USPS Issues Stamps Honoring Workers, But What About Its Own?

The Postal Service’s release on Aug. 8 of a series stamps featuring iconic images of the workers who built the nation’s bridges, railways, and skyscrapers almost a century ago is more than a little ironic, the APWU noted.

”We’re pleased that the USPS is paying tribute to the workers who made America the envy of the world,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey, “but the gesture would mean a lot more if the Postal Service were not simultaneously lobbying Congress for the right to slash the retirement and healthcare benefits of its own employees.

“Congress’ failure to pass legislation to repeal the disastrous requirement to pre-fund healthcare benefits for future retirees has pushed the Postal Service to the edge of bankruptcy,” Guffey said, “and the USPS is pushing ahead with plans to dismantle the nation’s mail processing and delivery network — jeopardizing service and jobs.

“It’s time for Congress to pass the Postal Service Protection Act (S. 315/H.R. 630),” he said.

Many of the images in the new stamps were captured years ago by the famous photographer Lewis Hine, a Progressive Era social reformer who used his photography to honor workers and to help bring an end to child labor.