APWU National Convention 2004 from Postal Reporter

Dan Sullivan, former editor of Southwest Michigan Local APWU newsletter will be providing PostalReporter.com daily updates on the 2004 APWU National Convention. . Check out other articles by Dan Sullivan. and his articles from 2002 APWU National Convention

2004 Convention APWU Bulletins HTML & PDF)

2004 Convention APWU Bulletin Day 3 (PDF)

Union Finances Dominate Debate; Convention Remains Biennial Event, Convention Voters to Give Retirees Greater Opportunity to Stay Active, Financial Reports Spell Out the Tough Decisions, SEIU, AFSCME Presidents Stress Need for Increased Organizing, Political Action, Shear Courage: Successful COPA Crusade Leads to Severe Cutback, APWU Health Plan Presents Status Report ,

2004 Convention APWU Convention Bulletin Day 2 (PDF)-Delegates Rally for L.A. Hotel Workers, Labor-Management Committee Wraps Up Work, Community Activity Day at the Ballpark, Clerk, Support Services Present Resolutions ,NBA Poferl Calls It a Career ,The Glory of POWER, COPA Night

2004 Convention APWU Convention Bulletin Day 1 (PDF)-Union Members Make the Difference, Hotel Workers Thank APWU, The Convention That Almost Wasn't, Representatives Address Delegates, Resolutions for 2005 Contract, Widow Expresses Gratitude, Pre-Convention Highlights

Jump to Sullivan's Convention Updates for: Aug 23 | Aug 24 | Aug 25 | Aug 26 | Aug 27 |

PROPOSED CHANGES WOULD MEAN FEWER ELECTIONS, CONVENTIONS AND NATIONAL OFFICERS

By Dan Sullivan |

Los Angeles, Aug. 22- Delegates to the American Postal Workers Union National Convention will be voting on proposed changes to their constitution which would downsize union democracy and consolidate power in the hands of fewer national officers.

Some of the proposals under consideration would eliminate regional coordinators, clerk and maintenance craft assistant directors and directors of 3 departments: research and education, human relations and organization.

Other resolutions would reduce the number of division meetings between conventions, lengthen the time between conventions from 2 to 3 years and increase terms of elected office from 3 to 4 years.

Perhaps the most controversial proposal would authorize the union’s executive board to eliminate or consolidate any national officer position or department that becomes vacant during an incumbent’s term of office if membership in the union drops below 210,000.

That resolution would also authorize the e-board to eliminate consolidate any department or position without waiting for a vacancy to occur if membership stayed below 210,000 for 60 consecutive days.

Proponents of the resolution cite declining union membership and a need to control costs as reasons to support the changes. Opponents say the constitutional changes would weaken union democracy.

The union’s constitution committee, appointed by President William Burrus and members of the executive board, has endorsed the resolutions which would reduce the number of division meetings, lengthen the time between conventions and terms of office and authorize the e-board to eliminate departments and officer positions if membership dips below 210,000.

The committee has come out against proposals to eliminate regional coordinators, 3 departments and their directors and assistant clerk and maintenance craft directors.

The convention, which begins tomorrow, is being held against the backdrop of labor unrest in the Los Angeles area, where unionized hotel workers have been working without a contract since June.

APWU President Burrus has promised that delegates will show their support for the hotel workers this week, though he hasn’t yet announced what form that support will take.

DELEGATES WILL BE MAKING A CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

By Dan Sullivan

Los Angeles, Aug. 22 -It’s not all work and no play at an APWU national convention. Besides boring speeches and listening to debate on proposed changes to the union’s constitution, there’s also time for some fun.

As at every convention before, delegates will have a chance to draw up a postal workers’ Christmas wish list. But instead of picking out toys from mail order catalogs, APWU delegates will be choosing dreams from a book of resolutions related to their jobs and workplaces.

The resolutions come in from state and local unions all over the country and direct union negotiators to seek improvements in future contracts.

This year’s dream book contains 248 proposals to improve wages and working conditions. Scores more submitted too late to be included in the book will be introduced at the convention.

One resolution would make it a violation of the contract to discriminate in the workplace because of “being related to a disabled person, color of hair, height, weight, union activity, residency, work ethics, etc.”

Another would ban discrimination based on sexual preference.

There’s a resolution in the book to eliminate all casual workers and one to convert all part time flexible to regular after 3 or 4 years seniority, depending on the size of the office where they work.

State unions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota are asking for a 32-hour work week with no loss in wages or benefits.

Then there’s the resolution which would give employees the option of earning annual leave instead of time and-a-half pay for overtime work.

And on and on it goes. There are resolutions asking for severance pay and for a level upgrade for all workers. Another one asks that the maximum earned annual leave be increased to 30 days per year.

One innovative resolution notes that supervisors aren’t held accountable for contract violations and asks that APWU “seek to achieve the withholding of supervisors’ pay checks until payments for adjustments or grievance settlements are processed and paid in full.”

Most of these dreams will remain just that when the convention ends and delegates go back to work in post offices across the country. But it briefly allows delegates the chance to create a perfect work place. Even if only in their dreams.

Day 1- August 23, 2004 |

Convention Center, 3:16 p.m. -Delegates have plowed through more than 50 of the 248 resolutions in their Christmas Wish Book today with little real argument or debate. President Burrus has had to call for a standing vote on only one occasion. Incidentally, Brother Burrus seems to have gotten into the Patriot act today, looking dapper in a black suit, blue shirt with white collar and brilliant red tie.

The convention will be adjourning in less than 45 minutes so this will be the last live report of the day.

Convention Center, 2:26 p.m.- A motion has been made and accepted requiring the chairman of the resolution committee to read the full language of a resolution before a discussion and vote on it takes place.

