Recently I took a job as a letter carrier with USPS, and of course I’m ecstatic to be union as well. But the union steward at my local station is a little old fashioned and is more reactive than anything. I asked if there are any NALC/ APWU (2 different postal workers’ unions) plans to stand in solidarity with upcoming UPS strikes, or if Amazon workers strike, and he shrugged.
Full disclosure, USPS strictly CANNOT strike.
So I’d like to pose the same question here, and then some.
What can/should solidarity look like if/when UPS workers strike? If Amazon workers strike? How can federal carriers best support other carriers?
I always go out of my way to offer water when I see other carriers on the street, and I ask their opinions/concerns about our line of work. It’s difficult to gauge because I’m just one person talking to another, neither of us have full information/knowledge of the situation.
Is there a script I can follow/ we can develop to encourage more critical thought in other carriers regarding their safety, rights and strength as workers?
Thanks y’all.