On Thursday, February 5, 2015, National President John Hegarty delivered his 26th and final report to the attendees of the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Local Unions (SAMLU). At this meeting in San Francisco, as customary, the President’s comprehensive report focused on the activities of the National Union since the previous meeting of Local Presidents. President Hegarty addressed a wide array of topics including the Union’s continued objections to the USPS threatened closures, consolidations and reduced service standards; the NPMHU’s ongoing National arbitration and Step 4 docket; and the Postal Service’s subcontracting initiatives at STCs, MTECs, and the bedloading project. Hegarty also spoke at length about the implications of the newly elected, Republican-controlled 114th Congress. He stressed the importance of remaining politically active as various favorable and unfavorable postal bills are introduced in the coming months. The full context of President Hegarty’s SAMLU report will be covered in greater detail in the upcoming winter edition of the Mail Handler magazine.

On a more personal note, as part of his report to the SAMLU attendees, President Hegarty announced his plans to retire from his position as National President on May 1, 2015. Hegarty has been the National President of the NPMHU since July 2002. And prior to becoming National President, Hegarty served as the Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region on the National Executive Board for six years and President of Local 301 in New England for ten years. Prior to becoming Local President, Hegarty served as Administrative Vice President (now Branch President) of the Springfield, MA GMF/BMC. In all, President Hegarty has devoted more than 30 years of service to the Union.

Reflecting on President Hegarty’s impressive career, National Secretary- Treasurer Mark Gardner said that “John’s many contributions and unyielding commitment and dedication to our great Union has served our members well for several decades, and the inspiring legacy that he will leave will be felt for many, many years to come.” NPMHU officers and representatives from across the country know that, under President Hegarty’s skillful leadership, our Union has been able to accomplish many great things. As a direct result of President Hegarty’s broad base of contractual knowledge and commitment to training at all levels, the officers and members of the NPMHU are prepared to represent, enforce, and engage at every level of the organization. And President Hegarty has led and represented the NPMHU well through the last two rounds of collective bargaining with the USPS, through his advocacy of NPMHU interests in the halls of Congress and other important venues, and with our allies throughout the American and international labor movement.

Throughout the SAMLU, many of the attendees spoke in honor of Hegarty’s service, offering gratitude and thanks amongst the plethora of congratulatory comments.

With Hegarty’s retirement, the National Executive Board has announced its unanimous selection of Paul Hogrogian to fill the unexpired term of office as National President, with that appointment effective on May 2, 2015. Hogrogian has served as the President of Local 300 for more than twelve years.

Follow this link for the complete article. (text)Follow this link to access the 2015 Feburary Update (pdf)