Installation of National Officers Brings Message of Unity

On Thursday, Oct. 31 the APWU conducted the installation of the newly elected national officers with a message of unity and determination to fight for the future of postal workers and working people everywhere.

(This article first appeared in the November/December 2019 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) 

The night’s theme was “Moving Forward Together” and the ceremony was presided over by APWU Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell.

The guest of honor at the ceremony was AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, who administered the oath of office.

After an introduction by Executive Vice President Debby Szeredy, Gebre addressed the gathering, praising the work of APWU’s officers and leadership: “Your union, led by your president, Mark Dimondstein, has been a leader in our movement with the creation of a A Grand Alliance to Save our Public Postal Service, the successful fight to Stop Staples, the campaign to expand the role of the Postal Service, including vote by mail and postal banking -- fighting to defend the common good, public services and public sector unionism.”

He spoke of the fight during the tough times we face, with working people experiencing cruel and unnecessary hardships with low wages, unsafe workplaces, voter suppression, families ripped apart and refugees turned away.

But he expressed his hope in the face of this adversity:

"Hope in each of you...serving your communities. Hope in striking teachers. Hope in the 60 million Americans who would join a union today if they could. Hope of a brighter day,” he said.

President Mark Dimondstein gave the keynote speech, congratulating all who were elected and thanking the outgoing officers for their contributions and dedication to the APWU and postal workers. With the union election over he pointed out that “now principled unity is key, as we battle corporate greed, Wall Street privatizers, a hostile political environment, and those in management who are undermining the Postal Service.”

Click here to read more of President Dimondstein’s speech.