Planned automation changes at the Peoria Post office downtown is sparking protests from some of the workers.

The Postal service will move the processing of priority mail from Peoria to Champaign. Several workers gathered outside the post office’s downtown branch for an informational picket today.

Members of the American Postal Workers union 854 say they won’t lose their jobs, but they say customers could see at least a one-day delay in delivery of priority mail which currently takes about two to three days for delivery.

Local 854 President Bob Gunter said, “We have asked them for a copy of the studies they’ve done on this proposed move, the effect it would have on production, as well as the delivery. If they’re so sure it’s not gonna delay then give us their facts and figures. They won’t share that with us.” Full story