Union Printing for Direct Mail Materials
Certified union printing with CWA partnership. Postcards, envelopes, letterhead, and brochures — all with the union bug. In-house in New Paltz since 1998.
Sean Griffin
President, Cornerstone Services, Inc. · USPS® Mail Design Professional · MSMA™ Certified · 27 years in direct mail
Cornerstone has partnered with union printers throughout the Hudson Valley since 1998, supporting political campaigns, labor organizations, and nonprofits that require union bug certification.
What Is Union Printing?
Union printing means your printed materials are produced under a collective bargaining agreement by workers represented by a recognized labor union. Every piece carries the union bug — a small printed mark that certifies the work was done in a union shop. For direct mail campaigns run by political candidates, labor organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits, the union bug is often a requirement, not an option.
Cornerstone is a proud union printing partner through the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Our CWA partnership covers all printed materials we produce — postcards, letterhead, envelopes, brochures, and campaign literature. When you order union printing from CRST, the union bug appears on every piece automatically. No separate vendor, no coordination — it is built into our production workflow.
Union Printing Materials We Offer
Letterhead
Union-printed letterhead on standard 8.5" × 11" stock. Includes your organization's name, logo, contact information, and the union bug. Used for official correspondence, endorsement letters, campaign communications, and organizational stationery. Printed on premium paper stock with consistent color reproduction.
Size: 8.5" × 11" (standard)
Postcards
Postcards are one of the most common union print jobs we handle. Political campaigns, labor unions, and municipal agencies use postcards for voter contact, event announcements, and public notices. All postcards are printed with the union bug and designed to meet USPS automation standards for the lowest postage rates. Available in multiple sizes for both addressed mail and EDDM campaigns.
Sizes: 5.5" × 8.5" | 4" × 6" | 4" × 9" | 6" × 9" | 6" × 11"
Envelopes
Union-printed envelopes for campaign letters, fundraising appeals, and official correspondence. Custom return address printing with organization branding and union bug. Standard #10 envelopes and other sizes available. See our full envelope sizes reference for specifications.
Standard size: #10 Regular Envelope (4⅛" × 9½")
Brochures and Self-Mailers
We produce union-printed brochures and self-mailers in standard direct mail sizes. All pieces meet USPS® automation standards and include the union bug as required. Brochures are commonly used for campaign literature, organizational overviews, and voter guides.
The Union Bug — What It Means and Where It Goes
The union bug is a small printed mark — typically a logo or emblem — that identifies the labor union whose members produced the printed piece. It certifies that the work was performed under fair labor conditions in a union-affiliated shop. The bug is usually placed in a bottom corner of the printed piece, though placement can vary depending on the design and the union's guidelines.
At CRST, union bug placement is handled automatically during production. When you order union printing, the bug is included in the final design file before press. You do not need to supply artwork for the bug or specify its location — our production team places it in the standard position according to CWA printing regulations. If your organization or campaign has a specific placement preference, we accommodate that as well.
Who Uses Union Printing?
Political campaigns. Candidates running for local, county, and state office in the Hudson Valley frequently require union-printed materials to maintain labor endorsements. In labor-heavy districts, mailing without the union bug can cost a campaign union support. CRST handles political direct mail from voter data targeting through postal delivery — all union-printed.
Labor organizations. Unions, trade councils, and worker advocacy groups use union-printed materials for member communications, organizing campaigns, meeting notices, and legislative action alerts. The union bug on these materials signals solidarity and consistency with the organization's mission.
Municipalities and government agencies. Town boards, county legislatures, and government offices that operate under labor agreements or serve union-represented workforces often specify union printing for public notices, budget documents, and community mailings.
Nonprofits and civic organizations. Nonprofits with union affiliations or those seeking labor endorsements use union-printed fundraising appeals, event invitations, and newsletters to demonstrate alignment with organized labor values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does union printing cost more than standard printing?
Union printing may carry a slight premium depending on run size and material, but Cornerstone works with union print partners throughout the Hudson Valley to keep costs competitive. Request a quote for your specific job.
What is the union bug and is it required on my mail piece?
The union bug is a small mark identifying the printing union that produced the piece. For union-labeled work, it is required and appears automatically on CRST-produced union print jobs. Its placement follows union printing regulations.
Can I use union printing for EDDM campaigns?
Yes. Union-printed EDDM flat cards and postcards are among our most common union print jobs. We handle design, printing, postal prep, and delivery in-house.
Do you work with political campaigns for union printing?
Yes. Union printing is frequently requested for political mailers, particularly in labor-heavy districts. CRST manages political direct mail from data through delivery.
Sean Griffin
Owner, Cornerstone Services · Hudson Valley direct mail since 1998
Need Union-Printed Materials?
Get a free estimate for your next political campaign, labor organization, or government mailing.