With Regrets

On this date, August 8, 2012, I delivered to Elizabeth Powell the plaque bestowed upon me by the delegates to the 2010 national convention granting the Emeritus title awarded upon my retirement accompanied by the following letter:

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Elizabeth Powell
Secretary Treasurer
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO

Dear Liz,

I am returning the plaque awarded to me upon my retirement and relinquishing the title of President Emeritus of the American Postal Workers Union. As you recall, I did not solicit this award, but proudly accepted it as a token for my contributions to APWU members over a long career. The award has become an issue in my criticism of union decisions that will seriously affect postal employees and I cannot in good faith continue the ceremonial title with the expectations of solidarity. I strongly oppose the damage done to postal employment and the residual effect on employees. The Los Angeles convention will consider monumental issues that will decide the future of the union and I do not want to serve as a distraction to issues of substance and consequence.

I accepted the award on behalf of my contributions over a 53 year career and its return does not reverse the many positive changes that I succeeded in implementing. My interest was and continues to be the well-being of postal employees who satisfied my career goals and made my successful life possible. The record of changes that I succeeded in implementing while serving the union are unaffected by this decision, and I can proudly say they were my best.

In solidarity

William Burrus