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A Brief Conversation Rekindles the Commitment
Burrus Update #03-07, Jan. 29, 2007
I recently attended the Tri-State Seminar in Huntsville, AL, where 300-plus dedicated APWU activists from Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi engaged in learning and sharing. The three state presidents, Harold Terry, Mike Mingo, and Sunny Thigpen, are to be commended for organizing an effective and informative program. Several national officers were in attendance and served as instructors on various subjects.
My participation was limited to addressing the delegates in a general session on the recently completed contract negotiations. After I completed my presentation, a young woman approached me hesitantly. Her words had a profound affect:
“Thank you Mr. Burrus for the excellent contract,” she said. “I am an employee who will be converted to full time after 12½ years as a PTF.” Can you imagine having worked in a 200 work-year office as a PTF for that length of time — with no prospects for conversion?
Her comments reminded me of why we serve. Realizing that the results of our efforts will have such an impact on the lives of individual members makes the job truly rewarding. It more than compensates for the travel, long hours, and other difficulties.
The 2003 contract extension included Voluntary Early Retirements, and periodically I have come in contact with former postal employees who have enjoyed the chance to get a head start on a new phase of their lives and have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity. Such encounters are rare, but when they occur they rekindle the fire.
I am glad I traveled to Huntsville and I am pleased that this part-time flexible union member and 10,000 others in similar circumstances will have the opportunity to become full-time postal employees — represented by the best union in the world.
William Burrus
President
