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Monroe County, Florida --- Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation, and her office are working to improve the staffing situation at the Key West Post Office. Ileana and her staff have sent memos, letters and have met with US Postal Service (USPS) officials on various occasions regarding this important matter. The latest missive from the Congresswoman took place this week when she once again contacted the USPS asking that they reconsider their staffing decisions at the post office in Key West and terminate their mandatory staffing shortages. 

The Congresswoman has made it clear to USPS officials that their decision to eliminate 6 full time clerk positions has had a very negative effect on customer service at this locale. She also believes that the mandatory staffing shortages being implemented by the USPS are causing great havoc amongst Key West residents and is not producing the desired results the postal service is seeking. When agency initiatives clearly fail, then the USPS has a responsibility to its customers to shift gears and get on the right path in assuring their customers receive the help they deserve.

With the winter tourist season upon us and an increase in demand for USPS services, it is imperative that the Postal Service reconsider its staffing policies.

Said Ros-Lehtinen, “I am again asking the USPS to reconsider its staffing decisions at the Key West post office. My Congressional office has been contacted by local elected officials and residents who are rightly complaining about 30 minutes and one hour waiting periods for simple postal chores. Most of the persons standing in line are doing work related to their businesses and these unnecessary delays cost them time and money.

Residents are especially concerned over what will happen in the coming winter months as this is high season for the tourism industry and they worry because if the delays are long now, they will certainly be unbearable with the mass influx of tourists. The USPS must understand that their staff reductions have had negative consequences for customers and especially in a city like Key West, which is remote and at the Southern tip of an island chain. Adequate postal service in Key West is a necessity not a luxury.”