LEGISLATIVE ALERT!

(07/29/10) The interests of large mailers frequently run counter to those of postal employees, APWU President William Burrus notes in an Update for union members, and nowhere is that clearer than in a motion filed by major mailers protesting the proposed postage rate hike. The motion "vividly exposes the lack of respect they have for postal employees and the collective bargaining process," Burrus says. "The mailers suggest the wages of bargaining unit employees should be cut by at least $18,000 per year, with corresponding reductions in healthcare, life insurance, leave and other benefits!"

(07/27/10) As part of a nationwide campaign, local union members across the country have ramped up the fight to Save Saturday Service, taking action to alert the public to the dangers of the Postal Service's plans to eliminate Saturday delivery.

(07/27/10) The union's Constitution Committee has revised Resolution #6, which it offered for consideration by delegates to the APWU 20th Biennial National Convention. A revised set of resolutions has now been posted. Delegates will debate and vote on hundreds of proposals to guide the union's work over the next two years.

(07/22/10) Legislation to restore financial stability to the USPS cleared its first hurdle July 21 when a House subcommittee approved H.R. 5746. "This is an important first step, but we still have a long way to go," said Myke Reid, APWU Legislative and Political Director. "It is imperative that APWU members build support for this legislation by contacting their U.S. representatives and asking them to sign on as co-sponsors."

(07/21/10) A chart prepared by the USPS gives a clear picture of USPS finances, APWU President William Burrus notes in an Update for union members. It shows that from 2001 through 2008 -- minus the retiree healthcare pre-funding requirement of the Postal Accountability and Enhance Act -- the Postal Service experienced a cumulative surplus of more than $14 billion. The chart refutes the common misconception that the Postal Service's business model needs a major overhaul to survive, Burrus said.