US Postal Service overpays workers $103 million

THE US POSTAL SERVICE has apparently overpaid its workers a total of $103 million, thanks to a computer glitch.

The error, which is currently being investigated by the Postal Service's inspector general, resulted in each employee being overpaid an average of $2,500. Postal officials are asking the inspector general to look into way to prevent any similar future mishaps.

Apparently, the problem started when the Postal Service tried to send bonuses to a bunch of its employees. Employees who have been mistakenly overpaid are being asked to write personal checks to the Postal Service to refund the cash. Gerry McKiernan, who's a spokesman for the group, told govexec.com that reissuing checks or docking future pay would be too difficult for employees, especially those who may need to use the money in the near future, or those on tight budgets.

The reimbursement is expected to run smoothly, with only a few minor hiccups, according to McKiernan. Officials will be monitoring all future checks to make sure that the mess doesn't repeat itself. µ

L'INQ
Govexec.com