POSTAL WORKER Detroit District Area Local American Postal Workers Union November, 2016 2011 POSTAL PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNER the Voice of the President

The DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Detroit District Area Local American Postal Workers Union November, 2016 2011 POSTAL PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNER The Voice of the President . . . Information You Need To Know of the duty station from which employees re- not consent to a search; tired or separated. • Ask, “Am I a suspect in a criminal warrant From The matter?” If the answer is, Yes, exercise your Employee Rights During Interrogations right to remain silent until you have consulted President Postal employees are subject to investigation with an Attorney; by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and/or • Do not deny or admit to any allegations Postal Inspector Services for off-duty as well as without consulting with a union representative, on-duty offenses. Generally, off-duty non-postal or an Attorney; Keith Combs, Sr. offenses that are subject to investigation include • DO NOT SIGN ANY FORM WAIVING YOU President serious acts of criminal violence, use of firearms RIGHTS, AND or dangerous weapons in the commission of a • DO NOT WRITE OR SIGN ANY STATE- crime, grand larceny, burglary, embezzlement, MENTS OR MAKE ORAL REMARKS WITHOUT or robbery, and sale or possession of narcotics of CONSULTING WITH A UNION REPRESENTA- Local LMOU Negotiations dangerous drugs. Other off-duty non-postal of- TIVE OF AN ATTORNEY. The Detroit District Area Local is currently fenses may also result in investigations. in Local Negotiations with area Plant Manag- If you are questioned by one or more OIG Know Your Weingarten Rights ers, Managers, and Postmasters. The Union agents or Postal Inspectors, even if you be- The right of employees to have union rep- Team consists of Pat Chornoby Vice Presi- lieve you are not guilty of any wrongdoing, you resentative at investigatory interviews was an- dent, John Merritt Clerk Craft Director, Rico should: nounced by the U. S. Supreme Court in a 1975 Cameron MVS Craft Director, Sterling Bouier • Remain calm; case (NLRB vs. Weingarten, Inc. 420 U.S. 251, Maintenance Craft Director, Debbie Wringler • Correctly identify yourself; 88 LRRM 2689) These rights have become NDC Facility Director, Matt Abdilla Assistant • Request a Union Representative or an At- known as the “Weingarten Rights.” Facility Director and myself. I owe much grat- torney, as appropriate; • Employees have “Weingarten Rights” only itude to these men and women; it is because • Remain silent until you have consulted with during investigatory interviews, when a super- of them that our Local negotiations for the a Steward or an Attorney; visor questions an employee to obtain informa- most part have been successful. Thanks to all • Don’t physically resist arrest or search of tion that could be used as a basic for discipline of you, job well done. your person or property; or asks an employee to defend his or her con- We have completed most of the Detroit Area • Request to see a search warrant. If a duct. If an employee has a reasonable belief that LMOU’s in one or two days except for the GWY. search warrant is not available, inform the discipline or other adverse consequences may It is the position of some of the Management OIG agents or Postal inspectors that you do continued on page 2 team members at the GWY have notion that the Union will not run the Postal Service. Well we don’t run the Postal Service, but neither does the Postal Service run us. We are strong, we are smart, we are wise, we are passionate, we are APWU National Convention articulate, and we are up for the fight.

Contractual Retroactive Payment The interest Arbitration Award dated July 18, 2016 established the terms for the 2015- 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ordered a retroactive pay increase effective No- vember 14, 2015. USPS started paying the new rates ordered by the Arbitration Award on Au- gust 6, 2016. The retroactive pay for all APWU represented employees for the period from No- vember 16, 2015 through August 5, 2016 will be paid in pay period 23 (October 29-November 11) and will be reflected in the November 18, 2016 paycheck. The rate changes for all paid hours (including annual and sick leave, Sunday premium, overtime, etc. will be reflected in the retroactive payments. Actual payments will vary based on pay grade and step as well as the number and type of hours worked. Retirees and other separated employees who worked any hours after November 13 will re- Local Presidents from Michigan with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. President Combs ceive retroactive payments. The retroactive behind Dr. Mona. Dr. Mona is the hero who broke the Flint Water Crisis story. payment will be mailed to the installation head Page 2 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER November, 2016

