06/18/2018 - Brother Steven G. Raymer, who served as the union’s Maintenance Division Director for the past 17 years, was on the union’s National Executive Board and a lifetime trade unionist died suddenly from a heart attack on June 16, 2018.  Steve was 61 at the time of his death.

“We are all deeply saddened and still in shock over the untimely passing of Brother Raymer.  Our heartfelt thoughts go to his wife Nancy, daughters Allison and Jessica, his three grandchildren and his extended family,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Up until the last days of his life, he was working on behalf of our members – getting ready for contract talks, national arbitrations and planning for our convention. We salute his many contributions over the years and his deep dedication to the APWU and its members.” 

Brother Raymer, a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp., was hired into the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in 1982 as a clerk prior to transferring to the maintenance division in 1987. In 1989, he was promoted to Mail Processing Equipment Mechanic (MPE).

In 1990, Brother Raymer was elected by his co-workers as president of the Madison Wisconsin Area APWU Local Union. He served in that position until 2001, when he was elected as APWU National Maintenance Division Director.  

As a national officer, he was fully involved in every National Negotiation since 2001. “I served with Steve for 17 years on the National Executive Board. I know how hard he worked, how much he loved the union and how deeply he cared about our members,” said APWU Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell.

During his tenure as National Maintenance Division Director, Brother Raymer negotiated hundreds of settlement agreements on behalf of the Maintenance Craft. He played a major role in issues that affected not just the maintenance division, but all members of the union. He also represented APWU on the postal and logistics committee of UNI, the global union.

“The APWU has lost a union brother, a good friend, and a mentor,” said APWU Assistant Maintenance Division Director Idowu Balogun.