PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Dozens of postal workers and their supporters chanted and marched outside a Rhode Island Staples to protest the opening of postal counters in Staples stores that are staffed with retail employees.
Thursday’s protest in Providence is one of 50 planned in 27 states, including rallies in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
In Providence, people held signs and wore t-shirts that said “STOP Staples: The U.S. Mail is NOT for sale,” and filled the sidewalk in front of the shopping center where Staples is located.
The American Postal Workers Union says well-paid union workers have been replaced by low-wage nonunion workers, which could lead to layoffs and post office closings. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says the program is a response to customer demands for convenience.
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