Thank you for your recent e-mail. I appreciate your concern about promoting the union's message regarding USPS proposals to reduce mail delivery to five days per week and to implement other major changes to the nation's mail system.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the mainstream media often is simply not interested in the union's views.  Even when the media expresses interest, it frequently treats our views in a perfunctory manner, if at all.

Please rest assured that the national union is making a concerted effort to tell our side of the story. 

• On March 2 and in the days immediately following the USPS announcement, APWU President William Burrus was interviewed by the New York Times and the Washington Post.
• We also provided statements and background to other mjor news outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, CNN Radio, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters.
• In addition, we were interviewed by lesser-known news outlets that focus on government, such as the Federal Times, Government Executive, Federal Employee News Digest, the Bureau of National Affairs, as well as numerous local general-interest newspapers.

Ironically, the editorial writer for the Washington Post conducted a second, lengthy interview with President Burrus before writing an anti-labor editorial that excluded any mention of the union's concerns.  The response we submitted was not published.

In addition to our "public relations" efforts, we will continue to wage our fight in the political arena.  The APWU Legislative and Political Department has encouraged union members to contact their U.S. representatives in support of House Resolution 173, which urges the Postal Service to continue six-day delivery. (See www.apwu.org/news/webart/2010/10-019-h_res_173-100308.htm)  Our legislative efforts will continue and will evolve as the battle develops.  

We also have posted "talking points" for use by locals in support of their efforts to oppose five-day delivery and other cutbacks.  (They are posted in the Members Only section of www.apwu.org.  Our records indicate you are no longer a union member, so unfortunately you will not be able to view them there.)

I commend you for your continued commitment to postal workers, and encourage you to participate in efforts by your local to win support from legislators in your area.