I am requesting your vote and support to become the next president of the APWU. I ask that you support the entire Leadership Team, which is comprised of dedicated, experienced union activists.
Postal workers are facing our greatest challenges ever. Downsizing has resulted in massive excessing, which is causing unprecedented disruption and hardship for our members. Plant consolidations, the widespread closing of stations and branches, and the elimination of Saturday delivery threaten the very existence of the Postal Service. During these tough times, our union must elect proven, progressive leaders.
For 24 years, APWU members have trusted me to represent their interests at the national level. For 16 of those years I served as a craft officer, and for the last 8 ½ years I have been honored to be your Executive Vice President. During my tenure, I have served with President Bill Burrus and former President Moe Biller, and I have learned a tremendous amount from both men. Working together, we made major strides on behalf of APWU members. The members of the Leadership Team, working with local and state activists, will build upon those accomplishments.
As president, I will use my extensive experience in national contract negotiations to further the goals of a strong union workforce: better wages, stability, fairness, and a secure future.
Throughout my career, I have put great effort into protecting the work performed by APWU members. I have fought to return outsourced work to postal employees. Safeguarding APWU jobs will continue to be a major challenge. I have a wealth of experience in this area, and I plan to make it a priority of my administration.
But the future of our union lies in getting rank-and-file members involved, and in realizing the full potential of all of our local, state and national leaders.
While the APWU is second to none in contract negotiations and contract enforcement, the problems facing our members go beyond negotiating and enforcing our contract. We can only succeed if we use every resource at our disposal to win the battles that lay ahead. That means mobilizing our members and the communities we serve to reverse the policies of postal management that are driving the USPS to the brink of bankruptcy. And it means uniting with the communities in their struggles – for good jobs, good neighborhoods, and good service.
Under my administration, we will continue and expand our efforts to organize our members, our allies, and our customers to exert pressure on our legislators. We will make sure our voices are heard in the halls of Congress and on the streets of America. We will use the media to ensure that our message is heard above the noise generated by special interests. We will fight win allies to our cause, because the fight to preserve good jobs for our members and good service for the American people is one and the same.
We will enlist the active involvement of every willing member in this struggle. The members need to know that the union doesn’t just represent them; the members are the union.
The members of the Leadership Team are fully committed to this goal. I ask for your vote, and I urge you support the following candidates:
Greg Bell for Executive Vice President: Greg has served as our national Industrial Relations Director for 15 years, and is responsible for our preparation for contract negotiations, contract interpretation, and national arbitrations. His studious approach to problems, his uncompromising union values, and his experience are an irreplaceable asset to the APWU. Before he became a national officer, Greg served as President of the Philadelphia PA Area Local.
Martha Shunn-King for Director of Organization: Martha has served as a dedicated union activist for many years at the local and state level, and has shown great enthusiasm for leading our national organizing efforts. She will work closely with the Legislative, Human Relations, Health Plan and Retirees Departments to organize non-members.
Bill Kaczor for Health Plan Director: Bill’s steadfast and extremely competent leadership of the APWU Health Plan has made it possible for the plan to increase enrollment by adding more than 10,000 new enrollees last year alone. Bill’s knowledge of OPM is vital to protecting our health insurance benefits.
Rob Strunk for Clerk Division Director: Rob is our senior Assistant Director for the Clerk Division, and his experience has equipped him to take on the challenge of leading the craft. He will be joined in this effort by Pat Williams, an experienced Assistant Craft Director, and two National Business Agents, Lyle Krueth and Lamont Brooks. These officers are universally respected, and the entire APWU will continue to benefit as these leaders bring their expertise to our fight.
Bob Pritchard for Motor Vehicle Division Director: Bob’s comprehensive understanding of the Division has enabled the craft to fend off relentless attacks, while gaining upgrades and improving working conditions. Bob has the staunch assistance of Mike Foster, who is the Division’s present Assistant Director. These two union brothers have proven they are best suited to wear the armor and continue our fight.
Princella Vogel for Southern Region Coordinator: Princella has stepped up to the plate. A long-time activist and devoted unionist, she will continue her outspoken advocacy on behalf of the Southern Region. Princella’s experience at the local level is an asset in her continued quest to serve.
Vice President, 2001-Present Clerk Craft Director Clerk Craft Assistant Director Oklahoma City Local President Member, Rank-and-File Bargaining Advisory Committee Marine Corps, 1968-1969 |