U.S. Postal Workers Demonstrate Against Privatization
U.S. Postal Service workers across the nation demonstrated today, in front of Staples Stores.
The protest is directed at the Postal Service's plan to operate counters in stores, with retail employees serving as staff. The actions were held at fifty locations, in all of America's states.
Approximately one-hundred New York City workers walked from the 8th Avenue main office to a nearby Staples store. They blurted: ""Hey, hey, ho, ho, Staples deal has got to go" and: "U.S. Mail, Not For Sale".
As WCBS 880 reports, National Postal Mail Handlers Union member Bobby Blum commented, "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder to stop the privatization of the people's postal service". The Union is against this issue, as they believe appropriately paid union workers will be ousted by low-wage non-union employees. They are also concerned about future post office cuts, including closings and layoffs.
Staples spokesman Mark Cautela refused to comment on the matter and only said that the chain is constantly trying new ways to best serve its customers. The U.S. Postal Service is now faced with financial hardships and is looking to increase profits and cut expenses. The Postal Service currently has approximately 65,000 retail partner facilities nationwide. However, the Staples model will offer additional stamp, package, Priority, and certified mail services.
The U.S. Postal Service lost $5 billion dollars in the 2013 fiscal year and $15.9 billion dollars in 2012's budget year. The organization has been vying for Congress to pass mandates alleviating its financial difficulties, that includes ceasing Saturday delivery and a reduction on retired health benefit payments.