A document unearthed in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reveals why the APWU is adamant that the Postal Service’s deal with Staples – and others like it – must be stopped.

The March 26, 2012, document exposes the secret privatization recommendation a Postal Service consultant made to USPS management: Eliminate most retail facilities throughout the country, along with the work of APWU employees.  

The document is covered by a “protective order” that prohibits its disclosure, but the Administrative Law Judge presiding over the case has ruled that the contents can be summarized and brought out from behind the veil of secrecy.

As described by the judge in his order, the document reveals that the Postal Service’s consultant made a number of proposals to the USPS, including that the Postal Service invest in high-traffic Postal Service locations and that it eliminate the majority of the standard-volume Postal Service locations and migrate that work to retail partners that are not staffed by APWU members.

The judge’s order says, “The document was not prepared by the [USPS] and does not, on its face, reveal whether the [USPS] adopted any of the proposals contained in it.” As the APWU sees it, the deal with Staples is consistent with this recommendation.

“The USPS claim that the Staples deal is about providing customers with better access is a hoax. It is clearly a privatization scheme to transfer postal services – and our work – to the private sector,” APWU President Mark Dimondstein said.

“This document proves we are on the right track and should double down to stop this dirty deal in its tracks. Continue the boycott of Staples and Quill.com and continue to encourage our co-workers, families and friends to do the same.”

Wear a Solidarity Sticker on Feb. 17 As Contract Arbitration Gets Underway

 APWU members across the country will mark Feb. 17, the first day of arbitration for a new contract, by wearing stickers bearing the slogan, “Opening Day – Fighting for Justice.”

“As we begin the final phase of our contract fight, I urge union members to join in a proud show of solidarity by wearing a sticker,” said President Mark Dimondstein.

Union members were sent two stickers in the mail – one to wear and one to share with a co-worker. Local and state presidents received extra stickers too.