Convention Center, 2;23 p.m.- A motion has been made to accept in toto all of the committee- approved labor-management resolutions and only discuss and vote on those resolutions the committee disapproved of.

A somewhat heated debate is going on now. One of the delegates has complained that the full language of the resolution isn't being read by the chairman.

Stating there is a reason to read the full resolution, this delegate urged the delegates to vote the motion down.

"It's to early to accept Toto in Kansas," he said, to a round of cheers and applause.

The motion was then voted down and the delegates went back to the business of discussing more wishes from the Christmas List.

LOTHAMER SPEAKS UP!

Convention Center, 2:08 p.m.- Speaking in favor of a resolution supporting a change in the contract which would require management to utilize PTFs at the straight time rate before offering overtime to regulars, Kalamazoo delegate Tom Lothamer said, "We're talking about the future of the APWU...I believe we need to maximize PTFs at the straight-time rate before we offer it to regulars for overtime."

Most of the delegates disagreed with Brother Tom and the resolution was voted down.

Convention Center, 2 p.m. -The credentials committee has announced there are 2,212 registered delegates as of this morning. That's down quite a bit from previous conventions, where close to 3,000 delegates often showed up. The delegate total should rise somewhat the next few days as the final delegates trickle into Los Angeles.

Convention Center, 1:45 p.m. - Delegates have begun deliberating on the labor-management resolution - The Christmas Wish List - and the first resolution to pass asks the national to negotiate a contract provision prohibiting supervisors and postmasters in EAS 18-20 offices from performing bargaining unit work. The resolution passed without any noticeable opposition.

Next up is the anti-discrimination resolution. In a divided vote, the resolution passes. The national union will now be charged with negotiating language into the national contract prohibiting discrimination based on "non-merit factors" such as "being related to a disabled person, color of hair, height, weight, union activity, residency, work ethics, etc."

BURRUS BACKS PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

Convention Center, 1:20 p.m . – Saying the state of the union is strong, APWU President Bill Burrus said he fully supports controversial constitutional resolutions which would reduce the frequency of elections, conventions and give the e-board authority to reduce national officer positions but that he was open to other ideas to save money during a time of declining union membership.

Burrus said he respected, but disagreed with those who believe that the proposed constitutional changes would reduce democracy in the union and asked opponents of the proposals for other ideas to cut costs.

“I invite a better idea. But we cannot leave this convention with the status quo,” he said.

Burrus congratulated his administration for negotiating the recent contract extension, saying time has proven his judgment was correct.

He told the delegates “significant progress” has been made in reducing the grievance backlog and that the union had reduced spending by $5 million at headquarters.

The APWU President promised to continue efforts to organize workers in and outside of the postal industry but said those efforts will be expensive.

He also said the union will “fight plant consolidations where ever it is proposed.” And he vowed to not increase union dues, saying “we cannot pass increased costs onto our members.”

He concluded his remarks by urging the delegates to support Senator Kerry in the Presidential election this November.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

President William Burrus has just taken the podium to give his state of the union address to the strains of "Who Let the Dogs Out."

In a tip of the cap to Senator John Kerry, he snapped off a salute to the delegates and announced he was "reporting for duty."

More to follow.......

HOTEL WORKERS SEEK SUPPORT

Convention Center, 12:40 p.m.

UNITE-HERE Local 11 President Maria Elena Durazo thanked delegates and APWU President Bill Burrus for bringing the convention to Los Angeles.

“We need you in Los Angeles!”

Duraza told the delegates that the hotels have run a “very dirty campaign” of intimidation during negotiations over a new contract for hotel workers in Southern California.

Despite threats from management to cut health care benefits if their latest contact offer was rejected by the workers, UNITE-HERE members voted 92 percent against the take-away management offer.

Another UNITE-HERE speaker asked for the delegates “stamp of approval” for the restaurant and hotel workers struggle in Los Angeles.

He urged the delegates to show their support for the hotel workers during a demonstration tomorrow at 4:30 in the afternoon.

President Bill Burrus then asked the sergeant-at-arms to distribute to the delegates buttons supporting the hotel workers.

“Please wear them during your stay in Los Angeles,” he urged the delegates.

Edgar Romney, Executive Vice President of UNITE-HERE addressed the delegates this morning.

UNITE_HERE represents workers in many industries in Canada and the USA, including the hotel and garment industries .

Romney thanked APWU for its help in an organizing drive at the Sintox Uniform Company in Kansas City, which resulted in a negotiated contract for UNITE-HERE workers at that plant.

The first call from the podium urging delegates to quiet down out of respect for the speakers occurred at 11:43, more than two-and-a half hours into the convention.

Ryann Roukey, wife of an APWU member killed during service in Iraq this April, received a standing ovation from the delegates at 11:45.

Ryann thanked the delegates for all the support she has received since her husband, Larry, was killed in action.

Ryann has received over 700 letters and cards of support from postal workers across the country since her husband’s death.

The delegates listened quietly as Ryann expressed her love, pride and sorrow at the loss of her husband.

They then gave her another standing ovation when she finished and stood silently at attention as a singer gave an emotional rendering of Amazing Grace and monitors in the convention hall ran a slide show of pictures from the Larry Roukey’s family album.

At the end of the slide show and song , a lone bugler played taps.

LA Convention Center, 11:15 a.m.

The APWU's 17th Biennial National Convention is underway in Los Angeles.

About 3,000 delegates from around the country are listening to labor speakers denounce the Bush administration.

I spoke briefly with APWU Vice President Cliff Guffey this morning, who was roaming the convention floor before the proceedings began.

