Teachers union to boycott Staples

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The union representing Massachusetts public school teachers announced a boycott of Framingham-based Staples on Monday to protest the opening of U.S. Postal Service retail centers inside company stores.

The move by the Bay State branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) stems from the fact that counters in the 82 participating stores will be staffed by non-union employees. AFT members in California, Michigan and New Hampshire have also opposed the retail centers.

“The decision to outsource neighborhood post offices across the country to a big-box retailer means potentially fewer good jobs and poorer service for our communities,” AFT Massachusetts President Tom Gosnell said in a statement. “As long as Staples continues with this USPS (United States Postal Service) program, we will encourage our members to shop elsewhere.”

Staples didn’t immediately return calls for comment.

The American Postal Workers Union has signed letters and staged protests outside participating stores, arguing the one-year trial could jeopardize the safety and security of the mail.

Massachusetts is one of four states where the pilot program is taking place, with stores in Auburn, Gardner, Shrewsbury, Sturbridge, Westborough and Worcester participating in it.

The AFT is expected to pass a national boycott resolution at a convention beginning Thursday, the Massachusetts union said. A joint protest with AFT members and postal workers has been scheduled adjacent to the convention site for Saturday, according to the union.