  The DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Detroit District Area Local American Postal Workers Union June, 2011 The President’s Report . . . Thank You DDAL Members If you have any issues or concerns please do not watch over. I vow to the Officers, Stewards and hesitate to contact your President, Executive Vice the Entire Membership of the DDAL that I will From The President, Craft Director or any other Officer or never lose sight of them and that I will always President Union Rep to help you with your issue(s). fight for every right, privilege, opportunity, and benefit that the members are entitled too, Financially Speaking even the ones nobody knows about yet. I thank The elected and appointed officers of the DDAL you so much and I know I am truly blessed to be Christopher “Chris” Ulmer have been trying to do all we can to work our way the President of such relentless people (fighters) out of the financial hole that we inherited. I must who are well informed and who have dedicated President say the people that you elected into office has leaders (fighters) fighting for them and their done a tremendous job in getting the Union out rights. of the financial hole, especially considering the limited resources the Union has. I must inform Detroit District Labor It is always an honor to come before you and you that the DDAL is not completely out of its Relations a Failure? I must begin by saying Thank You, especially to financial crisis yet, nor are we near the point that The DDAL has attempted to meet with DDLR all the APWU-DDAL Members that took the time we need to be near for this Union to remain finan- on a number of issues and to no avail has labor and exercised their right to vote and be heard. cially solvent for years to come. The leadership relations resolved know violations. I believe that the managers of Labor Relations THANK YOU DDAL MEMBERS should be investigated by the OIG I must let you know that the New for allowing the managers and Collective Bargaining Agreement “The leadership of this Union will be looking supervisors of the Detroit District (CBA) is truly ground breaking and to Lie, Cheat, Steal from the U S puts the APWU on the forefront of at a lot of different ways to get this Local to Citizens of the Detroit District with- leadership. I express this feeling out doing anything to stop their because it take true courage, guts, the point that it needs to be at to ensure its waste and abuse of the financial and love for your membership resources of the USPS. to change the rules of the game financial solvency for many years to come.” It did not come as a surprise when when everyone is looking at you, I heard that the managers and su- counting you out, and the only thing left for the of this Union will be looking at a lot of different pervisors of Motor Vehicle Services (MVS) were naysayers is how much are you going to lose, ways to get this Local to the point that it needs indicted on fraud charges. The real problem I before you are eventually eliminated? I have to be at to ensure its financial solvency for many have with the whole indictment is that the OIG always believed in the DDAL membership and years to come. Therefore it is necessary for the and the USPIS did not investigate these crooks their knowledge of current events. THE DDAL DDAL to amend or change it’s constitution to when the DDAL MVS craft brought all these MEMBERSHIP ROCK ! ! ! ensure the solvency of this proud and great Local. same issues to the USPS District Managers, HR I will be asking anyone interested in serving on Managers, In Plant Managers, Sr. Plant Manag- Hostile Environment the constitution committee to donate their time ers and Labor Relations Managers years ago, and In February of 2011 the DDAL was inundated and help the DDAL set the course for our foot numerous times since then. The sad part of this with complaints from our members of USPS Su- prints to remain in the sand and for our Local story is that the OIG & USPS know that most of pervisors and Managers abusive nature toward to become more financially solvent and relevant any stealing going on comes from higher up while craft employees and that these same Supervi- now and far into the future. “We are not where the low person (the craft employee) is usually sors and Managers were creating a hostile work we want to be but we are very much on our way, the one pressured into give a statement that the environment. On March 24, the DDAL held an keep the course”. USPS, OIG and USPIS uses against them 99.9% Informational Picket outside the Main Post Of- of the time. fice in Detroit about the Abusive Nature and the Thankful I Am I call out Labor Relations because they know Hostile Environment that the DDAL believed the I must express to all the APWU-DDAL mem- the wrong things that Managers and Supervi- USPS Detroit District was fostering. This Picket bership and to the Officers of the APWU-DDAL sors are doing but are not doing anything to led to the DDAL president meeting with the my deepest and truest, Thank You ! ! ! I have stop them or the financial strain that their ac- District Manager (DM) to resolve this issue and always enjoyed helping people, even when the tions cost the USPS Detroit District down the other issues closely related. This meeting with world sometimes make us think negatively. The road. I believe the Manager of Labor Relations the DM has lead to a mutual agreement to have ones that love you and appreciate you somehow condones these vial and illicit acts by USPS a monthly meeting with the DDAL President, the show up and make our irrational thoughts dis- Managers and Supervisors. I know these USPS Mailhandler President, the Sr. Plant Manager of appear and lay the foundation for us to carry Managers and Supervisors seek input from La- the GWY, the HR Manager, the Sr. Plant Manager on. This job is tough and never ending. I am bor Relations. Labor Relations are often in the of the DNDC and the District Manager to discuss truly thankful to God, the DDAL membership, meeting and discussions about the numerous and resolve issues both sides may have. Since the the Officers and Stewards (former & present) things the USPS Managers and Supervisors are original meeting on April 8, 2011 I can proudly that have followed my lead and has provided doing in violation of the ELM, CBA and other report that the issues discussed at these monthly valuable input to me during the entire time that Handbooks & Manuals of the USPS but the meeting are getting resolved and the issues that I have been allowed to serve you. I call myself right thing is never done so we grieve it, like are brought to my attention. I am making the DM the humble President simply because I Love the we should. aware of them and they seem to be dissipating. membership that God has put me in position to continued on page 2

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Page 2 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER June, 2011

