Postal Service Workers Unions Demonstrate at Rep Inslee's Office

Rep Jay Inslee's Office was the site of a rally by Postal Workers Unions Tuesday. 

Postal Workers Union members and supporters
gather in front of Shoreline Conference Center
to get out their message to Rep Inslee
Senator Maralyn Chase joined the rally (center).

The rally was sponsored by "Save America's Postal Service", a coalition of labor organizations

and unions including,  APWU, Letter Carriers, Mailhandlers and Rural Letter Carriers. About 40 people attended the rally.

They are rallying to get a message across to the public that the Postal Service, that the service is not "broke" as recently claimed in the media. Their website states -

Background: A congressional mandate is killing the U.S. Postal Service.

A 2006 postal reform law requires the USPS to pre-fund 75 years' worth of future retiree health benefits within just 10 years. At the behest of the Office of Personnel Management and the Government Accountability Office, and to make the law appear not to cost the government money (i.e., to be “revenue neutral”), Congress included in the law that destructive pre-funding mandate.

No other federal agency or private enterprise is forced to pre-fund similar benefits like this, especially on such an aggressive schedule.

They are touting their support for a bill introduced in Congress,

HR 1351. The Bill was introduced by Rep Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and now co-sponsored by Rep Jay Inslee.

Speakers from the various unions highlighted their concerns about the proposals by Postal Service management to end Saturday deliveries, raise rates, close offices and potentially lay off many workers.
A leader from WA State Labor Council gave a message of support.

Jeff Johnson, WSLC President
speaks in support of Postal Workers
at rally.

Inslee's staff, Mark McIntyre read a statement of support from the congressman who was not in the office
that day.

Rep Jay Inslee's staff member Mark McIntyre
spoke to the rally.

Markham McIntyre

Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01)

http://www.house.gov/inslee

Mark.McIntyre@mail.house.gov

Office: 206-361-0233

To our local USPS letter carriers:

I want to thank you all for visiting my Shoreline office today. I apologize that I cannot be here in person, but know that I appreciate the actions you have taken to make your voices heard.

Our country is facing tough economic times, and if you read the recent news, it would seem that no organization is in more turmoil than the U.S. Postal Service. But that prognosis is partly based on incorrect information that has lead to pension fund overcharges. As you know, I am a co-sponsored of H.R. 1351, the United States Postal Service Pension Obligation Recalculation and Restoration Act of 2011, which would directly address this issue. Despite what the media are saying, if Congress acts to correct this issue, the USPS will be on firmer financial footing and may not have to make the drastic cuts to jobs and services that are being threatened.

During these difficult times, we should make sure we close loopholes, end inefficiencies and fairly review the facts of our financial challenges before resorting to more cuts. I will continue to fight to protect the services that our citizens depend on and the people who provide those services, while honestly confronting our countries fiscal problems.

Again, I thank you for taking the time to come to my office to express yourself. As your representative, I applaud your participation.

   Sincerely,

____________________                               

JAY INSLEE                                                                         Member of Congress