What's at Stake for Letter Carriers in the 2020 Elections

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Volume 133/Number 10 October 2020 In this issue President’s Message 1 National Officers 28 Branch Election Notices 45 Branch Items 48

The monthly journal of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS

What’s at stake for letter carriers in the 2020 elections —PAGES 6-11 DOHERTY & DONELON In honor of NALC’s president from 1941 SCHOLARSHIPS to 1962, the Wil- Deadline: This form must be returned to NALC Headquarters no later than December 31, 2020. liam C. Doherty Eligibility ate degree at an accredited n Doherty Scholarship awards Scholarship Fund college of recipient’s choice. will be $4,000 per year and the will again award five n Applicant must be the son, Donelon Scholarship award n Winners may accept other will be $1,000 per year. Each $4,000 scholarships to daughter or legally adopted college scholarship assis- child of a letter carrier NALC scholarship is renewable children of members tance in addition to the NALC for three consecutive years member in good standing— award. in good standing. The active, retired or deceased. thereafter providing the winner Stepchildren and grandchil- n Any change of schools maintains satisfactory grades. John T. Donelon dren are eligible if they live or course of study must be Award money will be depos- Scholarship Fund ited annually with the college. with the letter carrier in a done only with the permis- It will be credited to the win- will award one schol- regular parent‑child sion of the NALC Scholar- ner’s account to be drawn arship in honor of relationship. ship Committee. upon under the rules and Donelon, longtime n Applicant’s parent must be n A transcript of grades regulations which the college a member in good standing must be forwarded to the has established for handling NALC assistant to the of NALC for at least one year committee at the end of scholarship funds. Award president. Applicants prior to making application. each school year. money is to be used for re- must be high school quired college fees, including n Applicant must be a high n If winner suffers certified se- seniors and must rious illness, scholarship will room and board and transpor- school senior when mak- tation fees. meet all of the following application and must be held in abeyance for not submit the form provided at more than one year. n Children of NALC national ing eligibility criteria officers are not eligible. right, signed by the NALC n If unusual conditions are to be considered. member and an officer of going to require an inter- the member’s NALC branch. ruption in schooling, recipi- This form must be returned ent must state reason(s) in Scholarship Application to NALC Headquarters by writing to the Scholarship December 31, 2020. Committee and request that Date______(Please print clearly) the scholarship be held in Please send instructions as to how I can compete for a scholarship Requirements abeyance. Request(s) will be award. I am a senior in the 2020-21 school year. reviewed by the Committee r daughter r son r active I am the r r of r n All applicants must take and a decision rendered. *stepdaughter *stepson retired r *granddaughter r *grandson r deceased the Scholastic Assessment n If the NALC member is sus- Test (SAT) or the American pended by his/her local NALC letter carrier ______College Test (ACT) in either branch or enters supervision, of Branch No.______City______State______their junior or senior year. A scholarship will be canceled. copy of the official scores My name is______from the administering organization must be received Terms of awards My address is______at NALC Headquarters by City______State______ZIP______midnight, March 31, 2021. n The official scholarship (Computer-generated print- judges will award one Wil- Phone No.______Signature of branch officer outs of test scores will not liam C. Doherty Scholarship be accepted.) in each of the five USPS Regions and one John T. n ______All biographical question- Donelon Scholarship. Win- Signature of NALC parent member Printed name of branch officer naires and secondary school ners are judged on the basis (or spouse if deceased) reports must be received at of secondary school records, ______NALC Headquarters by mid- personal qualifications and Last 4 digits of Social Security No. Title Date night, March 31, 2021. test scores. As in the past, This form must be returned no later than December 31, 2020, to the scholarship judges will the NALC Scholarship Committee, consist of experienced per- in care of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Regulations 100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001-2144. sons in the educational field. * Stepchildren and grandchildren are eligible if they live with n Scholarship is to be used Decisions of the judges will the letter carrier in a regular parent‑child relationship. toward pursuing undergradu- be final. President’s Message

Voting and the Postal Service are essential arlier this year, the the country once again with integrity and nonpartisan profes- Harris Poll company sionalism, we can take tremendous pride in this role. released a survey NALC is certainly doing its part to ensure a smooth election. report on the U.S. We proposed, and the postmaster general agreed, to expand corporate response the Postal Service’s National Election Task Force to include the toE the COVID-19 pandemic. It postal unions and the postal management associations. We’ve asked Americans to identify the been meeting weekly to coordinate public messaging, training most valuable and essential and operational planning for the surge in mail ballots this year. companies during the crisis. Our goal is to get every ballot delivered on time and counted. Ranked No. 1 among the 100 You can help in this effort. In these final weeks of this elec- companies deemed most es- tion, if you notice a problem that might delay or damage po- sential during the pandemic litical mail or election mail, alert your steward. He or she will was the United States Postal be part of local labor-management teams designed to trouble- Service. That public affirmation shoot such problems. As always, “if you see something, say of the value of our employer is something.” a testament to the dedication Of course, letter carriers are not just part of the machinery of and extraordinary service pro- our democracy—we also are citizen-participants in it. Over the vided by America’s letter carri- past several months, we have used the pages of The Postal Re- Fredric V. ers and our fellow postal em- cord to give you information about the candidates for president Rolando ployees. You can and should be and the contrasting records of the two chambers of Congress very proud of this recognition. as they relate to your jobs, your work life and your employer. But our work in this pandemic is far from done. On those matters, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Ka- At this moment, the country is turning to us to reaffirm and mala Harris are far and away the best choice for NALC members. protect something of immense value to our country—our de- We have used those same workplace metrics to evaluate mocracy, the very heart of our national identity. At a time House and Senate races, and we have used the voluntary con- when the coronavirus continues to spread and when vot- tributions of our members to the Letter Carrier Political Fund ing in person can endanger our health and the safety of our to support scores of candidates from both parties who have loved ones, voting by mail has emerged as one of the main demonstrated their support for letter carriers and our issues. solutions. It provides a safe and efficient means for exercis- All of the arguments have been made, and I will not repeat ing our right to choose our leaders in a democratic fashion. them again. What I will repeat is that we fully respect the polit- Nothing could be more essential than that. ical diversity of our great union, and we understand that each In fact, 83 percent of all U.S. voters will have the option and every one of you will make your own voting decisions to vote by mail this year. Some 51 million Americans will based on the issues most important to you. By respecting that automatically receive their ballots in the mail from states diversity, we ensure the unity we need to pursue our common that are using a full vote-at-home model as a public health interests as workers. measure designed to keep lines short on Election Day. The important thing is not how you vote. The important These states include California, Nevada, New Jersey and thing is that you vote. Vermont, as well as states that adopted Vote at Home be- Our country is in real trouble right now. We face a pandemic, fore the pandemic (Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and a related deep economic downturn, and a racial justice reckon- Washington). In addition, 44 million citizens were auto- ing. But our democracy, with all its evident flaws, is still our best matically sent applications to vote by mail. And no fewer avenue for addressing these problems and making progress. than 100 million Americans have had the option to request As a former president used to say, there is nothing wrong with an absentee mail ballot, most of them in states that already America that cannot be fixed with what is right with America. had “no excuse” absentee voting but others in states that Among those things that are most right about our country liberalized the rules because of the coronavirus. is our right to vote. It’s sacred. It should not be squandered. If our experience earlier this year during the primary elec- Please vote and urge all your family and friends to do the same. tion season is any guide, up to half of all votes cast in the No- Like the beloved U.S. Postal Service, voting is essential. vember election will involve mailed-out ballots. Never in the history of our country have the American people needed us more than they need us right now. As we step up to deliver for

October 2020 The Postal Record 1 Cover illustration by Jim Starr National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO Contents Since 1889, representing city letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service. Volume 133/Number 10 October 2020 100 Indiana Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001-2144 202-393-4695 | nalc.org

RESIDENT OFFICERS FREDRIC V. ROLANDO MANUEL L. PERALTA JR. President Director of Safety and Health BRIAN RENFROE DAN TOTH The monthly journal of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS Executive Vice President Director of Retired Members LEW DRASS JAMES W. “JIM” YATES Vice President Director of Life Insurance NICOLE RHINE Mutual Benefit Association Secretary-Treasurer 202-638-4318 PAUL BARNER STEPHANIE M. STEWART Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Director, Health Benefit Plan CHRISTOPHER JACKSON Health Benefit Plan Director of City Delivery 888-636-6252

BOARD OF TRUSTEES LAWRENCE D. BROWN JR. 774 Valencia Street Los Angeles, CA 90017 MIKE GILL MACK I. JULION 18682 SW 93 Court 3850 S. Wabash Ave. Cutler Bay, FL 33157 Chicago, IL 60653 NATIONAL BUSINESS AGENTS Region 1: BRYANT ALMARIO Region 9: LYNNE PENDLETON (California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam) (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, 3105 E. Guasti Road, Suite 200 South Carolina) Ontario, CA 91761 1101 Northchase Parkway SE, Suite 3 909-443-7450 Marietta, GA 30067 678-942-5295 Region 2: NICK VAFIADES 24 (Alaska, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Region 10: JAVIER BERNAL Oregon, Washington) (New Mexico, Texas) 5115 NE 94th Ave., Suite A 23760 Hwy. 59 North Departments Features Vancouver, WA 98662 Kingwood, TX 77339 360-892-6545 281-540-5627 1 President’s Message 4 Working safely during COVID-19 Region 3: MICHAEL B. CAREF Region 11: MARK CAMILLI 3 Letter from the Editor We take a look at the memoran- (Illinois) (Upstate New York, Ohio) 4979 Indiana Ave., Suite 203 5445 Beavercrest Drive, Suite 7 4 News dums of understanding agreed to Lisle, IL 60532-3848 Lorain, OH 44053 28 Executive Vice President by USPS and NALC to keep letter 630-743-5320 440-282-4340 29 Vice President carriers safe during the pandemic Region 4: DAN VERSLUIS Region 12: DAVID J. NAPADANO (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, (Pennsylvania, South and Central 30 Secretary-Treasurer 6 A crucial election Oklahoma, Wyoming) New Jersey) 31 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer What’s at stake for letter carriers 12015 E. 46th Ave., Suite 550 Four Neshaminy Interplex, Suite 111 Denver, CO 80239 Trevose, PA 19053 32 Director of City Delivery during the 2020 elections? We 720-828-6840 215-824-4826 33 Director of Safety and Health compare the postal policies of Region 5: MICHAEL BIRKETT Region 13: VADA E. PRESTON 34 Director of Retired Members both presidential candidates (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas) (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West 1828 Craig Road Virginia, Washington, DC) 35 Director of Life Insurance 10 Voting by mail St. Louis, MO 63146 P.O. Box 2660 314-985-8040 Ashburn, VA 20146 36 Director, Health Benefit Plan Vote-by-mail has become a cen- 703-840-2010 37 Contract Talk tral issue this election; we exam- Region 6: TROY CLARK (Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) Region 14: RICHARD J. DICECCA 38 Muscular Dystrophy Association ine USPS’s role in it and how it’s 43456 Mound Road, Suite 501 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachu- used for other election aspects Sterling Heights, MI 48314 setts, New Hampshire, Rhode 39 Staff Reports 586-997-9917 Island, Vermont) 40 State Summaries 33 Boston Post Road W., Suite 360 12 Extreme weather Region 7: TROY D. FREDENBURG Marlborough, MA 01752-1813 41 Honor Roll Carriers are urged to help NALC (Minnesota, North Dakota, South 617-363-9299 Dakota, Wisconsin) 44 Retiree Reports/In Memoriam members through the NALC Disas- Broadway Place West Region 15: LARRY CIRELLI 45 Election Notices ter Relief Foundation as hurricanes 1300 Godward St. NE, Suite 2600 (Northern New Jersey, New York, Minneapolis, MN 55413 SW Connecticut, Puerto Rico, Virgin 60 Veterans Group and wildfires hit the United States 612-378-3035 Islands) 48 Branch Items 347 W. 41st St., Suite 102 20 Free college courses Region 8: STEVE LASSAN New York, NY 10036-6941 53 Cost-of-living adjustment (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 212-868-0284 Union Plus offers a host of ben- Tennessee) 55 Auxiliary Update efits—one of which is free online 160 Commissioner Drive 56 Nalcrest Update Meridianville, AL 35759-2038 college courses for union mem- 256-828-8205 57 Mutual Exchange ads bers and their families

2 The Postal Record October 2020 Letter from the Editor

The mail, the message(s) hey say it takes a village. Some- putting his public speaking and audio production background times, though, it may take a to good use. Just six years into his postal career, he recently was Tcountry—or at least a country full elected vice president of Southeast Massachusetts Branch 18. of letter carriers. Wayne was brought to our attention by Region 14 National Delivering the mail, professionally Business Agent Rick DiCecca, who has been invaluable in sev- and reliably—check. Delivering a bevy eral such instances. Speaking of NBAs, whether Region 1’s of other services, whether assisting Bryant Almario, Troy Clark in Region 6 or Troy Fredenburg in residents or helping feed millions Region 7, or others recently cited in this space, each and every of Americans—check. Delivering our NBA’s office has provided a major boost to NALC’s communi- message and thereby changing the cations efforts. national conversation about the Post- Residents of the San Francisco Bay Area got a lesson in al Service—check. postal finances and legislation from retired letter carrier Ivars And now, when it is needed more Lauersons of Vallejo, whose expansive 477-word letter to the than ever—with so many challenges editor fittingly ended: “Keep in mind this information as you and opportunities—you are taking care read breaking news about the post office.” of business by delivering the broadest We received more calls from journalists in Montana in a sin- Philip of messages in a variety of ways. gle day recently than over the entire past decade; fortunately, What does the Postal Service need we have Montana State President Julie Quilliam to turn to for Dine to weather the pandemic and eco- support, much as we have benefited from the presence in nomic shutdown, and to help Ameri- North Dakota of Rachel Freehauf and many other state presi- cans everywhere by bringing them the mail and supplies they dents elsewhere. need? Will USPS be able to assure people that their voices will If this part ends here, it’s not because the names do, but be heard in November, with mail ballots handled securely and because the space does. efficiently? I’ve never seen a union with so many members in so many You are addressing these and many other issues with en- positions doing so much to communicate a message. At this thusiasm, creativity and determination. point, it goes beyond providing information on finances or leg- And, so, we have Amanda Beckley, president of Branch islation; it’s also the reassuring and knowledgeable tone, so 1412 in Garden City, KS, who was sufficiently compelling in needed now in a society that often seems unhinged. depicting the role of the Postal Service and letter carriers But it doesn’t stop there. that the Kansas Reflector headlined the column, “Dear Kan- By your words and your actions on the job, your willingness sas—can we at least not fight about the Postal Service?” as essential workers to take risks for the greater good, doing The columnist wanted someone who could describe what so with consistent grace and courage, you’re also sending the the mail means to folks in a small town, and Kansas State broadest of messages—about the value of the Postal Service, President Andy Tuttle knew just who could humanize and lo- its ability to handle the challenges of the election, its compe- calize the issue for Kansans. Amanda has an 11-mile walking tence, its integrity. route in Garden City—which is 200 miles from a city in one That transcends any specific issue; it affects how people direction, 300 miles in the other. think of the United States Postal Service and the letter carriers She explained how the post office unites the community, it employs. so vital in times like these, leading the columnist to end the On so many levels, you are sending a profound message to piece as follows: “Making sure the U.S. Postal Service is OK is the American people. Before this is all over, it will have reso- the least we could do in return for its service.” nated in every corner of this country. Reporters speculating beyond their knowledge about recent USPS practices encounter a calm and reasoned voice in EDITORIAL STAFF: Subscription included in membership dues. Director of Communications and Media First-class subscription available Detroit Branch 1 President Sandy Laemmel, who tells them Relations Philip Dine for $20 per year (contact Membership Designer/Web Editor Mike Shea Department). not what they want to hear, but what they need to know, ben- Writer/Editor Rick Hodges efiting their audience—and us. Writer/Editor Jenessa Wagner © 2020 by the National Association of Editorial Assistant Clare Foley Letter Carriers. In Kentucky, we have a state president in Bob McNulty who Circulation: 287,000. Union-printed using The Postal Record (ISSN 0032-5376) soy-based inks. constantly sends our way journalists aiming to tell the postal is published monthly by the National story—and who fills us in on coverage we may not be aware Association of Letter Carriers. Periodicals CHANGE of ADDRESS? Contact the Member- postage paid at Washington, DC, and at ship Department. of, as does fellow Bluegrass State resident Jim Smith, a retired additional mailing offices. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Lexington letter carrier. POSTMASTER: Send address changes and YouTube by going to NALC.org. From New Bedford, MA, letter carrier Wayne Johnson was part to Membership Department, NALC, 100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, of a virtual national tribute to essential workers on Labor Day, DC 20001-2144.