"No matter what happens at this convention, when it's over, we've got to be united in one cause. This here," he said, pointing to the John Kerry for President button on his jacket lapel.

President Burrus is now introducing labor leaders who have come from Russia, Kosova, Spain, England, Germany, Israel, Italy and other nations of the world.

More reports to follow.

Day 2- August 24, 2004 |

Convention Center, 2:33 p.m. - With Cliff Guffey at the podium, the delegates are now discussing Clerk Craft resolutions. Within the hour, delegates will be boarding buses to picket the Hyatt Hotel in support of UNITE-HERE hotel workers. Convention coverage continues tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. PST.

Convention Center, 1:16 p.m. - There may be one less candidate for president on the APWU election ballot this year. John McGovern, one of three nominated candidates for president has been suspended from membership in the union, and unless his suspension is overturned by the convention, he’ll be off the ballot this year.

McGovern had been suspended by the union earlier this year and in a June 22 letter to members of the National Executive Board appealed his suspension. APWU Secretary-Treasurer Terry Stapleton wrote him back on July 2 and notified him that any appeal of the suspension must be made to the National Convention.

Again, on July 26 Stapleton wrote McGovern. Noting that McGovern had yet to appeal his suspension to the National Convention, Stapleton told him, “To avoid the possibility that you might fail to appeal to the National Convention due to inadvertence, I am referring your letters dated June 22, 2004 and June 30, 2004, to the National Convention Appeals Committee with a request that they process your appeals as an appeal to the National Convention.”

He also told McGovern to notify the union as soon as possible if he didn’t want his letters to be considered an appeal of his suspension.

The other two candidates for president this year are President William Burrus and former Central Region Coordinator Leo Persails.

MEMBERSHIP LOSSES MEANS FEWER DELEGATES THIS YEAR

Convention Center, 11:47 a.m. - APWU Eastern Region Coordinator James Burke thinks it's obvious why the number of delegates to this convention is down from past conventions. "I think it's belt tightening by the locals," he says.

Recent APWU conventions have usually drawn close to, or more than, 3,000 delegates. This year, less than 2,200 delegates have been issued credentials.

""Locals are losing members and being downsized by automation," Burke says.
"And they can't afford to send as many members.

"I know my home local of Philadelphia, at one time used to send 70 delegates and this year we've sent about 30."

Burke says the USPS Labor Scheduler - a computer program that analyzes the workload and workhours at postal facilities and recommends changes in schedules and reductionS in the workforce - has been devastating.

"Four or five years ago, the Philadelphi local had 4,900 members. Now they're down to 3,700."

Burke says Postmaster General John Potter has told the union he wants to cut about 12,000 more workers from the payroll to get the Postal Service employee complement to where it should be. But he also told the union that some of the workforce will still need to be relocated.

Convention Center, 11:23 a.m. -A resolution demanding on-the-spot payment to any employee who is shorted money on his paycheck "caused by the incompetence or negiligence of management" was greeted with cheers and applause and unanimously adopted.

Convention Center, 11:16 a.m. - Cliff Guffey has just replaced President Burrus on the podium as delegates continue to discuss labor-management resolutions. A proposal to allow workers to sell back annual leave in excess of the 440 hour carryover at the end of the leave year was adopted on a close vote.

WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE

Convention Center, 10:59 a.m. - Under discussion now is a resolution which would require a supervisor to serve the discipline he imposes on an employee if the discipline is later overturned in the grievance procedure.

Delegates applauded the reading of the resolution and President Burrus laughed and said, "Christmas comes early."

An amendment was defeated which would have required the USPS to reimburse the union for the full cost of any arbitration.

An amendment which would have required the USPS to reimburse the union for all reasonable costs it incurs processing the grievance was also defeated.

On a divided vote, the resolution was added to the delegates Christmas Wish List.

DEBATE ON RESOLUTIONS CONTINUE

Convention Center, 10:45 a.m. - The morning session has begun with President Burrus at the chair. Delegates continue to discuss and vote on labor-management resolutions - the Christmas Wish List. The convention is also taking up a collection for the family of Larry Roukey, the APWU member killed in action in Iraq this year. President Burrus announced the Executive Board will match whatever contribution the delegates come up with.

Convention Center, 9:55 a.m. - Good morning from Los Angeles. Led by the APWU Choir, delegates are singing Solidarity Forever on the convention floor. In unison, if not harmony. Moe Biller would be proud. In a few moments, it's back to work for the delegates

UNION RELATED EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY, TOO

Convention Center, Aug. 24 -The debate over resolutions on the convention floor isn’t the only union activity at the Los Angeles Convention Center this week. There are also union-related and APWU department exhibition booths set up at the center.

Among the many groups providing information to delegates are Post Office Women for Equal Rights (POWER), the APWU Research and Education Department, APWU Plus Benefit Program, the Postal Press Association (PPA), the Retirees Department and the APWU Auxiliary.

There’s also a Health Screening Center where delegates can check their blood pressure and cholesterol level.

The Smithsonian Institute even has a booth touting the National Postal Museum.

Many of the booths offer brochures explaining the benefits and programs the organization offers. Free pins, notepads and pins advertising the organizations are also available to the delegates.

You can even get an APWU ball cap for only $8 at one of the booths. Which is a pretty good price at a convention center where a cup of cappuccino and a scone costs $7.50?

Day 3- August 25, 2004 |

NO CHANGE IN CONVENTIONS OR DUES, DELEGATES SAY

Delegates today defeated attempts to increase membership dues and the time between national conventions, giving President Burrus and the union’s Executive Board one win and one loss at the convention so far.

The union leadership opposed any increase in union dues but supported increasing the time between conventions from 2 to 3 years.

