Cincinnati postal workers protest USPS cost-cutting and privatization

Postal workers in Cincinnati and across the U.S. gathered on Thursday to defend the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) amid concerns over cost-cutting and potential privatization. Their demonstration followed a request from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for a review of USPS operations by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DeJoy's request includes examining leases for 31,000 retail centers and changes to workers' compensation and retirement plans. Many postal workers worry that these reviews could lead to job cuts and privatization. Michele Hoskins, a postal worker with over 30 years of experience, spoke out during the protest. She warned that selling the postal service to private interests could hinder the delivery of mail to the American people. Last week, USPS announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10,000 employees, primarily through voluntary early retirement offers. Linda Eschenbrenner, one of the workers who accepted the retirement offer, expressed concern about the future of the service she has dedicated her career to. Don Hoffrogge, union president in Cincinnati, highlighted that as the workforce shrinks, efficiency could become a reason for further privatization. He argued that this could lead to reduced services and higher prices, particularly affecting customers in rural areas. The USPS posted a $9.5 billion loss last year, mostly attributed to factors beyond its control, such as pension liabilities. Some lawmakers have expressed alarm over the discussions between DeJoy and DOGE, calling for a hearing on the matter. Despite these concerns, DeJoy emphasized that DOGE is focused on eliminating specific business obstacles. Additional rallies are planned for March 23, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers.