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Brothers and Sisters,
My name is Kyle Popek, and I am running for National Business Agent “B” for the Western Region Maintenance Division. I am stepping up because it’s time for strong, accountable leadership and real change for our membership.
As a fourth-generation postal worker, I have seen firsthand the challenges we face on the workroom floor: understaffing, forced overtime, safety concerns, and management’s constant disregard for our contract. I have also seen what happens when stewards and officers fight back with preparation, knowledge, and relentless advocacy: we win.
Since becoming a steward, I have made it my mission to master our contract, grievance procedures, and the many handbooks and manuals to protect every member I represent. As Maintenance Craft Director for the Phoenix Metro Area Local 0093, I have delivered consistent, measurable results:
At the June 2024 Western Region Pre-Arb in San Diego, I helped secure $72,000 in Line H settlements, $8,000 in bidding dispute settlements, and $3,500 for crossing craft violations, totaling over $83,500 in direct monetary settlements for our Maintenance members in one session. Beyond these direct settlements, I have secured equivalent value through reversed removals, preserved work hours, prevention of improper reassignments, and restoring members to work when management overstepped its bounds.
I have never lost a discipline case, nor have any employee I have represented ever been terminated or forced to resign under my representation. I have established annual Line H training programs for stewards across Arizona, empowering local stewards to defend hours and enforce the contract consistently. I am an advocate who follows through, taking grievances from the workroom floor all the way to arbitration if necessary, ensuring management is held accountable for violations large and small.
These results show what is possible when we fight with knowledge, preparation, and the courage to challenge management at every step. But these wins are not enough. Across the Western Region, hundreds of grievances are sitting for years waiting for arbitration. Members wait for justice while management continues to violate the contract. We need leaders who will not accept the status quo, who will clear the backlog, train stewards, and stand up to management without fear.
As your National Business Agent “B,” I will:
Aggressively clear the grievance backlog using pre-arb settlements where appropriate and moving cases swiftly to arbitration when needed. Utilize arbitration advocates in our region to help move cases to arbitration in a timely manner. Expand steward education across the Western Region so locals are equipped to win grievances at the lowest steps. Provide transparent, accountable leadership by keeping locals informed and engaged in the grievance process. Enforce the contract fearlessly, ensuring every member knows their rights and that those rights are defended.
Brothers and Sisters, it is time for strong leadership and meaningful change. We need leaders who will not back down or bow to management, who understand the daily challenges of Maintenance employees at all levels, and who will fight tirelessly for your rights and your future.
I am ready to bring my proven record of results, dedication, and energy to the National level for all Maintenance members in the Western Region.
I ask for your support and your vote so together, we can build a stronger, more effective APWU that delivers real results.
In Solidarity,
Kyle Popek
Candidate for National Business Agent “B”
Western Region Maintenance Division
Accountable Leadership. Real Results
Today I ask for your support to implement change in the Western Region.
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