DETROIT Associate A “Letter” From The Associate Editor District Are A LocAL AmericA n PostAL Workers Union Detroit District Area Local Editor’s Report Union Officials Vinyl Records And Christopher Ulmer ...... Page 1 President Danny Sawicki Patrick Chornoby ...... Page 3 First Class Mail Executive Vice-President Associate Editor cord heights. Point being, the post puter virus. Lots of hands out there. Jane Duggan ...... Page 3 Secretary/Treasurer office has the funds, means and tal- Fun, huh? Get the wallet out. ent to advertise effectively. *The USA Today reported in James Stevenson ...... Page 4 Clerk Craft Director Now back to the earlier question. 2010 that there was a sharp rise What’s the correlation you say? Do they really want the first class among children in summer camps Jason Rushing ...... Page 5 Maintenance Craft Director Well, according to an article in the back? They really don’t and upper sending out cards and letters to USA Today, vinyl records are mak- management has admitted that to family and friends. Keith Combs ...... Page 6 Director of Human Relations ing a major comeback in the music me and the president. There is a *Many seniors and citizens don’t market. 2010 was the top year for formula that calculates how much have a computer. Alvin O. Branch ...... Page 6 MVS Craft Director record sales since 1991(USA Today profit the post office makes on each *Or heaven forbid, have a sale on Feb 25, 2011). So why can’t first piece of first class mail, package, a first class stamp. Debbie LaMay ...... Page 7 DNDC Facility Director class mail do the same? priority, stamps, etc, per employee. *Our point is that there are many The Post Office claims the old evil So in essence, they claim to know effective, clever ways to advertise Christopher Carr 480-481 Director internet is the cause of the decline, how much profit they make ON US and get some of that business back. which is true. Is the internet here to every transaction. So bottom line, The truth is, they don’t want it Iva E. Williams ...... Page 6 PMC Facility Director stay, of course. Did the internet take in their calculations, they don’t back. away a big part of first class mail, of make enough ON US with first class Regina “Gina” Favors ...... Page 9 Director of Legislation course. But, can we get back some mail. Ladies and gentlemen, that is IT STARTS WITH US of that mail, of course! why they don’t care about first class At the DDAL and THE DETROIT Marcus D. Smith ...... Page 6 Director of Organization Let’s go back to music. Those mail. Their profit margin with first POSTAL WORKER, we encourage of you that know and love records, class mail per employee, (so they correspondence thru the mail. Be- Tony Corbin ...... Page 8 Assistant Clerk Craft Director cd’s, even cassettes (us older folks), say) is too low on that business. The sides last minute corrections, your know that when you pay to down- APWU can prove their calculations paper is processed through the Anthony “Tony” V. Latimer Assist. Maint. Craft Director load music or listen to music thru are wrong. This is why they are mail. In your paper, our mailing the computer it is not the same. focusing on excessing and firing. address is all over. Of course some Raymond Allen Morgan Assistant MVS Craft Director Thru the computer you can’t “feel” They say they need less employees communication must be done thru the music as you can with the other because of the decline in mail, but the internet. Ray Charles could see Stacey Carr Recording Secretary outlets. It doesn’t sound the same. they do nothing to get the business that. But the stewards, officers, staff Al Fouche ...... Page 9 The credits and photos are differ- back. It’s called the bottom line ef- use the mail as much as we can. Retirees’ President ent. These are reasons why old fect and we lose. That is why there Everyone of us should try to help TRUSTEES school music is coming back. is no advertising, promoting, noth- our jobs. Instead of an e-mail, send Clerk Craft: MVS Craft: With mail we think the same is ing, for first class mail. All you hear a card or short note to a loved one Dana A. Beard & Carl Williams Manuela R. Webster true. What would you rather re- from them is “the decline in mail or friend. In a poignant and touch- Maintenance Craft: Mail Handler: ceive from a loved one, an e-mail or volume, we are losing so much ing article by Carolyn Hax (Detroit Michael Griffin Ruqayyah Bobo a first class card or letter? Myself, a money” blah, blah, blah. Free Press March 22, 2011) readers SGT.-AT-ARMS card or letter in the mail is special. There would be many effective tell about old cards and letters they The glitter, the stickies, the hand- ways to advertise first class mail. saved and found from loved ones Everett Hall Dorothy Malone writing that you recognize. The an- The personalized aspect, the qual- and what that means to them. They ticipation of opening up that card or ity and value of the correspondence, save and cherish them. An e-mail letter. The extra time that person and the negative aspects of the in- does not have the same effect. You takes to prepare the letter or card ternet. I have had identify theft over don’t have to send out 100 letters, means something more to us than the internet while making a transac- just send one to a loved one once in just typing something out and hit- tion and know of other people that a while. If you pay bills on-line, pay ting a send button. A letter or card have. We pay all bills thru the mail, 1 or 2 thru the mail. Remember, you is way more personalized and spe- because of course we work at the don’t have to go to the post office to cial than any old e-mail. Can you PO and we don’t trust the internet! send a letter or card, simply put it say “DELETE”. Even PRINCE says the internet is in your mailbox and the carrier will Now, here is the real question. ‘‘passe.’’ collect it for you. Simple, safe, cheap, Does the Post Office really want to Did you know that there is a bill no gas wasted. Even though the post get the first class business back? pending in congress that states if office doesn’t want it to happen, let’s We don’t think so. If they did, why our country went thru a serious cri- try to get some of the first class mail don’t they advertise first class mail? sis, that the president could “pull back “one letter at a time”. They claim that they are losing so the plug”’ on the internet? That much money, that they don’t have means everything, all personalized FINAL NOTE TO THE the budget to advertise. That’s pop- records, on-line fund accounts, etc, POST OFFICE pycock! They sure as heck have the could be deleted? Or worse, all your Hey post office, if you want to get funds to advertise the priority and on-line checking and savings ac- some of the first class mail back, Detroit Postal Worker package business. You’ve seen the counts could wind up under some- give the DDAL a call. But as we ads plastered all over TV, “if it fits, one else’s name. Can you imagine know, and as those old vinyl songs This newspaper is the official publication of the Detroit District it ships”. These ads are not ran in the mess! And don’t forget about go, “chances are” that would be Area Local, APWU, published quar- the secondary or small markets. that ever impending and present vi- “one in a million”. terly, and affiliated with the Postal Those ads are all over: the NFL rus that is just a click away, waiting Danny Sawicki cell:586-943- Press Association and the AFL-CIO. playoffs, the NCAA basketball tour- and ready to rip you off or jack up 3950 Please send all correspondence in nament, the NBA, prime time view- your computer at any second. Raise DDAL mailing address: 20530 care of: Editor, 20530 Southfield Road, Detroit, MI 48235. ing, you name it. Those that know your hands if you ever had a com- Southfield Rd. Detroit, Mich 48235 advertising know that this kind of Editor: Christopher Ulmer advertising is not cheap. Those ads Associate Editor: Danny Sawicki cost tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars to run on those special Thank You DDAL Members Opinions expressed in this paper events. To the credit of the post of- continued from page 1 trict because they are not fulfilling are those of the writer and not nec- fice, some of the ads are interesting I speak of these things in hope the legal purpose of Labor Relations. essarily those of the Editors or the and effective. Statistics show that that the USPS Detroit District Man- I know the grievances we have filed Detroit District Area Local. the priority and package business ager or someone else would look at are good grievances and I expect the for the post office has soared to re- Labor Relations in the Detroit Dis- DDAL to prevail in many of them.    

June, 2011 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 3

Vice President’s Will Postal Management Report Be Up To The Challenge? Patrick Chornoby When I look at the new mana- a higher level of pay for doing it. After years of enormous costs Executive gerial recruits coming up in their Does management finally realize and many failures with a lack of ef- ranks, I can see that the post office that the bargaining unit employ- ficiency, contract negotiators want Vice President will be no better off in ten or twenty ees are more efficient, smarter the bargaining unit employees to years than they are today. Basical- and can adapt more quickly to take their work back. I happen to ly because they have an unusual processing than their own super- agree with them. In fact, we tried Greetings Sisters and Brothers, way of promoting from within the visors? to tell management several years Many changes are occurring ranks. The managerial jobs don’t Many years ago, management ago that the bargaining unit em- within our Union and in the postal always go to the most qualified began to take away bargaining unit ployees can do the jobs better and service as pressures build on the candidate. It’s more like . . .“who functions and added the duties onto more efficiently, but again, they bargaining unit to process more can follow orders the quickest”, supervisors jobs. Assignments like didn’t listen. work with fewer employees and all (like “jump”, “sit”, “fetch” and “go timekeeping, attendance control, I believe postal management in shorter periods of time. Back in fire that employee”). personnel functions like bids, pro- could learn a lot about the process- days when the postal service was This may be why the post office cessing personnel actions, filing, ing of mail, the delivery of mail and abundantly prosperous, employees negotiated our new contract with making assignments, general clerk the maintenance of it’s equipment had more relaxed freedoms. Leave an abundance of language return- duties, etc. These jobs were craft from the bargaining unit employ- was easier to schedule, summer ing supervisory duties back to the jobs that were absorbed into super- ees. If they would only listen. Don’t time vacations were readily avail- bargaining unit, and paying them visor duties. you agree? able, and managements concept of a fair days work for a fair days pay was the base contract language used to determine work standards. Now, as postal managers have Secretary- orders to work with less employ- Treasurer’s Moving Forward ees, the bargaining unit has been overloaded with additional work, Report for us. These generous donations of to indicate this is not an overesti- picking up the work of employees time and talent are greatly appreci- mate. who have been excessed, or for em- ated. We had a bus depart from our ployees who have retired or bidded Jane Duggan Another person who deserves a office and at least 18 more went to other work locations. Secretary-Treasurer big “thank you” is certified inter- by car and van. Our new signs As usual with postal manage- preter, Jeff Oliasz. Jeff has agreed looked great and made us easy ment, the bargaining unit em- to interpret once a month for our to spot in the huge crowd. Spe- ployees get blamed for all the deaf, retiree members on a volun- cial thanks to everyone on the problems within the system, even FIRST QUARTER OVER teer basis. This allows our deaf bus who helped make things go though management never listens As we are going to press, we’ve members to participate fully in the smoothly. to our suggestions in running the just closed the first quarter for the monthly retiree chapter meetings company, they quickly blame us local’s fiscal year. We seem to be held at Kerby’s Koney Island the WHAT’S NEXT? for all of their downfalls. Taking a doing well. We started the year third Saturday of every month. We promised an emphasis this day off now seems nearly impos- with about $40,000 of debt and we Jeff’s “gift” is worth over $800 a year on education and we have set sible, again blaming bargaining have eliminated about 75% of that. year to the retiree chapter. about making good on our word. unit employees for their shortage Twice a year the union has three We will be sending delegates to of help. pay days in one month. March is ACTIVITY CORNER: “The buzz” several conferences/seminars/con- Regardless of our current cir- one of those months so we took • P.O.W.E.R.’s WOMEN’S HIS- ventions: cumstances, there is no one to advantage of that edge to reduce TORY MONTH CELEBRATION • BMC CONFERENCE – MAY blame for the status of the postal the large bills that we carried over March 26th was POWER’s an- 15-16. 2011, GREENSBORO, NC. service today than the people who from 2010. nual Women’s History Month Cel- • MPWU EDUCATIONAL have been running the organiza- I know that $40,000 sounds ebration. In a break with tradition, SEMINAR – JUNE 9-11, 2011 IN tion itself — MANAGEMENT. like a lot and it is a lot. However, this year featured CHILI AND A BAY CITY, MI When the postal service had you have to remember that last MOVIE. Over forty people attended • pOWER CONVENTION – huge surpluses in revenue, what year we inherited over $100,000 a showing of IRON JAWED AN- JULY 13-17, 2011, SAN JUAN, did they do? They created all sorts in debt from the prior adminis- GELS about the women’s suffrage PUERTO RICO of jobs in management, they wast- tration. We continue to practice movement. You could have heard a • ALL CRAFT CONFERENCE ed millions of dollars in purchas- fiscal restraint and have been for- pin drop. Guests presented the lo- – OCTOBER 10-13, 2011 LAS VE- ing homes for their top executives, tunate that many members have cal with declarations from the City GAS, NV they purchased millions of dollars volunteered time and energy to of Detroit and the City of South- in out dated processing equipment save the local money in a vari- field. Sandra Carey, POWER Coor- ALL WORK AND NO PLAY . . . and signed life long leases on many ety of ways all of which add up to dinator, was also honored with a Lest we be charged with being of the post office buildings they uti- help us move forward. proclamation. “all work”, we already have plans lize across the country. The leasing I will now be reviewing the • SOAR BREAKFAST underway for the ANNUAL PIC- part is such a waste of money as quarter overall with our budget The local had a sizeable con- NIC – JULY 16, 2011 at METRO the post office is paying ten times controller to see where we are tingent at S.O.A.R.’s 28th Annual BEACH. Details will be coming out the purchase price of the build- line item by line item in relation Congressional Breakfast on April soon. Your Entertainment Com- ings they are leasing (probably to to our budget. 10th. Save Our Annuity Retire- mittee has been hard at work on friends or relatives). ment (S.O.A.R.) Coalition meets the details for this annual family In other words, when the times THANK YOU monthly in our basement hall to fun day. were good, the postal service I would especially like to thank plan activities including the annu- should have been investing their former president, Roger Holbrook, al breakfast. revenue surpluses, or banking the for recently working on our gate. • NATIONAL DAY OF PRO- money for a rainy day. That rainy The gate is very old and has been TEST day has come and the USPS is act- quite problematic this winter. Re- April 13th was declared a na- ing like it is our fault that they have placement cost is over $2300. A tional day of protest. Fifty people no money to fall back on! Again, it working gate is one part of guaran- representing our local went to goes to mismanagement in the fi- teeing the safety of all who work/ Lansing for a rally at the state nance department at the headquar- meet here and also protecting our capital. Some media sources say ter level, the regional level and at building. Previously, Roger had that 10,000 workers attended. the local levels of the post office. come in to install two thermostats The volume that day would seem    

