Detroit, MI – Hundreds of postal workers gathered outside a local post office on Thursday to protest against potential takeover by the Trump administration. The protesters held signs that read “U.S. mail, not for sale” and “THE POST OFFICE BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE NOT THE BILLIONAIRES,” expressing concern about privatization.
President Donald Trump has suggested merging the U.S. Postal Service with the Commerce Department, while billionaire Elon Musk also supports privatization. The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is fighting against this plan, saying it would lead to higher prices and reduced services in rural areas.
“We touch every address across the country,” said Tamika Johnson-Smith, secretary-treasurer of the APWU Detroit District Area Local. “This job has given everybody an opportunity to lift themselves up and help the community.”
The protest is part of a national day of action, with 150 cities across the US participating. Postal workers are urging citizens to contact their congressmen and senators to express opposition to the plan.
As a customer, Pat Tourney believes the post office provides essential services for citizens like her. “I feel very strongly that the post office is a service,” she said. “It’s a service for us, the citizens who are its customers.”
Source: https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2025/03/20/postal-workers-in-detroit-protest-potential-changes-to-usps/82565420007