The Status of Urban Post Offices in the Nation's Five Largest Cities

A review was conducted of the reorganization, closure, and transfer of urban post offices to the suburbs and the effect such actions have on the general profile of urban areas. Information was also obtained on the Postal Service's proposed relocation of the Chicago South Suburban Sectional Center Facility to the Village of Forest Park.

Transfers of postal operations from the Nation's five largest cities to the suburbs have not been extensive. The postal functions transferred primarily involved bulk mail operations. The number of employment positions eliminated in the five cities as a result of these moves was about 7,342. Service officials maintained that no employees lost their jobs as a result of relocations to the suburbs. The Service generally did not have records showing the cost savings resulting from these moves. During the period from June 1973 to September 1977, total postal employment in the five cities declined from 106,517 to 83,960 or about 21.2 percent; possible reasons for the decline include mechanization and declining mail volumes. Except for New York City, Service officials expect employment levels in the five largest cities to remain fairly stable for the foreseeable future. It appears unlikely that the South Suburban facility will be moved to Forest Park because of opposition by city officials, postal unions, and postal employees. From an economic standpoint, the decision to relocate the facility to Forest Park appeared justified.