American Postal Workers Union

The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is a U.S. labor union that represents over 220,000 employees and retirees of the United States Postal Service (USPS). It is primarily composed of members from the Clerk, Maintenance, Motor Vehicle Service, and Support Services divisions. Additionally, APWU represents nearly 2,000 private-sector mail workers.

History

The APWU was founded on July 1, 1971, as a result of the merger of five smaller postal unions following the Great Postal Strike of 1970. This strike, which began in New York City and spread to other cities, was a pivotal event in U.S. labor history. It led to the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, granting postal workers collective bargaining rights and establishing the USPS as an independent agency.

Prior to the strike, early postal unions had limited influence, with wage increases depending on Congress. The strike resulted in a significant wage increase for postal workers and set the stage for future labor negotiations.

Organization and Leadership

APWU is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Mark Dimondstein has been the president since 2013, having previously served as a national lead field organizer.

Mission and Activities

The APWU's mission involves securing decent pay, benefits, and safe working conditions for its members through collective bargaining and legislative action. It supports social and economic justice for all working families.

The union has been involved in various campaigns, including:

• Stopping Privatization: APWU has led efforts against the privatization of USPS services, notably the "Stop Staples" campaign.
• Postal Banking: Advocating for the expansion of postal banking services to provide basic financial services.
• Promoting Safe Postal Jobs: Fighting against post office closures and for better working conditions.

APWU also supports broader social movements, such as Black Lives Matter, and has engaged in public pressure campaigns on various issues impacting postal workers and the USPS.

In recent years, APWU has opposed policies of the Trump administration and its Postmaster General, particularly those affecting USPS finances and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Structure

APWU is a democratic organization comprising over 900 state and local unions and retiree chapters across the United States. Its national officers are elected by union members.

Impact

Since its inception, APWU has played a crucial role in improving the conditions and benefits for USPS employees. It continues to advocate for the rights of postal workers and the preservation of public postal services.