In a nationwide initiative, postal workers and community members gathered in Eagan, Minnesota, to advocate for better service from the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Concerns such as low staffing, extended wait times, and delayed package deliveries have prompted rallies in various cities across the country.
About 60 people participated in the Eagan demonstration, part of what the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has termed a “Day of Action.” While union representatives acknowledged that USPS effectively manages the timely delivery of ballots and election-related mail, they are calling for similar commitment to service throughout the year.
Similar protests took place in about 90 cities nationwide, emphasizing demands for reliable service and delivery, including seven-day delivery options. Union leaders assert that the key to achieving these goals lies in investing in the postal workforce.
Dave Cook, president of the APWU St. Paul chapter, criticized the current operational strategies under the Postmaster General’s “Delivering for America” plan, claiming these decisions have led to a decline in service quality and increasing mail backlogs.
“If they staffed properly and returned service standards to their previous levels, we could deliver mail on time… They are trying to turn us into a business rather than maintaining our role as a service,” Cook stated.
The rally in Eagan was not only about improving services but also addressed safety concerns for postal employees, particularly in light of a recent incident in Chicago where a mail carrier was tragically murdered. Elise Foster, president of the Chicago 11 branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers, expressed urgency for action.
“We’re under attack. We need someone to do something about it,” Foster stated.
The demonstrations come as congressional discussions are pending on the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, which seeks to enhance penalties for assaults against mail carriers and increase funding for security measures, including the modernization of mail collection boxes.
Spencer Block, a spokesperson for the US Postal Inspection Service, acknowledged the concerns of postal workers and noted progress made through the agency’s Project Safe Delivery program. This initiative has reportedly reduced robberies of mail carriers in the Chicago area, with incidents dropping from 103 in the 2023 fiscal year to 31 for the recently concluded fiscal year.
Block emphasized that while the USPS is taking steps to enhance safety and security, the ongoing concerns about service levels and staffing persist. With over 200,000 members, the APWU is committed to advocating for better working conditions and service quality for both employees and the communities they serve.
