Together, We Can Overcome Any Obstacle

March 16, 2023

As a new officer writing my first article, I would like to start by saying that I am honored and humbled to have been elected as Southern Regional Coordinator of our great union. I cannot express enough my gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I assure you that I will do my utmost to represent and serve the best interests of our union and its members.

I understand the weight of this responsibility and I promise to work tirelessly to ensure that our union continues to thrive. I will actively listen to your concerns and ideas, and will do my best to address them in a timely and effective manner. Together, with my experience as a former President of one of the largest locals in the nation (Dallas Texas Area Local), we can continue to make the APWU a success.

Thank you again for your support and for giving me the opportunity to serve in the 11 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee that are represented in the Southern Region. I look forward to working with you all in the upcoming months.

As we look to the future, it is clear that our members will face a number of challenges that will have a significant impact on their jobs. These challenges include technological advancements, shifting economic conditions, and changes in the political environment.

One of the biggest challenges facing our members will be the rapid pace of facility conversions into Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DC) and mega plants.

The conversion of facilities is already affecting our members, and this trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years. This will have a major impact on jobs across the nation.

As Regional Coordinator, I will challenge the USPS on the remaining impacts, as well as future impacts. When Impact Statements (excessing notices) are received, we will make sure there are no Article 12 violations of the Together, We Can Overcome Any Obstacle Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is imperative that we work together with the local union leaders addressing these impacts, in order to minimize and/or eliminate the impacts to our members.

Most of the impacts have been canceled in the 11 states of the Southern Region.

The next few years will be challenging. However, by staying informed and being prepared, our members can navigate these challenges and continue to thrive in their careers as we have done it in the past and to advocate on their behalf. Together, we will be able to overcome any obstacles that come our way.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY

Article 14 of the union contract states in part “It is the responsibility of management to provide safe working conditions in all present and future installations and to develop a safe working force.”

Work-related injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to serious life-threatening injuries. These injuries can result in significant physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship for affected employees and their families.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently found the USPS exposed workers to struck-by, electrical, crushing, fire and other health hazards at facilities in Columbia, Knoxville, and Nashville, TN. www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/region4/01252023

When employees identify safety issues in our work place and need to report it by completing PS Form 1767 (Report of a Hazard, Unsafe Condition or Practice), the form should be readily available on the work room floor.

I am available and ready to assist locals. Along with the other Coordinators: Sharyn Stone, Central Region; Omar Gonzalez, Western Region; Tiffany Foster, Northeast Region; and A.J. Jones, Eastern Region; we are always available to work with you and for you.