APWU Brothers and Sisters,
It has been a privilege to serve the APWU membership as your National Human Relations Director. I am honored that you have entrusted me to serve another term. Thank you.
The past nine years have been a gratifying experience. As your National Human Relations Director I have fought passionately to protect injured workers; meeting regularly with OWCP and USPS officials to voice our concerns and objections. We have testified on the Hill against proposals aimed to strip benefits from workers in order to benefit employing agencies. We have conducted hundreds of training seminars - educating thousands of representatives. We have created countless resources to assist members navigate their way through the OWCP process and to help representatives achieve justice for those impacted by the USPS’ National Reassessment Process.
It is with a lifetime of gratitude that I am an ardent advocate for our U.S. Service members, our veterans and their families. With your generosity and support, we have implemented numerous “Support Our Troops and Veterans” programs to demonstrate our collective appreciation. We have given a hand up to homeless and underserved veterans and have participated in other activities to ensure our veterans are first in line for good paying jobs. We serve on the AFL-CIO Veterans Council, and work with legislators to bring improvements for all who have worn our country’s uniform.
As an Executive Committee Member of the Postal Employees Relief Fund, I have worked tirelessly to ensure postal employees who suffer property loss as a result of natural disasters receive relief where other agencies and insurance companies fall short. Our joint efforts have enable PERF to expand its assistance to retirees and victims of home fires. In response to Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita we processed 1700 applications totaling more than $8 million in grants.
As one of only three members serving on the National Joint Committee for EAP, I have worked diligently to make ongoing improvements to the Employees’ Assistance Program. We have rendered management’s efforts to erode our gains deficient. Additionally the Human Relations Department networked with other organizations and constituency groups; reached out to our youth and reached into communities to promote the power and positive impact of labor.
Together we have accomplished much, but there is more still to achieve. As we enter into contract negotiations, the mid-term election cycle and confront the challenges of attrition, we need to ensure the APWU remains capable of facing down misguided individuals who put profit before workers. We need to elect proven, strong, well-rounded leaders who are prepared to do what it takes in order for us to realize success. These are the qualities you will find on the Leadership Team; skill, knowledge and experience with candidates coming from national headquarters, national field offices, state and local levels.
Cliff Guffey has twenty-four years of preparation serving as Executive Vice President and as a craft officer. He has a strong understanding of what is needed to keep our union viable, what the needs of the membership are, how to strategize against Postal Service attacks. He understands the legislative arena, the importance of successful organizing and comprehends the integral role of community outreach. He is a veteran whose military experience enhances his overall abilities. He knows the history of where we have been and has a vision of where he must lead us. Cliff Guffey stands ready to serve as the next President of APWU.
Cliff selected his running mate with the support of the Leadership Team. He deserves and has earned our support. Greg Bell was President of one of our largest local unions and has an additional 15 years of experience as the Industrial Relations Director; making Greg equipped to assume the responsibilities of the Executive Vice President.
Unopposed, Liz Powell has been reelected to continue her service as the APWU Secretary-Treasurer. In the short time Liz has held this position she has promoted transparency and has implemented cost savings without diminishing representation.
Mike Morris will be assuming the position of Industrial Relations Director. Mike has incredible insight regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement which will be a tremendous asset in the grievance-arbitration process, contract negotiations, interpretation and enforcement.
Rob Strunk, Bob Pritchard and Mike Foster have a comprehensive understanding of their respective Craft Articles and have been instrumental in achieving gains for our members and triumphant at staving off relentless management attacks. With their experience, the additional support and expertise of our existing craft officers, and with Lyle Krueth and Lamont Brooks abilities being brought to the Team, our APWU Crafts will remain a force to be reckoned with.
With a long list of candidates expressing an interest to run with us for Organization Director, the Leadership Team selected Martha Shunn-King as the individual best suited for the enormity of the task.
Martha has a strong organizing background stemming from her experience as a local president, state president and Vice President of the Florida State AFL-CIO. These factors coupled with her passion for labor and her unique ability to reach the unorganized make Martha a perfect choice for the position.
The membership will also benefit from Princella Vogel, serving as the next Southern Regional Coordinator. Princella is a longtime local President who has served in numerous capacities. She is no stranger to dealing with excessing issues, and has negotiated many memorandums of understanding for large and small offices. Princella has dedicated her life to labor and will continue to work hard with your support.
Rounding out the Leadership Team are Brothers Myke Reid and Steve Albanese. Myke has been a phenomenal Legislative Director. He is respected throughout Labor and on the Hill. He has an innate ability to connect with politicians to garner their favorable support regarding issues that matter to us most. Thanks to Myke and with Steve’s assistance APWU is taken seriously in the political arena. Sister Robinson is a beloved member of the Team, who is a fervent advocate for women, and an influential instructor to our representatives. Judy Beard has been working hard to organize and inform our retirees. Bill Kaczor continues to strive to make a comprehensive affordable health benefit plan available to our members, and Bill Manley continues to pursue contracts for our newly organized private sector members.
I believe the qualifications and proven abilities of each Leadership Team candidate speaks for itself. In our National Election of Officers I hope you will join me in supporting members of the Leadership Team.
