Dear Friends,

March 8 is International Women's day; take a moment to recognize the contributions women have made to economic, social and political achievements in the United States and Globally.  It has been more than a century since women in the clothing and textile trades led 15,000 women to march through the streets of New York demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.  One of the most important struggles for women over the past century has been for equality in the work place.

Recently, we have seen the Supreme Court erode work place rights for women.  Congress was able to successfully combat that discriminatory decision with new legislation called the Lilly Ledbetter Act,  signed by President Barack Obama.

As a woman from the U.S. I am constantly reminded how privileged I am.  I am also reminded that women still have a long way to go.  See attached.

Women Slide Show

Postal Service Going to the Airwaves Supporting Changes

Today I had a manager ask if I would like to hear the Asheville Post Master on Public Free Radio.  For the next 10 minutes I listened while our postmaster made a canned speech across our state about how volumn has declined, and how 5 day delivery is necessary to save the postal service.  I am requesting that the radio station that interviewed our postmaster give me equal voice next week!  We have to get the real status of the postal service out to the public!  The Public is hungry for information about these postal changes, and currently they are only hearing the USPS side of the story!

If this is going on here, it is going on across the nation. 

I have contacted Vice President Cliff Guffey, and Legislative Director Myke Reid and requested a talking points chart for presidents to address postal changes with the public.  This has to be done with one voice, and one message.  Both Myke and Cliff stated that they will get back with me next week after meeting with Burrus.

As soon as I receive the talking points chart, I will forward out to all presidents.  Please be prepared to act upon receipt, and get the message out.  The Postal Service has been distributing their bunk for months!  Please make contacts with Local Radio Stations, Newspapers, and Television Stations on possible interviews next week over postal changes.  Folks, this is a primary focus of the public and the press; and we should be able to get our message out to the public.  When we hit the airwaves however; it must be with a unified voice, a unified message, and with no variances.  We cant afford to mis-speak at this point either because of upcoming negotiations, and with a possible mis-quote; the postal service could turn around and use against us in negotiations.

Because of the rapid changes with service and needed legislation, rising questions of the financial situation of the APWU, and because of the recent attacks by the US Postal Service on Limited and Light Duty Employees.  I have asked the following National Officers to speak at the beginning of our conference on Sunday Morning as part of the Chairmans Agenda:

Liz Powell- APWU National Treasurer-  Current Financial Situation of the APWU/ Future Estimations

Sue Carney- APWU Human Relations- National Reassessment Process- effects on Union Members, and effect on APWU Membership

Myke Reid- APWU Legislative Director- Meetings with USPS on 75 Billion Dollar Overpayment to OPM.  Legislative Relief, and recovery of USPS Operating funds.  Additional Legislative needs of the APWU in 2010.

In Union Solidarity and Growth,

Mark and Lance.

Jakes Obituary

To All Friends, co-workers and Fellow Union Members of:

Warren "Jake" Jackson began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1967 as a Clerk at the Minneapolis Main Post Office. Jake transferred to the Maintenance Craft later. "Jake" walked the picket line during  the "Great Postal Strike of 1970" with his other striking Postal brothers and sisters. Jake was a member of the United Federation of Post Office Clerks and the National Association of Post Office and General maintenance Employees and he participated in the merger of the UFPC, NPU, NAPOGSME, NASDM and NFPOMVE in the formation of the Minneapolis Area Local, APWU in 1971. Jake was an active member, union steward, Maintenance Craft Officer and leader within the Minneapolis Area Local, APWU. Jake served as a delegate, attendee and  active participant at nearly every Minnesota State and National APWU Convention until he retire from the APWU in 2004. Since the inception of the APWU Warren "Jake" Jackson was consistently a vocal and effective advocate for the principles of democracy within the APWU. Jake was a proud member of the Minneapolis Area Local, APWU.

Jake served the National APWU from 1995 to 2004, for nine years. Jake announced his decision to retire from his National APWU, Maintenance Craft Assistant Director position in November of 2004 and he would not seek re-election. Jake was also a U.S. Military Veteran. The  Maintenance Craft Conference rules were named the Warren "Jake" Jackson Maintenance Craft Conference rules in Jakes honor upon his retirement. In 2004 the delegates at the Minnesota State Convention made Jake a Lifetime Member of the Minnesota State APWU.

Funeral services will be held this coming Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Estes Funeral Chapel, 2210 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis, MN  55411.

The Jackson family resides at 725 North Oliver Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 55411-3728

In Brotherhood,

Troy Rorman, Natl' Business Agent  (TRORMAN@APWU.ORG), Cell # 612-840-0496

Proud member of the Minneapolis Area Local, APWU.          Warren Jackson [e-mail:    jjv66@comcast.net]

NPC Conference in Colorado Springs Colorado

I have had a few requests for information on the Colorado Springs, Colorado NPC Conference for early planning.  Rob will be bringing handout information to the Orlando Conference, and we will be publishing a registration form to hand out as well.

Until then, following is information on the hotel and dates:

June 26-28, 2010

Crown Plaza Hotel

2886 S. Circle Dr   Colorado Springs, CO  80906  (1-800-981-4012)

www.crowneplaza.com/coloradospring.group  code (P24)

Email to reservations@hhgcos.com

Hotel Rate-  $129.00

In Union Solidarity and Growth,

Mark and Lance