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A Word of Thanks
Burrus Update #15-2004 Oct. 21, 2004
Thank you, local leaders and members, for your support in the 2004 election of national union officers. I was extremely pleased that, for the first time in APWU history, the entire leadership team was successful. We worked as a team and won as a team. The voter turnout was disappointing, however, with more members deciding not to vote than taking part. We must find new ways to involve the members in the affairs of their union.
APWU members are invited to attend the Installation of Officers scheduled for Nov. 13, 2004 , at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington DC . The event will be a “black tie” affair celebrating the accomplishments of the union. Come and join us on this festive occasion!
I am pleased to report that we have surpassed the $1 million mark for COPA contributions for the second year in a row. This is more than twice the total for any previous election cycle. I am proud of the efforts of our local leaders who made this possible.
It does not appear that postal reform will be voted on by Congress during this session. There is still a possibility of a vote during a “lame duck” session following the election, but the Bush Administration’s opposition appears to have quelled the enthusiasm for bringing the measure to a vote. It is expected that new legislation will be introduced in the next session of Congress, and APWU must continue to have the commitment and resources to influence the final outcome.
With the growth of total mail volume and the third consecutive year of stable postage rates, it will be difficult for the advocates of reform to cast any new efforts as “saving” the Postal Service. Those favoring “reform” at the expense of workers and ordinary citizens will be exposed as seeking to save subsidized rates for commercial mail.
On a related matter, final efforts are underway in the presidential election and APWU has been engaging in unprecedented efforts to get out the vote. More than 50 APWU representatives are lending their talents to a massive “Get Out the Vote” campaign organized by the AFL-CIO. This is not a partisan effort to benefit a particular political party, but an attempt to convince working people of the importance of their participation.
Please join that effort and encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to vote.
Thank you.
William Burrus
President
