Deb Haaland joined APWU picketers Tuesday to protect public post offices. Courtesy photo

From the Deb Haaland for Governor Campaign:

ALBUQUERQUE — July 28, Deb Haaland, the Democratic nominee for governor in New Mexico, joined the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Albuquerque Local 380 for a national day of action picket to protect public post offices. 

The American Postal Workers Union represents over 200,000 United States Postal Service employees and retirees, while fighting for decent pay, benefits, and safe working conditions.

The picket takes place as postal leadership and corporate interests continue to threaten public post offices with privatization and political interference. The rally is a call to action to protect public post offices and their workers who keep our communities running.

Public post offices are vital lifelines to rural communities across New Mexico and across the country. From delivering essential goods and life-saving medications, to providing jobs and serving as a cornerstone for civic engagement, rural communities rely on our public post offices and would suffer from privatization.

“Our postal service is one of our most trusted institutions that brings our country together and continues to provide reliable service at times that matter most,” Haaland said. “From sending a letter to loved ones, receiving your paycheck, or casting your ballot, our public post offices continue to keep our communities running. Essential services like sending and receiving mail should not see price increases due to privatization. Post offices are crucial community anchors that should be kept public.”

Haaland has long been a strong advocate for New Mexicans who rely on the mail for basic goods and services. She stood with postal workers to defend vital services during the pandemic, slammed destructive Postal Service cuts that delayed Social Security checks, and supported critical funding for rural post offices and services as a representative of New Mexico’s first congressional district.