As we embark on a new year, the APWU Staffing Task Force Committee, comprising dedicated local and state leaders, is gearing up its Better Staffing, Better Service campaign. As postal workers, we stand at the forefront of the nation’s oldest and most trusted public service. Yet, years of management “cost cutting” and short staffing have eroded our ability to fulfill our mission to the public, undermining service quality, increasing workplace stress, and driving away business and revenue from the USPS.
In the coming year, our resolve to mobilize and unite with the public must remain steadfast as we demand staffing levels that ensure short retail lines, open post offices, and safer workplaces. The public deserves exceptional service, and so do we, the postal workers who tirelessly serve them.
Every member of our union, regardless of craft, holds a stake in a robust and thriving Postal Service. Each one of us can play a pivotal role in this endeavor. As we gear up for 2024, let us equip ourselves with the following strategies to bolster our campaign:
- **Organize Locally:** Strengthen ties within your local union chapter. Organize meetings, discussions, and workshops to raise awareness about the importance of adequate staffing levels and the impact on both workers and the public.
- **Engage the Public:** Reach out to communities, customers, and stakeholders. Educate them about the challenges faced by postal workers due to short staffing and the detrimental effects on service quality. Mobilize public support through petitions, rallies, and media outreach.
- **Leverage Social Media:** Utilize social media platforms to amplify our message. Share stories, testimonials, and statistics highlighting the consequences of inadequate staffing. Engage with followers, encourage them to join the conversation, and spread awareness online.
- **Collaborate with Allies:** Forge alliances with other labor unions, community organizations, and advocacy groups that share our commitment to better staffing and service standards. Pool resources, coordinate actions, and amplify our collective voice for maximum impact.
- **Advocate for Legislative Action:** Work with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for legislation that addresses staffing concerns within the USPS. Lobby for funding allocations and policy changes that prioritize adequate staffing and support the Postal Service’s mission.
This is a fight that the APWU must lead, and victory is within our reach if we all actively participate, organize, and mobilize. Together, we can ensure a future where postal workers have the resources and support they need to provide exceptional service to the public.
Let us stand together, shoulder to shoulder, in solidarity and determination. Our voices matter, our actions count, and our cause is just. Together, let us make 2024 the year of Better Staffing, Better Service for postal workers and the communities we serve.