SUPPORT U.S. POSTAL WORKERS: BOYCOTT STAPLES

WHEREAS, the U.S. Postal Service has a no-bid, sweetheart deal with the big-box chain Staples to operate postal counters in more than 80 stores and four states; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Postal Service has plans to expand this operation to more than 1,500 Staples stores across the United States, including Staples locations in Michigan; and

WHEREAS, these postal counters are staffed by low-wage, high turnover employees with little training and no credentials to handle 9 U.S. mail; and

WHEREAS, consumers are increasingly concerned about identity theft at large retail chains, and privatizing the handling of U.S. mail will jeopardize the sanctity and security of the mail; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Postal Service and Staples are refusing to staff the postal counters with unionized, uniformed U.S. Postal Service employees, who have the training and experience to properly handle U.S. mail, and who have sworn an oath to uphold the highest standards of public service; and

WHEREAS, nonunion "postal" jobs at Staples will inevitably replace living-wage, union jobs of U.S. Postal Service employees; and

WHEREAS, some members of Congress would close U.S. post offices if a privately operated postal counter is within the same geographic area; and

WHEREAS, instead of offering lower-quality service and selling off public assets, the U.S. Postal Service can and should use its unmatched nationwide network of people and facilities to better serve the public with expanded hours and new services, such as low-cost banking, which could aid millions of low-income consumers; and

WHEREAS, AFT members care about public service, protecting well-paying jobs and maintaining universal, affordable mail services for the U.S. public; and

WHEREAS, the AFT opposes privatization of public services in schools, colleges and universities, and other public institutions; and

WHEREAS, the AFT and postal employees are fighting a common battle against privatization; and

WHEREAS, AFT members frequently purchase school supplies, office supplies, and other products sold at Staples Stores:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers supports the American Postal Workers Union in its efforts to protect well-paying jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer service; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT opposes efforts by the U.S. Postal Service to privatize operations and to sell off valuable public assets; and

RESOLVED, that members of the AFT, along with friends, colleagues and family members, are urged to no longer shop at Staples stores until further notice; and

RESOLVED, that this call to boycott Staples will be communicated to AFT locals and members, to our sister unions and to the news media.