October 2020 The Postal Record 3 News

Working safely through the pandemic ast month, NALC and the Postal sary to keep letter carriers safe. For 1. The supervisor and the steward in Service agreed once again to con- example, early in the pandemic, NALC the losing office will jointly determine Ltinue several pandemic-related worked with USPS to establish alter- which carrier will go to the gaining office; memorandums of understanding nate delivery instructions to eliminate 2. If there is concern from either the (MOUs). These MOUs, found in NALC’s customer contact for mail that requires loaned carrier or those in the gaining of- Materials Reference System on the customer signatures. To reduce health fice about the loaned carrier entering the NALC website, include temporary ex- risks associated with this, USPS tempo- facility, the mail will be placed on the panded sick leave for dependent care rarily modified customer signature cap- dock or somewhere outside where it can (M-01910), temporary additional paid ture procedures for the Mobile Delivery be loaded without entering the building; leave for city carrier assistants (CCAs) Device (MDD) sign-on-glass feature, PS 3. If a loaned carrier does not bring a (M-01911), temporary use of the 7:01 Form 3811 (Domestic Return Receipt), vehicle from the losing office, the gain- rule (M-01913), temporary workplace PS Form 3849 (We ReDeliver for You), ing office will have appropriate clean- changes to promote social distancing and any hard-copy receipt items usually ing supplies for the carrier to sanitize (M-01915), and temporary use of TCAs signed by customers. These modified the vehicle that he/she will be using. (M-01916). procedures continue today and will If any of the social-distancing mea- NALC and the Postal Service also continue until it is safe to return to the sures put into place by M-01915 are not agreed to another temporary time-limit normal processes. being followed, letter carriers should extension on Step B and arbitration Early on, it also was evident that immediately notify their local branch appeals (M-01930), as well as an agree- letter carriers need to socially distance representative or their national busi- ment giving local parties the ability to from their co-workers; as a part of that, ness agent. develop a sign-up process for full-time management needed to minimize the In many offices throughout the employees who previously did not, or number of carriers being loaned to country, USPS is currently conducting could not, place their names on either other offices. As a result, NALC and the counts and inspections of letter car- the overtime-desired list or work- Postal Service agreed to implement riers’ routes. In early June, the Postal assignment list (M-01931). temporary workplace changes to pro- Service issued guidelines to its super- Each of these MOUs was designed mote social distancing among city letter visors and managers regarding proper specifically to address issues such carriers (M-01915). The MOU directs the social-distancing protocols that must as the effects of the pandemic on local parties to immediately discuss be followed while conducting a PS daily USPS operations, the ability of potential scheduling and office setup Form 3999, when performing a street NALC representatives to deal with changes such as staggered start times, inspection of a letter carrier’s route; the ever-pressing COVID-19 issues the scheduling of letter carriers to begin and while conducting a PS Form 1838-C, while simultaneously meeting specific tours in groups of 10 or fewer, the man- when counting a letter carrier’s mail representational timelines outlined ner in which stand-up talks are given volume and office time. Some of these in the National Agreement, and, most as well as the way break locations and procedures include examiners always importantly, to protect and ensure the times are arranged, and other initiatives remaining at least 6 feet away from safety and health of letter carriers, to maximize social distancing. letter carriers at all times, examiners their families, their co-workers and The MOU also committed the parties and carriers wearing face coverings their customers. to limiting individuals to working only in accordance with local ordinances From the beginning of the pandemic, in their employing facilities to the and when social distancing cannot NALC national officers, staff and repre- extent possible. When not possible, be maintained, using disposable sentatives throughout the country have the Postal Service agreed to a few gloves and other personal protective been in constant communication and additional precautions in the limited equipment, examiners avoiding direct negotiation with management officials circumstance in which a carrier is sent hand-to-hand contact of the mail or at every level of the organization re- to another office to work. In these situ- inspection-related documents with the garding supplies, equipment, policies, ations, the Postal Service agreed that letter carrier, and mail being counted protocols and work procedures neces- the following should be done: by examiners prior to the letter carrier

4 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Working safely through the pandemic reporting for work. In addition, if a Distribution Center in Topeka, KS. coronavirus to each other via person- vehicle is needed, examiners must Facilities and employees can contact to-person respiratory droplets when always use a separate vehicle. the center for help tracking orders and they sneeze, cough or talk. If letter car- Copies of the complete guidelines for assistance in locating and order- riers are not being accommodated with that managers and supervisors must ing supplies. Additionally, the center special requests for N95 masks or clear follow if they conduct a PS Form 3999 is monitoring field inventories daily to face shields, they should immediately or PS Form 1838-C on letter carri- assist districts in identifying facilities inform an NALC representative, who ers have been provided to the NALC that are low on items needed to help should in turn communicate that issue national business agents’ offices. prevent the spread of the coronavirus. with their national business agent. Additionally, these guidelines have Employees can call the COVID-19 Sup- NALC has been successful in getting been posted on the COVID-19 page on plies Command Center at 844-773-3594, these situations corrected. the NALC website. Letter carriers who Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to The requirement that face coverings are being inspected in the office or on 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. and masks are mandatory for employ- the street should insist that examiners From the beginning of the pandem- ees who cannot achieve or maintain practice proper social-distancing rules. ic, USPS committed to providing face social distancing in the workplace Letter carriers also should insist on masks to any employee who wanted to should never be misconstrued to being provided, as well as commit to wear one. In April, the Postal Service mean that social distancing is not as using, the daily supplies necessary to began requiring employees to wear important when you are wearing a clean frequently touched items in the face coverings in certain situations. At mask. Letter carriers should continue office and to clean steering wheels and that time, the Postal Service released to maintain proper social distancing other frequently touched surfaces in a mandatory stand-up talk stating that as best they can, even when wearing a postal vehicles. From the beginning of until the COVID-19 pandemic no longer mask or face shield. this pandemic, USPS has committed to is an issue, employees must wear face The national officers, staff and NALC providing these types of supplies. Letter coverings or masks when there is a representatives throughout the country carriers also should have sufficient op- local or state face-covering order or di- will continue communicating to USPS portunity to wash their hands or be pro- rective in place, or when an employee any issues regarding necessary sup- vided and use hand sanitizer, to keep who does not deal directly with the plies and equipment. NALC also will their hands clean all day as they touch public cannot achieve or maintain so- continue negotiating policies, protocols the many surfaces on their routes. USPS cial distancing in the workplace. Since and work procedures necessary to also should provide nitrile gloves for then, cloth face coverings or masks keep letter carriers safe. Letter carri- any employee who requests them. have been made mandatory, consistent ers should continue to contact their The Postal Service established a with such local or state face-covering NALC representatives at any level of COVID-19 Supplies Command Center to directives or orders. the organization with any questions, support USPS facilities with ordering Some letter carriers have certain and to report offices that are not being and tracking supplies needed to keep respiratory conditions that could sanitized on a regular basis, that do not employees safe and facilities clean make them more vulnerable to the have sufficient supplies (hand sanitizer, during the coronavirus pandemic. In effects of the virus. For these individu- disinfectant wipes, masks, gloves, etc.), addition to facilities ordering supplies als, the Postal Service has commit- that are not practicing proper social- following standard procedures and ted to providing N95 face masks to distancing guidelines, that are not pro- using local sources where available, employees who request them. Some viding daily communication regarding the command center is working closely letter carriers, for various reasons, are stand-up talks or safety precautions, with supply management and district unable to wear face masks at all. For that expect employees to work without supply coordinators to centrally fulfill these individuals, the Postal Service protection or in a less-than-sanitary orders for masks, gloves, air and hand has committed to providing them with environment, or that have any other is- sanitizers, cleaning products and other clear face shields to protect themselves sues that put letter carriers at increased items directly from the USPS Material and others from transmitting the risk to contracting COVID-19. PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 5 What’s at stake for letter carriers in the 2020 elections

6 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 etter carriers aren’t used to ing and responses to our candidate has staunchly worked for a healthy, being the center of attention in questionnaire. In the postcard poll financially stable Postal Service and elections. conducted by distributing prefer- has consistently acted to ensure that We do our jobs each day and ence cards in The Postal Record for those who run the Postal Service are the American public appreci- members to mail back to us, mem- held to the highest standard. atesL what we do, but rarely is the U.S. bers preferred Biden over President Biden and Harris exhibit the experi- Postal Service a central issue in politi- Donald Trump by a ratio greater than ence, dedication, thoughtfulness and cal debates. In this crucial election 2-1 (58.4 percent versus 26.6 percent). steady hands that will work to protect year, that has changed. Congress has A scientific poll conducted for us by letter carriers and working families. debated postal legislation and held Hart Research found similar results. Despite our best efforts and just as emergency hearings on it did in 2016, the Trump the Postal Service. Ameri- campaign once again cans are holding rallies With the Postal Service a central political did not respond to our and protests in support “topic, the NALC Executive Council had much repeated outreach. While of the Postal Service and the president’s campaign its mission. Every day to consider when it made a decision on showed no interest in brings new stories in the engaging NALC members media about USPS. Both endorsing a presidential ticket. on why we should sup- presidential candidates ” port him, his actions with frequently mention USPS and mail de- The Council also evaluated the regard to the Postal Service and livery. However, their messages about candidates on issues that affect letter letter carriers clearly demonstrate his the Postal Service couldn’t be more carriers and the Postal Service, taking views. different, and these messages show into consideration the candidates’ what is at stake in this election for records, statements and responses A stark choice in trying times USPS and for letter carriers. to the questionnaire we sent to all Along with being a major issue, the campaigns. It did not consider unre- With the Postal Service at center Postal Service—and letter carriers— lated matters such as social issues or stage this year, both presidential will play an essential electoral role foreign policy, nor did it take party nominees, Democrat Joe Biden and by delivering millions of ballots, as affiliation into account. Republican Donald Trump, have nearly every state has made it easier Using this information, the choice shared their views on the Postal Ser- for its residents to vote by mail, and was clear. vice and its employees, supplying a as many Americans seek to avoid Biden is a fierce ally and defender wealth of factors for letter carriers to standing in line at polling stations of USPS, letter carriers, and our use in reaching their decisions. during a pandemic. postal brothers and sisters. NALC’s Trump has shown frequent con- With the Postal Service a central endorsement and our support come tempt for the Postal Service, calling it a political topic, the NALC Executive down to Biden’s steadfast support “loser” and a “joke.” As the COVID-19 Council had much to consider when it on postal issues and his unwavering pandemic engulfed the country and made a decision on endorsing a presi- dedication to improving the lives more states turned to the mail to al- dential ticket. The Executive Council of working people throughout the low voters to cast their ballots safely, voted unanimously to endorse former country. Trump lashed out at the idea. Using Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Since being elected in 2016 to rep- outrageous and unsubstantiated Kamala Harris for president and vice resent California in the Senate, Harris claims, Trump angrily denigrated the president, respectively. has put letter carriers and working vote-by-mail process as unreliable The Executive Council’s decision to families first. In her role on the Home- and vulnerable to corruption. He endorse the Biden-Harris ticket was land Security and Government Affairs often claimed that voting by mail in- based on the input of NALC’s mem- Committee, which has jurisdiction vites widespread fraud; tweeting, for bership through two types of poll- over postal and federal issues, she example, “Mail boxes will be robbed,

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 7 ballots will be forged & even illegally ing away our right to negotiate our has sent to Congress during his term. printed out & fraudulently signed.” pay and terms and conditions with They consistently called for deep cuts It should be noted that Trump him- postal management,” NALC President to federal workers’ pay and benefits, self applied for a vote-by-mail ballot Fredric Rolando wrote. “That is an including some cuts to postal em- for this fall’s election. insult to each of us and to the heroes ployee benefits. For the most part, President Trump also opposed of 1970.” Congress rejected those proposals. appropriating emergency funds to The task force went on to call for assist the Postal Service, as Congress allowing the Postal Service to cut six- A clear difference has done for many other sectors of day and door delivery, outsourcing In stark contrast to Trump’s attacks the economy to help them survive some postal jobs to private contrac- on the Postal Service and its employ- the impact of the pandemic-related tors (likely employing non-union ees, Biden not only has made his economic shutdown. He threatened to workers and paying lower wages), support for USPS and postal workers veto legislation that contained postal forcing the Postal Regulatory Com- clear in his public statements, he also relief funding. mission to dramatically increase has expressed emphatic backing for In sharp contrast, former Vice Presi- the cost of “commercial” mail and a strong USPS and the rights of its dent Biden repeatedly has defended shipping, and degrading the Postal employees in the questionnaire NALC the Postal Service and its employees, Service’s universal service obligation to cover only a narrow band of so- sent to the candidates. supported additional financial aid for In his responses, Biden expressed USPS during the pandemic and called called “essential mail.” Riddled with flaws from simple support for six-day and door delivery, out Trump’s “sabotage” of the mail. for maintaining the Postal Service’s Biden supports assuring that postal errors to faulty assumptions, the task force’s recommendations, if universal service obligation, for employees have the protective gear implemented, would result in mas- providing financial services through they need during the pandemic. sive service cuts to customers and USPS, and for ending the mandate to Indeed, the Trump administration’s in reduced business because of pre-fund retiree health care costs. “It hostility toward the Postal Service and steep price increases, as well as in is essential to remove the pre-funding its workers predates the pandemic. the likely loss of affordable package mandate in order to successfully plan The White House established a postal delivery in rural areas and economi- for the future of USPS,” he wrote. task force on the future of the Postal cally stressed urban communities. In Biden also backed voting by mail: Service. short, it would make things far worse “Voting is the purest, most fundamen- In its report, tal act of citizenship,” submitted in Decem- he wrote. “We must ber of 2018, the task In its report, submitted in December of 2018, strengthen our democ- force’s proposals were “the task force’s proposals were couched as a racy by guaranteeing couched as a plan that every American’s to “save” the Postal plan to ‘save’ the Postal Service, but the details vote is protected. We’ve Service, but the details got to make it easier—not reflected a bid to dis- reflected a bid to dismantle the agency. harder—for Americans mantle the agency. ” to exercise their right to Notably, the Trump task force called for almost everyone—the Postal Ser- vote, regardless of their ZIP code or for eliminating our right to collectively vice, its employees and the American the color of their skin, and make sure bargain our wages and other terms of people—with the possible exception we count every voter’s voice equally.” employment. of some of the Postal Service’s private Biden also came out strongly for “Yes, brothers and sisters, on the competitors. unions and collective bargaining. 50th anniversary of the Great Postal The Trump administration’s hostil- “Rebuilding the middle class starts Strike of 1970, the president of the ity to federal workers also was evident with one word: unions,” Biden wrote. United States has called for tak- in the proposed budgets the president “Strong unions built the great Ameri-

8 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 can middle class. Everything that the Postal Service’s universal service This election could determine how defines what it means to live a good obligation as a core American value the Postal Service operates through life and know you can take care of and maintain six-day and doorstep the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, your family—the 40-hour work week, delivery mail delivery, which is a and whether its vital role in serving paid leave, health care protections, a lifeline for rural Americans. We will our nation continues. voice in your workplace—is because of also support new revenue streams for “We must do everything we can workers who organized to help the Postal Service unions and fought for The endorsement is meant to provide thrive, not only for the men worker protections. As and women of the Postal Ser- president, I’ll encourage information“ for members about how the vice, but for the communities union organizing and and businesses we serve collective bargaining. choice will affect their jobs, pay, benefits during this critical time,” And I’ll make sure every President Rolando said. American has a fair shot and working conditions, and about how it NALC recognizes that our at the American Dream, will affect the future of the Postal Service union consists of members regardless of race, gen- holding diverse views and der, income, or ZIP code. and its role in our democracy and our that members take a variety I believe in our founders’ of factors into account in ideals: ‘We hold these shared future. determining their vote. The truths to be self-evident, ” endorsement is meant to pro- that all men are created equal.…’ the USPS, including allowing secure vide information for members about We’ve never fully lived up to them, but shipping of alcoholic beverages by how the choice will affect their jobs, we’ve never quit trying. And I’m not mail and exploring options to enable pay, benefits and working conditions, about to let us quit trying now.” unbanked and underbanked Ameri- and about how it will affect the future In her time as a senator, Harris also cans to access financial services of the Postal Service and its role in our has been a close ally of letter carri- through the Postal Service. democracy and our shared future. ers. As a member of the committee of The GOP did not write a new The stakes have never been higher, jurisdiction, she has worked closely platform this year; the Trump-Pence and that’s why NALC urges every with NALC. Harris is a co-sponsor of ticket is running on the same GOP member of the union to cast a vote the Postal Service Emergency As- platform it adopted in 2016, word in this crucial election. Every vote sistance Act, which would provide a for word. That platform, of course, counts: in the presidential race, in $25 billion appropriation to help the makes no mention of COVID-19, the contests for the Senate and the House Postal Service weather the pandemic. economic crisis or the challenges that of Representatives, and in races for The Democratic Party platform for face the Postal Service this year—it ig- state and local offices. In many cases, 2020 reflects the Biden-Harris ticket’s nores the Postal Service entirely—but the margin of votes that decides the strong backing of the Postal Service. it does carry over a call to cut federal winner could be very slim. On page 53, it states: employee pay and benefits. “I urge every letter carrier to vote The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is “With so much information about in this fall’s election,” Rolando said. the world’s most efficient mail car- each side pointing in opposite “This year, just by doing our jobs, we rier, and Democrats are wholly com- directions, the choice is very clear,” quite literally will hold democracy in mitted to supporting a public USPS. Rolando said. our hands. We will carry millions of We will fight all efforts to privatize ballots to the homes of American vot- the USPS and will work to ensure ‘We hold democracy ers, safe at home, and then carry their the USPS is financially sustainable, in our hands’ completed ballots to election officials including by repealing the mandate to be counted. We should all fulfill the that the agency “pre-fund” retiree As we have seen so often in the promise of democracy by casting our health costs. Democrats will protect past, elections have consequences. own votes as well.” PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 9 The success of vote-by-mail s the 2020 presidential election all kinds use the Post Office to dis- by-mail volume could more than draws ever closer and as we seminate information and campaign double. continue to grapple with the literature—a function that has taken Although millions of Americans COVID-19 pandemic, the ability on added importance this election drop off their ballots in person (in to vote by mail never has been cycle, since physical canvassing has drop boxes, at polling places or at vot- Amore important. To stay safe, more been difficult. ing centers), millions of others return Americans than usual are likely to And, as America’s 210,000 city letter their ballots by mail. For some, this cast ballots using the mail, and states carriers did during the presidential has raised questions about whether are enacting changes to make that primaries this year—when about half the Postal Service has the capacity to easier. With these changes, 83 percent of all votes cast involved mailed-out deliver such a high volume of bal- of American voters are eligible to ballots—we intend to meet the chal- lots. However, even if every U.S. voter cast their votes by mail in the general lenges of serving the country’s voters returned his or her ballot by mail, the election. and election boards during the cur- Postal Service has more than enough Twenty-one states have made a rent public health crisis. capacity to deliver the extra volume. change this cycle to accommodate vot- Consider these facts: ing by mail by either not requiring an A joint solution • In 2019, the Postal Service deliv- excuse in the requesting of a ballot, or At NALC President Fredric Ro- ered an average of 470 million by sending a ballot to every registered lando’s initial meeting with Post- pieces per day, six days a week— voter. Twenty-nine states made no master General Louis DeJoy, Rolando and scaled up to deliver more than changes to their current system; nine suggested convening a joint labor- 650 million pieces of mail per day of those states (California, Colorado; management task force to meet the during the peak holiday period in Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, challenges posed by the COVID-19 December. Utah, Vermont and Washington) plus virus with regard to the handling of • With the current economy de- the District of Columbia will send election mail. pressed by the coronavirus pan- every registered voter a ballot by mail Meetings of the joint task force on demic, USPS is delivering between this fall. The other 20 states will con- election mail began the week of Sept. 350 million and 400 million pieces tinue to allow absentee voting without 7. Members have been working to of mail per day, meaning that it any “excuse.” Of the states that do establish messaging and protocols has considerable excess capac- require an approved excuse, several ahead of the Nov. 3 election to ensure ity to handle any surge in mail have either waived the requirement that every ballot that is in the posses- volume. this year or have permitted concerns sion of the Postal Service on Election about the pandemic as a reason to • There have been neither layoffs Day is counted to assure the public vote by mail. nor any kind of downsizing of our and our election board partners that The Postal Service’s role in U.S. processing or delivery networks they can rely on the Postal Service to elections goes far beyond the distribu- during the crisis. So, barring any deliver exceptional service. tion of mail ballots. The 8,500 election adverse decisions by postal man- boards that oversee and conduct our agement, the Postal Service can elections rely on the Postal Service Letter carriers deliver meet any increased demand for po- for the entire process. They use the As letter carriers already know, litical mailings and mail ballots. mail to register voters, certify candi- USPS has the capacity to deliver. In Indeed, the Postal Service affirmed dates, provide voter guides, distribute 2016, 139 million Americans voted in its capability in an Aug. 3 state- sample ballots, notify citizens of their the general election, with nearly a ment: “The Postal Service has ample polling places and to inform voters of quarter of those (32 million) voting capacity to adjust our nationwide their early voting options. via mailed-out ballots. This year, processing and delivery network to Meanwhile, candidates, parties, total turnout has the potential to meet projected Election and Political civic groups and organizations of surpass 150 million voters, and vote- Mail volume, including any additional

