As delegates arrived in Los Angeles, California for the 28th Biennial APWU National Convention, the Clerk, Maintenance, Motor Vehicle Service, and Support Services Divisions held their conferences, along with the APWU Retirees Department.
APWU President Jonathan Smith and national officers addressed the conferences and offered their support in the fights ahead.
Clerk delegates debate resolutions on the conference floor.
Clerk delegates debate resolutions on the conference floor.
At the Clerk Division General Session, Director Lamont Brooks spoke about the challenges postal workers are currently facing. He evoked the tough times leading up to the 1970 Postal Strike, and the sacrifices postal strikers made to secure the rights and benefits postal workers hold to this day. He challenged delegates to “be all you can be” to reach their full potential and stressed the similar need to fight and prepare the next generation of leaders for the challenges ahead, like returning clerk work to the craft and protecting and expanding work amid the threats of excessing and automation. Delegates also discussed and debated their craft resolutions.
Maintenance Conference attendees dive deep into their craft resolutions.
Maintenance Conference attendees dive deep into their craft resolutions.
During the Maintenance Division General Session, Director Idowu Balogun delivered his Officer Report. Following the reports, delegates discussed Maintenance statistics, USPS notifications, and national subcontracting cases that are pending arbitration. Director Balogun also announced two new settlement agreements. The Pending Qualification settlement awards 42 affected employees the difference in pay between the level and pay rate they would have earned in the “pending qualification” detail pursuant to Article 38.5.C.3 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The settlement agreement for the Skilled Maintenance Assessment ensures that all employees with an eligible Maintenance Selection System rating will remain at the top of the Promotion Eligibility Registers for each occupational group in accordance with Articles 38.5.B.8.a-b.
Motor Vehicle Service delegates participate in the division conference.
Motor Vehicle Service delegates participate in the division conference.
Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Division Director Michael Foster opened the General Session with a moment of remembrance for fallen MVS driver Gonzalo Burciaga, who passed away unexpectedly on the job in May 2026. The delegates voted unanimously to dedicate the conference to his honor and raised $1,334 in donations for his family.
After greetings and opening remarks, Director Foster presented his officer’s report detailing the craft’s progress since the last convention. After debating resolutions, members discussed craft issues on artificial intelligence, elimination of PO-701 sections 2 and 3, transportation of bulk mail by letter carriers, hashing, new truck technology, and Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO) Pilot updates.
Support Services delegates discuss the need to organize new members and preserve institutional knowledge.
Support Services delegates discuss the need to organize new members and preserve institutional knowledge.
During the Support Services Division General Session, Director Kimberly Maurer welcomed delegates and new attendees. Delegates introduced each other and shared union history about building representation for the craft, including the years long effort to secure recognition as a craft and a national business agent position.
Attendees emphasized the need to organize new members, preserve institutional knowledge, and assert the unique identity of the Support Services craft. Director Maurer outlined the division’s agenda for the convention, including contract, discipline, and workplace issues across several units.
Retiree delegates gather to discuss resolutions and share updates.
Retiree delegates gather to discuss resolutions and share updates.
Retiree delegates gathered at their conference to discuss resolutions and share updates on the issues affecting APWU retirees. Delegates also heard a presentation on the upcoming midterm elections, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and actively participating in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) activities.
Later, Retirees Division Director Nancy Olumekor and the retiree convention delegates honored former National Clerk Division Assistant Director Dr. Patricia “Pat” Williams for her years of dedication and service to the APWU. Celebrated as a “shero,” Williams was recognized for her tireless commitment, leadership, and contributions to the union and its members.
Former APWU National Officer Dr. Pat Williams is honored for her years of dedication and service to the APWU.
Former APWU National Officer Dr. Pat Williams is honored for her years of dedication and service to the APWU.
Members Participate in Preconvention Workshops
Organization Director Anna Bostwick teaching her workshop
Organization Director Anna Bostwick teaching her workshop
On Friday, Aug. 14, more than 800 APWU members took part in 24 engaging educational workshops and training sessions, organized by the Research and Education Department and its director, Joyce Robinson.
