Updated Consolidation Toolkit Available to Assist in Locals’ Efforts

The APWU has produced an updated toolkit to assist locals in their efforts to bring attention to the negative effects consolidation would have on mail service.

“We encourage union activists to get involved in the fight against the Postal Service’s plans to cut the postal network,” said APWU Vice President Greg Bell. “In many cases, the consolidation of postal operations would have an adverse impact on customer service, the community, and jobs. This material will help union activists inform their communities, elected officials, and the media.”

As many as 20 new studies have been launched this year alone, and more than 40 decisions to consolidate have been announced, Bell noted.

“We believe the Postal Service is taking advantage of the nation’s uncertain economic situation and its own financial difficulties, to implement unwise consolidations,” he said.

The revised toolkit contains suggestions for exposing the negative impact consolidation would have on mail service; building alliances with community organizations; winning support from U.S. Representatives and other elected officials; gaining media attention; and spreading the word about public meetings and protests against facility consolidations. Locals are encouraged to adapt the material to make the messages specific to local circumstances.

A [PDF – members only] of the updated material is available for use by local unions that have been notified of Area Mail Processing (AMP) feasibility studies. For printed copies, please e-mail Sally Davidow, Communications Department Senior Manager, at sdavidow@apwu.org.