On the morning of August 8, 2022, hundreds of delegates, guests, and distinguished speakers made their way into the Hyatt Regency’s Centennial Ballroom in Denver, Colorado. After a hearty breakfast, delegates made their way to the Convention floor for the opening of the 2020 NPMHU National Convention.
Paul Hogrogian took to the podium to open the Convention as only a long-time Mail Handler and the NPMHU’s National President could. After some warm and colorful remarks by President Hogrogian, the Convention was officially kicked off with an invocation by Local 306 President and Central Region Vice President June Harris. Following Sister Harris’ beautiful blessing, the delegates enjoyed the presentation of the colors by a local Air Force auxiliary unit, and a beautiful rendition of the national anthem performed a cappella by the talented Ishka Bee Phoenix.
Local 321 President Tony Wilson, representing the host Local of this Convention, gave remarks welcoming all the delegates and guests to the “Mile-High City.” Brother Wilson offered his kind hospitality, reminding delegates to stop by the Local’s welcome table, to pick up their official Local 321 gifts, and to enjoy the many wonderful sites and attractions that Denver has to offer.
Delegates and guests were thereafter treated to the words of various allies from politics and the labor movement, as well as powerful voices within the NPMHU family. Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) was the first to speak and reaffirm his dedication to reforming the Postal Service and remaining a strong ally to the NPMHU. Though Congressman Perlmutter will not be seeking re-election to the coming term, the NPMHU delegates restated their gratitude for his years of service to the country and the union.
Following Congressman Perlmutter was Representative Don Bacon (NE-02). A proud veteran and staunch ally of the labor movement, Congressman Bacon reported on all the wonderful legislative reforms that had been achieved by the NPMHU in the past couple of years. This includes the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, which relieved the Postal Service of the burden of prefunding retirement benefits. As a strong advocate for Mail Handlers, the delegates made it clear that the NPMHU is looking forward to a continuously fruitful relationship with Congressman Bacon.
The delegates were then treated to the words of some fantastic presidents. Although President Biden has been stuck in Washington as he recovers from Covid-19, delegates were enthralled with the words of labor’s own superstar presidents. First, NPMHU President Emeritus John Hegarty addressed his NPMHU brothers and sisters. While he does not miss Washington or the job, President Hegarty surely misses his brothers and sisters in the NPMHU! President Hegarty informed the delegates of his life in retirement and his sincere faith in the future of the NPMHU under its current leadership.
Following President Hegarty was a message of solidarity from General President Terry O’Sullivan of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), the NPMHU’s international parent body. President O’Sullivan expressed the warm regards of the NPMHU’s LiUNA brothers and sisters and praised the Mail Handlers for all the progress that they it had made in legislative and contractual affairs. Most importantly, he reaffirmed the support of LiUNA for the Mail Handlers and wished the best to the NPMHU in its upcoming contract negotiations. As President O’Sullivan put it, “if the Post Office picks a fight with the Mail Handlers, they are gonna get a war with LiUNA.” For this show of labor solidarity, the delegates gave a rousing applause.
The day’s business also contained a presentation on the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan by representatives of the MHBP and our longtime Aetna partners. Pam Barrett and her colleagues from Aetna encouraged all Mail Handlers everywhere to join this fantastic healthcare plan and secure their health and that of their families.
The formal business of the Convention also was addressed, as the delegates unanimously certified the seating of all delegates and adopted written Rules to govern the Convention. Thanks to the members of the Credentials Committee and the Rules Committee who issued comprehensive written reports for the delegates, copies of which are now published on the Convention website at convention.npmhu.org.
As the delegates look forward to the second day of the Convention, they are buoyed by the words of fellow Mail Handlers and allies in the labor movement. Hopes remain high as the delegates await reports from their National Officers and floor debate opens on constitutional topics.
