USPS Workers Protest Privatization as Major Service Changes Loom
USPS workers gathered along Perkins Road to protest privatization, warning it could put profits over service and threaten the 250-year-old mail system.
BATON ROUGE, La. — More than 100 United States Postal Service (USPS) workers rallied in Baton Rouge to protest discussions about privatizing the agency, warning that the move could result in massive job losses and major disruptions to mail service nationwide.
The demonstration, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), took place along Perkins Road near Bluebonnet Boulevard. Workers held signs and voiced concerns that privatization would prioritize profit over public service, jeopardizing a 250-year-old system that millions of Americans rely on daily.
Workers Fear Job Losses, Service Cuts
NALC Louisiana State President Troy Scott, a former Marine and 40-year postal veteran, called the potential shift to privatization “a slap in the face” to those who have dedicated their careers to delivering essential mail and packages.
“We provide a service that Americans depend on,” Scott said. “During COVID, when everything else shut down, we were still out there delivering Social Security checks, medicine, and even government-issued COVID test kits.”
Scott and his fellow postal workers fear that privatization could lead to higher postage rates, reduced mail delivery to rural communities, and thousands of lost jobs.
USPS Faces Financial Challenges, Implements Service Changes
The protest comes as USPS continues to struggle with financial losses. In fiscal year 2024, the agency reported a $16.5 billion deficit, with operating costs rising 4.8% to $89.5 billion. These ongoing challenges have fueled discussions about privatization and operational reforms.
To address financial instability, USPS is rolling out a two-phase service modification plan:
- Phase 1 (April 1, 2025): Initial changes to service standards will take effect.
- Phase 2 (July 1, 2025): ZIP code adjustments and additional refinements will be implemented.
USPS has assured customers that any major service changes will be communicated in advance and that the agency will monitor the impact to “ensure long-term efficiency and reliability.”
Potential Impact on Louisiana Residents
Despite USPS’ assurances, many Louisiana postal workers and customers remain skeptical. They worry about how these changes will affect timely deliveries—especially for medications, government checks, and legal documents.
“People are waiting on college acceptance letters, prescription deliveries, and paychecks,” Scott emphasized. “Some medications must be delivered within a strict timeframe. Who will ensure that if USPS becomes a private entity focused on profits?”
While the Postal Service insists that most changes will be subtle, the looming financial crisis and privatization debate leave the future of America’s mail system uncertain. For now, postal workers continue to show up six days a week, rain or shine, committed to keeping the mail moving.
