Local leaders respond following job cut announcement for USPS

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Associated Press is reporting that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is planning to work with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut up to 10,000 jobs as they work on government reforms. 

This comes in the midst of Bozeman USPS offices working to resolve staffing ongoing shortages. 

As of Friday afternoon, the USPS has not responded to questions about potential layoffs at the Bozeman locations. However, hiring posters are still present at both offices. The Baxter Lane location also hosted a job fair on Thursday and has more slated for the next three weeks. 

A February letter from Montana's Washington D.C. delegation addressed to Postmaster DeJoy urged action on staffing-related issues such as route closures, extended delivery timesand unsustainable working hours. All four of Montana’s delegates signed the letter. 

Following the news of potential job cuts and USPS reforms, Representative Ryan Zinke provided the following statement: 

“The USPS has struggled for a long time to provide the service Montanans deserve. It’s obvious the organization needs some modernization and efficiency upgrades while prioritizing critical services like daily home delivery and local sorting. Montanans deserve and rely on predictable mail service for medication, personal finances, and our elections, we can’t let that go. I will work with USPS to make sure that their plans reflect that.” 

Senator Steve Daines also provided a statement on the matter: 

“I’m glad to see USPS working with President Trump to reduce government spending by offering a voluntary retirement option for employees across the Postal Service. I will continue to work closely with Postmaster DeJoy to ensure USPS can continue providing essential delivery services for Montanans, especially in our rural communities.” 

New job listings have appeared online in recent days for the Bozeman USPS branches.