Postal Workers Rally Against Potential Dismantling of USPS and Job Cuts
Nationwide protests erupted over the weekend as thousands of postal workers and their supporters took to the streets to voice their opposition to proposed changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS). The rallies were fueled by concerns about the long-term future of the agency, coupled with a recently announced agreement between USPS and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, to eliminate approximately 10,000 jobs in the coming weeks.
The demonstrations were triggered by a confluence of factors, including former President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the USPS, currently an independent agency, could be merged with the Department of Commerce. This proposal, combined with Musk’s publicly stated support for privatizing the Postal Service, has ignited fears that the agency’s vital services could be compromised.
Brian Renfroe, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers, addressed a crowd of protestors in Los Angeles, vehemently rejecting the proposals to privatize or reduce the workforce. He emphasized that regardless of political affiliations, the public did not vote to dismantle the Postal Service. "We had an election in November, and some people voted for President Trump, and some people voted for Vice President Harris, some people voted for other candidates," Renfroe said. "But you know what none of them voted for? To dismantle the Postal Service."
The scale of the protests was evident in the widespread social media coverage, with posts documenting rallies held across the country. From Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to Indiana, Missouri, and Florida, and reaching major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., protestors mobilized to express their discontent. The rallies were unified by popular hashtags such as #fightlikehell and #hellno, reflecting the strong opposition to the proposed changes.
Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union, spoke at the Washington, D.C. rally, stressing the critical juncture the USPS faces. He emphasized that the protests were not a one-time event but the start of a sustained effort to protect the Postal Service. "We’re trying to alert the public, the people of the country, that our postal services are truly in danger," Dimondstein said. "This is not a one-off day, this is the beginning of an ongoing fight."
The core of the controversy centers on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s recent notification to Congress regarding an agreement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. The agreement aims to address the "big problems" facing the USPS through the elimination of 10,000 jobs and other cost-cutting measures. The USPS, which employs 635,000 workers, reported a loss of approximately $9.5 billion in the previous year, a key justification for the changes.
DeJoy’s letter has drawn strong criticism, particularly from Democratic members of Congress. Representatives Maxine Waters, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Jimmy Gomez of California joined Renfroe at the Los Angeles rally, showing their solidarity with the postal workers.
Rep. Gerald Connolly, ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. He characterized the DOGE’s approach as a "chainsaw approach" to cost reduction, decrying the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding their activities. Connolly stressed the importance of Congress and the public having full access to the details of the agreement between USPS and DOGE. He cautioned that the DOGE’s actions could undermine vital services, jeopardize sensitive taxpayer data, and potentially lead to unlawful activities. "Congress and the American people have a right to know the full details of the agreement, the extent to which you have enabled DOGE to apply its chainsaw approach to America’s most trusted institution and how the actions of DOGE employees will undermine lifesaving services, expose sensitive taxpayer data and contribute to other unlawful activity," Connolly stated.
The future of the USPS remains uncertain. The agency, a cornerstone of American society for generations, faces a complex set of challenges, including declining mail volume, rising costs, and political pressures. The agreement with DOGE and the proposals for privatization or integration with the Department of Commerce have ignited a fierce debate over the best path forward. The postal workers and their supporters have made it clear that they will continue to fight for the preservation of the Postal Service as a public institution, ensuring its vital services remain available to all Americans. The rallies mark the beginning of a sustained effort to hold policymakers accountable and protect the future of the USPS.
