Letter sorters, mailmen and clerks took part in 500 rallies all over the country, urging Congress to find ways to stabilize the USPS, without having to lay off some 120, 000 employees and closing more post offices. The USPS plans to close about 3,700 branches over the next year due to drastic declines in revenue. 

 

“I don’t think anybody can replace the postal service. What we have is a universal postal system where we deliver mail anywhere in the world for a flat fee,” said Jeff Sumaguit, postal worker for over 33 years.

 

The USPS has recorded losses of $20 billion over the last four years. The USPS’ financial crisis was the result of a provision that required the postal service to pre-fund healthcare benefits of future retirees. 

 

For the USPS to recover, the rallying employees said that Congress needs to pass House Resolution 1351 which would allow the USPS to use $70 billion of pension overpayments, in order for the agency to meet its financial obligations. 

 

Currently, the bill has 185 co-sponsors in Congress, but they say if lawmakers do not act on it, services to the public would be affected and and thousands of jobs would be lost. 

 

Jason Marquez began working for the USPS when he was only 18. He thought he had a long future ahead with the postal service. But 12 years later, he’s not so sure. 

 

Marquez said, “I don’t feel secure at all — especially with the bad economy.”

 

Long-time employee Ted Castro said, “A lot are scared about their jobs. Now, you don’t know what will happen to you when you come to work tomorrow.”

 

In an effort to save the USPS, the Obama government has allowed the postal service to slash Saturday service and raise stamp prices. The USPS is not supported by taxes and only survives on postage sales.