The much anticipated 2012 National Convention of the NPMHU began today, bringing approximately 280 delegates together from across the nation to “Honor the Past” and “Shape the Future” of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the initial recognition of the NPMHU, and thus the Convention is certain to be a memorable week in the history of the NPMHU.
Introduction of the Local Presidents
Introduction of the National Officers
To kick off the day’s events, after the introduction of all Local Presidents and National officers, a powerful invocation was delivered to the delegates by Ace Balderrama of Local 320, after which the delegates enjoyed a riveting bag-pipe performance by Logan Chavez of the Portland Metro Youth Pipe Band. The Presentation of Colors by the Young Marines followed, and Linda Hornbuckle delivered a passionate performance of the National Anthem.
Invocation by by Ace Balderrama of Local 320
National Anthem performed by Linda Hornbuckle
National President John Hegarty greeting the Convention delegates
Local President David Jarvis extends Local 315's welcome to delegates.
National President John Hegarty expressed the gratitude of the delegates for these inspiring performances, and then delivered some opening remarks to the delegates, urging Mail Handlers to “Fight hard, never give up, and never give in” to forces working to dismantle the Postal Service and suppress the labor movement. David Jarvis, President of Local 315 in Portland, OR and this year’s host Local, followed President Hegarty with a warm welcome to the delegates. Brother Jarvis encouraged the delegates and their families to enjoy all that Portland has to offer, including a vibrant city culture and surrounding natural beauty.
Delegates had the pleasure of being addressed by several special guests, all of whom shared their thoughts on the Postal Service and their ideas for its success going forward. First, Commissioner Amanda Fritz of the Portland City Council and long time member of the Oregon State Nurses Association gave an enthusiastic welcome from the City of Portland, informing the delegates that the City is behind the Union in its fight to preserve the Postal Service. As a testament to the City’s unwavering commitment, the City Council unanimously voted to ratify a proclamation in support of the Union’s efforts, and it also sent a letter to the Postmaster General vehemently protesting recent cuts to the Postal Service. These efforts by the City of Portland received an ebullient round of applause from the delegates.
Commissioner Amanda Fritz of the Portland City Council
The second special guest for the day was Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), who was unable to attend the Convention in person, but submitted a video statement in support of the Union’s efforts, telling delegates that “Mail Handlers didn’t cause this economic crisis, so why should they have to pay for it?” Again, a booming round of applause shook the floor of the Convention.
Next up was Arlene Holt-Baker, the Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO, who addressed the Convention by giving a spirited speech, pledging solidarity with the NPMHU, chastising the Republican Congressional leadership for threatening to decimate the Postal Service, and condemning the deplorable attempt by Rep. Darrell Issa (D-CA) to pass a piece of legislation that would completely dismantle the Postal Service as we know it. Baker also reminded the delegates that Mail Handlers play an important role in maintaining the Postal Service’s standing at the top of the list of the most trusted institutions in the United States.
Arlene Holt-Baker, Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO
Following Ms. Baker’s speech, President Hegarty officially recognized four recently retired Contract Administration Department staff for their devotion to the Union and for their many years of hard work representing brothers and sisters throughout the country in the grievance process. Dallas Jones (former National CAD Representative), Dianne Williams (former Central Regional Director), Charles Reynolds (former Southern Regional Director), and Ray Sokolowski (former Northeastern Regional Director) all took the stage, heads held high, as they were recognized for their service.
Recently retired Contract Administration Department staff
(l-r): Ray Sokolowski (former Northeastern Regional Director), Dianne Williams (former Central Regional Director),
Dallas Jones (former National CAD Representative) and Charles Reynolds (former Southern Regional Director)
Next, President Hegarty called the official proceedings of the Convention to order, handing the microphone over to Madelyn Puricelli, the Chairwoman of the Credentials Committee and Vice President of Local 320. According to Convention procedure, the Report of the Credentials Committee must be read and ratified by a majority vote of the delegates. Until the Credentials Report is adopted, no other business can proceed, as its adoption is required for the seating of the delegates. The Report was presented and ratified unanimously.
Madelyn Puricelli, Chairwoman of the Credentials Committee and Vice President of Local 320
The final special guest for the day was a great friend of labor, Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL). Davis, an incredibly skillful orator, gave a heartfelt speech highlighting the accomplishments of the labor movement, and the importance of advancing the movements achievements into the future. He placed the Postal Service and its survival at the center of the struggle for a better future for working families.
Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)
Next to be presented was the Report of the Convention Election Committee, together with a short video that was shown in order to explain the election process for choosing this year’s Judges of Election. Chairwoman June Harris, Vice President of Local 306, spoke for the entire Committee. The Election Committee presented the rules it had adopted to govern this election. The delegates then nominated twenty candidates, all of whom will appear on the secret ballot for a shot at being elected as one of three Judges of Election.
June Harris, Chairwoman of the Election Committee and Vice President of Local 306
The last order of business for the day was the presentation of the Report of the Rules Committee, given by Chairman Paul Hogrogian, Northeastern Regional Vice President and President of Local 300. Brother Hogrogian read each rule to the delegates, and then moved for each rule’s adoption. All thirty-one rules were successfully adopted, thereby allowing the Convention to operate in an orderly fashion. The Convention then recessed for the remainder of the afternoon in order to allow the delegates to cast their votes in the election to select three Judges of Election.
Paul Hogrogian, Chairman of the Rules Committee, Northeastern Regional Vice President and President of Local 300
The Convention will reconvene tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Mail Handlers are encouraged to check the NPMHU website for tomorrow’s update on Convention proceedings.
