Category: News Around the Country

The Push to Privatize USPS: What It Means for Americans

President Donald Trump has reignited discussions on privatizing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), raising concerns among employees, major mail users, and unions. The USPS, an independent government agency that has existed for over 250 years, faces ongoing financial struggles, reporting a $9.5 billion loss in the most recent fiscal year. However, privatization could have significant consequences, particularly for rural customers who depend on affordable and universal mail service.

Potential Consequences of Privatization

  • Loss of Universal Service: USPS guarantees delivery to every American address at a standard rate. Privatization could eliminate this service, especially in rural areas, where private carriers may not find it profitable to operate.
  • Increased Costs & Delays: Critics argue that privatization would raise shipping costs and slow delivery times, particularly for essential services like prescription medications and mail-in ballots.
  • Uncertain Future for USPS Employees: With 91% of USPS employees represented by unions, privatization could lead to massive job losses, wage reductions, and benefit cuts.
  • Economic and Logistical Concerns: While Trump’s administration suggests that a private postal system could improve efficiency, history from other privatized postal services—like those in the UK and Germany—shows mixed results, often leading to price hikes and service reductions.

Public and Industry Reactions

  • Strong Opposition from Unions & Businesses: Labor unions and major mail users argue that privatization is an attempt at a “hostile takeover” for profit rather than service improvement.
  • Alternative Solutions Proposed: Some experts suggest that USPS could benefit from strategic public-private partnerships, focusing on transportation and logistics improvements rather than full privatization.

Call to Action
Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact their congressional representatives to oppose USPS privatization and advocate for reforms that maintain universal and affordable mail service.

SOURCE: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/26/business/us-postal-service-privatization/index.html

Urgent: Stop the Unconstitutional Takeover of the USPS – Call Your Senators Now!

Recent reports indicate that President Donald Trump is planning to overhaul the United States Postal Service (USPS) by dismissing its Board of Governors and integrating the agency into the Department of Commerce. This move threatens the USPS’s independence and could lead to privatization, potentially disrupting essential mail services and increasing costs for Americans.

The USPS has been a cornerstone of American society since its inception, providing reliable mail services to every corner of the nation. Privatization could result in reduced services, especially in rural areas, and higher postage rates, affecting small businesses and individuals alike.

Take Action Now!!

It’s imperative to act swiftly to protect the USPS. Contact your senators today and urge them to oppose this unconstitutional takeover. Let them know that the USPS’s independence is vital for maintaining affordable and equitable mail services for all Americans.

By contacting your senators at 844-402-1001, you can help safeguard this essential service for future generations. This number will connect you directly to your senators’ offices. When you call, clearly state your opposition to the proposed changes and emphasize the importance of an independent USPS.

Spread the Word

Share this information with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to make calls and raise awareness about the potential consequences of this action. Collective voices can make a significant impact in preserving the integrity of the Postal Service. The USPS is more than a mail delivery service; it’s a public institution that ensures communication and commerce flow seamlessly across the country. Protecting its independence is crucial.

Rallying Support for Fran and Ann Friel After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Hey APWU family,

This is Tony Rodriguez, your editor for the South Jersey Area Local. I’m reaching out to ask for your help in supporting two longtime members of our union family —Fran and Ann Friel— who’ve been hit hard by Hurricanes Helene  and Milton down in Florida. These storms devastated their home and left them with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Hurricane Helene flooded their house with several feet of water, destroying almost everything they owned. Before they even had a chance to regroup, Hurricane Milton followed, adding insult to injury. These back-to-back disasters have left Fran and Ann in an incredibly tough spot.

As many of you know, Fran Friel is no stranger to the APWU. He served for years as the PA Postal Workers Union State President and started his journey at the Philly BMC Local before moving on to become an officer with the Lehigh Valley Area Local (LVAL). His wife, Ann Friel, was also an active rep with the LVAL. They’ve both dedicated years to supporting postal workers like us.

Now it’s our turn to step up for them.

I’m asking everyone in our South Jersey Area Local to consider donating to the GoFundMe that’s been set up to help Fran and Ann rebuild their lives. 100% of the funds will go directly to helping them cover their immediate needs—rebuilding their home, replacing lost possessions, and paying for temporary housing while they get back on their feet.

Even if you can’t contribute financially, sharing the GoFundMe link with your networks will go a long way. We’ve always been a strong, united community, and now is a time when we can show what that really means.

**Donate here**: GoFundMe: Support Fran & Ann Friel’s Hurricanes Recovery

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A Message from Vince Tarducci, APWU:
“As many of you may have known, Fran Friel was a long time APWU representative, including the PA Postal Workers Union State President. He started out of the Philly BMC Local serving on the Local EB and became an officer for the Lehigh Valley Area Local (LVAL). His wife Ann was also a member of the LVAL representing the members of the local for many years.

I know many have already donated, but in the event you missed previous requests, this is another opportunity. Two back-to-back hurricanes are difficult to have to deal with but their resiliency and many family and friend support, they will get through this.
Thanks”

 

Thank you to everyone who has already donated, and to those who will. Together, we can help Fran and Ann rebuild after these devastating storms. Let’s stand united for two members who’ve always had our backs.

In Solidarity,
Tony Rodriguez
Editor, APWU South Jersey Area Local