photo credit: APWU
30 California members call for protection of thousands of postal workers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Alan Lowenthal and 29 other members of the California Delegation sent a letter today urging U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to reject the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) recent pilot program with Staples office supply chain. On November 10, 2013, the USPS and office supply retailer, Staples, announced a pilot program that would put postal retail units in more than 80 Staples stores across the country, including 30 Staples stores in California.
“The USPS-Staples program is a dramatic step in the wrong direction, as it threatens the livelihoods of thousands of USPS employees and jeopardizes the promise of universal mail service to all communities – an obligation Staples, a private corporation, does not have,” the letter said.
Under the pilot program, the USPS-Staples units allow low wage, non-postal employees to provide mail retail services traditionally performed by Postal Service employees at regular post offices. In addition, as the letter states, the USPS is one of the only constitutionally-mandated government agencies, and it is required by law to provide universal service to all corners of the United States – an obligation not held by Staples.
“This is undoubtedly an exercise in union-busting and an attempt at eventual privatization. These are Staples employees doing the jobs traditionally held by highly-trained USPS employees,” Congressman Lowenthal said.
“It is unfortunate that California is bearing the lion’s share of this pilot program. While I commend the Postal Service for thinking out-of-the-box to increase their revenues, they must do so in a way that protects the integrity of the Postal Service, as well as the decades of expertise offered by union postal workers. I fear this is a huge step in the wrong direction.”
The other cosigners of the letter included Representatives Janice Hahn, Jackie Speier, Anna Eshoo, Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui, Brad Sherman, Loretta Sanchez, Henry Waxman, Barbara Lee, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Judy Chu, Zoe Lofgren, Xavier Becerra, Sam Farr, George Miller, Mark Takano, Grace Napolitano, Adam Schiff, Juan Vargas, Raul Ruiz, Susan Davis, Tony Cardenas, Eric Swalwell, John Garamendi, Ami Bera, Julia Brownley, Mike Honda, Karen Bass, and Maxine Waters.
During his time in Congress, Congressman Lowenthal has fought for the preservation of six-day delivery of U.S. mail. He has also cosponsored H.R.630, the Postal Service Protection Act, which would eliminate the requirement that the United States Postal Service pre-fund the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, place restrictions on the closure of postal facilities, create incentives for innovation for the United States Postal Service, and maintain current levels of postal service.
Like everybody keeps saying.. It’s a slow death spiral.. Donuthole’s allowing non- career postmasters across the country.. I guess we don’t need the Inspection Service or Postal Police anymore.. Republicans motto is to Privatize everything!!!! If the Republicans win the Senate in November and hold onto the House, the Republicans will impeach President Obama!!! I’m saying it now. We must get out in vote in November!!!!! Republicans protect the 1% of America.. The KOCH brothers, the Big Banks and Insurance companies.. Republicans won’t even raise the minimum wage for god sake.. Get out and vote Democrats!!! We have no choice If we want to keep our jobs, homes, send our kids to college, our pensions and health insurance…..
Toyota is fleeing California. The USPS is a captive employer who cannot flee. Let’s hope that Honda does not view the Delegation’s position as indicative of an anti employer, anti business bias. If Honda eventually concludes that the California politicians have no concern for their interests, they too may flee to Texas or another more friendly environment.
Paul, I wouldn’t keep saying that. The USPS could pay for training to Staples management, and pay for all training materials.Staples could also hire retired window clerks or retired postal management.
There has been a leaked email from USPS execs that the goal is to contract out the window duties, to reduce labor cost and credit card processing fees
The one big thing missed here is that Postal employees are sworn to protect and uphold the sanctity of the mail, and receive training in the proper handling of the mail to protect the public trust. Staples employees don’t take such an oath, and don’t receive training from the USPS. (To get around this, the letter you send at Staples does not become “mail” until it is received by the USPS.) While expanding access while reducing overhead is a great idea, why not just station Postal employees at Staples?
People at P&DC working overtimes every day. Good news!
Donahoe is laughing at this. He is bought and paid for by the GOP.
Privatization can’t happen fast enough for him and his stooges.
Donahoe and the GOP, pillars of the current United States oligarchy.
A letter bought and paid for by the Unions…..I can see each and everyone of the delegation lined up with their hand out for the payoff.
What a joke, by partnering with Staples if provides more reception points for mail and decreases the long lines at the PO, of which the public abhors…
With this move it should free up Postal Clerks to help serve the public, shorter lines to pickup parcels ect….
Dear Mr. Lowenthal,
Hello as a postal employee working in Florida i commend you for fighting for us
Keep up the fight if i was in California you would get my Vote.