary Snider, Tulsa postal customer.

The Postal Service will study the potential impact closing the centers will have and plans to hold public meetings in November to get feedback.

If the Postal Service moves forward with plans to close the processing and distribution centers, it would likely happen in February or March.