National Association of Letter Carriers Non-Profit Org. Joseph P. Considine Branch 34 NALC, AFL-CIO U.S. Postage 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 3950 PAID Don’t Be A SCAB! Boston, MA Don’t Be A SCAB! Woburn, MA 01801-6396 Permit No. 54631 Get Them to Join Up Address Service Requested and Pay Their Fair Share! See Full SCAB List on page 7.

Volume XLIV, Number 1 • June-July 2015 The Award-Winning Newspaper of Joseph P. Considine Branch 34 NALC, AFL-CIO Branch 34’s

NationalNational AssociationAssociation ofof LetterLetter CarriersCarriers 1890-2015 CLAN

President’s Corner BRANCH 34 TURNS 125! ongratulations to each and every member of Branch Those urban areas of the country where our CCA’s Both parties need to get C34, Boston. Another milestone is about to take place in positions are continually understaffed are in all probability to work and correct these Branch 34’s history. On June 18th, we turn 125 years old. On destined to remain that way under the current contract. shortcomings. that date in 1890, we were accepted as an affiliated member The fact is the postal service has to give every CCA in the Robert A. Lind of the newly-organized National Association of Letter Car- country a pay-raise in order to address those certain plagued Retiree Recognition President riers (NALC). This branch historically has always had a areas: that’s the NALC’s position. t’s nice to see some of our retirees finally getting some proud tradition of involvement within the NALC and will This poorly created pay scale was crammed down the Isporadic company recognition. It had been conspicu- continue to do so in the years to come. throats of our former TE’s, newly hired CCA’s and recently ously missing for a long time. Until recently the last time Over the past 125 years we’ve had our share of chal- converted FTR’s. I personally can’t change the contractual a retiree was recognized by local upper management was lenges and disagreements, (internally and externally), pay scale but I know our national president will attempt on the heels of a letter of complaint by a 40+ year em- victories and setbacks yet through it all solidarity endured. to improve upon it during the next upcoming collective ployee that didn’t even get a handshake on his way out the You noticed I didn’t say the word; defeat. Life is full of bargaining sessions. We need to service our postal patrons door. He subsequently wrote a letter of complaint to the setbacks but we’ll never accept defeat. Not as long as we and get their mail delivered every day. We need to close the Postmaster General informing him that he didn’t even get are a union! We’ll deal with setbacks, but continue moving gap between our two classes of letter carriers and I don’t a thank you after a lifetime of dedication and hard work forward for the good of our membership and that my friend mean to the detriment of the full-time working regulars. from local management. is what distinguishes us as BRANCH 34 MEMBERS! Our CCA’s deserve a pay increase and so do our regulars. Needless to say the PMG wrote a scathing letter to his So to every member active, retired or deceased I say The postal service is making money hand over fist but under Boston underlings to change their ways. They did: for about thank you for your contribution to this great union and the current system they could kill the goose that delivers a week and then slid right back into their regular disappear- branch. The NALC has a debt of gratitude to each and the golden eggs. (continued on page 4) every Branch 34 Member. Happy Anniversary! Short staffed? Short changed, Scholarship Award Winners Announced but definitely not everywhere n behalf of the Scholarship Committee, it is my pleasure to report the following winners of the 2015-2016 he Boston Installation has experienced staffing prob- OJoseph P. Considine Branch 34 National Association of Letter Carriers Scholarships. Tlems over this past year and I know I don’t have to (listed in order of committee ranking with parent name) tell you. This can be attributed to the elimination of the • Sam D. Nguyen, son of Thao Nguyen, Belmont P.O. PTF category, the increase in packages and the pay cut • Veronica M. Fitzgerald, daughter of Brendan Fitzgerald, South Weymouth Carrier Unit, Braintree DMU rendered in the 2011-2016 National Agreement for our • Francis W. Roche, son of Edward Roche, Arlington P.O. non-career CCA’s and newly hired full-time employees. • Jessica L. White, daughter of Edward White, Wellesley Hills P.O. The latter move alone was enough to send a large segment • Joseph L. Brav, son of Gary Brav, North Quincy Carrier Unit of employees packing and those remaining disenchanted. • Meaghan E. Creedon, daughter of James Creedon, East Weymouth P.O. Since that time we’ve experienced a continual turnover in Sincerely, help resulting in staffing shortages. Bernard A. Pekala A wage increase would attract career minded applicants Branch 34 Scholarship Committee Chairman to fill these vacancies. This past winter we had repeated episodes of undelivered routes, the forcing of overtime on non-OTDL employees and outside the craft personnel INSIDE delivering mail. This could’ve been avoided if our CCA’s Branch 34 Upcoming were paid a comparable wage to our full-time regulars. The Membership Meetings Branch 34’s CLAN new pay structure for newly hired full-time regulars didn’t Tuesdays at 7:00 pm help matters much either. Not only would increased wages attract qualified can- Working Together didates but possibly retain those CCA’s that are currently June 9, 2015 Page 3 on our roles. Understaffed, working seven days a week and at the Sons of Italy Hall ungodly hours doesn’t make the job attractive. 120 Quarry Street, Quincy Haste Makes Waste… The message I would like to deliver to this underpaid, understaffed segment of our branch is “relief is on the way”. There are no meetings scheduled and Discipline Unfortunately that’s a promise I can’t keep. for July & August. Page 4 Rather than overworking our FTR’s and CCA’s with overtime or V-time the parties need to make responsible September 8, 2015 Branch 34 Shines at decisions and curtail the “pennywise, pound foolish” at Boston Lodge of Elks #10 Check mentality and concentrate on sustaining this business. Spring Street, Out These 2015 Food Drive The reality is we’re back entrenched in the most com- West Roxbury Dates & Locations Page 6 mon divisive issue that has been plaguing this union for decades: the “area wage”. The urban areas have a much higher cost of living and subsequently making $15-$16 Tel. / 781-281-1133 Branch 34 Rolls a per hour without benefits is not a highly sought after job. Many areas of the country may find $15 an hour attractive Fax / 781-281-1127 Strike at Bowl-a-Thon but rest assured not here. www.nalcbranch34.com Pages 10 & 11 Protect Your Route: Massachusetts Auxiliary Assistance and 3996 Congressional hroughout the years, I have put several Delegation Tarticles in Branch 34’s CLAN about the importance of using the tools to protect our routes, Auxiliary Slips (Form 3996) and U.S. SENATE Curtailmant Slips (Form 1571). J.T. McMahon The Honorable Elizabeth Warren Nationally, last fall a new process City De- Executive Hart Senate Office Bldg., Rm. 317 livery Route Alternative Adjustment Process Vice President Washington, D.C. 20510 (CDRAP) was agreed to (see Postal Record, 202-224-4543 Fax: 202-224-2417 November 2014) . CDRAP has a one year www.warren.senate.gov lifespan to January 2016, but could easily The Honorable Edward J. Markey extend longer. Russell Senate Office Bldg., Rm. 218 Boston Management originally selected Washington, D.C. 20510 13 stations to be evaluated. Two stations were 202-224-2742 Fax: 202-224-8525 www.markey.senate.gov cancelled, six stations are in the process of being evaluated. The remaining five stations U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES are being evaluated this fall, Newton Centre, First Congressional District Auburndale, Allston, Cambridge Central and The Honorable Richard E. Neal Newton Upper Falls. Cannon House Office Bldg., Rm. 341 Under this system, proper street times Washington, D.C. 20515 as always are of the utmost importance, 202-225-5601 Fax: 202-225-8112 CDRAP has the option of using an eight neal.house.gov week street time analysis. All street auxil- Second Congressional District iary assistance must be documented. That is The Honorable James P. McGovern the responsibility of the route owner.Filling Cannon House Office Bldg., Rm. 438 out these forms should be a regular event Washington, D.C. 20515 when route assistance is needed. 