Guffey Pledges to Continue The Fight for Working Families

Speaking at swearing-in ceremonies in Washington, DC, newly elected APWU President Cliff Guffey pledged to continue to fight on behalf of postal workers and their families.

“Working men and women deserve better, and we will continue to work together to make things better not just for postal workers, but for all men and women who work for a living,” Guffey told union members during the Nov. 6 installation of national union officers.

Guffey, who is the union’s fifth president, paid tribute to the many officers and members he has met throughout his career. “I want to thank all the locals and members I’ve learned from,” he said.

After he took the oath of office as the union’s newest president, Guffey acknowledged the challenges that postal workers are facing. With the union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire in just two weeks — and the Postal Service facing a severe financial crisis — Guffey said, “The individuals you have elected as your negotiating team will have your back.”

He also noted that many labor-friendly legislators suffered defeat in the Nov. 2 congressional elections.

Despite these difficulties, Guffey expressed confidence about the future. “You have elected some very good people to work with me,” he said.

“And if you have our back,” he pledged, “we will take on Postmaster General John Potter, the Postal Service’s negotiating team — and Congress, if necessary — to make the workplace better.”

“We have a team of experienced officers who are committed to doing the very best we can on behalf of the members of the APWU,” Guffey told assembled union activists. “But we need your help. And we need the help of every member of your local and state organization, and every member of your family.

“So please join with me and enlist in the fight to protect postal workers, to serve the American people, and to strengthen the American Postal Workers Union,” he said.

At a meeting of national officers the preceding day, Guffey outlined a plan of action: “To accomplish our goals, I intend to enlist our regional coordinators and business agents, as well as local and state activists, as field organizers in every area of our union’s work — not just the grievance procedure,” he said.

“That means working in the legislative arena to address the Postal Service’s economic difficulties and to defend collective bargaining. It means adopting campaigns to protect our jobs, organizing non-members, developing retiree chapters, supporting our campaigns for veterans and injured employees, and encouraging members to join the APWU Health Plan.”

Prior to being elected as the union’s highest-ranking officer, Guffey served as Vice President for nine years.