Chicago mail carriers demand more security after rash of armed robberies
CHICAGO (CBS) – Chicago mail carriers are calling for better security after a rash of armed robberies, including one last week that ended with a carrier shot in the leg.
CBS 2's Sara Machi heard their concerns on Tuesday from the letter carrier's union hall and what they're asking for.
In simple terms, they want protection for their coworkers. They also want the apprehension and stronger prosecution of those who target them. The mail carriers are also getting some support in Congress.
The letter carriers came together, chanting "Enough is enough!" Dozens joined with a single message after scores of their coworkers have been targeted by thieves.
One letter carrier wearing a $700 bulletproof vest he purchased on his own route in Humboldt Park after thieves started targeting his coworkers for their so-called arrow keys, a masterkey to unlock shared mailboxes.
"We have over 90 reported incidents where letter carriers have been robbed, and or assaulted," said Elise Foster, of the National Association of Letter Carriers. "This is too many."
Last week alone, mail carriers experienced an armed robbery-turned-shooting in Kilbourne Park, an armed robbery in Wicker Park, and an armed robbery in Berwyn.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin sent a letter to the Department of Justice and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy demanding answers. He said those incidents caused direct trauma to letter carriers and added "downstream effects exacerbate staffing shortages, leaving 'delivery deserts,' and causing dangerous delay sin medication and other critical deliveries."
Durbin referenced technology tests underway that would add an extra layer of security and de-value the letter carrier's masterkey, though some in the crowd on Tuesday said that protects the mail, not the carrier.
"If they don't' feel safe, customers, you will not get mail," said Mack Julion, another union member.
Union members also want to move up their start time each day so they can get off the street and home earlier. The union president said on Tuesday she will be talking with a regional representative on Wednesday about that issue.