HORRIBLY UNDERSTAFFED DETROIT Editor’s District Are A LocAL AmericA n PostAL Workers Union Report Detroit District Area Local Even Regional Union Officials Danny Sawicki Keith Combs ...... Page 1 Associate President Editor Management Admits It Patrick Chornoby ...... Page 3 how long the other types of mail thing about it in a timely manner. Executive Vice-President and packages are being delayed. This issue is not only centralized Tamika Johnson-Smith...... Page 3 It got so bad, that upper man- in Detroit, but the other facilities Secretary/Treasurer agement from all over the building, that the DDAL covers are also un- John Merritt...... Page 4 At the end of October and the including the administrative side derstaffed. Clerk Craft Director beginning of November, we had started working the political mail to We all know the overtime that we Sterling Bouier ...... Page 4 upper Regional Management from try to get it out and clean things up. have been doing. We are tired. Even Maintenance Craft Director Chicago roaming the floors of the Well, that’s a blatant violation. with an adequately staffed facility Rico Cameron ...... Page 4 George W. Young facility in De- Management and supervisors do- and with the holidays right around MVS Craft Director troit. ing bargaining work is a violation, the corner, the overtime will be Debbie Wingler ...... Page 8 Apparently, there have been so and the DDAL is filing grievances there for THOSE THAT WANT IT! NDC Facility Director many complaints from custom- every time it happens. Give out the overtime for those that Regina “Gina” Favors...... Page 9 ers that the Chicago management Also, management is forcing choose to sign the OTDL list. For Director of Legislation team and the Inspectors had to get employees to cross crafts. Truck those that don’t want it, staff the fa- involved. drivers, custodians were given or- cilities properly, and quit forcing the Darrell Clark Director of Organization One of the problems, out of ders to throw mail!!! Again, bla- non-OTDL employees from doing many, was that political mail was tant violations that the DDAL is ten hours. Quit enforcing non-OTDL Tony Friday Assist. Clerk Craft Director being delayed. Rumor has it that on top of and filing the proper employees on their holidays and NS weeks ago, certain politicians grievances. days. This is happening way too fre- Keith Fletcher Assist. Maint. Craft Director mailed their campaign literature to OK, now to the moral of the sto- quently, and our employee’s health voters and themselves and at press ry. What do all these instances tell issues are escalating. Albert Lewis time, the beginning of November, you? You don’t need to be a Ein- The post office thinks that not Assistant MVS Craft Director they still haven’t received their lit- stein to figure it out . . .YOU ARE hiring people and giving out all Roz York ...... Page 5 erature. UNDERSTAFFED! that overtime is saving them mon- Recording Secretary Can you imagine, all that work After their research, the Chica- ey. What else could the answer be? Al Fouche...... Page 8 and money campaigning, paying go management team told Detroit Your saving money by giving out Retirees’ President for expensive campaign literature, officials and Union officials that all that time and a half and V time? Danny Sawicki ...... Page 2 the postage, and your information the GWY is 40-48 percent under- I’d like to see the numbers and re- Associate Editor not getting to the voters until after staffed. search on that. Dale Zanardelli the election or just days before the We have filed labor charges and Now that regional management Webmaster election? How stressful would that grievances addressing these is- has come in and seen the mess TRUSTEES be on a candidate, all the dreams sues, but it takes time for action that is happening in Detroit and Clerk Craft: MVS Craft: to take effect in the grievance pro- Dana A. Beard & Clarise Tard Charles Diggs in jeopardy, just because the Post the outlying stations, maybe they Office refuses to staff the facilities cess. will hire some new blood in here so Maintenance Craft: Mail Handler: Dale Zanardelli Kimberly Durden properly. Maybe Chicago and Washington we can get a break from this work- With the campaign mail getting will take action and realize what a load and give back the respect that SGT.-AT-ARMS Lopinia L. R. Row Everett Hall all the attention, you can imagine mess it is in Detroit and do some- the mail deserves. Information You Need To Know continued from page 1 The Supreme Court has also ruled honor the millions of men and wom- result from what he or she says, the that during an investigatory inter- en who have served, or are serving employee has the right to Union rep- view management must inform the in our nations Armed Forces. Veter- resentation. union representative of the subject ans are very deserving of this honor. • Management is not required to of the interrogation. The represen- Many have returned home having inform employees of their “Weingar- tative must be allowed to speak pri- left some portions of them, mentally 100% UNION ten Rights;” it is the employee’s re- vately with the employee before the and/or physically on foreign land. We PRINTER PRODUCED sponsibility to make the request for interview. During the questioning, owe these service men and women by STACY Publishing representation. the steward can interrupt to clarify so much, but we give them so little. When the employee requests a a question or to object to confusing Veterans enter Military service hop- shop steward or a union representa- or intimidation tactics. He or she can ing to return home the same way tive, management has three options: advise the employee when to stop they entered, only to soon realize that 1. Grant the request and wait un- answering questions and to consult this is impossible. We are changed til the union representative arrives, with an attorney. forever, usually not for the bad, but 2. Discontinue the interview, or Never allow OIG agents or Postal still changed. We have grown, we Detroit Postal Worker 3. Offer the employee the option Inspectors to intimidate you. Beware have prayed, we have worried with This newspaper is the official of continuing the interview without of the “good guy, bad guy routine,” concern for our comrades our fami- publication of the Detroit District a union a representative. Never ac- where one OIG agent or inspector lies and our country. It is for this rea- Area Local, APWU, published quar- terly, and affiliated with the Postal cept this option; remain silent until acts as the bad guy and the other as son you should honor a Veteran on, Press Association and the AFL-CIO. you have representation. the good guy and tries to con you in Veteran’s Day because if it were not Please send all correspondence in An agent from the Office of In- believing that he or she in trying to for these vet’s you could be speak- care of: Editor, 20530 Southfield spector General (OIG) or the Postal help you. Don’t fall into their trap; ing a foreign language. I want to say Road, Detroit, MI 48235, 313-532- Inspection Service will often assert neither of them will help you. Refuse THANK YOU ALL, you see I too am a 9305. Editor: Keith Combs, Sr. that the only role of a union repre- to answer questions unless a union vet and I too realize that we are asked representative or an attorney is pres- to give so much, only to come home Associate Editor: Danny Sawicki sentative during an investigatory interview is to observe the discussion. ent. What you say will definitely be to a nation that gives so little. Opinions expressed in this paper However, the Supreme Court clearly used against you. Until next time Sisters and Broth- are those of the writer and not nec- Veteran’s Day ers, remember that you don’t receive essarily those of the Editors or the acknowledges a representative’s Detroit District Area Local. right to assist and counsel employ- Every year on November 11, a reward for what you get, you only ees during interviews. Americans celebrate Veterans Day to receive a reward for what you give. November, 2016 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 3

Vice President’s PAE – Union Files NLRB Charges Report Order on how federal contractors do. Under Article 6 of our contract, coln Park, Eastpointe, Northville, staff their government projects. For postal employees are protected Monroe, Ypsilanti and Fraser. Any those members who are not familiar against any involuntary layoff or member who would like a copy of with our USMT centers, they are the force reduction. This is a huge ben- their office’s Local Memorandum Patrick Chornoby contractors that service the Post Of- efit for us postal workers. I often of Understanding, they will not Executive fice by sorting, cleaning, emptying, think about our forefathers who be finalized until sometime next Vice President repairing and shipping out empty negotiated our first USPS contract month. The Union will have copies equipment to the Post Office. Items and negotiated that language in it. available for every member who like trays, sleeves, APCs, tubs, I am sure the post office accepted requests one. bags/sacks, wires, and so forth. The the language, back then they never On July 15th, the APWU and our USMT receives shipments of these thought that there would ever be a Overtime - December 2016 PAE employees were notified that items from area Post Offices and need to layoff employees. Article 6 of Once again the December holiday the Postal Service was awarding ships the items back to the offices the contract has proven to be price- season is creeping itself upon us, their USMTE contract to another as they need them. Getting back to less for postal employees. We hope and once again (like last year) many Company. USMT is the abbreviation President Obama’s Executive Order to be just as successful in finding of our represented offices are and of U.S. Mail Transport Equipment. he signed after taking office. It states employment for our PAE members will be short staffed. Unfortunately, On the same day, management told in part, that contractors who win in winning our NLRB charge. our meetings with management the 100% organized shop of our government follow-up contracts, have not been successful in working union members that they were go- must first offer jobs to nonmanage- Local Contract Negotiations out a solution to fast-track the hiring to be laid off, PERMANENTLY, rial employees at the previous com- Local contract negotiations are ing and employee bidding system. beginning on September 12, 2016. pany prior to hiring new employees underway between the Union and To replace an employee who bids This involved fifty-four of our mem- to fill the jobs. When the new com- each Local Post Office. Manage- out or retires seems to take several bers, with an average seniority of pany Hollingsworth took over the ment has requested to address months. Additionally, management 15 to 17 years. These employees USPS contract, they refused to offer contract changes at the GWY Main seems to be determine that our of- are not being ‘excessed’. They are our current members a job in their Post office, the DNDC in Allen fices are overstaffed, when we know not being sent to work at another new company. The APWU is cur- Park, in the Livonia Post Office, that they are actually understaffed location or Post Office. They have all rently fighting this decision by Hol- St. Clair Shores Post Office, Ann in most cases. I want to remind all lost their jobs. Our Local along with lingsworth, as we determined that Arbor and in Southfield. As of the employees that during the month the National APWU immediately it is a clear and deliberate violation date of this paper, there have been of December, management cannot filed National Labor Relations Board of Obama’s Executive Order. We are no final decisions or agreements disregard the Overtime Desired List charges against the company who currently waiting for a decision from made between the parties. The Lo- in Article 8. Management MUST uti- took over the USPS contract. The the NLRB. Although PAE employees cal has received several proposals lize the OTDL prior to forcing non company is called Hollingsworth, are not Postal Employees, they ALL for our current negotiations and list employees to work any overtime. and their headquarters is located belong to our local union, the Detroit will challenge management if they Some supervisors in past years seem in Dearborn, Michigan. The reason District Area Local. They attend our seek to change any benefit offered to be of the belief that during Decem- for the charges being filed against Union Meetings, are on our mailing our members. Our Local Memoran- ber the OTDL is not utilized. This Hollingsworth goes back to the first list, attend union functions and are dums in the following Post Offices is absolutely not true. If you have two weeks after President Obama 100% organized. The only differ- have not been opened and their any questions regarding overtime was inaugurated back in 2008. ence is that they don’t have a no current contracts will be extended issues, please see your Steward. If Within his first two weeks in Office, lay-off clause in their contract like until September 20, 2018; Inkster, you see management violating the he signed a little known Executive postal employees do, like you and I Centerline, Roseville, Taylor, Lin- contract, let us know immediately.

