In Memoriam: APWU’s William Burrus

Former APWU President William Burrus passed away on May 19, at the age of eighty-one. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka called Burrus “an unabashed advocate for his fellow postal workers and an unwavering fighter in the struggle for social and economic justice.” Burrus served as president of the American Postal Workers Union from 2001-2010, the first African-American to be elected president of any national union in direct balloting by the membership. Born in Wheeling, WV, Burrus began his employment with the Post Office in Cleveland, in 1958, first as a distribution clerk and then as a maintenance employee. Prior to assuming the presidency, Burrus served as APWU Executive Vice-President for 21 years, “helping negotiate substantial gains for the members with improved wages, and benefits, rightfully earning his reputation as a skilled negotiator and powerful advocate for postal workers,” the APWU said. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 29, at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC  20011; Visitation 12 noon; Service 1pm – 2pm. Please send flowers directly to the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Ethelda Burrus and Family, 13201 Fox Bow Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.

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