American Postal Workers Union

The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is a labor union in the United States affiliated with the AFL-CIO. It was formed on July 1, 1971, through the merger of five smaller unions: the United Federation of Postal Clerks, the National Postal Union, the National Association of Post Office and General Service Maintenance Employees, the National Federation of Motor Vehicle Employees, and the National Association of Special Delivery Messengers[1][2].

History

The APWU's creation was a direct result of the Great Postal Strike of 1970, which marked a significant turning point in postal workers' rights. During this strike, thousands of postal workers defied the law by walking off their jobs, demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike eventually led to a 6% wage increase for postal workers and the passage of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, granting unions the right to collective bargaining[2][4].

Mission

The APWU fights for dignity and respect on the job, including decent pay and benefits, safe working conditions, and solidarity with all workers. The union advocates for the public postal service and works against privatization efforts[2].

Leadership and Structure

Mark Dimondstein has been the president of the APWU since 2013. The union also includes positions such as executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, and industrial relations director, along with craft division directors and regional coordinators[2].

Current Campaigns

The APWU is involved in several campaigns, including preventing post office closures, promoting postal banking as an alternative to predatory financial services, and opposing privatization of postal services. They have also been vocal about issues like racial justice and workers' rights, encouraging participation in events such as Black Lives Matter demonstrations[1][2].

Membership

The APWU represents over 200,000 employees and retirees of the United States Postal Service across the Clerk, Maintenance, Motor Vehicle, and Support Services divisions[5].

Affiliations

The APWU is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the UNI Global Union[5].

Impact

Through collective bargaining and legislative action, the APWU has improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. The union continues to advocate for postal workers' rights and the preservation of public postal services[2][4].

The APWU's National Postal Press Association (PPA) supports union communicators across all crafts, fostering a nonpartisan educational environment to inform and engage members[3].

The union's efforts have contributed to increased job security and better living standards for postal workers and their families[4].