Tomorrow delegates will be voting on a resolution which would increase terms of office from 3 to 4 years. The Burrus administration supports that move but opponents say it would weaken union democracy.

Another resolution which may come up tomorrow would give the national executive board the authority to eliminate or consolidate departments and national officer positions if the union’s membership drops below 210,000 for more than 60 days. The Burrus administration hasn’t taken a position on that issue.

Delegates today also gave APWU retirees full voting rights when they passed a resolution which grants retirees the option of retaining membership with voting rights by paying full per capita dues plus $24 a year to the Retiree Department.

DELEGATES SAY NO DUES INCREASE
Convention Center, 3:50 p.m. A resolution which would have raised dues by a quarter a pay period has been defeated when it failed to gather support from two-thirds of the delegates present.

The vote was 1,276 in favor and 923 against.

President Burrus' announcemnt that the resolution was defeated was greeted with cheers.

The convention is now in recess until tomorrow.

TELLER COUNT UNDERWAY ON DUES INCREASE
Convention Center, 3:30 p.m. - A teller count on resolution 34, which would raise dues by a quarter a pay period is now underway. Delegates are being given 8 minutes before the doors are closed and votes are tallied.

Convention Center, 3:20 p.m. - A motion to close debate over an amendment to resolution 34, which would raise dues by a quarter a pay period, has been made and accepted.

The amendment would have changed the resolution to raise dues only if membership drops below 210,000.

That amendment has been defeated and the debate over a dues increase continues.

NBA Don Foley supports raising dues.

"We have suffered a reduction in our members and consequently in our membership base," he says.

"In this convention you have the opportunity to return this organization to sound financial footing."

Foley says the dues increase is not exorbitant.

"It's the right thing to do. I urge you to vote it up," Foley concluded.

But another delegate says that until "all the fat is cut out of the budget and there's a lot of it there, I am against raising taxes on our members."

Ohio State President Terry Grant agrees with Foley that dues should be raised by a quarter per pay period.

"A lot of locals aren't here because they couldn't afford to come."

Someone else goes to the mike and notes that the dues increase is only 50 cents a month.

"I won't have any trouble paying an extra 50 cents a month, and I don't think any member will."

Sam Cranford makes an amendment to the resolution which would send 15 cents of the dues increase to the national and 10 cents to the locals.

Cranford's motion is now under discussion.

Convention Center, 3 p.m. - CORRECTION

The teller count was on an amendment to resolution 34. The debate on the dues increase is still underway.

Convention Center, 2:45 p.m. - A teller count is now underway on resolution 34 which would increase union dues by $.25 per pay period. The results will be posted when they are announced.

Convention Center, 2:30 p.m. - "My opposition to a dues increase is unqualified," President Burrus tells the delegate during the discussion.

"I think he's out of order," NBA Jerome L. Martin comments, citing Robert's Rules of Order prohibits the chair from speaking on a motion during debate.

Convention Center, 2:25 p.m. - The previous headline should have read "No dues increase YET!" Under discussion now is resolution 34 which would raise dues by $.25 per pay period. The defeated resolution 7 was only tied to future COLA increases. Hang on to your wallets for a bit.....

NO DUES INCREASE !

Convention Center, 2:20 p.m. - By a vote of 1278 in favor and 993 against, delegates have rejected a resolution that would have reinstated automatic dues increases tied to cost-of-living raises.

Delegates at the 2002 National Convention had abolished dues increases tied to COLA raises.

Two percent of any future COLA raises would have been automatically tacked on to the current dues structure had the resolution achieved the required two-thirds support of the delegates.

COLA-BASED DUES INCREASE VOTING UNDERWAY
Convention Center, 1:50 p.m. - Delegates are preparing for a teller count on the COLA-based dues increase.

After taking a standing count of delegates and announcing that it appeared as if the two-thirds required vote had been achieved, President Burrus, called for a teller count.

The delegates are being given 8 minutes before the convention center doors are closed and the teller count is taken.

Convention Center, p.m. -

Lines are long at all the mikes as debate continues on the COLA-based dues increase resolution. It looks like delegates have plenty to say about the issue.

A delegate who got her job back through the union after being fired during her probation period is in favor of the dues increase, saying the union has allowed her to have a good job and support her daughter.

"I don't have a problem with the union having a surplus," she shouts as her three minutes at the mike runs out.

Another delegate says he would have an easy time explaining to his members why dues have gone up, citing an anti-worker administration as just one reason the rank-and-file won't object to a dues increase.

Others continue to disagree.

A delegate is now speaking against the raise.

"If you think we are losing members now, go ahead and tax their COLA," he says.

Back and forth it goes.

"Let's vote this up!" shouts one delegate.

DEBATE CONTINUES ON COLA-BASED DUES INCREASE

Convention Center, 1:33 p.m. - Don Foley is speaking in favor of reinstating the dues increase on COLAs, saying, "We made a mistake in 2002."

Foley says rising expenses and loss of revenues requires restoring the dues increase on COLAs.

"As I understand it, this would put 14 million dollars into state and local coffers and 7 million dollars into national coffers."

Foley concludes by urging the delegates to vote in favor of the resolution.

But Vice President Cliff Guffey opposes the dues increase, saying the union can get by without one.

"We will cut costs. But we do not want to raise dues on our membership. We want to live within our means.

"Do not tax those who are not here so you can continue to do what you are doing," Guffey says to the cheering delegates.

A PTF delegate is in favor of the dues increase, saying his members support an increase so all members around the country can get equal representation.

Mike Gunther comes back to the mike to speak in favor of a dues increase.

