Postal workers’ dispute boils over ahead of Labor Day

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is locked in a bitter labor dispute with hundreds of thousands of postal workers for a third consecutive month as Labor Day weekend approaches.

The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) — which represents more than 200,000 behind-the-scenes postal workers, like counter clerks and those who sort mail — is demanding longer hours.

The postal workers say keeping post offices open longer would not only provide them with more jobs, but also reduce mail delays and give customers better service.

This comes as the Postal Service cuts back hours because of budgetary constraints. 

The Postal Service’s contract with the APWU expired in late May, but the employees continue to work on the old contract.

The APWU says it has no strikes or protests planned for the Labor Day weekend, but hope to raising awareness and public support through local parades around the country.

In May, the union organized protests in more than 85 cities and was joined by actor Danny Glover.

The USPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.