Protesters gathered in Portland on Thursday, expressing strong opposition to a proposed merger of the US Postal Service with the Commerce Department. The move aims to address issues within the postal service but has raised concerns among workers and customers about privatization.
The American Postal Workers Union Local President Scott Adams stated that if privatization were to occur, it would lead to closures of rural post offices, increased costs, and decreased services. Many Mainers are already experiencing mail delivery issues, with some going without mail for days.
Experts believe the administration’s plan could face legal challenges. Adams noted that the postal service has operated independently since 1970 and expressed concerns about the proposed merger. The union is urging lawmakers to “Please keep your hands off” and let the postal service continue to provide services to the public.
Maine residents have been voicing their concerns over slow mail delivery, which some blame on the proposed merger. The protest in Portland marked a unified effort from postal workers and supporters to reject the idea of privatization.
Source: https://wgme.com/news/local/people-rally-in-portland-over-proposed-usps-merger-maine-united-states-postal-service-commerce-department-mail