Debates, Decisions, Unity: Day Two of APWU’s 28th Biennial Convention

Delegates Debate Sick Leave Exchange, PSE and Workplace Resolutions

Delegates continued to make significant progress during Tuesday’s proceedings. They debated several resolutions related to Postal Support Employees (PSEs), paid leave, workplace violations, and grievance procedures as the Labor-Management Committee continued its report.

Delegates held a lengthy debate on Resolution 25, which called for voluntary participation in a sick leave exchange option that allows members to sell back up to 160 hours of unused sick leave annually. This would allow some to cash out sick leave that they would normally never take. Those in favor of the resolution said those close to retirement would benefit financially from this option rather than applying the unused sick leave as time served.

Opponents of the resolution believed it would harm workers’ health and safety by encouraging them to prioritize money over taking leave when they are feeling ill. Ultimately, the resolution passed to be applied to Article 10 of the contract during the next round of negotiations. Delegates also passed resolutions to have feminine hygiene products in facilities and penalties for postal management if they don’t respond quickly to PS Form 1767 filings.

The Constitution Committee, chaired by Wanda Harris, reported in the afternoon with resolutions passing to add the Retiree Director to the Health Plan Board of Directors and to add a new National Business Agent position for the Maintenance Division in the Western Region, and to turn down a National Business Agent position for the Maintenance Division in the Central Region.

AFGE President Dr. Everett Kelley: Federal and Postal Workers Face a Coordinated Assault

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Dr. Everett Kelley delivered a powerful address to delegates, warning that federal and postal workers face a coordinated assault on our rights and the services that we provide.

Kelley said threats to labor operate on four fronts: privatization, understaffing, automation without worker protections, and so-called civil service reform that he pointed out only reduces pay, benefits, and union protections.

He referred to a March 2025 executive order that sought to strip collective bargaining rights from more than 950,000 federal employees and said that union contracts had since been targeted agency by agency, including at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Kelley said the AFGE has repeatedly challenged the administration in court and held rallies in affected communities. He urged APWU members to respond to attacks on service with organizing and turnout, and called on delegates to register voters, mobilize families and friends, and make concrete voting plans ahead of the November elections.

Kelley said the AFGE has repeatedly challenged the administration in court and held rallies in affected communities. He urged APWU members to respond to attacks on service with organizing and turnout, and called on delegates to register voters, mobilize families and friends, and make concrete voting plans ahead of the November elections.

After his remarks, delegates passed a formal resolution supporting AFGE workers’ right to organize and to have a union contract and supporting their local unions at rallies and pickets.

Veterans Called to Build Councils in Every Local

APWU Staff Veterans Representative LaFoe speaks at the Veterans Affairs Presentation

APWU Staff Veterans Representative LaFoe speaks at the Veterans Affairs Presentation

APWU veterans gathered early Tuesday morning for a Veterans’ Affairs Presentation hosted by Human Relations Director Daleo Freeman. He brought greetings, followed by a message from President Jonathan Smith, who thanked veterans for their sacrifices and committed to supporting veteran programming.

Remarks were given by Craig Romanovich, Director of the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council, and APWU National Veterans, Guard and Reservist Information Specialist Robert “Bob” LaFoe. They reinforced the importance of solidarity between veterans and civilians, and addressed issues facing VA Healthcare.

Dir. Freeman concluded the event, calling for all veterans to establish a veterans council within their APWU locals and Central Labor Councils.

Live from the Convention Floor: President Smith Brings the Convention Home

Every two years, APWU members from across the country gather for one of the most important events in our union’s calendar: the Biennial National Convention. This year, APWU brought that experience directly to members at home through a special edition of Pres. Jonathan Smith’s monthly livestream, this time broadcast live from the convention floor on August 18.

Members watching from home joined delegates already on-site in Los Angeles for a behind-the-scenes look at the delegates and energy that takes place at this unique union event.

A highlight of the evening was a special guest appearance by Dr. Everett Kelley, who joined the broadcast to speak on the importance of solidarity across the labor movement and the shared fight to protect good union jobs and great public services. His remarks underscored the strength of collective action, both within our union and across the broader postal and labor community.

As the host of the stream, Smith moved around the floor, asking delegates to discuss how union democracy continues to strengthen APWU, and honoring the generations of postal workers whose dedication built the union power that members rely on today. The conversation also turned to the future, addressing the challenges and attacks postal workers face today.

From preserving a strong, public Postal Service to protecting union jobs and expanding workers’ rights, the topics debated on the convention floor carry direct consequences for every APWU member. Delegates take their work seriously, and while debate gets lively at times, moments like the Tuesday livestream are opportunities to come together, celebrate our shared history, and move forward for better jobs and service.

For those who tuned in, the special livestream offered an up-close view of the energy and significance of the Biennial National Convention; proof that union democracy remains very much alive and in action.

Members Lace Up for COPA at the Sneaker Ball

On Tuesday evening, Legislative & Political Director Judy Beard hosted APWU COPA Night. The APWU Divas hit the ground running and kicked the party off. Members who contributed $200 or more to the Committee on Political Action (COPA) since July 2024 wore their most unique, colorful, and blingy sneakers to celebrate their achievements. President Smith, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell, and Director Beard presented awards to the three highest COPA contributors during the 2024-2026 COPA cycle.

A special award, the 2026 COPA Leadership Award, was presented to the Michigan Postal Workers Union as the local whose members contributed the most COPA funds. Mike Mize accepted the award on behalf of the local. The party rounded out with a competition for the most unique sneakers.

Legislative-Political COPA Raffle Winner Announced

Delegates took a moment to hear from Legislative-Political Director Judy Beard, who announced Jeane Gardiner as the winner of the Legislative-Political Department raffle for 100,000 American Express points. There will be additional drawings on Wednesday and Thursday. Delegates can buy raffle tickets for $20 at the Legislative-Political booth; all proceeds will go to the COPA fund.