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August 26, 2024Organization Director Anna Smith highlights the top locals in several categories who increased their membership percentage during the Building Union Power organizing drive. magazineOrganizationAnna Smith Having a conversation with a nonmember coworker can be downright intimidating. Because of this intimidation, some find it frightening and daunting to ask them to stand with us. We have fought for the precious right to organize a union in our workplace. The fact is these nonmembers are working against our best interests. Some are loud and confrontational with anti-union rhetoric. They let everyone know just why they are not a member. While we are all paying attention and realizing the harm done by the boisterous one, the silent nonmember is as destructive, if not more. They are silently working against everything we fight to achieve. The nonmember might try to say, “It’s not personal, I just [insert excuse here].” Do not drink the Kool-Aid; let them know it is absolutely personal! Every nonmember stands against our fight for a livable wage, health care for our families, and the benefits we enjoy. There isn’t a neutral line. Don’t assume every coworker is a member. Workers in facilities where 100 percent of the workers are union members know that they are, and quite frankly, management knows this too. If your office is not 100 percent organized, now is a great time to remind the nonmembers they are working in a union environment, with pay and benefits that are only achieved by being union. There is no harm in asking your coworker next to you if they stand with you as a union member. You will either share common ground from that point forward or know that they are working against you. There is, however, injury in not inquiring. Each year, at every level, leaders continue to put more effort into organizing. While some continue to push to be at the top in their category, there are some new additions to the list. During APWU National Conventions, there are some friendly challenges between locals to see who can improve the most. Awards are given to locals at the top of the game come National Convention time, and leading up to the convention it is always exciting to see the friendly, but serious, challenges between locals. This year was unique, as we were in the midst of an all-out organizing drive. However, due to production time, awards had to be completed before the conclusion of the drive. I would be remiss if did not point out that every local on this list increased their organizing percentage by the conclusion of the drive. Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work!Continue reading→

August 26, 2024Legislative Director Judy Beard urges members to get involved this election season, check their voter registration, and make a plan to vote. magazineLegislative and PoliticalJudy Beard You have probably heard that democracy is on the ballot this November in the 2024 elections. Many of you may wonder what exactly this means. Put simply, the outcomes of the upcoming elections will determine the future of our nation, our jobs, and our lives. We will have choices to make up and down the ballot. Are we looking to expand rights and freedoms for all Americans, or place limitations? Are we looking to unite through truth and honesty, or divide through lies and deceit? Are we looking to go forward into a future marked by progress and hope, or one marked by hatred and despair, where the top one percent get richer, leaving the rest of us behind? These are the questions we must ask ourselves as we go to mark our ballots this election season. It is absolutely critical that we vote not only in the presidential election at the top of the ticket, but all the way down the ballot. Governors, state legislatures, city councils, school boards, local judges, police chiefs, and more all shape the policies that govern your life. Some states and localities have various ballot initiatives and referenda to vote on, which allow you to have a direct say in policy. Decisions at the state and local level can affect you and your family’s lives just as much as federal elections. So, remember to vote on these ballot measures and in these elections as well! Remember that your vote is your voice. These elections will be decided, in large part, by the nearly half of eligible voters who do not exercise their most fundamental right in our democracy. This right was not given to us, it was fought for and won through years of struggle. That is why we must all encourage our family, friends, and community to mobilize around building a better future this November. In order to do this, we need to educate everyone about what’s at stake and how to make our voices heard. Here is a checklist to ensure nothing is missed when making your plan to vote: Determine your method of voting: early, absentee, by-mail, in-person Locate your polling place Get a ride to the polls Schedule a time to vote Check potential ID requirements Check who is on your ballot Volunteer to be a poll worker Please visit our website at apwu.org/2024-elections to hear from your fellow APWU members on the importance of voting and checking your voter registration status. On that page you will also find links to help you make your plan to vote, find your current representatives, and much more. If you have any questions about how to make your plan to vote this November, please feel free to contact the Legislative and Political Department by email at legislative@apwu.org or phone at 202-842-4211. We are a resource to help every single APWU member, as well as their family and friends, exercise their hard-fought right to vote this November! The 2024 Elections: It's Time to Mobilize0Continue reading→

