Deb Haaland joined APWU Albuquerque Local 380 during a national day of action to oppose proposals to privatize parts of the U.S. Postal Service and increase political control. Union leaders warned privatization could raise costs and reduce service, disproportionately harming rural New Mexico residents who rely on mail for prescriptions, essentials and ballots. Haaland reiterated her long-standing support for a public Postal Service and highlighted her past efforts to defend mail service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deb Haaland Joins Albuquerque Postal Workers to Oppose USPS Privatization
Deb Haaland Joins Postal Workers in Albuquerque to Oppose Privatization of U.S. Postal Service
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland joined members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Albuquerque Local 380 on Tuesday as part of a coordinated national day of action protesting proposals that could privatize portions of the U.S. Postal Service and increase political influence over its operations.
The APWU represents more than 200,000 postal employees and retirees nationwide and advocates for fair pay, benefits and safe working conditions. Local organizers said the Albuquerque picket aimed to spotlight the importance of keeping the Postal Service a public institution that delivers reliable, affordable service to every community.
Union leaders and demonstrators warned that privatization or heightened political control could reduce service quality, raise costs and disproportionately harm rural communities that depend on consistent mail delivery for prescriptions, essential goods and ballots.
In New Mexico, where many residents live in remote areas, post offices serve as vital community anchors. Organizers emphasized that any reduction in public postal services could make it harder for rural New Mexicans to receive medications, access government payments and vote by mail.
"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 a recent record of defending postal services. During the COVID-19 pandemic she joined postal workers to oppose operational changes that delayed deliveries, including Social Security checks, and she backed federal funding for rural post offices while representing New Mexico's 1st Congressional District.
The Albuquerque demonstration was one of many actions across the country urging policymakers to preserve the Postal Service as a public institution and protect affordable, dependable mail service for all Americans.
Reporting originally published by Native News Online.
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