Hello, and for those who don’t know me, my name is Vince Tarducci. For my first article for the APWU magazine, I thought I would share some background information about myself. I started my postal career in 1980, working at the Philadelphia BMC. As a 19-year-old, I was very green to union issues, but I learned quickly thanks to the postal veterans who took me under their wing. In 1989, I became the local’s youngest president when my mentor Mike Gallagher passed the gavel to me. I was fortunate to hold the position for the next 27 years, learning so much in such a well-organized local that climbed to 99% organized.
In 2016, I became a Clerk Craft National Business Agent (NBA) for the Philadelphia Region, a position I held until 2025, working under Division Director Lamont Brooks for the last two terms. This past November, I became the Eastern Region Coordinator. I have followed in the footsteps of both AJ Jones (2019-2025) and my mentor Mike Gallagher (2007-2019). AJ and Mike did a tremendous job as coordinators, but those in the Eastern Region and throughout the country already knew that. AJ and I had a great transition, I learned so much about the position. Obviously, I have some huge shoes to fill and have tried to do so to the best of my ability since taking office last November.
The APWU has had six Eastern Region Coordinators since its formation, starting with Bob Kephart, Phil Fleming, and Jim Burke— all from the Philadelphia PA Area Local, followed by Mike, AJ, and me.
One of the issues we oversee with constant diligence is Article 12, specifically Article 12.5.C.5, regarding the threat of excessing outside an installation. During my nine years as a Clerk Craft NBA, I assisted Eastern Region Coordinators Mike Gallagher and AJ Jones, and Northeast Region Coordinators John Dirzius and Tiffany Foster in matters involving Clerk Craft excessing events. A portion of New Jersey currently falls under the Northeast Region, so we overlap with some locals in those areas.
Participating in the 2026 Biennial National Convention
The 2026 National Convention is upon us, and APWU delegates will assemble in Los Angeles, CA, to address issues that will help our great union move forward. We will passionately debate constitutional proposals, contract issues, and resolutions. My advice, especially to the newer delegates, is to embrace the opportunity with eyes wide open. Read those resolutions and become informed, and ask seasoned leaders questions, because becoming engaged will make you a better leader.
My first National Convention was in 1984 in Las Vegas, and I chose not to miss a beat. In fact, I volunteered to stay around representing my local when there was a motion to have a roll-call vote where every local in alphabetical order by state went to the microphone, casting a vote to suspend all other convention business to vote on, to the best of my recollection, changing the APWU logo from the shield to a different APWU logo.
Many delegates were passionate about this on both sides, which led to a pause in the scheduled convention proceedings to take the vote. There would be no need for every delegate to hang around while all that would take place, so I volunteered to represent our local. I took that time to read everything on our table and soak everything in while the voting took place. This will be my 21st Biennial National Convention, and truthfully, I look forward to every one of them, enjoying how APWU debates everything. I’m proud to say that I had my share of participation at the microphone, but that is something I attribute to my mentors and other passionate delegates. So, my suggestion as I close, fight like hell to protect your future!
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