Rural mail carriers warned not to blame mail delays on Amazon

Directive comes after Minn. postal workers protested the heavy workloads caused by the sudden arrival of thousands of Amazon packages

Mail carriers in a rural Minnesota post office overwhelmed by Amazon packages say they’ve been warned not to use the word “Amazon,” including when customers ask why the mail is delayed.

“We are not to mention the word ‘Amazon’ to anyone,” said a mail carrier who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their job.

“If asked, they’re to be referred to as ‘Delivery Partners’ or ‘Distributors,’” said a second carrier. “It’s ridiculous.”

The directive, passed down Monday morning from U.S. Postal Service management, comes three weeks after mail carriers in the northern Minnesota town staged a symbolic strike outside the post office, protesting the heavy workloads and long hours caused by the sudden arrival of thousands of Amazon packages.