Wilkes-Barre Area Local 175

Obama Budget Promises Strong Support for USPS
(02/05/10) The Obama administration's 2011 budget calls for a continuation of six-day mail delivery and says the White House "will work with the Postal Service, its employee unions, the Congress, and other stakeholders to make sure the Postal Service has the tools and authorities it needs to remain viable as a pillar of the American economy and a vital public resource through the current crisis and over the long haul."

Obama: Postal Privatization a 'Bad Idea'
(01/20/10) (02/05/10) President Obama said in an interview posted on YouTube on Feb. 1 that privatization of the USPS would be a "bad idea." He made the comment during a round of quick answers to questions posed by citizens.

A Surprising Example of the Depth of Deception
(02/04/10) In an Update for union members, APWU President William Burrus offers a shocking but simple example that shows the depth of deception in the excessive postage discounts the USPS gives to large mailers -- discounts that undermine the principle of uniform rates and drain much needed revenue from the Postal Service.

Station and Branch Closures: USPS Trims List to 162
(01/29/10) The USPS announced Jan. 29 that the list of stations and branches being considered for closure has been reduced to 162, six less than the last update on Dec. 15. The Postal Service cautioned again that the list does not represent a final decision on which locations would be closed.

Springfield Area Local Reaches MTESC Agreement
(01/29/10) After seven months of negotiations, the Springfield (MA) Area Local reached a tentative agreement with Alan Ritchey, Inc. on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will cover all 90 members employed at the Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (MTESC). The agreement contains significant improvements in seniority and in the day-to-day operations at the plant.

Ask the President
(02/03/10) At our last local membership meeting a few clerks said saving our jobs won't happen in the halls of Congress, it will happen over the counter with customer service and on the street with delivery... We try our best at the local level, but customer service seems to be going down the tube... What is APWU doing at the national level to stop this sabotage? -- John, Lake Geauga Area Local