Human Relations Department Moving Forward

Convention Report

The 26th Biennial Convention was very inspiring and it was a pleasure to see all of those who came out to exercise their constitutional right to a voice and vote, collectively participating in this democracy. The delegates’ votes dictate to the APWU Leadership how they would like this great union to move forward in a direction that addresses all members and all crafts, no matter their career status- active or retired.

Each delegate shared a responsibility to participate in the work that had to be done at this convention as a representative of their local union. I am confident that, for new convention delegates, this experience afforded them an eye-opening opportunity to see this great union at work. Even as a seasoned delegate, the chance to speak on the floor and engage in discussions/debate about various current issues was exciting and rewarding to me. There’s always something new to learn, and I’m happy that I was given the opportunity to voice my opinion through voting.

Like many others, I left the convention feeling encouraged, reinvigorated, ramped up and ready to continue the good fight.

The dynamic union activists from Amazon and Starbucks gave delegates reasons to continue the fight, chanting, “When we Fight, We Win.” We voted with enthusiasm to go on record in support of their worker organizing campaigns. Together, we will stand united with our fellow labor workers for fair wages and benefits and a safe work place.

Regional Resource Assistants

We are moving forward with our intended programs to assist our members across the country on Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) claims and other issues.

On July 28, we met Antonio “Tony” Rios, Director of Federal Employees, Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation, OWCP U.S. Department of Labor, and his staff. Mr. Rios, who manages the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), addressed present and future plans to better assist our members with concerns related to OWCP.

We also established Regional Resource Assistants. I would like to thank all of the local and state presidents, along with our regional coordinators, for their assistance in recommending APWU members from all across the country to serve as Regional Resource Assistants, training locals and states on OWCP Policies and Procedures.

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet with all the Resource Assistants to outline the program and plans for the future. We are excited and ready to get to work for the members as a team. The selected Resource Assistants love their work, and vow to carry out their duties both competently and enthusiastically. The assistants’ names, contact Information, and represented regions will be made available as soon as possible. Until then, please continue to contact your local and/or state union officials for assistance; the Human Relations Department will assist as needed.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The EAP continues to be a valuable resource to members and their families, when promoted properly. Through constant talks with the Postal Service and all parties represented on the committee at the national level, we have been able to get the postal service to agree to expand districts to help accommodate areas in need of more assistance.

We will be reaching out to locals to provide names of past and present committee members who have served or continue to serve on the committees. My efforts are aimed towards promoting unity and making this the most successful committee that providing services to our members.

“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”
~ Frederick Douglass