Free Republic

The U.S. Postal Service on Friday reported a net loss of $1.5 billion during the first three months of this year, noting that while more people are using its shipping and package services, it’s costly to do and revenues from other products have declined. The Postal Service is an independent agency that receives no tax dollars for its day-to-day operations but is subject to congressional control. It has asked to end most Saturday deliveries, a request that was blocked by Congress amid opposition by postal unions and others. …

Britain's militant postal union yesterday warned of “inevitable” strikes as the dispute over plans to privatize Royal Mail becomes increasingly bitter. … Despite the union’s upcoming ballot, the Government said it will not alter its decision to sell shares in Royal Mail in this financial year. The Royal Mail said industrial action, or the possibility of disruption, was damaging to the business, especially in the run-up to Christmas, which is the busiest time for the company. …