News Summary
On Thursday morning, San Antonio will be the focal point of a nationwide movement as the American Postal Workers Union rallies against potential changes to the USPS. With concerns over government control leading to increased prices and reduced service quality, local postal workers and supporters are coming together to voice their grievances. The rally will address pressing health and safety issues, including heat-related illnesses, and push for better working conditions. Community participation is encouraged to support the critical role of postal services.
San Antonio Gears Up for Postal Workers Rally
San Antonio, get ready! The city is about to be the epicenter of a nationwide movement as members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) prepare for a rally on Thursday morning. This event is part of a larger initiative dubbed the “U.S. Mail is Not for Sale – Day of Action,” taking place in a whopping 150 cities across the nation.
Why the Rally?
The rally is a response to growing concerns over proposed changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS). Recently, there have been whispers about President Donald Trump suggesting that the USPS be placed under the control of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since the U.S. Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, the USPS has functioned as an independent agency that stands on its own two feet without dipping into taxpayer funds. The changes being proposed have stirred up a lot of anxiety among postal workers and supporters alike.
Concerns and Criticisms
Union leaders are sounding alarms over potential consequences. The fear is that a government takeover could lead to higher prices and lower service quality, especially for those living in rural areas who rely heavily on postal services. Postal workers across the country are increasingly frustrated over declining service quality and operational challenges, which they believe stem from insufficient investment and staffing issues. It’s been reported that while package volumes soared to record levels — with over 8.5 billion packages processed in 2025 — staffing levels have continued to decline.
A Local Perspective
The San Antonio rally kicks off at 8 a.m. at the San Antonio Post Office located at 10410 Perrin Beitel Road. It’s expected to draw a robust crowd of supporters, likely fueled by recent protests among federal employees in the city that have demanded fair contracts and improved working conditions. Union leaders have specific grievances, particularly a proposed 1.3% raise from USPS, which is seen as inadequate given the skyrocketing cost of living.
Health and Safety Issues
Health and safety are also hot-button issues for USPS workers in San Antonio, as OSHA investigates alarming instances of heat-related illnesses among them. Many workers have suffered from dehydration and even hospitalization due to perilous working conditions. Reports reveal that some delivery trucks are without air conditioning, resulting in dangerously high temperatures inside the vehicles — with some interiors hitting a blistering 132 degrees.
Whistleblower Concerns
Even more troubling is a whistleblower investigation that suggests employees were under pressure not to report heat-related injuries, receiving intimidating questionnaires about disciplinary actions instead. This culture of fear only adds to the already challenging work environment.
Pressure for Better Conditions
In light of these issues, Congressman Greg Casar has made a compelling call to action for the USPS to adopt OSHA’s heat rule, which mandates water, air conditioning, and rest breaks when temperatures exceed a comfortable threshold of 80 degrees. This has garnered support from a significant group of 74 members of Congress who stand behind the movement.
USPS’s Response
In response to these growing concerns, USPS has stated that it has a Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) aimed at safeguarding its employees. This program is designed to provide the necessary training and hydration resources to help postal workers cope with extreme conditions, but many feel it still falls short of addressing the pressing realities they face daily.
Your Voice Matters
With so much at stake for postal workers and customers alike, the upcoming rally in San Antonio is not just a protest — it’s a call for community support. Local residents are encouraged to join the rally and lend their voices to the cause. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a reliable postal service that prioritizes both its workers and the communities they serve?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Residents Demand Fair Contracts for USPS Workers
Additional Resources
- Kens5: Postal Workers Awareness
- Wikipedia: United States Postal Service
- KSAT: Trump & Musk Protest
- Google Search: United States Postal Service
- News4SA: Federal Employees Protest
- Google Scholar: United States Postal Service
- Kristv: Postal Workers Union Protest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Postal Service
- Express News: MLK Day Closures
- Google News: United States Postal Service
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