Secretary- Making Great Financial Progress And Treasurer’s Report Building Strides Toward Our Goals Tamika Johnson- Smith know we are doing our very best to that is working for them! Let me share with you what we have put the local and members first. Our Many of you may not know the been accomplishing to update YOUR Secretary-Treasurer members deserve an administration conditionsAMERICAN of YOUR POSTAL WORKERS union UNION building. continued on page 5 DETROIT DISTRICT AREA LOCAL DEBT TRANSFER TO NEW ADMINISTRATION CURRENT BALANCE We started the beginning of the American Postal Workers Union Detroit District Area Local year with being in the “RED”. I would like to take the time to inform the Debt Transfer to New Administration Current Balance membership the great progress that VENDORS HISTORY BALANCE DUE PAID TO CURRENT CURRENT BALANCE we have been making regarding “the APW-ABA Cash Payer Membership 2016 140.40 PAID IN FULL 0 Former Administration Debt Trans- CITY TAXES 317.50 PAID IN FULL 0 fer to the New Administration” as of CITY TAXES 4,535.95 PAID UP TO SUMMER 2016 3,625.22 December 2015 to October 2016. We COSTCO MEMBERSHIP PRIMARY & GENERIC CARDS 110.00 1 YEAR PAID IN FULL 0 assumed 19 of our vendor’s outstand- GOLDEN VISION 3,841.26 PAID UP TO CURRENT MONTH 0 ing debt and we can proudly say that GUARDIAN ALARM 368.00 PAID UP TO CURRENT MONTH 0 we are current on all of the 19 vendor LEGGHIO INHERITED (prior to 2016) 17,195.43 BALANCE AS OF OCTOBER 15,999.67 invoices. Also, we have a long list of LEGGHIO INHERITED (prior to 2010) 33,302.33 PAID IN FULL 0.00 other monthly vendors that we are METRO AFL-CIO 1,440.00 PAID UP TO THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 960.00 current with as well. We are firmly MPWU MOS 600.00 PAID UP TO CURRENT MONTH OF OCTOBER 0 moving ahead to meet our financial PITNEY BOWES 246.95 PAID UP TO CURRENT MONTH 0 obligation. We still have a long ways RETIREE BENEFIT UP TO $300/EA 31 NON-VER (PRO-POST 2013 9,300.00 (44 retiree) NON -VER 13,200.00 to go to be financial sound. I would RETIREE BENEFIT UP TO $300/EA 107 VER (2013) 32,100.00 (107 retiree)SAME BALANCE 32,100.00 like the membership to know that STIPENDS (REQUESTED) 2015 STIPENDS 6,950.00 PAID IN FULL 0 our officers, stewards, committee UNIMATIC ELECTION 9,200.00 PAID IN FULL 0 members, and members have made URBAN PRESS ELECTION 4,003.62 PAID IN FULL 0 several contributions back to our lo- WASTE MANAGEMENT 246.00 PAID UP TO CURRENT MONTH 0 cal. I CANNOT THANK EVERYONE XEROX 8 MI COPIER 57.43 PAID UP TO CURRENT MONTH 0 ENOUGH! We want the members to TOTAL $ 123,954.87 $ 65,884.89 Page 4 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER November, 2016

Maintenance Craft Welcome Career PSE Employees! tions, please contact one of your offered retreat rights to all Level 7 all that had the pleasure of making Report maintenance stewards for assis- Maintenance Mechanics that were his acquaintance. I’ve known him tance. Please take advantage of the excessed. The remaining positions for many years and he always had opportunity to apply and test for will be filled by the pecking order something to say when he saw Sterling Bouier all maintenance craft positions at through promotion, transfer, and the you. He brought smiles and hu- Maintenance Craft your facility. Also take advantage in-service register, I want to say to mor to the workplace. If only more Director of the chance to participate in the all that life is precious. Enjoy it and employee’s followed his example. Federal Health Plans for medical spend quality time with family and He was a good man and he will be and dental. I must say that I am friends that are important to you. thoroughly missed. Hello Detroit District Area Local, so happy for the opportunities that Have love and happiness in your life. As always feel free to contact me I would like to start by congratulat- lie ahead for our new career main- Learn not to sweat the small stuff if there are any questions or if you ing all the former PSE custodians tenance employees. I encourage and dwell on the negative. Let it go! are in need of my services. I am to the career work force. This is a them to take advantage. here to serve. I can be contacted prime example of what your Union Mackey McGee Remembered at 313-965-1398 (maintenance of- can accomplish for you. May you NDC Positions On September 18, 2016 Main- fice @GWY Detroit) or by email at all experience success in your fu- I was also informed that the NDC tenance employee Mackey McGee [email protected] ture postal careers. If you require will be authorized (11) additional passed away unexpectedly. Mack- you all for allowing me to serve. any assistance or have any ques- maintenance positions. They have ey will be well remembered by any/ In Union Solidarity.

