Recognizing American Postal Workers Chicago Local 0001

Floor Speech

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Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the recent 250th anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service, USPS, and the 120th anniversary of the American Postal Workers Union, APWU, Chicago Local 0001.

Our Nation's Postal Service, first established by the Second Continental Congress on July 26, 1775, and later modernized by Congress to become the U.S. Postal Service on July 1, 1971, was created to connect individuals and communities across the country.

Today, USPS continues to serve communities and is relied on for its ability to conduct last-mile deliveries that have rapidly increased in the era of e-commerce. As USPS passes this incredible milestone, we must ensure that USPS continues to grow by improving its on-time performance, seeking new business to grow mail volumes, and investing in the Postal Service's most valuable asset, its dedicated workforce.

In my home State of Illinois, APWU Chicago Local 0001 and other unions began organizing to strengthen worker rights and protections over 100 years ago, when labor protections barely existed. The leadership, dedication, and great sacrifices made by APWU Chicago Local 0001 empowered postal workers to negotiate fairer wages, establish safer workplaces, and secure far better health benefits. Simply put, APWU Chicago Local 0001 has been instrumental in advancing postal workers' rights, safety and dignity.

I ask my colleagues in the Senate to join me in commemorating the USPS's 250th Anniversary and commending and thanking the dedicated postal workers--past and present--of APWU Chicago Local 0001, who have served their fellow APWU sisters and brothers over the past 120 years, and helped connect communities throughout Illinois and across our great Nation.

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