DES MOINES, Iowa — Around 100 rallies, including one in Des Moines, were held at post offices across the country on Tuesday.
The protests came in response to changes to the way the US Postal Service handles deliveries, which is set to take effect next year. USPS said the delivery changes are necessary because the agency lost more than $87 billion between 2007 and 2020. Meanwhile union members worry about what it could mean for rural Iowans.
Dozens of members of the American Postal Workers Union - Iowa chapter gathered at the 2nd Avenue post office for the rally in Des Moines.
“They need to commit to the American people and let the American people tell them what they want,” Bryon Preminger with American Postal Workers Union - Iowa said.
Under the changes USPS said 75% of First-Class Mail will not be affected but some other mail may experience delays by a day. Union members have concerns that this will ultimately hurt people who live in rural parts of the state.
“This is about individuals, small businesses, farmers,” Kimberly Karol with American Postal Workers Union - Iowa said. “We're here fighting to make sure that you're going to get the same service as somebody who lives in a large metropolitan area like Chicago or Los Angeles.”
Protestors said USPS deliveries aren’t just everyday letters and packages. They can be critical.
“There's people that rely on prescription medicine by mail order because it's more affordable for Americans at this time of economic climate and they’ll have to wait for medicine because they're not getting deliveries every day,” Preminger said.
The protest was meant to push the public to get involved and demand that USPS leadership have a change of mind.
“Our customers deserve better, and we're here hoping they will come out and stand with us, sign our petitions, write letters and demand that the Postal Service respect the public and listen to how their changes are affecting the public.”
Local 5 did reach out to the Des Moines Postmaster, Daniel Quinn Jr., his administrative assistant and USPS for additional comment. They did not return phone calls or emails.
A representative from the Le Grand Post Office told Local 5 that it didn’t know about the changes and didn’t think they would have that much of an impact. The Post Office did say that it expects to see more upset customers due to the changes.
‘Our customers deserve better’: Iowa union members protest USPS delivery changes
According to USPS, 75% of First-Class Mail won't be affected but some other mail may experience delays by a day.