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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPostal workers rally, raise concerns about privatizing mail
For almost 28 years, Kurt Eckrem has delivered what lots of people call snail mail.
In a time when even email sometimes isnt answered fast enough, when efficiency means a text message, the U.S. Postal Service is being challenged.
Eckrem, a rural carrier with a route on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, didnt deliver letters or packages Monday, the federal Columbus Day holiday. Instead, he rallied with other postal workers and supporters carrying U.S. Mail Not For Sale signs in downtown Everett.
Their informational picket, outside the Wall Street Building, was one of more than 100 around the country. Postal workers were protesting the White Houses Office of Management and Budget proposal to privatize the agency.
If you know anything about the background of the post office, it is a public service. It was never designed to make a profit, said Eckrem, 63, president of the Washington Rural Letter Carriers Association. The union is one of four representing postal workers.
Its a universal service. We deliver to every mailbox in the country, Eckrem said. None of the other companies do that.
Bob James, who also rallied Monday, heads the National Association of Letter Carriers in Snohomish County.
The USPS is in the Constitution, James said. What differentiates the Postal Service, its not so much looking at the profit as much as we are trying to do our best to serve the American public.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/postal-workers-rally-raise-concerns-about-privatizing-mail/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=bd234cec1f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-bd234cec1f-228635337
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,239 posts)There's always some ratfuckery they're trying to distract us from.
violetpastille
(1,483 posts)"Starting January 21, 2018, First-Class Mail International Service for Flats containing merchandise will no longer be available directly from the USPS."
This means that when once it was extremely cheap and easy to send something small and light Internationally, like a mixtape for instance, it is now comparatively expensive and a pain in the ass that requires a customs form and a tracking number.
I saw that as a step toward privatization.