Postal Workers "Speak Up Together" for Dignity and Respect

Postal workers were “fired up, and ready to go,” as APWU members and allies across the country took action to demand dignity and respect on the Workers Memorial Day National Day of Action.

On April 28, union members wore stickers, filled out union surveys, and took to the streets to say “Enough is enough!” to a culture of bullying and toxicity from managers. That toxic culture has made our lives miserable, damaged morale, and forced dedicated workers out of the service, which has created a historic level of employee turnover.

There were approximately 60 rallies and other solidarity events across the country.

At the Philadelphia P&DC, local and state members from across Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey were joined by letter carriers and mail handlers for a press conference and informational picket. Around 60 postal workers chanted, “What do we want?” - “Respect!” - “When do we want it?”- “now!”

in Florida, the Tampa and Orlando Locals rallied together with more than 60 participants taking part. 

In Washington, DC, members rallied at the Curseen-Morris P&DC with local and state leaders, members, as well as APWU national officers. Despite heavy downpours and wind, rally-goers huddled under pop-up tents wearing stickers, holding posters, and chanting, “we’re fired up and ready to go!” Meanwhile, drivers honked their horns in support of the campaign kick-off for postal workers’ dignity and respect.

More than 30 members and allies picketed and chanted in the rain at the Detroit, MI rally. Actor Hill Harper from the television show, The Good Doctor, as well as Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, attended in solidarity with the postal workers, and spoke about the importance of unions and activism.

APWU President Mark Dimondstein said, “Standing together is the only way that we will change this. We should be able to come to work, earn a living, feed our families and get the respect and dignity that we deserve. Then we can continue to carry out the mission that we’re so dedicated to: the wonderful mission of serving the people of this country, and do it with the respect and dignity that we have earned.”

“This is just the first step,” said Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash. “On Workers Memorial Day, we stood together and showed the public that the Postal Service has a big problem. Now that work continues. Upper management needs to understand that the toxic work environment is hurting us all and they need to take action now.”

The nationwide rallies were covered by more than 250 broadcast stations and 150 print publications. Meanwhile, members and their local and state organizations sent in hundreds of photos and videos of their local actions.

To see more highlights of the Workers Memorial Day of Action and to find out more about the ongoing campaign for respect, visit: apwu.org/respect.

See more images from our 4/28 Day of Action on Flickr