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 in four states (California, Georgia, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania) and has plans to expand this operation to more than 1,500 Staples stores across the United States. Oddly, this is happening at the same time that Staples’ revenues declined sharply and the company announced plans to close 225 stores; and

WHEREAS:

            The U.S. Postal Service and Staples refuse 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.  These nonunion jobs at Staples will replace the living wage, union jobs of postal employees; and

WHEREAS:

            These postal counters will be staffed by low-wage, high-turnover employees with little training and no credentials to handle U.S. mail.  Outsourcing the handling of U.S. mail will jeopardize the sanctity and security of the mail, just as concern about identity theft is at an all-time high; and

WHEREAS:

            Some members of Congress would close U.S. post offices if a privately operated postal counter is in the same geographic area. Instead of selling off public assets and offering lower-quality service, the U.S. Postal Service 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:

            AFSCME members and postal employees are fighting a common battle against privatization. AFSCME members frequently purchase school supplies, office supplies and other products at Staples stores.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME supports the American Postal Workers Union in its efforts to protect middle class jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer service; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME opposes efforts by the U.S. Postal Service to outsource operations and sell off valuable public assets; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME members, their families, friends and colleagues are urged to no longer shop at Staples stores until further notice.  This call to boycott will be shared with all affiliates, other unions and the news media.