Volume XXXI                    May 31, 2001

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After Eight Months, Workers' Voices Are Heard!

Landslide APWU Victory In Dallas!

After waiting more than eight months to have their votes counted, mail-haul drivers in Dallas, TX finally gained APWU representation on May 18, 2001, in a landslide 212-30 ballot count. The workers at the Dallas terminal of Pat Salmon & Sons also include drivers employed by five other companies owned by Pat Salmon. The companies are: Texas Mail, Mitchell Mail, CMT, Fast Freight, and J.C. Hounsell.

The campaign was led by APWU Organization Director Frank Romero, lead organizer Bobbie Patience and driver/organizer Kathy Herron. APWU now represents workers at five terminals owned by Pat Salmon & Sons. The new unit in Dallas will be included in the master agreement now being negotiated between the company and the union.

Drivers Undeterred By Bullying

The Dallas representation ballots should have been counted on September 11, 2000�but the company contested the vote, claiming that there was a conflict of interest in having APWU represent private-sector workers. The ballots were impounded while the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) considered the challenge.

Holding strong in the face of attacks by the company, the Dallas drivers remained extremely active while waiting for the NLRB's response to the bogus conflict-of-interest allegation. Their informational picket protesting the company's underhanded tactic was supported by the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Plumbers, Steelworkers, Painters, APWU members from San Antonio, Jobs with Justice, and other union activists. But management refused to listen to the workers' cries of injustice. Instead, in the weeks following the demonstration, the company terminated two drivers who had been on the picket line.

Having the ballots in limbo was extremely frustrating, reported Sister Patience. The union's exit polls clearly indicated a massive win for the drivers seeking APWU representation. Despite the obstacles and frustrations, the workers refused to be discouraged by management's union-busting schemes and forged ahead with their union drive. While waiting for certification to make them officially union, the workers formed the Texoma Local APWU, established committees, and nominated drivers to represent them until they could vote for their officers and stewards as a certified bargaining unit.

Solidarity Brings Victory

Romero credited the solidarity and teamwork of the drivers, organizers and supporters as the driving force behind the union victory. "This is one of the largest units we have organized, and the campaign was a tremendous undertaking," he observed. "Everyone delivered and worked together as a solid team--they should be proud of their efforts. Many thanks to the Dallas Area Local supporters, especially lead organizer Bobbie Patience, and to the drivers who worked to make this a reality. There is much work still to be done, but this group has proved that they can handle it."

Patience saluted the drivers for their fortitude and strength. 'The conditions and hardships in which you have been forced to work are changing only because you took a stand for your rights," she said to them. "Your strength, courage and persistence to become union is amazing. It not only affects you today, but also will help to improve working conditions for our children in the future. You are an inspiration."

After an eight-month delay, mail-haul drivers in Dallas, TX celebrate their overwhelming union victory. Shown, left to right, are Pat Salmon & Sons drivers Jerry Tigert and Charles Shultz, APWU Organization Director Frank Romero, organizer Bobbie Patience, and drivers Jack Griffith, Kathy Herron and Keith Smith.

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Senate Resolution on Six-Day Delivery Gains Support

APWU Backs House Resolution to Protect Mail Service  

Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) has introduced a TSense of the House of Representativess resolution calling on the US Postal Service to take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of its six-day mail delivery service.

The resolution, H.RES.154, and its companion legislation in the Senate, S.RES.71, respond to the US Postal Services plans to consider severe reductions in mail service, including elimination of six-day mail delivery and post office closings.

The Senate resolution, introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), was reprinted in the May/June issue of The American Postal Worker and in News Service bulletin number 10, dated May 18, 2001. In response to a TDear Colleagues letter by Harkin and the resolutions original cosponsors, Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Ben Nelson (D-NE), the resolution has gained a number of additional cosponsors, including Sens. Tom Daschle (D-SD), Max Baucus (D-MT), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Jean Carnahan (D-MO), Max Cleland (D-GA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Mary Landreiu (D-LA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bob Torricelli (D-NJ) and Tim Johnson (D-SD).

Cosponsors of the House resolution are Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Tom Allen (D-ME), Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dan Burton (R-IN), Jim Davis (D-FL), Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), George Miller (D-CA), John McHugh (R-NY), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Henry Waxman (D-CA).

APWU Action Needed!

All APWU and Auxiliary members should urge their representative and senators to support these resolutions. Ask your representative to cosponsor H.RES.154, and ask your senators to cosponsor S.RES.71. The congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121.

 

Sen. Jeffords' Switch Alters Senate Leadership

Democrats Gain Control of Senate, APWU Friends to Chair Committees!

With Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords imminent switch in party affiliation from Republican to Independent, the GOP will lose its control over the US Senate. Effective June 5, 2001, the Democratic Party will control the Senate, which will be made up of 50 Democrats, 49 Republicans, and one Independent. Jeffords will caucus with the Democrats.

As a result of the power shift, Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD), a longtime APWU friend and supporter, will become the Senate Majority Leader; and Democrats will control the Senate agenda and committees.

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July 27-29, 2001 in Honolulu, HI

Western Region Conference

 

The 2001 Western Region Conference will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki, 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815, from July 27 to 29, 2001.

Use the form below to register for the conference. Contact the Western Region office at 650-697-7315 for more information. The conference registration fee is $85, payable to TAmerican Postal Workers Union.s

For room reservations, contact the hotel directly at 1-800-782-9488. Specify group ID number 10458. The APWU discount rates are $135-160, depending on availability at time of reservation. Make your reservations early. Reservations must be held with a credit card guarantee or a one-night deposit.