On August 10, 2022, delegates gathered once more in the Centennial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in Denver, Colorado to continue their important discussions of the issues. Although delegates and honored guests thoroughly enjoyed the music and libations of yesterday’s outing to the Mile High Station and Iron Works, they returned to the floor determined as ever to debate the issues.
The day’s proceedings were opened by Eugene Horton of the National Contract Administration Department (CAD) and member of Local 305. As a Mail Handler who works to secure the best standard of living for Mail Handlers through grievance arbitration and national contract bargaining, Brother Horton’s message was one of uplift and perseverance. He urged the delegates and his fellow Mail Handlers to consider every proposal carefully and do what was best for the membership and the Union.
During the Convention sessions on August 9, delegates considered and debated proposed changes to the National Constitution. While they had passed all the proposed changes to the National Constitution presented before them, August 10 provided the opportunity to make changes to the Uniform Local Union Constitution (ULUC). This document governs our Local Unions and has a great impact on the day-to-day lives of our membership.
Like the National Constitution, debate on the ULUC was spirited and thorough. Delegates debated issues recommended by the Constitution Committee, including Local Executive Board spending and the administration of Local elections. These key issues inspired productive and meaningful conversation amongst the different delegations. While all delegates did not agree on each subject, contentions remained positive and civil. Through their cooperation and discourse, the delegates were able to secure the passage of important new provisions in the Uniform Local Union Constitution.
In accordance with the Convention rules, delegates were then given the option to consider any constitutional proposals that were duly submitted but not recommended by the Constitution Committee. In this instance as well, delegates practiced passionate advocacy and true cooperation. There were lively debates, and several roll-call votes, to deal with these disagreements. Prior to its lunch break, the delegates were able to conclude their debate on the ULUC, and the business of the Constitution Committee was finished. As a result of their skillful work, all delegates had a reason for a rousing applause.
The next order of business was the report of the Resolutions Committee, which was delivered by its chairperson, Southern Regional Vice President Lawrence Sapp of Local 318. After a few touching remarks about his family and the power of the NPMHU, Chairman Sapp led the delegates through the reading of each resolution. The Resolutions Committee was tasked with considering expressions of the membership’s ideals and hopes. Adopted resolutions included tributes to two powerful allies for justice, Congressmen John Lewis (GA-5) and Elijah Cummings (MD-7). As stalwarts in Congress and true warriors for equality, delegates unanimously expressed approval for their tributes. Other approved resolutions included opposition to privatization and subcontracting in the Postal Service, as well as encouraging Local Unions to join their AFL-CIO brothers and sister in Central Labor Councils and State Federations.
Throughout the day, delegates also had the opportunity to donate to the NPMHU PAC and not only receive a prize from past years’ PAC incentive packages, but also contribute to their yearly total. As the PAC is a key component of the NPMHUs legislative battles on Capitol Hill, delegates and guests were encouraged to donate. All who participated went away happy in the knowledge that they had contributed to the legislative efforts of the NPMHU, as well as received some pretty spectacular NPMHU “swag.” For those wishing to contribute to the NPMHU PAC through payroll deductions, please call into the PostalEase system, visit PostalEase on www.liteblue.usps.gov. or contact Legislative and Political Director Katie Maddocks at the National Office.
As Convention business closed for the day, delegates gathered to take their group photo and their regional photos. It comes as no surprise that all the delegates looked great in their official 2020 NPMHU National Convention polo shirts. A good-looking group if there ever was one!
