Postal workers fear job loss from potential privatization
Postal workers in the U.S. are facing growing fears about the possibility of privatization of their jobs. Miriam Bell, the president of the American Postal Workers Union, has sent out warning emails to employees, saying that their job security is at risk. These concerns arise after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy recently wrote to Congress, stating that his administration would address problems within the postal service, including retirement asset management. This has raised alarms among workers, especially as Elon Musk has been given a role in government efficiency initiatives that could affect operations. DeJoy has responded to many inquiries about privatization but has not provided clear answers. Instead, he described the current changes at the Postal Service as a "historic level of transformational change." Bell expressed serious concerns, stating, "None of our jobs are safe at this point." She emphasized that previous layoffs were not justified, and workers should be wary of future job cuts. The union plans to hold a nationwide rally on March 20 in 150 cities to inform the public about the dangers of privatization. In her message, Bell warned that privatization could lead to increased postage rates, reduced delivery areas, and other negative impacts. DeJoy's ambitious 10-year plan aimed to eliminate delivery issues but resulted in a considerable loss of $6.5 billion in 2023, despite a net income of $56 billion the year before.