Clerk Division Conference Offers Guidance, Applauds Work of Others

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the Clerk Division held a well-attended conference for delegates of the Clerk Division to discuss issues vital to the craft. After honoring those national officers and local members who passed away during the previous year, the conference began its work. All three headquarters Clerk Division officers delivered reports of their duties and actions since the past craft conference. In addition to the officers' reports, a current list of national-level disputes related to the craft was distributed to the delegates. We disseminated information to all attendees regarding the current disputes on Regional Instruction (RI)-399, which determines craft jurisdiction between the clerk and mail handler crafts. And to further assist locals and states, we circulated a flow chart that contains the proper procedures for Local Dispute Resolution Committees (LDRCs) to follow when meeting with Mail Handler and Postal Service representatives pertaining to RI-399 issues.

During the conference, we recognized local and state representatives throughout the country for their commitment and hard work representing APWU members. We also praised the work of the craft's National Business Agents (NBAs) in successfully arbitrating cases and conducting reviews of other cases pending arbitration, settling many of these grievances prior to them reaching arbitration. The delegates displayed their appreciation of the NBAs by giving them a standing ovation.

Two Constitutional Amendments at National Convention Enhance Clerk Division

During the APWU's 27th Biennial National Convention, delegates approved changes to the union's Constitution and Bylaws that will directly affect the Clerk Division's representation. On Wednesday, July 17, delegates debated proposed Constitutional Amendments that included the succession for the Clerk Division Director in the event of illness, death, or resignation. Assistant Director (A) will now assume the position of Clerk Division Director if the Director relinquishes office. Passed by a considerable margin, the amendment now places the Clerk Division on equal footing with all other APWU divisions when a director steps down.

The second Constitutional Amendment that passed returns the Assistant Director (C) position to the craft. Several years ago, the third assistant director position had been eliminated. However, thanks in large part to the solidarity of the NBAs who stood together on the convention floor, many of whom spoke in favor of recreating the position and urged passage, delegates ratified the amendment overwhelmingly. The Clerk Division Director now has 60 days to appoint a new Assistant Director (C) to assume office.

When asked to comment on the amendments, Director Brooks explained, "The succession amendment simply places our craft on par with all other crafts in the APWU. In terms of reestablishing the third assistant director position, this will allow the Clerk Division to better serve the APWU membership in our craft and support the National Business Agents when they need us." ■