APWU - National News

APWU News Feed

The latest news from the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO

Union Denounces USPS Attempts to 'Work the Refs' (09/08/10) American Postal Workers Union President William Burrus has denounced efforts by the Postal Service to influence the outcome of contract negotiations by issuing demands in public forums. "It is extremely disappointing that the Postal Service is attempting to circumvent the bargaining process through the issuance of demands in the media," Burrus said. OSHA Fines USPS for Safety Violations in Binghamton, NY (09/03/10) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the Postal Service $8,000 for serious safety hazards at a Binghamton, NY postal facility. Contract Negotiations Begin; Union Pledges 'Best Effort' to Achieve Agreement (09/01/10) Negotiations for a new national agreement between the American Postal Workers Union and the U.S. Postal Service began Sept. 1 in Washington, DC. The current contract expires Nov. 20, 2010. "Every contract negotiation brings special challenges, and this will be no different," APWU President William Burrus said at the opening session. "Mail volume is depressed and revenue is down, but we have faced similar circumstances before." Delegates Designate Retention of Federal Health Benefits a 'Top Priority' (09/01/10) On the fifth and final day of the convention, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) by voting "yes" to a resolution that would make retaining union members' right to participate in the plan a "top priority" for negotiators during 2010 bargaining. OSHA Fines USPS for Safety Violations at Cincinnati BMC (09/01/10) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the Postal Service $210,000 for willfully exposing employees to electrical safety hazards at the Cincinnati Bulk Mail Center (BMC). Labor Day 2010 - 'Union Label Week' Sept. 6-12 (08/31/10) As Labor Day approaches, we pause to reflect on the contributions unions have made to raising the quality of life for American workers. Labor Day also marks the beginning of Union Label Week, Sept. 6-12 -- a time for consumers to make a special effort to purchase union-made goods and union-produced services when they shop. Ask the President I would like the National Executive Board to reconsider its stance on participation in Voice of Employee surveys... I believe that if APWU members honestly answered the questions, management might discontinue the VOE. I believe that if the National Executive Board reconsidered its position on boycotting the VOE and formulated a plan to tell the truth about what is happening in many facilities across the nation, the true voice of the employee would be heard. -- Michael, Tri-County Ohio Area Local