Progress Is A Must In This New Year

The Human Relations Department would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. As another year rolls over, it is time to reflect and hope for a brighter future. In 2025, the Human Relations Department will hold its Educational Assembly in Houston, TX. We will build unity and solidarity and efficiently equip members through education and empowerment. During this educational event, members will be informed on topics such as the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Veterans’ Rights, Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Economic and Social Justice, and Equal Employment Opportunities (EEOs). We will do our best to inspire and energize in the new year.

The Employee Assistance Program

This year, we will be providing locals and states with more guidance on how to effectively utilize EAP in their local areas. We will continue to meet actively to stress the importance of assisting members as they need it.

The Office of Workers’ Compensation

After a successful year in 2024, we will keep the momentum going by conducting more training related to the OWCP. Although we organized many notable training courses across the country this past year, there is still more work to be done. In this new year, the Human Relations Department aims to continue trainings for locals and states, and to utilize Regional Resource Assistants to better assist locals and states with their issues. Our mission is to continue this year by building on our program and providing excellent training for all.

Veterans’ Rights and Benefits

As reported in 2023 and 2024, we initiated a program for our U.S. veteran service members, organized a database to recognize and encourage them, and to build a coalition. We are committed to using all the tools and resources at our disposal to build and mobilize our membership. Please stay informed and encourage all veterans to pay attention to our communication channels for resources and updates on our progress.

Civil Rights and Engagement

As we continue to strive for equality for all, I am excited to announce that our department takes on the issues of today. We are looking forward to this year. We are fueling the momentum we carried into this year by becoming more knowledgeable and empowered on all platforms, while stressing the importance of mobilizing and continuing to secure assistance for all who are in need.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

This year we will be providing our members with much-needed guidance on how the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) works, as well as an overall handbook of the EEOC process. We know how tedious the EEOC process can be, so your Human Relations Department intends to produce an informative manual specifically for APWU, on the EEOC rules and processes, and general guidelines on how to navigate through them. Currently, we are not providing representation, but it is important that we provide a resource that is readily accessible to all members. Please stay tuned for more information on the upcoming issue of the new EEOC booklet, which will be shared with all our members.

Lastly, I want to thank all who will be taking on the challenges that we face this year. I’m confident that all these challenges will better forge together the common goals we wish to accomplish in 2025. This department looks forward to addressing your needs, providing resources, and offering opportunities to get involved throughout the year. We can do it better when we work together. Thank you all. ■