GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On Sunday, postal workers and their supporters gathered at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids, joining a nationwide movement to oppose the potential privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The demonstration was part of a series of over 200 rallies held across the country, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).
The issue of privatization gained attention after former President Donald Trump suggested in December that the USPS, an independent entity, could be privatized. Last month, he further hinted at the possibility of a federal government takeover of the service, aiming to reduce its financial losses.
At the Grand Rapids rally, postal workers voiced strong concerns that privatization would lead to job cuts, diminished services, and higher costs for Americans, particularly those living in rural areas. Many of the rally’s participants argued that privatizing the USPS would significantly affect communities that rely on regular mail delivery, where private companies often don’t operate.
“This is not only our livelihood,” said Terry Lockett, a letter carrier from Holland. “This is the livelihood of every American who receives mail, even though they might not want the mail. It’s vital that the service remains because it keeps people connected to their country and their families.”
With more than 600,000 employees, including tens of thousands of veterans, the USPS is a critical service for many Americans. Lockett and other participants at the rally raised alarms about the risks privatization could pose to vulnerable groups, such as veterans who depend on timely delivery of medications.
“The risk is that some veterans might not receive their medications,” Lockett warned, highlighting the potential consequences of a privatized system that might prioritize profit over essential services.
Jo Bird, a local resident from Holland, shared her own concerns. A frequent user of USPS services, Bird expressed fear about the long-term effects of privatization. “I’ve always been a supporter of the post office,” she said. “I’m there almost every day. It’s not about making money; it’s about serving the public, and people depend on it.”
As the debate over the future of the USPS intensifies, rally organizers are urging the public to contact their lawmakers and voice opposition to privatization efforts. The rally participants, who took time out of their Sunday to attend the demonstration, emphasized the importance of maintaining the USPS as a service guaranteed by the Constitution.
“The energy here today is electric,” Lockett remarked. “We’re out here on a Sunday, one of our days off, to make sure we continue to provide the American people with the services they deserve. It’s important to keep the country connected and unified.”
As the nationwide movement against privatization continues to grow, the future of the USPS remains a contentious issue in American politics, with supporters of the service calling for its preservation in its current, public form.
