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UPDATE NATIONAL
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NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: 1101 Connecticut Avenue,
John F. Hegarty John F. Hegarty National National President President
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A F A N L I U N.W. • Suite 500
• Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 833-9095
Get Out The Vote
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rothers and Sisters, on November 6, 2012 Americans will again head to the polls to elect the U.S. President, as well as 435 members of the House of Representatives and 33 members of the United States Senate. Although I’m sure you have heard many times in the past that this is the most important election of our lifetime, these words once again ring true. The House of Labor is under attack, your postal service is under attack, and the USPS is in the red by billions of dollars. It’s true, but as you know it’s primarily due to legislation that was forced down the throats of the Postal Service in December 2006 when Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. We can solve the problems that a short sighted Congress created by passing fair legislation that doesn’t force the Postal Service
UNION
Mark A. Gardner Mark A. Gardner Secretary-Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer
to pay future annuitants health benefits 75 years into the future. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch has introduced legislation, (HR 1351) that solves many of the problems that ail the U.S. Postal Service today. But, because elections have consequences, the party with the power to say no in the Congress (now, the Republicans) refuses to move this bi-partisan piece of legislation even though it has 230 cosponsors. This is why we must regain the majority in the House and keep the Senate; it’s the only way to push through a middle-class agenda. In fact, those on the right have indicated their desire to privatize the Postal Service, and put us all out of a job.
and their friends’ families to vote and support members of the House and Senate that support the working families of this country. And we need to re-elect our endorsed (NPMHU) candidate for President of the United States, Barack Obama.
We need not only our e-activists and members that belong to the National Postal Mail Handlers Union PAC to get involved; we need all of our rank and file members, their families and friends,
Take an active role to protect yourlivelihood. Please click onto the Federal Election Commission website www.fec.gov and learn how you or a family member or friend can register to vote.
The time is now! We cannot idly stand by and watch and listen to the lies and deceitful demagoguery cast upon the Postal Service and our great Union. We need to act now by making sure that we talk to everyone in our families, and our circle of friends, to ensure that they are registered to vote. Finally, we need everyone to go to the polls on November 6th and say enough is enough!
Terrence Donahue Retires
Tom Ruther Appointed Northeast Regional Director
N
ortheast Regional Director Terry Donahue has announced his retirement effective August 31, 2012. Terry started his career as a Mail Handler in 1976 at the Springfield, MA Bulk Mail Center. After serving as a Shop Steward and Step 2 designee, Terry was appointed to the Northeast Regional Office as the Regional Representative in 1993, and was subsequently promoted to Director of the Northeast Regional Office in 2011. “We have some big shoes to fill upon Terry’s retirement” said National President John Hegarty. “We wish Terry and his family all the best as he starts this new chapter of his life. He will be missed, but certainly not forgotten.” At the same time, the NPMHU has announced the appointment of Thomas Ruther to fill the position of Northeast Regional Director, effective September 1, 2012. Tom has been a Mail Handler for more than 18 years, and has served the NPMHU at the Local, Regional, and National levels in a number of different positions over those years. Since 1999, Tom has served as the Connecticut State Executive Board Member in Local 300. He also was the Branch President of the Stamford, CT Branch for three years. He has been a delegate to both NPMHU
Terrence Donahue
and LIUNA Conventions, and has served as an arbitration advocate and as a judge of election for Local 300. At the National level, Tom has been on the RI-399 Swat Team since 2004, and also served as a Judge of Election for the National
Tom Ruther, Northeast Regional Director
Officers in 2008. Most recently, Tom has served as the Northeast Regional Representative since May 2012. The NPMHU knows that Tom will continue his fine work for the NPMHU in his new position.
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION NOW
MAKE SURE YOU VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6 PleasePost!! Post!! Please
September 2012