Page 4 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER June, 2011

Clerk Craft The DDAL Will Not Be Intimidated, And Director We Will Not Sell The Membership Short ing all employees to be careful, Plant Manager which he could not asking questions because he did James Stevenson check to make sure that all PS Form and did not answer. When the em- not like the way things were going. 3971’s are filled out correctly before ployee told the Sr. Plant Manager I kindly and politely told the Tour II Clerk Craft Director submitting it to your supervisor or that he did not answer his question Lead MDO that he was not conduct- manager. I am also instructing you the Sr. Plant Manager told the em- ing the investigation as demonstrat- to have them sign it and return it to ployee “if you do not like what I am ed by the MDO from Tour I and his The New Collective Bargaining you before you leave them. Detroit saying, there is the door”. I quickly own words at the beginning of the Agreement (CBA) is what we needed Labor Relations is not trustworthy and openly confronted the Sr. Plant investigation. The Tour II MDO got and it is good news for the members. and lacks integrity, so be sure to Manager during this meeting, tell- so mad at me that he called Postal The new CBA puts a stop to excess check everything before you submit ing him “you have absolutely no Police to escort me out of the build- over 40 miles and the disparaging it. Detroit Labor Relations will take right to disrespect any employee ing because I had a Bluetooth with impact to the employees of the Detroit an honest mistake and try to fire a in that manner” and I told him that a dead battery in my ear. I am sure Bid Cluster and the DNDC (Detroit craft employee while allowing USPS “he had just demonstrated what the Tour II Lead MDO did this in Network Distribution Center). It is Management to commit fraud, steal employees are saying about him an effort to get the employee alone an issue the DDAL is still actively credit cards, money, stamps and on the workroom floor”. The DDAL to finish the Pre-D but that did not pursuing on behalf of all the mem- bring guns on USPS property and has addressed this issue and others happen. The investigation ended bers of the DDAL who have been everything else. Be careful ! ! ! and this type of behavior by all of when the Postal Police came and excessed and impacted in the nega- Is USPS managements #1 rule USPS Management has subsided. we all agreed the investigation was tive and discriminating way that the to disrespect and intimidate Craft Now let’s talk about another over. I did not hear the exact words employees of the Detroit Bid Cluster employees? I ask this question form of abusive and intimidation that the Tour II lead MDO said, but and the DNDC were by then District because it seems like it is their by USPS Management and Detroit with the quick response time, and Manager (N R). In May of 2011, the #1 rule. The USPS knows that Labor Relations. USPS Management the number of Postal Police (3) that DDAL lawyers were in court pursuing the craft employees are dedicated and Detroit District Labor Relations responded, I can only imagine what this very issue and I want all of you to and have a lot vested into their have demonstrated how they are he must have said to them “CODE know that the DDAL leadership has employment, with USPS Manage- using and abusing the Postal Police RED ! ! ! THIS IS THE TOUR II not forgotten about the many DDAL ment knowing this, they believe as a tool to deny employees union LEAD MDO AND I NEED BACK members that were sent other places; that they have the right to speak representation and to try intimidate UP. UNION OFFICIAL WITH BLUE- we remain committed to our vow to and approach employees anyway union officials. On March 29, 2011, I TOOTH, POSTAL POLICE GIVE ME bring you all home. they chose. FALSE ! ! ! I recall be- was representing an employee dur- EVERYTHING YOU GOT”. It would I was recently informed by a ing at a Town Hall meeting where ing a Pre-D investigation. I was rep- be nice if the Postal Police gave reliable source that Detroit Labor the Sr. Plant Manager instructed resenting the employee and asking the same rapid response to abused Relations is instructing and teach- the supervisors to make sure all questions of the USPS management employees as they do to “dead bat- ing supervisors how to try and fire employees attended. During the official conducting the investigation tery Bluetooth devices”. I guess if employees for falsifying PS Form Town Hall meeting an employee (the Tour I lead MDO) when the Tour employees are really in trouble and 3971, about no lunches. I am tell- asked a simple question of the Sr. II MDO tried to jump in and start cannot get USPS Management off their backs or if you are in danger put a Bluetooth in your ear then USPS Management will call Postal Police on you and the Postal Police Informational Picket Held On will come running. I took this as another attempt by Detroit District Labor Relations and USPS Manage- ment to try and intimidate the union because it is no secret that USPS March 24 At Main Post Office Management has resorted to attacks In Detroit (GWY) protesting the abusive management style of the USPS and the hostile work envi- on Union Officials and Stewards ronment of USPS Management. due to the aggressive and dedicated representation we have given the membership. USPS Management and Labor Relations has gone after the Unions Presidents wife because they cannot get to him; they have targeted the Executive Vice Presi- dent, Stewards from Tours I, II, III and myself because we are do- ing our job and we are not selling out our membership for the USPS Tina the steward from Saline causes. Their attempts have not Patty, John and Tony march- James Stevenson holding pick- came to Detroit to support worked and we have fought back ing in solidarity for the em- et signs doing double duty as the rally along with the Mail- all their futile attempts to intimi- ployees to be respected. usual. handers. date the APWU-DDAL in all ways possible. These futile attempts by USPS Management have only made us stronger and more determined Pictured to the to represent this membership more right Aloha (reti- aggressively and unlike ever before. ree) came out to These are trying times brothers support and she and sisters but as your representa- walked with Pat tive the APWU-DDAL will not be de- Chornoby (Execu- terred, disrespected or intimidated. tive Vice Presi- The APWU-DDAL will continue to dent). fight for your rights in the face of Andrea as always supporting all adversities. Do not hesitate to and fighting for the member- call us. We fight for you so you do ship. not have to.

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June, 2011 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 5

