March 7, 2026
Mr. Ivan Butts
National President
UPMA
United Postmasters and Managers of America
National Association of Postal Supervisors
1727 King Street, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
Dear Mr. Butts,
I am writing to express my profound disappointment regarding the characterization of our
organization contained in your March 5th public statement. In that statement you asserted,
“It appears that the reason the Postal Service would prefer to deal with UPMA is that
UPMA has been far less vigorous in advocating for its own members.”That statement is
not only inaccurate, it is deeply disrespectful to the thousands of our dedicated members
across this country who work every day to represent their fellow employees through the
United Postmasters and Managers of America. Our members take tremendous pride in
their service and dismissing their advocacy in such a careless and public manner is both
troubling and unnecessary. Advocating for members should never be confused with
constant opposition. UPMA firmly believes that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and
collaborative problem-solving are the most effective ways to advance the interests of the
employees we represent. Responsible leadership requires more than confrontation, it
requires the ability to work through complex issues, build trust, and pursue solutions that
produce real and lasting results.
Open communication and a commitment to sustainable solutions should never be
mistaken for weakness. On the contrary, they represent disciplined and responsible
advocacy. The Postal Service’s decision to voluntarily recognize UPMA as the
representative of non-supervisory and non-managerial EAS employees did not occur by
accident. It reflects confidence in our organization’s professionalism, credibility, and
willingness to engage in productive dialogue on behalf of our members. UPMA’s approach
has always been to build bridges where possible, not burn them. Our goal remains to work
with the Postal Service to address operational challenges, improve working conditions,
and build a professional environment that benefits both employees and the institution they
serve. That philosophy has served our members well, and we will not apologize for
pursuing progress through cooperation rather than constant conflict.
What makes your statement particularly disappointing is that UPMA has made repeated
efforts to build a constructive working relationship with NAPS. As you are aware, January 2,
2025, marked my first official working day as UPMA National President. On that very day, I
United Postmasters and Managers of America
8 Herbert Street, Alexandria, VA 22305-2600
(703) 683-9027
Unitedpma.org
came to NAPS Headquarters to meet with you and Mr. Jimmy Warden with the sincere goal
of improving the relationship between our organizations. During that meeting I asked that
the cycle of negative public statements and articles directed toward UPMA come to an
end. I made a commitment that UPMA would refrain from engaging in similar rhetoric, and I
have honored that commitment. Furthermore, whenever any member of your leadership
team has brought to my attention concerns regarding information that was misleading,
inaccurate, or disrespectful, I have addressed those concerns immediately and directly.
Earlier this year, in January, I once again reached out in the spirit of cooperation. I met with
Mr. Chuck Mulidore and Mr. Jimmy Warden, and together we discussed working jointly to
advance legislation on Capitol Hill. At that time, we agreed that collaboration between our
organizations could strengthen our collective voice and potentially deliver meaningful
results for the employees we both represent. I believed that we were beginning to establish
a productive and professional working relationship. Unfortunately, your recent statement
suggests otherwise. Rather than seeking clarification, engaging in direct dialogue, or
attempting to resolve disagreements privately, your leadership chose instead to publicly
question the integrity and effectiveness of an organization that represents many of the very
same people you serve. That approach does nothing to strengthen representation for
postal leadership. It simply creates unnecessary division.
The most unfortunate consequence of this situation is that the real impact will be felt by
the thousands of dual members who belong to both of our organizations. Those individuals
deserve professionalism, maturity, and leadership, not public disputes between
associations that should be focused on advancing their interests. UPMA will continue to
advocate strongly, responsibly, and effectively for the members we represent. We will
continue to pursue solutions that improve the workplace and strengthen postal leadership.
We will do so through credibility, professionalism, and results. While I remain disappointed
by the direction your organization has chosen and now realize that our era of cooperation
and goodwill has officially ended, UPMA will remain focused on the work that truly matters,
serving our members and improving the Postal Service.
Sincerely,
Antuy Leonaal
Anthony D. Leonardi
National President
United Postmasters and Managers of America
United Postmasters and Managers of America
8 Herbert Street, Alexandria, VA 22305-2600
(703) 683-9027
Unitedpma.org
