Postal workers rally in Chicago against potential privatization of USPS

CHICAGO – Letter carriers across the country and in Chicago rallied Sunday against possible cuts to the United States Postal Service.

The protest was part of a nationwide movement in support of the USPS, with other demonstrations held across the country in recent days. Those who participated made it known they oppose the idea of selling the agency, a move proposed by President Trump.

“Hands off the United States Postal Service!” Elise Foster, president of Branch 11 of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), said.

Sending a loud and clear message to the Trump administration from Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago, letter carriers, postal service workers and supporters gathered to protest the potential privatization of the USPS.

“We’re going to save the post office because the post office is the backbone of our democracy,” State Rep. Theresa Mah (D) said.

Many shared personal experiences about USPS highlighting how this form of communication empowers small business owners and everyday people.

“My parents could send tons of invoices that I hand-stuffed to customers through the USPS. Parts for service, checks that paid the staff that were delivered daily,” Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim said.

“Whether it’s letters, cards, medicines, package, that letter carrier is out in every single community six days a week. We pick up whatever you need delivered,” NALC Branch 11 National Business Agent Mike Caref added.

The postal union argues that the agency operates without relying on taxpayer dollars, funding itself through the sale of postage and products. They warn that any changes to USPS will result in limited access, reduced services and increased costs.

“Why would President Trump want to take postal service from 51.5 million households in rural districts? Why would he want to affect jobs of 640,000 postal employees, more than 73,000 veterans out of work,” State Rep. Joyce Mason (D) said.

Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed that the postal service should not be dismantled, saying it’s a critical service and one of the many public resources that must be approved.

“Whether it’s the mail, whether it’s education, whether it’s justice, whether it’s environment, we are fighting for the working people of this country,” Johnson said.

Postal union leaders and state lawmakers said while they raise their voices to prevent USPS from being sold to a private company, they are also focused on ensuring the safety of the men and women who deliver and process the mail.