Sen. Kyrsten Sinema highlights need for air conditioned Postal Service vehicles in Arizona

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — With excessive temperatures hitting 111 levels in Phoenix, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema centered on the consequences scorching United States Postal Service automobiles have on staff. She not too long ago held a subject listening to on the USPS District Workplace in Phoenix. She stated of the three,625 USPS automobiles within the state, solely 583, or lower than 20%, have air-con. “These excessive temperatures and the lack to keep away from the warmth throughout a shift creates a harmful surroundings for the women and men who ship our mail every day,” Sinema stated.

USPS district supervisor for Arizona and New Mexico, John Morgan, additionally testified concerning the warmth and staff. There are about 10,000 USPS staff in Arizona, with 3,600 on the road and within the warmth. Morgan stated there have been 12 heat-related incidents in 2022 to date, in comparison with 23 incidents in 2021. He added most of these don’t require medical care, however a medical knowledgeable often comes out and evaluates the scenario.

The consequences of the summer season warmth usually are not solely felt in Arizona however nationwide. In keeping with the Middle for Public Integrity, greater than 900 USPS staff suffered critical damage or loss of life attributable to warmth between 2012 and 2018 throughout the nation.

Throughout her subject listening to, Sinema urged USPS to carry extra air-conditioned automobiles into Arizona when the brand new fleet is rolled out beginning in late 2023 and lasting till 2027.

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