October 2, 2023

Sept. 29, 2023 marked the beginning of the inaugural APWU Young Members Conference. It was the first conference organized and directed by the Young Members Committee (YMC), which APWU members established in 2016.

Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell gave greetings, welcoming the Young Members Committee, conference participants, officer liaisons Omar Gonzalez, Anna Smith, and President Dimondstein. “We have 35,000 members that are under 35 years of age,” she began. “You all are the future of the APWU.”

Western Region Coordinator Omar Gonzalez and Organization Director Anna Smith gave greetings and well wishes before the podium was opened to the YMC. After a roll call by Che Magwood (New York Metro), attendees received a refresher on the mission of the YMC by Angela McDonald (alternate, Miami Area Local), followed by the purpose of the conference by Courtney Agee (Birmingham Area Local). “The Young Members Conference is a valuable opportunity for young members to connect with each other, learn from experienced leaders, and make a positive impact on their union,” Agee said.

President Dimondstein addressed the delegates on the past, present and promising future of the APWU. He thanked the YMC for helping move the union’s agenda forward. He highlighted union victories such as the COLAs, pay raises, step increases, preserving 6-day delivery, passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, as well as the new challenges ahead. “You are the members that give us the power at the negotiation table,” said President Dimondstein. “Without you and people like you all over the country, there would not be an American Postal Workers Union.” The afternoon session brought a panel of young workers together who discussed the challenges they faced while trying to organize in the workplace, and how confidence is the key to APWU's future.