"We made a mistake four years ago. This is a responsible thing to do. If any local doesn't want to pass it on to the members, they can eat it themselves.

"We need to do the right thing. We need to pass this resolution," he says.

Another delegate is against the dues increase. He says the national union doesn't need the money.

"We're not going into the hole. We have responsible leadership...we don't need to take away the little cost of living ,or part of it, just to have a surplus."

Convention Center, p.m. -

A resolution to schedule all craft conferences at the same time and in the same place between conventions years is now under discussion.

A motion has been made to transpose the order of business to go to resolution 7, which would reinstate the dues increases on COLA raises, and resolution 34, which would increase dues by .25 cents per pay period.

President Burrus is explaining that the order of appearance of resolutions in the book corresponds to their order in the constitution.

The motion to go to resolution 7 and 34 passes easily.

Up next is the debate on reinstating the dues increases on COLA raises.

Convention Center, 1:07 p.m. -

RESOLUTION 2 DEFEATED! By an overwhelming voice vote, a resolution to change conventions from every 2 to 3 years has been voted down. Delegates cheered and stamped their feet when President Burrus announced the resolution had been defeated.

DEBATE CONTINUES ON CONVENTION CHANGE

Convention Center, 12:45 p.m. - Steve Albanese, Special Assistant to President Burrus, identifies himself as a delegate from Boston and speaks in favor of the resolution.

"I firmly believe in training. There should be annual training. But its not as expensive as conventions... This is a tough call and I hope the delegates have the courage to make it.

"I urge the delegates to adopt this resolution as amended," Albanese says.

Another delegate from Phoenix also supports the resolution and recieves a round of applause for voicing her opinons.

But the next one up disagrees with her. He says there are other ways to save money other than cutting back on conventions.

"We have mail clerks at headquarters making $70,000. Now why don't just take one of our APWU members and stick him in that job and that will save you $30,000."

Paul Gibson of San Francisco also opposes the resolution. He says national officers get too much money to attend conventions.

The next delegate says its all about money versus democracy.

"Democracy has to remain. I urge everyone to vote this down," he screams in a raspy voice as delegates cheer and stamp their feet.

Lines are long at all the microphones as delegates wait to get in their two cents worth.

Convention Center, a.m. - The debate continues on the resolution to lengthen the times between conventions from 2 to 3 years.

Randy Erskine, from the Great State of Florida, asked if he would be in order to change the order of business.

"No," replied President Burrus, sending the delegate from the Great State of Florida back to his chair.

Convention Center, a 12:45 p.m. - Debate is continuing on the resolution to lengthen the time between conventions from 2 to 3 years.

National officers continue to make their way to the mikes to speak in favor of it.

Steve Raymer, is being booed as he speaks in favor of the resolution as the delegates suspect he is being given more than 3 minutes to speak.

President Burrus, keeping his eye on the clock, says Raymer isn't being given more than his allotted time.

A delegate says conventions validate the dreams of one big union and tosses a tribute to Moe Biller into his speech.

"Fellow members please allow freedom of speech to prevail against the dollar and keep the conventions at 2 years."

More applause.

Convention Center, 12:35 p.m. -
Mike Gunther is now speaking passionately in favor of the resolution to lengthen the time between conventions from 2 to 3 years.

"The democratic process will not be dead," he is shouting.

Gunther says the democratic process is harmed because many locals can't afford to send delegates to the convention and the delegates better do the right thing and vote for the resolution.

A national officer, James Burke also spoke in favor of the resolution.

A Dallas Local member is getting cheers after rising in opposition to the motion.

"We need to bring in the new blood. If we don't have to bring in the new people, we won't have to worry about conventions...I urge everybody to vote this down."

Another delegate, Boston's Moe Lepore says, "We need the 2 year conventions. Vote it down. Save our union."

The delegates give Moe a big round of applause.

Convention Center,12:25 p.m. - Under discussion now is a resolution to change conventions from every 2 to 3 years. Terry Grant of Ohio is up first, speaking in favor of the resolution.

Convention Center, 12:25 .p. m

RETIREES WIN THE VOTE

Delegates have overwhelmingly adopted resolution one, granting retirees full voting rights in accordance with the constitution.

DELEGATES DEBATE RETIREE MEMBERSHIP ISSUE

Convention Center, a.m. - Resolution 1, which would allow retirees to maintain full union membership after retirement by paying full dues and $24 a year to the Retirees Department, is now under discussion.

President Burrus notes that resolution 1 deals with the same issue as resolution 17 and that both won't be discussed because they deal with the same subject but offer conflicting resolves. He did offer the delegates the option of substituting discussion of resolution 17 for discussion ofresolution 1.

A delegate is now speaking in favor of resolution 1, saying it will show retirees that "we haven't forgotten them" and that acceptance of the resolution could bring in substantial union dues.

President Burrus is now telling the delegates that a retiree, if not a member of a local, would not be allowed to run for business agent or the office of coordinator even if resolution 1 is adopted because of requirements in other parts of the constitution.

A delegate has now made a motion to substitute resolution 17 for resolution 1.

Randy Sutton is speaking against the substitution, saying it limits his rights as a retiree. "I'd like to have full rights. We're willing to pay for full rights."

Sutton received a strong round of applause.

A St. Charles, MO. delegate spoke against the substitution, saying that retirees shouldn't get full voting rights for $24.

But another delegate says its "unbelievable how we treat our retirees."

He went on to say "It's very little to give them the right to vote," noting that they get no contractual benefits from union membership after retirement.

"We won't even give them the right to vote. That is unbelievable to me."

The delegates cheered loudly in agreement.

Bobby Donelson is now speaking in favor of resolution 17.

