The Postal Service is again sending out a survey of employees, this time targeting Postal Support Employees. As the Union has for years, we urge our members to not participate in the surveys. The Postal Service manages to find ways to use the results against the Union in negotiations. They are not seeking to help employees, but for their advantage. Please read the information and statement from our National Officer Vance Zimmerman.

An Update from our National Business Agent Peter Coradi, a member of the NYS AFL-CIO Executive Council:

Good Evening Sisters & Brothers/Union Family:

Earlier today, I had the privilege to participate in a meeting with Senator Chuck Schumer, along with other members of the NY State AFL-CIO Executive Council.

I had an opportunity to speak with the Senate Majority Leader relative to postal workers and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.    

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) COVID-19 Relief Package calls for continuing Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). President Biden’s plan calls for 14 weeks of paid sick leave and family medical leave. Additionally, President Biden’s plan calls for a change in the maximum leave benefits, which would represent an increase for those using expanded FMLA to care for others. Senator Schumer mentioned the goal of getting a new COVID relief bill done by March 14, 2021.   

As we know, postal workers have been true heroes, and have been on the front-lines during the entire pandemic. The expiration of FFCRA and EPSL effective December 31, 2020 has been to the detriment of postal workers so it is important to have the inclusion of postal workers and the continuing of FFCRA in a new COVID-19 Relief package. We must continue to urge our representatives to ensure the aforementioned is achieved.

For those in the State of New York, our collective continued disappointment was expressed that currently postal workers remain excluded from Phase 1B, despite the repeated CDC recommendation. We will continue to endeavor that postal workers are included in Phase 1B vaccination distribution, and sooner, rather than later!

Senator Schumer mentioned the administration plan for the Federal government setting up centers in each State nationwide to give vaccines to ALL, regardless of category. The centers would be run by FEMA, with National Guard, and Health care workers. The target is to have the centers functioning by June 2021.   

Another noteworthy topic discussed was the continued effort for the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the Labor Movement. The PRO Act would not only facilitate workers efforts to form a union, but to organize and join a union and allow them to bargain for better wages and benefits.

The struggle continues…..

In solidarity,

Pete Coradi

National Business Agent

American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO

The Local is holding a General Membership Meeting this Sunday, September 27, via Zoom. This is our first meeting in sometime, so please, register to attend. This meeting is for members of our local only, and membership is being checked prior to attendance. To register, copy and paste the link below into your browser.

Hi there, 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
When: Sep 27, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdO-qrTMtHNMOIVl7QG3iJSYiNxcpL9mG 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

APWU Health Plan COVID-19 Coverage Enhancements

The Health Plan will:
•     Cover COVID-19 testing at no cost* to the member when testing is prescribed by a clinical 
professional
•     Cover telehealth visits at no cost* to the member when visits are performed through the 
Health Plan’s telehealth providers:

o  High Option: Visits through Amwell are available at www.amwell.com at no cost* to the member
o  Consumer Driven Option: Virtual visits through AmWell, Teladoc, and Doc on Demand are available 
at www.myuhc.com at no cost* to the member

•     Cover telehealth visits to network providers at no cost* to member when related to COVID-19
•     Waive inpatient prior authorization requirements related to COVID-19
•     Reminder: Members are encouraged to use mail order for maintenance medications which provides 
a 90-day refill and the delivery is free

*All deductible, coinsurance, and copays will be waived

Please note that the General Membership Meeting and Shop Steward Seminar scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2020 is canceled. We will reschedule the shop steward seminar. No one will be adversely affected by this cancelation. 

Be safe, stay healthy, take care of family. Stay posted for additional information and schedules.

The American Postal Workers Union continually fights for safe jobs. The Postal Service, as we all know, is not the safest place to work. Learn what we can do to keep ourselves safe, and what the Union is doing to help keep us safe. For more information, click here.