3996s are 202-225-6101 Fax: 202-225-5759 a primary record to an acurate street time mcgovern.house.gov average. Third Congressional District The following are examples of reasons for The Honorable Niki Tsongas auxilary assistance and the usage of a 3996. Longworth House Office Bldg., Rm. 1714 Remember, if we don’t protect out routes, Washington, D.C. 20515 Management will eventually take advantage 202-225-3411 Fax: 202-226-0771 of us. tsongas.house.gov Fourth Congressional District Some Examples of The Honorable Joseph P. Kennedy III Reasons for Use of Cannon House Office Bldg., Rm. 306 Example of Form 3996. Washington, D.C. 20515 Auxiliary (Item J of Form 3996) 202-225-5931 Fax: 202-225-0182 1. Route is out of adjustment – as docu- 12. Inclement weather kennedy.house.gov mented by count and inspections 13. Feel ill or under medication Represented Communities: Brookline, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Medfield, Millis, Medway, Milford, Hopkinton, 2. Late leaving 14. Medical restrictions Hopedale, Bellingham, Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, 3. Change of Address cards (# of COAs) 15. Vehicle problems Foxboro, Sharon, North Attleborough, Attleboro, Mansfield, Norton, 4. Stand-up-talk 16. Required to report to work earlier than normal begin tour Easton, Seekonk, Rehoboth, Taunton, Raynham, Dighton, Berkley, Lakeville, Freetown, Somerset, Swansea 5. Safety talk 17. Waiting time (Be careful with this one!) 6. Window Service – Customer phone calls Fifth Congressional District 18. Late dispatch 7. Excessive parcels 19. Unfamiliar with route The Honorable Katherine Clark Longworth House Office Bldg., Rm. 1721 8. Full Coverage (advos, ventures, morning news, etc.) 20. PM cased mail from the previous day Washington, D.C. 20515 9. Review mail from CFS, previous day, T-6, etc. 21. Thin mail 202-225-2836 Fax: 202-226-0092 10. Hot case mail 22. Thick mail katherineclark.house.gov 11. Excessive accountable items (continued on page 9) Represented Communities: Arlington, Belmont, Framingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford, Natick, Revere, Stoneham, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Weston, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn Postmaster General Against Sixth Congressional District The Honorable Seth Moulton Longworth House Office Bldg., Rm. 1408 the Letter Carriers Washington, D.C. 20515 ostmaster General Megan Brennan named Randy Miskanic as (A) Chief Information Officer 202-225-8020 Fax: 202-225-5915 P(CIO) and that name should sound very familiar to you because he was one of the main defend- moulton.house.gov ers of not notifying Letter Carriers of the data breach last year. Seventh Congressional District Evidently he does not respect the intelligence of Letter Carriers because he put the United States The Honorable Michael E. Capuano Postal Service’s interests above the working men and women who would have to deal with the Longworth House Office Bldg., Rm. 1414 repercussions of potentially having their identities stolen. Washington, D.C. 20515 The National Association of Letter Carriers has filed an Unfair Labor Practice against the Postal Bob Simpson 202-225-5111 Fax: 202-225-9322 Service. Vice President capuano.house.gov Represented Communities: Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Milton, Randolph, Somerville Eighth Congressional District Investigations The Honorable Stephen F. Lynch Rayburn House Office Bldg., Rm. 2369 eading from the JCAM (17-6) Federal labor law, in what liability for any statements they Washington, D.C. 20515 Ris known as the Weingarten rule, gives each employee may make but also advises suspects 202-225-8273 Fax: 202-225-3984 the right to representation during any investigatory interview of their right to remain silent on any lynch.house.gov in which the employee reasonably believes may lead to dis- issue that tends to implement them Represented Communities: Abington, Avon, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Canton, Cohasset, Dedham, cipline. Whether or not an employee’s belief is “reasonable” in a crime. East Bridgewater, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton, Norwood, depends on the circumstances of each case. Employees also Think of it in these terms. If you Quincy, Raynham, Scituate, Stoughton, Walpole, Weymouth, have a right under Weingarten to a pre-interview consultation are presented with a Kalkines, you West Bridgewater, Westwood, Whitman with a steward. “talk” and the USPS cannot use Michael Kidd Ninth Congressional District In a Weingarten interview, the employee has the right to a it in a criminal proceeding. With Legislative The Honorable William Keating stewards assistance - not just a silent presence. The employer Kalkines, the employee no longer Liaison Cannon House Office Bldg., Rm. 315 would violate the employee’s Weingarten rights if it refused to has the right to remain silent and Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-3111 Fax: 202-225-5658 allow the representative to speak or tried to restrict the steward could be charged with failure to cooperate. With Garrity, the keating.house.gov to the role of a passive observer. employee, by remaining silent, will not receive administrative Represented Communities: Norwell, Roxkland, Hanover, Hanson, Keep in mind that 1) the steward cannot exercise Wein- action just for remaining silent. Pembroke, Duxbury, Halifax, Plympton, Kingston, Middleborough, garten rights on the employee’s behalf and 2) the employer Carver, Plymouth, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, is not required to inform the employee of their Weingarten Important Points to Remember Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Sandwich, Mashpee, Barnstable, rights to representation. irst, if you are disciplined Management still has the burden Hyannis, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich, Orleans, Chatham, If the OIG becomes involved the employee will be pre- Fof proof - did just cause exist? Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown, Aquinnah, Goswold, Chilmark, West Tisbury Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Nantucket sented with Kalkines/Garrity warnings. The Kalkines warning Second, Stewards are not qualified to give legal advice – So compels suspects to make statements or be fired. A Garrity DON’T expect it from them. warning advises suspects of their criminal and administrative