Clerk Craft A Word About The Grievance Procedure a Step 1 grievance on your behalf, fortitude to pay you your sick leave, anybody’s case may not be heard for Director requesting that the AWOL be taken even though he knows you were several years. back, and that you be paid your sick sick and deserve to be paid your sick So your best hope is to have your John Merritt leave. You are present at this meet- leave. HE DENIES YOUR GRIEV- grievance settled at Step 1, with your Clerk Craft ing with your supervisor. You hear ANCE. immediate supervisor, who hopeful- everything your supervisor says and So now what? ly will settle your grievance reason- Director you are able to speak on your own Your steward has to appeal your ably in accordance with the National behalf. It is an uncomfortable scene, case. You did not get what you ex- Agreement and USPS regulations. but that is what a Step 1 grievance pected to get at Step 1. Otherwise, resolving your grievance meeting is like. Your steward argues Now your steward has to appeal could take quite some time. Frequently union members ask on your behalf that: your grievance to the next step, Step I do not write this to discourage me why it takes so long to get a sat-  YOU haven’t called in sick for 15 2, to be discussed with the manager, our members from utilizing the isfactory result from the grievances years most likely, the same manager who grievance procedure. Despite the that they file. Any member has a  WHAT does the Super Bowl told your supervisor to AWOL every- difficulties I’ve described above, right to expect that his/her grievance have to do with YOU being sick body who called in on Super Bowl which I’ve dealt with in the 30 years will be promptly addressed, and the  YOU always come to work Sunday in the first place. of my experience as a union official, remedy that he/she requests will be  WHY would your supervisor Not surprisingly, this Step 2 man- far and away the majority of griev- granted. (who knows you have excellent at- agement designee also denies your ances are settled at Step 1 of the Your union agrees with you. But tendance) mark you AWOL under grievance. Now your steward has grievance procedure, between the here’s the problem: Your supervisor. any circumstances to appeal your grievance to Step 3, member, the steward, and the im- Let’s take a simple case to illus- Your supervisor responds that his or to arbitration. Either way, your mediate supervisor. That’s the way trate a larger problem. You call in manager told him to AWOL every- grievance has now entered into a it should be, and that is in the best sick on Super Bowl Sunday. body who called in on Super Bowl loaded casefile docket, of many hun- spirit of resolving grievances at the You haven’t called in sick for 15 Sunday. Period. He’s under his man- dreds of cases. This docket of cases lowest possible level, which is the years, but in the mind of your su- ager’s thumb, and he doesn’t have is potentially scheduled to be heard guiding philosophy of the National pervisor, anybody who calls in on the personal integrity or intestinal at arbitration. In this environment, Agreement. Super Bowl Sunday is suspicious, and must be just ducking work to stay off drinking during the football game. You aren’t known to be a football fan, but to the supervisor, ev- Motor Craft Review Of Last Three Months erybody who calls in this particular Craft to thank all our National Officers for Will utility’s return so employee Sunday is suspect, so you are told their efforts and hard work negotiat- can bid on a daily assignments? to “substantiate” your illness with Report ing this contract. Will there be split off days? a doctor’s note. You haven’t called In August of 2016 the MVS Craft Will all residual vacancies be post- in sick for 15 years (see above) and welcome back all of our remaining ed for bid? you see no reason to go to a doctor Rico Cameron excessed drivers back to the Detroit Will MVS be scanning? If so, how for a single day of illness, so you just MVS Director VMF. These drivers were among will this affect our duty assignment? come back to work on Monday, the 19 employees excessed to mail ca- We also have some issues at other day after the Super Bowl. You find reer craft from MVS and the last to locations Livonia, Ann Arbor, De- that your supervisor has marked return. MVS would like to thank troit VMF’s and NDC. Regarding you AWOL for the Sunday, and by Hello Sisters and Brothers of the DDAL President Mr. Combs for his residual vacancy, posting, safety, the way, you aren’t getting paid Detroit MVS Craft. A few things help & support in the meetings with duty assignments, OTDL rotation, your sick leave. have happened over the last three USPS Management for their return. and a variety of other problems that (If you think I’m making up this months. In July we received a new I have put in a request to Trans- require discussion with the USPS situation, that it’s a little “over the Collective Bargaining Agreement portation Manager to open the annu- Management at the above mention top” or otherwise an exaggeration, I with the Postal Service which in- al bid, but there are some important facility’s to address the concerns of want to assure you -- this is a real- clude some important achievements issues that must be discussed before MVS craft. life situation which happened this in the MVS Craft. One of biggest we move forward. I would like to invite all of our De- very year and resulted in a number was all MVS PSE employee’s will Will there be a reduction in duty troit MVS craft employees to attend of grievances.) be converted to PTF Career status, assignments? MVS awareness meeting on Sunday Seems mighty unreasonable, also the moratorium on out sourcing Will there be any new duty as- October 23, 2016. Our National Offi- doesn’t it? So you decide to take PVS work. The strengthening of Ar- signments? cers Mr. Mike Foster, Javier Pineres this problem to your union stew- ticle 39 which governs and protects Will there be adjustments to and Mr. Merlie Bell will be in atten- ard and file a grievance. And so you MVS craft employee’s rights, wages duty assignments currently in place dance. As the Detroit MVS Craft rec- should. Your steward promptly files & working conditions. I would like (times, stops, pick-ups, tours)? ognize Mr. Bell’s retirement. November, 2016 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 5 Post Office Issues In Congress Affect Us! by Danny Sawicki Let’s face it, all the politicians care about is stay informed and never stop voting, your fu- We must address the congressional and po- our vote. If we convey to them to be post of- ture could depend on it.” litical issues in congress concerning the post fice friendly, we will vote for them. If not, no Do you care about your job, your future and office. These issues in congress affects the fu- vote, it’s that simple. Another important thing you children’s future? Make that call, write that ture of the post office and ultimately affects is to vote for post office friendly politicians. That letter, send that e-mail. Tell these politicians the future of us and our jobs. Unfortunately, goes from local offices to the President of the you care about the post office and vote favor- politicians hold in their hands the future of our United States. ably on post office friendly proposals. You don’t futures. We must sway them to be post office I was reading an article from the National As- have to call, write, e-mail every day, five, ten friendly and the only way they will be is if we sociation of Letter Carriers Director of Retirees. times a day. Start with one or two submissions. contact them and tell them about our concerns Mike Sheriden, and he said something that re- A little at a time goes a long way. Please contact and to vote on post office friendly proposals. ally struck me. At the end of his article concern- our Michigan Representatives, Senator Debbie How do we convey our concerns? We write, ing congressional issues and the post office he Stabenow (202) 224-4822 or Senator Gary Pe- we call, we e-mail them, we show that we care said, “we lose far more in Congress than we ever ters (202) 224-6221. so they will care about the post office! lose at the bargaining table. Stay vigilant and MAKE CONTACT! Meet Your Recording Secretary – Roz York by Danny Sawicki records and the ex- our meetings to Committee member representing Roz is a 23 year employee at the act wording of mo- be legal. Accurate the DDAL. Her responsibility was post office. She is the proud parent tions and action minutes are very assuring that each of the 2100 dele- of 2 lovely children, Asia and Vin- taken on motions, important as they gates from 338 locals had the proper cent. She has been a true unionist maintaining the form the official credentials to be in attendance at the throughout her postal, career, serv- membership list, and legal record of pre-convention workshops/activities ing as a clerk craft steward, former custodian of the the union. Meet- and to be on the convention floor. P.O.W.E.R officer, a delegate to Na- local’s meeting at- ing minutes are On October 8th, she spearheaded tional Conventions and currently a tendance records kept FOREVER, as a Breast Cancer Walk on the streets Human Relations Committee mem- and maintaining they contain the of Detroit, raising funds to help ber and a Legislative Committee the list of all com- motions that au- breast cancer research, life-saving member. She is serving as a clerk mittees and com- thorize the spend- education on cancer and critical pa- craft steward at the GWY, and when mittee members. ing of local funds. tient services. Truly, a busy, amaz- not on the union desk she is a gen- The most impor- They are also fi- ing lady, committed making this a eral expediter. Truly a full plate. tant responsibil- nancial records, better community and workplace for Being a Recording Secretary is a ity of the Recording Secretary is the that is why it is a federal law to keep us and our families. very important job for the union and recording of minutes at all union them forever. Roz wanted to make sure we told our membership. Duties include: meetings and union board meetings. This year at the National Conven- our members that she appreciates maintaining union bulletin boards, By federal law, she or a delegate in tion, she was appointed by our local and thanks each and every one of announcing the roll call for atten- her absence, must be Present to re- president AND our National APWU you for giving her the opportunity to dance and voting, keeping accurate cord meeting minutes in order for president to serve as a Credentials serve you throughout the years.

