Each year on April 28 we observe Workers Memorial Day. It’s a day when working people throughout the world remember those who were hurt or killed on the job and recommit to the struggle for a safe workplace. This year we are standing united against ongoing attacks on workers’ rights and protections. Click here to order Workers Memorial Day material for your local or state organization and Stand Up for Safe Jobs!

(This article first appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) 

By Health Plan Director John Marcotte

As I have previously reported, and as all of us unionists see in our paychecks, the cost of health care is spiraling out of control. Recently, ABC News reported on this issue in a story that both reinforced my outrage at drug company profiteering and broke my heart as a parent. I would like to share some of that information.

(This article first appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) 

By Retirees Department Director Nancy Olumekor

Dedicated APWU unionist Eleanor G. Bailey passed away on December 12, 2018 at the age of 87. Over the course of her life, Eleanor never stopped fighting and organizing.

(This article first appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) 

By Human Relations Director Sue Carney

On Dec. 27, the United States Postal Service awarded a contract to New Directions Behavioral Health to provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to USPS employees and their eligible family and household members. Founded in 1995, the company reports it is one of the fastest growing behavioral health care companies in the industry; providing assistance programs and consulting services to private and public health plans, student organizations, Fortune 100 companies, large and medium employers and labor groups – more than doubling its membership to 16 million members in the last five years.

(This article first appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) 

By Research & Education Department Director Joyce B. Robinson

Because women earn less than men, they must work longer for the same amount of pay. In 1996, The National Committee on Pay Equity originated Equal Pay Day to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages and create a symbolic day when women’s earnings “catch up” to men’s earnings from the previous year. This year, Equal Pay Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.