CHICAGO — Politicians are joining postal workers in their demand for protection after a letter carrier was shot and killed last week.
Hundreds of mail carriers joined by labor allies attended a rally at their union hall Monday morning.
Those who spoke called on elected leaders to address the mounting issue, pointing out to a rise in attacks on postal workers in the past year.
“Now we have over 140 and a we have a fatality. That is just not right,” said Elise Foster, NALC Branch 11 President.
On Friday, 48-year-old Octavia Redmond was delivering mail in the city’s West Pullman neighborhood, when she was killed on the job.
In response to the senseless tragedy, Redmond’s colleagues are demanding increased protection and enhanced public safety measures during their routes.
Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act in both chambers of Congress. The legislation seeks to prevent violent crimes and ensure those who commit these acts are held responsible.
In tribute to Redmond, they urge Congress to pass the bill quickly.
“That bill better include some protection for letter carriers. It better include some money for postal police to actually be out on the street, not sitting inside the buildings, protecting the buildings that no one’s attacking,” said Michael Caref of NALC Region 3.
No arrests have been made in Redmond’s murder. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.