Organizing
The APWU has organized a number of bargaining units representing long-haul postal drivers and Mail Transport Equipment centers in the private sector. History was made in 1998 with the organizing victory at East Coast Leasing in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Organizing the Unorganized
Organizing is the lifeblood of the union, leading to better results at the bargaining table, increasing member involvement, ensuring safer workplaces, and strengthening the defense of the public Postal Service.
“Internal organizing” focuses on new employees and non-members joining the union. Even in an “open-shop” environment, where membership is not a condition of employment, the APWU maintains 80-percent organization.
“External organizing” focuses on organizing in the non-union “private sector” of the postal industry. The APWU organizes mail pre-sort houses, fulfillment centers, and subcontracted mail transport and sorting operations and works with other unions in ongoing efforts to organize Amazon workers.
Bullhorn used by APWU in its successful “Stop Staples” campaign – one of several attempts by the Postal service to privatize the postal system at the cost of union jobs.
The APWU continues to remain dedicated to organizing the unorganized. This Union Authorization Card is an important marker in every new organizing campaign and many members’ first commitment to their union.