"All our retirees have paid dues for many years. Why do we want to take away their right to vote. They bring in a lot of money in dues. I urge delegates to support resolution 17."

Debate has now been closed on the motion to substitute resolution 17 for resolution 1.

An amendment to resolution 1 has been offered by NBA Don Foley to grant retirees full voting rights under the constitution if resolution 1 is approved.

Some of the delegates are expressing confusion over the differences between resolution 1 and 17.

Both would give retirees the right to vote, but resolution would require full dues for that right and 17 would only cost retirees $24 a year.

Foley's amendment has been accepted overwhelmingly.

The motion to substitute 17 for 1 has failed overwhelmingly.

The debate now shifts back to resolution 1.

More to follow

Convention Center, 11:45 a.m. - Constitution Committee Chairman Pat Chornoby of Detroit is now at the podium.

"The constitution committee is representative of your great union."

Chornoby asked the delegates to give full consideration to the committee's recommendations and to do what's in the best interest of the membership.

In a few moments, the debate will begin.

Convention Center, 11:36 a.m. A delegate has just made a motion to accept the finance committee's report.

"Folks we have a lot of constitutional changes today. We have to get to that constitution," he shouted to a round of applause.

Debate on the motion is continuing. A delegate is asking why a mail clerk supervisor at union headquarters is paid $71,000 a year.

Vice President Guffey ruled the question out of order as being not related to the motion under consideration.

Dave Daniel is speaking against the motion because "what we are going to do the rest of the day depends on this report... we are receiving evasive answers and must find out whats going" on before we can go onto the constitutional changes.

But David Yao says the committee report should be accepted "so we can move onto the business of the day."

A motion has been made to cut off debate. The motion has been overwhelmingly accepted.

The committee report has been adopted overwhelmingly on a voice vote.

President Burrus is not at the podium to introduce the constitution committee chairman.

Convention Center, 11;30 a.m. Cliff Guffey has just stated that the membership level is at 223, 000 or 224,000.

Convention Center, 11:20 a.m. In response to a question from Terry Grant of Ohio, Secretary Treasurer Terry Stapleton said the union can expect to "start drawing red ink" if the membership sinks to 205,000 - 210,000 members. If no changes to the constitution are made by the convention, Stapleton says the red ink could start flowing within a few years. He said current projections show membership dropping to 218,000 by the end of next year.

STAPLETON URGES 'GROWING THE UNION'

Convention Center, 10:55 a.m. - Secretary Treasurer Terry Stapleton is now giving his report to the delegates. He says more than $1 million a year can be saved by changing conventions to every 3 years and elections to every 4 years.

He told delegates that the union is considering remote video technology to conduct training sessions across the country.

He says the union has made major cuts at headquarters and there's not a lot left to cut, but that the union can 'grow the membership."

The union has consistently had 75 to 77 percent membership of bargaining unit workers. and that a four percent growth in membership - 10,000 new members - would add almost a million dollars a year to the national and almost 2 million dollars a year to locals.

"We're gonna organize," Stapleton said.

He also told delegates that the APWU Health Plan is important to the union's finances. Five thousand new members can add $247,000 a year to the union.

Currently the union only has 14,000 members in the Health Plan.

"Twenty thousand new members would only give us 34,000 members.

"We've got to make it a priority. It's our Health Plan and it's a good one."

He said the Health Plan is highly rated by independent sources that study insurance health plan.

The union is looking to increase revenue by purchasing office space around the country instead of renting space and by moving the Health Plan from its current rental space into a new 60,000 square foot building the union would construct to house the health plan and use as rental property.

He concluded by asking for assistance from the delegates "to help make the union as sound 30 years from now as it is today."

Convention Center, 10:23 a.m. - The Finance Committee Chairman is telling the delegates that despite losing 18,000 members in the last two years, dropping union membership to 233,188, the union was able to reduce costs by almost 7 million dollars between 2002 and 2003. Spending went down from $54 million to $47 million due to what he called "across the board" cuts in all areas except representation.

He did express grave concerns about membership losses but says he looks to the future with "guarded optimism." And he said the union must aggresively organize in the private sector and market the APWU Health Plan to maintain the union's current financial condition .

He also urged the delegates to seriously consider the proposed constitutional changes which would reduce the number of conventions and lengthen terms of office.

Convention Center, 10:08 a.m. - The Credentials Committee has just announced there are 2,858 delegates from 50 states and 373 locals.

President Burrus welcomed the delegates and asked, "Are you having fun yet?" He then smiled and said, "If you haven't had fun yet, you going to have fun today."

He then asked delegates to discuss the constitutional changes in a spirit of "brotherhood and sisterhood." Noting the controversial nature of the proposals, he said, "It is not necessary that we become angry in the debate." And he urged the delegates to move on in solidarity after the convention makes its decision.

Convention Center, 10 a.m. - The convention has reconvened with the Choir singing Solidarity Forever. We'll see how long it lasts.

DELEGATES TO DEBATE DEMOCRACY, FINANCES

Convention Center, 9:48 a.m. - Delegates today will be discussing and voting on controversial constitutional amendments which would improve the union’s financial condition by downsizing democracy and consolidating power in the hands of fewer national officers.

The Burrus administration backs two of the resolutions: The first would lengthen the time between conventions from 2 to 3 years; the second would lengthen the time between union elections from 3 to 4 years. President Burrus hasn’t taken a position on a third proposal, which would authorize the Executive Board to eliminate and consolidate departments and eliminate national officer positions if membership drops below 210,000 for more than 60 days.

Supporters of the proposals say the cuts are necessary during a time of declining membership and financial difficulties. Opponents say the changes are too costly in terms of union democracy.

