News

An Update on the Social Security Fairness Act

July 31, 2024The APWU has never stopped fighting to pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82, S. 597).  Social SecurityLegislative and PoliticalRetirees The APWU has never stopped fighting to pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82, S. 597). This bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which are parts of Social Security law that unfairly reduce, or sometimes eliminate, Social Security benefits for millions of federal annuitants. The GPO and WEP penalize CSRS retirees that meet the requirements for Social Security benefits and have paid their fair share into the program. To address this inequity, 324 members of the House and 61 members of the Senate from both parties now support this legislation. With this much bipartisan support, our next step is to back a discharge petition. A discharge petition is a process to bring any bill sitting in committee to the House floor for a vote as long as at least 218 members of Congress sign the petition. In this instance, a successful discharge petition would bypass both the Speaker of the House and committee to bring H.R.82 to the House floor for an up or down vote before we run out of time this Congress. Over the last few years we have been strongly advocating for this bill, and the time is now to get the Social Security Fairness Act over the finish line. The APWU calls on all members of Congress in the House to not only cosponsor H.R. 82, but to support a discharge petition! An Update on the Social Security Fairness Act0Continue reading→

UAW Endorses Kamala Harris for President Ahead of Mass Rally in Detroit

On Wednesday, July 31, the UAW International Executive Board voted to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Her historic candidacy builds on the Biden-Harris administration’s proven track record of standing with the UAW and delivering major gains for the working class.   Years before the Stand Up Strike, Kamala Harris walked the picket […] The post UAW Endorses Kamala Harris for President Ahead of Mass Rally in Detroit appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

Preventing Hearing Loss at Work and Home

July 31, 2024Hearing protection is especially important for APWU members given the diverse and noisy work environments we encounter. The Industrial Relations Department is committed to ensuring that we keep you informed about hearing hazards and the precautions you can take to protect your hearing. magazineSafety and HealthSpeak Up for Safe Jobs Hearing protection is especially important for APWU members given the diverse and noisy work environments we encounter. The Industrial Relations Department is committed to ensuring that we keep you informed about hearing hazards and the precautions you can take to protect your hearing. Below are key points highlighting the importance of hearing protection for APWU members: Chronic Noise Exposure – APWU members, particularly those working in mail processing facilities, are often exposed to loud machinery and equipment noise. Prolonged exposure to such noise at work or while doing chores at home can lead to permanent hearing loss. Irreversible Damage – Unlike other injuries, hearing loss from noise exposure is often irreversible. Once the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, they do not regenerate, leading to permanent impairment. Effective Communication – In noisy environments, hearing protection helps reduce the impact of loud sounds while allowing workers to hear important communications and alarms. This is crucial for maintaining safety for APWU members on workroom floors. Alertness to Hazards – Good hearing is essential for detecting warning signals, approaching vehicles, or machinery that could pose a risk. Hearing protection helps in maintaining the ability to perceive and respond to such hazards. Prevent Noise-Induced Stress Levels – Constant exposure to high noise levels can lead to increased stress and fatigue. Hearing protection helps create a more comfortable work environment, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. Improve Focus and Reduce Accidents – Reducing noise levels helps APWU members focus better on our jobs and reduce the likelihood of accidents on and off the job. Regulatory Requirements – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations mandate hearing protection for workers exposed to noise levels of 85 decibels or higher over an eight-hour period. The Postal Service must comply with these standards to ensure worker safety. Prevent Tinnitus and Other Issues – Prolonged noise exposure can lead to conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which can significantly affect quality of life. Hearing protection helps prevent these issues, supporting overall health and well-being. Long-Term Health – Protecting hearing reduces the risk of associated conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which have been linked to chronic noise exposure. Support for Aging Workforce – As our APWU members age, susceptibility to hearing loss increases. Using the hearing protection that the Postal Service must provide is crucial to support older employees and maintain their hearing health over time. Extended Career Longevity – By protecting hearing, our APWU members can continue to work effectively and safely for longer periods, benefiting both the individual and their families. Hearing Protection or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) You may require hearing protection if noise levels cannot be controlled to below OSHA limits. Hearing protection will be made available if noise levels exceed 85 decibels. Radio headsets are not a substitute for approved hearing protectors. Do not wear them in areas where hearing protection is required, as there is no level of protection provided. Earmuffs offer a comfortable fit and provide effective noise reduction, which is ideal for louder environments or for employees who prefer not to use earplugs for various reasons. Earplugs provide a high level of noise reduction and are suitable for a range of noise environments. This is the most common PPE used by Postal Service employees for hearing protection. The Correct way to Insert Earplugs: Use clean hands, and clean earplugs. Pull the top of your ear up and back with one hand to straighten out your ear canal. Insert the earplug straight into the ear canal with your other hand until there is a snug fit. Using hearing PPE is essential not only for preventing hearing loss, but also for maintaining effective communication, reducing stress, and hearing for your entire lifetime. ■ Preventing Hearing Loss at Work and Home0Continue reading→

UAW Statement on Corporate Greed at John Deere

John Deere’s reckless layoffs and job cuts are an insult to the working class people of Iowa and Illinois, and the United Auto Workers will fight for justice for our members and communities affected by these moves.   Let’s be clear: there is no need for Deere to kill good American jobs and outsource them to […] The post UAW Statement on Corporate Greed at John Deere appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

UAW Files Seven Unfair Labor Practice Charges Against Cornell University Amid Contract Talks

ITHACA — Over the past few weeks, the UAW has filed seven separate unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Cornell University, citing violations of workers’ rights and federal labor laws amid ongoing contract negotiations. The agreement, covering more than 1,200 workers, expired at midnight on Sunday, June 30. In response […] The post UAW Files Seven Unfair Labor Practice Charges Against Cornell University Amid Contract Talks appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→