Kansas City Postal Employees Rally for Staffing Support
Kansas City, Mo. – On a sunny Tuesday morning, postal workers in Kansas City and across the country gathered to raise their voices in a chorus of hope and urgency. Employees of the United States Postal Service (USPS) held rallies, aiming to draw attention to a significant issue plaguing the agency: short staffing. With a presidential election fast approaching, the pressure is on for the postal service to ensure timely delivery of mail-in ballots.
A Call for Year-Round Dedication
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has made it clear that he is preparing for a “heroic” effort to deliver mail-in ballots ahead of the November presidential election. But what about the other eleven months of the year? The postal employees rallying in Kansas City want to see the same level of dedication not just during election seasons, but all year long. They are passionate about the service they provide and the importance of timely mail delivery to their customers.
Voices from Inside the USPS
One of the strong advocates at the rally was Toni Robinson, the president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 67 in Kansas City. “Mismanagement has led to a staffing shortage in the Kansas City area,” Robinson explained. She further emphasized the need for improved training for both new hires and management, pointing to these factors as contributors to the delays in mail delivery.
Mail delays have garnered attention recently, with congressional leaders sending letters to USPS and prompting audits to understand the root causes. Robinson emphasizes, “We want to provide a service to the customers out here and we want to do it in a timely fashion. We cannot do it without the proper staffing.”
Reach of the Ballots
Concerns about mail delivery have escalated. Just last month, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab highlighted a troubling issue: election offices were unable to tabulate around 1,000 mail-in ballots during the August primary because of late deliveries or ballots arriving without postmarks. This situation raised alarms about the reliability of mail-in voting just as it’s needed most.
Despite the challenges, Robinson remains optimistic. With 1,200 union members ready to step up to the challenge, she asserts, “We’re prepared to make sure mail-in ballots arrive on time in the November election.” She recognizes the need for more help in the long-term but is confident in her team’s abilities. “We know how to move the mail. We just need more staffing to assist moving that mail.”
Commitment to Deliver
Robinson is resolute about her team’s commitment, stating, “We’re gonna get the mail out. We’re going to work the 12 hours or whatever is decided to get that mail out.” There was a palpable sense of determination among the employees at the rally, highlighting their willingness to go the extra mile for the community.
Looking Ahead
As the November election looms, the spotlight will be on how well USPS can navigate the challenges posed by staffing shortages. Even with the right mindset, a need for additional personnel is clear. The postal workers in Kansas City are asking not just for one-time efforts but for sustained support that reflects their commitment to public service.
The voice of the USPS employees is not just a call to action but also a reminder of the importance of the services they provide. With community support and improved staffing, they hope to deliver not only the mail but also the trust and reliability that thousands of residents depend on.
