On Thursday, February 5, 2015, National President John Hegarty delivered his 26th and final report to the attendees of the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Local Unions (SAMLU). At this meeting in San Francisco, as customary, the President’s comprehensive report focused on the activities of the National Union since the previous meeting of Local Presidents. President Hegarty addressed a wide array of topics including the Union’s continued objections to the USPS threatened closures, consolidations and reduced service standards; the NPMHU’s ongoing National arbitration and Step 4 docket; and the Postal Service’s subcontracting initiatives at STCs, MTECs, and the bedloading project. Hegarty also spoke at length about the implications of the newly elected, Republican-controlled 114th Congress. He stressed the importance of remaining politically active as various favorable and unfavorable postal bills are introduced in the coming months. The full context of President Hegarty’s SAMLU report will be covered in greater detail in the upcoming winter edition of the Mail Handler magazine.

On a more personal note, as part of his report to the SAMLU attendees, President Hegarty announced his plans to retire from his position as National President on May 1, 2015. Hegarty has been the National President of the NPMHU since July 2002. And prior to becoming National President, Hegarty served as the Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region on the National Executive Board for six years and President of Local 301 in New England for ten years. Prior to becoming Local President, Hegarty served as Administrative Vice President (now Branch President) of the Springfield, MA GMF/BMC. In all, President Hegarty has devoted more than 30 years of service to the Union.

Reflecting on President Hegarty’s impressive career, National Secretary- Treasurer Mark Gardner said that “John’s many contributions and unyielding commitment and dedication to our great Union has served our members well for several decades, and the inspiring legacy that he will leave will be felt for many, many years to come.” NPMHU officers and representatives from across the country know that, under President Hegarty’s skillful leadership, our Union has been able to accomplish many great things. As a direct result of President Hegarty’s broad base of contractual knowledge and commitment to training at all levels, the officers and members of the NPMHU are prepared to represent, enforce, and engage at every level of the organization. And President Hegarty has led and represented the NPMHU well through the last two rounds of collective bargaining with the USPS, through his advocacy of NPMHU interests in the halls of Congress and other important venues, and with our allies throughout the American and international labor movement.

Throughout the SAMLU, many of the attendees spoke in honor of Hegarty’s service, offering gratitude and thanks amongst the plethora of congratulatory comments.

With Hegarty’s retirement, the National Executive Board has announced its unanimous selection of Paul Hogrogian to fill the unexpired term of office as National President, with that appointment effective on May 2, 2015. Hogrogian has served as the President of Local 300 for more than twelve years. In addition, Paul has served as the Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region on the National Executive Board for ten years. Prior to becoming Local 300 President, Paul had already served as Vice President (thirteen years) and Recording Secretary for his Local Union.

At the Local level, Paul has led the NPMHU’s largest Local Union, with more than 4,700 dues-paying members, not simply as its Local President and Vice President, but as the primary representative for all Mail Handlers in the New York Metropolitan Region on contract enforcement matters, in the grievance-arbitration process, and on legislative and political issues. He also has helped ensure that Local 300 maintains a healthy financial surplus and a strategic focus that looks toward fixing current problems while planning for future events.

Hogrogian’s involvement with the NPMHU National Union also has been extensive. He has served as a member of the National Training Committee since 1996, and has been a member of the Field Negotiating Committee during contract negotiations in 1998, 2000, 2006 and 2011. In addition, Paul has served as the National Shop Steward Trainer and sits on the Article 12 Task Force. He also has been a member of the Committee on the Future and a key leader on various contractual and legislative matters.

“Without a doubt, Paul Hogrogian is the right person for the job,” said President Hegarty. “I have no qualms about the future of this Union with Paul at the helm. He will step in without missing a beat, and provide top notch representation as he has always done”.

“I want to thank National President John Hegarty for his decades of excellent service to our Union” said Hogrogian. “He will be greatly missed. I will do my best to meet the high standards that he has set. I am confident that working with National Secretary-Treasurer Mark Gardner and the National Executive Board we can successfully meet the challenges that we face. I am also confident that Dave Wilkin will be an excellent addition to our National Executive Board. His experience will be a great asset.”

The National Executive Board also announced that David Wilkin will replace Hogrogian as the Northeast Region Vice President. Wilkin currently serves as the President of Local 309 in Buffalo, NY, a position he has held since 2005. Prior to becoming Local 309 President, Wilkin served two terms as Administrative Vice President in the Rochester P&DC in Henrietta, NY. In 1993, Brother Wilkin was elected to the position of New York State Executive Board Member for Local 309, a position he held until assuming the Local President’s office in 2005. David is a seasoned and skilled arbitration and MSPB advocate, as well as a member of the Committee on the Future and the RI-399 SWAT Team.

Commenting on these National Executive Board appointments, Secretary- Treasurer Gardner said that “Paul Hogrogian is uniquely qualified to serve as our next National President, and I very much look forward to welcoming Paul to our National Headquarters, and to continuing our work together on behalf of all Mail Handlers.” Gardner added: “I know that I speak for my fellow Board members, and for the thousands of officers, representatives, and Union members from across the country, when I wish Brother Hegarty the best that retirement has to offer, and to also wish Brothers Hogrogian and Wilkin our very best as we continue our many battles on behalf of our membership.”