Braving cold and windy weather, Birmingham postal workers rally gathered outside the main Birmingham Post Office on 24th Street North to voice their concerns about potential threats to their jobs. Chanting “The U.S. Mail is not for sale,” the protesters joined similar demonstrations occurring across the nation. Holding signs that read “Hands off our public postal service” and “The postal service belongs to the people, not the billionaires,” the demonstrators aimed to highlight their opposition to possible changes within the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The protest was sparked by comments from then-President Donald Trump, who suggested that the USPS might be placed under the oversight of the U.S. Commerce Secretary. Many Birmingham postal workers rally see this as a move toward privatization, a prospect that has left them deeply concerned about the future of their jobs and the essential services they provide.
Concerns Over Job Security and Benefits
Birmingham postal workers rally union leaders and workers worry that privatization could lead to massive job losses, reductions in wages, and the stripping away of essential benefits. Birmingham Postal Union leader Harry “Traveling Shoes” Turner expressed the growing fear among workers, particularly those with many years left before retirement. “You got some that’s at retirement, so they know that they can just leave,” Turner explained. “But you have some who still have 10, 15, 20 years to go.
And the fact that they won’t have their health insurance to be able to take care of their families, make a livable wage to be able to buy groceries and buy food, and to talk about laying off people who don’t have a certain number of years—it’s scary.”
Many postal employees view their jobs as stable, middle-class careers that provide crucial benefits, including healthcare and pensions. Any drastic restructuring of the agency, they argue, would jeopardize not only their livelihoods but also the reliable mail service that millions of Americans depend on. The fear of layoffs looms large, particularly for those who have not yet reached retirement eligibility and could face financial uncertainty if their positions were eliminated.
Call to Action for Congressional Support
To combat these potential changes, Turner and other postal union leaders are urging Alabama residents to take action by reaching out to their congressional representatives. They hope to rally public support against any plans that could undermine the USPS. According to Turner, legislative intervention is necessary to protect postal jobs and ensure the service remains publicly operated rather than shifting into private hands.
Protesters believe that privatizing the USPS would prioritize corporate profits over public interest, leading to higher mailing costs and reduced services, particularly in rural areas. As the debate over the future of the USPS continues, Birmingham postal workers rally and their supporters remain steadfast in their efforts to preserve a system that has long served as a vital part of American life. Their message is clear: the postal service should remain a public institution, serving the people rather than profit-driven enterprises.
