Cleveland Area Local, Retiree Chapter Work Together to Obtain Proclamation from City Council

October was a busy month in the APWU National Proclamation Campaign to secure local government support of a public Postal Service.

On Oct. 3, the William H. Burrus, Cleveland Area Local, # 72, secured a proclamation from the Cleveland City Council. Cleveland Area Retiree Chapter President Bruce Jackson, who regularly attends union meetings, suggested to Cleveland Area Local President Nigel Salem that they should try and get a proclamation passed for the city after learning about the campaign, and the two got to work! The Cleveland Area Local coordinated with the Retiree Chapter and City Council to get a proclamation passed honoring the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary, recognizing the milestone, and affirming official support for the public Postal Service.

The APWU launched the national campaign to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Post Office and partner with local communities to build public support for a public Postal Service in the face of privatization threats.

“It was easy, once I talked to the city council,” said Retiree Chapter President Bruce Jackson. “I let them know that the USPS has been around a whole year longer than the country itself, [and] they were immediately on board!”

When speaking about the involvement of the Cleveland Area Retire Chapter, “Our retirees paved the way for us to have the rights we have today,” said Cleveland Area Local President Nigel Salem. “While they have retired from the workroom floor, they are still active and ready to help!”

The APWU has provided local, state, and auxiliary leaders with sample proclamation templates and is encouraging meetings with elected representatives to build support for local resolutions. The APWU also recommends mobilizing postal workers, customers, and community members to attend meetings and speak in favor of the proclamations.

For more information on how you and your local, state, retiree chapter, or auxiliary can get involved in the Proclamation Campaign, visit: apwu.org/250.