Thousands of postal workers demonstrated during the “October 1 National Day of Action,” highlighting their capability to efficiently handle mail given the necessary resources.
Rallies took place in more than 90 cities nationwide, where postal workers from numerous APWU locals and states, joined by community supporters, advocated for Vote-by-Mail, a strong new contract ensuring improved staffing, and demanded consistent care for all mail, mirroring the attention given to election mail. This includes increasing staff at post offices and improving service, which the public rightly deserves. The APWU also insists on public input regarding Postal Service operations, including accessible public comments regarding network changes that impact everyone.
Postal workers are confident in the public postal service’s potential. In 2020, they delivered 97.9 percent of ballots to election officials within three days. In 2022, this figure improved to 99 percent. With signs proclaiming “VOTE BY MAIL, WE WON’T FAIL,” their message resonated. The goal is for all mail to receive the same meticulous handling as election mail and ballots. This underscores the dedication of postal workers and the potential of the postal service when properly supported.
“Postal workers and the Postal Service are prepared to do an excellent job to ensure that ballots and election-related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages,” stated APWU President Mark Dimondstein. He further noted, “With the chaotic implementation of ‘network modernization’ combined with new management plans to slow down more mail, particularly as it relates to rural America, mail service is heading in the wrong direction. This must be reversed and fixed. Postal workers know what it takes to get back on track, and I hope management heard us loud and clear today!” This quote emphasizes the APWU’s commitment to year-round excellence in mail delivery, addressing concerns about recent changes and their impact on service quality.
“We are proud to be able to show up for the people in every community to deliver their vital and sometimes life-saving mail,” said APWU Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell. “By rallying on the streets of over 90 cities, we showed that we are ready to take care of election mail and ballots this fall, and to do what it takes to provide high-quality, dependable mail service to every household in America, while ensuring the public’s right to comment.” Powell’s statement highlights the pride and dedication of postal workers in serving their communities and ensuring reliable mail service for all.
The rallies garnered coverage from hundreds of local news outlets, and social media platforms were filled with images and videos from participating workers, reaching millions of voters and postal customers. Those unable to attend showed their support by sharing selfies wearing stickers and buttons. The day’s efforts successfully conveyed the trustworthiness of election mail to the public and the need for improved staffing and a fair contract to management, ensuring excellent service year-round for APWU members.
The “October 1 National Day of Action” served as a powerful demonstration of postal workers’ commitment to providing reliable and efficient mail service, advocating for better working conditions, and ensuring the integrity of Vote-by-Mail. Find petitions, photos, and further details from the National Day of Action at apwu.org/rally.
