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Postal workers in Kingston gathered on Thursday (March 20) to express their concerns about a potential takeover of the United States Postal Service (USPS) by the Commerce Department. This protest is part of a nationwide response to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's recent announcement of plans to cut thousands of jobs and billions from the USPS budget.
According to Fox 8 Live, the protestors, including members of the American Postal Workers Union, fear these changes could devastate the workforce and reduce service reliability. "The Postal Service is part of the Constitution, and we’ve been around for 200-plus years," said Troy Davis, president of the Mail Handlers Union Local 312.
The proposed changes are also linked to President Donald Trump's plan to potentially sell the USPS, which has been an independent agency since 1970. As reported by MinnPost, Trump has suggested moving the USPS under the Commerce Department, a move critics argue could lead to privatization.
Union leaders warn that privatization could lead to higher prices and reduced services, especially in rural areas. Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, stated, "If this administration succeeds in taking over the USPS, it will lead to higher prices and reduced service."
The rally in Kingston was one of many held across the country, as postal workers and their supporters continue to voice their opposition to the proposed changes. The future of the USPS remains uncertain, with unions lobbying Congress to prevent any structural changes.