William Burrus, president of the American Postal Workers Union, has announced that he will retire in November, ending a 53-year career representing hundreds of thousands of postal employees.

He was elected to the APWU's top office nine years ago, becoming the first African-American to be elected president in direct balloting by the membership of a national union. The APWU represents more than 200,000 clerk, maintenance and motor vehicle employees in 37,000 USPS facilities.

Since 2002, Ebony magazine has named Burrus one of the 100+ Most Influential Black Americans.

"I am in good health and I love what I do," he said in announcing his retirement. "But I want to move on to another part of my life. I want to spend more time with my wonderful wife, Ethelda, who has been by my side throughout my 38 years as an executive officer of the union."

Burrus became president of the APWU in November 2001, in the immediate aftermath of the anthrax attacks that killed two union members and three others. He is credited with helping to avert panic among postal patrons and workers, while helping to protect the safety of postal employees.

Over the course of his career, Burrus negotiated substantial raises and improved benefits for his members, including increased training opportunities. He was elected APWU Executive Vice President in 1980 and served in that position until he became president.

Burrus began his employment with the Post Office in 1958 as a distribution clerk in Cleveland, and was a participant in the Great Postal Strike of 1970. From 1974 to 1980, he served as President of the Cleveland APWU Local.

Burrus was born in Wheeling, WV. After graduating with honors from Lincoln High School, he attended West Virginia State College. He served in the 101st Airborne Division and 4th Armored Tank Division of the United States Army from 1954-1957.

"I have looked forward to every day that I have served our members, but effective November 2010 it will be time for me to turn the page and move on to the rest of my life.

"In the interim, I intend to continue my commitment to the membership, every hour, every day," he said.