10 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 volume that may result as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Although the recession and the public health crisis have reduced Postal Service letter mail revenues and raised its costs for personal protective equipment and other safety measures, USPS cash reserves more than suffice to permit uninterrupted services through the election. Mean- while, Congress is debating proposals to appropriate funds to the Postal Service to help it weather the negative economic impact of the pandemic. USPS election mail protocols The Postal Service always has given performance for election mail, aiming Election boards also have devel- election mail priority treatment, and to surpass its normal 96 percent on- oped methods to reduce the possibil- USPS has well-established protocols time goal for First Class mail delivery. ity of voter fraud with mail ballots. in place for handling election mail. Earlier this year, the Postal Service Such fraud is exceedingly rare, ac- In addition, USPS has a National affirmed its commitment to deliver cording to data compiled by the Heri- Election Mail team based in Wash- any mailed ballot back to its destina- tage Foundation. In most states, there ington, DC that oversees a network of tion election board, even if it does not are more security checks on mail-in state and local election mail coordina- have proper postage. votes than on in-person votes. tors who work with election boards. When it comes to ballot security, They help design mailed ballots, aim- Ballot safety and security there is no discernable difference ing to speed delivery by encouraging between “mail-in” ballots and “ab- the use of Intelligent Mail Barcodes Voters can have confidence in sentee” ballots. Ballots mailed to all and special visual identifiers that vote-by-mail, both in how the Postal registered voters, like those sent to improve mailed ballot visibility in Service handles ballots and how elec- voters who have applied for absentee the mail stream. This allows election tion boards manage the process. ballots, are handled with the same boards as well as voters to identify Within USPS, protecting the sanctity strict security protocols. and track ballots, and they improve of the mail, regardless of the type of the public’s confidence in the vote-by- mail, is the highest priority. Tampering mail process. with any piece of mail—including bal- A lasting legacy During every election cycle, lots—is strictly prohibited. USPS even The United States Postal Service, USPS distributes an official election polices its commitment to mail securi- founded in 1775, is one of America’s mail tool kit to election boards and ty with an internal security workforce, greatest public institutions and is in- maintains a special website for local the Postal Inspection Service. dispensable to our democracy. Start- and state election officials to report As a result, the Postal Service is ing during the Civil War, Americans election mail concerns directly to the among the most trusted companies have used the mail to vote, and the Postal Service, allowing a rapid re- in the United States when it comes to Post Office has been essential to our sponse team to resolve such concerns. protecting privacy, and it is by far the system of elections ever since. Voters It also conducts training for employ- public’s favorite agency in the federal can count on the Postal Service and ees who come into contract with government, with an approval rating its employees to honor that heritage election mail and monitors its service of 91 percent. in November. PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 11 News

Extreme weather puts carriers at risk isasters can strike anywhere in the United States. No one, Dincluding letter carriers, is immune. From wildfires in the western United States to storms in the central and southeastern parts of the country, 2020 already has brought us examples of the destruction natural disasters cause and the impact they have on the lives of those in their path. The Midwest felt the impact of severe weather in early August when a rare derecho, a severe type of storm that can produce high winds and A wildfire burns outside of tornadoes, caused widespread damage Los Angeles in California. centered on Iowa. Later in August, the first hurricane and grassland in those states, killing Foundation. Its mission is to quickly to hit land this season battered the dozens so far and causing hundreds of provide relief to letter carriers who are Gulf Coast. Hurricane Laura, a power- thousands of people to flee the fires. victims of natural disasters. ful Category 4 storm when it made Any time disasters unfold, letter “With the generous support of NALC landfall on Aug. 26, pummeled Texas carriers’ thoughts turn to their brothers members, the NALC Disaster Relief and Louisiana. A few weeks later, Hur- and sisters in the affected areas. When- Foundation is providing both financial ricane Sally followed, slamming into ever and wherever disaster strikes, support and immediate help with basic Alabama and Florida. NALC members across the country step supplies to carriers in need,” Rolando While the southeastern United up for their fellow union members in said. States was drenched, parts of Califor- need by donating cash, uniforms and The Disaster Relief Foundation ac- nia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington other assistance. cepts donations from individual letter were burning. Massive wildfires have Many branches identified a need to carriers, branches and state associa- consumed millions of acres of forest establish a mechanism for donations, tions, as well as from other sources. supplies and other All donations from letter carriers, Lake Charles, LA Branch 914 member assistance so that branches and state associations go Kevin Verret retrieves the Postal Service carriers affected directly to letter carriers who need as- logo that had blown off the front of Drew Station. His son Kevin Verret Jr., a by disasters could sistance—no administrative costs are rural carrier, looks on. Photo by Crystal McGee receive help faster deducted. and more effec- With so many disasters affecting our tively. That’s why members, contributions to the Founda- the NALC Disaster tion are as important as ever. Knowing Relief Foundation that you are contributing to something was created. that directly aids our fellow sisters At the 2018 and brothers in their time of crisis and national conven- need is extremely rewarding. tion in Detroit, The Foundation published a NALC President Member’s Guide to help letter carri- Fredric Rolando ers prepare for disasters, to give them announced the information on how to donate to the formation of the Foundation and to let them know how

October 2020 to request assistance if they are affected by a disaster. The Member’s Guide, the President Rolando appoints RAA applications for grants and other infor- ALC President Fredric Rolando vice president mation are available on the Founda- has named Ken Janulewicz of before being tion’s web page at nalc.org/disaster. Any NALC member who has faced NWorcester, MA Branch 12 as elected branch hardship as a result of a natural disas- a regional administrative assistant president in ter or wildfire can apply for assistance (RAA) for Region 14, serving Con- 2015, a position by completing the Application for necticut, Maine, Massachusetts, he held until his Relief Grant. The eligibility require- New Hampshire, Rhode Island and appointment. ments are outlined in the application. Vermont. He began in the position on Janulewicz The Foundation’s board of directors Sept. 14. served the will consider the applications and will Janulewicz started his postal career Massachusetts Janulewicz issue grants on an objective basis to as a casual in Worcester in 1995. He State Association eligible individuals as funds are avail- became a transitional employee (TE) in as an executive board member and able. Members do not have to wait for 1997 before converting to a career car- then as state secretary for the past six emergency relief or insurance claims to rier as a part-time flexible (PTF) in 1998. years. Janulewicz also is an arbitration be settled to apply. Applications must He previously served his branch as a advocate. He graduated from the NALC be received no later than 120 days after steward, vice president and executive Leadership Academy in 2006. PR the date when the natural disaster occurred, unless the applicant can pro- Correction vide sufficient reasons for the delay. “The generosity of letter carriers never ceases to amaze me,” President n the August edition of The needed. Rolando said. “The Disaster Relief Postal Record, we misidentified Cie “I could not find her a decent Foundation is an invaluable lifeline for ISiyavash Sharp in the story about neurologist in a timely fashion our sisters and brothers in need, in the carriers sharing the stories of how because [most] outpatient doctors’ true spirit of solidarity.” their lives have changed because of appointments were canceled because Donations should be sent to NALC COVID-19. Here is how his story should I live and work in a COVID hot spot,” Disaster Relief Foundation, 100 have read: Siyavash Sharp said. “My mother Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, DC For Cie Siyavash Sharp, the pan- cannot stay alone anymore and needs 20001-2144. The foundation is a 501(c) demic has made it harder for him to a home health care aide. The pro- (3) non-profit organization, and your care for his mother. “Two weeks after vider and agencies told me they don’t contribution may be tax deductible. It the first case of COVID-19 was record- have anyone to be my mother’s aide is recommended that you seek further ed in America, my mother became because of COVID-19.” advice from your tax advisor. PR ill” from an unrelated cause, Siyavash Sharp was able to use the Long Island Merged, NY leave through the Family and Medical Branch 6000 member said, Leave Act, but only for 10 days. Arbitration update adding that “in one day, she “I am riddled with anxiety forgot most of what hap- because I cannot simultane- As this magazine was going to press, pened in the past 20 years.” ously retain my job and be with NALC was preparing to participate Long Island was home to my mother since the system failed in interest arbitration hearings for a one of the first and worst her,” he said. “I have contemplated outbreaks of COVID-19 in resigning, but of course for now that new national contract. Information the country, which made it would be financial suicide. on these hearings will be in the next difficult for the second-year “This is an ongoing problem that issue of The Postal Record. carrier to get the help he has no end in sight.” PR

October 2020 The Postal Record 13 InstallInstall thethe freefree NALCNALC MemberMember AppApp forfor youryour iPhoneiPhone oror AndroidAndroid smartphonesmartphone

As technology increases our ability to communicate, NALC must stay ahead of the curve. We’ve now taken the next step with the NALC Member App for iPhone and Android smartphones. The app was developed with the needs of letter carriers in mind.

The app’s features include: • Workplace resources, including the National • Instantaneous NALC news with Agreement, JCAM, MRS and CCA resources personalized push notifications • Interactive Non-Scheduled Days calendar and social media access • Legislative tools, including bill tracker, • Much more individualized congressional representatives and PAC information

GoGo to to the the App App Store Store oror GoogleGoogle Play Play and and search search forfor “NALC “NALC Member Member App”App” toto install install for for free free News

Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive raising money locally for food banks he COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t of the donors. Any stopped us from carrying the resident, whether in Tmail, though it did force a change a big city or suburb, in how we serve our communities, a small town or rural including the postponement of the an- area, can donate nual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger funds for a local food Food Drive that was scheduled for May. pantry to purchase For the past 27 years, letter carriers food and replenish have collected bags of food donated its stocks so that lo- by postal customers on the second cal families can put Saturday in May, filling local food food on their tables. pantries. With the pandemic forcing “Each May, NALC’s us to suspend this year’s Stamp Out food drive has filled Hunger Food Drive, the largest single- a gap between holiday food collection in the nation, day food donations food banks faced major shortages. and the end of free Many food banks declined all food meals in school dur- donations from individuals for safety ing summer break,” reasons. Meanwhile, the economic Rolando said. “This crisis caused by the pandemic sent year, the economic demand for food into overdrive, with crisis and the disrup- total donated by everyone will be an- some pantries reporting that the num- tion in food donations have made our nounced in a future issue of The Postal ber of families requesting food had support even more important. With the Record. increased threefold. right effort, letter carriers could extend “The generous donations by Instead of giving up, letter carriers this online food drive to help fulfill the branches give the donor drive effort an found new ways to help. The pandemic needs of local food banks for many immediate boost while branches ramp wasn’t going to stop us from helping months to come.” up their efforts to bring in donations those in need. NALC responded to the NALC Headquarters is providing its from local citizens and businesses,” food drive postponement by setting members, as well as the general pub- Rolando said. up tools for the public to help fill the lic, with an easy way to participate. By New Jersey Merged Branch 38 shelves of local food pantries in a new visiting nalc.org/food, donors can find responded to the urgent need for food way—with online donations through a food bank in their area to support donations the quickest way it could. the Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive— with an online donation. The site links “We put it before the membership along with asking branches to make directly to donation pages on each whether we could donate to the food direct donations. NALC rolled out the food bank’s website. The same list also banks in our branch [area],” Branch donor drive in June. provides branches with a convenient 38 President Michael O’Neill said. “As letter carriers deliver in every means of informing donors in their With 32 food banks in the area, the neighborhood in the country six and area about how to locate and donate branch’s donation of $200 to each seven days a week, we see the need online to their local food banks. pantry, matched dollar for dollar by and we cannot wait while food banks To kick off the campaign, NALC NALC Headquarters, helped a large struggle, demand grows and people re- Headquarters pledged to match number of hungry families. “We main hungry,” NALC President Fredric any donations that branches made received great feedback from the food Rolando said. directly to the donor drive. By the end banks,” O’Neill said. As with the traditional Stamp Out of August, branches had donated a Branch 38 is publicizing the donor Hunger Food Drive, proceeds from the total of $185,800, an amount that was drive on social media and in its news- donor drive stay in the communities matched by NALC Headquarters. The letter, as it does each year for the May

October 2020 The Postal Record 15 News

food drive. “We’re pushing it as much something.” Brown also is president of area food banks, Branch President as we can,” O’Neill said. “Every chance the LCS board. Jon Calloway said. “Obviously, the we get, we mention it.” “You’ve got a big variety of people in food drive is a central part of how we The branch also sends a letter each need coming through those food lines,” serve the community,” he said. Now, year to the mayors of 65 towns in its he said. “So many don’t have anything.” the branch is working to encourage its area asking for support for the regular Thanks to the support of donors members, their families and the com- food drive, so it sent the same letter like Branch 24, “we have had 50 food munities they serve to donate through this year to publicize the donor drive. distributions since March 15,” Labor the donor drive. Los Angeles Branch 24 responded Community Services Executive Direc- “This year, America’s food pantries to the immediate need with a dona- tor Armando Olivas said. “We feed are burning the candle from both ends tion from the branch—it gave $12,000, thousands and thousands of people because donations are down while matched by NALC Headquarters, to [a year].” The food distribution events requests for food from hungry families support efforts by Labor Community LCS has held during the pandemic is up,” Rolando said. “They need our Services (LCS), a non-profit partner of showed how serious the hunger prob- support more than ever, and letter car- the Los Angeles County Federation of lem has become in Los Angeles—for riers are stepping up, as they have for Labor, to provide food to the hungry. some, the lines of cars full of people 27 years.” “There are so many people not work- waiting for food stretched for miles. Look for more information about ing in L.A.,” Branch President Larry Springfield, IL Branch 80 gave the donor drive in future issues of The Brown said. “We couldn’t just not do $20,000, matched by NALC, to several Postal Record. PR Carriers encouraged to give through CFC he COVID-19 pandemic, and the their paychecks each pay period and “The pandemic and the economic economic crisis it caused, have automatically sent to their selected crisis that came with it have strained Tprompted many Americans to charities. the resources of many charitable pitch in to help charities of all types. “Letter carriers and other federal groups, making your support so much As federal employees, letter carriers employees who donate by partici- more important,” Rolando wrote. “I have a convenient way to give a little pating in the CFC through paycheck am asking for your help in ensuring at a time to our favorite causes through deduction provide steady, predictable that this year’s campaign is successful, the world’s largest annual workplace income for the charities they support,” and I invite you to join me in support- giving program, the Combined Federal NALC President Fredric Rolando said. ing the Combined Federal Campaign Campaign (CFC). All active letter carriers can par- by making a pledge or donation to the CFC participants make charitable ticipate in the CFC through payroll charities of your choice.” donations via deductions from their deduction. The easiest way to sign up NALC is directly involved in three paychecks. Letter carriers may sign is through the CFC Donor Pledging Sys- charities eligible for support through up during the CFC Open Season, from tem at cfcgiving.opm.gov. Retired letter the CFC: Sept. 21, 2020, through Jan. 15, 2021, to carriers may make a one-time or recur- The Muscular Dystrophy Associa- donate next year through CFC. ring e-check or credit card contribution tion (MDA) is NALC’s only official Pledges made during the campaign to the CFC. These one-time and recur- charity. It is the world’s leading non- season support eligible non-profit or- ring gifts also can be made through the profit health organization sponsor- ganizations chosen by the donor. Car- CFC Donor Pledging System. ing research into the causes of, and riers can select the groups they want In a letter, Rolando asked NALC effective treatments for, neuromus- to support from a list of thousands of members to contribute through the cular diseases. MDA research grants eligible charities, and an amount of CFC in addition to the other ways they support about 150 research projects their choosing will be deducted from support the community. worldwide, as well as camps and

16 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Fredric V. Rolando President Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Each year, letter carriers, along with other postal and federal employ activities for children who have one of 100 Indiana Ave. NW ees, have the opportunity to donate to charities through the Combined - these diseases. For more information, Washington, DC Federal Campaign. This year, the pandemic and the economic crisis 20001-2144 go to mdausa.org. that came with it have strained the resources of many charitable groups, 202.393.4695 making your support so much more important. I am asking for your help The Postal Employees’ Relief www.nalc.org in ensuring that this year’s campaign is successful, and I invite you to join Fund (PERF) provides financial me in supporting the Combined Federal Campaign by making a pledge or

support to active and retired postal Brian Renfroe donation to the charities of your choice. employees whose primary residence Executive Vice President Each day, within the communities where we live and deliver the mail, Lew Drass many of us encounter people who are enduring real-life problems, espe has been completely destroyed or Vice President cially this year. Throughout the year, we help our communities in a number- Nicole Rhine left uninhabitable by a major natural Secretary-Treasurer of ways while looking after those who are vulnerable. In addition to what

disaster or an isolated house fire. The Paul Barner we do each day in the neighborhoods we serve, the Combined Federal Asst. Secretary-Treasurer charity is run by the four postal em- Campaign gives us an easy way to contribute money through payroll Christopher Jackson deductions to the charities we care about. Director, City Delivery ployee unions and three management The NALC is directly involved in three such charities: the Postal Manuel L. Peralta Jr. organizations, whose members sup- Director, Safety & Health Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF), the Muscular Dystrophy Association port PERF through voluntary dona- James W. "Jim" Yates (MDA)—NALC’s official charity—and the United Way. Director, Life Insurance I know that the times we live in continue to challenge us on many tions. Information and applications Stephanie Stewart Director, Health Insurance fronts. But I also know that when we take action to make a difference for PERF assistance can be found at and to merge our individual efforts, we improve lives and create better Dan Toth postalrelief.com. Director, Retired Members communities. United Way Worldwide is the Board of Trustees: Thank you for your daily work delivering the mail, and thank you Larry Brown Jr. in advance for ensuring that this year’s Combined Federal Campaign is leadership and support organiza- Chairman Michael J. Gill successful. tion for the network of nearly 1,800 Mack I. Julion community-based United Way orga- Sincerely and fraternally, nizations in 40 countries and territo- ries. United Way focuses on creating community-based and community- Fredric V. Rolando Affiliated with the AFL-CIO & President led solutions that provide the foun- Union Network International dation for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and

health. For more information, go to bug unitedway.org. PR November magazine to honor Veterans Group members

