News

UNI's US affiliate, the NPMHU, report that in the United States in recent months, “Do Not Mail” legislation that is modelled on the “Do Not Call” law and regulations aimed at curtailing unwanted telephone solicitors has been introduced in several state legislatures.  If such legislation were adopted, it could destroy America’s paper-based communications network, and do serious damage to the U.S. Postal Service and to mail handlers and other postal employees.

 

          How devastating is this legislation?  The mailing industry is estimated to be worth about $800 billion a year to the American economy.  Nine million jobs are tied to the industry.  It provides work for mail handlers and other USPS employees, printers, envelope manufacturers, truck drivers, paper producers, and many other workers.

          It is the life-blood of many small businesses, such as a corner pizza parlor that sends out buck-off coupons to build its clientele.  Through catalogue shopping, the mailing industry helps to curtail motor vehicle use and reduce harmful emissions.  The USPS has been given a Presidential citation for its “green” efforts, including its fleet of non-gasoline vehicles and emphasis on recyclable paper.

          “This legislation presents a challenge and an opportunity,” said NPMHU National President Hegarty. “We have to educate state legislators and others about the importance of mail, and the disastrous effects of precipitously cutting it off.”

          The NPMHU is a member of the Mail Moves America Coalition (MMA), an organization made up of unions, associations, mailers and others.  To learn more about this issue, visit the MMA web site at www.mailmovesamerica.org.