Leo Persails, a candidate for APWU President in this year’s election is opposed to the proposed changes.

Delegate Pat Combden of Farmington, MI opposes the changes. “How can we spend a thousand lives and hundreds of billions of dollars to bring democracy to Iraq and meet here in Los Angeles to discuss ways to downsize democracy in the American Postal Workers Union?”

Sources in attendance at Sunday’s President Conference said state and local presidents voted against the constitutional changes in a straw poll but the organization didn’t take a formal vote or position on the resolutions.

Convention Center, 9:26 .a.m. Delegates are trickling in as the APWU Choir sings a peace song onstage. In a half hour or so the fireworks begin as delegates prepare to discuss constitutional changes.

Joe Gordon, of Royal Oak, MI, who's attended many of these conventions called last afternoon's picketing at the downtown Hyatt Hotel in support of UNITE-HERE workers the best one he's been involved in as an APWU delegate.

My apologies to anyone who's emailed me in the last few days. I haven't had time to answer many of them.

Day 4- August 26, 2004 |

DELEGATES ENDORSE KERRY-EDWARDS
KERRY-EDWARDS WIN ENDORSEMENT

Convention Center, 3:50 p.m. - With the loudest roar of the day, delegates have just unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing John Kerry for President and John Edwards for Vice President.

VEGAS RESOLUTION FAILS

Convention Center, 3:28 p.m. - With a thunderous roar of disapproval, delegates have just voted against making Sin City the permanent convention site.

RETIREES JOIN THE CONVENTION

Convention Center, 1:45 p.m. - APWU retirees, who have been sequestered in the guest section of the Convention Center, are now being allowed to enter the convention floor and are receiving an emotional standing ovation from the delegates, following passage of resolution 16.

It's been a good week for union democracy.

RETIREES WIN THE VOTE!

Convention Center, 1:45 p.m. Delegates have overwhelmingly adopted resolution 16, giving APWU retirees the right to elect their Retiree Department Director.

E-BOARD WON'T BE CUTTING DEPARTMENTS OR OFFICER POSITIONS ANY TIME SOON

Convention Center, 1:02 p.m. - Delegates have soundly defeated a proposed constitutional change which would have allowed the Executive Board to eliminate and consolidate departments and eliminate national officer positions if membership in the union drops below 210,000 for more than 60 days.

Barely a murmer could be heard on the convention floor when President Burrus asked who was in favor of the resolution.

But the loudest roar of the week went up when the President asked to hear from those opposed.

With a rueful smile, President Burrus said, "I get the message."

CRAFTS WILL GATHER TOGETHER BETWEEN CONVENTIONS

Convention Center,11:55 a.m. - A resolution requiring the union to schedule craft conferences between conventions at the same time and location with separate meeting days for each craft has been adopted.

The vote was in 1,565 favor and 532 opposed. Since the resolution doesn't change the national constitution, only a simple majority was required for adoption.

In the past, craft meetings were scheduled separately and at different locations between conventions. By scheduling craft meetings together, both locals and the national union should be able to save money on travel costs.

TELLER COUNT CALLED FOR ON 3A

Convention Center,11:32 a.m. Delegates are now discussing resolution 3, which would require all division meetings between conventions be scheduled together at the same time and place.

An amendment to substitute resolution 3A for resolution 3, which would schedule craft meetings on separate days of the division meeting to avoid overlapping craft meetings.

A delegate has made an amendment which would keep resolution three out of the constitution but still require the Executive Board to schedule all division meetings at the same time and place between conventions. Such an amendment would mean the resolution can be passed with a simple majority vote, rather than needing a two-thirds majority to pass.

But that amendment has been defeated.

Now the delegates are voting on whether to substitute resolution 3A for resolution 3.

It's a close vote and Burrus is calling for a standing vote.

Burrus announces the motion to substitute has been adopted.

The delegates will now vote on resolution 3A, which will only take a simple majority to pass.

President Burrus says 3A passes, but a division is called for and the delegates will be given 8 minutes before the doors are closed and a vote tally is taken.

Hold on to your seats.

Convention Center, 11:15 a.m. So far it's been a good week for union democracy.

DELEGATES: KEEP 3 YEAR TERMS OF OFFICE

Convention Center 11: 10a.m. -Delegates have just defeated a resolution to extend terms of office from 3 to 4 years. The amendment was overwhelmingly shouted down in a voice vote after a debate which lasted less than a half hour.

Though the National Executive Board favored the resolution, no national officer went to the mike to speak in favor of extending terms of office.

In the final minutes of the debate, here's what happened.

Leo Persails spoke against the resolution.

"There isn't any reason why the leader of this union needs anymore than 3 years to put this union back on track," he said.

"I urge you to vote this resolution down," Persails concluded.

Art Doherty of Philadelphia stood up in favor of the resolution but not an amendment which would delay implementation of the resolution until 2007.

"Let us leave this convention by at least recouping some of our fiscal responsibility...vote up this resolution."

"You're not going to lose any democracy by extending terms of office from 3 to 4 years, you're going to save the union," said a delegate from California.

"It's about democracy," said another delegate. "We have a right to elections every three years. Vote the resolution down."

A motion was then made and accepted to close debate on the amendment which would implement the resolution in 2007 instead of 2004 and the main resolution itself.

The amendment was shouted down.

So was the main resolution to extend terms of office from 3 to 4 years.

Convention Center,10:50 a.m. - Don Foley is first at the mike, rising in opposition to the idea of lengthening the terms of office from 3 to 4 years.

"The last thing we need is to extend the terms of office. Extending the term of office only extends the gap between members and officers."

Joe Frega also is against the idea of extending terms of office.