November 2019 In this issue Volume 132/Number 11 President’s Message 1 n 2015, NALC announced the creation Since that 2015 launch, thousands of mem- National Officers 53 Branch Election Notices 76 of the NALC Veterans Group to acknowl- bers have signed up to be part of the group and Branch Items 84 edge and inform the military veterans who received the special pin showing their status. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS I The monthly journal of the served their country and continue to do so In the next issue of The Postal Record, to by trading their military uniforms for letter celebrate Veterans Day—our national holiday carrier uniforms. Veterans of the U.S. Armed recognizing the service of veterans—NALC thank you Forces comprise almost a quarter of the NALC will publish the names of all of these Veterans for your membership. Group members. The Veterans Group was designed to pro- Any veteran who wishes to be included, but service—PAGES 18-52 vide NALC members who are military veter- who has not yet joined the group, can take ans with access to the information and tools action now and join at nalc.org/veterans. If specific to veterans’ rights and benefits within you are a member of the group and do not wish the U.S. Postal Service, as well as a sense of to have your name listed, please email your camaraderie. request to [email protected]. PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 17 News

Branches find creative solutions to pandemic-related election issues e are in election season— were holding a meeting that felt like also has moved his branch meetings not just on a political level, a union meeting, with the same level online, though he is using a different Wbut for NALC as well. Starting of camaraderie”—but that the Zoom app. “I approached [our] president in September, the Election Notices meetings surpassed his expectations. and said, ‘We have to do something, section of The Postal Record will be Aside from one technological issue at since we can’t hold our usual meet- triple its usual size through the fall, the beginning, “it’s been so easy,” he ings,’ ” Thompson said. For branch as branches around the country gear said. Attendance has even increased, meetings and nominations, they up for their own officer and conven- because members who previously decided to use the Webex video- tion delegate election procedures. could not attend in person have been conferencing platform. As required by the NALC Constitu- able to join the online meetings. So, All three branches have decided tion and the NALC Regulations Gov- when the Branch 297 officers had to that if an election needs to be held, erning Branch Election Procedures, start thinking about planning their they will use mail-in ballots as their these procedures include an oppor- election, they realized that they al- voting method. “[Mail-in voting] is tunity for all members to nominate ready had the perfect platform for the new territory for us,” Wyllie ex- candidates and hold a secret ballot nomination process. plained, but said that he believes the election if more than one candidate is Everett Wyllie, president of Waco, election committee would be able nominated for a given position. TX Branch 404, reached a similar to handle any problems that arise. However, due to the COVID-19 conclusion. In May, Wyllie said, the Thompson also was confident. “I’ve pandemic, many branches have had officers concluded that “this was not run my fair share of elections, and to request dispensation to change the going to ease up, so we needed a we’ve always done mail-in ballots,” way they conduct elections. Nomina- plan.” Wyllie looked into Zoom, and he said. tions typically have been held during decided that it would work. After it Modesto, CA Branch 1291 is con- branch meetings, but to meet new was approved by the executive board, ducting nominations via Zoom and health and safety standards, a large Wyllie’s election plan passed as a mo- then mailing out ballots, but the number of branches have shifted the tion at a branch meeting. The online officers decided not to do a mail-in way they conduct branch meetings. branch meetings have been “very election. “We have a drop-ballot Several branches have developed smooth,” according to Wyllie, who box in the office,” Branch Secretary creative solutions to this challenge. said that, as was the case with the Miriam Thomas noted. The branch As many buildings shut down in Alliance branch, the branch’s Zoom decided that “since we were already March, some branches realized that meetings actually have increased at- mailing [ballots] out to the retirees, they were not going to be able to tendance. we could mail out to the other mem- meet in person, perhaps for quite The Waco branch plans to hold bers as well,” Thomas said, but the some time. “For the first few months nominations online, with the officers officers determined that the ballot of [the pandemic], we were in wait- muting themselves when necessary to boxes would be the safest and easiest and-see mode,” Alliance, OH Branch preserve the integrity of the nomina- way to collect the election mail. “The 297 President Josh Lilly recounted. tion process. “It’s the first time we’re hardest part is doing all the mailing,” After postponing several meetings, doing it like this, but we are excited,” Thomas said. She added that the he said, “I realized, This isn’t going Wyllie said. He added that the officers whole process, particularly the Zoom to go away anytime soon.” Lilly held are especially hopeful that retired technology, has been a “learning a phone conference with the other members will participate in a Zoom process,” but that she finds it conve- officers, and they decided to move election, since those members might nient to use. “I like being able to be at the meetings online. Like many other be reluctant to attend an in-person home and still be involved [in union organizations, they turned to the meeting given their potentially higher business],” she said. video-conferencing platform Zoom. risk for COVID-19. The officers for Hudson Valley Lilly says that he was apprehensive In Champaign, IL, Branch 671 Sec- Merged, NY Branch 137 also decided at first—“I wanted to make sure we retary/Treasurer Don Thompson Jr. to hold branch meetings via Zoom,

18 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 but they were concerned about to NALC President Fredric Rolando possible tool, and it has downsides: conducting the election online. “We for approval to change their election “Some people don’t have Facebook, talked to the members, and a lot of procedures, the branch members and some don’t look at [social me- the responses we got showed that passed a motion. In the motion, “we dia],” Thomas said. people weren’t comfortable [with decided that the nominations [would Gilmore agreed, and added that that option],” Branch 137 President be] in-person at a large facility” to “some members don’t even have a Joseph Destefano said. give plenty of space for social dis- computer.” Given this limitation, he However, an in-person meeting tancing, Branch 434 Secretary Jane says, he uses all of his resources to didn’t seem feasible, either. “It got Grant said. The branch then plans to contact members. “We use email lists taken out of our hands—because of hold an election, if needed, entirely and physical mail…monthly flyers the restrictions in New York [due to by mail. Grant said that the officers are sent to area offices to put on the the pandemic], there was no place had been talking to other branches to board,” he said. open” that would have been large determine the best election method, Other branches also use the mail enough to host the meeting and given the novelty of the pandemic to alert their members. “We send properly socially distance, Branch 137 situation. flyers to the retirees,” Lilly said. The Secretary/Treasurer Frank Ramus All of the branch officers in- Ann Arbor branch has even gone a explained. terviewed agreed that one of the step further to make sure that every So, despite the additional cost challenges of conducting an elec- member sees the election notice. “We of an all-mail election, the branch tion under these circumstances was got permission to post it on the time decided that its nominations and communicating with the members clock,” at the post office, Grant said. election would be mail-in only. “We of their branch. Each branch had a No matter what election procedure feel confident that this is the best way different method, or combination of the branches adopted, all of the moving forward,” Destefano said. methods, that they used to make sure branch officers said that they had put Ramus added that this was a good all members were aware of the proce- a good deal of thought into making opportunity to show off the safety dural changes. sure that their new process was right and capability of the mail-in voting Some branches posted on social for their branch and their members. process. media. “We do have a branch Face- The general attitude of the officers Ann Arbor, MI Branch 434 is adopt- book page and email list,” Asheville, with regard to the NALC elections was ing yet another method for its nomi- NC Branch 248 Secretary Arkadia summed up by Smith: “I just hope nations and elections. After writing Smith said. But that is only one everything goes smoothly.” PR President grants dispensation to postpone branch elections n accordance with guidance from the Department of alternative procedures for conducting nominations and Labor, NALC President Fredric Rolando has granted all elections. For example, nominations may be submitted by Ibranches dispensation to postpone regularly scheduled mail or through video web conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Webex, nominations and elections if it is necessary to do so because etc.). Elections could be conducted by mail ballot or at desig- of the pandemic. Postponed nominations and elections nated polling places. should be rescheduled as expeditiously as possible. Branches may submit to President Rolando requests for NALC recognizes that the pandemic may prevent some dispensation to implement alternative election procedures branches from conducting normal elections of officers and that otherwise would be inconsistent with their bylaws Such delegates for an extended period of time. For example, procedures must comply with the NALC Constitution and the branches whose bylaws require that nominations and voting NALC Regulations Governing Branch Election Procedures. take place at scheduled branch meetings will not be able to Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Paul Barner may be contacted do so if in-person meetings are postponed indefinitely. for advice or assistance in developing alternative election To address this situation, branches should consider procedures. PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 19 News

Union Plus offers free online college program he benefits available to NALC Labor Studies; Marketing; Program- members through the Union Plus ming and Development T program add up to a long list. Did • Criminal Justice you know that they include free college courses? • Teacher Education (Associate of Union Plus, a non-profit consumer Arts) benefits organization created by the René Armer of Reno, NV Branch • Healthcare Administration AFL-CIO for members of its constitu- 709 is working toward an accounting • Individualized Study ent unions, offers college courses in degree through the Union Plus Free dozens of study areas at no charge. College program. The 22-year NALC • Paralegal member was about to start at a dif- Students can even earn an associate • Professional Office Management degree. ferent college when she heard about The Free College program is offered the Free College program at an Office • Social Work through Union Plus academic partner of Workers’ Compensation Programs The two certificate programs are Eastern Gateway Community College training session. in business management, with an (EGCC). EGCC is an accredited, non- “I was going to pay $900 or more a optional concentration in accounting, profit public institution that is part of credit,” she said. “I was ready to pay and patient navigation. Many media outlets covered the financial report and quoted President Rolando, the University System of Ohio. Students and pick classes.” For more information and to apply, including Bloomberg, the Federal News Network, Federal Times, Givernment Execu- enroll in the distance-learning program Instead, she enrolled in the Free go to unionplus.org/freecollege. tive, Press Associates Inc. and Barron’s. PR and take classes online, so they can College program. “It was just so easy, The program also offers a low-cost attend no matter where they live. Stu- so smooth, the whole process,” Armer way to complete a bachelor’s degree dents with previous college credits may said. “On the way back from the train- in certain areas of study. The Bachelor be able to transfer them to EGCC. ing, I was signing up for college on my Completion program is a complement Students who apply to EGCC must phone.” to the Union Plus Free College associ- have completed high school or a GED Armer estimates that she saved ate degree program. When combined program. Students must apply for $10,000 with the program. With her with the free associate degree pro- and use available federal student aid associate degree in accounting, Armer gram, the Bachelor Completion pro- grants—a process the Free College pro- plans to work as a tax accountant after gram means that members can earn a gram will help them navigate. To cover she retires from the Postal Service. four-year bachelor’s degree for $9,000 any tuition or other costs not covered The Free College benefit program of- or less. by grants, the Free College program fers several associate degree programs Eligible students who have an as- provides a “last dollar” scholarship. along with two certificate programs. sociate degree or who have earned 60 Advising and tutoring services are The degree programs are: or more transferable credits can apply available. Students can work at their • Accounting to attend at a highly discounted cost. own pace and do not have to take a full Eligible students will receive a grant • Associate of Arts course load each term. that will reduce their out-of-pocket The Free College program is avail- • Business Management—with op- cost to no more than $4,500 per year able to NALC members and retirees, as tional concentrations in: Advertis- for full-time students (and no more well as their spouses, children (or step- ing; Cyber Security; Data Science; than $4,000 for students who reside in children) and grandchildren (or step- Digital and Social Media; Entre- Ohio). grandchildren), domestic partners preneurship; Environmental and During the pandemic, however, and financial dependents. Thousands Conservation Studies; Finance; Union Plus is offering the Bachelor of union members and their family Hospitality: Food and Beverage Completion program for free. members have taken advantage of this Management or Hotel and Event For information and to apply for the special program, including 95 NALC Management; Human Resources; Bachelor Completion program, go to members or family members to date. Information Systems/IT Help Desk; bachelorsdegree.unionplus.org. PR

20 The Postal Record October 2020 Executive Order 10988 The 1962 presidential order that led to NALC being recognized and negotiating the first national agreement s NALC engages in the current interest arbitration process, A even as we continue to negotiate for a new national agreement, this is a good time to reflect on how the first postal national agreement came about, and how it took the act of a president to make it happen. Although the National Association of Letter Carriers has existed since 1889, letter carriers had few rights in the workplace up until the 1960s. In many ways, it’s easier to tell you what rights letter carriers and their union didn’t have: • NALC had no rights on the workroom floor; Many media outlets covered the financial report and quoted President Rolando, • There was no collective-bargaining President Kennedy signs Executive Order 10988 with NALC President William Doherty (fourth including Bloomberg, the Federal News Network, Federal Times, Givernment Execu- agreement spelling out the rights of from l) in attendance. tive, Press Associates Inc. and Barron’s. PR carriers and the responsibilities of before an arbitrator. In the workplace, A … is for authority—it takes the place management; if not on Capitol Hill, letter carriers of justice • There was no grievance procedure were on their own. N … is for negotiate—though it very to challenge any of management’s The only rights that federal work- rarely works actions; and ers could claim were from the 1912 U … is for unilateral or one-sided Lloyd-LaFollette Act, which required A … is for adjudicate—to determine a Letter carriers had no right to union that employees be given notice of any case as a court representation, much less a hearing proposed charges, and that they be L … is for last but not least—It is up to The Postal Manual allowed a reasonable time to file an the discretion of the Postmaster. This answer to the charges against them. one line nullifies all the provisions The only written document was supposedly made for our welfare. the Postal Manual. In 1961, a branch With few on-the-job protections, scribe from Stamford, CT, described NALC mainly sought to advance its the manual in the pages of The Postal cause in the halls of Congress. Conse- Record, this way: quently, battles over employment rela- P … is for porous—full of loopholes tions really took place in congressional O … is for omnipotence—unlimited power committees rather than at the negotiat- S … is for sovereign or supreme power ing table or on the workroom floor. T … is for tease or taunt—they make This system—or lack of one—came provisions for you in one paragraph under increasing criticism during the and take them away in the next late 1940s and throughout the 1950s, A … is for archaic, old-fashioned and because it lagged behind the advances antiquated won by private-sector unions. In 1935, L … is for latitude—they allow them- the Wagner Act established the legal selves plenty of it right of most workers to organize or join M …is for mobility—you can always labor unions and to bargain collectively move when you are boxed in with their employers. However, federal

October 2020 The Postal Record 21 NALC used The Postal Record magazine (l) and other ad- vertising (r) to encourage all postal employees to vote for NALC to represent them.

The task force’s findings led the president to sign Executive Order 10988 on Jan. 17, 1962. NALC Presi- dent Bill Doherty called it the “Magna Carta for a supporter of government workers,” after union recog- the English document that established nition while individual rights. serving as a Executive Order 10988 set up an senator from Employee-Management Cooperation Massachusetts, Program in the federal government. feared that con- The program officially recognized the gressional action legitimate role of unions in the formu- might foist a lation and implementation of person- labor-relations nel policies. It gave federal employees system on the the right to join, form or assist labor government that organizations. did not comport with his vision of how it It established a three-tiered system of employees were excluded from the act. should work. So, on June 22, 1961, Ken- recognition: exclusive representation, During the 1950s, NALC was joined nedy established a task force to study formal recognition and informal recog- by the National Federation of Post the issue. This effectively stopped any nition. For unions designated by a ma- Office Clerks, the AFL-CIO (which had action in Congress. jority of employees in a unit, agencies been formed by a merger in 1955), the would be obligated to negotiate over American Bar Association, two Hoover In his memorandum calling for the terms and conditions of employment Commissions and the National Civil creation of the task force, Kennedy with the exclusive representative, and Service League in calling for reform wrote, “The participation of employees to allow it to attend formal meetings. to allow federal workers to organize in the formation and implementation In units without an exclusive rep- unions and bargain collectively. In the of employee policy and procedures resentative, the agency would have to years since World War II, numerous affecting them contributes to the ef- legislative proposals to improve feder- fective conduct of public business.” accord formal recognition to unions al labor relations had been proposed, He said that participation should be representing more than 10 percent of the primarily due to the efforts of NALC extended to representatives of employ- unit and to “consult with such organiza- and other postal unions, but these bills ees and employee organizations. tion from time to time in the formulation never were brought to a vote. After months of work, the task force and implementation of personnel poli- By the beginning of President John issued its report on Nov. 30, 1961, cies and practices, and matters affecting F. Kennedy’s term in 1961, however, stating, “A continuous history, going working conditions that are of concern NALC’s campaign for union recogni- back three quarters of a century has to its members.” The agency also would tion legislation was gaining ground. established beyond any reasonable have to informally recognize all unions, More than 20 union recognition bills doubt that certain categories of federal regardless of whether another union was were introduced in the House and the employees very much want to partici- the exclusive representative, and allow Senate early that year, and the Rhodes- pate in the formulation of personnel each union “to present to appropriate Johnston Bill, providing for recogni- policies and have established large officials its views on matters of concern tion and collective bargaining for and stable organizations for this to its members.” federal employees, was on the verge of purpose. This is not a challenge to be From NALC’s perspective, the most enactment. met so much as an opportunity to be significant provisions of the order President Kennedy, who had been embraced.” concerned representational rights.

