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