April 5, 2001
Web posted at: 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT)

ATLANTA (CNN) -- When the U.S. Postal Service announced it is considering eliminating Saturday mail delivery, the news surprised Americans, including those who deliver the mail.

"In order to keep the mail flowing, in order to deliver to our best ability, we need that Saturday," mail carrier J.C. Cliatt told CNN on Thursday.

Cliatt is one of thousands of mail carriers upset over the possible elimination of Saturday delivery. The 366,000-member American Postal Workers Union has said it will "vigorously oppose five-day delivery, the closing of offices and plant consolidation."

On Tuesday, the Postal Service said it will study cutting back to five-day delivery because of huge projected losses, rising costs and a slowing business.

The agency said it expects to lose $2 billion to $3 billion this year. Last year, the Postal Service lost about $199 million after five years in the black.

Management has less than 90 days to report its findings on five-day delivery. The study is examining ending Saturday delivery for all mail except the extra-cost overnight service.

Cliatt said the Postal Service should find other ways to cut costs.

"Mail continues to grow. Service is definitely needed on Saturday," he said.

Members of Congress weighed in on the matter on Wednesday, harshly criticizing the proposal to eliminate Saturday delivery.

"I think that would be the worst thing possible that they could do for themselves," said Rep. Bob Barr, R-Georgia.

Although the Postal Service receives no taxpayer money for its operations, it remains a government agency and operates under laws set by Congress. Ending Saturday delivery would need congressional approval.

The Postal Service has nearly 800,000 employees, including 250,000 veterans