22 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Kennedy’s order provided that a labor ing on the part of the postal unions up to its agreements if it does not organization would gain “national preceded the events.” desire?” exclusive recognition” once a majority While the executive order was In 1967, President Lyndon B. John- of the employees in the appropriate aimed at federal employees, it had son appointed a committee to review “bargaining unit” chose the orga- tremendous effects for state workers Executive Order 10988 and the changes nization as its representative. The as a model. In the Journal of American that had occurred since its signing five organization would then represent History in 2008, Joseph McCartin, years earlier. The committee found employees in grievance discussions a Georgetown University professor that the order had proven beneficial and negotiate a national contract focused on labor history, wrote, “Over to both agencies and employees. “The with management, though bargain- the course of the decade [1962-1972], new policies have contributed to more ing would exclude wages, hours and twenty-two states enacted collec- democratic management of the work- fringe benefits. tive bargaining laws for government force and marked improvement in com- In compliance with the order, the workers. These reforms prompted a munications between agencies and their Post Office Department conducted a wave of organizing by unions such as employees,” the committee reported. nationwide representation election in AFSCME and the American Federation “Through labor-management consulta- June 1962. NALC ran a spirited elec- of Teachers (AFT).” tion and negotiations, improved person- tion campaign, urging carriers to vote NALC adapted swiftly to the de- nel policies and working conditions have for the “Big 9”—since the union was mands of the new collective-bargain- been achieved in a number of areas.” randomly placed ninth on the ballot. ing environment. Three more national Not everyone saw Executive Order More than 367,000 postal workers par- agreements were signed—in 1964, 1965 10988 as a positive development. Even ticipated, and NALC led the balloting and 1966. However, during the course recently, some conservatives have with more than one-third of the total of negotiations in 1965 and 1966, a called for the order to be repealed as votes cast. On July 1, 1962, six major serious flaw in the order became ap- a way to reduce the strength of labor postal unions were granted national parent: There was no mechanism to unions among federal employees. A exclusive recognition. For the first compel the Post Office Department letter to the editor of The Wall Street time in NALC’s history, the union to reach an agreement—or honor one Journal published on June 7, 2018, had the right to represent all city once reached. asked, “Why should 2.2 million federal delivery carriers in dealings with The Post Office Department was workers enjoy both robust civil-service postal management. required to consult and negotiate with job protection and union representa- With no experience or background NALC, but management retained its tion?” It called on President Donald in collective bargaining on either side, final decision-making authority. For Trump to rescind Executive Order NALC and the Post Office Department example, all arbitration decisions were 10988 and decertify the federal em- entered into their first negotiations in advisory rather than binding, and ployee unions. mid-October. Since Bill Doherty had there were no provisions for the arbi- Despite its obvious limitations for retired earlier that year to become the tration of bargaining impasses. In fact, letter carriers, Executive Order 10988 U.S. ambassador to Jamaica, the new the department could even disregard was a major step forward and provided NALC president, Jerome J. Keating, its prior commitments by claiming an NALC with progress in the exercise of led the NALC negotiating team. Five “emergency situation.” negotiation and collective bargaining. months later, on March 20, 1963, the Frustrated by this imbalance of But it would take a wildcat strike in first National Postal Agreement was power, a carrier in Fort Plain, NY, 1970 to give NALC and the other postal signed. asked in 1965 in The Postal Record, unions the right to binding arbitration, After signing the agreement, Keating “What good is the national contract which gave teeth to the negotiations said, “Such triumphs are never instan- when the Department can take away for national contracts. That right is taneous creations. They never spring all these supposed rights at their being exercised once again in 2020, as complete and perfect from the brow whim? What kind of contract is it NALC bargains with USPS over a new of any individual. Years of campaign- where one side does not have to live national agreement. PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 23 ‘Horse- crazy gal’ sic handling,” the weekends.” trying to get to The carrier now has a trio of Morgan a basic comfort horses—their barn names are Fusion, level with Stella and Rebel. The three horses each other, also have registered names with the Sibley said, American Morgan Horse Association adding that that are used for shows. each horse’s Sibley keeps Fusion with her at personality is home, and the other two are boarded different. She at a farm in New Hampshire, just over gradually adds the state line from Massachusetts. equipment, “I live on a hilly property, not condu- including a bit cive to riding,” she said, adding, “I go and saddle, over to New Hampshire twice a day to and teaches feed and train them and work them.” ’ve always been kind the horses skills such as responding Though she has shown all of her of a horse-crazy gal,” to commands and lunging—a way for horses, the carrier has been focus- Turners Falls, MA trainers to help their horses burn off ing on Stella and set a goal of two Branch 1614 member energy without riding them, and also shows for her this year. Sibley has Stefanie Sibley says. a way to improve communication by trained the horse since she was born When Sibley’s family moved in “I teaching verbal cues to move forward five years ago, but she’s been under 1998 to a home across the street from and backward. saddle for less than a year. “She’s a woman who bred Morgan horses, “I think horses have a great way of taken it in stride. I’m very proud of the young girl quickly took on a new grounding you,” she said. “Taking her,” Sibley said. hobby. The neighbor did all of her own care of them every day can be hum- She also has done some horse breed- horse training, and Sibley learned bling and therapeutic. It doesn’t feel ing, though not in recent years. She from her. like work to me.” started because she wanted a new show “It started with grooming, then clean- The Morgan horse breed originated horse. “I wanted it to be more personal ing after them,” Sibley said. The neigh- in New England in the late 18th century and more hands-on,” she said. bor didn’t have any rideable horses and was among the first horse breeds The carrier now plans to show because they were either too young developed in the United States. Known Stella for a few years, then breed her. or not yet trained, so she told Sibley, for their beauty and stamina, the Sibley has carried mail on and off “We’ll have to make one for you.” horses often are sought for breeding. over the past 13 years, first serving as Sibley spent 15 years, from middle “What draws me to [Morgan] horses a transitional employee before taking school into adulthood, training is that they are a good family horse,” a break and returning as the then- horses with her neighbor. Even after Sibley said, adding that “it’s a horse newly created position of city carrier she began her job as a letter carrier, everyone can enjoy—energetic enough assistant in 2014. She was converted Sibley still rode there nearly every day for adults to enjoy and safe enough to regular the following year. after work. When Sibley’s friend died, to take the smallest kids around the She tries to be with her horses she left the carrier her prized stal- ring. The foundation stallion of the whenever she can. “With the Postal lion, which was the first horse Sibley breed was known for working the Service, it’s hard to get time off,” she owned. She now has three. farm, taking the family to church and said. While some in the sport hire “You start with groundwork and ba- still having enough energy to race on someone else to train their horses

24 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Previous page: Sibley rides her mare, Stella, in competition Right: The carrier competes with her first Morgan horse, stallion Randallane Genesis

six days a week, the carrier says she enjoys doing all of the work herself. And practice makes perfect. “I’ve always had the frame of mind that even though I’m an amateur trainer and shower, I don’t want to appear to ‘Horse- be an amateur,” she said. Sibley said she’s lucky to live near show grounds in New Hampshire. The show season generally begins crazy gal’ in April, though due to the COVID-19 the weekends.” pandemic, there have been some The carrier now has a trio of Morgan major adjustments to the schedule horses—their barn names are Fusion, this year. Stella and Rebel. The three horses Some events have been canceled, also have registered names with the and the first show she was planning American Morgan Horse Association to enter in May in Deerfield, NH, was that are used for shows. postponed to July. Sibley keeps Fusion with her at “They do have some strict protocols home, and the other two are boarded for COVID” in place, Sibley said, in- at a farm in New Hampshire, just over cluding riders and spectators wearing the state line from Massachusetts. where horses with similar characteris- “I live on a hilly property, not condu- masks all the time (except if riding a tics compete against one another. cive to riding,” she said, adding, “I go horse), everyone keeping at least two Sibley with “When you show, you go into pre- over to New Hampshire twice a day to seats apart, having no gatherings and her niece liminary classes,” she said, adding, feed and train them and work them.” canceling exhibitor parties. it’s “a lot of ‘hurry up and wait.’ ” Though she has shown all of her “It’s definitely been different,” she Higher classes tend to be scheduled horses, the carrier has been focus- said, but “at the end of the day, we’re later in the week, and the types of ing on Stella and set a goal of two just trying to get these horses we’ve awards to be earned depend on the shows for her this year. Sibley has worked so hard with, out [there] show. “They pin you per class,” Sibley trained the horse since she was born competing.” said of how winning competitors five years ago, but she’s been under Sibley had been waiting to see if receive recognition. saddle for less than a year. “She’s she was going to the world champion- taken it in stride. I’m very proud of ships in Oklahoma City in October, The carrier says that her fellow let- her,” Sibley said. but ultimately the carrier and her ter carriers certainly know about her She also has done some horse breed- travel companions made the decision hobby, and some have even tuned in ing, though not in recent years. She not to attend. “The travel restrictions to her horse shows online through started because she wanted a new show for Massachusetts and New Hamp- live feeds. horse. “I wanted it to be more personal shire would have been a little difficult “I’ve always loved competing,” and more hands-on,” she said. for everyone upon return,” she said. Sibley said. “It’s a personal drive.” The carrier now plans to show Typically, the shows she competes Competition can be very stiff, the car- Stella for a few years, then breed her. in through the United Professional rier said, adding that external factors Sibley has carried mail on and off Horsemen’s Association and the such as judging preferences play a over the past 13 years, first serving as United States Equestrian Federation role. Or, she added, “you could simply a transitional employee before taking are a week long, and divisions where be having a bad day.” a break and returning as the then- horses are shown are spread through- “When you win or place well, it’s that newly created position of city carrier out that time frame. much more rewarding,” Sibley said. assistant in 2014. She was converted On Monday, participants usually set The carrier clearly loves horses and to regular the following year. up their stalls and let their horses get enjoys the whole process of training She tries to be with her horses used to the stables and settle in for a and showing them. “I’ve never been whenever she can. “With the Postal day or so. By Wednesday, Sibley says, the type of person that gets hung up Service, it’s hard to get time off,” she there are perhaps two classes, one in on the type of ribbon,” she said. said. While some in the sport hire the morning and one in the evening. Rather, Sibley says, she just wants someone else to train their horses Classes are a series of performances to “be better than the last ride.” PR

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 25 News

Customer Connect adds up for USPS y touching every address in have to say much of anything,” he said. “It’s an acquired ability,” she said. the United States at least six days “She was looking to expand.” But she believes her personal connec- Ba week, letter carriers naturally Mullen’s willingness to reach out to his tion also helps when it comes to con- develop special relationships with their customers resulted in $50,830 in new an- vincing her customers to hear her sales customers. Since USPS’s Customer Con- nualized revenue for the Postal Service. pitch. “I show that I’m concerned, that I nect program began in 2003, thousands deliver,” she added. “You have to show of carriers have successfully leveraged Texas carrier receives that you can walk the walk.” their interactions with business custom- Million Dollar Lead award ers to encourage them to use the Postal On Sept. 9, Dallas, TX Branch 132 mem- In California, a carrier comes Service, rather than rely on private deliv- ber Kathy Brown received a certificate through for his customer ery and mailing services. Below are some signed by NALC President Fredric Rolando recent stories about Customer Connect Flair Boutique clothing store owner in recognition of her extraordinary feat. Starr Donati faced a problem. Due to the leads submitted by letter carriers that Brown, a 32-year letter carrier, had secured have helped USPS earn new revenue. pandemic-caused shutdown in her state, a sales lead that generated more than $1 she was having difficulty getting her A simple question seals million for the Postal Service. packages out to her customers. Her letter Brown said that when she saw a FedEx carrier, Stockton, CA Branch 213 member the deal in South Carolina trailer parked in a company’s lot, it Richard Valles, saw an opportunity. piqued her interest. The business was a Columbia, SC Branch 233 mem- “I always try to grab people when I logistics company that she regularly de- ber Chris Mullen has found that the see them switching [delivery services],” livered to on her route. “I saw the trailer, simplest way is best when it comes to Valles said. “I tell them that [USPS] is and I inquired, ‘Can we get some of that reaching out to customers for Customer more dependable than other services.” Connect. “If I run into someone [on the business?’ ” Brown recalled. The 34-year carrier took the lead back to route], I tell them about it,” the 18-year The carrier knew one of the sales the office. A sales representative spoke to carrier said. “It” is Mullen’s key question: representatives, so after getting the Donati and informed her about the better “I ask if they want to see if we can save company’s information, she made sure surcharge rate and lower shipping prices. them money,” he explained. to follow up on the lead. The sales repre- Donati ended up switching not only her This persuasive line worked perfectly sentative met with the owners, and was regular mail business to USPS, but her when it came to Carolina Clutches, a store able to convince them to switch some of website shipping as well. that sells high-quality handbags and ac- their shipping. “[USPS] got their business cessories. The customer came to Mullen’s for the smaller packages,” Brown said. Valles says that his ability to connect attention once he saw that she was receiv- “We have better prices.” with his customers does not come from ing a lot of deliveries through competitors. Though Brown has since left her busi- his own persuasive ability, but from “If I see they have a lot of UPS packages, I ness route for a residential route, the car- his long-standing connection with the reach out and ask,” he said. rier said that her ability to generate leads people at those businesses. “They know After Mullen discovered that the was mainly based around the instincts me for so long,” he explained. “You build customer was looking for affordable she has built up over her years on the job. up trust, you build up a comfort level.” shipping rates, he offered to connect her He said that this comfort level allows him with the USPS sales team. A representa- to approach his customers with ease to tive followed up with the customer and ask them about their shipping needs. was able to recommend Priority Mail Valles said that he thinks of the Cus- shipping for her business. tomer Connect program as achieving a Mullen says that he has seen Caro- win-win scenario. “I can see both sides,” lina Clutches grow from the ground up. he said. “It’s good for the future of the “When [the business owner] started, she Post Office, but I really believe that it’s was working out of her garage,” he said. also best for the customer.” Mullen added that it was not a question The carrier’s readiness to go the extra of convincing her, but about letting her Kathy Brown (l) holds her award along- mile for his customers paid off: His lead know about USPS’s capabilities. “I didn’t side Branch 132 President Kim Lewis. resulted in $50,000 in new revenue. PR

26 The Postal Record October 2020 Veterans Group For more information, go to nalc.org/veterans

Making deposits for military service s planning for retirement is on The Office of Personnel Manage- ernment commits administrative error the minds of many of our mem- ment (OPM) is the federal agency that if its response either misrepresents A bers, we’re reprinting this article, has authority over CSRS and FERS the dollar amounts in question, or is originally published in May 2019, about retirement matters. OPM regulations so indirect, inaccurate, or incomplete how to make deposits toward retirement require that deposits for military ser- as to confuse the employee as to the for time spent in military service. vice be paid in full prior to the date of amount of the deposit or the effect of The law that permits certain veterans retirement. The deposit must be made any failure to make the deposit on the to make deposits for prior military ser- to the employing agency (in our case, annuity recalculation. vice for time to count toward Civil Ser- the Postal Service). The amount of the deposit is 7 percent of basic military It is clear from the above that the vice Retirement System (CSRS) or Feder- Postal Service is required to provide al Employees Retirement System (FERS) pay under CSRS, or 3 percent of basic military pay under FERS. If deposit is accurate and complete counseling re- retirement (eligibility and amount of garding making deposit for military ser- annuity) requires the employee to com- made more than two or three years after beginning career employment at vice to any employee requesting such pletely pay the full amount of the de- counseling. There have, however, been posit prior to separation for retirement. the Postal Service, interest is charged. OPM regulates federal employers, in- instances where the Postal Service pro- However, the law provides an exception: vided inaccurate and incomplete advice If a veteran did not make deposit prior cluding the Postal Service, when it comes to retirement matters. OPM provides the about making deposit for military time. to separation due to administrative er- If a veteran does not make deposit ror by the employing agency, the former following guidance in a Benefits Admin- istration Letter dated Jan. 27, 2017: for military service prior to retirement employee may have the opportunity to because of a Postal Service administra- make or complete a military deposit af- • Each federal employing agency... tive error or incorrect advice, he or she ter separation. must have the capacity to counsel, can write to OPM and request belated This column begins with a general calculate, collect and to post all pay- introduction to making a deposit for ments related to employees’ deposits deposit. OPM will investigate and make military service, follows with discus- for military service... a decision allowing or disallowing the sion of the Postal Service’s obliga- • Agencies are required to provide ac- request. Adverse decisions by OPM on tion to provide accurate and complete curate and complete counseling to all such a request can be appealed to the counseling regarding deposits for mil- employees who seek to make post- Merit Systems Protection Board. itary service, and ends with a review of 1956 military deposit; this includes Veterans can access the above- the exception to the general rule that counseling as to the effect of paying or quoted OPM Benefits Administration military deposits must be completed not paying the deposit(s) as well as the Letter at opm.gov/retirement-services/ prior to separation. proper calculation of the deposit(s). publications-forms/benefits-adminis- Under the CSRS and the FERS, an indi- • Agencies are responsible for includ- tration-letters/2017/17-101.pdf. vidual’s “years of service” is a determining accurate information about the Alternatively, you may contact the ing factor to establish eligibility to retire accrual of interest on military depos- NALC Retirement Department at 202- and to calculate the amount of the retire- its and to accurately determine and 393-4695 or 800-424-4695 (Monday, ment pension.Generally, years of service apply the Interest Accrual Date in any Wednesday or Thursday) to request a is computed for a retiring employee by given request to make deposit for a mailed copy. measuring the elapsed time between period of military service. To begin the military deposit pro- the start date of career service and the • In general, an (agency) administra- cess, contact the Human Resources date of separation for retirement. tive error occurs when in response to Shared Services Center (HRSSC) at Military veterans can, in most cases, an employee’s inquiry, the employing 877-477-3273, Option 5, or TTD/TTY at increase their years of service by making agency provides material misinfor- 866-260-7507. a deposit for their time in the military. mation concerning the deposit and Many veterans will find this advanta- the consequences of not making the geous because doing so may enable deposit prior to separation… In ad- Join the NALC Veterans Group them to retire earlier and receive a higher dition, if an employee, at the time of pension. The amount of the deposit de- election, affirmatively asks for infor- If you are interested in joining the pends on which retirement system a vet- mation regarding the amount of the group, complete the sign-up card at eran is in, how much they earned in the military deposit or the consequences nalc.org/veterans. military and when the deposit is made. of failing to make a deposit, the gov-

October 2020 The Postal Record 27 Executive Vice President

The election that defines the future for letter carriers A time to remember e are living in a pivotal mo- begging” days that our brothers and sisters fought and ment in our nation’s histo- defeated 50 years ago. ry. The election that is right W Conversely, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. in front of us has become the most Kamala Harris have track records of support for letter car- polarizing one in memory. There are riers. They both strongly support a universal Postal Ser- a wide range of issues that will be vice, sensible postal reform that addresses the mandate decided by the results of the presi- to pre-fund future retiree health benefits, and our right to dential and congressional elec- collectively bargain. tions. Many of these issues have Every American votes based on where candidates stand divided the people of this country. on the issues that are most important to them. For most Among letter carriers, the issues of letter carriers, their job is at or near the top of that list. the future of the Postal Service and When the NALC Executive Council unanimously voted to our jobs is not divisive, but it is a endorse Vice President Biden, it was based solely on how crucial fork in the proverbial road. the candidate would support letter carriers and our jobs. We must start by recognizing Over the last two years, the House of Representatives Brian that not only will the presidential has supported letter carriers in a bipartisan way. Speaker Renfroe administration shape our future of the House Nancy Pelosi has remained a champion for this January, but so will the new letter carriers. Our friends on both sides of the aisle have Congress. The best indication of shown support by co-sponsoring our service resolutions, the future is the past—more specifically, the recent past. passing a bill to repeal the pre-funding mandate and, Let’s look at the current administration and the two hous- most recently, passing a bill to provide COVID-19 relief es of Congress. funding for USPS. NALC is proud to support our friends in both parties in their re-election efforts, and we are con- “Please educate yourself and oth- fident that we will maintain an overwhelming majority of pro-letter carrier members of the House. ers [about the election], but most Unfortunately, the exact opposite of what took place in importantly, vote!” the House has taken place in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to bring any of the postal legislation to the Senate floor for a vote or even en- The Trump administration has been openly hostile to- gage on any of the bills. Under his leadership, the Senate ward the Postal Service, postal employees and unions. has done absolutely nothing for letter carriers, despite The White House task force on USPS recommended drastic bipartisan support for our issues. The leadership in the changes, including draconian changes or cuts, such as end- Senate needs to change for letter carriers to achieve what ing our right to collectively bargain over wages and aligning we need to achieve in the next Congress. Competitive our pay increases with those of other federal employees. Senate races in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Prior to 1970, postal employees received pay increases Montana and North Carolina give us the opportunity to do only when authorized by Congress and the president. just that. Thousands of brave men and women walked off the job illegally in 1970 because they were fed up with that sce- NALC has created a Voter Resource Center page on the nario. Their courageous actions resulted in full collective- NALC website. You can find information about your voter bargaining rights, including the right to bargain for our registration status, specifics about your state and virtual wages. This administration has proposed to return letter volunteer opportunities. In a world full of cable news and carriers to the pre-1970 world. We reject such proposals in social media clickbait spun one way or the other to the the strongest possible terms. left and the right, it is important that everyone be edu- More recently, we analyzed what would have happened cated on the facts surrounding the issues that are impor- over the last several years if we had gotten the same tant to them. This month’s issue of The Postal Record and raises as other federal employees rather than what NALC the information on nalc.org provide facts about our jobs has negotiated in our collective-bargaining agreements. and this election. Please educate yourself and others, but If over the last 10 years this had been the case, a letter most importantly, vote! carrier at Step O would be making roughly $7,000 less per year. We have no interest in returning to the “collective

