24-03-2025
Postal workers rally in Johnstown against USPS privatization
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Dozens of postal workers, supporters, and elected officials gathered at Central Park in Johnstown on Sunday to rally against the potential privatization of the U.S. Postal Service.
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Branch 451 organized Sunday's rally. In other parts of the U.S. others are also rallying. It's part of a nationwide effort to oppose potential privatization. It comes a month after President Trump said he was considering disbanding the agency's Board of Governors and placing it under the control of the Commerce Department.
U.S.P.S. has operated as an independent entity since 1970.
'There are 51.5 million homes and businesses in America where we, the US Postal Service, are the only carrier to service them. Which means if we were to privatize, there is no profit incentive for other companies to deliver there. That's why they aren't there now,' Aiden Stuart, Chief Shop Steward of NALC Branch 451 said.
The plan would jeopardize almost 7.9 million jobs tied to the postal industry if enacted.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Letter carriers in Johnstown to rally against USPS privatization
Joseph Antal was also at the rally on Sunday. He was a letter carrier from 1966-2003. He's also a veteran. Joseph said the potential privatization would still affect him and other Americans.
'I get a pension. And also I'm a patron. I want to be assured my mail is being protected. And I want to see a postal service because the sanctity of the mail is very important to me and should be to everybody,' he said.
However, even if you don't attend rallies, or make signs, Carol Taylor said you can still be supportive.
'You can write your congressman, you can call your congressman, you can demand town halls. You speak to your local representatives, support your union, support your workers and talk to your neighbors. They're just starting to understand the effect this is going to have on their families,' Taylor, President of Indivisible Blair County said.
There are more rallies planned for the future, including one on April 5 at Heritage Plaza.
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