• Post a picture of yourself with the ad or with a note card where you’ve written, #ReturnToSender on Facebook or Twitter.
• Ask your family and friends to do the same. And ask them to take their business elsewhere until Staples gets out of the postal business.
• If you receive a coupon in the mail, cross out the address and barcode, write “Return to Sender,” and drop it in the mail. 

Why should I register for the website? I can see the articles and other information.

It is true that any visitor to this website can see the articles, the breaking news, announcements, and calls for action, but the website can offer much more.

Registering on the website gives you, the member, access to resources, such as access to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (the contract); information regarding supervisors performing craft work, lobby director, how to try to get a more desirable duty assignment; beyond those contractual issues, on the Members portion of the website (again, only accessible to members registered on the website), you can see requests from other members seeking transfers and/or mutual swaps, or YOU can post requests for the same; you have access to our members message board, where information can be shared and exchanged, questions can be asked about similar situations in other offices, and simply saying hello.

The website is as valuable as YOU, the member makes it. We can add sections, provide whatever information you, the member, asks us to. It is continually updated to provide an enjoyable, informational experience. Let us know what you would like. 

For suggestions or comments, email Mike Puterio, clerk craft director/webmaster at clkdirlinyal@gmail.com, or info@longislandarealocal.org

Remember, this is YOUR website. Use it and continue to advance your interests, and your career.

November 14, 2014 Day of Action

The protest against the consolidation of mail plants, relaxing of mailing standards, the march towards privatization, called for by the National APWU, occurred on Friday, November 14, 2014, in front of the Mid Island Mail Processing Plant. The protest, led by the Long Island NY Area Local and organized by President Peter Furgiuele, withstood the chilly temperatures to educate the public of the attempts by PMG Donahoe to dismantle the Postal Service.

  Peters Furgiuele and Coradi (left) and Michelle Nadeau (right)                                   

Those attending the protest were enthusiastic and loud, hoisting placards and chanting. The union urges everyone to continue to let their friends, families, and legislators know, we need the Postal Service and the good jobs they provide, and we need their help and action.

In a typical example of corporate disdain and disregard for unions, their employees, and the compesation they deserve, Cablevision has gone to new lengths to get rid of a union, and pay their employees less than they deserve.

Brooklyn technical workers voted to unionize through the CWA three years ago. In that time, Cablevision has refused to negotiate a fair contract with the CWA, arguing that by paying those workers compensation comparable to technicians in other locales, it would be unfair to non-union workers. They have also allegedly threatened to withhold raises unless the group votes to decertify the CWA, without ever negotiating a fair contract. A typical representation of the attitude of big business in today's climate.

For the whole article, click here.

Similar to Dave Letterman's top ten monologue, the American Postal Workers Union has put together their version. It is called the Top Ten Reasons Members Postal Workers do not attend protests of Staples. Unfortunately, unlike the satirical comedy of Letterman, this parody reflects our members lack of understanding how directly the Staples deal could affect their livelyhood. Look through this list, and see if any have been used by yourself or your co-workers. Then, think about answers to these reasons. Is there really a reason to not fight for your jobs?

See the list here.

Postmaster General and Staples seek to fool postal workers and the American people.

Beware of the wolf in sheeps clothing. The announcement released by the Postal Service that they are terminating their partnership is a ruse, an attempt to stop the tidal wave of opposition that has been building against this attack on postal workers and the middle class. These two corporate giants are renaming their attack, seeking a backdoor to take good paying postal jobs away. Keep on boycotting Staples and let them know, we will not be fooled.

For APWU President Dimondsteins press release, click here.

The PMG wants YOUR job

Postmaster General Donohoe is seeking to take your job, send it to Staples and other retailers, while looking you in the eye and lying. Watch this short video of APWU President Dimondstein expose the PMG's lies, share it with co-workers, family, and friends. Urge them to let these retailers, as well as the Postal Service, know that the US Mail is not for sale, and that the integral services provided by the Postal Service should remain with those entrusted with those duties and responsibilities. The sanctity of the mail, decent paying jobs, and the welfare of the American middle class must remain and be respected. View the video by clicking here.

