Union to protest Staples postal counters in Auburn
Postal worker union members and community activists are slated to protest today at Staples sites around the country, including the Auburn location.
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is continuing its objections to an October deal for the United States Postal Service to open retail counters in 80 Staples stores.
“The American people have a right to know that their mail is handled by highly-trained uniformed postal employees who have taken an oath to protect the sanctity of the mail and who are accountable to the people of the country — whether it’s at the Post Office or an office-supply store,” APWU President Mark Dimondstein said in a statement.
The USPS said the program is aimed at growing business and is not part of a move toward privatization.
“This retail partnership program could be an innovative step towards generating revenue to ensure the long-term viability of the Postal Service," the USPS said in a statement.
Nationwide protests have been occurring since January in response to the deal, which the APWU said has not been well received by customers, citing an InfoTrends report that shows customers were uncomfortable with the idea.
While there is some fear of lost jobs due to Staples, which is based in Framingham, using store employees instead of postal workers, Dimondstein said that was not the sole reason for the protests.
The protests are expected to draw thousands of APWU members and others in 27 states, according to the union.
Calls to Staples were not returned in time for publication.
Updated at 2:50 p.m. with comments from the United States Postal Service.
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