National MVS Assistant Director Javier Piñeres Retires from APWU

(This article first appeared in the September/October 2020 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine)

Effective August 31, national MVS Assistant Director Javier E. Piñeres retired after nearly two decades as an APWU officer. Javier began his postal career in 1984. He served the San Jose Area Local (CA) holding multiple positions over the years, and in 2011, began serving the National as the Western Region MVS NBA.

Assistant Director Piñeres has been a tenacious defender for the MVS Craft, being instrumental in countless arbitrations, several national contract negotiations, and two landmark cases that reversed the tide of subcontracting for MVS jobs.

In June of 2012, USPS announced the contracting out of its entire California Postal Vehicle Service. As Western Regional NBA, Javier spent countless hours reviewing each site, route, and proposed contract. He created cost comparisons, found cost savings, and honed CBA arguments to fight for each and every PVS position.

MVS Division Director Michael Foster appointed Piñeres to be MVS Division Assistant Director in 2013.

“As I have told the MVS delegates numerous times at National Conventions and seminars that you never know who is observing your work as an union official, I had followed Javier’s career as both a local officer and NBA and I saw a work ethic, and dedication that led me to believe that he could become a leader of the MVS Division,” said Director Foster. “For seven years we fought side by side in our challenges of contracting out efforts, and regressive proposals, and attempts against an employer who continuously fails to recognize the value of MVS Craft employees,” Director Foster continued.

“Javier is a proven leader who has served the Craft proudly and will be greatly missed. I totally respect his decision to dedicate the next chapter of his life to spending more time with his wife Elaine, his sons Nick and Chris. Thanks for the support and friendship brother, Keep On Truckin,” said Director Foster.

“On behalf of the entire membership, I thank Brother Piñeres for his many years of dedication and service to the APWU. In part due to his efforts, the union has remained vigilant in the fight against subcontracting and the struggle to protect living-wage, union jobs,” said President Dimondstein. “I wish Javier and his family the very best, and a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Legislative & Political Department Holds Hatch Act Training for Members

On July 22, the Legislative & Political Department held a Hatch Act Zoom webinar training for APWU members. The training was sold out, with over 250 national and local leaders participating.

Postal workers are required to adhere to the Hatch Act, a federal law passed in 1939 that limits certain political activities and restricts postal and federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on the clock, or on postal or federal property.

With the November 3 General Election quickly approaching, it is vital that all members know their rights and responsibilities pertaining to the Hatch Act.

For more information on the Hatch Act, as well as a list of permitted and prohibited activities, members are encouraged to visit apwu.org/hatch-act. ■