DETROIT – Starting this month, the United States Postal Service is rolling out changes as part of the agency’s 10-year plan.
Under a plan to improve service and achieve financial stability, the USPS will be implementing new changes in October -- among them, slower delivery times.
More: Why your mail could be even more delayed starting Oct. 1
The agency was facing some staff shortages before the coronavirus pandemic struck, but now there are more positions open than ever. And with pandemic-related issues already causing mail delivery delays, the agency is looking to hire amid the new changes to ensure everything stays on track.
The USPS is looking to hire for 800 positions in Metro Detroit alone -- not including an additional 1,000 temporary positions available for the holiday season. All positions are currently open, from working outside as a letter carrier, to working indoors as a mail processor or a retail associate.
The post office even has mobile trucks out at different branches in an effort to recruit people. And the wages aren’t too shabby: a city letter carrier can make $18.50 per hour, a rural carrier can make $19 per hour and a semi truck driver can make $23 per hour.
“I was able to take care of my kids, even after my divorce, able stand on my own,” said USPS letter carrier Kelly Mathaw. ”I sent two kids to college -- you know, (University of Michigan) tuition ain’t cheap -- and just take care of my family. If they ever need anything, I’m there.”
Mathaw loves her job, and is surprised that there are so many openings with the post office. Especially since the postal service is one of the many services that can’t stop, even through a pandemic and a labor shortage.
Learn more about job openings with the USPS right here.
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