The Post Office Gets It

I can't believe this, but for the second time in two weeks, I'm singing the praises of the US Postal Service. Why? Because they get it. Someone there understands that when you don't have the money, you don't ignore the fact and keep spending. You make cuts. From a CNNMoney report:

According to documents obtained by CNNMoney, the United States Postal Service is appealing to Congress to remove collective bargaining restrictions in order to lay off 120,000 workers. It also wants congressional approval to replace existing government health care and retirement plans.

The post office claims it needs to eliminate 220,000 positions, or more than 30% of its staff by 2015, but only 100,000 of those positions can be made through attrition. The other 120,000 must come from lay offs, according to the documents.

"To restore the Postal Service to financial viability, it is imperative that we have the ability to reduce our workforce rapidly," the USPS wrote.

Two weeks ago, the USPS announced the plan to close 3,600 offices. Now plans to cut workforce. How about that. Nip at the edges to save the whole. Not raise the price of stamps, thereby driving away yet more customers. Cut costs. The picture will be complete if the USPS lowers the cost of postage. I won't hold my breath. How can I? I'm singing me some praises! Rah-rah, USPS! Dare I even dream of selling off this antiquated beast? That would be so appropriate, but hey, let's not get greedy. A move in the right direction warms the heart and clears the bleary eyes.

Feh. Congress will probably stand in the way.