January 2026 Update
Those of us living in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as those living in the surrounding metropolitan area, are currently dealing with some extreme circumstances. I'm at a loss for words to adequately describe the situation; so, I'll rely on the words of others. The Minneapolis Chief of Police has described the situation as unprecedented chaos, while a local faith leader has stated that America is experiencing a profound moral crisis which is playing out on the streets of Minneapolis.
We’ve seen our fellow citizens shot and killed, we’ve seen them dragged from homes that were forcibly entered, and we’ve seen young children taken into custody and quickly whisked away to detention facilities in other States. Every day we hear our coworkers and Brothers and Sisters in the Union speak of the difficulties they're experiencing just trying to live their daily lives and come to work.
Postal employees who are American citizens have found it necessary to carry their passports, essential employee letters, Postal identification badges, and their State issued identification with them at all times. People have reported being stopped and required to show such identification on their way to work. One of our Members said that he was required to do so at gunpoint. I won’t even bother to relate my personal experiences as they pale in comparison to the experiences of others. Suffice it to say that there is no one who hasn't been impacted by the ongoing turmoil.
The response from the people of Minnesota has been extraordinary. Despite the bone chilling cold, Minnesotans have rallied in record numbers to voice their opposition to what's occurring on our streets and in our neighborhoods. Our community leaders, faith leaders, and the Minnesota AFL-CIO have endorsed economic blackouts involving general strikes and walk outs. Indeed, you can see people carrying signs calling for a general strike along with those carrying signs that say, "ICE OUT".
There were reports that some people were under the impression that they could participate in a general strike or walkout. This prompted me to generate a posting, which in no uncertain terms, informed our Members of their obligations and the likely consequences of any such unlawful actions. I've received some criticism suggesting that my posting may have created an impression that the Union does not support the issues of importance to our Members who are immigrants. Nothing could be further from the truth. Personally, I am the grandson of immigrants. Your Union fully supports the issues of importance to all Members, and during these trying times, particularly those of our Members who are immigrants. Quite frankly, there are people who accomplish things and those who follow and criticize them. For me, that just comes with the territory. Still, if my only accomplishment was to prevent Members from being swept up in the moment and putting their employment at risk, then I'll take that as a win - critics be damned.
I'm going to ask you to do a couple of things as we continue to navigate these difficult times. First, if you are in any way delayed or prevented from coming to work due to the activities of ICE, let us know. Your Union will bring any such occurrences to the attention of management. And secondly, check your emotions and personal views at the door. The turmoil we are experiencing will not be resolved on the workroom floor. Come to work and focus on doing what Mail Handlers do best, that is moving America's mail.
Be safe my Brothers and Sisters.
JL