Making Great Financial Progress And Building Strides Toward Our Goals continued from page 3 union building with the following: Annual Christmas Party  Washed walls  Removal wall paper  Removal water fountain Saturday, December 17, 2016  Freshly painted hallway area  Purchased HVAC system for 7p.m. until 12 a.m. main floor In additionally, we have future St. Maron Banquet Center projects that serve as priority for up- 11466 Kercheval, Detroit, Michigan 48214 dating YOUR union building: (Entrance on St. Jean north of Jefferson)  Entrance steps repairs (Lighted Secure Parking)  Roof repairs  Painting ADULT ONLY AFFAIR Buffet Style October is Breast Cancer Aware- APWU Member is free plus Guest is $10 Food will be served from ness Month. The Human Relations APWU Retirees Welcome 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Committee joined Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in De- Please R.S.V.P. by calling the Union Office at (313) 532-9305. troit, MI at Hart Plaza on October 8, 2016. The committee chose the team name “APWU DDAL CARES”. DDAL Members give yourself a round of applause for raising approximately $ 939.00 and counting. Open Season for APWU HEALTH PLAN for APWU members and Fed- eral employees. Health Care Fair is from November 14, 2016 until December 12, 2016. Dates: GWY November 17 &18, 2016 DNDC November 21, 2016 Page 6 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER November, 2016 DDAL Local Picnic On August 13th, your union picnic was held on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan. There was great food and beverages, games and music. A nice turnout and great time was had by all.

What a good-looking group.

Your Region Business Agent James Stephen and President Combs.

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sponsored by Entertainment Committee Tour 3 Clerk Phyllis O’neal cutting it up with Rico and the truck drivers. November, 2016 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 7 National Convention The American Postal Workers Union National Convention was held at One of the main functions of the convention is to hammer out resolutions Orlando, Florida from August 22nd to 25th. pertaining to our National Contract.

Keith Combs and Rico Cameron at the convention. Judy Beard started her labor career as the Sargent of Arms at the DDAL, and still is a proud member of the DDAL. Congratulations on her being voted in nationally as the Legislative/Political Direc- tor. Judy Beard at a ceremony honoring her for her many years as the Retirees Director.

The DDAL very well represented at the convention. A great shot with Dr. Mona. The National Convention Floor. Cancer Walk Labor Day On October 8th,2016 the DDAL joined in with Cancer walk in Detroit. Money was raised to help other organizations and citizens in the Breast the fight against breast cancer. Thank you to all the generous members who donated and walked with us. Your Recording Secretary Roz York co- Parade ordinated the DDAL’s participation in the event. On September 5th, the dignitaries came out in full force marching and supporting labor and unions, marching in the streets of Detroit.

Cancer survivor Kathy Carter taking a cute selfie on the walk.

MVS Director Rico Cameron and Secretary Former President Bill Clinton at the Labor Roz York and fellow employees getting Treasurer Tamika Johnson Smith at the 1 Day parade in Detroit. ready for the walk. mile mark of the cancer walk. Page 8 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER November, 2016

NDC Facility PSE Conversion Information the roles for that amount of time so to be followed prior to the conver- Clerks in other installations within Director no PSE’s at the NDC would be con- sion of PSE’s. The manner in which the District who are on the rolls verted under this new contractual to fill these positions is to be done as the effective date of this agree- Debbie Wingler provision. under the following procedures: ment. NDC With that being said the first Residual duty assignments un- 7. a) Transfers through regu- major question that most Detroit der the terms of this agreement lar eReassign, from other APWU Facility Director NDC PSE’s had was “When and will be filled in the following order: crafts, employees with priority will there be conversions to full 1. Unencumbered clerks in the consideration b) Transfers through time regular for us?” At this time same installation. regular eReassign from all crafts, As you are aware the contract I wanted to make you aware that 2. Employees with Clerk Craft employees without priority consid- was negotiated in July of this year. there is a grievance at Step 2 of retreat rights pursuant to Article eration. Both a & b combined will Although there are many high- the grievance procedure, which is 12.5.c.5.a(5)or Article 12.5.c.5.b(6) be limited to the one in four or one lights I believe that one of the most the highest step within the build- 3. Full-time regular Clerk Craft in six rule as defined in the Mem- successful terms negotiated is the ing before potentially being denied employees from an installation im- orandum of Understanding, Re: fact that the Maintenance and Mo- and ultimately appealed to arbi- pacted by excessing, pursuant to Transfers, as applicable. tor Vehicle Craft will no longer uti- tration. At these Step 2 meetings Article 12.5.c.5, who request trans- 8. Conversion of Clerk Craft Post- lize PSE’s. All employees under the we have discussed the possibility fers within the District or a 100 al Support Employees (PSEs) to ca- PSE classification in these crafts of converting 23 PSE’s due to the mile geographic radius through reer status within the installation. will now be converted and all new fact that we have 23 residual posi- eReassign 21 Day posting. The aforementioned process has hires will be hired as career. The tions. In which a residual position 4. Conversion of Part-Time Flex- been started and the first step has Clerk Craft was not as successful is defined in the contract as a duty ible (PTF) Clerks in the same in- been completed in which typically in making an all career craft and assignment that remains vacant af- stallation. the entire process “should” take I believe that this is due to the fact ter the completion of the voluntary 5. Full-Time regular Clerk Craft about 3 months to complete. In that this is the largest craft and the bidding process . . . Meaning there employees from an installation im- the event that no other employees USPS will still demand the flexibil- are too many bids and not enough pacted by excessing, pursuant to choose to come to the NDC through ity of utilizing PSE’s. There was a employees to fill them. Article 12.5.c.5, who request vol- this process . . . that will open the provision stating that any PSE that There is a Filling of Residual Va- untary transfers beyond the Dis- door to PSE conversions to full- had been on the roles for 2.5 years cancies / Memorandum of Under- trict 100 mile geographic radius time career status. I am hopeful would automatically be converted standing in which it addresses the through regular eReassign. that sometime around December to career but unfortunately we did manner to fill these vacant posi- 6. One time posting of remaining 2016 or January 2017 this process not have PSE’s that have been on tions. In this MOU there are 7 steps residual duty assignments to PTF will be finalized.

Retirees’ Retiree Events At The Department Notes National Convention gates to the national convention. Board” endorsed Hillary Clinton in well positioned to provide paycheck Al Fouche The Retirees Department Direc- July, the day after she received the cashing and other basic financial Retirees’ President tor and each Retiree National Con- nomination of the democratic par- services, commonly performed by vention Delegate will have a voice ty as the APWU executive board postal systems around the world. and one (1) vote at the national believes Hillary Clinton is the best Winning this fight will strengthen convention. The five (5) retiree con- choice for the postal workers in the our public postal service and pro- At the recent APWU national vention delegates shall be paid nec- 2016 race for President. Delegates tect postal jobs. convention held in Orlando, FL essary expenses to attend the na- to the APWU national convention Delegates to the APWU 23rd bi- August 19-25, 2016, the only re- tional convention and the all craft which is the union’s highest gov- ennial national convention got to tiree resolution passed/resolved/ APWU retirees department con- erning body voted in the August, work on the conventions first two adopted was: APWU Constitution ference. All other retiree national 2016 national convention to en- days debating and voting on reso- and Bylaws, Article 11. Section 2: constitution resolutions were voted dorse Hillary Clinton for president. lutions with a focus on proposals (1) second paragraph) be amended down- none concurrence by the In a rousing state of the union for future contract negotiations. with the addition to read: Retirees Constitution Committee and Na- speech to convention delegates, The convention adopted reso- shall elect the Retirees Depart- tional Convention Delegates. President Mark Dimondstein out- lutions dealing with safety and ment Director and five (5) dele- The “APWU National Executive lined the challenges and possibili- health, excessing duty assign- ties facing APWU members, such ments, clothing allowances, senior- as working, living and struggling in ity rights of part time flexibles and a time where there is an all out war improving the status of postal sup- on workers, families and our com- port employees. Delegates also ap- munities. He went on to say make proved resolutions specific to each no mistake about it: It is THEM craft. -vs- US, WALL STREET -vs- MAIN Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha was STREET, CAPITAL -vs- LABOR, present and spoke. She is the pe- and our precious right to vote is diatrician who exposed the Flint under severe attack and elections water crisis, proving that lead was are increasingly and openly bought poisoning the children of Flint, MI. out and sold. For her efforts, she was vilified by President Dimonstein went on the powers that be and labeled to say: The APWU has also spear- “an unfortunate researcher who headed the campaign for postal was causing near hysteria”. But banking. The ‘legal loan sharking’ the good Doctor was not deterred. predatory payday lending, cash- She advocated for the children and checking industry preys on tens families of her City until the story of millions of the working poor. finally pierced the consciousness of The postal service, with its highly the nation. trained dedicated workforce and Speaking at the APWU conven- its presence in every community is continued on page 7 November, 2016 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 9

