Auxiliary Spirit - St Charles MO

 by, Bridget Yurachek

 As a person with several relatives in the American Postal Workers Union and a history of activity with that organization I have become rather familiar with the benefits of belonging to the APWU and its' affiliates.  One of these outstanding benefits which is provided for the members by my local union is the APW Accident Benefit Plan.

Recently I found out to my amazement that all of the members of the APWU are not covered by this plan.  That fact is totally beyond my comprehension.  For just 53 cents per member per pay period our local provides accident coverage for all its' membrs.  Just 53 cents can help put food on the table and provide for other family needs when a postal workers is hurt and out of work.  And this benefit is provided for accidents that happen at work or elsewhere 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  it also provides accidental death benetis for the workers and their dependent chldren as shown in the schedule of benefits without additional costs.  how can any local not provide these benefits to their members at this minimal cost?

 Many locals have annual picnics, Christmas parties, etc., which cannot be attended by all of the members.  Other locals give out t shirts or jackets which some members do not wear.  Others provide incentives for workers to belong to the American Postal Workers Union or to entice members to attend union meetings.  But all of these things cannot be a benefit to all members.  only one benefit can and shouyld be available if and when needed.  That benefit is coverage for an accidental injury or death.

Many times inthe past my relatives have jspoken about collections being taken up at work for peole who are our of work because of accidental injury.  Sometimes those persons were non=union workers who wouldn't join th eunion and help to their part to share the costs of representation.  Yet, they were more than willing to accept the benefits of wages and contractual items paid for by their union brothes and sisters.  With this program only borhter and sister union members would reap the rewards of contributions of fellow union members.  As you sow, so shall you reap.  We don't need collections for benefits when we can easily provide them for our fellow members.

 With these thoughts in mind I cannot understand why the national APWU has not provided this program to all its' members.  Surely the cost would be far less that the present 53 cents per member per pay period if the entire APWU would join in the program.  Surely the actuaries could make the program affordable enough that every member of the union would be protected from accidental injuries and every member of the union would be eligible for a benefit which they could possible use if necessary.  And, what a great organizing tool this added benefit would be.  With this as an incentive to join the union perhaps part of the cost of the benefit would be paid by the organizing budget.  As a local we cover our members when they get hurt.  perhaps there should be universal accident coverage.  Think about it.  it wouldn't cost that much t protect all APWU members and their families.