Sisters and Brothers,I am very excited to announce that I will be a candidate for the position of Director, Retiree Department.
Some of you may remember me as Karen Waterman when I served the Boise Idaho local as Secretary-Treasurer and as President and also as the President of the Boise Central Trades and Labor Council.
Others may remember me as Karen See when I served the Mansfield Ohio Local as Clerk Craft Director, Vice President and President.
I have also served as the National President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), while working as the Membership Coordinator and Field Organizer.
Taking advantage of an early out, I retired from the USPS in 2008 after working fulltime as a mail processing clerk for 27 years. All of my union service was done in addition to working full time and raising 4 children. I am used to long hours and hard work.
I believe I am uniquely qualified for this position because I have lived through many of the circumstances that retirees face. I have obviously been through the process of retirement and dealing with OPM. In addition, I have dealt with the loss of a spouse who was also a USPS retiree and have remarried and experienced everything that entails in dealing with OPM, the APWU Health Plan and all of the changes those experiences require.
While working for CLUW, I helped organize chapters all across the country, so I would be an asset in helping start new Retiree Chapters. I have long been involved in the legislative issues that affect Union members and retirees. There is much work to do to protect the benefits earned by retirees and I am up for the challenge and look forward to working with all of you to accomplish our goals.
I have been given so much because of my APWU membership. My family has enjoyed a good lifestyle and I have had so many wonderful experiences and have met so many wonderful people through my membership and service. I would like to have this opportunity to give back to my union and to serve the members of the Retiree Department. I would appreciate your Support!
Karen Swift
Candidate, Director, Retiree Department
P O BOX 176
Hoodsport, WA 98548
First Name: Karen
Last Name: Swift
Email: kj12see@aol.com
Union/Local: APWU Mansfield Ohio Local 903
Office held if any: Retiree