Postal Workers & Activists Go on Hunger Strike to Protest Budget Cuts
- Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:00pm by
Becket Adams
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In an effort to bring attention to the financial plight of the Unites States Postal Service (USPS) and to fight calls for its privatization, 10 postal workers, activists, and supporters announced on Monday that they would be staging a four-day hunger strike.
“The strikers will make their stand days before the postal service makes changes that will end overnight delivery of up to 20 percent of the country’s first-class mail, as mail-sorting hubs are shuttered,” writes the Washington Post’s Lisa Rein.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) joined the protesters on Capitol Hill for their big announcement (which nobody saw because everyone was watching the Supreme Court this morning) and offered words of encouragement.
“Make no mistake about it, this is an effort to try to privatize even more postal services,” said Rep. Kucinich who, naturally, is not joining in the hunger strike. “And this would inevitably result in less service, and higher costs for postal service for the American people.”
When asked why he wasn’t joining the hunger strike, Rep Kucinich responded: “I’m a vegan, so I’m kind of hungry all the time. I’m here in moral support of their efforts.”
The protesters say they are focusing their attention on a requirement that mandates the “postal service pre-fund retiree health benefits 75 years in advance,” according to POLITICO.
“The postal service has adapted to the change in the volume of mail,” said Jamie Partridge speaking for Communities and Postal Workers Unite, a labor group that has “partnered” with the protest. “That’s not what’s killing the postal service. Not the Internet. Not private competition. Not even the recession. It’s this prefunded mandate.”
Wearing yellow T-shirts with the phrase, “Congress is starving the postal service,” the 10 hunger strikers plan to march on Capitol Hill, USPS headquarters, and the Washington Post headquarters (because the WaPo published op-eds endorsing budget cuts) before ending their hunger strike on Thursday, Rein reports.
The USPS released this statement commenting on the protest:
We respect the right of our employees and retirees to engage in lawful public dialogue regarding postal issues. We have worked hard over this past year to bring to the attention of Congress, the [Obama] administration, the news media and the American public the urgent need for postal reform legislation.
However, the federal agency was also careful to note that its $14 billion loss this fiscal year requires “necessary and responsible cost-reduction steps.”
“The hunger strikers have been endorsed by many groups active in the Occupy movement, as well as local chapters of several postal unions,” Rein writes.
(H/T: Newser)
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Comments (149)
Walkabout
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:11am“pre-fund retiree health benefits 75 years in advance,” is a bit much. Maybe 50 years is good. But to not fund it now means large tax increases for future generations.
Defined pension is dead. The evil Democrats killed it. Specifically spineless politicians & union leaders killed it.
Report Post »spikebu
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 6:12amA four day HUNGER strike? Really? I am feeding my family with the things I used to pull out of my cupboard for the food drives. I’m getting very creative with beans and lentils. I find this story to be entirely offensive. People I have paid all of my adult life, have the luxury of voluntarily starving themselves? And they’re complaining? I’m beyond frustrated. These government employees should try being self employed and try to commence commerce under this administration. It’s getting very onerous.
Report Post »spikebu
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 6:21amThere won’t be any taxation of future generations, because they will not have any kind of “personal” income!
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 6:59amI’ve never understood the hunger strike. Go ahead and starve yourself, why do they think I have a concern with their nutrition? I wonder how many of these hungry people will refuse to give up their smokes? Now if you‘ll excuse me I’m going to go hold my breath until I get my ice cream ;)
Report Post »michael48
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 9:31amtrue dedication to “the cause” would be like …say…4 years…
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 9:35amSpike,
Report Post »Beans are awsome sorces of protiens and come in so many flavors and textures you could serve them 4 days a week and for a month and never repeat a meal. My personla favorite is northern beans,bacon or ham, onionsnchives and home dumplins it’s filling and taste really great.
Beans are american as apple pie.
Wolf
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 10:06amHAHAHA- let them go on a hunger strike if they want. It isn’t going to harm them at all, may even help a few lose some lard.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 10:44amBig deal. Moses fasted for 40 days…. twice!
