Contact: Joe Smydo, jsmydo@usw.org, 412-562-2281
(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway today issued the following statement in honor of National Postal Worker Day.
“National Postal Worker Day takes on added significance this year because of the tremendous sacrifices that these dedicated public servants have made to keep the nation functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Postal workers risk their lives every day to deliver the medicines and other supplies that their fellow Americans need to survive the health crisis. They bring the letters that keep families and friends connected during this unprecedented period of lockdowns.
“And come November, the U.S. Postal Service will play a critical role in preserving American democracy by delivering the unusually large number of absentee ballots likely to be cast in a presidential election occurring amid the pandemic.
“Sadly, although the postal service is more important than ever, its fate has never been in greater jeopardy.
“Unless Congress and President Donald Trump act quickly, the postal service will soon be forced into bankruptcy because of budget problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 recession. The U.S. mail is a lifeline Americans cannot afford to lose. That’s why the public overwhelmingly supports saving it.
“The USW salutes postal workers for their heroic service to America and calls on the federal government to take immediate steps to safeguard this vital institution.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.