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."

Postal Service spokesman Brian Wagner said, "We're going from hand sorting to automated equipment. The mail is going to be shipped down to the Champaign office. It's gonna be seamless to our customers. There is no delay in service. The idea is to work more efficiently."

The change is supposed to take effect in January.

Wagner says postal workers who process priority mail will be reassigned to other duties at the downtown branch.

About 300 employees work at the downtown branch..many of them work second shift.

Gunter says some employees could see their hours change to third shift.