2 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 Working Together aturday, May 9 was the NALC Stamp it down to a science. Each carrier pitches The carriers in Hyde Park, as they al- the work. We SOut Hunger Food Drive. As most of you in and makes the effort that much easier. ways do, made a difficult day much easier all have to pitch know this is the largest single day food drive Under the direction of Shop Steward and for all. A team effort always makes any in. This is what in America. It is held annually on the second Branch Officer Rich Galvin, the event went event easier to pull off. I’m sure that scenes makes any Saturday in May in over ten thousand cities off without a hitch. like the one in Hyde Park occurred else- union strong. and towns, in all 50 states, the District of Once the food was transported, Rich put where in Branch 34 stations. All carriers, Now more than Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, on a different hat as master of ceremonies particular the coordinators in each station ever we all have Kevin Flaherty and Guam. The food is then brought to local for the traditional post office food drive deserve a big thank you. to do some part. Secretary- food pantries and food banks. cookout. With the assistance of Alternate The point I’m trying to make is that There are Treasurer This year’s food drive faced one huge Shop Steward Joe DeBeradinis, Mike Ri- each and every day in the Postal Service is many ways to challenge that was not faced in years past. ley (helping with the grill) and Sonny Fee a challenge. By working together we can do your part. Attending a branch meeting One of the national sponsors of the event (manning the smoker) there was an wide overcome these challenges. This is true is one such way to do your part. Contribut- unexpectedly pulled out with little notice. assortment of food (hot dogs, hamburger, with the NALC as well. We cannot count ing to COLCPE, becoming and E-Activist, This sponsor would have funded all the wings, ribs, sausages, kabobs). on somebody else or everyone else to do running for shop steward, or just standing food drive postcards. Local branches were up for your fellow carrier, are all example left scrambling for additional sponsors and of doing your part. donations, and Branch 34 was no exception. Remember if we all contribute, the job Domenic Corsetti is the Branch 34 is that much easier! Food Drive Coordinator. Each year Do- menic faces food drive challenges such as Branch 34’s logistics, posters, transportation. Domenic was burdened with the additional task of finding sponsors and donations for CLAN another 400,000 postcards. Through his hard work along with the Greater Boston Food Bank, Boyd’s Direct, and the Rotary Founded May 1971 Club he was successful. There is a lot of AWARDS behind the scenes work that goes into International Labor putting this event together. Domenic was Communications Association GENERAL EXCELLENCE – behind the scenes. So next time you see LOCAL UNION PUBLICATIONS – Domenic Corsetti give him a pat on the CIRCULATIONS of 2,500 to 9,999 back for a job well done. First Place, 2003 I was at the Hyde Park Carrier Annex National Association of for this year’s food drive. Once again they Letter Carriers GENERAL EXCELLENCE – did a great job collecting and distributing LARGE BRANCH PUBLICATIONS – the food to the local food pantry. I have to MORE THAN 1,500 MEMBERS First Place, 2014 say the letter carriers in Hyde Park have The Hyde Park Carrier Annex did a great job on this year’s Food Drive. Example of Form 3996. First Place, 2012 First Place, 2010 First Place, 2008 First Place, 2002 First Place, 1996 Breaking All the Records First Place, 1994 Second Place, 2006 any weather records were broken this utilizes as a tool to project Carrier’s daily if you don’t al- Second Place, 1992 past winter. Total snowfall for the office performance. Hey DOIS, you won’t ready have one Third Place, 2004 M Honorable Mention, 1982 month of February obliterated the previ- get the right answers if you put in the wrong yourself.) Judges’ Commendation, 1988 ous record from 2005, the 30-day record numbers. If Management tries to get to buy So, instead th nd BEST STORY from January 24 through February 22 into these numbers, ask yourself this, when of focusing on First Place, 1996 also fell, but the most impressive of all to was the last time you heard DOIS say, “Is the numbers at Third Place, 1990 fall (or depressing it you were out there, there anything I can do for you today?” I the Carrier’s ex- Steve Mahoney 2 Honorable Mentions, 1992 like I was) belongs to 2015-2015 Snowiest remember a saying about DOIS from years pense. Manage- Editor Honorable Mention, 1990 Winter of All Time! ago, “Garbage In, Garbage Out.” ment should pay BEST CARTOON OR PHOTO First Place, 2006 We also had some records at the Chelsea Recently, I was selected to be a Union more attention on the physical stress they PROMOTING UNIONISM Carrier Annex (CCA) fall, or as I will al- Representative for the City Delivery Route place on employees when they speed up the Third Place, 1992 ways know it as, the Incoming Mail Center Adjustment Process (CDRAP). Has it re- belt and push to more. Judges’ Commendation, 1988 (IMC) for the reason being Management ally been four years since the last Alternate BRANCH 34’s CLAN is the Official Publication of Branch 34 of the National Association of Letter has just renamed the building (Memo Route Adjustment Process. The new memo Heat Stress & Carriers, AFL-CIO. The Boston Branch was Chartered to Management – Convert City Carrier (M-0146) signed by the National Parties by the NALC on June 18, 1890. BRANCH 34’s Heat Stroke Warning CLAN is published six times each year. It presents Assistants (CCAs) to Full-Time Regular establishes a renewal of the requirement ust a reminder, with the Summer fast the various issues of the day that are of concern to Carriers, not names of buildings). for Management to post. the membership. The views and opinions expressed in Japproaching so will come the extreme the articles and columns do not necessarily reflect the Higher level Management from the Daily Workhour/Daily Workload Re- heat and humidity. We all need to recognize official position of the NALC Branch 34 or its officers, but rather those of the author. fourth floor paid us a visit during the holi- ports in every City Letter Carrier Office in the signs of heat stress and heat stroke: day season. the country. Any articles submitted for publication in BRANCH 34’s CLAN must be typewritten, double-spaced and There to wish us all a happy holiday Again, for those tho know a little some- Symptoms: received at the Branch office no later than the close of business on the first of the month of publication: and tell us how amazed they were for all thing about DOIS, this can be frustrating • Hot, dry, flushed skin, January, March, May, July, September, and November. The the packages we had delivered (307,055 and to those who are new to these reports, with no sweating Editor reserves the right to amend articles and/or delay their publication due to the limited availability of space. packages from December 1st through De- it can be mind-boggling. On any day you • Headache, nausea and vomiting th Permission is hereby granted for the REPRINTING cember 25 , taken directly from the new might have three or four times the normal • Irregular pulse of any article that originates in this paper provided an Pass Machines). Many of our Carriers, amount of DPS and FSS and still be project- • Rapid, shallow breathing appropriate credit line also appears and a copy of the reprint in its new publication is sent to: Editor, NALC Regular and CCAs alike, were coming in ed as under. What credit is there in the DOIS Branch 34, 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 3950, at 5:00 am and punching out after 8:00 pm Workhour/Workload Report projections What To Do: Woburn, MA 01801-6396. seven days a week, breaking the record for for DPS and FSS? The Answer – NONE! • Get medical help BRANCH 34’s CLAN enters the Postal Service as third-class, non-profit material. Any change of address package delivery. Jobs well done and thank For many years have we heard our • Check victim’s airway should be sent to: Editor, NALC Branch 34, 400 West you was the other clear message of the day. supervisors say, “This don’t count, that • Cool victim with sponge or spray Cummings Park, Suite 3950, Woburn, MA 01801-6396. Fast forward to the end of March – our don’t count.” I once heard a Carrier say to • Wet cold packs under armpits and Steve Mahoney, Editor Station Manager brings us all together for a supervisor the day after a holiday, “If you Robert A. Lind, Associate Editor groin John T. McMahon, Associate Editor a service talk to deliver some bad news, our hired someone to pait your house and it • Move victim of a cool area 2013-2016 BRANCH 34 NALC office efficiency is part of the worst 10% of rained all day yesterday, would you expect • Loosen or remove outer clothing BOARD OF OFFICERS the whole country. WHAT??? From first to him to paint twice as much today in eight • Take extra rest in a shaded area Robert A. Lind President worst faster than the 2014 Red Sox! hours.” The same logic applies when you John T. McMahon Executive Vice President Bob Simpson Vice President The message on this day was we were have double or triple your normal volume So, during these Dog Days of Sum- Kevin Flaherty Secretary-Treasurer staying in the office too long and the Percent of mail. mer, make it a point to buddy-up out on Michael Yerkes Financial Secretary Steve Mahoney Editor to Standard was unacceptable. (Percent to Now, mind you, I’m not trying to sound the street with your co-workers and alert Michael Gorham Health Benefit Officer Standard = Casing 18 letters per minute, 8 technical, I’m far from that. But what I am your customers when you are in need of Michael Murray Sergeant-at-Arms Rich Galvin Clerk, MBA/NSBA flats per minute and 70 pieces per minute trying to say is the job has changed from assistance or call 911 when rapid response Paul Roche Chairman, Trustees for pulldown). That will happen when you five, ten and twenty years ago, with DPS, is necessary. Daniel O’Connor Trustee Marty Foley Trustee constantly adjust routes and rip out office FSS and the new generation scanners. And above all else, make sure you drink Jerry McCarthy Area Steward times. (Transparency is the word I keep hearing plenty of the right fluids and tak breaks in Brian Manning Area Steward Now, for anyone who knows something Management say for the new scanners. I a cool, shaded area. Michael Kidd Area Steward Bernadette Romans Area Steward about DOIS, they realize this is a function keep thinking microchips for pets or ankle Have a great Summer and enjoy your

