USPS’ decision to shake up its leadership is drawing fierce criticism from postal workers and unions.
Concerns are mounting that the change could disrupt vital mail services, particularly those relying on USPS for essential deliveries.
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The announcement comes as the Postal Service is reportedly planning to appoint FedEx Corp. board member David Steiner as its new Postmaster General.
With deep ties to the private sector, Steiner is expected to take over following the departure of Louis DeJoy.
Steiner’s background, particularly as a former CEO at Waste Management and a board member at FedEx, is sparking controversy.
Postal unions, including the National Association of Letter Carriers, have raised alarms about his potential conflicts of interest.
The NALC, which represents nearly 300,000 postal workers, fears Steiner’s corporate ties will harm the public service’s future and slammed the USPS’s plans as an “aggressive step.”
“As the union representing 295,000 active and retired letter carriers, strongly condemns the reported selection of David P. Steiner to lead the Postal Service,” NALC said in a statement.
“Steiner comes directly from service on FedEx’s board of directors, presenting a clear conflict of interest.”
The union also warned that Steiner’s potential appointment could be a step toward privatizing postal services, a move they say would endanger jobs and diminish services.
“Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years,” the NALC added.
“Steiner’s selection is an open invitation to do just that.”
The union continued, “The damage will hit rural communities hardest, where the Postal Service isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline.”
WHITE HOUSE BACKS STEINER
While the White House is backing Steiner’s appointment as part of a push for greater efficiency within USPS, critics argue the potential choice prioritizes corporate interests.
During his time at Waste Management, Steiner faced criticism for acting against unions and replacing workers with automation, which increased concerns among postal workers.
The NALC argues that USPS has been successful in recent years, reporting a $144 million profit in late 2024, largely due to cooperation between postal workers and management.
“He built his brand on union-busting, slashing jobs, and replacing workers with machines,” the NALC said.
“Now, he’s being handed the keys to one of the nation’s largest unionized employers.”
Statement from the National Association of Letter Carriers
As the union representing 295,000 active and retired letter carriers, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) strongly condemns the reported selection of David P. Steiner to lead the Postal Service. Steiner comes directly from service on FedEx’s board of directors, presenting a clear conflict of interest. Steiner didn’t just stroll in from the private sector—he comes straight from one of the Postal Service’s top competitors.
His selection isn’t just a conflict of interest—it’s an aggressive step toward handing America’s mail system over to corporate interests. Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiner’s selection is an open invitation to do just that.
During his tenure as Waste Management, Inc.’s CEO, Steiner took a stand against unions. He built his brand on union-busting, slashing jobs, and replacing workers with machines. He has publicly bragged about shrinking the union footprint. Now, he’s being handed the keys to one of the nation’s largest unionized employers. At a time when collaboration with workers helped USPS turn a $144 million profit in the last quarter of 2024, this decision flies in the face of everything that’s working.
This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a direct assault on the workers who keep the mail moving and the public connected. The damage will hit rural communities hardest, where the Postal Service isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. And make no mistake: if this appointment stands, it threatens 7.9 million jobs tied to the postal industry and service to over 300 million Americans.
The nation’s letter carriers are outraged that the Postal Service Board of Governors has chosen an anti-union postmaster general with a major conflict of interest. The board has the responsibility to do what is best for USPS. This decision is not only a failure in that responsibility but shows open contempt for the work of America’s letter carriers and the public good.
NALC President Brian L. Renfroe
A nine-member board of governors is responsible for appointing the postmaster general, but according to The Washington Post, the Trump administration is backing Steiner for the role following a recommendation from FedEx.
However, FedEx has stated it is not involved in the selection process.
“FedEx has not, and will not, be involved with choosing the next Postmaster General,” the company told The Independent.
On Friday, Trump met with another candidate at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida and informed him that Steiner had been chosen for the position, according to The Washington Post.
The reported shake-up comes at a challenging time for the Postal Service.
DeJoy, the former postmaster general and GOP donor, resigned in March following a reported conflict with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative over data access.
In the same month, the USPS revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 10,000 employees from its total of about 640,000.
The USPS and FedEx haven’t returned The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.