28 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Vice President

The election that defines the future for letter carriers A time to remember begging” days that our brothers and sisters fought and ome of you will already have age that the federal government is required to contribute defeated 50 years ago. voted by the time you read this. to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, Others already have made up so that federal employees pay more into the program. It is Conversely, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. S their mind about whom they plan estimated that this change would cost an average retiree Kamala Harris have track records of support for letter car- to vote for this election season, and around $1,400 per year. This change would not affect ac- riers. They both strongly support a universal Postal Ser- there is nothing anyone could say to tive letter carriers immediately because the percentage vice, sensible postal reform that addresses the mandate change that. That is just fine with me. the USPS pays for our health benefit premiums is set by to pre-fund future retiree health benefits, and our right to I believe in everybody’s right to their the terms of our collective-bargaining agreement. collectively bargain. political opinion. I learned that best The 2019 White House budget proposal also called for Every American votes based on where candidates stand in the decades I spent on the work- on the issues that are most important to them. For most $44.49 billion in vaguely defined service cuts and revenue room floor. Politics are argued nearly changes over a decade, including reducing service days letter carriers, their job is at or near the top of that list. every day at work, along with religion, and making door delivery a thing of the past. When the NALC Executive Council unanimously voted to sports and a host of other issues. endorse Vice President Biden, it was based solely on how I have always voted based on my job. President Trump established a task force to evaluate the op- the candidate would support letter carriers and our jobs. Maybe that is wrong to some of you, but erations and finances of the USPS and develop recommenda- I always have believed that it was in the tions for administrative and legislative reforms for the Postal Ser- Over the last two years, the House of Representatives vice when he signed Executive Order 13829 on April 12, 2018. has supported letter carriers in a bipartisan way. Speaker Lew best interests of my family, which includes every member of NALC and their The task force report was released on Dec. 4, 2018. It was ti- of the House Nancy Pelosi has remained a champion for Drass families. This year is no different for me. tled “United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward.” letter carriers. Our friends on both sides of the aisle have My decision is easy, and here is why. Here are a few recommendation excerpts from the report: shown support by co-sponsoring our service resolutions, The current administration has submitted White House Align USPS employee rights with other federal employee rights passing a bill to repeal the pre-funding mandate and, budgets to Congress each year since Donald Trump has taken by eliminating collective bargaining over compensation for most recently, passing a bill to provide COVID-19 relief office as president. Each year, they have proposed several USPS employees. funding for USPS. NALC is proud to support our friends in provisions that would hurt each one of us and cause us to: both parties in their re-election efforts, and we are con- Pursue reforms to USPS employee wages consistent with those fident that we will maintain an overwhelming majority of • Pay more—Increase pension contributions to the tune of about proposed for the broader federal workforce in the President’s pro-letter carrier members of the House. $3,700 per year for anyone hired before Jan. 1, 2014, which Management Agenda. Unfortunately, the exact opposite of what took place in boils down to around a $1.75 per hour pay cut for most of you. The Task Force recommends that the USPS explore franchising Eliminate the Social Security Annuity Sup- the House has taken place in the Senate. Senate Majority • Work longer— the mailbox as a means of generating revenue. This could be plement. This would eliminate the annuity supplement Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to bring any of the done by retaining the mailbox monopoly and allowing regu- that covers the gap for employees who retire under the lated access, for a fee, to certified private companies. These postal legislation to the Senate floor for a vote or even en- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) before they gage on any of the bills. Under his leadership, the Senate “franchisees” would be granted access to the mailbox for the qualify for Social Security benefits at age 62. delivery of mail and small parcels. has done absolutely nothing for letter carriers, despite • Earn less when you retire—Reduce Civil Service Retire- bipartisan support for our issues. The leadership in the ment System (CSRS) and FERS pension benefits for new Pursue reform of the Federal Employee Retirement System that Senate needs to change for letter carriers to achieve what retirees by basing annuities on workers’ highest average would increase employee contributions and move toward a de- we need to achieve in the next Congress. Competitive yearly salary over five years (high-5) instead of over the fined contribution system. Senate races in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, highest three years (high-3). This will naturally reduce the There is much more. The report should have been titled “A Montana and North Carolina give us the opportunity to do amount that you will draw each month in retirement. Recipe to Dismantle the USPS.” just that. • Earn less while you work—Reduce the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) G Fund interest rate. The new rate would be tied to The USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) passed in the House on NALC has created a Voter Resource Center page on the Feb. 5 this year by a vote of 309-106. This bill would repeal NALC website. You can find information about your voter the interest rate on 90-day Treasury bills instead of an average of medium- and long-term Treasury bond rates. This the unfair requirement that the Postal Service pre-fund retiree registration status, specifics about your state and virtual health benefit premiums. This is a burden that no other busi- volunteer opportunities. In a world full of cable news and would have translated into a $1.4 billion annual loss for TSP participants last year alone. ness in the federal or private sector is required to carry, and ac- social media clickbait spun one way or the other to the • Lose more money after retirement—Eliminate or reduce cost- counts for 92 percent of the reported USPS losses from 2007 to left and the right, it is important that everyone be edu- of-living adjustments (COLAs). For current and future retirees 2018. Additionally, the Delivering for America Act (H.R. 8015) cated on the facts surrounding the issues that are impor- under FERS (which covers any employee hired after 1984), passed in the House of Representatives on Aug. 22 by a vote of tant to them. This month’s issue of The Postal Record and 257-150. This bill provides $25 billion in direct financial relief to COLAs would be entirely eliminated. For those retirees under the Postal Service and would ensure that no changes in service the information on nalc.org provide facts about our jobs CSRS, COLAs would be reduced by 0.5 percent each year. and this election. Please educate yourself and others, but can be made that would result in delays during the pandemic. most importantly, vote! The most recent two White House budget proposals also These bills would go a long way to provide the relief we need. included: In the end, you will have to make up your own mind, but • Pay higher health benefit premiums—Reduce the percent- whatever you do, please remember to vote.

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 29 Secretary- Treasurer

More important reminders pen Season for choosing a presidents, secretaries and treasurers, and the information health benefit plan is Nov. in the database is used for mailings and for access to dues O9 through Dec. 14, and I en- roster information on the Members Only portal. courage all NALC members to con- Membership pins and gold cards—All requests for mem- sider enrolling in the NALC Health bership pins and gold cards must be made in writing by Benefit Plan, NALC’s own union-run the branch secretary. The written request should include health plan. NALC health benefit the name of the member, what milestone the member has representatives and branch officers reached and the member’s NALC membership ID number. are reminded that any USPS em- Pins for milestones under 50 years of membership are read- ployee, regardless of bargaining or ily available and are mailed out shortly after we receive the non-bargaining status, must be a request. Gold card requests, however, take longer, as they full dues-paying member of NALC are engraved and have to be specially ordered. Please send to enroll in the NALC Health Benefit in requests for gold cards at least four to six weeks in ad- Plan. vance of when the branch needs to receive them. Advance Under Article 22 of the NALC notice is also needed for any requests for 70- and 75-year Nicole Constitution, a Health Benefit Plan members. Please note that it is the responsibility of the membership (often referred to as an branch to notify Headquarters when a member reaches a Rhine “Associate Membership”) applies milestone, as per Article 2 of the NALC Constitution. only to retirees who did not maintain their membership in NALC upon retirement, as well as Membership rosters—All requests for membership ros- all non-postal federal employees. These enrollees of the ters for branches or state associations must be made in NALC Health Benefit Plan pay yearly dues of $36, which are writing under signature of an officer. Requests for a branch billed directly from Headquarters in the early part of the election roster also must be made in writing. There is no year. charge for a branch or state association to request a paper roster. However, for any branch or state association that would like an electronic roster, there is a $50 fee; payment “Please note that it is the responsi- should be included with the written request. An electronic roster is sent on a thumb drive with the information in Ex- bility of the branch to notify Head- cel format. The rosters can be processed in various ways, quarters when a member reaches a including with active and retired members comingled or separated out, and with the member’s NALC membership milestone.” date—which would assist branches with requests for pins and gold cards. Please specify in the written request what Dues rosters—As a reminder, monthly dues rosters for information the branch or state association would like in- state associations are currently available to state presi- cluded. dents, state secretaries and state treasurers by select- CCAs—A city carrier assistant’s break in service should ing the “State Dues Roster” button in the Members Only not trigger a permanent cancellation of dues withholding. portal. Branch presidents, secretaries and treasurers also Per the agreement with the USPS, a CCA’s dues deductions have access to their branch biweekly dues rosters through are to automatically restart when the CCA returns from a the Members Only portal by selecting the “Bi-weekly Dues break in service. Branch secretaries should review the bi- Roster” button. Additionally, the quarterly retiree dues in- weekly roster and notify the NALC Membership Department formation was made available to branches and state asso- if the dues withholding of a CCA returning from a break in ciations in September. service does not restart after one pay period and/or the Changes of officers—Branches and state associations CCA is noted as “CAN” (canceled). A CCA on a break in ser- are asked to notify the office of the secretary-treasurer in vice should be noted on the roster as “SEP” (separated). writing as soon as possible after a change of officers. This And finally, please remember to vote in November! can be done via a letter or, for branches, by filling out a “Branch Information Record” card. New officers will not begin to receive their mail from Headquarters until NALC is notified of their names, titles and addresses. NALC’s membership database stores the names of branch and state

30 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

The rules and rights of voting fundamental concept in any Article 7, Section 2 of the CGSFB addresses fees, dues, democracy is the right to have fines and assessments in part: your voice heard. This ensures A The rates of dues and initiation fees may be increased only that governing is based on the will by majority vote by secret ballot of the regular members in of the people. As such, the impor- good standing at a special or regular meeting after reason- tance of one’s right to vote cannot able notice has been given that this question will be before be overstated. There are many slo- the meeting, except that a Branch may provide in its by-laws gans used to highlight and bring that such majority vote may be had by secret ballot refer- awareness to the importance of endum. The same rules of procedure shall apply to the levy voting. Your vote, your voice; if you of a special or general assessment and to the imposition don’t vote, you can’t complain; elec- of fines upon members found guilty of charges preferred tions have consequences.... The list against them, except that such assessment or fines must goes on and on. be approved by a two-thirds vote. Branch by-law provisions requiring a vote greater than a majority of the regular mem- Incorporated within the NALC bers in good standing at the special or regular meeting to Constitution are several provisions amend the Branch by-laws do not apply to proposals to in- Paul that require the will of the mem- crease the rates of dues or initiation fees. bers to direct specific activities or Barner changes. Article 10, Section 1 of the CGSFB addresses charges in part: Article 15 of the Constitution di- Any member of the Branch who shall violate the Constitution rects the means and method by which branch or state as- or By-laws of the Association or Branch may have charges pre- sociation bylaws may be amended by vote of the member- ferred against him/her, and if such charges are proved shall be ship: fined, reprimanded, suspended or expelled as the laws may “While this national holiday was direct or the Branch determine. Any officer of the Branch who Each Branch or State Association may make, alter, or re- shall fail or neglect to discharge the duties of his/her office, or founded over a century ago... its scind such by-laws, rules, and regulations from time to time who may be guilty of gross misconduct, may be removed meaning is especially relevant to- as may be deemed most expedient, providing they do not in from office. These determinations shall be made by the mem- any way conflict with this Constitution. By-laws of branches bers present and voting at the next regular Branch meeting day. In 2020, it is hard to miss the may be amended at any regular meeting of the branch, pro- after which said charges were read to the Branch. The vote re- contributions that workers have vided the amendment has been submitted in writing at the garding any of the above matters may be continued once, by last previous regular branch meeting, and suitable notifica- motion, to the following regular Branch meeting. provided the country during the tion to members shall be made at least ten (10) days before the regular meeting at which the vote is to be taken. By-laws Article 12, Section 3 of the CGSFB addresses funds in part: COVID-19 pandemic.” and amendments thereto, fixing het amount of initiation All funds shall be devoted to such uses as the Branch may fees, dues, and reinstatement fees, or the time and place of determine; provided, that no appropriation shall be made meetings, shall become effective at the time determined by except when ordered by a majority vote of the members the Branch or State Association. All other by-laws must be present and voting at a regular meeting; provided further, submitted in duplicate to the Chairperson of the Committee that Branches may make provision in their by-laws allowing of Laws and shall not become effective until approved by officers to spend a certain sum of money between Branch the Committee of Laws as provided in Article 11, Sec. 3, of meetings in cases of emergency. this Constitution. The above is meant to illustrate the importance of the Article 5, Section 3 of the Constitution for the Government vote in establishing the will of the membership, and is not of Subordinate and Federal Branches (CGSFB) addresses inclusive of every circumstance in which a branch vote is branch elections in part: required or necessary. All regular members shall be entitled to one vote for each Of similar importance to voting on NALC matters is the im- office or position to be filled. portance of exercising one’s right to voice his or her opinions However, station delegates, representatives, or shop stew- and vote in the election of those who will be making deci- ards may be elected only by the regular members within the sions at our local, state and federal levels of government. station or area they represent. Branch stewards and any Your vote is your voice on those issues affecting you and your other persons who are members of the Branch Executive family. It goes without saying that careful consideration is of Board or similar body must be elected by the entire branch, paramount importance when deciding among candidates, not just by the station or area they represent. but one must exercise the right to vote to be heard at all.

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 31 Director of City Delivery

USPS delivery initiatives updates Be a hero n recent months, USPS has intro- ternate applications to EPM, as outlined in USPS handbooks, duced several new delivery initia- would be subject to discussion through the City Delivery Task Itives that have created concern for Force. This settlement, M-01927, can be found in NALC’s Ma- many city letter carriers. Each of these terials Reference System (MRS) on the NALC website. delivery initiatives was implemented unilaterally by the Postal Service with- Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation (SER) out NALC participation. The National On July 31, USPS notified NALC of a new delivery initiative Agreement provides a mechanism for titled the Post Office Sortation Equipment Rationalization NALC and USPS to jointly discuss and (SER). In the original correspondence, SER was characterized consider testing of new delivery ini- as a “review” that would solicit “feedback” from employees tiatives through the City Delivery Task regarding potential consolidation of casing and sortation Force; however, USPS Delivery Opera- equipment. However, USPS subsequently released a stand- tions chose to begin several new tests up talk that revealed that the Postal Service had instructed lo- without agreement by the task force. I cal management to reduce casing equipment and cell sizes, want to use this month’s article to up- causing widespread violations of the handbooks and manu- Christopher date you on the status of these tests. als while making casing more difficult and less efficient. Jackson Expedited Street/Afternoon On Aug. 17, NALC filed a national-level grievance on the Sortation (ESAS) Postal Service’s unilateral implementation of SER. As of the date of this writing, the SER initiative has been halted pend- The ESAS pilot test required carriers to clock in, attend ing our discussions with the Postal Service on the program. any service or safety talk, perform vehicle inspections, obtain accountable items, set up their scanners, retrieve the Article 34 office activities study parcel hamper, line up the SPRs, and retrieve the mail cased On April 19, 2019, USPS notified NALC of its intent to and pulled down the previous afternoon. Under the test, no conduct a study of letter carrier office activities. According to mail was to be cased in the morning. Carriers were to with- the Postal Service, this data will be collected by a third-party draw hot case preferential flats and route them in order of contractor, Deloitte, and the information may be used in col- delivery on the street. Instead of casing their SPRs, carriers lective bargaining. USPS also stated that the information may would line them up in delivery order prior to pulling their hot be used to evaluate and, if necessary, create new office stan- case mail, and then immediately clock to the street to load dards. This test was supposed to begin in early 2020; how- their vehicle and begin delivery. Upon returning to the office ever, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed. in the afternoon, carriers would complete the normal return- On July 31, NALC received the data collection schedule and to-office duties. After completion of these duties, carriers a list of the routes identified for the study. NALC was informed would then case and pull down all mail distributed to the that data collectors would be counting the mail and observ- route in preparation for the next day’s delivery. This test, as ing the regular carrier perform office and loading/unloading described, while similar to the long-standing Expedited Pref- duties in the morning and the afternoon on the selected erential Mail (EPM) Delivery Program, did not fully comply routes. The data collection began on Aug. 3 and continued through September. NALC representatives visited each test “I am happy to report that NALC and the site prior to the study to explain the process. These representatives then returned to the sites after data collection Postal Service have... agreed that the was complete to obtain feedback from the carriers involved ESAS pilot test would be terminated.” in the study. To date, USPS is still awaiting the results of the study from the third-party contractor. NALC Headquarters will with the requirements of Handbook M-39, Management of be monitoring any action that USPS may implement resulting Delivery Services, and Handbook M-41, City Delivery Carriers from this study and will exercise its rights as necessary in ac- Duties and Responsibilities. cordance with Article 34 of the National Agreement. NALC filed a national-level grievance disputing the unilater- For more information on these and other initiatives affect- al implementation of this test. I am happy to report that NALC ing city letter carriers, please visit my City Delivery page on and the Postal Service have settled this grievance and agreed nalc.org. This year has presented many challenges for city car- that the ESAS pilot test would be terminated as of Aug. 19. riers, but you have succeeded in overcoming adversity. Thank The settlement also states that any future modifications or al- you for your continued strength, bravery and perseverance.

