Postal service privatization bad deal for the public and workers

Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the likely consequences of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service and efforts to protect this public institution.

Dimondstein framed the privatization push as a struggle between Wall Street and Main Street. He warned that privatization would lead to higher costs, reduced service and job losses for postal employees. The USPS generates over $82 billion annually, which Wall Street investors are eager to capture, he said. Dimondstein emphasized that privatization could harm rural communities, potentially eliminating universal service mandates that ensure mail delivery regardless of profitability.

The USPS owns approximately 8,500 facilities and over 20,000 acres of land, assets that privatization proponents view as ripe for exploitation. Dimondstein cautioned that selling off post offices would result in service reductions and community losses. He said this real estate belongs to the American people and should not be used for private gain. The union is working to alert the public to these threats and mobilize opposition to privatization efforts.

Dimondstein highlighted the APWU's efforts to protect the Postal Service, including nationwide rallies and public education campaigns. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan congressional support for maintaining the USPS as a public entity. The union is calling on supporters to sign petitions, contact legislators and participate in future actions to ensure the Postal Service remains in public hands for generations to come.

Listen to the full episode above to hear more about APWUs efforts to preserve the U.S. Postal Service as a public institution.