Kevin Walsh, Director of Organization of the New York Metro Area Postal Union, reports that the union has endorsed Congressman John Conyers’ HR 676, Expanded and Improved Medicare for All, national single payer legislation.

The union represents 5,000 workers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Jersey City, and Kearney, New Jersey. The members work as clerks, on motor vehicles, and in maintenance as electricians, plumbers, and other crafts and positions.

Walsh initiated the support for HR 676 by distributing a copy of the of the bill and the proposed resolution to the Executive Board of his union. “All concerned thought it would be good,” said Walsh. “Every year the cost of insurance is going up, and a lot of things are not covered or not covered thoroughly. HR 676 will cover us better with physical therapy, vision care, and no co-pays, no deductibles, and no out-of-pocket expenses.”

“With each increase in health care costs, workers’ checks go down. Our members will do much better with HR 676. But I want it to be better, not just for our members, but for everyone,” Walsh concluded.

Walsh expressed hope that unions can lead the way in winning universal, single payer health care for the nation.