Unions resist Trump’s threats to privatize U.S. Postal Service

UNI Global Union’s U.S. affiliates in the postal sector are fighting back after President Trump recently reiterated his desire to privatize the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), which celebrates its 250th anniversary this year.

“Make no mistake, the postal service is under attack,” warned Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). “This isn’t just about the post office – it’s about the people who depend on it, our communities and the public good,” continued President Dimondstein in an interview with Mother Jones magazine, calling efforts to undermine the USPS to the benefit of private corporations a “power grab”.  

Trump has said he no longer wants the government to subsidize USPS’s financial losses, which amounted to US$9.5 billion for 2024. However, unions argue the service has had to make large investments to improve efficiency over the long term, and is financially secure with an annual revenue of US$80 billion and the potential for expansion.

On 13 February, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), launched it’s ‘Fight like hell’ campaign which unites U.S. postal unions in the push for a fair contract, worker safety and a stop to privatization, among other demands.

NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said his union was “ready to stand against any efforts to privatize the Postal Service. Any such ideas are severely misguided and directly attack letter carriers, the universal service we provide, and a safe and reliable USPS. Our work connects our communities and is paid through revenue from stamps and services, not taxpayer dollars. The Postal Service is older than our country and is established in the U.S. Constitution. We’ll be in the fight against privatization until every member of Congress co-sponsors [anti-privatization resolution] H.Res. 70.”

Established in 1775, USPS is one of the country’s most beloved and trusted Federal institutions with a 72 per cent approval rating. It delivers nearly 376 million pieces of mail and packages to more than 168 million addresses at least six days a week. It includes 640,000 workers and is the country’s largest employer of military veterans. The USPS network also plays a crucial role in the function of private shippers, such as Amazon and FedEx, which partner USPS because it provides unique last-mile delivery to every business and residential customer in the country.

“We have seen the perils of privatizing postal services in Europe, which have led to reduced services, increased prices, job losses, and cut off rural communities where it is unprofitable to deliver mail,” said UNI General Secretary, Christy Hoffman. “Instead of privatizing USPS, Trump should be supporting the Postal Service to seize opportunities in e-commerce, expand services, particularly to marginalized and remote communities, and safeguard a precious, public-owned, communication network that is ultimately irreplaceable.”