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Meet the New
Northeast Region Coordinator

By John H. Dirzius, November 2009

Let me begin my introduction by wishing former Northeast Region Coordinator Liz Powell the very best in her new position as APWU Secretary-Treasurer. Sister Powell has served the Northeast Region for over 20 years, and she has worked tirelessly for the members of the region as well as APWU members nationwide. Her dedication has made a real difference. Congratulations, Liz, and thank you!

For the past 29 years I have been the president of the Greater Connecticut Area Local, which represents postal workers in more than 200 postal facilities throughout the state. Prior to my election as president, I served as executive vice-president and I held a number of other positions in the local and state organization. I have represented postal workers in a processing plant, in associate offices large and small, at a vehicle maintenance facility, and in all levels of Maintenance Craft.

I joined the United States Postal Service in 1970, just a few months after the Great Postal Strike, and I became involved in the postal union movement early in my career. I have served on numerous national-level committees in the APWU: I had the honor to serve as a three-time member of the APWU National Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee, twice as chairman. I also served as vice chairman of the APWU National Presidents’ Conference for three terms and as chairman for one term. I have served the Connecticut AFL-CIO as a vice president and as Vice-President of the Greater New Haven CT Labor Council. I also have served as an APWU national-level arbitration advocate.

I am politically active and a strong supporter of the APWU Committee On Political Action (COPA). I am especially proud that our local was recognized with the President’s Award for COPA in each of the past four years.

In addition to my work within the labor movement, I have volunteered in many civic and youth organizations, serving in many capacities, from president to coach. I am a former member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater New Haven, and have served as chairman of many Combined Federal Campaign drives. I am a member of Community Mediation, Inc. of New Haven, where I serve as a volunteer mediator of community and family disputes.

While working nights in the Post Office and going to school during the day, I earned an Associate Degree from South Central Community College. I also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Labor Studies from Antioch University, and a Mediation Certificate from the University of Connecticut.

I assume the position of coordinator during the most difficult time in the history of the USPS and the APWU. We are confronting unparalleled challenges as postal workers, and our employer, the USPS, is struggling to survive. We are confronting a sharp percent decline in mail volume and a financial shortfall of $7 billion. In the days ahead, the APWU and its members will continue to confront the struggles of massive excessing, station and plant consolidations/closures, five-day delivery, craft jurisdictional disputes, and legislative interference in our collective bargaining process. Additionally, part-time flexible clerks in our Associate Offices are under attack, as work hours are being drastically reduced and members are forced to apply for unemployment compensation. The Motor Vehicle Craft and the Maintenance Craft are confronting wholesale contracting out of their work and a reduction in jobs as well. Our contract expires next year, and the APWU will enter negotiations with during these extremely difficult times.

With all that said, I transition to my new position with a sense of excitement and eagerness. I will continue to do my very best to protect the rights and benefits of our members, to grow the union, and to enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement. I believe that I have the leadership skills necessary for this new assignment and for these challenging times. However, I can't do it alone. I will need the assistance and support of our very talented National Business Agents, the outstanding leaders of the locals and state organizations in the region, and most importantly, I humbly ask for the support of APWU members in the Northeast.

I will close with the mantra of our former coordinator: "Together we will continue to make a difference."

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