July 25, 2013
By Stephanie West
Washington, DC – The National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the American Postal Workers Union have announced plans to conduct a nationwide joint lobbying effort over the Congressional recess from Aug. 5 to Sept. 6 to urge senators and representatives to co-sponsor the Postal Service Protection Act (H.R. 630 in the House / S. 316 in the Senate), the Protect Overnight Delivery Act (H.R. 2459), and the United Stated Postal Service Stabilization Act (H.R. 961).
This effort is intended to build support for the unions’ demand that Congress take action now to save the Postal Service and protect postal jobs. Currently, there are 28 co-sponsors for S. 316, 163 co-sponsors for H.R. 630, and 72 co-sponsors for H.R. 2459, but many more are needed.
In a letter to local presidents dated July 18, 2013, NPMHU President Hegarty wrote, “Whether or not your facility is affected by consolidation, the Postal Service’s plans to cut service will affect your job, and your livelihood. The Postal Service needs to grow the business, not cut services to the American people.” President Hegarty urged locals to contact their Congressional representatives’ and senators’ state offices to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, to explain the urgency of the House and Senate taking up postal reform before the end of USPS fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2013.
