CARY, NC – Members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will attend the annual shareholders meeting of Staples, Inc., Monday, June 1, at 4 p.m. at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, North Carolina, just outside of Raleigh.

Union members have challenged Staples’ proposed merger with Office Depot, which would create an effective monopoly in the office-supply superstore industry. 

A new report from APWU, “No Sale,” has been submitted to federal regulators and shared with key stakeholders. The union’s efforts to block the proposed merger have been highlighted by news organizations in Boston (where Staples is headquartered) and in South Florida (where Office Depot is headquartered).

“No Sale” outlines the economic harm to consumers, small businesses and government agencies that would result from a monopoly that has the power to impose higher prices and limit customers’ choices. According to the APWU’s analysis, communities of color and low-income consumers – including millions who lack access to the Internet – would suffer disproportionate harm if the merger is approved.

“Staples shareholders need to know that this merger deal is not a slam dunk,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “U.S. anti-trust laws are intended to prevent this kind of monopoly, and we’re convinced that once regulators have all the facts, they will reject this merger.”

Note to reporters and editors: APWU representatives are available to comment from the Staples shareholders meeting. Please contact Jamie Horwitz at jhdcpr@starpower.net or 202/549-4921 to arrange an interview.

The American Postal Workers Union represents 200,000 employees of the United States Postal Service, and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. For more information on APWU, visit www.apwu.org

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