APWU 27th Biennial Convention ‘Union Proud, Say It Loud!’

Delegates at the 27th Biennial National Convention left Detroit having contributed to a successful and productive convention. The energy began with delegates attending the Pre-Convention workshops. Convention committees and division conferences gathered to review, discuss, and vote on resolutions. Over 2,000 delegates from across the country came together to debate and vote on resolutions submitted prior to and during the Convention. Constitutional resolutions adopted by the delegates will amend the current APWU Constitution and Bylaws, and will be available for members with the added language identified in bolded text. It is important to note that changes made to language in the National Constitution may also impact language in local and state constitutions. This could create situations where local and state constitutions are in conflict with the National Constitution. The Convention concluded with delegates ready to organize, mobilize and to advocate for “A Strong Union, A Strong Future.” The work of the union does not end after the convention. It is even more important that our members stay informed , stay united, and when called to action, mobilize to make our voices heard including wearing our union gear.

APWU Scholarship Winners!

The 2024 scholarship committee met and reviewed all applications received by the extended June 30 deadline. The committee verified the criteria and documents outlined in the applications, with primary emphasis on the knowledge and understanding of unions displayed in the essay. The committee received 132 applications and awarded 10 recipients the E.C Hallbeck Memorial Scholarship. Five recipients received the Vocational Scholarship, and one recipient received the Best Essay Scholarship. All applicants were required to submit a 350 to 500-word essay on one of three topics provided in the scholarship application. The recipient of the 2024 Best Essay Award wrote in his essay the following excerpts:

“Unions are essential for job security, needed-base assistance, and higher wages. I’ve had the privilege to witness this firsthand, through the APWU, how this union has greatly enhanced my father’s career experience. I have learned that when workers band together, they are unstoppable.”

The 2025 scholarship brochure and application can be obtained at apwu.org/scholarship-programs.

Congratulations to all the 2024 scholarship winners and best wishes as they pursue their career goals.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Training

The Secretary-Treasurer Department provides virtual training on a continuous basis. Local or state officers who were unable to attend any of the in-person Secretary-Treasurer’s workshops can schedule virtual trainings by emailing Annette August-Taylor, Executive Assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer at: aaugust@apwu.org. The following virtual presentations are available for local and state officers:

• Fiduciary Responsibility
• Secretary-Treasurer’s-Dues Check Off (DCO)
• Election Committee
• Trustee Training.

It is the responsibility of all elected officials to ensure that their local or state affiliate remains in compliance with all legal requirements to alleviate penalties and fines that may result from noncompliance. This also includes ensuring their local or state maintains 100 percent bond coverage and obtains the required workers' compensation insurance. Knowledge is the key to maintaining financial stability and accountability.

November 5, Your Vote Matters! As postal workers, job security is important, maintaining democracy is important, and voting for candidates that are going to ensure we keep our fundamental freedoms is important. So, Get Out the Vote! ■