(05/20/13) The tornado that killed 24 people in Moore OK has claimed the life of Richard L. Jones, a Tour 3 Clerk who was a member of the Oklahoma City Area Local. Jones worked at the mail processing facility, where was well-liked by his co-workers. At last count, at least 12 postal employees lost everything.
(05/20/13) Forty-seven members of Congress have signed a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe urging him to stand by his commitment to keep more than 70 mail processing facilities open until next spring. "We believe it would be imprudent of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to close or eliminate processing of mail, at any facility, ahead of schedule," the May 20 letter says. The letter was written in response to management's decision to close or consolidate 71 mail processing facilities this year that were scheduled for possible consolidation in 2014.
(05/20/13) Since the beginning of May, 18 more U.S. Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of the Postal Service Protection Act (H.R. 630), a bill that would help solve the USPS financial crisis without hurting workers or downgrading mail service. The legislation has gained has 146 co-sponsors since it was introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-4) on Feb. 13.
(05/16/13) APWU President Cliff Guffey is congratulating APWU retirees and other former employees who will soon receive the first installment of the $15,000 incentive the APWU negotiated last year. The first payment of $10,000 (minus applicable taxes and withholdings) will be available on May 24, 2013. The second installment of $5,000 will be paid on May 23, 2014. "We hope our newest retirees are enjoying their new lives," Guffey said. "We're sure they will enjoy the incentive."
(05/13/13) Myke Reid retired effective May 13, ending an illustrious career as the APWU's Legislative and Political Director. "Postal reform remains an unfinished agenda item," Reid said. "I will continue to do whatever I can to help the APWU achieve postal reform that makes sense." The union's National Executive Board unanimously approved Maintenance Craft Assistant Director "A" Gary Kloepfer to replace Reid. "Gary has been a very effective advocate for the Maintenance Craft," said APWU President Cliff Guffey. "I am pleased that he has accepted this important assignment."