August 26, 2024Human Relations Director Daleo Freeman shares takeaways from the 27th Biennial National Convention, and more of what’s to come from the Human Relations Department. magazineHuman RelationsDaleo Freeman Defined Progress The APWU Constitution and Bylaws mandates the Human Relations Department's role in fostering equal opportunity, community service, and supporting our members in various capacities. We stand on the shoulders of excellent leaders who championed our causes. Their legacy propels us forward as we continue to uphold these principles. The Pre-Convention Workshops and the National Convention were a major success, as delegates from across the country descended upon Detroit to attend over a week's worth of great training and spirited debates about all sorts of issues from the protection of our constitutional rights to the continued solidarity for all in the labor movement. It was an honor to participate and witness a momentous event that will shape and mold the future of our union for years to come. Thanks to everyone that attended. We hope that everyone has returned to their respective area that much more energized, mobilized, and organized than ever before. Staying In Motion In the spirit of progress, the Human Relations Department remains committed to staying in motion. Communication is key as we work to address members’ needs across the nation. We’re expanding our reach with a network of local and state Human Relations representatives, ensuring that support is accessible wherever it’s needed. By leveraging resources and knowledge, we empower our members and strengthen our collective resolve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Regional Resource Assistants (RRAs) for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in completing training programs related to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) and on-the-job injuries. Their expertise and dedication equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to provide invaluable support to locals nationwide, ensuring proper advice and effective assistance to workers within the APWU family. Through formal training and certification processes provided by the Department of Labor (DOL), our RRAs stand ready to deliver comprehensive training and guidance on these critical issues. We are immensely grateful for their invaluable contributions to our union’s mission and vision. For a listing of our current RRAs please visit, apwu.org/regional-resource-assistants. Coalitions Are Key Another key to our success lies in building and fortifying coalitions. By uniting with diverse interest groups, we amplify our impact and advocate for meaningful change. Please visit, apwu.org/coalitions to learn more about our coalitions. Furthermore, the Human Relations Department has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for human rights by attending monthly meetings and partnering with the Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Director (CHWR Director) at the AFL-CIO and affiliate union directors focusing on civil and human rights. These meetings serve as a platform for discussing and advancing crucial issues related to human rights, ensuring that our union remains at the forefront of advocacy efforts. Through collaboration and dialogue, we continue to amplify our collective voice in support of equality, justice, and dignity for all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Robert La Foe, our dedicated Veteran Guard and Reserve Information Specialist (VGRIS), for his unwavering advocacy and steadfast support of veteran benefits and awareness within our union. Robert’s tireless efforts ensure that our veteran members receive the recognition, support, and benefits they rightfully deserve for their service to our country. His commitment to raising awareness and championing the rights of veterans embodies the spirit of solidarity and inclusivity within the APWU family. We are profoundly grateful for Robert’s leadership and dedication to serving those who have served us all. Please join our veteran coalition efforts by logging into your Member Profile and adding your veteran designation and the branch you served to stay connected to important veteran news and benefits. Together, we address common concerns and demonstrate the integral role of the labor movement in everyday life. Through collaboration, we harness the strength of solidarity and advance our shared goals. ■ Reflections from the 27th Biennial National Convention0Continue reading→

August 27, 2024Enrollment Period (SEP), which waives the late-fee penalty for current Medicare Part A USPS annuitants to also enroll in Medicare Part B. The deadline to apply during the SEP is September 30, 2024. magazineRetireesNancy Olumekor Postal Service Health Benefits Program Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period As a result of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, a Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period (SEP) began on April 1, 2024, and ends Sept. 30, 2024. This SEP gives USPS annuitants and their covered family members who are entitled to Medicare Part A, but are not currently enrolled in Medicare Part B, a one-time opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part B without incurring the Late Enroll Penalty (LEP). Eligible annuitants and their covered family members should have received a special mailing from the USPS that includes an Eligibility Notice for Medicare Part B SEP, an Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B, and a special Business Reply Envelope to return the required forms to a special PO Box. Enrollment in Medicare Part B during this SEP is optional. If you enroll in Medicare during this SEP, your Medicare Part B coverage effective date will be Jan. 1, 2025. lf you are enrolled in Medicare Part B as of Jan. 1, 2025, you and any Medicare-eligible family members covered by your Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) enrollment must remain enrolled in Part B to remain eligible for PSHB coverage. Medicare Part B has a monthly income-based premium for all who enroll. The 2024 Medicare Part B premium is $174.90 per eligible family member, based on an income of less than or equal to $103,000 filing single tax return ($206,000 joint filing). If you enroll in Medicare Part B, you will need to pay monthly Medicare Part B premiums. The premiums are usually taken out of your monthly Social Security or Office of Personnel Management annuity payment. lf you do not receive any of these payments, Medicare will send you a quarterly bill for your Medicare Part B premiums. Go to medicare.gov/basics/costs for more information on Medicare Part B premiums. Certain Medicare Part B enrollees will pay higher premiums based on higher income. If you did not receive the SEP packet in the mail and you believe you are eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B during this SEP; or you have questions about Medicare Part B or the PSHB program, call the Postal Service at 1-833-712-7742 or send an email to retirementbenefits@usps.gov. Requests to Terminate Part B Coverage If you enroll in Part B during this SEP and later decide that you do not want or need the Medicare Part B coverage, you can request a termination from the Social Security Administration prior to the effective date, Jan. 1, 2025. lf your termination request is made before Jan. 1, 2025, you will not owe any Part B premiums and you will maintain your eligibility for PSHB coverage. lf your request is made after Jan. 1, 2025, you will no longer be eligible for the PSHB Program unless a Medicare Part B exception applies. You will also be responsible for any Part B and PSHB premiums due through the month of termination. If you have questions regarding termination of Part B or if you would like to terminate your Part B enrollment, call Social Security at 1-800- 772-1213. TTY users call 1-800-325-0778. Election Matters APWU Family - our way of life, our families, our communities, our health, and our future are under attack. As union and community activists, as people of goodwill who have worked long and hard to build this country, we must do everything within our powers to make sure our families, our neighbors, our friends, and our coworkers participate in Vote-by-Mail or vote in person in November 2024 to make sure that Kamala Harris is elected President of the United States. We can’t just stop with Kamala; we must also elect officials up and down the ballot who will support our issues! ■ Time is Running Out!0Continue reading→

