[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE POSTMASTERS FAIRNESS AND RIGHTS ACT OF 2001

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today I support our nation's 28,000 
Postmasters by introducing the Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act of 
2001.
  Under current law, Postmasters are denied the basic right to discuss 
fundamental issues which impact the quality of mail services provided 
to your constituents, the management of your local Post Office, and 
their own compensation. Postmasters suffer from a dysfunctional 
``consultation process'' whereby Postal Headquarters may unilaterally 
mandate local Post Office operational changes.
  The Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act of 2001 seeks to remedy this 
inequality by enabling Postmasters to take an active and constructive 
role in managing their Post Office and discussing compensation issues. 
If the Postmasters and Postal Headquarters are unable to reach an 
understanding, the Act provides for a neutral outside party to resolve 
the disagreement. If enacted, the Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act 
would foster better mail services by allowing Postmasters greater input 
in operational decision-making, improving Postmaster morale, and making 
it possible to attract and retain exemplary Postmasters.
  This legislation had 238 cosponsors last year. With the support of my 
colleagues in the 107th Congress, we will be able to move this 
legislation and finally restore fairness to our nation's Postmasters.

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