Postal Workers, Supporters Protest Across Country

APWU members and supporters ramped up the fight to Stop Staples and its bid to open postal counters in 1,500 stores nationwide at events across the country on April 24, a National Day of Action. Protests were held in 56 locations in 27 states.

In Washington, DC more than 200 people marched through the streets to a Staples store holding signs that read, "Stop Staples. The US Mail is Not for Sale," and chanting, “Whose post office? The people’s Post Office!”

Dozens of members of other unions participated in the protest and expressed support for the fight against privatization. John Hegarty, president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union; Tim O’Malley, vice president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and John Cox, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, addressed the crowd. A delegation from the American Federation of Teachers — who are key allies in this fight — also participated.

Members of the Nation’s Capital Southern MD Area Local APWU participated, along with members of the Montgomery County (MD) local, and the Northern Virginia Area Local.

APWU President Mark Dimondstein decried the Staples deal, which replaces good, living-wage jobs held by USPS employees with low-wage Staples jobs. “This is a fight against the Wall Street privatizers,” he said. “This is a fight we intend to win.”

Click here to see photos from protests around the country.

Send photos and reports to photos@apwu.org.