Jesus did while being tempted by Satan. I’m supposed to be impressed by 4 days? Btw, didn’t Kucinch lose his primary?
Fast for 40 days and then I’ll be impressed.
Report Post »SocialistSlayer
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 10:50amHunger Strike? They are just wanting the Obama Food Stamps! I could really care less if these idiots starve themselves and die – it will free up much needed jobs for good people!
Report Post »william 123
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 11:50amSo here is a prime example of what is wrong with our country…the US Postal Service traces it’s roots to 1775 and it is now 2012. So for 237 years USPS has operated in our country and is now broke, unable to keep up with private companies such as UPS, FEDEX or emails, at what point would you expect them to get it right? 100 years of operation, 150? 200? Social Security, USPS, Indian Reservations, welfare are all examples of what big government can do for you. Which one of these programs are actually working? Hunger strikes for funding? Really? Fire the lot of them and figure out how much savings you have then….
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:29pmWhy not privatize it. It would be more profitable and run better. What has the government ever done efficiently???
Report Post »bigfatslob
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:44pmWell if they get used to not eating, there should be no problem w/ the budget cuts.
Report Post »Deda1
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:08amOk, so go on a hunger strike. For all I care do it until you die. This leaves more for the rest of us and 4 dummies the postal service doesn’t need to worry about laying off.
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 9:36amHave you seen some of the amorphious blobs that work at the post office I think they should required to hunger strike.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:06amI guess if they’re not going to be eating they can cut THEIR BUDGET at home, so what’s their beef?
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:02amLet the post office go on strike. They will become irrelevant so much faster.
Report Post »brother_ed
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:00amI will never understand hunger strikes.
Why should I care if you decide not to eat?
I guess they could not work for 4 days, but we probably wouldn’t know the difference.
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:58pmHunger strike? LOL – stupid obama supporters.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:47amI work for the Postal Service. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW RIGHT YOU ARE…… :(
Report Post »NothingToLose
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:56pmhunger strike a good way to lower their stool output and therefore, carbon footprint
Report Post »USA-Ron
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:45pmPostal, I am on your sde but,
Duh !!
Report Post »Gamaliel
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:36pmOh no! What shall I do? 10 demoncats not eating for 4 days! This is such a terrible worry!
Report Post »FaithfulFriend
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:34pmOnly God can save snail mail now and they’re not praying.
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:33pmIf they starve to death, then Obama does not have to pay those lush pensions. Blame Obama, I do.
Report Post »db321
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:35pmGood Starve!
Report Post »ChuckJ
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:28pm10 people
Report Post »4 days
how many people work for them
this is a joke right
yougottabekidding
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:32pmThe invatations went out by mail!
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:34pmIt’s a pity that its only four days, otherwise the problem might have solved itself.
Report Post »Leopold
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:28pmThey are such idiots.
Report Post »crestar5020
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:22pmJust like the liberals in Europe, protesting because the government needs to trim its budget. Where do these fools think the government gets its money from? Government produces nothing. It takes from the producers in the private sector to exist, and these government employees are going to go on a hunger strike to protest the budget cutbacks? Please stay on that hunger strike for 4 months you clowns, see who cares. Invite all your friends to join you. Maybe the OWS crowd can starve right along with you. Have you all made a will? Just leave everything to the flat earth society!
Report Post »joan k
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:16pmWhat would be so wrong to privatize it?? Oh wait they might not get to be in a union. I love Fed Ex. I get stuff from them all the time and have no problems.
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:36pmPrivatization is their only hope.
Report Post »Simple-James
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:15pmIt’s unfortunate, but as the digital world evolves, the need for snail mail is declining. Top it off with the lack of services in that you can’t track packages once they leave the US with USPS (You can with most private shipping companies) and you will continue to fight a losing battle to private shipping companies.
Report Post »marine249
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:15pmit may lower the cost of food a little bit.
