News Summary
On March 23, postal workers and community members gathered in Houston to protest against privatization of the USPS. Dressed in red, they voiced concerns over job cuts and budget changes proposed by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. U.S. Representative Al Green and union leaders emphasized the importance of the USPS for everyday Americans, especially in rural areas. The nationwide movement highlights the need for continued public support to ensure the postal service remains universal and integral to the community.
Houston Postal Workers Make Their Voices Heard!
This past Sunday, March 23, the vibrant city of Houston was bustling with energy as U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers and dedicated community members gathered outside a post office in north Houston to stand up for their beloved USPS. This rally was more than just a local event; it formed part of a larger, nationwide protest organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) targeting government proposals that threaten to privatize the USPS.
Red for Solidarity
With a sea of passionate protesters clad in red shirts, the message was clear: they were unified in their fight against privatization. They responded directly to recent proposals made by the Trump administration, which suggested placing the USPS under the control of the Commerce Department. This idea of privatization has been met with a wave of disapproval, especially given that the self-financing agency reported a hefty $9.5 billion loss for the 2024 budget year—a figure largely attributed to factors beyond the control of its management.
Job Cuts and Budget Reductions
Adding fuel to the fire, U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has revealed plans to cut approximately 10,000 agency jobs and trim billions from the budget. This strategy includes collaboration with figures like Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which raises more than a few eyebrows. Additionally, DeJoy has put forth a proposal to dismantle the Postal Regulatory Commission, an essential body that ensures the transparency and accountability of USPS operations. With such sweeping changes on the table, concerns around the future of USPS are legitimate and growing.
Local Support and Opposition to Privatization
Among the crowd was U.S. Representative Al Green, a vocal supporter of postal workers. He took to the microphone to highlight his unwavering opposition to privatization efforts and challenge the proposals made by DeJoy. Al Green cast a critical eye on DeJoy’s 10-year plan, “Delivering for America”, which he suggests has been a key player in the agency’s financial troubles and sluggish delivery times.
Willy Ferguson, the president of NALC branch 283 and a seasoned postal service veteran with nearly five decades of experience, echoed similar sentiments, warning that if privatization moves forward, it could jeopardize mail deliveries—particularly in rural regions where USPS is often the only option. Ferguson called on citizens to rally behind the USPS by participating in protests and reaching out to their elected officials.
The Heart of the Community
Former postal worker Ethel Ford also provided insight into the essential nature of USPS services within the community, emphasizing the strong bonds that letter carriers build with their customers. This connection forms the foundation of how vital USPS is to many people’s daily lives, especially those who rely on its services.
Nationwide Response
The sentiment in Houston was echoed across the nation, with over 200 cities participating in protests aimed at sending a loud and clear message: any attempts at privatizing the USPS pose a significant threat to the 640,000 postal employees and the universal service that millions of Americans depend on. NALC officials have indicated that any privatization initiatives would likely face legal and constitutional challenges, thereby reaffirming Congress’s vital role in postal policy.
Continuing the Fight
As observers note the growing movement across the country, it becomes increasingly evident that the future of the USPS is a hot topic. Many legislators, including Senator Tina Smith, have been vocal critics of privatization pursuits, arguing that the service is absolutely essential for timely deliveries across the nation. With the chorus of voices rising against the possible changes, it’s clear that the community remains devoted to ensuring the USPS continues to serve everyone, just as it has for generations.
As the momentum builds, one thing is for sure: the fight to protect the USPS is far from over. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and continue advocating for the services that connect them with their communities and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Unions Mobilize to Defend the United States Postal Service
Nationwide Protests Against Potential USPS Privatization
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: USPS Workers Protest
- Wikipedia: United States Postal Service
- Newsweek: Protests Against Postal Service Changes
- Google Search: USPS privatization
- News 4 San Antonio: Local Protests Against USPS Dismantling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Postal Service
- KHOU: Postal Workers Protest in North Houston
- Google News: USPS Protests
