MILAN, Ill. — The United States Postal Service (USPS) has paused plans to shift some operations away from its Milan processing center.
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy made the announcement last week that all plans to move operations from nearly 60 distribution centers will be paused until at least Jan. 1, 2025. That includes the one in Milan on 68th Street. It comes after many legislators and community members have voiced concern on the matter, with worries over how it would impact jobs.
One of those lawmakers includes U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, who sent a letter to DeJoy back in February raising concerns over the Milan facility. He released the following statement after the pause was announced:
"The Milan Processing and Distribution Center provides essential services for communities in Northwestern Illinois, and any action that would put local jobs at risk or diminish customer service is unacceptable. I am pleased that USPS has paused any potential changes through 2024, and I will continue to work to protect jobs in Milan and ensure that our neighbors receive their mail on time."
Under the current proposed plan, which was first brought up in January, services at the Milan facility would be transferred to another USPS facility in Des Moines. According to USPS documents, the Milan facility would remain open and become a local processing center.
Officials say the shift would save the USPS more than $1 million in the first year it takes effect. While USPS officials said no career employees would be laid off during the transition, one management position and four craft positions would be cut if the plan moves forward as-is.
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