FREEHOLD – Members of the American Postal Workers Union gathered outside the Freehold Post Office recently as part of the nationwide “Protect Our Public Post Office” Day of Action. Participants called for continued investment in the nation’s mail service and opposed efforts they believe could lead to privatization.
Kim Miller, a postal employee of 26 years and a union member for 23 years, said the demonstration was intended to encourage the public to become more involved in protecting the Postal Service.
“We’re here today to save the post office… to save a service to the public,” she said.
According to Miller, participants are asking residents to contact their U.S. senators and members of Congress regarding vacancies on the USPS Board of Governors, which oversees the Postal Service. She said she believes maintaining a strong, publicly operated Postal Service is essential for communities across the country.
“If you like your post office, and you want the trust that we’ve always had, you have to stand up and stay in this fight,” she said.
Miller said she is also concerned about the long-term future of the Postal Service and wants to ensure it remains available for future generations.
“I want to be able to retire one day, and I want to be able to hand it over to the next generation,” she said.
During the rally, participants expressed concerns about rising postage costs, service changes, and maintaining reliable mail delivery, particularly in rural communities. Some also advocated for new services, including postal banking, which they believe could strengthen the Postal Service’s financial future.
Rally organizer Joe Shevlin emphasized that the Postal Service should remain nonpartisan, telling attendees, “We don’t see mail as Republican mail or Democrat mail. We see it as American mail.” He also expressed concern that changes to the Postal Service could affect vote-by-mail access, particularly for military members who rely on absentee voting while deployed.
The demonstration remained peaceful as union members held signs, distributed information, and spoke with community members as they walked to the post office.
Union members encourage members of the public to stay engaged in discussions about the future of the Postal Service. They say public support will play a key role in shaping its direction.