"It's not broke, don't try to fix it," he said.

Another delegate claims the resolution violates the union's constitution and asked President Burrus to dismiss the resolution in its entirety.

President Burrus declined the invitation without comment.

But when the delegate returned and asked for an answer, Burrus replied, "I dismissed it."

The delegates then stamped their feet as Burrus went to another microphone.

David Yao also spoke against the resolution.

"I would not like to go back to the members and tell them we did not cut the free drinks at the ice breaker, but we did cut their democratic rights."

Yao contended that the change wouldn't save much money, only $110,000 a year. APWU takes in about $50 million a year.

Convention Center, 10: 40 a.m. - Under discussion right now is resolution 3, which would schedule all division meetings between conventions at the same location and same time.

David Yao has made a motion to transpose the order of business to go to the officer election issue immediately.

"This is issue number one," he says. "Let's get it on."

The delegates agree. And resolution 5 is now on the floor.

CONGRESSMAN CALLS BUSH A COWARD FOR ATTACKS ON KERRY

Convention Center, a.m. - Assistant Legislative Director Myke Reid is introducing California Representative Brad Sherman to the delegates.

"Your legislative team has won victory after victory in very hostile territory, operating behind enemy lines."

But Sherman said the landscape needs to be changed in Washington.

He defended Senator Kerry's service in Vietnam.

He called President Bush a "coward" for having others attack Senator Kerry's war record.

"If he wants to attack Senator Kerry's war record, let him stand up and do it himself," he shouted to cheering delegates.

And he called for the President to meet Senator Kerry in 7 debates this year.

"When it comes to debates, bring it on!"

The Congressman reminded delegates that he sponsored the Free Choice Act to allow employees to organize unions.

"We have got to stop the Bush administration every time it tries to take away overtime pay."

He said unemployment benefits must be extended and its time to raise the minimum wage.

"We've only got 70 days before we get a new administration."

Sherman said delegates have to give this nation the government it deserves. And by the rousing applause he received at the end of his speech, there's no doubt the delegates agreed.

Convention Center, 10 a.m. - The Convention has reconvened. The delegates have been told to take their seats and come to order.

Father Sabas Mallya then gives the invocation and a sermon on unity, warning that self-centeredness leads to disunity.

The Pledge of Allegiance this morning is led by James Scoggins, Western Region NBA.

President Bill Burrus is now at the podium, calling the chairperson of the credentials committee to the podium.

She announces there are 2,873 delegates from 380 locals and 50 states at the convention this morning.

Let the fun begin!

Convention Center, 9:40 a.m. - Earlier in the week delegates to the convention collected $7,500 for the family of Larry Roukey, the APWU member killed in action in Iraq this year. The National Executive Board matched the delegates's contribution, bringing the total contribution to the Roukeys to $15,000.

Convention Center, 9:33 a.m. - Delegates are trickling into the Convention Center as the APWU Chorus entertains them with labor songs set to pop tunes, such as Enron Ron Ron (to the tune of Do Do Run Run) and Walmart Is Coming To Town(to the tune Santa Is Coming To Town).

NBA Jerry Martin is at his local delegation's table and he just pointed out an error of mine. I've been referring to the APWU Chorus as the APWU Choir. Mr. Martin notes that a Choir has religious conotations and a Chorus does not.

Give it to Martin for always preaching to the Choir.

Day 5- August 27, 2004 |

REMEMBERING MOE

Convention Center, 2:06 p.m. - The Formal Resolutions Committee is now making its report. A motion commending the PPA on its 40th anniversary has been accepted.

A resolution requiring APWU to lobby and petition the Postal Service to design and release a commemorative Moe Biller stamp bearing his likeness and containing the slogan "The Struggle Continues," passes unanimously.

USPS CANCELS HALLMARK CONTRACT!

Convention Center, 1:45 p.m. - President Burrus has just told the delegates that thanks to APWU intervention, the Postal Service has agreed to cancel its contract with Hallmark Corporation, which would have allowed the company to offer retail mail services at its outlets.

Burrus' announcement was greeted with a huge round of applause.

"I expect to have a written confirmation of this next week," Burrus said. "Once again it shows the power of APWU."

MCGOVERN OFFICIALLY OFF BALLOT

Convention Center, 1:36 p.m. - President Burrus has just informed delegates that John McGovern's name will not appear on the ballot as a candidate for president in the upcoming APWU election.

MCGOVERN FINISHED IN UNION

Convention Center, 12:59 p.m. - Delegates have upheld the committee's recommendation to uphold the expulsion of John McGovern from the American Postal Workers Union.

McGovern didn't appear to speak on his own behalf and no discussion of the committee's report took place.

It's now just William Burrus vs. Leo Persails in this year's APWU presidential election

ENGLEWOOD CONSOLIDATION PLAN DISCLOSED

Convention Center, 12:33 p.m. - A delegate has just told the convention that the USPS has announced it intends to consolidate the Englewood postal facility with the Los Angeles P&DC in the next year and has asked for the local union's support during the transition.

The delegate blasted postal officials for their arrogance and promised to go to every Los Angeles city councilman and local congressman to stop the loss of 1,500 jobs at the Englewood facility.

He also appealed to Western Region NBA Omar Gonzalez and the Los Angeles Local President for their support in the battle to save the Englewood facility.

VISITORS TO WEB SITE MUST NOW REGISTER

Convention Center, 12:20 p.m. - A resolution has been adopted which requires visitors to the APWU website to register by listing their email address, post office of employment and membership status.

Email addresses of non-members will be used for organizational purposes and be provided to the non-members local and state unions on a monthly basis.

It's unclear when the requirement to register will go into effect.