Maintenance Maintenance Happenings Craft e.g. confined space, isolated work ar- wrong leave shows up or LWOP. can find it on www.liteblue.usps. eas like some basement jobs, battery The new contract looks to have gov. You have to use internet explor- Report shops, etc. some very interesting benefits. If er to view it. I have had many people Make yourself a viable employee. there is training or a seminar on tell me that their seniority date for Jason Rushing If training or other educational op- the new contract and language in it, retirement was incorrect or changed portunities arise, take advantage of take time to check it out. It can only recently. The only way they saw it Maintenance Craft them. The open season for mainte- help you out. It has good looking lan- was checking out lite blue. If its in- Director nance employees is March 2012. guage on contracting out, custodial correct for some reason don’t delay Before that though, there may be an staffing and other good maintenance call shared services in Greensboro opportunity to take a test opened up stuff. I can’t wait to get my fingers and find out why! 1-877-477-3273. Don’t give away your job. All lev- for a special circumstance. The Post on it! As always, be a Union member els in maintenance have a good set Office may be short Building Cus- Stay on top of your eOPF file. You and participate! In Union Solidarity. of skills. The Post Office pays quite todians, Mail Processing Mechanics a bit of money every year to train or other groups or levels of mainte- employees. Whether you have haz- nance employees. The Service could whopper training or CIOSS machine open a particular test up in an in- training, it all costs the Post Office stallation or district, in-craft or in- The hundreds of thousands of dollars, service. Other local training may be if not millions every year. Don’t let available also for the choosing. them tell you, we can’t do the work. Nobody likes your money more That goes for cleaning carpet to mov- than you! It pays, literally, to stay Welcome Mat ing a piece of equipment. We have on top of your check stub. A cer- The APWU-DDAL would like to give a big round of applause done almost everything. If you have tain individual went for training to the following new members. As we all know, there is strength contractors doing anything in your in Norman, Oklahoma recently. It in numbers. We appreciate and acknowledge all who make the building or workplace, let a steward was a two week course. The person endeavor to become unionists. We invite you to come in and play an or craft director know. didn’t check his pay stub until he active role in helping this union flourish! Don’t hurt yourself or work your- was looking on lite blue for another We would also like to acknowledge those that signed the new self to death. You are only one person reason the next month. The e-pay- brothers and sisters. Remember, any member can sign a new doing the job of one person. Don’t let roll on lite blue is a handy site tool. member and it’s $20 in your pocket! management run you around and Its found under employee apps. He assign work like you are two or more discovered that someone, acciden- Maranette Fields...... Signee...... M. Smith people. Not only does it make you tally, put him in for 40 hours of an- John Kirvale...... Signee...... L. Roe stressed out but it creates more of an nual leave while he was in official Irene Kruze...... Signee...... M. Abdilla opportunity to get hurt. We are only training in Norman, Oklahoma. Its required to do a fair days work for nice down there, but not like that! Sandra Runkle...... Signee...... M. Walsh a fair days pay. Be safe so you can Yeah it was me. Lite blue is a good David Stroshein...... Signee...... C. Mingas enjoy retirement when it gets here. place to keep track of leave, work If your address has changed, please notify the union and the If the job needs 2 employees to be hours, all that good stuff. Check Post Office of your address change. If you do not, the Post Office will safe, ask for help. Some jobs by their often, don’t wait to ask questions continue to send your paper to the old address. nature require more than 1 person, about something months after — Steward Talk — by Danny Sawicki, the heavy responsi- ed on the National cern or grievance handling. This Associate Editor bility of the position, APWU Executive Local has a cadre of extremely In this issue, we are featuring having “done their Board, and which experienced people whose knowl- John Merritt from GWY facility in hitch” to serve the formerly was a po- edge must be passed on to the Detroit. membership. sition on the Detroit younger officers and stewards John is not only a union stew- Danny, I appreci- District Area Local who are coming on, and I person- ard, he is also “The Special Assist- ate your indulgence; Executive Board, ally want to make sure that the ant to the President.” since I don’t often was eliminated for knowledge and experience is not 1. Hi, John, we all know what get a chance to pub- John Merritt a number of reasons lost. stewards are responsible for. licly recognize our in the early 1980’s, 2. In your union duties do Tell me about some of the du- stewards in a forum where the with its duties split between the you spend more time as a stew- ties of the “The Special Assist- whole membership can see it. local secretary-treasurer and the ard or assisting the President? ant to the President”. As regards the main question, local vice-president. It was hoped In the first place, as a steward In truth, Danny, I’m not sure the position as written in the Lo- that establishment of a Special As- you are always assisting the Pres- that the rank and file membership cal Constitution is called “Special sistant would to some degree re- ident by serving the membership. actually does know what stewards Assistant”, not actually, “Special place the lost Industrial Relations I don’t mean this as a trite sen- are responsible for. Serving as a Assistant to the President”. Early Director. timent; stewards are appointed steward is much more involved, on the position title picked up the The duties are similar. In addi- by, and serve at the behest of the and requires a degree of responsi- “President” part among the stew- tion to working on special projects President of the Local, whomever bility, that most members do not ards and officers, so that when for the President, the Special As- the President may be, and the appreciate. We have had many abbreviated into an acronym it sistant assists the Vice President first and primary function of a members express a desire to “Be a became Special Assistant to the with training of stewards and steward is to enforce the National Steward”, but after attending ori- President, or “SAP”, which was a identifying areas which need im- Agreement and protect the mem- entation or training they find that fun title to tease the position-hold- provement. In practice, President bership. Thus as “SA” I am first they’d rather not. Furthermore, er with. Ulmer has made it known that I a steward, and all the “assisting” many members who have served As originally conceived, back am everybody’s Special Assistant, I do derives from that particular as stewards decide to set aside· in the 1990’s during the Holbrook a policy with which I am entirely calling. But yes, the Special Assis- the heavy responsibility that the administration, the Special As- in agreement. Also in practice, his- tant should be a person who can position entails. I respect those sistant was intended to partially torically, the Special Assistant has handle “special” projects beyond members who have considered restore the duties of the Industrial been used as a trouble-shooter for “routine” grievance handling. As volunteering for steward, but who Relations Director to a named of- targeted problems or installations SA I already handle grievances at have decided upon mature reflec- ficer, and the position was added which need, well, special atten- all levels of the grievance proce- tion that the job is not for them. by a changed Constitution back tion. I consider myself available to dure. I sit on several other com- Equally I do respect those stew- then. The Industrial Relations assist all officers and stewards, in mittees as representative for the ards who have decided to set aside Director position, which is reflect- all crafts, with any matters of con- continued on page 7    

Page 6 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER June, 2011

Director of Information On The National Human Relations Reassessment Process Program claim were accepted, at a cost of ployee hardship being cause by the pending the outcome of step 4 dis- $924 million. This is a major rea- program. The GAO appears to be putes at the National level. In a De- Keith Combs son for the Postal service NRP pro- more concerned about substantiat- cember 16, 2010, memo to APWU Director of gram. Early last year the Govern- ing its previously stated position regional coordinators and national Human Relations ment Accountability Office (GAO) that Postal Service employee’S business agents, Morris outlined presented a 46-page report on the compensation and benefits should three issues related to the NRP that Postal Service National Reassess- be reduced considerably, than it are pending arbitration. Cases that ment Process (NRP) to Congress, is about the cost of discriminat- address these issues should await Hello again my Brothers and Sis- but failed to address many glaring ing against injured workers. For- the outcome of the national-level ters, problems, including many issues tunately for our employee’s the grievance. As I am putting informa- The Postal Service has just re- raised by APWU representatives. APWU has filed numerous Griev- tion together, we at the local level leased its 2007 fiscal year report As evidenced by the report, the ances against the NRP program, are still filing grievances against regarding OWCP (Office of Workers GAO fails to fully grasp the NRP, and on 12/20/10 Director of Indus- NRP and the hardships it is caus- Compensation Programs) and in and apparently has been duped by trial Relation Mike Morris released ing our members. Lets all hope the report there was 35,000 claims the Postal Service regarding the a report stating that the local and we can stop this Postal greed from filed. The report said that 90% program’s intentions and value. regional level grievances regarding hurting any more of our members. of those claims were Traumatic The GAO simply doesn’t seem to the National Reassessment Process Until next time remember to Live, and 60% of Occupational disease understand the unnecessary em- (NRP) should be held in obeyance Laugh and Love.

Director of Standing Together Through Hardships Organization Greeting, Brothers and Sisters, almost unbearable hardships. I am Workers Union please encourage I want to thank you for allowing extremely proud to inform my fellow them to become a part of this well me to serve you as your Director Brothers and Sisters that our Local renown organization. In addition, Marcus D. of Organization. Our Local is very is approximately 92% organized. any union member that recruits a unique and special despite all the Let’s continue to work together to non-member shall be compensated Smith excessing we’re enduring on a achieve 100% organization. If you with a twenty dollar ($20.00) check Dir. of Organization constant basis. Regardless, we must are knowledgeable of any fellow for their effort. Remember, together continue to encourage one another co-worker(s) that are not currently we can achieve our goal. Thank you to stand together through these a member of the American Postal all once again. National Day Of Protest Lansing, MI, April 13, 2011

Christopher Ulmer DDAL President came with his Wife and kids making it a family Iva, Carolin and Sandra listens to the affair. speakers at the rally. Group Photo.

Ms. White supported the cause and made the trip for her APWU-DDAL. Craig patiently looks on and listens. The Ladies For Legislation.    

June, 2011 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 7

MVS MVS The Plain Truth Director necessary adjustments. We have to porate headquarters the impression master who’s only concern is the endeavor to return to the roots that that they can accomplish the daily bottom line, and not the people that formed the unions, and invented the task of moving the mail with the em- help them achieve the goal they Alvin O. Branch middle class in this country. ployees that they have on the rolls. seek to obtain. We have to stand up We have become complacent, en- This also leads to the attendance for our feelings of self worth, our self MVS Director titled, and in some cases just plain problems that we are experienc- respect, our fellow workers, and our lazy when it comes to protecting ing at several locations throughout rights as human beings. our livelihoods, and the livelihoods the service because of the excessive We as a union, and the middle of our fellow workers. We report to amount of overtime hours needed class of this country are under at- Greetings brothers and sisters, I work everyday and witness man- to accomplish the delivery stand- tack from corporate America, they hope this communication finds you, agement performing bargaining ards expected, couple this with the have forgotten what it is, and who and your family in good health, and unit work, and do nothing to correct fact that the workforce is aging, and it is that contributes to the success spirits. To get straight to the point, these contractual violations that oc- the older you get the more recoop- of their companies, and they need to we have been experiencing a lot of cur on a daily basis. These types of erative time our aging bodies need come to the realization that as your changes happening within the post- contractual violations lead to the to perform our daily duties. We are workforce suffers so to, will the com- al service, and a lot of our members erosion of bargaining unit positions, working ourselves into bad health pany that employs that workforce find it very difficult to make the and given the bean counters at cor- for unappreciative, ungrateful task- suffer.

