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On a chilly Sunday afternoon, members of the local postal union gathered at Barker Common to voice their concerns over unsafe working conditions at the Fredonia Post Office. This protest, organized by the grassroots movement Build a Fighting, representing the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), highlighted serious safety issues that arose during a recent winter storm.
Alarming incidents during the storm
On November 30, as a winter storm blanketed the region in snow and created treacherous travel conditions, postal workers faced a crisis at their workplace. Reports indicated that a carbon monoxide detector in the Fredonia Post Office had been left unattended, blaring throughout the night and into the following workday.
Despite the alarming noise, management reportedly instructed employees to continue their duties as usual.
It wasn’t until a letter carrier experienced a headache, prompting a walkout, that the situation escalated. A clerk alerted the fire department, leading to an evacuation of the building.
However, the response from management raised eyebrows, as workers were then directed to travel to the Dunkirk Post Office in their personal vehicles during the height of the storm, without any medical assistance provided.
Community support and union solidarity
The protest saw significant support from various community members and organizations.
Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson attended to engage in discussions regarding the safety concerns raised by the letter carriers. Additionally, the Fredonia Teachers Association showed solidarity with the postal workers, emphasizing the importance of safe working environments for all employees.
Tiffany Ellsworth, president of the local American Postal Workers Union, also joined the rally, reinforcing the message that workers deserve better protection and support from management, especially during hazardous conditions.
The collective voice of the community and union members underscored the urgency of addressing these safety issues.
The call for change
As the protest unfolded, the message was clear: postal workers are demanding immediate action to improve safety protocols and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
The Build a Fighting movement, alongside NALC, is advocating for better working conditions, including proper emergency response measures and adequate training for management to handle crises effectively.
The rally not only highlighted the specific incidents at the Fredonia Post Office but also served as a reminder of the broader challenges faced by workers in various industries. The commitment to fighting for safer workplaces resonates strongly with the younger generation, who are increasingly aware of labor rights and workplace safety.
As the winter months approach, the urgency for change becomes even more pressing. Postal workers and their supporters are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that their safety is prioritized. The fight for better working conditions continues, fueled by solidarity and community support.
