Washington, DC – On Wednesday, March 14, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will begin running three new television ads that highlight the critical ways America depends on the Postal Service — and the devastating effect closing post offices and mail processing plants would have on our nation. 

Each of the three 30-second spots illustrates the significant dangers associated with cutting both services and jobs.  The three spots will begin airing March 14 on national cable networks and the NBC Nightly News.  The ad will run through mid-May, when massive cuts to America’s postal infrastructure will begin to take affect — unless Congress takes action. 

“America depends on the Postal Service,” said Cliff Guffey, President of the APWU.  “From medicines, to checks and bills, the Postal Service is the backbone of a $1 trillion mailing industry. The USPS operates without one dime of taxpayer funds — it is funded by the sale of stamps and postage.  But in 2006, Congress imposed a burden on the Postal Service that no other company or government agency faces — to pre-fund health benefits for future retirees — and it’s driving the Postal Service to insolvency.  Congress talks about job growth, but unless they take action, 100,000 jobs will be lost.  Congress created this problem and Congress can fix it.”

“Voices”
This ad features a wide array of Americans that rely on the Postal Service, whether for their small business or for delivery of their cancer medications. It shows the way the proposed cuts will damage the US economy while reducing the quality of service on which Americans rely on.

 “Walt Gale”
This spot features Walt Gale — a 22-year veteran of the Colorado Springs mail processing plant — who speaks about the critical services the Postal Service provides to all Americans.

“Michael Bazinet” 
Finally, the third spot tells the story of Michael Bazinet, a small business owner in Bangor, Maine.  Bazinet’s company — Creative Digital Imaging — relies on the critical services of the Eastern Maine processing plant.  Bazinet speaks about the impact of reduced services, which would result in lost clients and potential layoffs.