Legislation Legislative News & Views Director cause she is a so-called “career poli- who did not and do not want to help tician” is not a reason to disqualify Flint should be voted out. Those who here abilities. In fact, I submit to you destroyed public schools in predom- Regina ‘Gina’ Favors that someone who does not have po- inantly urban areas must be voted litical understanding is less likely to out. Those who destroyed public Legislation Director be able to represent me or take care of schools in predominantly urban army needs as a citizen of this country. eas must be voted out. Those who I mean think about, would you want voted against Detroit, it’s retirees, someone who has never had a car the teachers, the schools and most Associate Editor’s Note: At press teaching you (or your child) how to importantly against the students time, election week was in progress, drive? What about a bus driver with need to be voted out. so results may have been tabulated no license, not CDL, and who has Lastly, we ask that you PLEASE before paper delivery. never driven anything AT ALL, tak- be sure to turn your ballot over and It’s almost that time sisters and ing you to your destination? Would vote the non-partisan candidates as brothers. The general election is you want that “businessman” per- well as the proposal. In short please rapidly approaching are you ready? forming medical procedures on you complete your entire ballot. There Have you decided yet? If not, time or would you rather have a doctor? are ballot proposals that you must is of the essence. In case there are And conversely, would you want pay special attention to. One of those any who have not heard, you can that doctor or bus driver (with no is the (RTA) regional transit author- (at least in this election) vote a business/financial training) handling ity. There are, I believe two commu- straight party ticket if you choose. your financial affairs or representing nity issues in Detroit. Also for those You know there is so much at stake you in the board room? We know who live in Detroit, there are (I be- in this election, probably more so that every candidate makes prom- lieve) 63 candidates running for the than any other time. There is the ises and pledges but one “SAYS” he newly created Detroit Public School possibility of not only the repeal of “plans to” and the other tells of her Community District School Board. for her and she wins one of those heath care laws but the continued plans and how they will be fulfilled. There are only seven seats. There is Snyder appointee for anything! This obliteration of civil rights laws being One tells of moving forward, the also a Judge, Ruth C. Carter (who re- was just my “two cents work”, hope repealed. The voting rights laws can other talks about “going back” and signed or retired from the bench) but it helped. Whatever you do please be repealed. Every possible gain that we need to decide which way we will failed to have her name removed of JUST VOTE. While out doing voter has been made over the last eight go. No equally important in the elec- ballot. She left to go work for Gov. registration the other day. I had a years is on the line. We can either tion are the candidates running for Snyder and AG Shuette on the Flint gentleman say to me the other day go “back” or we can keep moving Congress, as well as for State and issues. There are 9 names on the “I DON’T VOTE”! Folks again, peo- forward. Our charge as voters is to Local legislatures. Once again we ballot (counting her) for 36th Dis- ple fought and died for the right to obtain as much FACTUAL informa- must have the discussion of who trict Court Judge and you may vote vote. I humbly ask of you, PLEASE tion possible so that we may make has best represented us. I must say for up to 8 candidate and you are do not squander this opportunity to informed decisions. We must weed that I have never at any time in my asked to please NOT vote for her as let your voice be heard! out the insults and false accusations adult life seen the level of disrespect she is no longer running. If you vote In True Solidarity. and take a look into what has been heaped upon our President, shown thrown at us. While I know this ar- to any other President. I have never ticle is supposed to be non-partisian, seen a more uncooperative congress I cannot help but to point out a few at any time in MY voting life. It is Infrastructure Of falsehoods hurled at the candidate of a proven and admitted fact that this my choice. First of all, I ask that you congress vowed (day one 2008) to Post Office In Decline please look at what the FBI actually make this President fail “NO MAT- by Gina Favors tion and expand the post office. said. I ask you to put aside the very TER WHAT”! They vowed to defeat The infrastructure of the post That’s why I signed a petition to loud claims by the “other” candidate any and every bill that he supported office is in great decline. The post The United States House of Repre- saying she committed a crime. That or pushed for. They tried numerous office has been downsized for at sentatives, The United States Sen- is not what the FBI said. There are times to discredit him, and for that least the last two decades. There ate, and President Barack Obama. some people who actually try to gain they should be voted out. Here in is no need to continue this policy Will you sign this petition? Go favor and move ahead by spreading Michigan we need to clean house as as the post office has no true fi- to: http://petitions.moveon. lies on their opponent. I would like to well. There are a number seats up nancial crisis. It is a result of bad org/sign/expand-opportunity- say that just because someone “ac- for grabs. Those who did no and do legislation. The solution is simple for-1?source=s.icn.em.mt&r_ cuses” another over and over again not support working families, voting create post office friendly legisla- by=2457625 Thanks! does not make that person accurate rights, the constitution and the will or truthful. of the voters should be out. Those Secondly, there has been much who fought for an instituted Right- discussions on career vs. non-career to-Work and Emergency Managers politicians. So I am saying just be- laws need to be voted out. Those The Welcome Mat Retiree Events At The National Convention The APWU-DDAL would like to give a big round of applause to the following new members. As we all know, there is strength continued from page 6 APWU presented her with a in numbers. We appreciate and acknowledge all who make the tion, she brought many to tears. $10,000 contribution for the Flint endeavor to become unionists. We invite you to come in and play Flint did not always mean disaster Child and Health Development an active role in helping this union flourish! she said. It was home to General Fund. Delegates were so inspired We would also like to acknowledge those that signed the new Motors, the United Auto Workers by her remarks that they passed brothers and sisters. Remember, any member can sign a new Union and the great sit down strike buckets for contributions and member and it’s $20 in your pocket! of the 1930s. Because of good union raised more than $12,000 matched JASMINE JACKSON ANDRE JEFFERSON, JR. jobs, Flint had the highest per cap- the APWU contributions bringing KENDRA WELLS LASHAKUR RICE ita wages in the country with good the total to $50,000. Delegates vot- DIANE GLENN AIREONA DAVIS schools and hospitals. ed unanimously to induct Dr. Han- JUANTEZ TYLER TANISHA FIELDS It was the decline of the auto in- na-Attisha as an honorary member CORDELLIOUS WARREN dustry and Flint’s union that lead of the