Report Post »Republic
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:28pmThis is actually the adult version of a child holding their breath until they get their way
Report Post »CatB
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:43pmYES .. they are having what we call at my house a “temper fit” .. .my chihuahua is having one right now .. she WANTS a cookie .. not going to get one until morning when she usually gets it …NEVER REWARD BAD BEHAVIOR
Report Post »capitalismrocks
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:12pmHow about you hired some exec’s from Fedex and UPS to run the USPS and show them how to run an efficient and profitable company, dump all of the over the top pension plans, bring things down to proper private sector equivalent norm’s, cut redundant locations in crowded cities, while maintaining locations where there are few and far between, essentially revamp the whole PO and get it back on its feet again, being little babies and holding a pathetic hunger strike is beyond stupid!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:23pmBingo. Private sector versus government. Sorry, Obama. Taxpayers should also get a return on their money . Doesn’t happened with you Democrats and your union “ dues ” as in, “what those votes I got will now cost the sucker taxpayers ”…..tired of this costly mess. Bottom line : NoBama 2012. No Democrats 2012.
Report Post »DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:38amAlso stop the program where bidding is based on so-called minority status first. This makes USPS pay $1000/wrench just like military does. Waste waste waste! But they won’t stop while their “constituents” are getting paid off!
Report Post »RightThinking1
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:11pmA 4 day fast? I think they should go in for self-immolation if they are serious. That goes for Kucinich too, of course.
Report Post »65Mustang
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:11pmThey are over-payed, pensions are huge, health benefits do die for, they are government employees…don’t care if they starve.
Report Post »louzyana
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:11pmMeh…except for a quick roll of my eyes, I feel no emotion with reading this news.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:09pmOnly four days… Damn!
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:16pmThats great the young ones get the old retired to join and – attrition
Report Post »mils
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:18pmCOOOOOOL…MORE FOOD FOR THE REST OF US !!!:)♥♥
Report Post »AND more work for the funeral homes…it’s a “win win”…
as if i care that they o on a hunger strike..how funny…
rickc34
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:19pm7 days no water 30 plus days no food then we are talking. Had a 75 y/o that went 17 day withut water before he died. He was on hospice care with ca.
Report Post »MAMMY_NUNN
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:46amNow that’s what I call dedication to the cause.
Report Post »Wimps!
13th Imam
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:08pmBuggy Whip workers are staging a one hour hunger strike, and Nancy Pelousy is speaking up for them with a frozen face.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:35pmRick34-why did the hospice patient go without water for 17 day? Didthe hopice people refuse him water?Reminds me of terry schaivo who was murdered by the health care profession. Is that what they’re doing in hospice centers too?How do you deprive someone of water for 17ays?horrific!
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 2:35amRose-ellen he was in a coma and his system was shutting down and a person just stops eatting and drinking . He would have drowned on his own fluids . this is normal and not cruel like one would think. An IV would have made. It worse with fluid leaking out of his mouth and his lungs filling with fluid also it is a terriable sight. Provide oral care and keep them as comfortable as you can and pray for them that the Lord would show mercy. I was the hardest job I have ever done. It. I took care of my younger brother while he was dying and on Hospice he. Did not take more than a sip of water before he slipped of into a coma. I have seen family members trying to force food and fluids only to have the patient aspirate and die. They lose the ability to swallow and cough.
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 3:08amRose ellen-as long as a hospice patient is able to eat or drink they do . They stop when they are no longer able to absorb and breakdown and eliminate the food or fluid. You would not try and feed a person unable to swallow. Undigested food just bloats a person that is no longer able to break down food. Hospice pts some last hours some months and some go off because they got better our goal is to keep them safe and comfortable. Terry was not a Hospice patient. Hospice is to assit the family and the patient in their time of need and crisis. Most of our pts have cancer and have done the chemo and radiation with no results. We do not speed up the process .. pts actually live longer on hospice than those that refuse hospice services due to the care received. To learn more volunteer with your local Hospice and bless someone. Some do not have family to spend time with them and love the company.it is still hard when they pass.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:05pmKucinich and the OWS …dysfunctional idiots…a match made in heaven…but a taxpayers’ hell… NoBama 2012. No Democrats 2012.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:02pmnope
dont care
let them starve
and kusinech ( sp) is a typical liberal ………………cant even actually fast in protest
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