DNDC Facility Double Standards Run Director Rampart At Postal Service Debbie LaMay old most of us knew that we had to comes in as we had an employee on bullies: Whatever happened to dnDc treat others how we wanted to be walked out of the building and put the managers in question regard- Facility Director treated or consequences might fol- on emergency placement because ing their past they need to put it low. There were rules in place that he made a supervisor feel uncom- to rest. Perhaps they got beat up made you think about your actions fortable. Management at the DNDC in high school . . . no prom date It appears that there is a Double and what the out come might be. took 21 days to notify the inspec- . . . didn’t make the sports teams Standard between management Unfortunately within this district tion service and this employee was or maybe currently their spouse or and craft, defined as any code or several managers have forgotten out for a total of 8 weeks. Although significant other bullies them ? ? ? set of principles containing dif- these basic life skills they were the United States Postal Service Whatever their personal issues are ferent provisions for one group of taught and it appears there are no just paid out a $6900 settlement, . . . please leave them at the door as people than for another. The Zero consequences for many of them. imagine the hardship this employ- craft employees are required to do. Tolerance Policy and the Joint Well its time for the Detroit District ee had to endure during this time EAP . . . as often suggested to craft Statement of Violence in the Work- to start adhering to the same rules in a non pay status. Another exam- is also available to management place were written for ALL mem- that the rest of the Postal Service is ple of this one way street and abuse 1800 EAP-4-YOU. bers of the United States Postal governed by. Which means . . . you of power is an employee from the A safe work environment is eve- Service not just craft. The fore can’t threaten . . . you cant bully . GWY was walked out for being on ryone’s basic right. mentioned policies were written . . you can’t intimidate or harass his cell phone on the work room 1. Workplace violence is the sec- to protect employee’s from bully- any employee of the United States floor. So if I’m understanding this ond leading cause of death in the ing, harassment and intimidation Postal Service EVER. The Royal correctly, I cant look at manage- workplace . . . from any of their coworkers . . . Oak tragedy cannot be that far off ment the wrong way or be on my 2. Three people are murdered on whether it be management to craft in the distance that we have forgot- cell phone on the workroom floor . the job in America every working or craft to management. This is not ten the events that took place . . . . . but management can bring fire- day . . . a new policy. In February of 1992, In May 1997 on a sample form of arms to work . . . sexually harass 3. Men are victims in three out of the Postal Service, with many em- the Zero Tolerance Policy sample . . . commit fraud . . . reenter the four workplace homicides . . . ployee organizations, initiated the 1 it states “No one should have to building to follow harass, intimi- 4. Homicide is the leading cause Joint Statement of Violence and work in an atmosphere of fear and date and bully a craft employee of death for women in the work- Behavior in the Workplace in the intimidation. To those of you who while off the clock ? ? ? I’m sure place and or threats, please con- after math of the Royal Oak trag- question our commitment, judge any postal officials that implement- tact your union and they can assist edy. The Postal Service acknowl- us not on our words but on our ac- ed and or signed any of these poli- you. A management official should edged that in some places there is tions. It is our intention to make cies regarding zero tolerance would be made aware as well and if no an unacceptable level of stress in our work locations a place where be ashamed of the current Detroit one is available to assist you the the workplace: that there is no ex- inappropriate behavior will not be District . . . as I am. Inspection Service hotline is 800- cuse for and will be no tolerance or tolerated.” Well, as requested I am Everyone knows the statistics 654-8896. any threats of violence by anyone judging on your actions and from at any level of the Postal Service; what I can see no action has been there is no excuse for, and will be taken . . . Currently, we have a — Steward Talk — no tolerance of harassment, intimi- manager at the GWY who has re- continued from page 5 dent Roger Holbrook, and then dation, threats or bullying by any- turned from a detail due to bring- APWU, and upon direction I have writing the appeals to Impasse one. Everyone has the basic right ing fire arms in the building . . . no represented the President at vari- Arbitration when we did not reach to come to work in a safe environ- action taken. Currently we have a ous meetings with postal manage- agreement (1994) and the actual ment and be given the ability to ex- manager at the GWY who has al- ment. I have also “assisted” the changes to language when we did cel at their job at all levels. legations of sexual harassment . . Legislative Director in organizing reach agreement (1998). Actual Currently within several levels of . no action taken. Currently at the pickets; I have “assisted” the Vice national contractual negotiations, the Detroit District, managers are DNDC we have a manager that has President in organizing steward of course are conducted in Wash- in positions where they are abusing been documented exiting the build- training meetings. I consider my- ington. I stand ready to serve on their authority by ignoring basic ing only to return to follow, intimi- self responsible to “assist” in other the local negotiation team when life skills . . . Basically things you date and harass another employee. circumstances as needed. we go to local negotiations later were taught when you were about Currently, we have managers at 3. Do you actually sit in on this year, now that the 2010 Na- 5 years old. In elementary school both the GWY and the DNDC who contract talks, negotiations, ar- tional Agreement has been rati- you just knew that you didn’t take fraudulently delete time entries for bitration, etc.? fied by the membership. I have someone’s lunch money or bullied pay purposes in order to intimidate I have sat in on local negotia- been presenting cases at arbitra- someone on the playground be- and harass sick employees . . . no tions twice, active in the actual ne- tion since 1991, I have no idea how cause you could. Even at 5 years action taken. The double standard gotiations with (at the time) Presi- continued on page 9    

Page 8 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER June, 2011

Priority Mail Facility Director Still Going Strong standing albeit with tremendously work. Now why would we get rid Recently you have seen flyers post- less people. We are processing of employees and allow manage- ed about different informational pick- originating priority mail while the ment to do OUR JOB ? ? ? That ets and rallies. If you are available, Iva Williams NDC has the responsibility of pro- is why I have been stressing the please come participate. Remember PMC Facility cessing the designating mail. Al- importance of filing grievances on today it may be someone else and to- Director though these past weeks have been that very thing. Some people may morrow it could be YOU ! ! ! Join the a bit trying we still manage (with take the attitude of ‘let them work’ fight ! ! ! We are experiencing difficult overtime) to get the mail done. or ‘I don’t want to be targeted’ but times. It is always good to see other Because we have been short we the very next time someone is ex- unions rallying together. Hello Brothers and Sisters! have seen an uprising in manage- cessed out, it might be YOU! Help There is strength in numbers! The Priority Mail Center is still ment performing bargaining unit bring our jobs back ! ! ! In Solidarity.

