Postal Workers Protest Looming Cuts

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by Mike Ford

Story Created: Sep 27, 2011 at 9:52 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 27, 2011 at 11:06 PM AKDT

Dozens of postal workers say that they don't want a bail out they just want to get the mail out, especially for folks who's way of life depends on the post office. Anchorage Postal workers gathered at a rally downtown Tuesday protesting looming cuts.

No one disputes that the postal service is in danger of financial collapse but Alaska's postal workers say its not for the reasons you might think . USPS workers claim the bill Congress passed in 2006 is pushing the Postal Service into bankruptcy. The law requires the Postal Service to pay a 75 year liability and "pre-fund" health care benefits for future retirees. This is a congressional mandate that cost the USPS more than $5 billion annually

Postal workers contend no other government agency or private company has to bear this type of financial burden. Workers came together today in downtown anchorage to support House Bill 1351 introduced by Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch. The Postal Workers Union says the Bill would allow them to apply the billions of dollars in pension over payments to meet the services financial obligations.

HR 1351 has the support of Congressman Don Young and Senators Begich and Murkowski. In contrast the postal reform act penned by California Congressman Darrell Issa dramatically cuts services and workers without addressing the pension issue.

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janine said on Wednesday, Sep 28 at 6:43 PM

thank you for the awesome coverage !! We just want to get the mail out The American way .

FrankSW said on Wednesday, Sep 28 at 5:51 PM

USPS has failed to adapt so they need to go the way of the buggy whip.

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