Grievances of Postal Workers

I found this to be an objective and well-written article and I commend your staff. However, there were some facts omitted. Let me first express that as a representative of a large portion of the postal work force, we recognize that there are a few employees who fall below the standards set by the public.

But, the vast majority of postal workers are dedicated to their jobs and the American public they serve. However, it is mismanagement that causes inadequate window service and low productivity by excessive harassment and forced overtime.

Also the American Postal Workers Union is not just a clerk’s union. We represent maintenance workers, many of whom are disabled veterans and who face a very hostile and indifferent management. We also represent the motor vehicle employees and special delivery messengers who also have enormous routes and tremendous pressures by pushy bosses. No matter what the traffic, a deviation will result in discipline.

But the one underlying factor that must be recognized by the public is that all the employees of the Postal Service are also patrons. We stand in those long lines, we wait for our mail, we get frustrated at undue delays because we have one thing in common with the American public--the U.S. Postal Service touches our lives daily.

OMAR M. GONZALEZ

General President

Los Angeles Area-APWU