Legislation Legislative Director News & Views Regina ‘Gina’ Favors states where the Republicans have Relations Act; the item pricing law Legislation Director total or majority control. Brothers has been repealed (eliminating jobs) and sisters, this is about so much and takes effect September 1st; more than union busting. This is SB 20 prohibits any state rules on about preserving our rights which ergonomics (already signed by Gov- Well brothers and sisters, we are are being systematically wiped out. ernor); HB 4152 prohibits increases now past the one hundred and twen- They say it is about the budget, but in pay (including step inc) under an ty day mark of the newly elected if you truly and honestly examine it extended or expired contract; any Governor and his regime. What we closely you will see it is about more increased health care costs during felt would be the agenda has come greed and more money for the al- and extended or expired contract to pass, but on an even greater scale ready wealthy. Whenever the point must be paid by workers (passed than we feared. Never before has a is raised about why the Republicans the House and is on the Senate “new” legislature acted so swiftly want to take more away from public Floor); HB 4052 prohibits the use and in such a destructive, divisive sector workers, the answer I always of public facilities or equipment for and demoralizing manner. WE ARE here is “well, if not there then where political activity-campaigning for for the candidates of your choice. UNDER ATTACK ! ! ! Yes right now else will you take it from”? We all union office — organizing activi- Don’t, I implore you, let your rights the attack is on the public sector know that belts have to be tightened ties (pending on the House Floor); continue to be trampled on and/or workers but make no mistake about and cuts have to be made, but why The Emergency Financial Manager eradicated! Stand up and fight back! it, we will be next! The Republican are workers the only ones to suffer “Reform” has been signed into law Too many before you died so that controlled legislative branch has a while business continues to receive with no salary cap or restrictions you could exercise that right! vicious agenda set forth and aimed big tax breaks? what-so-ever on whomever the EFM One final note, I received an e- totally at union busting. Beginning In the interest of keeping this ar- is; HB 4059 prohibits collective mail from a friend that began . . with their second day in office, a ticle as short as possible I just want bargaining agreements that provide . “WISCONSIN: ABOUT TO BOIL number of bills were crafted, the to point out what has already hap- for paid union leave time (it also is OVER.” It was posted March 11, next day discussed, the next week pened in just five months: Nearly currently on the House Floor); HB 2011 and was supposedly from sent to committee and the next 20,000 AFSCME members lost 4312 eliminates employee protec- the GOP Trust Pac. I don’t know week voted on. They are on the fast their collective bargaining rights; tions when local governments con- how true or even IF it is true but track and in some cases are placing legislation is pending which would solidate services or merge (pending it sounds about par for the course similar bills in both houses at the PROHIBIT subsidized independent on the house floor) and by the way given what is happening. In part same time. This is happening not childcare providers from organizing consolidation and merging of cities, it states . . . Thanks to you we are only in Michigan, but Nationwide in under Michigan’s Public Employees school districts, municipalities, fire, taking back America . . . Thank police and everything in between is you GOP trust supporter; this what he wants and will use money morning we delivered a massive as the tool to get it. He will pit city blow to Obama’s radical agenda, against city, suburb, schools and Governor Walker just signed a With Deepest Sympathy all. Whoever privatizes more and heroic piece of legislation into law eliminates the most jobs is who that will send shock waves from We would like to express our condolences to the following em- will get the most money! So tell me Madison to Wash. D.C. It further ployees on their loss of a loved one; how putting people out of work, states: if we can break the unions Varyssia Bell Beatrice Beloch DeAngelo Beloch sending them to the unemployment back in 2011, the Democrats will Samuel Beloch Kathy Carter Tony Chambers line with a decrease in the number be on life support to begin 2012. It Vincent Clark John Greene Louise Harris of weeks they can draw compensa- goes on listing different states and Oscar Harris Lucy Harrison Martha Hatcher tion is best for our state? There are the legislation being passed and or Sammy Hunter Samuel Hunter Kalita Jones so many more bills in the works, attempted. For Michigan . . . The Myra Jones-Hayes Marcella Johnson Brenda Lewis such as eliminating STATUTORY Michigan legislature has approved Sidney Matthews Anita McClaip Kimberly McMichael revenue sharing for cities, villages separate measures to give the state Kenton Parker Alida Perkins Kevin Robinson and townships; lifetime limit of 48 the POWER to break union con- Wilbert Smith Jr. (Smitty) Deborah Whaley-Lee months for low income families re- tracts! I now ask do you feel this Patricia Williams Angela Williams-Dial Yolanda Wright ceiving assistance; demanding $180 is right. If yes, then do nothing. Samantha Woods Leteamma Lyons Richard Garvin million dollars in additional wage But if you feel as I do that this is Larita Parker and benefit concessions from state not the way our country should Our condolences to the families of; employees; and the list goes on. be treating us then join us, unite Johnny Brown Charles Craig Jr. Once again folks, it’s about hold- with workers all over the coun- Amy L. Hunter Thomas Smith ing on to your rights! You have the try, STAND UP FOR WORKERS, We apologize if there are any employees that we may have right to seek a decent job earning STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR THE overlooked. For those we have missed, please call me so we can a decent wage, you have the right MIDDLE CLASS, and STAND UP honor them in the next issue. to attend a public school and you FOR YOUR RIGHTS ! ! ! have the right to elect and vote IN TRUE SOLIDARITY.    

June, 2011 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 9

Assistant Clerk Collective Bargaining Agreement Craft Director gaining Agreement (CBA), Article ployee must be in a pay status employee is denied holiday pay by #11, HOLIDAYS. The following ten the LAST hour of the employee’s Postal Management, even when (10) days are considered holidays scheduled workday prior to the the aforementioned requirements for full-tune and part-time regular employee’s holiday; or the FIRST are met, Management denies em- Tony Corbin scheduled employees: hour of the employee’s sched- ployees holiday pay referring to Assistant Clerk New Year’s Day uled workday after the holiday. Article #11, Section #6.C (CBA) Craft Director Martin Luther King, Junior’s Employees receive holiday pay which states in part, “An employ- Birthday at their base hourly straight time ee scheduled to work on a holi- Washington’s Birthday rate for the number of hours equal day who does not work shall not Memorial Day to their regular daily work sched- receive holiday pay, unless such Since being sworn in as Assist- Independence Day ule not to exceed eight (8) hours. absence is based on an extreme ant Clerk Craft Director during the Labor Day Effective February 02, 2002, em- emergency situation and is ex- month of January ‘2010’, reports I Columbus Day ployees who work their holiday, cused by the employer.” have submitted to The Detroit Post- Veteran’s Day at their option, may elect to have So remember, if you are ever al Worker, have more or less been Thanksgiving Day their annual leave balance cred- DENIED of your negotiated holi- informative articles for the mem- Christmas Day ited with eight (8) hours of annual day pay for any reason; as soon bership; therefore, my current re- In order for an employee to be leave in lieu of holiday leave pay. as you are knowledgeable; FILE A port pertains to the Collective Bar- eligible for holiday pay, the em- More often then not, when an GRIEVANCE.

Retirees’ — Retiree Department — Department essary to join with other locals with- after their own interests as business- duces that collective bargaining was in the same trade or industry. These es and industry organized and devel- developed. Notes national unions were labor’s answer oped along national lines. One thing about it, 200 years have to dealing with employees who were Another way to look at it is on the brought little change in the issues at Al Fouche selling their goods in a national mar- basis of self-interest as expressed by stake or the basic need for unions. Retirees’ President ket. Machinist local unions in New both labor and management­ the em- The individual member — whether a York, for example, worked for iron ployer and employee. Each promotes cordwainer or computer engineer or foundry employees who were com- his own self-interest. Wherever we programmer, artisan or action, still peting with other iron foundries in find competing self ­interests, we find has basic economic and social needs My article this month will consist Cleveland. In this national compe- the possibility of conflict. It was out and has to deal with an employer to of “Where Union’s Come From and tition, the isolated New York local of such conflict that the trade union get most of them. Forming a union What Unions Want”. union soon found itself competing movement was born. And it was to or joining a union makes the job a Based on the Governor of Wiscon- with its counterpart local union in resolve the issues such conflict pro- whole lot easier. sin and what Governors are trying Cleveland and in other plants of the to eliminate/break Unions and lower industry located elsewhere. As the many benefits. The Union is respon- employers competed, wages, as a — Steward Talk — sible for the American public; such cost of production factor, were bid continued from page 7 al communication. Ditto of above as, retirement, overtime, vacations, down and the lowest rates in the in- many, but this has enhanced my about how much trouble our people etc. dustry tended to prevail throughout experience in such a manner that I get into. These articles come from the AFL- the country. believe I have to offer a sophisticat- • Don’t be outside the building CIO and I think they are very infor- So in 1859, the machinist and ed set of skills to the membership during periods of time that you are mative on where the Union comes blacksmith locals united and formed in what is becoming an increasing- on the clock. Again, ditto of above from and what they want. Part Two a permanent national organization. ly difficult time for us in the Postal about how much trouble our people (What Unions Want) will be in the The molders did the same in 1859 Service. get into. next issue. and the printers had formed their na- 4. Give the members three • Follow the instructions of your tional union in 1850. In the decade things they can do to protect supervisors (Again, sorry) no mat- Where Unions Come From after the Civil War, twenty six new themselves against the wrath of ter how stupid, as long as it doesn’t The history of trade unionism national unions were formed. Some the post office. jeopardize your safety or that of oth- in this country is frequently dated of them exist today. The locomotive 1. The post office is governed by ers or of postal property. In many from 1792, when a local union was engineers, the locomotive firemen, an enormous and well-established cases, supervisors are appointed formed by the journeymen cord- carpenters, bricklayers, and paint- body of regulations, going back, in specifically for their willingness to wainers (shoemakers) of Philadel- ers all date from this period. The some cases, to the 19th Century. give stupid or nonsensical orders phia. Within the next ten years, purpose of all these national unions Really. So I recommend that our (think about the bosses you know). unions of shoemakers, carpenters was the same; to influence wages, members protect themselves in the Do not play the “gotcha” game of re- and printers were founded in Balti- working conditions and work rules first place by following the rules/ fusing to follow orders. Again, and more, Boston, New York and several more or less uniformly throughout regulations. I don’t mean to sound again, ditto of above, you can’t be- other cities. their trade or industry. like a management hack, but we lieve how much trouble our people Until after the Civil War, most of The isolated locals thus learned are required to follow their rules. get in about this. these trade unions were located in that by pooling their resources and What does this mean? Well, for ex- 2. Keep copies of EVERYTHING. Atlantic seaboard cities and were lo- cooperating with one another, they ample: This means keeping COPIES of your cal unions of workers in a particu- could more effectively deal with em- • Wear your ID badge at all medical certificates that you give lar trade or industry. These isolated ployers and at the same time give times, properly displayed on your to your supervisor. COPIES of your locals sensing the need for greater help and support to locals in distress. chest, during working hours, which 3971’s when you get them from strength formed city-wide federa- They demonstrated once again that includes entering and exiting the your supervisor (make sure they tions called “trade assemblies” for in unity there is strength. Today, building. You can’t believe how are properly completed and given mutual aid and support in strikes national and international trade much crap our people get into by back to you timely). Keep COPIES of and emergency situations. They unions (they are called international failing to follow this simple rule, your cheek stubs • • • YES, I mean also functioned as boycott organiza- because they have members in Can- which is (like it or not) proper and keep the cheek stubs ! ! ! FOREVER ! tions, published newspapers, took ada and U.S. trust territories) are legal. ! ! I have all of my check stubs going political action and lobbied for local the keystone of the American labor • Don’t talk on your cellphone/ back to 1976, and they don’t take government legislation favorable to movement. Just over 100 of them bluetooth/smartphone/etc. when up all that much space! You can’t their members. Today these federa- are affiliated with the AFL-CIO. you are on the workfloor and sup- believe how many problems are tions have evolved into city central So when anyone asks, “Where posed to be working. They are pay- traceable to 3971’s or check stubs bodies or state central bodies and did trade unions come from?”, you ing you to WORK (sorry) and they alone! And please don’t put them their functions are much the same. might say they came out of the ne- have a right to demand that you in a purse or hip pocket where they But local unions also found it nec- cessity of the working people to look do so instead of conducting person- continued on page 12    

