Honoring the Work of Retired Members

(This article appeared in the March/April 2012 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Judy Beard, Director Retirees Department

Since 1963, celebrations of the contributions of older Americans have taken place in May. Join the APWU this year, as we pay tribute to our retirees.

We all have worked with someone now retired, who shared stories of their experiences “back in the day.” Some of our retirees began their careers when mail was sorted almost exclusively by hand or when pay was so low they actually qualified for food stamps.

You may have heard stories about the Postal Strike of 1970, when employees and union officials feared losing their jobs but made the decision to engage in an illegal work stoppage to challenge deplorable working conditions and low wages.

Retired workers often speak with pride about legislative and Civil Rights victories. Many of the contract negotiations or arbitration disputes won years ago paved the way for the wages and benefits workers enjoy today.

Many of these courageous workers, now members of the APWU Retirees Department, remain on the front lines — urging Congress to support legislation that would protect opportunities for current workers to enjoy postal retirement one day. They are also telling all who will listen, “Let’s fight to keep Social Security and Medicare!”

Locals can celebrate the work of our retirees by hosting a banquet, signing up non-member retirees, giving awards, or holding a drawing for prizes. Individuals can recognize the work of retirees by making phone calls just to say, “Thank you.” Locals and individuals can nominate retirees for recognition for their contributions. Show your appreciation: They’ve earned it!

Nominate a Retiree

If you know of a retiree the national union should recognize during Older Americans Month, send us their name and a story of no more than 250 words. Retiree members may also send in their own recollections of how they made a difference “back in the day” or what they are doing today to help save postal jobs, stop post office closings, defend Social Security and Medicare, or what they are doing to mentor a youth or to improve their communities.

Send entries to Judy Beard at 1300 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, or e-mail them toRetiree2@apwu.org. Entries must be received by April 10, 2012. Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address (if you have one), as well as the retiree’s name, address, phone number and e-mail address, if applicable.

Are You Eligible to Vote?

The Nov. 6 election is quickly approaching: Are you eligible to cast a ballot? Voting this year may be harder than in the past, thanks to new laws in many states. You may have to re-apply for absentee ballots each year instead of receiving them automatically. You may be required to show a photo ID at your polling place, or early voting may not be available.

Understand new regulations — call your state’s election commission office today. Ask which documents are required and the location of your polls. Request a duplicate voter registration card. Be sure to indicate if you are in a nursing home or care facility in case additional rules apply.

Special Thanks From The APWU Executive Board

Dear APWU Retiree,

Thank you for your contributions, which have helped strengthen the APWU. You have paid dues, given your time, walked picket lines, attended rallies, and made phone calls in support of APWU’s legislative issues. Your contributions to COPA, the union’s Committee on Political Action, help support our legislative goals.

We know we can count on you to be at the ballot box this Nov. 6, 2012.

Keep up the good work and best wishes,

Cliff Guffey 
President