Postal workers picket to keep sorting facility in Oshkosh

OSHKOSH - The United States Postal Service for the second time in three years has Oshkosh postal workers on the hot seat.

The USPS is conducting a study in each district nationwide to see if it can consolidate distribution centers. The results could close the Oshkosh facility.

"In regards to our economic downturn, we need to right-size our business," said Marge Oehlke of the USPS.

Oshkosh area leaders and Postal Service officials met to discuss the study. Postal workers were picketing outside the meeting. Congressman Tom Petri says many people and businesses rely on the postal service in Oshkosh.

"We're fighting for their jobs and obviously for keeping the postal distribution center here in Oshkosh. It's a major employer in the area," said Rep. Tom Petri, R-6th District.

The USPS says it's in a tough spot. It's planning to raise the price of stamps again next year. It could also trim delivery to five days a week. Even if the Oshkosh facility is closed postal officials say all of the more than 150 jobs would still be retained.

"I know change is hard, but each of these employees will not be losing their jobs,” said Oehlke. “They will have the option to remain gainfully employed within the postal service."

Employed, yes, but where?

"We all will have jobs to go to, but we don't know where they'll be,” said David Meier, president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 178. “(It) could be Green Bay or Minnesota."

"We're all Packer fans, but I don't want to move to Green Bay," said Jim Raddatz, a postal worker of 30 years.

Union workers with the post office say people in the Oshkosh area will see a decline in service.

"The mail is going to have to go farther away and come back, which is going to put a delay in the mail any way you look at it," said Meier.

The USPS thought about moving the Oshkosh facility in 2007. Just last year, it looked into but decided against moving the Green bay facility to Oshkosh. The workers plan to protest again next week outside the main post office in Oshkosh.

The study won't be completed for at least a month.