The American Postal Workers Union

APWU Honors #BlackHistoryMonth ✊🏾 We are proud to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans in our union, the labor movement, and our nation's history!

We deserve SAFE workplaces. Not excuses.
Join Pres. Smith on Feb 10, 7pm ET:
✅ Know your safety rights
✅ Report unsafe conditions
✅ Hold management accountable
Talk is cheap. Action starts NOW. apwu.org/apwu-live/?utm_campaign=2026_02_10-Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bsky-0201

Everyday we move essential mail for our communities—
But who's looking out for US?
Management has failed to do their part for too long.
Join our APWU LIVE with Pres. Smith on Feb 10, 7pm ET
RSVP: apwu.org/apwu-live/?utm_campaign=2026_02_10-Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bsky-0129

Join APWU President Jonathan Smith on Feb 10 at 7ET/4PT for his first livestream to address the safety challenges postal workers face every day, and how APWU plans to hold management accountable. RSVP at apwu.org/apwu-live/?utm_campaign=2026_02_10-Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bsky-0128

APWU's EGS Updates The American Postal Workers Union's Electronic Grievance System will be offline intermittently for scheduled maintenance and upgrades beginning Friday evening.

Heads up! The APWU Electronic Grievance System (EGS) will be down for maintenance this weekend: Friday 1/30 at 7pm ET (~1 hour) and Saturday 1/31 from 1-4am ET. Brief interruptions are possible during upgrades. Plan accordingly! apwu.org/news/apwu-el...

L-R: Rictarsha Westmoreland (Baltimore Francis “Stu Filbey” Area Local), Keith Richardson (President, Chicago Local), Sherry A. McKnight (President, Baltimore Francis “Stu Filbey” Area Local), Secretary-Treasurer Powell, Clerk NBA, Washington DC (Glen Burnie) Rachel Walthall (Baltimore Francis “Stu Filbey” Area Local), Jerual Gardner (Baltimore Francis “Stu Filbey” Area Local), and Robin “Robbie” Robertson (Secretary-Treasurer, St. Louis Gateway District Area Local).

APWU attended the 2026 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, which took place January 15-18 in Baltimore, MD. Pictured below are members from the APWU delegation, standing in front of a banner honoring President Emeritius William Burrus.

Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we celebrate his birthday, let's remember his powerful words as we put effort into action:
"No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

The Importance of Your APWU Membership Card | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) In January, APWU members will receive their 2026 membership card. While this may seem like a simple…

Your membership card represents your connection to a collective force dedicated to protecting postal workers’ rights, benefits, and workplace safety.

Trump Administration Cancels Free Tax Filing System | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) In our March/April 2024 column, we highlighted a new public tax-filing system. The program was…

As we approach Tax Season, The A Grand Alliance provides an update on Direct File, the Free Tax Filing System pilot program.

Labor History: First National Union Formed for Black Workers; Akron Rubber Workers Innovate Strike Tactics | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) First National Union Formed to Address Black Workers’ Needs During Reconstruction Era Jan. 5, 1869:…

This month in Labor History, we take a look back at Colored National Labor Union (CNLU), the first national union established in 1869 to address black workers’ needs, and the Akron Rubber Workers Strike of 1936 that introduced sit-down strikes.

Writing a Resolution | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) A resolution is a formal, written statement of opinion, decision, or intent made by members at the…

Research & Education Director Joyce B. Robinson shares guidelines on how to properly write a resolution for submission to official meetings such as the APWU National Convention.

APWU Retirees Still Fighting for Justice | American Postal Workers Union In this new year, my wish for each of you is good health and happiness! Thank you, APWU family, for continuing to support me and the five Retiree National Convention Delegates: Cynthia A. Nesmith…

APWU Retirees Director Nancy Olumekor explains how postal retirees can rejoin the APWU as a retiree member, and provides advice for current and future retirees.

Your Health Plan Rates and How We've Got You Covered! | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) I would like to welcome our new APWU Health Plan members who enrolled this Open Season. And if you…

“Ensuring accuracy and transparency for you is our top priority.” APWU Health Plan Director Sarah J. Rodriguez issues a statement on last year’s Open Season and explains member benefits of enrolling in the APWU Health Plan.

Organizing in 2026: Let's Keep Building on Our Momentum! | American Postal Workers Union As we turn to 2026, one thing is clear: every day is a good day to organize! The APWU has faced challenging times, but our collective determination has never wavered. If anything, those challenges…

"As we head into another year of opportunity and growth, remember that organizing isn’t a seasonal thing. It’s the heartbeat of our union." Organization Director Anna Smith outlines organizing goals to strengthen training and outreach for 2026.

Turning Vision Into Action, Let's Make this Year Count | American Postal Workers Union As we enter the new year, it’s essential to focus on providing optimum representation and engagement for our members. To achieve this, let’s prioritize training and education in key areas that impact…

"As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize member education and empowerment." Human Relations Director Daleo Freeman shares goals and priorities for the Human Relations Department in 2026.

