All articles tagged with #postal service
Denmark is ending its traditional postal service, with PostNord delivering its last letter as digital communication replaces physical mail, making Denmark the first country to fully phase out traditional letter delivery due to the decline in mail volume and the rise of digital communication. The shift reflects broader global trends, though concerns remain about accessibility for vulnerable groups.
A pro-Russian hacking group claimed responsibility for a DDoS cyberattack that disrupted France's postal service just before Christmas, affecting package deliveries and online banking, as part of broader hybrid warfare efforts against Western countries supporting Ukraine.
A major cyberattack, likely a DDoS, disrupted France's postal service and banking operations just days before Christmas, causing delays and service outages amid ongoing concerns about cyber warfare involving Russia and other foreign actors.
A suspected cyberattack involving a DDoS incident disrupted France's La Poste postal service and La Banque Postale banking during the Christmas season, causing delays in mail delivery and online banking services, though customer data remained unaffected.
Canada Post workers have initiated a nationwide strike in response to the Canadian government's call for major reforms to address financial and operational challenges, leading to service delays and concerns over job losses and delivery standards.
Most retail stores, grocery chains, and restaurants will be open on Labor Day 2025, while major banks, the U.S. Postal Service, and stock markets will be closed. Check local hours for specific businesses, as they may vary.
The new postmaster general, Steiner, downplays concerns about privatizing the USPS amid Trump's suggestions of a government takeover, emphasizing his commitment to the agency's role in democracy and the economy, despite criticism from postal unions and concerns over privatization risks.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has extended the Open Season for the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program until December 13, 2025, to give enrollees more time to review and change their health plans. This extension comes after some Postal enrollees faced difficulties with the new PSHB enrollment platform, including login issues and incorrect plan information. The American Postal Workers Union advocated for this extension due to these challenges. OPM has also made improvements to customer service and provided alternative identity verification methods to assist enrollees.
A national strike at Canada Post is causing significant disruptions to Christmas shopping in Canada, with many small businesses facing financial losses due to delayed deliveries. The strike, which stems from unresolved negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, has led to increased shipping costs and inventory backlogs. The union is demanding better pay and benefits, while Canada Post seeks more flexible work hours and temporary workers to expand delivery services. The situation is exacerbated by rising living costs and negative consumer sentiment, prompting calls for government intervention.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia expressed frustration with the unacceptable delays in mail delivery, citing constituents' struggles with receiving prescriptions, paying rent, and conducting business. The USPS has tracking data available on its website, showing that mail delivery in Georgia has significantly slowed, with only 42.48% of mail arriving on time and taking an average of 4.9 days to deliver, compared to 2.6 days a year ago. The public can access this data to monitor delivery performance by state and region, but specific ZIP Code details are not provided.
The U.S. Postal Service has proposed an 8 percent increase in postage prices, including a rise in the cost of a Forever stamp to 73 cents from 68 cents, with the changes set to take effect in July pending approval from a regulatory commission. These price hikes are part of the Postal Service's 10-year plan to address projected losses of $160 billion, attributed to factors such as the requirement to fund retiree health care benefits in advance and declining mail volume.
The new Regional Postal Distribution Center in Palmetto, Ga., intended to streamline operations, is causing major mail delays and frustration for customers due to trucks sitting idle for hours, a lack of personnel, and operational inefficiencies. The facility, which opened three weeks ago, has led to significant delays in mail delivery, leaving customers waiting for weeks and months for their mail. The Postal Workers Union president attributes the issues to the relocation of machines and mail operations, resulting in a void of personnel and supervisors unaccustomed to certain tasks, further slowing down operations.
Despite efforts to combat letter carrier robberies, the number of postal carriers robbed in 2023 rose again, with injuries nearly doubling, prompting legislation to accelerate the replacement of mailbox keys and boost prosecutions. Postal robberies have grown sixfold over the past decade, prompting concerns for the safety of letter carriers and the security of the mail. Efforts to address the issue have led to hundreds of arrests and a recent dip in robberies, but concerns remain about the safety of postal workers and the potential impact on mail delivery and democracy.
The New Hampshire congressional delegation has expressed concerns about potential changes at the USPS Manchester processing center, including the possible relocation of most mail processing operations to the Boston facility. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen emphasized the negative impact this could have on jobs and mail delivery in the state, particularly in rural communities. The delegation has requested more information and a rescheduling of the public feedback meeting, while a USPS spokesperson stated that there are currently no plans to close the facility but that it is being reviewed for potential operational changes.
The U.S. Postal Service will implement its third rate increase in 12 months, with the cost of a first-class stamp rising to 68 cents, up 2 cents. Other changes include increases in metered 1-ounce letters, postcards, international postcards and 1-ounce letters, as well as priority mail and USPS Ground Advantage. The adjustments are aimed at providing the Postal Service with much-needed revenue to achieve financial stability as outlined in its Delivering for America 10-year plan.