What: Rally with speakers, music, picketing, Ben Franklin (actor), birthday cake
Confirmed speakers: American Postal Workers Union – John Marcotte & Joe Cogan, National Association of Letter Carriers – Dave Norton, OR AFL-CIO – Tom Chamberlain, Jobs with Justice – Alyssa Pagan, American Federation of Government Employees – Marcia Blaine, and “Ben Franklin”
Plus messages from Senators Wyden and Merkley plus Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici
Who: Sponsored by Portland Communities and Postal Workers United, Portland-area American Postal Workers Union, Portland Jobs with Justice
When: Thursday, July 26, 5:30 – 6:30pm
Where: Main Post Office, 715 NW Hoyt (Broadway)
Why: July 26 is Postal Heritage Day and the 243rd birthday of the US Post Office, whose first postmaster was Benjamin Franklin. We celebrate this public trust and national treasure.
The Trump Administration has launched a frontal attack on the US Postal Service. On June 21st the White House issued a proposal “Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century” which calls for the privatization of the people’s postal service. Among other outrages, the proposal would reduce the USPS obligation to provide universal service, deliver fewer days of the week, eliminate at-the-door and curbside delivery, sell and close post offices and processing plants, as well as eliminate labor protections and reduce wages and benefits for postal workers.
The Administration, Congress, and Supreme Court have taken aim at public services and public-sector workers and their unions in a series of recent assaults. From moves to privatize the postal service and veterans’ healthcare, to incentives to close and privatize schools, to the removal of union security for public sector workers in the Janus vs AFSCME decision, the public and our services are under siege.
Privatization means more profit for the 1% and less service, higher costs, and lower wages for the 99%. Our only hope is to unite and fight back.
(Source: Communities and Postal Workers United)