Ask the President

Question:

While this Web site may be helpful to the whining dues-paying members who do nothing more than they have to, it continues to promote the very core problems with USPS. You fight to protect those who should not be USPS employees — while ignoring workers who think service and a work ethic are important. Get with the real workings of USPS and maybe this union could figure out what the workers really need and deserve!

Willard, Eastern Panhandle (WV) Local

President Burrus:

Thank you for sharing your views. I am unsure what message you wish to convey, but it appears that you have little respect for your co-workers. I beg to differ with your conclusions.

Postal employees are American citizens with the same attributes — both good and bad — as any other group. Some are self-motivated, while others require supervision; collectively, however, our members have maintained the biggest and best postal system in the world.

As a labor union, APWU’s responsibility is to achieve acceptable compensation, benefits, and working conditions for our members. By any measure, we have been successful. The proof is that less than 1 percent of APWU-represented workers voluntarily terminate their employment. I note that while you criticize the union, management, and your fellow employees, wages and working conditions are clearly sufficient for you to continue your postal employment.

You also question the union’s understanding of “what workers need and deserve.” Our national and state conventions are forums through which democratically elected union members establish the union’s goals. Membership meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions provide additional opportunities for union members to keep national leaders informed of their problems and concerns. Individual employees also communicate with my office via phone calls, letters, and with e-mails to Ask the President.

On balance, I believe our outreach gives union members ample opportunities to convey their views.

It seems that you have reached your own conclusions about what postal workers want and need, although you have not elaborated on your views or subjected your ideas to the democratic process.

I am proud of the role that the union has played in elevating postal employment to such a degree that our jobs are among the most desirable jobs in thousands of communities across the country. The APWU has helped establish wages, benefits, and working conditions that fulfill the aspirations of many workers.

I also solicit your involvement in the union’s activities, so that you can become a part of our efforts.

Thank you for sharing your views.

Feb. 29, 2008