In the spring of 1970, the United States witnessed an unexpected but historic disruption—the first-ever national postal strike. Over 200,000 postal workers walked off the job, defying federal law and paralyzing the country’s mail system. This often-overlooked event marked a turning point in American labor history and challenged the perception of federal workers as powerless under government control.
Sparked by low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of bargaining rights, the strike began in New York City before spreading nationwide. At the time, postal employees earned below poverty wages despite long hours and rising workloads. The walkout forced President Nixon to deploy military personnel to process mail—an unprecedented move that only underscored the scale of the crisis.
Though illegal, the strike resulted in victory. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 transformed the U.S. Post Office Department into the U.S. Postal Service, an independent agency with improved labor protections. Today, the strike serves as a powerful reminder of how collective action—even against federal odds—can bring systemic reform. It remains a hidden chapter in labor history that deserves more recognition.
