Postal workers union to protest Staples program

Thousands of postal workers around the country are expected to protest the opening of postal counters in Staples stores that are staffed with retail employees.

Thursday’s protests are planned at 50 locations in 27 states, including rallies in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Last year, Framingham, Mass.-based Staples Inc. began offering postal services under a pilot program that now includes some 80 stores. The American Postal Workers Union objects, because they say well-paid union workers have been replaced by low-wage nonunion workers.

The union says that could lead to layoffs and post office closings. The union says postal workers “have taken an oath to protect the sanctity of the mail,” unlike retail workers.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says the program has nothing to do with privatization but is a response to customer demands for convenience.