APWU. Dr. Attisha made to decades of disinvestment, and pictures with many delegates and If your address has changed, please notify the union and the ultimately to the austerity mea- all of the Michigan delegates. The Post Office of your address change. If you do not, the Post Office sures that poisoned the water she next national convention will be in will continue to send your paper to the old address. pointed out. Pittsburgh, PA. Page 10 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER November, 2016 — Resources For Veterans — Associate Editors Note: The DDAL and the sists of four half-day group sessions and two resources: mitalent.org/veteran. Detroit Postal Worker is committed to keeping one-on-one coaching sessions. The next group Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division our Veterans aware and informed on current of sessions will be offered next spring. Sign up Operates transitional housing sites for home- issues. We have many veterans including your in December: inforummichigan.org/next4vets less veterans in Detroit and in Monroe. A loca- President Keith Combs or (313) 324-0236 or email Deborah Young at tion in Macomb County is planned. Also provides A listing of services available to veterans and [email protected]. substance abuse treatment and casework servic- their families. es: usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_de- American Red Cross of JVS troithl.nsf. Southeastern Michigan The Veterans Empowerment Tools program Helps coordinate job certification training helps vets with service-related disabilities reinte- Southwest Housing Solutions, Detroit for veterans and provides scholarships to offset grate into the community. Services include sup- Piquette Square, a 150-unit apartment project the cost to attend the Red Cross nurse assistant port groups, one-on-one support, and vocational in Detroit, provides mental health counseling, training program. Ford Motor Co. in February an- and educational counseling. To qualify, a veteran substance abuse treatment, on-site job training, nounced that it is sponsoring 175 such scholar- must have a 10 percent service-connected disabil- and other services to help veterans develop inde- ships. Red Cross also provides emergency finan- ity, an open case with the VA Vocational Reha- pendent living skills: swsol.org/piquette-square- cial assistance and resources to veterans unable bilitation Unit and Employment Chapter 11 ser- for-veterans. to receive other government and social service vices and be referred to JVS by a VA counselor. agency aid: redcross.org/mi/detroit. Sign up at ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/jobs or TechShop Detroit at jvsdet.org/who-we-serve and click on “veter- This fully equipped fabrication and design Brain Injury Association of Michigan ans.” space includes everything from plasma cutters to In conjunction with the U.S. Department of 3-D printers. Free one-year memberships good at Veterans Affairs, the association helps business Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency any TechShop. CEO Mark Hatch is himself a vet- owners understand and deal with veterans with State agency oversees veterans services in addi- eran: techshop.ws/ts_detroit.html. brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder: tion to the Michigan National Guard and Michigan biami.org or (800) 772-4323. Volunteer Defense Force: michigan.gov/dmva. United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Emmanuel House Recovery Program, Detroit Michigan Small Business Its 2-1-1 information hotline and database offers Provides housing, drug and alcohol rehabilita- Development Center veterans referrals for everything from benefits as- tion, employment assistance, resume writing, Offers free training to veterans who want to launch sistance, financial assistance, food, transportation, interview skill-building, a temporary address for or build businesses: sbdcmichigan.org or (616) housing, vocational rehabilitation, workforce de- employment purposes, and transportation to and 331-7480. Email: [email protected]. velopment, and health care to counseling and dis- from jobs: emmanuelhouserecovery.org or ability resources: liveunitedsem.org/get-help. (313) 270-4099. Michigan Veterans Foundation, Detroit This Small Business Administration program University of Detroit Mercy Law School Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces provides services including transitional housing, The law school’s Veterans Law Clinic works U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard pro- life skills and employment training, job opportu- with low-income veterans to help obtain their gram provides employers a direct link to service nities and referrals, transportation and legal as- benefits and address legal and professional needs: members seeking employment. The organiza- sistance: michiganveteransfoundation.org. law.udmercy.edu or (313) 596-0235. tion’s Hero 2 Hired website is a comprehensive job portal for all service members: h2h.jobs or Military OneSource U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs vets.gov/veterans-employment-center. This U.S. Department of Defense program Detroit Regional Benefit Office provides resources and support to active-duty Helps veterans connect with benefit programs Special report: Veterans in the workplace National Guard and Reserve service members and other resources: Read the other the stories from this special re- and their families. The Employee Assistance benefits.va.gov/detroit/index.asp. port: Program section on its website provides ac-  Veterans bring skills, leadership to the work- cess to articles, podcasts and videos, among U.S. Small Business Administration place other resources, specific to military programs Helps veterans start and manage a business,  Companies try to end disconnect many vets and military family concerns such as career, learn how to get loans and other information at feel in corporate world education, financial and legal information: sba.gov, then search for veterans. The SBA also  How a hurricane sent a Coast Guard veteran militaryonesource.com. instituted a new online contracting tutorial to help down a new, successful path veterans and military spouses who own small National Foundation for businesses identify and win federal contracting: Home Depot Veteran Redeployment sba.gov/sba-learning-center/search/training. Partners with nonprofit organizations to ad- Serves as a conduit for training, human re- Email: [email protected]. dress the housing needs of veterans, from build- source networking, and financial support for U.S. ing ramps and home renovations to repairing and veterans interested in career opportunities in the VetBizCentral remodeling transitional housing for homeless vet- oil and gas industry. Offers training, job place- Assists veterans, active duty, Guard and Re- erans: homedepotfoundation.org, click on “vet- ment and relocation funding: idealist.org/view/ serve members in the formation and expansion erans.” nonprofit/HsFXZfG3xb3p. of their businesses through training and counseling, networking, mentoring programs and more: Inforum Center for Leadership Pure Michigan Talent Connect vetbizcentral.org or (810) 767-8387. Inforum offers Next 4 Vets, a custom leader- State employment services for veterans that in- ship program to help women veterans build clude helping employers looking to hire veterans, successful and rewarding careers. Program con- information on education and training and other Veteran’s Haven, Wayne Provides food, clothing, transitional housing and medical supplies: (734) 728-0527 or vetshaveninfo.org.

