Organizing for the Year Ahead

As we begin the new year, many of us take stock of our lives and set goals for improvement. Some of us may focus on our health, finances, or personal growth with each new year. But have you ever considered making union organizing your New Year’s resolution? I know we say it repeatedly, but collective action is more important than ever. The chatter of stagnant wages, unfair working conditions, and inequality continue to challenge workers across industries. Unionizing is a powerful tool to address the challenges we feel in our workplace. Building solidarity is the only path to securing better wages and benefits, giving workers a real voice, and addressing inequalities in our workplace.

Union organizing isn’t just about improving conditions for individual workers, it’s about creating a movement in our workplaces, our communities, and across the country, not just for postal workers but in every industry. We, as unionized postal workers, have made monumental gains over the past 50 years. The rights and benefits we enjoy today are because others stood together. Whether you want to just continue to enjoy what you currently have, or want more, in either case, only through organizing can we maintain, sustain, or improve.

When workers come together, dignity and empowerment can transform both our professional and personal lives.

Are You Ready to Make Union Organizing One of Your New Year’s Resolutions, But Don’t Know Where to Start?

• Educate yourself – Learn about the history of the APWU and your local. The APWU website has a lot of information about our history, and how we got to where we are today, our struggles, and our triumphs. Visit apwu.org/apwu-history or the “Welcome to the APWU” book found on the Organization Department's page: apwu.org/organizers-tool-kit
• Connect with your coworkers – Talk to your coworkers about their workplace concerns and interests. Building relationships and trust is crucial for effective organizing. Everyone has something in common, so fi nd that common ground.
• Reach out to your local union – Talk with your stewards and officers, attend your local membership meetings, and invite others to go with you. Get involved. I have never heard any union leader say they had too much help, or too many stewards.
• Stay committed – Organizing is not easy by any means, and it most certainly is not a one-time task. It’s an everyday, all-the-time process, where persistence is key.

As you plan your resolutions this year, consider the impact you can have on collective action.

In 2025, resolve to stand up, speak out, and organize! ■