Check It Out!

We have just added a new feature to our website.  Just click on News Feeds to see Politifacts.com and you will be able to view articles, statements and positions of those running for elective office.  The site will tell you how truthfull the candidates are being about their positions and goals, if elected.

It is a non-partisian site dedicated to getting the TRUTH out to the voting public.

Judge for yourself.  We are providing this service so that you have the ability to make a more informed decision this November.

Aren't You Glad

Our economy is in the toliet.  Fuel prices are out of control. The USPS's mail volume is way down.  People are losing jobs everywhere. Economists say we are close to a DEPRESSION.

Yet, noone who works for the Postal Service and is covered by the APWU Collective Bargaining Agreement is in danger of being laid-off.  WHY?  Because our national officers were successful in negotiating a no-layoff clause in the contract that covers all the employees we represent.

That's right.  You cannot be laid-off.  They must keep you employed.  How many workers would love to have that benefit?

If you are a PTF in a small office you may have to go to another facility to work, but you still HAVE A JOB!!

For this reason alone, everyone should belong to our union.  It just doesn't get better than that.  Don't believe me - just ask a steel worker, auto worker, airline employee, or any other working person.  They all fear being laid-off, or if they are not union covered - just told "there is no work for you, goodbye".

Food for thought.

The Ohio Postal Workers Union is proud to present our 2008 King/Valliere Scholarship winners:

1.  Tessa Green

Tessa is from the Greater Cincinnati Area Local where her mother, Tina, serves as the local secretary.  She will attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

2.  Raymond Shanefelt Jr.

Raymond's father Ray Sr. belongs to the Akron Metro Postal Union.  He will attend the University of Northwestern Technical Scholl located in Lima, Ohio.

3.  Joshua Pierce

Joshua represents the Columbus Area Local where his father, Jeffrey, is a member.  Joshua will attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh this fall.

4.  Renee Schmid

Renee is also from the Columbus Area Local where her father, Mike, is the local president.  She will attend The Ohio State University.

5.  Jacqueline Telmanik

Jacqueline is from the Akron Metro Postal Union where her father, Joe, is a member in good standing.  She will attend Kent State University this fall.

6.  Amadeus Carter

Amadeus represents the Dayton Area Local where his mother, Marjorie works.  He will attend the University of Cincinnati this fall.

7.  Kelsey Byers

Kelsey comes from the Greater Cincinnati Area Local and is currently attending Northern Kentucky University.  Her mother is Laura Mays.

8.  Carli Willis

Carli comes from the Canton OH Area Local where both of her parents, Carl & Cathy are members.  She will attend the Pittsburgh Technical Institute this fall.

Each one of these scholarship winners will be awarded a one-time only amount of $500.00.  This goes directly to the school they attend. 

We are very proud to honor two of our most beloved members:  Willie King and Ted Valliere who stood for what we demand from our winners:  honesty, integrity, and dedication.

Since our scholarship program started in 1993 we have awarded a total of $64,000.00 to 128 deserving students.

The OPWU would like to thank the following locals for their continued financial support of this most important member-only benefit:

The Greater Cincinnati Area Local

Northeast Local

Akron Metro Postal Union

Tri-State Stewards School

Springfield Area Local

Dayton Area Local

Toledo Area Local

Canton OH Area Local

Northfield Local

Steubenville Local

Columbus Area Local

Ohio Auxiliary

Without their contributions this scholarship program would not be possible.

Way to Go Cincinnati!!

On May 15, 2008 the Greater Cincinnati Area Local and APWU Organizer Elaine Henderson reached agreement on a collective bargaining agreement with the Cincinnati Mail Transportation Equipment Service Center (MTESC). The Center is operated by Computer Sciences Corporation.  This agreement, if ratified by the employees, will bring over 120 new dues paying members into the APWU.

The tentative contract calls for a 10% wage increase in July - the first raise in more than SIX years!  It also provides just-cause protection, a grievance procedure, seniority & bidding rights, and benefits improvement. 

Computer Sciences Corporation operates the equipment service centers in six other cities.

Angela Holtgrefe, president of the Greater Cincinnati Area Local, is very pleased with the outcome of negotiations and welcomes the new members of her local.

Did you know?

A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll revealed that 50% of the people contacted identify with the Democratic party while only 37% identify with the Republican party.

Party trend in Ohio is 37% democratic, 25% republican.

The Economy is the #1 issue hands down!

70% of those interviewed feel America is NOT on the right track.

John McCain voted against the Employee Free Choice Act (S8389).

He also voted to privatize federal government jobs. (HR 5631 & S1637)

And, he voted against increased funding for veterans health care, supported outsourcing at Walter Reed Hospital, and outsourcing of VA jobs. (Senate vote 40, Senate vote 234, Senate vote 315).