GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Western Colorado Area Local (WCAL) #600 is holding a rally Thursday with the hopes of bringing public awareness to service reductions.
The rally comes in response to several concerning trends, officials said. All four are listed below.
- Implementation of Regional Transportation Optimization beginning in May 2025
- Multiple postage price increases occur twice yearly
- Declining service standards despite higher costs
- Disproportionate negative impact on rural communities
Vice President of WCAL Shane McDonnell says the Implementation of Regional Transportation Optimization would delay mail overnight.
"It would, at least take another 24 to 72 hours in order for the delay of just the regional transportation optimization, that is not counting any of the other possible plans that they have as far as delivery operations."
WesternSlopeNow talked with post office goers to learn about their experience with the postal service.
"Something has to be done," said retired Grand Junction resident Thomas Hunter.
Hunter says the postal service lost his mail in transit from Grand Junction to Cortez.
"They (USPS) think it's in Denver. Why it went northeast to go southwest, I have no idea."
Others said their experience with the post office has been positive, like financial advisor George Gadzik.
"I think the service is excellent. Everyone likes to throw the USPS under the bus, but they do an awesome job."
Thursday's rally will begin at 4:30 p.m. outside of the Grand Junction Processing Plant with the hopes of raising awareness about service reductions that disproportionately affect rural areas.