USPS Privatization Protest
On Thursday, postal workers and supporters in Minneapolis gathered in protest against what they fear could be the gradual privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The demonstration, held in front of the city’s main post office, was part of a larger, nationwide effort organized by postal worker unions and advocacy groups to oppose privatization efforts.
Concerns Over USPS Privatization
The protest was sparked by growing concerns that ongoing restructuring efforts within the USPS may be paving the way for privatization. Postal unions and employees argue that privatization would lead to higher postage costs, reduced services, and job losses, particularly impacting rural communities that rely on consistent postal delivery.
Speaking at the protest, Mark Johnson, a letter carrier with over 20 years of experience, stated, “The postal service is not just another business; it’s a public institution that ensures mail reaches every American, regardless of where they live. Selling it off to private corporations means customers will pay more for less.”
Local Impact in Minnesota
Minnesota has a long history of supporting the public postal service, and protesters emphasized that privatization would have dire consequences for the state’s rural residents. Many small-town post offices in Minnesota provide essential services, including mail delivery, money orders, and passport applications.
“We’re already dealing with staff shortages and operational challenges,” said Linda Morales, a clerk at a local post office. “Privatization would mean further cuts to services and higher costs for people who can least afford it.”
Union Involvement and Public Support
The protest was organized by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), with support from other labor unions and community members. Protesters carried signs reading “Save Our Postal Service” and “USPS: Not for Sale,” as they marched and chanted outside the post office building.
Community members also joined in solidarity. Residents like Greg Thompson, a retired teacher from Minneapolis, expressed his concerns: “We need to keep the post office public. If it becomes privatized, companies will prioritize profits over service, and that’s not what we need.”
National Context and Future Outlook
The protest in Minneapolis coincided with demonstrations in other major cities, as postal workers across the country voiced their opposition to potential privatization. The Trump administration has previously hinted at restructuring the postal service, and recent changes, including voluntary retirement plans and service reductions, have raised alarm bells among workers and advocates.
Despite USPS leadership’s assurances that no immediate privatization plan is in place, many workers remain skeptical. “We’ve seen how government agencies get chipped away at little by little,” said Johnson. “We won’t stand by and let that happen to USPS.”
As protests continue, labor unions and advocacy groups are calling on lawmakers to pass stronger protections to keep the USPS a fully public service. The next few months will be critical as Congress debates potential reforms and funding measures that could shape the future of the postal service.
For now, postal workers in Minneapolis and beyond remain committed to their fight: keeping the USPS accessible, affordable, and in public hands.
