LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Hundreds of people are upset that their contracted Lake Buena Vista post office is being forced to close. Unlike other post office closures, this one is a private operation and the closure is the result of a union agreement.
The post office unit has a constant stream of customers, and many were crushed when they found out their beloved post office unit is being forced to shut down.
"My heart sank, and I said, 'no,'" customer Judy Derench said.
"We need them here," customer Rafael Mor said.
The U.S. Postal Service said the closure is part of an agreement with their largest union, the American Postal Workers' Union. The Postal Service said the union felt closing the 20 privately contracted units was a good way to cut costs.
The contracted units turn over all their revenue to the Postal Service. The Postal Service then provides them compensation relative to their performance.
At this writing, a spokesperson has been unable to explain how closing the units will save the Postal Service money. They estimate it will save $3 billion.
There are 850 P.O. boxholders here. They just received notices Friday that they have three weeks to change their address.
Many customers say they don't want to lose the great service they get.
"We ship all over the world from right here," Derench said.
Libby Mills owns Bamboo Salon. She says she moved to this shopping center because of the foot traffic the post office unit brings.
"It's one of the busiest post offices, but they're very efficient," Mills said.
The manager has worked at the unit for 13 years. There are seven employees.
"She's crying in there, she's going to lose her job," Derench said.
The contracted post office unit is set to close March 30.
WFTV
