Postal workers fight to keep WNY jobs

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Postal workers delivered a dire message in Buffalo on Tuesday. They're fighting to prevent a possible shutdown.

Buffalo's Main Post Office was dedicated in 1963, during the JFK Administration. Now, it might be on the chopping block. Tuesday morning, hundreds of postal workers showed up for rally to raise awareness about how you can help, save the service.

Buffalo postal workers continued their fight to keep the main distribution plant on William Street open. Bob Drdul's son, Logan, missed school to learn a real life lesson about saving jobs.

Logan said, "It's really hard if post office closes, we'll have to move to another post office."

"It's tough, you don't know. You go day-by-day, and hope things work out for the best," said Bob.

Uncertainty lingers for all of these workers, while a study examines whether the work from this plant should be moved to Rochester, a more central location. If consolidation occurs, it would mean the loss of 700 jobs to the area and delayed deliveries.

Worker Dan West said, "The mail delivery may go from one day to two, two days to three. Checks may not arrive on time, bills may not get paid on time, medicine delayed."

As an alternative, workers called on Congress to pass Bill 1351. It would allow the Postal Service to recoup $60 billion it mistakingly paid to two federal retirement systems.

American Postal Workers Union president Frank Resetarits said, "If that money is returned, plant consolidations like this would be unnecessary because they could use that money for their financial needs."

Postal workers are getting a lot of support locally, especially from city officials who introduced a resolution on Tuesday. Fillmore District council member David Franczyk plans to do everything he can so save the service.

"I know it's the day of the internet, but there's a lot that's still mailed. It's unacceptable and we're going to fight it and I hope it never happens," said Franczyk.

Honks of support seemed to encourage workers, who hope you join in the fight to keep Buffalo's main post office open.

The consolidation study is now underway. Results won't be made public until January. In the meantime, the Common Council's resolution asks WNY Congressional Delegates to push for passage of Bill 1351.