Postal Service Going to the Airwaves Supporting Changes

Today I had a manager ask if I would like to hear the Asheville Post Master on Public Free Radio.  For the next 10 minutes I listened while our postmaster made a canned speech across our state about how volumn has declined, and how 5 day delivery is necessary to save the postal service.  I am requesting that the radio station that interviewed our postmaster give me equal voice next week!  We have to get the real status of the postal service out to the public!  The Public is hungry for information about these postal changes, and currently they are only hearing the USPS side of the story!

If this is going on here, it is going on across the nation. 

I have contacted Vice President Cliff Guffey, and Legislative Director Myke Reid and requested a talking points chart for presidents to address postal changes with the public.  This has to be done with one voice, and one message.  Both Myke and Cliff stated that they will get back with me next week after meeting with Burrus.

As soon as I receive the talking points chart, I will forward out to all presidents.  Please be prepared to act upon receipt, and get the message out.  The Postal Service has been distributing their bunk for months!  Please make contacts with Local Radio Stations, Newspapers, and Television Stations on possible interviews next week over postal changes.  Folks, this is a primary focus of the public and the press; and we should be able to get our message out to the public.  When we hit the airwaves however; it must be with a unified voice, a unified message, and with no variances.  We cant afford to mis-speak at this point either because of upcoming negotiations, and with a possible mis-quote; the postal service could turn around and use against us in negotiations.

Because of the rapid changes with service and needed legislation, rising questions of the financial situation of the APWU, and because of the recent attacks by the US Postal Service on Limited and Light Duty Employees.  I have asked the following National Officers to speak at the beginning of our conference on Sunday Morning as part of the Chairmans Agenda:

Liz Powell- APWU National Treasurer-  Current Financial Situation of the APWU/ Future Estimations

Sue Carney- APWU Human Relations- National Reassessment Process- effects on Union Members, and effect on APWU Membership

Myke Reid- APWU Legislative Director- Meetings with USPS on 75 Billion Dollar Overpayment to OPM.  Legislative Relief, and recovery of USPS Operating funds.  Additional Legislative needs of the APWU in 2010.

In Union Solidarity and Growth,

Mark and Lance.