Volunteers of America-Michigan Jobs and housing programs provide case management services, transportation assistance and other services: voami.org/veterans.

Wins for Warriors Foundation A nonprofit organization founded by Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander that advocates for and invests in resources that engage veterans and their families: winsforwarriors.org. — source: Crain’s Detroit Business - 2016 November, 2016 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER Page 11 We’ll Take All The Work We Can Get! by Keith M. Combs, Sr. perience, in order to maintain the port mail through the building. the LCTS is clerk work. When To All Members: number of work hours of the em- Most clerks have performed the Automated Induction System Recently the union has received ployee’s basic work schedule. “mailhandler” work such as (A.I.) was added to the AFSM-100, complaints from some clerk craft This union is not in the busi- dumping sacks. When the SPBS this system was staffed by mail- members that they are being forced ness of turning away work. For was originally set up at the GWY, handlers, who now took over the to perform “mailhandler’s work”, example, in facilities where no it was clerks who dumped sacks loading that clerks formerly per- they object to working what they mailhandler craft employees work, of working mail on the conveyor formed, and we lost three out of consider “mailhandler’s work” and such as most Detroit city stations belt to feed up to the keyers. Only every four positions on the AFSM- want to file grievances about it, or associate offices, there are no with the advent of the dumper 100. seeking to protect themselves from mailhandlers. Therefore work such system did the work begin to be We are not at odds with our having to perform “mailhandler’s as load/unloading trucks, trans- performed by mailhandlers. When brothers and sisters of National work”. This bulletin will explain porting containers into and out of the Low Cost Tray Sorter was first Postal Mail Handlers Union, and the position of the American Postal the building, unwrapping pallets, deployed it was worked by clerks, none of us should be quarrelling Workers Union on this matter. stacking and pelletizing empty primarily because the LCTS is a with them or expressing ill feelings equipment and so on is performed sorting system and requires read- towards them. They are union- Article 7.2.B of the by clerks, and always has been. ing of zip codes for breaking down ized postal workers like ourselves. National Agreement provides: The only installation where mail- into containers. Management as- Work — all work — we gladly take B. In the event of insufficient handler craft employees are pres- signed jurisdiction of the LCTS on because it promotes job security work on any particular day or days ent at all are the bigger processing to the mailhandler craft back in and creates additional jobs. We do in a full-time or part-time employ- plants like GWY/P&DC, DNDC and the mid-2000’s, but this is a juris- not want to lose ANY work, that ee’s own scheduled assignment, Metroplex, where there is enough dictional dispute between APWU has always been the policy of this management may assign the em- “mailhandler” work to justify a and NPMHU, and in our view, union!!! ployee to any available work in the complement of mailhandlers. They same wage level for which the em- operate powered equipment like ployee is qualified, consistent with towing tugs and forklifts. They the employee’s knowledge and ex- load and unload trucks and trans- Calling All Members: Organization Director Human Relations Director Needed Receives Award In accordance with Article VII. Section I.D of the Constitution of the Detroit District Area Local, it is necessary for me, as President, to fill a vacant officer’s position, the position of Human Relations Director. This position is an important one for the members of this Local. Some of the specific duties of this position are:  Chairperson of the Human Relations Committee.  Planning of Human Relations training for the other stewards of the Local.  Writing of Human Relations articles for the Local Detroit Postal Worker newsletter.  Identification of problems of concern to the membership, such as babysitting, transportation, home care, youth problems, financial difficulties, alcoholism/drug abuse, combating crime, family problems, retirement information.  Assisting members with preparing and pursuing work-related accident/illness claims with the Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP}. Your Organization Director Darryl Clark recently received an Members considering accepting the responsibility of this posi- award from the APWU National for his efforts on making the De- tion must be willing to learn the rules and regulations pertaining troit District Area Local 92% organized. That means 92% of all to OWCP claims, which also involves being able to communicate employees covered by the DDAL are union members. Very few effectively both in person, and in writing, concerning claims This locals from around the country get that award. Congrats Darryl includes detailed assessment of letters from USPS management, for a job very well done. claims examiners of the OWCP, and medical professionals, to which you must respond comprehensively and effectively on behalf of the union member. The job is time consuming and requires sincere dedication on behalf of the Human Relations Director. Assisting of our O members with their claims is a very large part of the responsibili- ne wn! ties of the position, which also requires patience and compassion. O The position comes with a salary of $1200.00 per year, paid monthly plus $50.00 for each general membership meeting; paid yearly. You will serve in the position until the end of the present term of officer December 2018, after ‘Which you would he eligible to run for the position in the next general election, like the rest of the present officers of the Local. Any member of this Local is eligible to apply. If interested, please submit a narrative letter stating your desire to be consid- We regret to announce the ered for the position, what you believe your qualifications for the passing of Mackey McGee, position to be (based upon the duties described above), and why Tour 2 Custodian at the GWY you are interested. facility in Detroit. Our heart- Please submit your letter of interest to the attention of President felt sympathies go out to his Keith M. Combs at the address above. Letters of interest will be ac- wife Andrea and his family. cepted until August 31, 2016. In Union Solidarity, Keith M. Combs, Sr. Page 12 DETROIT POSTAL WORKER November, 2016

Human Relations National Reassessment Process State Director Injured Workers Information Messenger, the MPWU newsletter  Harassed injured workers and the USPS hundreds of millions of Keith September-October 2016. created a hostile work environment. dollars if the EEOC justly awards Combs, Sr. In recent years many employees It was the Postal Service that im- class member on the basis of their have asked the question, what is plemented NRP as a pilot program actual losses. going to happen in regard to how in 2006 and expanded it nationwide We anticipate that the Postal Ser- we were treated by management in in 2009. All employees who had vice will argue employees were not Not only is Keith Combs the the National Reassessment Process limitations because of workplace in- treated improperly or personally President of the Detroit District (NRP)? Well for all of those years the juries were targeted. NRP protocol harmed by NRP in an effort to limit Area Local, he also is the Human Union has argued that the United required “reassessment” of medical its looming liability. Relations Director for the Michigan States Postal Service discriminated restrictions and job offers. Postal of- There’s no way to forecast how Postal Workers Union. The MPWU against injured workers and violated ficials then decided if the work being damages will be calculated, but to represents the members-at-large their rights under the Rehabilitation performed was “operationally neces- ready themselves, class members within the great state of Michigan. Act. sary.” may find it beneficial to itemize the The MPWU shares training, edu- Recently an Administrative Judge Many workers in all crafts who value of their losses and begin gath- cation and information between (AJ) agreed and found that under were working in modified assign- ering supporting documentation. their members, stewards and offi- the program named NRP managers ment were reassessed in 2006 and For example, affected workers could cers of their own locals and others violated employees by: stripped of their duties. Many APWU document the difference between throughout the state and nation.  Improperly disclosed medical injured members suffered because their postal salary and wage-loss Our other talented officers are information. The USPS failed to re- of the program; they were told there compensation and/or annuity; lost affiliated with the MPWU, Sterling quire redaction of employee’s medi- was no operationally necessary work leave; TSP contributions and match- Bouier is the State Maintenance cal information. available to accommodate their med- ing funds; overtime opportunities; Craft Director, our Vice-President  Failed to provide reasonable ac- ical restrictions. They were ordered creditable service time, and the dif- Patrick Choronoby is the State 482 commodations. Management deter- to go home or they were afforded ference in premiums charged at the Area 2 Director, and your Secretary- mined that partial or full-time work fewer work hours despite previously federal rate rather than the postal Treasurer Tamika Johnson-Smith was not available and sent employ- accepting a medically suitable job of- rate for Federal Employees Health is the State P.O.W.E.R. Representa- ee’s home or to new assignments. fer. Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Em- tive. So we are not only represented  Engaged in disparate treatment The lead counsel for the case ployees Group Life Insurance (FEG- locally, our voices are heard loud against employees who were injured is emphasizing that the decision LI). and clear throughout the state and on duty. The USPS marked these does not guarantee the class mem- A statement of Benefits can be nationally. Here is Keith’s article workers and sought to compel them bers personal relief. The USPS ap- obtained by writing to OWCP and that was published in the Michigan to retire. pealed the decision, stalling the OPM. individual claim process, which Until next time remember to cannot begin until the appeal never give up on your dreams, with process is complete. If the de- patience your dreams will become cision is upheld, it could cost your reality. 2016 Membership Meeting The meetings are held at your union hall: 20530 Southfield Road, Detroit, MI 48235. *Per the constitution; there is no meeting in December.

NEXT MEETING Sunday, January 8, 2017 Meetings are held between 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ADDRESS CORRECTION Please help us to maintain our membership mailing list. The form printed below should be completed and sent the Local office whenever you make a change of address. This will allow us to continue our mailings to you without interruption.

Name______EID #______

New Address______

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Post Office______

Home Phone______Detroit District Area Local Area Detroit District APWU, AFL-CIO 20530 Southfield Road Detroit, Michigan 48235 Change Service Requested