Page 10 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER June, 2011 Ask The President Contract Talk Part 1 tier wage system. Don’t be fooled by the naysay- their whole postal career because they can only ers who say that a union should only have one get work 2, 4 or 6 hours a pay while trying to tier of pay. A one tier wage system is the goal of provide for their families. This contract elimin- our Union. Look at the Step progression of our ates that and makes them a full-time employee pay scale and you will see regardless of pay with the guarantee of at least 30 hours. Danny, level the highest paid Step that you can receive that is very important. It raises the bar and the at the Post Office is RC. The APWU has 3 more standards of living for the employees that are contract negotiations before anyone coming in already here. It allows them a greater and better under the new tier wage system will reach top chance to provide for their families in the smaller scale of pay and steps. This gives the APWU 3 and larger communities. more opportunities to be able to bring the pay of DANNY. That clarifies a lot of questions Chris. the new employees that are being hired into the CHRIS. I want to talk about some of the nega- USPS today in line with the one who may have tive aspects that have been brought up by the 30 or 40 years. So when they wanted to bring the naysayers on the contract. All the naysayers wage tier system up as a reason to vote down this wanted to do is focus on the perceived negatives. contract, it wasn’t a valid or good reason. I do What about the positive? There are going to be not believe when a person is first hired into a job two sides to every contract, negative and posi- that they really care about how much another tive. The naysayers did not talk about the 6,000 to 8,000 jobs that the APWU is possibly going to Christopher “Chris” Ulmer, President person is making, I think when we start to worry about others, what they make, and how they get back. They didn’t talk about the thousands of In this segment of “Ask the President” we are spend it only comes up later in our careers. An- jobs the crafts are getting back from EAS, work going to address the burning issues and concerns other misunderstood issue is the NTFT position that was taken over the years. They don’t talk that the membership has over the new contract. issue. The NTFT positions are Non-Traditional about any positives. Normally, when someone As it should be, this is a hot issue among our Full Time positions. This contract eliminated is being truthful about a situation, they give members. We are going to try and clear up some part-time work from APWU represented crafts. the negative and positives and the debate goes of the confusion. Right now the APWU represented crafts have on from there. There are more people out there Q. Mr. President at press time the contract nothing but a full time workforce. supporting the new contract than there are those has been ratified. You did support the con- Q. Mr. President, the members have come who oppose it. They use the media, internet and tract, is that correct? up to me and they are confused about the other exploits to try and make it seem that they A. Yes I did and so did most of the APWU language in the contract that defines a part have a large backing, which they don’t. Membership. time employee from a full time employee. Q. Now this is a question that applies dir- Q. How do you feel about the new contract? Can you clarify the language to the member- ectly to me and numerous other employees A. I am enthusiastic about the new contract. ship? whom were excessed. There is confusion The contract is new and it is different, but at the A. Yes, I can. There were only two categories on the language of the contract on retreat same time it allows the Postal Service to compete of work; Full-Time & Part-Time. The old lan- rights from excessing. 1). Explain the line while allowing the APWU to get back some of the guage stated a Part-Time employee (not Part- and I quote here from the new contract, work and membership that we have lost over the time flex of Part-time regular) was entitled to a “employees will not be required to retreat to last 10 years or so. We face new and different work schedule like a full time employee, except crafts they were excessed from if the craft is challenges; but they are the same challenges they (part-time employees) may be scheduled represented by the APWU’. 2). Are we com- we would have faced anyway no different than for less than 8 hours a day and for less than ing back? 3). Do we have to come back? 4). contract in the past. The challenges are there 40 hours in a normal work week. That’s a part Can we stay in the different Craft we were but I do believe the challenges we face are better time employee in the old contract. A full time excessed to? for us in the contract, because this contract has employee worked 40 hours in a 5 day period. A. 1). It means, if you get excessed into an- so much to offer the APWU and ultimately the What has happened in the new contract, they other APWU represented craft (Clerks, Maint, or membership. have done away with the part-time workforce MVS) within your installation you do not have Q. Mr. President, what is the contract go- completely in terminology. The part-time work- to return to your former craft, if you do not wish ing to accomplish now for the membership force that the APWU use to have is now part of to, as long as it is an APWU represented craft and moving forward in the future? the full-time work force. Basically, the people that you were excessed to. If an APWU repre- A. This contract accomplishes a lot of that presently hold a 40 hours position now sented craft employee is excessed into another things. One of the main things in the contract are grandfathered into and guaranteed 40-44 APWU represented craft within the installa- is that it limits the number of miles a craft hour bid positions for the rest of their career. tion they can stay because they are still APWU employee can be excessed. Many people in the The new NTFT assignments will range in work members. Basically, it is protecting the APWU state and country don’t realize how detrimental hours from 30 to 48 hours a normal work week. membership without affecting the member that and destructive long distance excessing is until . So in terms of full time, we are all full time may like the new APWU craft. The old contract they are in the situation. In the past, the postal employees; basically, this simple thing elimin- language said if you were excessed with in your service could excess people as far away as they ates the Postal Service from taking advantage installation (regardless of craft) you had to re- wanted to no limit. The new contract limits the of a person that chose to be a part time flexible turn to your former craft. This language still excessing range to 40 miles and in certain situa- or part time regular because they were unable applies if an APWU represented craft employee tions 50 miles. The new agreement allows the to move to Timbuktu. is excessed into the Carrier or Mailhandler Craft APWU input into the employers’ decision and Q. Are you talking about the employees within the installation. Many times employees the two parties must agree to anything beyond who volunteered to be part-time employees are forced into other crafts and they want to the 40 mile range. That is a good thing because over the last year or so because they could stay but cannot because their retreat rights in the past contract there was no agreement in not relocate? opportunity comes they must return to their place to limit excessing. In the past the Postal A. Yes and the USPS cut some of them down former APWU represented craft, they don’t have Service dictated how many miles our members to only 4 hours of pay per pay period. a choice. If you get outside the installation, were excessed, now the APWU will have a say Q. How is that going to change? let’s say Taylor MI for instance, then you will in the manner. A. The new contract gives them and part-time have the option of coming back or not because Q. Mr. President, address some of the nega- employees at the least 30 work hours a week. you are outside the installation. When you get tive feed back that you have encountered It raises the bar and the standard of living for excessed outside the installation, you have a concerning the new contract. the people who were not and will not be able to choice whether to come back or not, regardless A. One area of concerns for the employees is follow their jobs. The new contract prevents the of what craft. 2). The APWU represented craft the two tier wage system. I am going to try and Postal Service from retaliating against our mem- employees who were excessed will be returning clear this matter up and put it to rest. Presently bers if they make this choice. There are a lot of at some point, the new contract made provi- every person working for the USPS is under a two small towns and places that suffer tremendously continued on page 12    