August 27, 2024“Your contract campaign actions, in concert with the negotiations, will show postal management that our union negotiators truly express the will of the workers.” – Support Services Director Arrion Brown magazineSupport Services DivisionArrion Brown We recently completed the APWU’s 27th Biennial National Convention in Detroit, MI. The convention was a productive gathering of union spirit and solidarity that will allow us to energize, mobilize, and organize the APWU and the labor movement. Our National Convention is the highest-ranking authority of our union, and the decisions made by our convention delegates will guide our future and define our union’s identity. The APWU is, has been, and always will be, a union that fights for better conditions for postal workers and all working people. From the 1970 postal strike, when our forebearers’ work stoppage against poor wages and working conditions resulted in a victory that created our union, until modern times when the APWU demanded that the Postal Service prioritize election mail during the pandemic to ensure that we preserve our democracy, the APWU has always stood for what is right and just. The delegates of our convention used these powerful examples of union strength from our history as a guide to make resolution decisions for our future. Although the Convention was held in July, the process for locals and state affiliates to submit resolutions for consideration began much earlier. The resolutions are submitted to National for review by a screening committee. The screening committee consists of APWU members appointed by the APWU President. They decide which committee the submitted resolutions will be referred to for consideration. The additional committees are Labor-Management, Constitution, Formal, Health and Safety, Clerk Division, Maintenance Division, Motor Vehicle Division, Support Services Division and Legislative. Each of these committees’ members are selected from the membership. The committees' job is to review each resolution from the screening committee and make a recommendation to the convention delegates to either adopt, reject, or refer the resolution. The convention delegates are decided by each local and state APWU affiliate. The delegates vote on the resolutions after the respective committee presentation, and delegates have an opportunity to speak on the resolution from a microphone in favor of or against resolutions. Delegates may also make changes called amendments to the resolution if the convention delegates vote in favor of amending the resolution. The resolutions can cause spirited and passionate debate prior to the final vote, but once the vote is complete, a decision has been made and we move to the next resolution. The APWU Convention is one of the finest examples of union democracy in the labor movement. We should all be proud that we have a process for our voices to be heard by our delegate representatives. Now that the convention has concluded, the National Negotiating Committee will continue contract negotiations for the main collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that covers the majority of APWU members. The membership will play a key role in determining how much strength we have at the bargaining table. Your contract campaign actions, in concert with the negotiations, will show postal management that our union negotiators truly express the will of the workers. Contract campaigns are influential at the bargaining table and are great ways to build union solidarity among members. In addition to negotiating the main contract, the Support Services Division is also currently negotiating several supplemental agreements for private-sector bargaining units. We will also begin to negotiate for the second Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) Contract on Aug. 29 in Greensboro, NC. As with all contract negotiations, the members have and will be a key force in achieving our goals to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions. The communication between the bargaining unit and the negotiators drives our bargaining goals, while the actions our members take gives us the leverage to make our goals achievable. ■ After a Successful Convention, the Support Services Division Continues Negotiations0Continue reading→

August 23, 2024More than 17,000 AT&T workers across nine southeastern states walked off their jobs on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. The workers, represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA), filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge against AT&T management’s bad faith bargaining during stalled contract negotiations. The APWU stands in solidarity with the brave union members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee standing strong through their union and going on strike.  More than 17,000 AT&T workers across nine southeastern states walked off their jobs on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. The workers, represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA), filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge against AT&T management’s bad faith bargaining during stalled contract negotiations. The APWU stands in solidarity with the brave union members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee standing strong through their union and going on strike.  CWA District 3 representatives have been in negotiations with AT&T since June, but management has refused to send representatives to the table with the authority to sign off on many of the mandatory subjects and backed out of agreements made throughout the bargaining process. Now, according to the CWA, management has resorted to using unqualified subcontractors and undertrained managers during the strike to perform work as customer service representatives and for installation and maintenance roles. “Our members have seen them at work in their communities and documented unsafe practices, including failure to wear proper safety equipment, failure to secure ladders and other equipment, putting the worker and nearby vehicles and pedestrians at risk, and failure to mark work areas with safety cones,” said CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt. “We are encouraging members of the public to use extra caution when encountering these worksites.” “I encourage our members to sign the petition and if you are near an action, join the striking workers on the picket line at AT&T,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Workers across all industries deserve the dignity and respect of good faith bargaining during negotiations and I hope and expect that AT&T takes the workers’ demands for a fair contract seriously.”  The workers have set up a petition for supporters to sign at: cwa.org/attse-support. 17,000 AT&T Workers Strike Across Southeastern US0Continue reading→