NH AFL-CIO

Resolution: Support U.S. Postal Workers; Boycott Staples

May 21, 2014

Whereas, the U.S. Postal Service has entered into an agreement with Staples to operate postal counters in more than 82 “test sites” throughout the country,

Whereas, the U.S. Postal Service has plans to expand this operation to more than 1,500 Staples store across the United States;

Whereas, the U.S. Postal Service and Staples are refusing to staff the postal counters with unionized, uniformed U.S. Postal Service employees who have the training and experience to properly handle U.S. mail, and who have passed back ground checks and sworn an oath to uphold the highest standards of public service;

Whereas, these postal counters are instead staffed by low-wage, low benefit employees with little training and no credentials to handle U.S. mail;

Whereas, non-union "postal" jobs at Staples will inevitably replace living-wage, union jobs of U.S. Postal Service employees and will ultimately result in Post Office closures;

Whereas, current legislation in the U.S. Congress seeks to make it easier to close U.S. Post offices;

Whereas, consumers are increasingly concerned about identity theft at large retail chains and privatizing the handling of U.S. mail will jeopardize the sanctity and security of the mail;

Whereas, instead of offering lower quality service and selling off public assets, the U.S. Postal Service can and should use its unmatched nationwide network of people and facilities to better serve the public with expanded hours and new services, such as low-cost banking, which could aid millions of low-income consumers;

Whereas, New Hampshire AFL-CIO stands in support of maintaining public service, protecting good-paying jobs and maintaining universal, affordable mail services for the U.S. public;

Whereas, the NH AFL-CIO opposes privatization of crucial public services;

Whereas, the NH AFL-CIO stands with workers fighting a common battle against privatization, and

Whereas, many union members belonging to unions affiliated with the NH AFL-CIO purchase office supplies, school supplies and other products sold at Staples Stores;

Therefore be it resolved that:

• The NH AFL-CIO support the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) in its efforts to protect good-paying jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer service;

• Be it further resolved that the NH AFL-CIO opposes efforts by the U.S. Postal Service to privatize operations and to sell off valuable public assets;

• Be it further resolved that the NH AFL-CIO will urge friends, colleagues and family members, to no longer shop at Staples stores until further notice;

• Be it finally resolved that this call to boycott Staples will be communicated immediately to affiliates of the NH AFL-CIO, our community allies, to our sister unions and to the news media.

Historic agreement reached to work together to save the Postal Service!

To see the agreement, click here!

APWU Vows to Stop the Great Postal Giveaway to Staples

USPS Sends Jobs, Work to Staples

When Staples agreed to put USPS retail units in its stores, the office-supply chain may have gotten more than it bargained for.

 (01/01/14) In a deal that has been in the works at least since March 2012, the USPS announced in November that it was launching a pilot program to place postal retail units in more than 80 Staples stores in four states: California, Georgia, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Some of the sites opened quietly in October and others opened in November, including some where ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held. If postal management and Staples consider the pilot successful, the program may be expanded to the chain’s 1,600 other locations. Agreements between the USPS and other big retailers may follow.

“This is a direct assault on our jobs and on public postal services,” APWU President Mark Dimondstein declared when he heard the news. “The APWU supports the expansion of postal services. But we are adamantly opposed to USPS plans to replace good-paying union jobs with non-union low-wage jobs held by workers who have no accountability for the safety and security of the mail,” he said. “Postal workers deserve better, and our customers deserve better.” [read more]

‘Postal units at Staples must be staffed by career postal employees.’

– President Mark Dimondstein

The APWU also has requested a meeting with Ron Sargent, the Chairman and CEO of Staples, to discuss our concerns, Dimondstein said. He also expects to have additional discussions with postal management.

“While these efforts proceed, we will begin preparations for protests at Staple stores across the country,” he said. The APWU Executive Board discussed the issue via telephone on Nov. 22 and endorsed the plan to fight back.

“Postal management will undoubtedly try to convince our members that this arrangement is beneficial because it creates revenue for the USPS,” Dimondstein said. “But revenue without good union jobs is not in the interest of our members. Postal services that are performed by anyone other than well-trained postal workers will not serve the American people well,” he said.

“This is a huge step toward privatizing retail services,” Dimondstein said. “If we don’t draw a line in the sand, mail processing and other operations will soon follow.”

The Staples units will offer most postal products and services: They will sell stamps; accept first-class letters, Priority, Priority Express, standard mail, and first-class packages, and accept certified mail. The units will be operational during Staples’ business hours — as late as 9 p.m. on weekdays, on Sundays and many holidays. And, in a unique arrangement, the office supply giant will offer 5% Staples Rewards for the postage on packages paid for and shipped at its locations.

“We can only stop these privatization plans if we work and fight together,” Dimondstein said. “We will keep APWU members informed of any progress at the national level. In the meantime, prepare for action!”

President Dimondstein recognized the prompt action by our President, Pete Furgiuele, upon hearing of the Staples agreement. Read the letter President Furgiuele sent here. See President Furgiuele's action request by clicking the link below.

boycott staples.pdf