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APWU Sets Legislative Goals:
Pass H.R. 22 and the Employee Free Choice Act

APWU Web News Article #021-09, Feb. 25, 2009

The APWU has announced legislative goals for the 111th Congress, including passing the Employee Free Choice Act and H.R. 22 — which would temporarily relieve the USPS of the requirement to pre-fund retiree healthcare benefits.

Click here to view the brochure [PDF].

In a brochure produced by the union’s Legislative and Political Department, the union outlines its priorities, which include healthcare reform, passing the Mail Network Protection Act, and winning Social Security Fairness for postal and federal retirees.

“The election of President Barack Obama has given people from all walks of life a new sense of purpose, and victories by union-backed candidates in recent U.S. House and Senate elections have demonstrated the power of working people to make change,” the introduction to the brochure says. “Hope abounds — despite the economic crisis, war, and turmoil around the globe.”

H.R. 22, which was introduced by Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL) on Jan. 6, would provide the USPS with temporary relief from a financial crisis so severe that it threatens the viability of the postal system. The bill has 50 co-sponsors. “This bill is essential to the survival of the Postal Service — and to our jobs,” said APWU President William Burrus.

The Employee Free Choice Act, the top legislative priority of the labor movement, would give workers greater freedom to make their own choices about joining unions and bargaining for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. It would also stiffen penalties for retaliation by employers against workers who attempt to organize a union or obtain a first contract.

The Mail Network Protection Act, which the APWU vigorously supported during the last Congress, would help to eliminate wasteful and inefficient subtracting by requiring the Postal Service to bargain with postal unions before it engages in significant subcontracting. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) introduced the bill in November 2007, and is expected to introduce similar legislation this year.

A copy of the brochure will be mailed to local and state presidents, and will be made available at various union meetings. Additional copies can be ordered by contacting the APWU Legislative and Political Department at 202-842-4211.

“Whether our members are meeting with their representatives in Washington or in the district offices,” Legislative and Political Director Myke Reid said, “it is imperative that APWU members make their voices heard on the important legislative issues of the day.”

Visit the Legislative and Political Department pages for tips on meeting with elected officials, Hatch Act guidelines, and more.

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