June, 2011 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 11

Postal Facts . . . Did You Know? by Danny Sawicki 48222, now you know where it’s to the” America’s Stamp Stop’s attacks on Detroit mail carriers last THE J. W. WESTCOTT going. Free Hot Dog lunch” on Saturdays, year compared to 10 in New York MAIL FREIGHTER a tradition Karl started for his cus- and 74 in Los Angeles? Way too Did you know that The J.W. West- THE MARSHALL POSTAL tomers to meet and discuss their many here in Detroit. Compared to cott freighter is the only U.S. mail MUSEUM hobby more that 20 years ago. the populations of those other cit- boat in the country providing mail Did you know that Marshall, Stop in and say hello and tell them ies to Detroit, the dog attack ratio service by water? The boat services Michigan has the 2nd largest postal that the DDAL sent you. For more here in Detroit is astronomical. other freighters coming thru the De- museum in the country? It is second information call 248-474-4460. Tell me what is the Post Office troit River. only to the Smithsonian National and the city of Detroit is going to The boat and office are located on Postal Museum in Washington, D. C. DOG ATTACKS do about this shocking and em- the river by the Ambassador Bridge. The museum is in the basement Did you know there were 59 dog barrassing situation? The 45 ft. long, 15 ft. wide beam of the historic Marshall post office building. The museum’s main focus is APWU P.O.W.E.R. Committee on rural delivery, and has over 4000 artifacts. The collection announces its includes delivery vehicles (one, a 1931 Model A mail truck Annual Educational from Grand Rapids), clothing, postal antiques, buggies, mail sleighs and even a 1917 Model Scholarship Applications T mail snowmobile that deliv- are ready ered mail in the Upper Penin- vessel is powered-by a B-series Cum- sula. Other historic postal items are Applications may be picked up at the mins diesel engine. featured. Canceling, sorting tables, The freighter transfers mail, sup- stamps, photos, historic windows APWU office located at plies, parts, pilots, people and even dot the museum. Not everything is 20530 Southfield Road delivered a donkey! Mail is the first on display at once. Detroit, MI 48235 priority. A 5 dollar donation is suggested The boat is contracted by the for admission, and you must book (313) 532-9305 USPS. It maintains round the clock an appointment to visit the muse- All Applications MUST be returned to the above address — operations. Depending on condi- um. Call 269-420-7030 or 269-979- ATTENTION P.O.W.E.R. Committee by the close tions, the boat runs on the river from 2719 for more information. of business on Friday, July 8, 2011. the end of March until a week or so before Christmas. AMERICA’S STAMP STOP Christopher E. Ulmer, President Sandra Carey, Coordinator To stay in touch with passing IN BERKLEY Teresa Dickerson, Recording Secretary Great Lakes freighters, they use Did you know in our area there Karen Catlin, Treasurer 2-way radios and telephones. has been a store that specializes in Vanessa Williams, Organization The boat delivers the mail while stamps, coins and other collectables moving along the giant freight- since 1978? ers. Engineering calculations are It is called America’s Stamp Store determined for each tie-up pro- in Berkley. cedure. Wind, current, freighter Karl Schaefer started his first American Postal Workers Union size, freighter speed and other fac- store in Birmingham, Michigan in tors are considered. Tow-lines and 1978. He ran 3 stores until the ear- ratchets are used to secure the tie- ly 1980’s. However, at that time, a up. This can be a very dangerous law was passed stating that collec- procedure. tors could no longer hold stamps Yearly, the boat averages about and other collectables as investment 4000 trips. Amazing, considering assets in retirement funds. That the ever changing weather condi- slowed down the stamp collecting tions we encounter here in Michi- and the collectable hobby. He has Saturday, July 16, 2011 gan. scaled down to 1 store that is ex- Ships sailing the Great Lakes tremely busy. Clients include doc- 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. have individual mail slots in the mail tors, swimming guards and every- room office. Back in the day, the Ed- one in between. FOOD SERVED FROM 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. mund Fitzgerald had a slot. Sadly, Karl says, “everyone is treated the slot is now replaced by another equal here.” His son Todd says, “We Metro Beach – Metro Park freighter. see grandpas bringing in grandkids, 31300 Metroparkway The operation has been running and lately, we are seeing a lot of girls since 1874! The boat even has it’s and women that we haven’t seen Mt. Clemen, MI 48046 own zip code, 48222. before.” Stamp collecting and col- (Surfside Shelter) Sometimes bad conditions and or lectables are transcending into other weather cancel operations until con- genres and generations. $5 Entrance Fee into the park ditions improve. The stores stamp inventory in- Pool - $3 per person (under 3 free) As a past time, many people cludes stamps dating from the watch the freighters pass by. There 1840s, as well as proof sets, sheets Locker - $.50 are many good viewing sites along and theme stamps, as well as Cin- FOOD/FUN/GAMES/RAFFLES the Detroit River. Some keep jour- derella stamps (stamp-like labels Entertainment Committee Members nals and log sightings as ships pass not valid for postage) and revenue Manuela Webster, Chairperson by. You can even follow audio trans- stamps. Other collectables are car- Carl Williams, Co-Chair missions on channel 10. When us- ried at the store. The store buys Michelle Hamons ing a marine radio, that is the chan- about 3 to 5 stamp collections a nel the Westcott uses to contact the week, mostly local. Other business Darren ‘D. J.’ Hill freighters. comes from ebay with customers Renee Sheppard So while you are processing the from all over the world. Samantha Young mail and see that “weird” zip code Karl and son Todd welcome you    

Page 12 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER June, 2011 Ask The President continued from page 10 Although we did not prevail with the family and colleagues excessed to remain gainfully employed sions for that. 3). You must come injunction process, the Postal Service to Pittsburgh, Iowa, etc. and close to home and their loved back to your former APWU repre- started to adhere to that amendment. when they got there, their was ones. This new contract allows sented craft if you were excessed I know both sides, the APWU ad- no job there for them. What is the Postal Service as well as the into a non APWU represented ministration and the Postal Service your take on that? Union to transition smoothly craft within the installation. 4). administration, looked at that case A. The job, the tour has to be from the 20th to the 21st cen- Excessed employees may stay in very close. Now there is strict and identified and the employee must tury. An important point about a different craft as long as it is clear language that states when the be notified of it 60 days before the unions is that we map out a outside the installation or if it is Postal Service identifies people to be employee can be excessed into positive future for the employees an APWU represented craft within excessed, they must have a job there that job. It is a big plus. There who are still here and that we the installation. for the excessed employee. Not like are lots of little things the people pave the ways for those coming DANNY. That should clear up what they have been doing. They will do not know because they do not behind us and this contract does some of the questions of that lan- give you a 60 day notice, not have a deal with the grievance process that. Our leaders, our contract guage. job available, then when one comes everyday. People sometimes look negotiators have done a great CHRIS. I want to speak on up they say, “well you have to go at factors such as tours, NS days, job on being futuristic and try- the Detroit District Area Local’s right now because we already gave which are very important, but ing to pave the way for anybody affect on the new contract. You you a 60 day notice”. we must realize union officials that has 10, 20 or 30 years to go, know when we first took office Well now that is essentially elimin- deal with a gamit of issues big and that is what we look for our in 2010, we filed an injunction ated. When we filed this injunction, and small everyday. The import- leaders to do. against the USPS on the grounds we needed approval from the APWU ant thing is that the language DANNY. That is very import- that they are not doing what was National President (William Burrus). regarding excessing and place- ant Chris. I want to thank you for contractually required when it Mr. Burrus decided to file a Step 4 ment is clear and unambiguous clarifying these issues for us. came to excessing employees. grievance on this particular issue. It to ensure that the USPS follows CHRIS. One thing I have al- The DDAL believed that the USPS is good to see new contract language the CBA as it should. ways said is that we have smart needed to identify the jobs when that pertains to an issue(s) that you Q. Well Mr. President, you members. No matter what anyone they give employees their 60 day (Detroit) are facing and fighting for. have cleared up many ques- says, our members are smart and notification. The DDAL believed It may have seemed like the DDAL tions for me and for the mem- intelligent and are not ones to be the USPS had the responsibility lost its court injunction but see new bership regarding the new fooled over and over again, and to identify the location, the tour, contract language addressing some- contract. Are there any other I think that is why the contract and all relevant information for thing you have been fighting lets the thoughts you might want to was ratified. the identified employee to make leadership and membership of the elaborate on? DANNY: Well said, thank you an informed decision to follow DDAL know that we really won. A. I think this contract lays Chris. the job or not. The DDAL filed a Q. Mr. President that is a great the ground work for the future. Chris: Thank you Danny. court injunction on these grounds. point. We all have had friends, This contract allows the Postal Due to limited space the inter- Service, as well as the employees view was edited. The most import- to choose new duty assignments, ant points have been printed. If you they may say, “I will work 4 days, have any questions for “Ask the 10 hours a day and get 3 off days, President” column, contact Danny or 3 days a week 12 hours a day. Sawicki, mailing address: 20530 The new contract gives variety Southfield Road, Detroit, MI 48235; and flexibility, it will prevent em- e-mail: dsawicki@apwudetroit. ployees from being excessed and org, cell phone (586) 943-3950. — Steward Talk — continued from page 9 is no harm in filing a “silly” griev- rapidly turn into unreadable tis- ance, we can always take it back. sue paper; FILE them, they are The only “silliness” is failing to YOUR records ! ! ! COPIES of your protect yourself by not asking for FMLA requests. COPIES of your help. We are here to help, that’s bids. COPIES of your disciplinary what we do. That’s our calling. actions and settlements. COPIES • Editors Note: Since 1986 of your grievances. It is YOUR life, John has been willing and able protect yourself! to work under every President 3. When in doubt, consult your and their administration in a fair union steward, and if necessary and honest manner. FILE a GRIEVANCE. We always Thank you for your service tell people this, but they, alas, John, And remember members, don’t always do it. There are USE YOUR STEWARDS! more rules and regulations than If you would like the opportu- most rank-and-file members are nity to be a steward, send Presi- aware of, which is why we train dent Ulmer a letter with your stewards. There is no harm in name, facility, tour, craft, NS checking with the steward. There days and start time. oc al L

re a Next Membership Meetings A Sunday, June 12, 2011

istrict SUMMER BREAK

D SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

etroit 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. D AFL- CIO APWU, 20530 Southfield Road Detroit, Michigan 48235 Change Service Requested  