Mark Dimondstein, the outgoing president of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) delivered an emotional farewell message to members on Monday, reflecting on over a decade of labor victories and preparing the union for new leadership under President-elect Jonathan Smith.
In his final video address, the Dimondstein highlighted key achievements during his 12-year tenure, saying that it has been “the honor of a lifetime.” Among the union’s most significant victories under his leadership was defeating a controversial partnership between postal management and Staples that threatened to eliminate thousands of post offices and tens of thousands of APWU jobs.
He also made substantial progress in reversing concessions from the 2010 contract. Over multiple negotiating cycles, APWU successfully bridged the two-tier wage gap, converted more than 100,000 Postal Support Employees (PSEs) into career positions, and secured job security protections, pay increases, and full cost-of-living allowances for members.
Beyond the bargaining table, APWU positioned itself as a leading defender of the Postal Service against privatization efforts and committed to organizing unorganized workers while championing social justice causes, in accordance with the APWU Constitution.
Dimondstein credits the union’s success to members’ fighting spirit and willingness to stand up for themselves, their families, coworkers, and the public they serve. “While I was your president, none of it would have been possible without you, the member, standing up for what’s right and playing a part in building union power,” he said.
Looking ahead, he expressed full confidence in incoming leader Jonathan Smith, with who he has worked to ensure a smooth transition. Despite leaving office, he pledged to remain committed to the ongoing struggle for justice, closing with the labor rallying cry: “Solidarity Forever!”