The workshops and trainings covered a wide range of topics and issues, including the new Talk Is Cheap; Safety Matters/Stand Up for Safe Jobs workshop, contract enforcement, dealing with toxic workplaces, organizing nonmembers, the fundamentals of labor law, writing for local grassroots communications, and leadership enhancement.
Members left the workshops and trainings with new tools and information to stand up for our members from the shop floor to the streets.
Midterm Election Briefing
Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard
Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard
The APWU Legislative and Political Department hosted its Midterm Election Briefing to a packed room early on Sunday morning. Active, retired, and auxiliary members learned what’s at stake in the 2026 General Election, and how they can make a difference.
Director Judy Beard encouraged attendees to be involved in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts and build relationships with community organizations. President Smith echoed that sentiment and reminded attendees that we cannot afford to sit out this election when the future of the Postal Service is on the line.
Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, spoke about the critical role that state federations and central labor councils play in building the critical coalitions needed to advance union issues and win elections. Attendees learned how to comply with the Hatch Act to ensure we stay in compliance during election season and receive an update on the status of the executive order on Vote-by-Mail.
The Legislative Department team showed the political map for 2026 at the local, state, and federal levels, and provided information on how to be a part of the APWU election program. Attendees left ready to get involved in this election season.
Bridging the Gap: A Conversation Between Generations
From L-R: Rictarsha Westmoreland, Myron Krider, Patrick Chornoby, Ebony Wright, Teddy Days, Eric Chornoby, and Cynthia Nesmith
From L-R: Rictarsha Westmoreland, Myron Krider, Patrick Chornoby, Ebony Wright, Teddy Days, Eric Chornoby, and Cynthia Nesmith
The APWU draws its strength from the solidarity, dedication, and activism of our members. From the 1970 striking pioneers who fought for the rights and protections that we enjoy today to the newest members beginning their union journey, every generation plays a vital role in shaping the future of our union.
On Sunday, Aug. 16, APWU retirees and young members came together for a Bridging the Gap panel discussion to share experiences, honor our union’s history, and build the future of the APWU. The panel discussion was facilitated by Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell and moderated by Rictarsha “Rikki” Westmoreland from the Baltimore Francis “Stu” Filbey Area Local. APWU President Jonathan Smith welcomed and addressed the panelists and attendees.
“Every generation in this union has got something valuable to contribute. Retirees through history, wisdom and experience, and the young members who bring energy and perspective and future leadership of the APWU,” said Secretary-Treasurer and panel facilitator Liz Powell. “Together, we build continuity. Together, we build power,” she concluded.
The discussion centered on the sacrifices and achievements of retirees, the challenges facing today’s postal workers, and opportunities to build a stronger, more united APWU of the future. Together we can bridge the gap between experience and innovation to ensure the values of our union continue to thrive for generations to come.
APWU retirees on the panel were: Cynthia Nesmith, Philadelphia Area Local Retiree Chapter; Patrick Chornoby, Detroit District Area Local Retiree Chapter; and Teddie Days, St. Louis Gateway District Area Local.
APWU young members on the panel included: Ebony Wright, New York Metro Area Postal Union; Myron Krider, Columbia Area Local (SC); and Eric Chornoby, 480-481 Area Local and the Michigan Postal Workers Union.
Auxiliary to the APWU
The APWU Auxiliary continues working tirelessly to fulfill its mission of assisting APWU locals and helping the less fortunate.
Acting as support for locals that need it, the Auxiliary offers help in many ways, like helping to promote and turn out attendees to APWU rallies and working for the interests of APWU members and their families. Auxiliary members volunteer their time at homeless shelters, food banks, and select human relations projects.
Many members of the Auxiliary are volunteering their services at the convention this week. Without the efforts of the Auxiliary, the APWU would be unable to carry out much of the time-consuming, behind-the-scenes work that is essential to the success of our union. Membership of the Auxiliary is composed of relatives and friends of APWU members. Through the efforts of the APWU Auxiliary, the union’s important work is completed. The Auxiliary to the APWU is a valuable tool for building unity and a sense of purpose for APWU members and their families.
For more information about the Auxiliary, please visit its booth in the convention exhibit area or its website at apwuauxiliary.org