Members of the APWU’s Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee held their first meeting in Washington, DC, on April 24. The committee advises the union’s National Negotiations Committee on bargaining demandsand must approve any tentative agreement reached before it can be sent to APWU members for a ratification vote. 

During deliberations the committee heard presentations from APWU President Mark Dimondstein, Industrial Relations Director Vance Zimmerman, and Craft Directors Clint Burelson, Steven Raymer, Michael Foster, and Steve Brooks about preparations for the 2018 contract negotiations. Throughout the meeting, the committee engaged in discussions about the path moving forward. 

The 14-member committee selected Scott Hoffman, president of the Boston Metro Area Local, to serve as chair.  Arthur “A.J.” Jones, president of the Eastern Montgomery County PA Area Local, will act as co-chair, and Doris Orr-Richardson, president of the Florida Postal Workers Union, will serve as secretary.

“The National officers each gave their take on their aspect [of contract negotiations],” Hoffman said. “There was some good back-and-forth, it wasn’t a one-sided presentation. We had questions for the negotiators on process, procedure and some of the specific concepts.”

The committee’s next meeting will coincide with their return to Washington, DC for the Opening Day of negotiations on June 26. 

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 

The APWU National officers are asking members to actively support the 26th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 12. 

Last year, carriers collected more than 71 million pounds of food. Donations were collected in over 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Postal customers across the country are asked to put non-perishable food donations in a sturdy bag and place the bag near their mailbox prior to their regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 12. Letter carriers will collect the donations as they deliver mail. Many USPS worksites also set out containers to collect contributions. 

Volunteers can: organize donations as they come in; help transport contributions to local pantries; place posters and flyers about the food drive in public places; make sure family and friends know about the drive and how easy it is to donate, and spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, etc. 

Contact your local or state union representative for more information.