Postmaster General Honors Burrus at the Bargaining Table

To commemorate retiring President William Burrus’ last day at contract negotiations — and his more than 50 years of postal employment — Postmaster General John E. Potter made an appearance at the bargaining table Nov. 10 and presented Burrus with the Postmaster General’s Medal of Freedom.

“Behind closed doors, we actually get along,” Potter joked. “We both have one interest in mind — the interest of the postal employees.

“Personally, I’m going to miss you, and I know the Postal Service is going to miss you,” Potter said before presenting Burrus with the honorary medal. The PMG’s Medal of Freedom is given in recognition of outstanding individual contribution to the Postal Service.

Deputy Postmaster General Patrick R. Donohoe, who will replace Potter when he retires next month, also attended and paid tribute to Burrus.

Burrus addressed both negotiating teams and thanked the Postal Service for their efforts in changing the work conditions for postal employees.

“I appreciate the agreements we have been able to reach, and even the disagreements we worked on,” Burrus said. “I have been blessed in a number of ways, and I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with such interesting characters.

“My 30 year history at the bargaining table has been a good run, and together we have made a difference,” Burrus said.

APWU President-Elect Cliff Guffey takes office as the union’s highest-ranking official on Nov. 12. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires Nov. 20.