Printer-Friendly Page
 |
AFL-CIO News |
 |
Listen to Labor News |
Convention Endorses Kerry-Edwards
APWU Web News Article #10-04, Aug. 27, 2004
Responding to a videotaped message from Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, the APWU 17th Biennial Convention closed its proceedings Thursday with a rousing endorsement of the Kerry-Edwards ticket. "We know that the President's Commission on the Postal Service has tried to reduce your pay, your health-care benefits, and your retirement," Edwards said. "John Kerry and I will reject these measures, and stand up for your collective bargaining rights and your hard-won no-layoff status."
Following Edwards' remarks, delegates approved a formal endorsement presented by Assistant Legislative Director Myke Reid. The resolution outlined the dramatic policy differences between Bush-Cheney and Kerry-Edwards. In addition to spotlighting the current administration's record on postal issues, the APWU endorsement noted the candidates' positions on other issues important to working families, including taxes, health care and prescription-drug costs, and workplace safety.
In his taped remarks, Edwards focused on issues near and dear to delegates.
"We'll make sure that before the Postal Service closes or consolidates facilities, citizens will have their voices heard," he said. "Universal service at uniform rates is the hallmark of the Postal Service, and we should do everything possible to protect it."
"Finally, we're going to stand with all of you against work-sharing discounts to major mailers that result in the outsourcing of your jobs. Because we know that America can do better than that"; Edwards said. "We will never privatize the United States Postal Service."
"We believe in an America where if you work hard and do right by your family, then you should do more than just get by. You should get ahead. We will never let the American Dream of building something better be replaced with the dream of just getting by. "
"John and I want to build one America, with an economy that works for everyone."
The APWU endorsement urges members to vote for Kerry-Edwards and candidates for Congress who will help protect workers' "wages, health benefits, retirement benefits, and collective bargaining rights."It also urges APWU members to give generously to COPA to support the union's political goals.
The convention endorsement follows a National Executive Board action in May, in which it endorsed Kerry, who had not yet chosen a running mate. The action means that the union's highest governing body supports the Democratic ticket.
“Of course, APWU members are free to follow their conscience on this matter,” said President William Burrus after the board’s decision. “But I believe this election will be a referendum on the Bush Administration, which has been a disaster for the middle class and for working people.”