32 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Director of Safety and Health

Be a hero ternate applications to EPM, as outlined in USPS handbooks, ou can be a hero. How? made of wood and would be subject to discussion through the City Delivery Task Protect others, not just your- bronze, instead they Force. This settlement, M-01927, can be found in NALC’s Ma- Yself. We are a union, and unions are made of cloth. terials Reference System (MRS) on the NALC website. protect the collective rights of the They are not car- many. So quit thinking about your- ried on our left arm, Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation (SER) self and ask: How do your actions af- but worn over our mouths and noses. On July 31, USPS notified NALC of a new delivery initiative fect your brothers and sisters on the workroom floor, and how does your They are face masks, titled the Post Office Sortation Equipment Rationalization scarves and gaiters. (SER). In the original correspondence, SER was characterized behavior affect your community and Although some may as a “review” that would solicit “feedback” from employees your family? COVID-19 is not a joke, debate the personal regarding potential consolidation of casing and sortation and it is not a hoax. freedom they claim equipment. However, USPS subsequently released a stand- The world we live in is under at- to be surrendering tack by a virus of epic proportions. up talk that revealed that the Postal Service had instructed lo- by wearing a mask, Kirk Douglas as Spartacus in the 1960 film of cal management to reduce casing equipment and cell sizes, The magnitude of this pandemic has science makes clear the same name causing widespread violations of the handbooks and manu- not been experienced since the early that wearing a mask als while making casing more difficult and less efficient. Manuel L. 1900s, and lessons learned then for the common good is the honorable thing to do. On Aug. 17, NALC filed a national-level grievance on the should have been the starting point Thank you, Tony. Postal Service’s unilateral implementation of SER. As of the Peralta Jr. to better our chances for survival. In- date of this writing, the SER initiative has been halted pend- stead, the mouth that roars manipu- Earlier this week, news broke on the subject of a series of 18 interviews of President Trump, by journalist and au- ing our discussions with the Postal Service on the program. lates each and every aspect of how the United States responds and acts. Moving the economy thor Bob Woodward. Article 34 office activities study forward was more important than saving lives. We have been hearing the president downplaying the pan- As I draft this month’s column, the Johns Hopkins University demic while hospitals were strained beyond their safe ca- On April 19, 2019, USPS notified NALC of its intent to COVID-19 Dashboard shows more than 28 million global cas- pacity. We heard him mock the precautions that were recom- conduct a study of letter carrier office activities. According to es and more than 900,000 global deaths. The United States mended from medical professionals, and we saw him bench the Postal Service, this data will be collected by a third-party shows more than 6.4 million cases and 191,500 deaths. This Dr. Anthony Fauci. Why? It is clear that POTUS wants business contractor, Deloitte, and the information may be used in col- is not the common flu, as some have suggested, and this will to grow and continue so that he can pat himself on the back lective bargaining. USPS also stated that the information may not go away by magic. while putting you, your family and your community at risk. be used to evaluate and, if necessary, create new office stan- Scientists, medical professionals, infectious disease experts President Trump specifically answered the following to a dards. This test was supposed to begin in early 2020; how- and the collective body of truth related to COVID-19 will find a question from Woodward during a Feb. 7 interview: ever, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed. solution with time. Until then, it is up to you to do your part. On July 31, NALC received the data collection schedule It goes through air, Bob. That’s always tougher than the touch. You and a list of the routes identified for the study. NALC was in- In a recent conversation with Tony Bossi, a letter carrier know, the touch, you don’t have to touch things. Right? But the air, from Massachusetts Northeast Merged Branch 25, he you just breathe the air and that’s how it’s passed... This is more formed that data collectors would be counting the mail and deadly. This is 5 percent versus 1 percent. So this is deadly stuff. observing the regular carrier perform office and loading/ shared some thoughts on the subject of Spartacus: unloading duties in the morning and the afternoon on the Asked why it was dishonorable to return without a shield and The president has known all along that COVID-19 is selected routes. The data collection began on Aug. 3, and not without a helmet, the Spartan king Demaratus (510 491) is spread through the air. He has refused to issue any orders continued through Sept. 18. NALC representatives visited said to have replied: ‘Because the latter they put on for their that would require the wearing of a face covering. He has each test site prior to the study to explain the process. These own protection, but the shield for the common good of all.’ belittled those who wear face coverings. His actions put you, your family and your community at risk. representatives then returned to the sites after data collec- The Spartans battled in a formation called a phalanx. The tion was complete to obtain feedback from the carriers in- key to the phalanx success was the shield. Soldiers would Earlier this year, I wrote about the silence and inaction volved in the study. To date, USPS is still awaiting the results advance in tight formation with their shields on their left of the U.S. Department of Labor with regard to enforcing of the study from the third-party contractor. NALC Headquar- arm. The shield would protect not only the soldier carrying federal regulations relating to infectious diseases, in spite ters will be monitoring any action that USPS may implement it, but also the soldier to their left. Spartans understood that of its mission, which includes responsibility for occupa- resulting from this study and will exercise its rights as neces- one individual soldier could not win a battle alone. It took tional safety. The current administration’s team of agency sary in accordance with Article 34 of the National Agreement. the entire army to defeat their enemy. Many enemies were leaders is not interested in protecting you as an employee For more information on these and other initiatives affect- defeated while employing this cooperative technique. in a work force. They are protecting employers. ing city letter carriers, please visit my City Delivery page on Today, we are faced with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s time to protect employees. Put on your shields. Draw nalc.org. This year has presented many challenges for city car- Without a cure or a vaccine, we are left with few weapons to your pen, as it is mightier than the sword, and vote in No- riers, but you have succeeded in overcoming adversity. Thank fend off this threat. We do have our own modern day phalanx, vember. We need representatives at every level who will you for your continued strength, bravery and perseverance. and that is maintaining social distancing. Our shields are not protect employees from unsafe working conditions.

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 33 Director of Retired Members

A brief history of CSRS and FERS Help with your Hospital Plus claim ith the founding of the NALC career employees. FERS-RAE changed employee contributions n July, I wrote about one of the in 1889, a fight was started. to 3.1 percent. It turned out that FERS-RAE was short-lived. Mutual Benefit Association WIn particular, a fight for a Effective Jan. 1, 2014, another new category, FERS-Further I(MBA)’s most popular products pension. At the time, older carriers Revised Annuity Employee (FERS-FRAE) changed employee offered to NALC members and their were sometimes referred to as su- contributions for new career employees to 4.4 percent. families: our Hospital Plus Plan. perannuated carriers (which means That means that new career employees pay an additional This plan covers NALC members, obsolete through age). It was clear 3.6 percent of their base pay for the same benefits as those their spouses and dependent chil- that retirement was a necessary prior to 2013. At the top step of $65,037 per year, this addi- dren. With an MBA Hospital Plus benefit and worth fighting for. tional 3.6 percent represents an increase of approximately Plan, a daily cash benefit is paid In 1920, the Civil Service Retire- $2,341 per year in employee contributions. Surely a sub- for each day that you or a covered ment System (CSRS) was born. Par- stantial increase. I would still point out that even for FERS- family member is hospitalized due ticipants had an employee contribu- FRAE employees, it is my opinion that the pension remains to illness or injury. The plan offers tion, but did not contribute to Social a great benefit. a daily benefit paid directly to the Security. CSRS is a defined benefit Why would one increase the employee contributions in member. Benefit amounts are $30, plan, which is when an annuity is 2013 and again in 2014? Was the pension fund failing? Was $50, $75 or $100 per day. The daily Dan predetermined by a formula—in this the fund paying out more than it was taking in? What was going James W. benefit is the same amount for the case, based on the years of service on? Based on a 2016 report by the Office of Personnel Man- NALC member (the insured) and Toth and the high-3 average salary. This agement (OPM), we can get a glimpse at the fund’s history. “Jim” Yates the spouse. A covered child’s daily provided a known benefit that would Looking at the fund—technically, it’s the Civil Service Disability benefit amount is 60 percent of the allow employees to plan for and have a dependable retire- Retirement Fund (CSDRF)—we can see from that from at least insured’s daily benefit. ment, regardless of how the stock market performed. 1987 to 2014 (all the data available at the time the report was A covered child means an insured’s unmarried legal The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) was written), the fund increased year over year. By the end of 2012, child who is: a) under 19 years of age and living with the created in 1987, but applied to those hired on or after Jan. the fund’s net assets were a mere $829,100,000,000 (that is insured, or b) between 19 and 23 years of age and a full- 1, 1984. It was at this point that there were no new CSRS $829.1 billion). The report by OPM also makes projections of time student at a regular educational institution. A cov- participants. FERS differed from CSRS in that it took advan- the future. From 2015 to 2090, OPM projected that the end-of- ered child may include an adopted child or a step-child tage of Social Security and also added a third benefit, the year net assets would continue to increase year after year. The of the insured. fund’s net assets were projected by 2090 to be $12.5 trillion! Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The FERS basic benefit was still a Since this is one of MBA’s most-popular plans, this ar- This leads to my next question. If the fund is projected to defined benefit plan, but it was reduced to compensate for ticle is dedicated to helping members who own a Hospital continue to grow and grow and grow, why are our elected Social Security and the TSP. Plus Plan understand how to complete their Hospital Plus representatives again proposing to increase the cost to federal employees while simultaneously decreasing bene- Insurance Claim form. Completing this information properly “If the fund is projected to grow, fits? The White House 2021 budget proposal aims to reduce assists the MBA analyst in processing the member’s claim CSRS cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) by 0.5 percent, as expeditiously as possible. This means that the member why are our elected officials again eliminate FERS COLAs, eliminate the Special Retirement can quickly enjoy the benefits of his or her plan. Supplement (which helps those retiring before age 62 to An informational instruction sheet is included with ev- proposing to increase the cost to bridge the gap until they can start collecting Social Secu- ery Hospital Confinement Insurance Claim form. There federal employees while simultane- rity), change the high-3 to a high-5 average salary and even are six specific questions that must be fully completed to ously decreasing benefits?” reduce the G-fund interest rate within the TSP. avoid delays: The question remains: Why should we pay more and re- 1. The general information, which includes the member’s ceive less, when the system is working so well? Elections name, address, policy number, Social Security num- Employee contributions for FERS started at 0.8 percent of are around the corner. If you are retired or would like to ber, branch number and best phone number. basic pay. So, if you were a FERS employee prior to Jan. 1, retire someday, I encourage you to stay engaged in politics 2. The patient information, including the birthday and 2013, you automatically contribute 0.8 percent of your basic and consider casting your vote for the politicians who sup- the relationship to the member; if the member is the pay. This contribution is not voluntary. For today’s top-step port unions, the middle class and especially federal em- patient, this should be indicated in the relationship carriers earning $65,037 per year, that amounts to approxi- ployees. Remember that the party doesn’t matter. We have area on the form. mately $520 in annual contributions. That’s a pretty good politicians who support us on both sides of the aisle. Let’s 3. The treating hospital information. This area must be deal for a pension, especially when you consider that some make sure that the individuals we vote for have a good completed with the name and address of the hospi- retirees collect an annuity for longer than they worked. track record when it comes to supporting America’s dedi- tal where the individual was admitted; the admis- The employee contributions for FERS have changed over cated federal workforce. Let’s make sure the billions of dol- sion date(s) and the actual discharge date should time. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the category FERS-Revised Annuity lars we’ve paid into the fund end up back in our pockets, so be entered on the claim form. Verification of the Employee (or FERS-RAE) was created and applied only to new that we can age with dignity. hospital stay must be included with the claim form

34 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Director of Life Insurance

A brief history of CSRS and FERS Help with your Hospital Plus claim career employees. FERS-RAE changed employee contributions n July, I wrote about one of the when mailed back to MBA. Note: Overnight stays in a to 3.1 percent. It turned out that FERS-RAE was short-lived. Mutual Benefit Association Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) are not covered by the Effective Jan. 1, 2014, another new category, FERS-Further I(MBA)’s most popular products Hospital Plus Plan. Revised Annuity Employee (FERS-FRAE) changed employee offered to NALC members and their Proof of hospitalization must be in the form of one contributions for new career employees to 4.4 percent. families: our Hospital Plus Plan. of the following: That means that new career employees pay an additional This plan covers NALC members, • An itemized bill on the hospital’s letterhead; 3.6 percent of their base pay for the same benefits as those their spouses and dependent chil- • A letter from the hospital (on the hospital’s let- prior to 2013. At the top step of $65,037 per year, this addi- dren. With an MBA Hospital Plus terhead) including the admission and discharge tional 3.6 percent represents an increase of approximately Plan, a daily cash benefit is paid dates, along with the signature and title of the $2,341 per year in employee contributions. Surely a sub- for each day that you or a covered hospital’s representative; stantial increase. I would still point out that even for FERS- family member is hospitalized due • A UB-92, HCFA-14 50 or UB-04 hospital statement; FRAE employees, it is my opinion that the pension remains to illness or injury. The plan offers • An NALC Health Benefit Plan Explanation of Ben- a great benefit. a daily benefit paid directly to the efits (EOB) form. Why would one increase the employee contributions in member. Benefit amounts are $30, 4. The name, address and telephone number of the 2013 and again in 2014? Was the pension fund failing? Was $50, $75 or $100 per day. The daily physician ordering the hospital stay. (This includes the fund paying out more than it was taking in? What was going James W. benefit is the same amount for the orders from an emergency room physician.) on? Based on a 2016 report by the Office of Personnel Man- NALC member (the insured) and 5. The diagnosed nature of the illness. The Hospital Plus agement (OPM), we can get a glimpse at the fund’s history. “Jim” Yates the spouse. A covered child’s daily policy will pay the daily benefit to an insured for up to Looking at the fund—technically, it’s the Civil Service Disability benefit amount is 60 percent of the 365 days for any one confinement due to each illness Retirement Fund (CSDRF)—we can see from that from at least insured’s daily benefit. or injury. 1987 to 2014 (all the data available at the time the report was A covered child means an insured’s unmarried legal 6. Information about any previous treating physician(s) written), the fund increased year over year. By the end of 2012, child who is: a) under 19 years of age and living with the of the diagnosed condition. the fund’s net assets were a mere $829,100,000,000 (that is insured, or b) between 19 and 23 years of age and a full- $829.1 billion). The report by OPM also makes projections of time student at a regular educational institution. A cov- the future. From 2015 to 2090, OPM projected that the end-of- ered child may include an adopted child or a step-child “With an MBA Hospital Plus plan, year net assets would continue to increase year after year. The of the insured. a daily cash benefit is paid for each fund’s net assets were projected by 2090 to be $12.5 trillion! Since this is one of MBA’s most-popular plans, this ar- This leads to my next question. If the fund is projected to day that you or a covered family ticle is dedicated to helping members who own a Hospital continue to grow and grow and grow, why are our elected Plus Plan understand how to complete their Hospital Plus member is hospitalized due to representatives again proposing to increase the cost to Insurance Claim form. Completing this information properly federal employees while simultaneously decreasing bene- illness or injury.” fits? The White House 2021 budget proposal aims to reduce assists the MBA analyst in processing the member’s claim CSRS cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) by 0.5 percent, as expeditiously as possible. This means that the member can quickly enjoy the benefits of his or her plan. The signature area of this form can be confusing. The eliminate FERS COLAs, eliminate the Special Retirement member must sign and date in the designated area. Also, Supplement (which helps those retiring before age 62 to An informational instruction sheet is included with every Hospital Confinement Insurance Claim form. There if the member is the patient, he or she must sign and date bridge the gap until they can start collecting Social Secu- the patient information. Otherwise, the required informa- are six specific questions that must be fully completed to rity), change the high-3 to a high-5 average salary and even tion is clear. The NALC member must sign for any minor avoid delays: reduce the G-fund interest rate within the TSP. children. If the patient is a spouse or a child who is no lon- The question remains: Why should we pay more and re- 1. The general information, which includes the member’s ger a minor, the patient should sign for himself or herself. name, address, policy number, Social Security num- ceive less, when the system is working so well? Elections For more information regarding the MBA Hospital Plus are around the corner. If you are retired or would like to ber, branch number and best phone number. Plan, please call the MBA office toll-free at 800-424-5184, retire someday, I encourage you to stay engaged in politics 2. The patient information, including the birthday and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or call 202- and consider casting your vote for the politicians who sup- the relationship to the member; if the member is the 638-4318, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. port unions, the middle class and especially federal em- patient, this should be indicated in the relationship Eastern time. You also may visit our website at nalc.org/ ployees. Remember that the party doesn’t matter. We have area on the form. mba. politicians who support us on both sides of the aisle. Let’s 3. The treating hospital information. This area must be Please note: Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandem- make sure that the individuals we vote for have a good completed with the name and address of the hospi- ic, the MBA phone lines are open only on Tuesdays and track record when it comes to supporting America’s dedi- tal where the individual was admitted; the admis- Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. cated federal workforce. Let’s make sure the billions of dol- sion date(s) and the actual discharge date should lars we’ve paid into the fund end up back in our pockets, so be entered on the claim form. Verification of the that we can age with dignity. hospital stay must be included with the claim form

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 35 Director, Health Benefits

