Portland postal workers protest staff shortages, mail delays

PORTLAND, Ore. — Mail carriers and postal workers protested in Portland Monday, saying staffing shortages are hurting the post office’s performance.

The protest took place on Presidents Day, a day the unions of postal office workers pushed the federal government to recognize in the 70s. It comes as neighborhoods in Washington, Minnesota and Texas reported several days without mail.

Workers say they want the post office to be a place where people want to work again. The post office has announced delays for first-class mail, but workers demonstrating Monday say neighborhood delays are the result of overstretched workers.