David Steiner to Take Over Control of U.S. Postal Service
In a surprising turn of events, David Steiner, a former CEO of the nation’s largest waste management company and present member of the FedEx board of directors, is all set to assume the role of the U.S. Postal Service’s 76th postmaster general. This revelation, announced by Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS’ Board of Governors, has sparked concerns from postal unions over the potential privatization of the USPS.
Steiner’s Appointment: A Step towards Privatization?
The announcement of Steiner’s appointment has led to widespread speculation about the future of the USPS, a quasi-public institution that serves nearly 167 million residences, businesses, and post office boxes across the country. Postal unions are worried about the possible privatization of services, job cuts, and the end of the universal service obligation.
- Brian L. Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, voiced his concerns stating, “His selection isn’t just a conflict of interest — it’s an aggressive step toward handing America’s mail system over to corporate interests.”
- Expressing similar sentiments, Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, likened Steiner’s appointment to a fox guarding a hen house.
Steiner’s Response
Despite the concerns and criticism, Steiner remains positive about his new role. He expressed his admiration for the public service mission of the USPS, calling it “an incredible honor to be asked to lead the world’s greatest postal organization.” He further insisted on maintaining the USPS’s role as an independent establishment of the executive branch.
McReynolds and USPS’s Vision
Amber McReynolds, expressing her faith in Steiner, stated, “Dave is a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience, and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service.” She mentioned the board’s eagerness to work with Steiner towards providing universal and excellent service for the American public.
USPS’s Future Plans
The USPS is currently in the middle of a 10-year modernization and cost-cutting plan called “Deliver for America.” This initiative, which began in 2021 under Postmaster Louis DeJoy, aims to halt the agency’s losses. However, it has been met with mixed reviews. While some believe it has led to significant efficiency improvements, others criticize it for causing mail delays, unsustainable postage increases, and business declines.
Despite the ongoing debates and uncertainties, the USPS’s future direction under Steiner’s leadership remains to be seen. With talks about possibly shifting the USPS under the control of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the future of this historic institution is poised for change.
The appointment of Steiner was first reported by The Washington Post and this story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
