Rockford letter carriers deliver message to Trump administration: ‘hands off USPS’
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Lawrence Steward II follows the curb along Harrison Ave. as dozens of fellow letter carriers protest on the side of the street.
Neither the rain nor cold nor “pressure by billionaires” stops the National Association of Letter Carriers Local 245 from rallying for the Postal Service in Rockford.
"We’re trying to ensure that this postal service remains a service to all Americans," asserts Steward, NALC 245’s president, outside the Harrison Ave. post office.
Sunday’s protest arrives as other demonstrations appear across the country – warning of the “dismantling” of the Postal Service.
In February, President Donald Trump suggested moving the Postal Service under the Commerce Department’s authority. The agency has been independent under the executive branch since 1970, but critics believe privatization could solve the billions lost in revenue by the service.
Union postal workers worry any changes threaten the livelihood of 640,000 USPS employees and especially hurts the 51.5 million households and businesses in rural communities.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s cost efficient or not. No matter how far away you live from the station, we’re going to make sure you get quality service," declares Steward.
Alderman Mark Bonne (D-14th Ward) joins the protest. The lawmaker admits the Postal Service isn’t perfect, but he argues the agency is a dependable institution – similar to hospital food or school lunches.
“Government is not inherently bad,” says Bonne – pushing back against those who expect the Postal Service to run as a business. “Government is the people... The alternative, of corporatization, that’s not us.”
According to the USPS, the agency may have a net loss of $6.9 billion in fiscal 2025. The number concerns Paul Hofmann, Winnebago County Republican Central Committee chair.
"The biggest issue we face as a nation is to remain economically viable, and that’s going to involve everybody," explains Hofmann. As the Department of Government Efficiency searches for “waste” in federal spending, the chair sees changes to the Postal Service as fulfilling that mission.
Still, Hofmann understands any frustration from workers as a transition awaits.
“Any move to restructure does bring fear of your livelihood being affected,” he says.
Steward defends the Postal Service as a public good. The former candidate for city council describes his employer as the cornerstone for protecting Americans, with essential services like prescription and Social Security deliveries.
While private carriers respond the market conditions, Steward says the post office acts as the standard – raising prices only to make ends meet, not to “price gouge” Americans.
However, the union president feels the pressure of change. He hopes protests like Sunday’s show any chipping away will face public backlash.
“We are trying to make sure it doesn’t get any worse, but we have to stop it before it gets there,” maintains Steward.
More on the protests can be found on the NALC’s social media page.
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