Northwest Suburban Postal Workers Join Statewide Rally Against Privatization

An estimated 50 people rallied against privatization of the U.S. Postal Service Monday (Oct. 8) at the Palatine Postal Service Processing Plant, 1300 E. Northwest Hwy., joining 500 others statewide.

Luis Rivas, of National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 2076, based in Des Plaines. said though the Columbus Day holiday decreased expected turnout, community support was strong.

Elected officials who came to support the Northwest suburban postal workers in Palatine included U.S. Rep Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8th), U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th), U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-10th), a representative from the Wheeling Township Democrats and more.

Privatization of the post office has been proposed as a way to lower costs proposed by the Trump administration. Rivas told the Journal this move could greatly impact postal services, which are currently not affected by government shutdowns.

“The U.S. Mail is not for sale,” he said. “The postal service is an independent entity.”

Rallies were also held in Chicago, Aurora, Peoria, Ottawa and Carbondale.

Author: Lauren Barry
Original Source