BOSTON – The American Postal Workers Local #4553 today announced its endorsement of Senator Ed Markey for re-election to the United States Senate.

The Postal Workers Local #4553 represents 610 United States Postal Service (USPS) employees throughout Central Massachusetts, stretching from West Brookfield to Concord.

“During his more than 35 years in the House of Representatives and over the last seven years in the Senate, Ed Markey has fought to protect the environment and make people more aware of the dangers posed by climate change,” said John Flattery, President of Local #4553. “He has worked hard to improve education and provide greater access to quality childcare, he has championed better health care and enhanced medical research.

“Ed Markey stood by Postal Workers many years ago when Anthrax sickened and killed Postal Workers and he and his office have been tremendous allies during this pandemic. He has pledged to support the USPS Fairness Act and fight for funding for the Postal Service in the next stimulus package. Put simply he has shown that he deserves to be re-elected and it is our honor to give him our endorsement and support,” Flattery said.

Senator Markey has called on Senate leadership to include full funding of the USPS in future coronavirus relief packages. The USPS provides essential services across the country, and reliance on the postal service has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am incredibly grateful to have the support of Local #4553 workers,” Senator Ed Markey said. “Now more than ever before, Americans rely on the USPS to receive critical medications, and to help them stay in contact with their loved ones. The USPS has never failed to serve our country, delivering the mail in the snow and rain, in heat and through the night. Now, it’s our job to support our postal workers, as they continue to serve in the midst of a global pandemic. We cannot and will not let our Postal Service go under. I will continue to work in the Senate to fully fund the USPS. Union values are my values. Together, we will continue to demand federal support for our frontline workers who put their lives on the line to keep America running,” Markey added.

On Tuesday, Senator Markey joined the President of Local #4553, John Flattery, visiting postal workers in Shrewsbury to thank them for their dedication to serving millions of families across Massachusetts.

Senator Markey has also called for the full funding of vote-by-mail via the USPS. In a crucial election year, Markey is working to ensure that no American has to choose between voting and their health.

As the son of a union leader, Senator Markey is committed to fighting for the rights of union workers across the Commonwealth and nation. In February, he stood with UNITE HERE Local 26 airline catering workers for a rally at Logan Airport to call on LSG Sky Chefs to provide fair wages and affordable healthcare for its employees.

The Postal Workers local union endorsement follows the announcement of support from several major progressive groups, including the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL Pro-Choice, the NRDC Action Fund, and Peace Action. Senator Markey has also been endorsed by unions across the state, including UNITE HERE Local 26, AFSCME, SEIU 888, SEIU 32BJ, CWA 1400, AFA, and AFGE.

Senator Markey has served in the United States Senate since winning the special election in 2013 and has amassed a deep record on environmental, climate, gun safety, and consumer protection issues. His leadership has led to the expansion of opioid recovery and treatment services, strengthening online privacy laws, and historic investments in medical and health research. Raised in Malden, Ed Markey has always stood up for the priorities of Massachusetts.

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