Our Legislative Fights Persist in 2026 | American Postal Workers Union As we begin a new year, we must reflect both on the progress we’ve made and move forward together to continue protecting our rights and earned benefits. APWU Victories in 2025 In 2025, we started the…

"The fights we take on affect every postal worker and every community we serve.” APWU Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard reflects on APWU’s victories in 2025 and the battles we still face in the new year.

Federal unions, employees urge Senate to take up bill restoring collective bargaining After the Protect America’s Workforce Act cleared the House, federal unions have been pushing for the Senate to take up the bill’s companion legislation.

The Protect America's Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill restoring the collective bargaining rights of 85% of unionized federal employees passed the House in December. The fight now moves to the Senate to get the bill scheduled for a vote and passed. Read more: federalnewsnetwork.com/unions/2026/...

'PAWA to the People' - Hundreds Gather at US Capitol Urging Senate to Restore Federal Collective Bargaining Rights | American Postal Workers Union APWU national officers and staff joined hundreds of federal workers, union members, and supporters at the “PAWA to the People” rally hosted by the Federal Unionists Network (FUN), amongst others, in…

Hundreds of federal workers and union members gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday to demand action on the Protect America's Workforce Act, which would restore the collective bargaining rights of more than one million federal workers. Read more here: apwu.org/news/pawa-to...

Family Is A Bond That Should Not Leave Anyone Out | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” This quote comes from…

Support Services Director Kimberly A. Maurer provides a brief history of the Support Services Division and explains the importance of private-sector organizing.

New Year, Same Challenges | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) There continues to be controversies, questions, and challenges concerning the Postal Vehicle Service…

MVS Director Michael Foster explains the Step-4 agreement concerning the Postal Vehicle Service (PVS)’s use of scanners.

War on APWU Per Diem? | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) During the 2024 contract negotiations, the APWU submitted a proposal to make per diem rights…

Maintenance Craft Director Idowu Balogun provides the latest updates regarding the Per Diem MOU, and the initiation of two new national disputes challenging Field Maintenance Operations and the MS-47 TL-5 handbook.

APWU Policy on EEO, MSPB, and OWCP Representatives | American Postal Workers Union It is APWU policy that no union representative is authorized by the national union to represent individual bargaining unit members (or other postal workers) in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO),…

EEO, MSPB & OWCP claims are individual legal matters, not union grievances. You can file without representation or choose your own. APWU provides free educational resources but doesn't offer representation due to liability. Contact APWU Human Relations for OWCP referrals. apwu.org/news/apwu-po...

Clerk Division Settles Three Major Postal Support Employee National Disputes | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) The Clerk Division recently resolved three issues regarding Postal Support Employees (PSEs) that…

Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks discusses three Step-4 disputes regarding Postal Support Employees that were recently resolved: Pretextual Separation Issue, Designation of Hire and Separation/Termination Notifications.

Open Letter to the Southern Region “Serving the 40,000-plus members of the Southern Region to improve wages, benefits, safety, and working conditions is a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly.“ Newly elected APWU Southern…

“Serving the 40,000-plus members of the Southern Region to improve wages, benefits, safety, and working conditions is a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly.“ Newly elected APWU Southern Regional Coordinator Tony McKinnon shares his vision for the Southern Region.

US HHS Reverses Deep Cuts to CDC Safety Research Agency Niosh The Trump Administration is reversing its deep staffing cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, reinstating hundreds of employees.

We’re glad to see this administration has come to their senses to reverse its dangerous cuts to NIOSH. The dedicated safety experts at NIOSH should have never been cut in the first place. Protect workers. Put them back on the job immediately.

"Safety cannot be an afterthought. Safety needs to be at the forefront of all our minds when we work in a dangerous, industrialized environment." Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash stresses the importance of management's duty to adhere to safety guidelines on the job.

Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth "Liz" Powell shares important dates, deadlines and tips to prepare for filing annual reports with the Department of Labor.

Executive Vice President Debby Szeredy urges the Postal Service to take meaningful action to address the issue of toxic workplaces in her latest column for the American Postal Worker magazine.

Our Health and Safety: Non-Negotiable Priorities in 2026 | American Postal Workers Union (This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) Brothers and sisters, I want to use this column to talk about something that keeps me up at night:…

“Let me be clear, I do not condone management putting our members in harm’s way. Every postal worker deserves to go home safe at the end of their shift.” APWU President Jonathan Smith reminds members of resources available to ensure and enforce safety on the job.

As we begin the new year under new leadership, we stand together as one voice through our union, working and fighting together to build a brighter future for postal workers & the working class. Read all about our plans in the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker, headed to your mailbox!