On December 16th, 2014 community activist, union members, and political allies gathered in front of the Eugene Processing Plant to protest the planned 2014 closure of the facility. The closure of the Eugene plant would result in further delays of first class mail throughout the state and further degrade our service. A contingent of Portland members and officers joined in the protest to show Solidarity with our Union brothers and sisters in Eugene. We were also joined by a group known as the “Raging Grannies”. They are a group of community activist from Eugene and the surrounding area. One of the Grannies along with 6 other activist were arrested by the Postal Inspection Service for standing up and demanding that the Eugene Plant remain open.

Standing up for what’s right

Eugene Processing Plant slated for closure 2014

Eugene Executive Vice President Braden Pelky

Darrell Strobel and Steve Metz

Brian Dunn and Darrell Strobel

Western Region Coordinator Omar Gonzalez fires up the crowd

Daniel Cortez and Cheryl Walton inform the public

Notice the poster. Just another signal of the degradation of service occurring throughout the nation.

US Postal Inspectors arrest 7 peaceful protestors

Omar Gonzalez

Brian Dunn, Clerk Craft NBA gives instruction on uncommon grievance situations

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, stewards from throughout the Local gathered to hear National Business Agent Brian Dunn. The class covered everything from recent problems Brian has been noticing in grievances to the more difficult and uncommon situations that arise.

It was a well attended seminar and the instruction was top-notch. We continue to strive to sharpen our skills in all aspects of representation. Class arrangements by Luana Manalo, Director of Education.

Local President Brian Dunsmore standing with newly elected national officer Anna Smith

Anna Smith was elected to be our next national organization director in Washington D.C.. Anna has been a proud member of the Portland Local for over 18 years. Currently serving as the associate office director she also has served on the executive board as editor. In addition to all her local service she serves as the President of the Oregon Postal Workers Union.

Anna ran an excellent campaign that stayed positive throughout the effort. We are extremely proud of her and wish her the best in her next endeavors.

The membership also selected several new national officers and we wish both the incoming and outgoing officers all our best.

The Oregon AFL-CIO convention convened this year in Bend, Oregon. Held every two years the convention gathers unions from all over the state to act on resolutions and strengthen the solidarity amongst the diverse groups that make up the AFL-CIO.

The APWU was represented by Brian Dunsmore from Portland, Wendy NesSmith from Eugene, and Linda O’Donnell from Bend. We were also joined by leaders from the carrier and mailhandler crafts.

The convention was outstanding. We heard from several state and national leaders including Governor Kitzhaber, Senator Jeff Merkley, American Federation of Teachers national president Randi Weingarten, and the National AFL-CIO Secretary/Treasurer Liz Shuler who happens to be from Gladstone, Oregon. Almost every speaker spoke about issues affecting us as postal workers and many expressed their support for our causes. It was surprising to hear the postal service come up so often but that is a result of the hard work and efforts of so many to make the public aware of our plight.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists put forward a resolution titled the “Postal Service Protection Act”. The CBTU previously passed this resolution at their 2013 convention and now the Oregon AFL-CIO and its affiliates have pledged their support. The resolve reads “that the Oregon AFL-CIO will lobby and urge its affiliates and members to lobby their local congressional House and Senate legislators for the passage of Senate Bill 316/House Bill 630.” I know I speak for the entire Oregon APWU delegation when I express my sincere gratitude to the CBTU and the AFL-CIO for their support.

Oregon AFL-CIO rallies

Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain with Barbara Byrd and Brian Dunsmore

AFL-CIO Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Byrd-One of the greatest Unionist I know

Linda O’Donnell, Bend Local President

The 2013 Golf For Diabetes was a hole in one! Chairperson Cheryl Crosley outdid herself once again. The final numbers aren’t in, but I’m sure that we set a new record for funds raised, in support of the American Diabetes Association.

We had a full group of golfers and at least 35 sponsors. I want to thank all our golfers, sponsors, and those who donated gifts for the raffles. It is your participation that makes a difference! Thanks to everyone who volunteered your time and efforts to ensure that everyone had a good time!

In Solidarity,
Brian Dunsmore, President
Portland Oregon Area Local

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Portland Oregon Area Local officers attended the NW Labor Council  breakfast with Senator Ron Wyden. Legislative Director Patty Olson delivered the over 100 signatures gathered at the recent union picnic with a letter opposing Senate Bill 1486.

Attending also were Oregon State President Anna Smith, Clerk Craft Director Bill Martin, and Member Cindy Olson. They all relayed their dismay over the flawed Senate Bill 1486. The APWU supports Senate Bill 316 and thanked the Senator for his early sponsorship of that bill. Patty Olson passed on information to the Senator following the breakfast relating to postal reform and the USPS transformation plan.

It’s important that members continue to contact their congressional representatives about the extremely negative bills that are being considered and demand that positive postal reform be passed, that doesn’t gut employee rights or benefits and provides the universal overnight delivery that the American Public deserves.

Another great picnic out at Blue Lake Park. Mean Street Pizza brought the food and we all enjoyed pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers with some lovely weather. Debbie Battle once again proved that few can organize a good time like she can. Kids games, prizes, and raffles were just some of the activities we all enjoyed. For those who like their craft beer we had several Laurelwood varieties available for members to quench their thirst with. A great time and thank you to everyone who made this year’s picnic a success!

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It’s that time of year again. Summer is in full swing and we are gathering together to see old friends and meet new ones this Sunday at Blue Lake Park Sunday August 11th, from Noon until 4 pm. We have a new caterer this year so hopefully the food will be as good as the weather and company.