March 9, 2006 -- A U.S. Postal Service retiree says the problem with backed-up mail is very real and says unless lawmakers get involved, the public will see only more problems with their mail.

"There's a reason behind it, because the mail is backed up," said Oscar Cabral.

Cabral said he is fully aware of the problems with backed-up mail because he delivered mail in El Paso for more than 34 years. He is now retired and said he is able to speak with the media without fear of retribution. But for current employees, he said it is policy within their code of conduct not to make public statements.

KFOX first reported about the problems with backed-up mail at the main distribution center on Boeing earlier this week. That's when another postal worker came forward; he preferred not to be identified. Cabral is now backing up the same story.

"They've got so much mail out there it's pathetic, and it's backed up," said Cabral.

Still an active member of the letter carriers' union, Cabral said post offices are understaffed to process all of the mail. He said that is why some letter carriers are sometimes delivering well into the dark.

KFOX did call officials at the main post office on Boeing, but its calls were not returned. However, in an interview earlier this week, a U.S. Postal Service representative acknowledged some of the delays, but said it was only with the advertising mail.

Cabral said the U.S. postal service is downplaying the problem. The union said it now has plans to deliver the issue to congressional leaders.

"If we get lawmakers involved, then somebody is going be looking into the postal issue," said Cabral.