I hope I can clear a few things up since I am one of the contractors being affected by this change. Contracts are good for about 5 years and then they get counted for renewal. This renewal included about 24 routes. 15 of the routes were denied renewal and they did an appeal which still got denied and they were informed it would be going up for bid as a large contract. Everyone was waiting to see who would be awarded this bid, in the meantime 5 routes negotiated their contracts and thought everything was fine and 2 weeks ago they were told they are now being converted to rural routes (postal jobs) the other 15 who have been waiting found out on Friday that March 31st will be their last day. Total routes affected are 21 which span across 32159, 32162, and a majority of 32163. We do not understand why this is happening but they are making them postal positions and any of the current contractors may now apply for a position at the Lady Lake Post Office and go through the hiring process. 15 were given a week notice and 5 were given about three weeks notice. This is devastating to all of us. I know some customers were happy with their carrier and I'm sure some were not. If you were in the 32163 I know those carriers loved their customers and their customers loved them.

Yes, very dependable and nice!

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This is so true. But the same can be said of the retirement benefits for public school teachers, police, firemen, and nearly all government workers. I have many friends in those kinds of positions, and in their retirement, they are making more money from their pension, than I make working 50 hours a week. And they're attitude is generally, "I got mine". One of these days, these pension costs are going to come back to haunt everyone. I'm in favor of decent pensions, even though private sector does not do this any longer. But when I see people getting high 5 and sometimes 6-figure pensions, it makes me sick. They are getting more in retirement than the working people they serve.

Wonder if the postal unions had a hand in this now that The Villages is much larger? We have been very happy with our contract person in 32163.

If they did the post office would have never implemented contractors in the first place. They make enough to survive pay check to pay check. Out of that they have to pay for their own vehicle, self employment tax, purchase their own uniforms, as well as pay out of pocket for any office supplies needed to do their job more efficiently. Lets not forget the commercial insurance that they have to have that is most likely higher due to the amount of accidents in the area. To top that off the only days they have off are Sunday's and national holidays.

I agree. But, the difference is the the postal union wants to tell you that the USPS doesn't cost the taxpayer any money, which is total hogwash. Other Government employees acknowledge that their agencies do not raise more money than they spend.

The postal unions want to completely ignore the necessity of funding future pensions and health care. I saw this up close and personal, as I have a brother who was president of a local postal union bargaining unit for many years. The stuff that was espoused in the name of the "union" would make most people ill. They will also try to persuade you that the USPS is an indispensable part of the government. Actually, the best thing would be to privatize, and let the private company charge bulk mail rates that make sense.

Just a note from a retired Postal worker: the Post Office is self funding. It is NOT supported by taxes, but by its own sales and postage. I can also tell you from PERSONAL experience that my "pension" consists of a very small government stipend (into which I paid for almost 20 years) and Social Security. The two combined come nowhere near what I earned while employed. It rankles when people who have no direct knowledge present unfounded crud that "everyone knows" as fact. I do NOT get health insurance "paid for" for the rest of my life. NONE of us do. I pay for Medicare (comes out of my Social Security) and I pay for additional insurance (comes out of that small pension). End of rant.

So, why did the U.S. Postmaster recently acknowledge that the agency lost over $10 billion in fy 2015 and 2016? The U.S. Postal Service's own fiscal reports show that they lose money every year. Look it up. Isn't that direct knowledge?

I am very sorry to hear about this situation, I know myself and several neighbors really like our postal contractor, she has always been very helpful and pleasant, Now I have no idea if this is useful, but I have been keeping an eye out for jobs for my stepson, and I keep getting postings for postal positions in the Wildwood Post office. Please pass this on to your fellow contractors, and I hope this works out for all of you.

We have been treated like royalty by the two people who run the Paradise Postal Facility. The latest example of them going above and beyond what is necessary was a white package 8 1/2" x 11" addressed in crayon from our granddaughter that had one get well soon personalized homemade card that was short 50 cents on the postage. They delivered it anyway and not only was the card touching, the extra effort from our Postal Person should be mentioned. I hope our two Clerks get the position and it works out great for them. After all, they have responsibility just as we all do. Best of luck to them and thanks for the favor.

I'm sorry, but maybe I'm not understanding this correctly. Am I to understand that 20 people will be let go and replaced by one person?

If that is the case, perhaps it explains why USPS always seems to be in financial trouble. If one person can do the job why are they employing 20?

Is the mail supposed to be a government service or simply an agency to give people jobs?

If I'm not understanding this correctly please enlighten me.

No, they will be replaced by new postal workers.

I am very sorry to hear this as we live in 32162 and are very happy with our mail delivery person.