The National Postal Mail Handlers Union and APWU have announced plans to conduct a nationwide joint lobbying effort over the Congressional recess from Aug. 5 to Sept. 6 to urge senators and representatives to co-sponsor the Postal Service Protection Act (H.R. 630 in the House / S. 316 in the Senate), the Protect Overnight Delivery Act (H.R. 2459), and the United Stated Postal Service Stabilization Act (H.R. 961).
This effort is intended to build support for the unions’ demand that Congress take action now to save the Postal Service and protect postal jobs. Currently, there are 28 co-sponsors for S. 316, 163 co-sponsors for H.R. 630, and 72 co-sponsors for H.R. 2459, but many more are needed.
(Check the list of co-sponsors at http://capwiz.com/npmhu/issues/bills/ to see if your members of Congress have signed on.)
In a letter to local presidents dated July 18, 2013, President Hegarty wrote, “Whether or not your facility is affected by consolidation, the Postal Service’s plans to cut service will affect your job, and your livelihood. The Postal Service needs to grow the business, not cut services to the American people.” President Hegarty urged locals to contact their Congressional representatives’ and senators’ state offices to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, to explain the urgency of the House and Senate taking up postal reform before the end of USPS fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2013.
In addition to supporting the bills outlined above, we also need to oppose any bill, such as the ‘discussion draft’ authored by House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, which would interfere with collective bargaining, and further degrade service..
The July 18, 2013 mailing includes talking points, a summary of the union’s position for distribution to Congress, and a flyer for distribution to the public. Our union officers and grass-roots activists have done a great job educating the public, and many members of Congress on the issues surrounding postal reform, but much more is needed. Congress needs to act before it’s too late, and it’s up to us to get that message to them.
Please join us in lobbying for postal reform during Congress’s August recess. If you require any assistance, contact Legislative and Political Director Bob Losi at 1-202-833-9095.
PDF President Hegarty's July 18, 2013 Letter to Local Presidents
RETIREMENT, PROMOTION AND APPOINTMENTS IN NPMHU Contract Administration Department