(Percent to Standard) that Management bracelets for prisoners, take your pick vacations. 208

BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 3 From the Field Haste Makes Waste… and Discipline he monotony of this job can sometimes Pre-Disciplinary Interview (PDI) process what a great union should be doing on a all the delegates Tlead to brief lapses in judgment. Over as well as intentionally misrepresent carri- regular basis for and with the communities in attendance. the past month or so, I have been to several ers answers to the interview questions and they serve. Much time was stations where more than a couple of carri- the subsequently base the discipline on the Carriers should embrace the fact that we spent on the ed- ers have apparently dismounted their postal inaccurate answers; your steward can then are an important part on the community and ucation of our vehicles in order to perform deliveries and dispute these discrepancies in the grievance are every bit as visible as the Police and membership on Brian Manning inadvertently left the vehicle running. process. The union can also start your de- Fire personnel. a host of issues; Area Steward Please make no mistake about it; this fense to discipline well before it’s actually On a personal note regarding the food with added em- infraction is quite serious in nature. In my issued, by introducing mitigating factors, drive here in Newtonville, despite the fact phasis on legislative action. research to the subsequent discipline issued identifying Management’s numerous short- that donations may have been down from There were numerous guest speakers in at least two recent similar cases, Arbitra- coming including procedural and technical last year, the gratitude from the local food and dignitaries all speaking on pro-union tors seem to base their opinions heavily on defects in the individual case. bank was not. As I dropped off our dona- and labor movement issues as could be the potential catastrophic consequences; These opportunities are severely de- tions to the local church with Newtonville expected. not necessarily on what actual happened creased when not introduced prior to the Shop Steward/ Station Food Drive Coordi- Also and rightfully so, much time was in each individual case. issuance of the discipline. Please do not nator Heidi White; it was obvious that the spent on recognizing the career accomplish- Once again, I implore anyone who is provide any written accounts of an incident food pantry was pretty empty and in great ments of former Association President and in this unfortunate situation where you are without consulting your steward or the need of replenishment; surely it the same Branch 34 sister/retiree Maureen Marinelli, being questioned regarding a similar inci- union hall. in most communities. she absolutely deserved all the accolades dent to please request your union steward I can understand that when you feel To listen to the Pastor explain the con- bestowed on her. immediately; it is more likely than not that you’re caught “red handed” the noble thing stant need of his parishioners brought on Congratulations to all my Branch broth- these actions will lead to severe discipline. to do is admit your responsibility and accept mixed feeling for me; on one hand I felt ers for being elected to the Association’s Management is clearly willing to ignore your punishment, I may normally agree, but sad that people in our country and even Executive Board. A special thanks to the progressivity principle of Just Cause in we are dealing with Manager and Supervi- in our neighborhoods are going to bed Branch 12 President Ken Janulewicz and most infractions of this nature and go heavy sor who couldn’t make the “right” decision hungry in this day and age, but on the brother Michael Murray for organizing a with severity of the discipline including in if it were the “only” decision. other hand I was reminded of how grate- successful convention. one case a removal for a CCA. Please be extra attentive when exiting ful I am for all I have; a good-paying job In more than a couple of instances, the your postal vehicle you never know who with decent benefits, a healthy and happy From the Road accused carriers had agreed to the infraction may be watching, take all necessary precau- family who doesn’t want for anything any miles away can still feel like and one actual wrote a statement and only tions to protect your safety and well-being. (clearly I’m eating plenty). Mhome. Over the last few months, I requested a steward after discipline was It later dawned on me that most of the have had the privilege of traveling up to issued. This severely inhibits the union’s Food Drive/MDA Bowl-a-Thon things that make us feel happy, safe, and Burlington, Vermont a couple times, in the ability to adequately represent the carrier. ats off to all our Letter Carriers, who secure in our daily lives; can somehow be capacity of Arbitration Advocate represent- As always the union would not promote Hparticipated in our recent charitable traced back to our jobs and perhaps more ing our beloved NALC Region 14 Letter a carrier giving a false account of the events events, namely the Letter Carrier’s Food importantly, in our cases, the union. Carriers. but we may be able to frame the situation Drive and MDA Bowl-a-Thon. A special I would like to thank our Business Agent differently than management would if they thanks to Letter Carrier and Coordinator Congratulations John Casciano and his staff for having the are unchallenged. of both events Dominic Corsetti of the his past weekend I attended the Massa- confidence in the job I do and for allowing Also I have seen countless Managers Lexington Post Office for a job well done Tchusetts State Association Convention me to represent letter carriers both inside and Supervisors severely screw up the as usual. These types of events are exactly down in Hyannis. This was a great time for (continued on page 5) President’s Report… (continued from page 1) ing act. I hope to see somewhat of an effort, crime scene with multiple areas cordoned A picture of health Jim stated that he picture? It can tell when you hit to the once again, being made to acknowledge off with yellow tape as a precautionary note still felt strong enough to carry another ten street, if you actually left for the street and our members contribution to the USPS. while safety measures are taken. Thank years which I’m sure he is. He attributed where exactly you are throughout the day. They deserve genuine appreciation and not God it wasn’t a real work area like a carrier his “energetic well being” to regular exer- Enough said? merely based on the heels of a complaint. It workroom floor that was affected (lol). So cise, avoiding cigarettes & alcohol and as Adhere to your route of travel and again would be nice to see them also go into their a few clipboards will have to be picked up “Meatloaf” would say “Two out of three be a professional letter carrier at all times. pockets and buy them a fitting parting gift and moved to another location: not a major ain’t bad” (lol). I know I speak for the entire If there are flaws in this program they’ll from the company. We’ll see… catastrophe. membership when I say thank you Jimmy play out but on a cautionary note: do not at- In the interim, if there are any other for a job well done and for the service you tempt to manipulate or disarm your scanner. “It’s coming down from above” buildings that have similarly covered sky- provided to this union, company and most Such action will only generate additional t’s coming down from above! That’s lights I would expect a safety inspection importantly your customers for a lifetime attention by local supervision or the OIG Ia statement that every employee will performed on them also unless they are of service. Enjoy your retirement brother agents and rest assured if found to be at hear from time to time during their career. sitting over some cretin’s desk (lol). you earned it. fault a removal will follow. They are not Usually it’s from a somewhat apologetic investing in this newly acquired technology supervisor who is the bearer of bad news. Jim Kane Retires LOC – “I got a lock on you Babe” and creating full time jobs for themselves Recently that statement took on a whole oxbury’s Jim Kane recently wrapped ocal Operating Center or “LOC” as to look the other way. Be smart! new meaning when a piece of heavy con- Rup a long and outstanding career. Jim Lthey refer to it is designed to get a lock struction material came crashing down entered the Post Office Department in on you. New technology is something that 3800 from above in the Office of the Inspector 1967, three years before it would become continually evolves and not always for the hat number represents my brothers and General which was housed in our General the postal service. As articulated to the better. The days of driving from point A Tsisters, the number of members within Mail Facility (GMF) in Boston. Fortunately workroom floor Jim started working the to point B in your private vehicle listen- Branch 34, the largest branch in New Eng- there was no one in the area at the time same year as the “Summer of Love” and ing to your radio without interruption are land. So why is it we only have a handful otherwise it could have led to a serious Jim Lonborg and the American League something of the past. The same goes for of active members in comparison who injury or worst. Champion Red Sox (unfortunately as we getting out of the office away from local show up for our monthly union meetings? This mishap sent shockwaves through know they were beaten by Bob Gibson and supervision and just doing your job. Having the required quorum present to the fourth floor of the USPS-GMF in the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series). This LOC is their make shift command conduct our meeting should not even be Boston. After somewhat of an investiga- That was the same year Mohammed Ali center manned full time by managerial an issue but unfortunately that’s not the tion it came to light that this incident was was stripped of his “World Heavyweight personnel who allegedly have your best case. In some branches that amount of the result of a facelift given to the building Champion” title because he wouldn’t al- interest in mind. If you were to have a members present at a meeting might be some thirty-something years ago when the low himself to be inducted into the U.S. seizure they could pinpoint where you are. considered a packed house but it certainly old “South Postal” was updated to the new Army and Teamster President Jimmy Hoffa If a customer is looking for a package they isn’t for Branch 34. and improved “GMF”. It seems that at the started his eight year prison sentence. Viet- can give that customer a somewhat reliable At our May monthly meeting I asked time the roofs skylights were blocked off or nam was going hot and heavy and President timeline as to when you’ll be there. You get how many CCA’s we had in attendance: covered with some type of building material Lyndon B. Johnson was named “Man of the my drift? They’ll be watching on a regular not a one! That’s troubling seeing that the (cement board or something comparable). Year” by Time magazine. basis where any person covering a particu- postal service has been continually hiring Over the years moisture or perhaps just the Those events seem like a lifetime ago lar route is at every minute of the workday. CCA’s on a weekly basis for quite some mere weight caused this cosmetic updating for those that experienced them. For our Is this something to fret about? No just do time now. CCA members too need to get to just let go and come crashing down at younger members those events are just your job as we’ve been preaching forever: involved. It’s your union and (hopefully) such an inopportune time. something they’ve read about or perhaps Deliver your route in a professional and your career path: so “get on board” and be I say inopportune time because the seen in a film documentary but for Jim safe manner. part of it. Those members before you laid fourth floor had just completed a shuffling Kane he was busy picking up a bag and This monitor and its programs inform the foundation over the past 125 years and and relocation of a few departments. Area servicing his customers in the Cathedral management where you are, how long we need to build on it. This union needs managers here, local operating center area of Dorchester and continued to do you’ve been there and if you are behind, you to get involved and there’s no better (LOC) there, finance down the hall. The so that year and for the next forty-eight ahead or on schedule. It also can tell them time than the present. You have a voice the paint wasn’t even dry when the ceiling years: A remarkable man and a remark- if you are delivering out of sequence and second Tuesday of every month. We need came crashing down. Now it looks like a able feat. every other aspect of your day. Get the our membership’s solidarity.

