HARRISBURG, Pa. — Postal workers from across the country hit the picket line on Tuesday, as the American Postal Workers Union hosted its nationwide 'Day of Action.' The rallies come as the union continues to negotiate a new contract for its members.
“We’re here to protect the service and the service standards that have been declining over the years," said Kim Miller, the president of the Keystone Area Local chapter for the APWU.
In Harrisburg, postal workers marched in the rain to demand increased staffing levels and better mail service. Workers on the picket line said mail delivery has continued to get slower over the past few years.
“It’s supposed to be two days for your mail. Now it’s like five, six, or seven days, sometimes even ten days," said Mussia Kidane, a 26-year postal worker from Harrisburg. "So, the mail logistics are really messed up.”
Union representatives say policies from US Postmaster Louis DeJoy have created short staffing that impacts postal workers and customers. Kidane said his office has experienced slower service due to chronic understaffing.
“You’re doing work for three to four people, and you have to cover for everybody," said Kidane. "They don’t staff it right.”
The nationwide rallies come as millions of voters prepare to turn in their mail-in ballots for the 2024 Presidential Election. Kevin Gallagher, vice president of APWU Keystone Area Local, said he believes the issues with staffing and slow service could result in delays in ballots getting to election offices.
“You have a processing center in Atlanta with tractor trailers full of mail coming into that place and have to wait for hours, or even days, to get into the dock and get unloaded. That’s going to unnecessarily increase the delay in mail ballots," said Gallagher.
FOX43 reached out to election offices across south-central Pa. for statements on whether they're concerned about this issue. We have not heard back as of this hour.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US Postal Service released the following statement on the APWU Day of Action:
"We respect our employees’ rights to express their opinions and participate in informational picketing while off the clock."
Postal workers say they will continue to provide the best service they can, while they wait to finalize a new contract.
“Every piece, every day," said Gallagher. "Even though the Post Office dropped that motto, we still use it.”
The American Postal Workers Union's current contract expires at the end of October. If the union doesn't agree to a new contract by then, the deadline will be pushed back before being sent to arbitration.