4 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 If You Lost Your Job, Where Would You Be? n the last issue of Branch 34’s CLAN, I constitutional amendment as the only way Fathers attributed to the mail. It does not, vice. Current- Igrumbled about the paltry number of ac- to abolish it. however, guarantee the existence of the ly, the NALC tive members participating in our political Quick constitutional lesson; a consti- US Postal Service as it currently exists. is monitoring action fund, COLCPE, given that the over- tutional amendment would require a vote That should be obvious to anyone who’s several bills of all control and oversight of our employer of two-thirds of both the House of Rep- been paying attention: Congress made significance to the Postal Service, lies in the hands of our resentatives and the Senate followed by a major changes to the service in 1970 Letter Carri- more-often-than-not dysfunctional con- ratification of three-fourths of the various and 2006, and it will surely do so again. ers. gress. I have had numerous conversations state legislatures (ratification by thirty-eight Congress, not the Constitution, created NALC op- Michael Yerkes relative to our congress and the future of the states would be required to ratify an amend- the US Postal Service, and Congress poses House Financial USPS since then and while most recognize ment today). can change or eliminate it. That’s not Resolution Secretary at least the possibility that our career paths The writer went on to note that: Article fear mongering- it’s reality. The current 1837 the Se- could change dramatically or, in the worst 1, Section 8 of the Constitution merely GOP-run Congress, despite its right wing cure Delivery for America Act put forth by possible scenario, disappear! empowered the Congress To Establish corporate agenda, has no immediate plan Rep. Darrell Issa which would require the I immediately recalled these exchanges Post Offices and Post Roads; which the to eliminate or privatize the USPS, but it Postal Service to eliminate door delivery as I recently read a cautionary piece on Congress chose to do in the year 1792 could do so. Clinging to a fictional con- for 15 million addresses over the next 10 Postalnews.org concerning the postal when it established the Post Office De- stitutional protection is about as realistic years by forcing 1.5 million households and myth that it would take a constitutional partment. The point being that all it actu- as Linus clutching his security blanket – it businesses each year to convert from door amendment to eliminate (or privatize) the ally takes to repeal an Act of Congress may be comforting, but it won’t really delivery to curbside or cluster-box delivery. USPS; which is a somewhat significant is another Act of Congress, not an over- protect you, or your job.” NALC instead supports H Res. 28, a call undertaking. The premise of the article whelmingly cumbersome congressional Of course, as usual, I use the above for USPS to do all it can to protect door was to dismiss the misconception among amendment. preamble as merely a lead-in to the larger, delivery which was referred to the House proponents of the Postal Service, the The article concluded with this thought: ongoing effort of imploring our members Committee on Oversight and Government NALC included, that the current USPS is “The fact that the Constitution specifically to recognize the importance that congres- Reform in January. Currently, only Mas- established in the Constitution of the United mentions “Post Offices” does say a great sional legislation plays in our careers and sachusetts Representatives McGovern States of America and as such, requiring a deal about the importance the Founding the potential consequences for our falling (Second), Keating (Ninth), Neal (First) asleep at the switch for lack of a better and Capuano (Seventh) have cosponsored phrase. this bill. The Hollywood Kid If you lost your job tomorrow, what NALC also supports H. Res. 54, which uburndale Letter Carrier Mike DiStasio script, it is really a labor of love for me, it’s would you have left? While we all may calls on USPS to restore the service stan- Ahas done many jobs in his more than 10 a lot of fun.” complain about our jobs, the cold facts dards that were in effect on July 1, 2012. By year postal career. But there’s one job that I’m always nervous before a show, I’ve are that the majority of us are well into degrading its’ service standard, the Postal Mike does that really keeps him on his toes. never had a second of experience in radio, our career paths with little chance of Service risks driving our customers away. Mike is the host and creator of one of the or at interviewing anyone, for that matter, changes in professions. What would you Before July 1, 2012, the Postal Service hottest podcasts on the air called, REEL but fortunately it all comes together in the do if this job disappeared or was radically standard for First Class was overnight de- TALK w/The Hollywood Kid. end.” changed? What would you do if the qual- livery in most metropolitan areas and rural It’s a monthly podcast that airs every 3rd Mike has been acting in movies for years ity of this good middle class job, with its communities. Anyone who mails their bill Saturday of the month. He hosts the show as an extra. He’s been in more than 20 mov- defined pensions, reasonable health care payments; and we all should, know first- at the legendary radio station AM1550 ies, and has worked on numerous TV pilots. premiums, paid leave and other benefits hand of the additional time which must be WNTN in Newton, which is the same radio “As an actor you’re always striving for that were degraded significantly or taken away taken into account to avoid late payments. station where the late Disco King Vinnie speaking role in a feature film, you just have altogether? Massachusetts Representatives Keating Peruzzi used to spin the hits. And is also to keep at it, and adopt a never quit attitude Anyone out there have a crystal ball? (Ninth), McGovern (Second), Neal (First), the same station where Howard Stern had and keep moving forward.” Anyone know what this Postal Service is Kennedy (Fourth) Clark (Fifth), Capuano his first job in radio. You can see Mike in September, in the going to look like in a year or two given (Seventh) and Moulton (Sixth) have co- Past guests on the show have been, Whitey Bulger biopic “Black Mass,” he that its future lies in the hands of that dys- sponsored this measure. “Goonies” Actor Robert Davi; Vito from hopes. functional congress? Will it still be around NALC continues to support H Res. 12, “The Sopranos,” Joe Gannascioli; Former If you’re interested in hearing Mike’s in five-years? It’s no secret, or at least it which calls on Congress and the Postal VH1 Veejay Bobby Rivers; Author Casey next podcast it airs on Saturday, June 20th, shouldn’t be, that all public sector employ- Service to take all appropriate steps to Sherman; Carvelli from “Welcome Back at 11:30 am on AM 1550 WNTN, and it ees are under attack. It should be equally ensure six-day mail delivery. This bill is Kotter,” Charles Fleischer; “Bread and happens to be the one year anniversary of obvious to anyone paying attention that currently sitting in the House Committee Milk” YouTube Comedian Vic DiBitidetto; REEL TALK w/The Hollywood Kid. there exist significant factions who wish to on Oversight and Government Reform with and Actor Alex Rocco, AKA Moe Greene Mike says its going to be an hour special, do us harm. Pundits everywhere are look- 183 cosponsors including Massachusetts from “The Godfather,” which Mike says, with a lots of surprises in store. It can also ing for solutions to the deficit. While the Representatives Keating (Ninth), Tsongas actually crashed the WNTN.com website be streamed at WNTN.com Mike also says public loves their Letter Carrier’s, the USPS (Third), McGovern (Second), Capuano after the show was posted on the site, due that if any of his brother and sister carriers itself continues to look like low hanging (Seventh), Clark (Fifth), Kennedy (Fourth) to the high volume of people that replayed deliver to any big Hollywood types, to drop fruit, ripe for the picking. And that doesn’t and Neal (First). it, and by people that missed it when it him a line with some tips, maybe he can get include the segment of the population who EActivist makes it easy for you to originally aired. Mike says, “The response them on the show, he’s always looking to would dismantle this institution simply for contact your representative(s) by email, from that show was incredible.” book guests. EMail: [email protected] their own greed. phone or my preferred method, written Mike says he really enjoys all aspects of Also, follow Mike on Twitter for updates But who can keep track of what is of real letter. the show, from booking the guests, promot- on future shows at @mikedistasio He is also concern and what is nonsense what with the As your thinking about what your life ing the show via Social Media, writing the on Facebook too. way our congressional representatives work would be like without the USPS and your today? The NALC’s E-Activist Network, job, try to consider what efforts you would Haste Makes Waste…and Discipline… that’s who! have made to save it. (continued from page 4) The NALC’s Government and Political It is my duty, and the duty of every Affairs Department fights for us on Capitol elected Union official, to protect the in- and outside our district. dealt with the Unilateral elimination of a Hill by advancing legislative proposals that terests of our members and that includes While preparing for this latest Arbitra- past practice regarding lunch times and lo- strengthen letter carrier jobs and defends alerting members of potential threats both tion, I had the opportunity to speak with cations, which had no adverse impact on the letter carriers from harmful proposals that locally and nationally. With regards to im- numerous carriers from Burlington and business operation of the service. It was just seek to eliminate jobs and slash service pending threats from the political front, all even visited them on the workroom floor an attempt by management to kick in the standards. Their primary objective is edu- that entails is getting you to sign on to the one morning. It’s always important to get union in the “pants” for sticking together cating members of Congress and their staff NALC’s EActivist Network. Make Your the history and background of an office and challenging the daily mismanagement on issues of critical importance to letter Voice Heard. Sign-Up Now! while preparing for the battle of an arbitra- at this facility. carriers and ensuring their support through H H H H H H H H H H tion hearing. Management “per usual” ignored the the legislative process. Perhaps their great- Congratulations are once again in or- I also worked very closely with the contractual language which deals with est weapon in educating these members der to Dominic Corsetti (Lexington) and Branch President, Mr. Experience Kring, past practices, thus violating the National could be you! recently retired George Adams (Woburn) who has extremely hospitable and accom- Agreement. Subsequently, following sev- The NALC has created a network which for their tireless performance in putting modating. eral long road trips and many seemingly consists of tens of thousands of fellow together another successful MDA Bowling I have to say, to my surprise, it was no dead-end negotiations; a Pre-Arbitration Letter Carriers whom they strive to keep event on Sunday, May 2nd at the Lanes and different from being right here in the Boston settlement was reached at the Area level informed and occasionally utilize to get our Games in Cambridge followed immedi- District, where the main issues were under- between the NBA’s office and Area Labor message out to our individual legislative ately up by the Annual Letter Carrier Food staffing – CCA retention, forced overtime, relations in the Carrier’s favor reinstating representatives. It takes seconds to join and Drive on Saturday, May 10th. incompetent management and of course the past practice. become involved. Your job may one-day H H H H H H H H H H morale issues on the work room floor. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed meet- depend on it. Last but certainly not least, I hope ev- It was ironically familiar to see that the ing carriers from another area and having Once signed up, the NALC provides you eryone takes the time this Memorial Day to Arbitration case was clearly born out of bad a brief opportunity to bond with them over with up-to-the minute status of pending pause and remember those past soles whose blood between the inept Post Master and a one of my favorite subjects “Management’s congressional actions which could literally service affords us freedom and liberty we strong local union. Specifically, the case Incompetence.” alter our lives. Occasionally, the NALC will enjoy. This Memorial Day weekend, thank send you e-mail alerts when it’s time to act a gold-star family, remember a veteran, on issues affecting active and retired letter honor the brave who paid the ultimate Happy Father’s Day! carriers and the future of the Postal Ser- sacrifice.

BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 5 Branch 34 Shines During the 2015 NALC Food Drive

Everett’s Three Amigos – Danny, Mark and Wayne. Helpers from St. John’s Episcopal in Winthrop. Fernando needs a hamper for all the food he collected.

Some young volunteers give a helping hand at St. John’s. Somerville’s Dream Team gets a Gold Medal – Sean, Paul, Kevin, Joe & Fernando.

Our CCAs are pitching in too – Kevin M., Bianca A. & Rubi. Everett’s Mikey C. unloads the food he collected Charlestown’s Rosa is all smiles about this year’s Food Drive. on his route.

Somerville’s Sweethearts – Amy, Krissy & Tammy. Chelsea’s A-Team – Sonny & Corado.

6 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 Every Day is Route Inspection Day Don’t Be A SCAB! ell, it’s that time of year again when volume are shown as well as DPS or any management is Wmost of us have not even recovered sequence mail for that given day. Then your going into TACs Urge them to pay their fair from the winter, yet management is already FOT (fixed office time) and your base street and in putting share and join Branch 34! pushing pivoting down our throats. time is added to that to project your total carrier clock Allston So if you are one of those delusional let- time for the day. hits. Some su- FENICHESKA TOUSSAINT...... CCA ter carriers that thinks management is going However, there are factors that can alter pervisors have to walk through the door with a thank you the outcome of this report. The first is improperly in- Auburndale ROBIN I. DEVITTO lunch and a fist full of gift cards don’t hold volume, where management usually does putted code that Rich Galvin your breath. a good job recording the case letters and makes it impos- Clerk Back Bay For most of the zones in the Greater flats on any given day some supervisor sible to deter- NSBA-MBA RALPH E. DONOVAN CHRISTOPHER A. DOUGLAS Boston District your rewards will be com- have a tendency to miss count our SPRs mine what happened on that day. The par- ROBERT A. ROMIKITIS ing in the form of route inspection. (small parcels). ties have termed this “data integrity.” DAVID P. WIDROW In 2015, route inspections will have For every SPR you get it should be In these cases there is no way to adjust a Brighton the name CDRAAP. This is short for City counted as a flat, which will in turn affect route or a zone accurately. The detrimental WAN TSAI...... CCA Delivery Route Alternative Adjustment your office time. Keep a mental note for part of this is that if it is not picked up on Process, or as I like to call it “ crap rap.” yourself, if you had 100 flats and 50 SPRs then your route is going to get hit. Braintree JAMES B. KERR Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm be- on a day then the following morning your This is where you as a carrier need to CHRISTINE TROPEANO liever in joint route adjustment process and case flats should read 150 case flats. keep an eye on your daily work hour work I have to give both parties credit with the This is vitally important because it will load and report anything that doesn’t look Brookline changes to this year’s process. The problem determine your office time. right to your shop steward. The steward will CHRISTINE M. BAILEY that we REAT( route evaluating adjustment Secondly, your clock moves. This is then request your clock hits for that day for Cambridge – Central Square teams) are having lies in the information your time, your route, and your pay. Make any data integrity issues. HERBERT BELL...... CCA that is needed to do the adjustment process. your clock hits, it’s your responsibility and I strongly suggest that if you are a car- THOMAS K. DELEHANTY...... CCA Since the creation of our previous it will protect you and your route when rier or a steward stationed in any of the Cambridge – Porter Square RAAP, the parties have agreed to post work done correctly. zones that have been selected in the 2015 CESAR BARBOSA...... CCA hour work loads on a daily basis. That being said, every carrier should be CDRAAP to start doing your homework. BIANCA I. TEEBAGY Now every carrier should know this form able to look at a work hour work load from The best part of CDRAAP is that every Cohasset is the daily make up of your route. Office the previous day and tell if it accurately player has a roll and a responsibility in mak- JESSICA L. PASTERIS time, both the standard and the carriers shows what you did on that day. ing any and all adjustment in this process. Fort Point actual time are compared. Your daily case Here is where the term “crap rap” comes Remember, every day is route inspection JEREMY ALCUIS...... CCA in to play. In some cases, in some zones, day from this point on. PAUL M. BALLOU...... CCA WAYNE J. CHIN Congratulations CHRISTINA M. COLON...... CCA Hingham-Hull Retirees GPS is Finally Here MARK J. DION n behalf of President Lind, the Board of s everyone is now aware management ing to take re- Chelsea Carrier Annex O Officers and the Brothers and Sisters of Ais utilizing GPS to monitor you on the sponsibility for VERONICA COLON...... CCA Branch 34, we extend our wishes for a long, street. They’re able to do this from the of- their operation SANDRA GIORDANO GENA L. HART...... CCA happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement to fice, as well as, the GMF. I for one, have and trim the fat. the following recently retired members: been waiting for this for some time. As The OIG should Dorchester Center Herbert G. Berman...... Fields Corner I see it why would any company pay a investigate this BRANDON SCHAEFFER...... CCA PERRY WADE...... CCA Edward W. Bills...... Newton Highlands supervisor or manager $80,000-$100,000 enormous waste Lawrence W. Brown...... Lexington (pay and benefits) to watch little dots on a instead of ha- Michael Murray JFK James F. Burke...... Wollaston screen when they’ve got management doing rassing injured Sergeant-at- EMMA G. HEMPHILL Albert J. Capachietti...... Lexington the same thing in the GMF? letter carriers. Arms Roger J. Ciampoli...... IMC-Winthrop Lexington Thomas F. Cooper...... Brighton I hoped the days of three, four and five ROBERT J. WARNOCK supervisors in an office would be over. Dorchester Center’s Michael J. Dinatale...... Milton Fill the Satchel Drive Malden Lynette C. Dion...... Jamaica Plain There is no reason to have more than one TYLER EVANS...... CCA Mark D. Engelsman...... Braintree part-time supervisor in the morning to make ’d like to thank Alex Pinto, John Corrigan EILEEN M. FINN Joseph J. Gleason...... IMC-East Boston sure everyone shows up and to pass out the Iand Medford letter carrier Rene Amador th Medfield Stephen Glynn...... Arlington OT. Once we’re on the street they’re no for donating their time on Sunday April 19 ELIZABETH I. RAY John D. Harrington...... Jamaica Plain longer needed, so punch out and go home. for our springtime Satchel Drive. John T. Heffernan Jr...... Weymouth To get their eight hours they come back Their efforts are much appreciated and Medford Donna L. Hernandez...... West Newton GERALD M. LYTES in the afternoon to make sure everyone we were able to raise $573.73 for this wor- VICTOR WONG WAJARACHOT...... CCA Malcolm D. Hornsby...... Wellesley comes back. This split shift is how many thy cause. The money the NALC raises for Harry J. Judd, Jr...... Back Bay Annex of the T bus drivers work. It works there the MDA goes to more than just finding a Milton Steven A. Koch...... Wollaston KATHLEEN V. NICKERSON John F. Lane III...... Cambridge and would work here as well. Think of the cure for muscle disease. It helps support CHARLES S. ROSEN Mark S. Lubofsky...... Malden savings getting rid of all those supervisors families who have a love one afflicted with John S. McCormack...... Roxbury and managers would bring to the Postal muscle disease and sends kids to summer Needham TINA M. DOHERTY Barry A. Milan...... J.F.K. Service. They could use it to pay our brother camp. It’s a worthy cause and more stations TIMOTHY P. JENKINS...... CCA Michael J. Murphy...... J.F.K. and sister CCA letter carriers more money. should participate. I’d like to take this time TAMI L. JOHNSON Glenn C. Myers...... Hingham/Hull That doesn’t appear to be the case as I to thank George Adams for all the work Stephen T. Noyes...... Scituate was supervised on the street for the first he’s done on behalf of MDA. George is Newton Centre THOMAS A. CARYL Paul L. Ross...... Needham time in about 15 years a couple of weeks now a retired Woburn letter carrier but he’s Edward T. Welch...... Weymouth ago. Supervisors are now going to supervise still doing all he can to support this worthy Newtonville Edward J. Williams...... North Quincy us on the street even though they know charity. In his career he’s helped to raise ZINEB BENNANI...... CCA PAUL R. BERNIER...... CCA Thomas L. Williams ...... Malden exactly where we are and for how long. over $500,000 for this charity. Thank you – Michael C. Yerkes MICHAEL P. ZIRPOLO WHY? The only reason is they’re unwill- George! Branch 34 Financial Secretary Roxbury MARQUIS CAMPBELL ...... CCA ATTENTION RETIRED LETTER CARRIERS: DANIELL REGIS...... CCA KEILLEN F. SMITH JR...... CCA In Memoriam Anyone who meets the 50 year WILLIAM TROUTMAN...... CCA Ronald P. Curtin requirement to receive a GOLD CARD, Scituate Retired Member – Newton Centre please contact the Union Office at KAREN M. LYNCH Albert L. Lifrieri 781-281-1133 to provide Waltham Retired Member – Fort Point DAVID BAHM Robert V. Mahoney and receive more information. WILLIAM A. BOURQUE...... CCA JAMIE DICICCO...... CCA Retired Member – Braintree KELLY M. GREEN-GALLO Kenneth J. Nestor Retired Member – Medford H H H H West Roxbury To Our Troops! LOUIS GUERRIER...... CCA Timothy F. O’Leary KASEY O’CONNELL...... CCA Retired Member – Brighton/Braintree Woburn Salvatore A. Piccolo * Thank You For Your Service MICHAEL A. BROTHERS...... CCA Retired Member – Allston TIMOTHY O’DONOGHUE...... CCA and Your Sacrifice! CRAIG REXFORD Peter L. Schiavone * JAVIER RIVADENEIRA...... CCA Retired Member – Braintree We apologize in advance if your name appears on this scab list in error. This information is forwarded * Denotes Fifty-Year Life Member BRANCH 34 to us from our National Headquarters and we do our best to ensure its accuracy. If you are still not in the Union, it’s time to step up and pay your fair share. No Rest in Peace SUPPORTS YOU! excuses. Contact your Station Steward to join NOW!

BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 7 IMPORTANT!! ALL LETTER CARRIERS Knee and Hip ARTHRITIS is the Silent OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE that No One IMPORTANT!!Tells You About. ALL LETTER CARRIERS If You . . . IMPORTANT!!1. Have had a hip/knee replacement; or Knee and Hip ARTHRITIS is the Silent ALL LETTER2. Have beenCARRIERS diagnosed with leg arthritis; or OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE that No One Knee and Hip3. ARTHRITIS Have chronically is the sore Silent knees; or OCCUPATIONALTells You About. DISEASE4. Have That had Noknee One surgery Tells You for About. ANY reason; then If You . . . YOUIf you… MAY BE ENTITLED TO: 1. Have1. hadHave a hip/kneehad a hip/knee replacement; replacement; or or 2. Have been diagnosed with leg arthritis;SUBSTANTIAL or COMP 3. Have2. chronicallyHave been sore diagnosed knees; or with leg arthritis; or 4. Have3. hadHave knee chronically surgery for soreANY reason; knees; then or BENEFITS YOU4. Have MAY had BE knee ENTITLED surgery forFor TO: ANY more reason; information then call: SUBSTANTIALYOU MAY BE COMP ENTITLED TO: SUBSTANTIALBENEFITS COMP BENEFITS For more informationFor more call:information call: 888 NALC Law 888.625.2529 ServingServing Letter Letter Carriers Carriers forfor Over Over 30 30 Years! Years 888 NALC Law 888.625.2529 Serving Letter Carriers for Over 30 Years firstprioritycu.com

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8 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 Branch 34 Leaders Attend MSLCA Convention in Hyannis

ames of attending Branch 34 Delegates Nat the Massachusetts State Letter Carrier Association Convention in Hyannis, MA: Joseph Demambro Frederic London * Samie Smith * Michael Kidd * Michael Murray * Bob Lind John McMahon John Casciano Gerald McCarthy Michael Yerkes Robert Damatin * Maureen Marinelli Sean Mullett Robert Simpson Tom Rooney Brian Manning Tom Boudreau * Signifies newly elected State Officers from Branch 34 attending (Missing from above list is *Michael Gorham who was incapacitated, but also elected by acclamation).

Protect Your Route: Auxiliary Assistance and 3996… (continued from page 2) 23. Samples case shelf containing the mail for required l. Item O. List the points where relays 24. Traffic delays which assistance is being re- f. Present form to manager. will be found. The employee assigned 25. Day after holiday quested. The bottom shelf of g. Item L. Auxiliary Assistance. If assis- to provide the assistance shall com­plete 26. Late for work/Annual leave the letter separations is des- tance is approved, the manager shall the bottom line. 27. Doctor’s appointment ignated No. 1. When assistance initial Form 3996 and return it to the m. Item P. Carrier Assistant. Before leav- 28. Mark-up parcels is required for less than a full shelf carrier tor completion of route informa- ing, enter name and time beginning 29. Carrier endorsements in fractions. The portion should be tion. and ending office - work if auxiliary 30. Utility Bills identified as follows: L 1/2, R 1/4, h. Overtime. If overtime is approved, assistance is given in office. Enter time 31. Deviation for Express Mail M 1/2 (L-Left, R-Right, M-Middle the manager shall initial the form and leaving office for street assistance. 32. Revise 1621 of the shelf). enter near his initials the amount of After returning, enter returning time 33. Work on case labels c. Items G, H and I. Indicate if keys and/ overtime in minutes. After advising the in space end street time. Add office 34. DPS mail problems or carfare are re­quired and if there is carrier, the form is then deposited in a time and/or street time and enter total 35. Check 3982s (pink cards) accountable mail for delivery on the designated place for use later when the in hours and hundredths. Deposit the route. timecard or printout is verified. form in designated place or give it to Carrier Auxiliary Control – d. Item J. Show the reason in detail for i. Street Assistance. When street assis- the manager. M-41 Handbook requesting assistance. The phrase tance is approved, the regular carrier 3996s should be filled out in duplicate. Prepare Form 3996, Carrier Auxiliary “Heavy Mail” is not a suitable ex- shall complete the additional sections Carriers are entitled to have a copy of the Control (see exhibit 2-16 as follows): planation. (Omit reason for request- of the form as follows. 3996 returned to them after it is submitted a. Items C, D and E. Enter the date (C); ing assistance during the Christmas­ j. Item M. Show transportation informa- to the supervisor for his/her action. route number and name (D); lunch place period.) tion as indicated. If anyone cases mail or street deliveries and time, if applicable (E). e. Item K. Under Estimated Work, k. Item N. Indicate the delivery starting on a Route, a 3996 should be filled out in b. Item F. Place a check (4) or (X) in the the carrier must enter the estimated point and the blocks on each street to duplicate for the Route assisted. space below the number indicating the hours and hundredths of hours work be delivered. (From the Union Activist, M-39, Br. 34.)

BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 9 Branch 34 Rolls a Strike for the MDA at 2015 Bowl-a-Thon ecently, our Annual MDA Bowl-a-Thon took place again at Lane-n-Games in Cambridge. RAs I stated last year, I appreciate that so many people came out on what might be their only day off that week and some of our CCAs also took to the lanes after they were somehow able to get the day off. Way to go! For most of you who have been there year after year, I thank you, and request you all to ask more people from your office to get involved next year with such a great tradition and worthy cause. Also, thank you for your continued support of our NALC Food Drive. Food banks and pantries across America depend on our efforts to feed families in need. You provide a service in more ways than one to the citizens of Massachusetts. Thank you for a job well done. I would personally like to thank our Bowl-a-Thon Coordinator Domenic Corsetti for stepping up again here and also as our Food Drive Coordinator. This year, because of the harsh winter, these events were back-to-back. We also need to recognize Branch 34 MDA Chairman George Adams. George is recently retired from the Woburn office, but his work has not stopped when it comes to the MDA. And finally, kudos again to Fort Point Letter Carrier Denise Synan for taking the great photos. Thanks Denise! See you all at next year’s Branch 34 MDA Bowl-a-Thon! – Steve Mahoney, Editor

10 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 11 BOB SOLANO Disc Jockey • Musician Master of Ceremonies “Where Experience Makes a Difference!” (603) 882-3441 Bus. 781-233-8878 Pager 781-671-9678 E-mail [email protected] P.O. Box 123 Stoneham, MA 02180

The Boston Letter Carriers Mutual Benefit Association Founded May 18, 1889 522 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston, MA 02127 Telephone (617) 269-9111 Assets: $6,510,000 Life Insurance: $5,500 • Weekly Benefit: $42* Lifetime Sick Benefit: $480 • Annual Dues: $14 NO PHYSICAL EXAM Applicants must be under forty years of age and less than three years a full-time Letter Carrier. Premiums have never been increased. Managed by Boston Letter Carriers. Supervised and audited by the Massachusetts Department of Insurance. See your Station Mutual Benefit Association representatives for further details, or call 617-269-9111. * After first seven days with no leave to your credit.

President: Thomas Sheehan • Recording Secretary: Dave McLeod

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17 Canton Avenue Milton, MA 02186 617-696-0075

12 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 Branch 34 Celebrates Its Retirees!

BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 13 Branch 34 Says Farewell to Its Newest Retirees! IMC’s Roger Ciampoli

The official retirement cake. IMC’s Roger Ciampoli of Winthrop is surrounded by the IMC Stewards. Branch 34 President Bob Lind poses with new retiree Roger Ciampoli of IMC.

Branch 34 President Bob Lind presents Winthrop’s best IMC’s Roger Ciampoli of Winthrop his pose with Roger Ciampoli. retirement jacket.

Brighton’s Tom Cooper Malden’s Tom Williams

Malden Shop Steward Peter Dingle wishes good Branch 34 President Bob Lind presents Malden’s Tom Brighton’s Tom Cooper enjoys Brighton Shop Steward Rashon Butts, Branch 34 President Bob Lind, luck to new retiree Tom Williams. Williams with his retirement gifts. his last day. “Good” Tom Cooper and Manager Mike King.

Branch 34 President Bob Lind poses for a photo Malden’s Tom Williams shares a laugh with Malden’s Tom Williams is congratulated by O’Bie with “Good” Tom Cooper. co-worker Carl Peters. for a job well done.

Largest Inventory of Union Postal Uniforms in New England Lafferty & Lafferty 329 Lynnway, Rt. 1A South, Lynn, MA 01901 781-595-2644 or 800-451-1761 Fax 781-596-1950 Attorneys at Law [email protected] Walk in, Phone or Fax. Request a catalog.

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14 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 a Arlington’s Stevie Glynn

Stevie Glynn, never too shy to speak his mind, Branch 34 President Bob Lind prepares to present Arlington’s Stevie Glynn with his A shirt for the “rafters!” reminisces about his time in Arlington. retirement jacket. Jamaica Plain’s Jack Harrington

Friends and workmates Jack Harrington and Branch 34 Area Steward/ JP Shop Steward Bernadette Romans share a moment.

Branch 34 President Bob Lind, Arlington Shop Stewards Gerry Branch 34 Vice President J.T. McMahon speaks highly of Arlington’s McCarthy and Stevie Glynn listen to stories about Glynn’s career. Stevie Glynn. Roxbury’s Jimmy Kane

Branch 34 President Bob Lind presents Jamaica Plain buddy Daryl, Branch 34 President Bob Lind, JP Shop retirement gifts to new retiree Jack Steward Bob Damatin, “Big” Jack Harrington and Branch 34 Harrington of Jamaica Plain. Area Steward/JP Shop Steward Bernadette Romans. Fort Point’s John Kavanaugh

Roxbury and South End Carriers pose for a photo.

Fort Point’s John Kavanaugh receives congratulations on his Fort Point’s John Kavanaugh’s beautiful well-deserved retirement from one of his co-workers. retirement cake.

Roxbury’s Jimmy Kane shares a farewell story with his co-workers.

The new #1 Carrier in Roxbury Jorge Espada shares a laugh with Jimmy Kane.

Branch 34 President Bob Lind shares events that took place the year Roxbury’s Jimmy Kane started to deliver mail (1967). Fort Point’s Carriers pose with John Kavanaugh. Jamaica Plain’s Peter Sze & Greg Thompson Weymouth’s Edward Welch

Weymouth’s Edward Welch gets ready to Weymouth’s Edward Welch cuts the first slice of his party on his last day. retirement cake. Jamaica Plain Shop Steward Bob Damatin praises Peter Sze’s contribution to the Jamaica Plain Post Office.

Jamaica Plain’s Greg Thompson and Peter Sze retire – Lynette Dion, Retiree Gary Thompson, Branch 34 Area Steward Bernadette Romans, JP Shop Steward Bob Damatin, Retiree Peter Sze and Branch 34 President Bob Lind. It fits – Jamaica Plain’s Peter Sze’s tries on his new retirement jacket. Edward Welch poses with his Weymouth co-workers as they celebrate his hard-earned retirement.

BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015 15 Fifty-Year Gold Card Recipients Honored at Branch 34 Retiree Luncheon

The Fifty-Year Gold Card recipients gathered for a photo shot at the latest Branch 34 Retiree Luncheon.

The Fifty-Year Gold Card recipient Lawrence “Larry” Burnett accompanied by his son Frank (a Local 103 Union member). Larry is our eldest attending Arthur Minichiello reminisces about his career after he receives his “Sixty-Year” Union Pin. Looking on are Branch 34 statesman – 98 years old. Congratulations and thanks Larry! President Bob Lind, Branch 34 Financial Secretary Michael Yerkes and NALC National Business Agent John Casciano.

We’re Loud! We’re Proud! ...and We’re Celebrating 125 Years of Powerful Union Participation and Accomplishments!

1890-2015

Celebrate With Us Throughout the Year!

16 BRANCH 34’s CLAN JUNE-JULY 2015