FEHB Open Season he Federal Employees Health will be based on branch size and will range from one to he COVID-19 pandemic has had many effects on city letter Benefits Program Open Season 50 booklets; however, additional material will be supplied carriers. One has been on annual leave. Many letter carriers Tbegins Monday, Nov. 9, and runs upon request. Branches should contact the Plan’s Cus- Thad choice leave scheduled and then canceled their leave through Monday, Dec. 14. During this tomer Service Department to request additional material or because vacations and events were rescheduled as a result of period, you will have the opportunity brochures. You also can view our benefits in an electronic the pandemic. On Sept. 3, NALC and USPS agreed to Memoran- to review the 2021 rates and ben- format at nalchbp.org. dum of Understanding (MOU) Re: Annual Leave Carryover for efits and decide whether you want New to our website this year is a PowerPoint presentation. Leave Year 2021, M-01928 in NALC’s Materials Reference System to make changes to your health care Whether you are choosing a plan for yourself, helping an- (MRS), which aims to alleviate this problem. This month’s Con- coverage. other person with the decision or hosting a training session, tract Talk will explain the annual leave provisions, annual leave If you missed my last Postal Re- I am confident this will be a helpful tool. carryover and the agreed-upon provisions of M-01928. cord article, I encourage you to go If you are not currently a member of the Plan, I hope you Article 10 of the National Agreement covers general leave to nalc.org and access the NALC will take some time to review the 2021 Health Benefit Plan provisions such as choice of vacation period, vacation plan- Postal Record archives. Under the material. If you have any questions, our customer service ning and sick leave. Article 10, Section 2 specifically incorpo- “News and Research” tab, select representatives are waiting to assist you at 888-636-NALC rates Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), Section The Postal Record hyperlink, click (6252). 510, which contains all the rules and procedures related to the Stephanie on the 2020 archives, and then Postal Service leave program. Section 512.32 of the ELM below choose the September edition. How to join contains the provision regarding annual leave carryover. Stewart Once you have reached this landing page, scroll down, and choose the Eligible, active postal employees have four ways to en- 512.32 Maximum Carryover “Director, Health Benefits” article. Here you will be able to roll in the NALC Health Benefit Plan: 512.321 Maximum Carryover Amounts review the basics of choosing the right health plan. This • Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to go to The maximum carryover amount, i.e., the maximum amount of month, I want to talk about why you should consider the liteblue.usps.gov. You must have your employee ID num- previously accumulated annual leave with which an employee NALC Health Benefit Plan, and what sets us apart. ber. This number is located on your earnings statement, may be credited at the beginning of a year, is as follows: First, the Plan is owned and operated by the National above the words “Employee ID,” and is eight digits. You a. Bargaining Unit Employees. The maximum leave carryover Association of Letter Carriers. Our membership elects the also will need your USPS PIN. This would be the same for bargaining unit employees is 55 days (440 hours). national officer, the director of health benefits, whose role number you use to access PostalEASE. Normally, the maximum carryover amount is 440 hours, as is to administer the Plan; additionally, the Plan employs • The Blue Page (Intranet) at work. men and women represented by Office and Professional explained in the ELM. Accumulated annual leave in excess of • Employee Self-Service Kiosks, located at some USPS fa- International Union, Local 2, AFL-CIO. I believe this is a sig- 440 hours at the end of the leave year is not carried or rolled nificant point to consider in this era of those who would cilities. over into the next year. diminish the status of unions and their importance. • PostalEASE by telephone. You can call 877-4PS-EASE or 877-477-3273 and enter Option 1. M-01928 temporarily raises the maximum carryover to Next, the Plan was created more than 70 years ago, 520 hours from leave year 2020 to leave year 2021. when the NALC recognized the need for letter carriers to Eligible annuitants and retirees can enroll by calling Em- M-01928 states: have some form of health coverage. We have come a long ployee Express at 800-332-9798, by going to OPM’s Open way since then, but our mission has remained the same: to The parties agree that for leave year 2021, regular work force Season website at retireefehb.opm.gov or by submitting a career employees covered by the USPS-NALC Agreement provide our members with accessibility to quality medical Standard 2809 to your retirement office. may carry over 520 hours of accumulated annual leave from care while maintaining a comprehensive benefit package. Active federal employees of agencies that participate leave year 2020 to leave year 2021. Also worth noting: We are a not-for-profit health insurer, in Employee Express may enroll during the Open Season which means that our only focus is on the health of our by going to employeeexpress.gov or calling 478-757-3030. In all other respects, the ELM provisions for payment of accu- members. As your current director, I firmly believe that our Employees of non-participating agencies should contact mulated leave are not changed because of this Memorandum. mission, experience and competitive benefit package are their employing office for enrollment instructions. This MOU will expire December 31, 2021. a force to be reckoned with. Letter carriers deliver, and our Health Benefit Plan is no exception. Article 10, Section 3 establishes a nationwide program Health benefit plan representative mailing for vacation planning for employees in the regular work Open Season material Recently, a letter was sent to all NALC branches that cur- force with emphasis on the choice vacation period(s) or rently do not have an elected Health Benefit Plan representa- variations thereof. The duration of the choice vacation Our primary goal is to make sure that information is eas- tive (HBR). If your branch received this letter, I hope you have period(s) is to be determined pursuant to local implemen- ily accessible, so we are doing things a little different this taken some time to review it and will assist us in this endeavor. tation procedures. Section 3.b states: year. Every NALC letter carrier will be mailed information I cannot emphasize enough the importance an HBR pro- about the NALC Health Benefit Plan, and each NALC branch B. Care shall be exercised to assure that no employee is re- vides, not only throughout the course of the year, but espe- will receive a small, prorated number of plan booklets quired to forfeit any part of such employee’s annual leave. cially during the weeks of Open Season. they can distribute to post offices across the country. The Article 10, Section 4 sets out the procedure for vaca- quantity automatically scheduled to ship to each branch Remember, this is your union Health Benefit Plan. tion planning. Each year, the installation head shall meet

36 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Contract Talk by the Contract Administration Unit

Contract Administration Unit Brian Renfroe, Executive Vice President Lew Drass, Vice President Christopher Jackson, Director of City Delivery Manuel L. Peralta Jr., Director of Safety and Health Dan Toth, Director of Retired Members Jim Yates, Director of Life Insurance FEHB Open Season Leave provisions will be based on branch size and will range from one to he COVID-19 pandemic has had many effects on city letter with the representatives of the union to review local service 50 booklets; however, additional material will be supplied carriers. One has been on annual leave. Many letter carriers needs as soon after Jan. 1 as practical. The installation head upon request. Branches should contact the Plan’s Cus- Thad choice leave scheduled and then canceled their leave shall then: tomer Service Department to request additional material or because vacations and events were rescheduled as a result of the pandemic. On Sept. 3, NALC and USPS agreed to Memoran- 1. Determine the amount of annual leave accrued to each brochures. You also can view our benefits in an electronic employee’s credit including that for the current year and the dum of Understanding (MOU) Re: Annual Leave Carryover for format at nalchbp.org. amount he/she expects to take in the current year. New to our website this year is a PowerPoint presentation. Leave Year 2021, M-01928 in NALC’s Materials Reference System Whether you are choosing a plan for yourself, helping an- (MRS), which aims to alleviate this problem. This month’s Con- 2. Determine a final date for submission of applications other person with the decision or hosting a training session, tract Talk will explain the annual leave provisions, annual leave for vacation period(s) of the employee’s choice during the choice vacation period(s). I am confident this will be a helpful tool. carryover and the agreed-upon provisions of M-01928. If you are not currently a member of the Plan, I hope you Article 10 of the National Agreement covers general leave 3. Provide official notice to each employee of the vacation will take some time to review the 2021 Health Benefit Plan provisions such as choice of vacation period, vacation plan- schedule approved for each employee. material. If you have any questions, our customer service ning and sick leave. Article 10, Section 2 specifically incorpo- In accordance with Article 10, during vacation planning, the representatives are waiting to assist you at 888-636-NALC rates Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), Section local parties should determine the amount of annual leave ac- (6252). 510, which contains all the rules and procedures related to the crued to each employee’s credit, including that for the current Postal Service leave program. Section 512.32 of the ELM below year and the amount he/she expects to take in the current How to join contains the provision regarding annual leave carryover. year. As the carryover maximum will return to 440 hours from Eligible, active postal employees have four ways to en- 512.32 Maximum Carryover the 2021 leave year to the 2022 leave year, care should be roll in the NALC Health Benefit Plan: 512.321 Maximum Carryover Amounts taken to ensure that no employee be required to forfeit any part of his/her annual leave. • Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to go to The maximum carryover amount, i.e., the maximum amount of liteblue.usps.gov. You must have your employee ID num- previously accumulated annual leave with which an employee M-01928 does not affect other leave provisions, such as ber. This number is located on your earnings statement, may be credited at the beginning of a year, is as follows: terminal leave payments. Terminal leave payments are made above the words “Employee ID,” and is eight digits. You a. Bargaining Unit Employees. The maximum leave carryover to separating employees for their balance of accrued annual also will need your USPS PIN. This would be the same for bargaining unit employees is 55 days (440 hours). leave. These payments are still limited to a maximum of 440 hours. ELM, Section 512.732.b states in part: number you use to access PostalEASE. Normally, the maximum carryover amount is 440 hours, as • The Blue Page (Intranet) at work. explained in the ELM. Accumulated annual leave in excess of Bargaining Unit Employee. Bargaining unit employees may • Employee Self-Service Kiosks, located at some USPS fa- 440 hours at the end of the leave year is not carried or rolled receive a lump sum leave payment: cilities. over into the next year. (1) If separating other than under the Voluntary Early Retire- • PostalEASE by telephone. You can call 877-4PS-EASE or ment Authority (VERA), for accumulated annual leave carried 877-477-3273 and enter Option 1. M-01928 temporarily raises the maximum carryover to 520 hours from leave year 2020 to leave year 2021. over from the previous year; accrued annual leave for the year Eligible annuitants and retirees can enroll by calling Em- M-01928 states: in which they separate, up to the carryover maximum for their ployee Express at 800-332-9798, by going to OPM’s Open bargaining unit (see 512.32); any unused donated leave; and The parties agree that for leave year 2021, regular work force for full-time and part-time regular employees, holidays that fall Season website at retireefehb.opm.gov or by submitting a career employees covered by the USPS-NALC Agreement Standard 2809 to your retirement office. within the terminal leave period. Any part of the unused an- may carry over 520 hours of accumulated annual leave from nual leave earned during the leave year of separation that is Active federal employees of agencies that participate leave year 2020 to leave year 2021. in Employee Express may enroll during the Open Season in excess of the maximum carryover amount is granted prior to by going to employeeexpress.gov or calling 478-757-3030. In all other respects, the ELM provisions for payment of accu- separation rather than paid out in the form of a lump sum pay- Employees of non-participating agencies should contact mulated leave are not changed because of this Memorandum. ment. No payment is made for unused leave that the employee their employing office for enrollment instructions. This MOU will expire December 31, 2021. would have been required to forfeit at the end of the leave year. Article 10, Section 3 establishes a nationwide program Additional leave provisions have been temporarily imple- Health benefit plan representative mailing for vacation planning for employees in the regular work mented as a result of the Families First Coronavirus Response Recently, a letter was sent to all NALC branches that cur- force with emphasis on the choice vacation period(s) or Act (FFCRA), which was passed by Congress in response to rently do not have an elected Health Benefit Plan representa- variations thereof. The duration of the choice vacation the pandemic. Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) and the tive (HBR). If your branch received this letter, I hope you have period(s) is to be determined pursuant to local implemen- Emergency Family Medical Leave Act Expansion (EFMLAE) taken some time to review it and will assist us in this endeavor. tation procedures. Section 3.b states: provide paid leave in addition to earned sick and annual leave balances. Under the current rules of the act, FFCRA I cannot emphasize enough the importance an HBR pro- B. Care shall be exercised to assure that no employee is re- leave expires Dec. 31, and any unused EPSL or EFMLAE will vides, not only throughout the course of the year, but espe- quired to forfeit any part of such employee’s annual leave. not carry over into 2021. More information regarding FFCRA cially during the weeks of Open Season. Article 10, Section 4 sets out the procedure for vaca- leave and other COVID-19-related materials can be found at Remember, this is your union Health Benefit Plan. tion planning. Each year, the installation head shall meet nalc.org/news/covid-19.

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 37 MDA Report

MDA fundraising telethon returns he MDA Telethon is back! The the public about the original MDA Labor Day Tele- need to support peo- Tthon was hosted by iconic co- ple with disabilities median, actor, singer and filmmak- and disadvantages, er Jerry Lewis from its 1966 incep- because we are all in tion until 2010. The annual event this together. I can’t would raise money for the Muscular wait to have an incred- Dystrophy Association (MDA). Over ible night for two criti- the years, the telethon raised $2.5 cally important causes billion for MDA. Christina Vela Davidson that are in urgent need The telethon is coming back af- of funding and hope.” ter a five-year break, and actor and comedian Kevin Hart will help re- Join in the fun early launch what had been a Labor Day with MDA Let’s Play for tradition starring Jerry Lewis for more than four decades. a Cure. In the weeks The MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon will be a two-hour leading up to the tele- special, airing globally on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. thon, MDA will be hosting live gaming and Eastern Time, giving audiences the opportunity to support MDA Kids Telethon host Kevin Hart the essential work of the association. Hart will be joined e-sports events. MDA by celebrity guests, including Jack Black, Usain Bolt, Josh is an active member of Gad, Michael B. Jordan, Eva Longoria and Jillian Mercado. the gaming community on a year-round basis each week The iconic telethon will be modernized for a can’t-miss through the Let’s Play gaming platform. Every Saturday, evening of entertainment, aimed to drive mass aware- starting on Sept. 12, MDA will host the live gaming events, ness and charitable contributions to help transform the with a final live gaming stream occurring on Oct. 24. Each lives of disadvantaged children with disabilities. week will feature top gaming influencers and showcase “This is an incredible opportunity to bring the work the most popular game titles, from Fortnite to Minecraft. of Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Tune in Oct. 24, and follow MDA’s Telethon news and forward,” Hart said, adding, “I’m honored to collaborate progress at mda.org/telethon. If you have any questions, with MDA and my organization to educate and entertain please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].

38 The Postal Record October 2020 Staff Reports

The politics of workers’ compensation roviding compensation to work- that those who control the levers of political power can ers injured on the job is a politi- have long-lasting impact on whether, when and how Pcal decision, with roots that go workers are protected by the law. back to some of the earliest civiliza- Recent workers’ compensation laws at the state level tions. The Code of Ur-Nammu, written have been heavily influenced by big business and insur- between 2100 and 2000 B.C., is one ers. Across the country, workers’ compensation benefits of the earliest known texts related to have been slashed, making it more difficult for injured compensation for a workplace inju- workers to get sufficient benefits. At the same time, em- ry—it prescribed specific amounts to ployers are paying the lowest rates for workers’ comp. in- be paid based on the anatomic loca- surance since the 1970s. tion of an injury. Many of the injured workers subject to state laws have Assistant to the President The Code of Hammurabi, a Baby- seen caps on their benefits and often are forced onto So- for Workers’ Compensation lonian code of law of ancient Meso- cial Security disability. This shifts the cost from the em- Kevin Card potamia that dates to about 1754 ployer to the federal treasury. Such cost shifting might B.C., ordered injury compensation reduce any incentives to provide safe workplaces and re- based on the type and severity of an injury. Both ancient duce injuries. codes were political decisions by powerful rulers. Neither During the current pandemic, big business has called for was perfect. There were different compensation rates for an exemption from liability for workers exposed to COVID-19 nobles, workers and slaves. in the workplace. The Postal Service has joined in the fray “The women’s movement and the In the 16th century, buccaneers at sea developed pi- by challenging almost every COVID-19 claim filed by letter rate codes that established compensation based on the carriers. NALC is actively responding to those challenges. labor movement are facing some of the severity and anatomic location of crew members’ inju- FECA is not immune from politics. Over the years, FECA biggest challenges in our history.” ries. Pirate codes varied from one captain to another, and has been amended, usually for the benefit of injured commonly had provisions for discipline, specifications for workers. FECA claims have generally taken a good deal of each crewmate’s share of treasure and compensation for time to adjudicate, and injured workers often wait weeks the injured. or months for a claim to be accepted. In 1974, Congress In 1881, Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck estab- amended FECA, and created “Continuation of Pay” for the lished the Workers’ Accident Insurance system with the first 45 days of disability. The 1974 amendments also re- passage of the Sickness and Accident Laws, which often leased claimants to see their physician of choice, created are cited as a model for workers’ compensation systems civil service retention rights for injured workers and cred- in Europe and later the United States. Bismarck was a ited time on compensation toward years of service and skilled diplomat who unified Germany and forged peace other benefits. “It is important that injured work- among competing European nations. By the same man- Earlier this year, the Trump administration introduced ers closely monitor what the Postal ner, providing compensation to injured workers bought the Federal Employees’ Compensation Reform Act of peace between employers and workers. 2020. See the May issue of The Postal Record for details. Service does in every claim.” Workers’ compensation coverage in the United States The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently was established piecemeal, as various state legislatures released a report on the proposal, which concluded that debated how to provide compensation to injured work- the Trump administration’s proposal punishes injured ers. The first statewide workers’ compensation law was workers with families by reducing benefits. Additionally, passed in New York in 1898, with a handful of states the GAO found that modifying benefit design can have adopting similar laws the following decade. unforeseen consequences, and that the Department of At the national level, Congress debated over uniform Labor has not provided any modeling or analysis to Con- nationwide standards for workers’ compensation. The gress to assure that no disabled worker would be eco- competing interests between employers and workers be- nomically worse off as a result of being injured. came a political battle, with employers successfully stop- Decisions regarding the future of FECA are political de- ping legislation that was deemed too worker-friendly. cisions, guided by those who control Capitol Hill and the Out of that stalemate, Congress passed the Federal White House. While NALC continues to fight against det- Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) in 1916, which pro- rimental changes to FECA, the best protection for injured vided a federal model for other states to follow. It took workers is electing a worker-friendly president and work- decades to get every state on board, but by 1949, every er-friendly lawmakers. Use your vote wisely. state had enacted a workers’ compensation program. Ultimately, the decision to offer workers compensation for workplace injuries is a political decision, which means

October 2020 The Postal Record 39 State Summaries

can Postal Workers Union President Searle, all the corner. I’ve observed that politics can be a California spoke, noting the history and importance of the hot topic. any of you watched the House and Senate Postal Service. There has also been an effort Letter carriers are normal people who have Mhearings in which the postmaster general to get city councils and county commissions to different beliefs and priorities, and they can took questions and didn’t look impressive. And, adopt a resolution acknowledging the impor- be quite passionate about their beliefs. These of course, the general reaction from letter car- tance of the Postal Service and asking our con- passions can often lead to arguments and bad riers and political activists, especially after the gressional leaders to support the HEROES Act. feelings. allegations that he gave money to his employ- Several cities have taken up the resolution and Now, more than ever, we must be sure we are ees a few years back that they turned around adopted it. abiding by the Hatch Act. In simplest terms, the and gave to Republican politicians in the form I’m sure that during the last week of August, Hatch Act mandates that we cannot push our of straw contributions, is that he should resign. many of us were thinking that, if not for the pan- political beliefs at work. We can’t hand out fly- And Louis DeJoy stepping down as PMG will demic, we would have been gathering with our ers endorsing or supporting our favorite candi- supposedly solve all our problems. brother and sister carriers in Honolulu dealing If you ignore the importance of electing let- dates while on postal property or in uniform. We with the many issues facing our union and en- can’t wear campaign buttons on our uniforms. ter carrier-friendly politicians, well, guess what? joying the opportunity to see old friends. With We’re going to end up with someone else who’s We can’t try to convince our co-workers to vote God’s help, we will once again have that oppor- a certain way while at work. Violating these just as bad! tunity in Chicago in 2022. Remember James Miller III? He directed the rules can get a carrier into serious trouble. You Office of Management and Budget during Ron- O.D. Elliot should also be careful on social media. If you ald Reagan’s second term and he made it his have any questions about what’s allowed un- mission in life to privatize the Postal Service. Kentucky der the Hatch Act, you should visit nalc.org or He later became a member of the postal Board contact your NBA office or regional legislative of Governors under Bush 43 and didn’t let up. YSALC has always urged our members to en- coordinator. When Darrell Issa ran the House committee Kgage in legislation and politics (out of uni- Having said all that, I would like to remind with jurisdiction over our futures, he would trot form and off the clock), to vote (in person, early everybody that voting is an important right and Miller out and have him testify about things like voting, absentee ballot), and to “Take Action” responsibility. Look at the candidates and their how collective bargaining makes the USPS im- via NALC, friends and family through heroesde- position on issues that will support and pro- possible to be profitable. Do you want someone livering.com to contact senators and represen- tect your job and your future. It’s your right, so like that to take Louis DeJoy’s place? tatives. please vote! If we don’t take the time to do things like vot- This year shows just how important to the Tom Minshall ing and encouraging others to vote, we’ll end Postal Service that the legislative process has up with another anti-union Trump puppet. Does become. The president said he would veto any that politician you vote for support things like stimulus package that includes funds for the New Jersey Post Office. President Rolando’s white paper collective bargaining, getting rid of pre-funding, n less than one month, on Nov. 3, each reg- and aid for the USPS to get us through the pan- called for $25 billion to assist USPS through the istered voter in New Jersey will be able to COVID-19 pandemic. I demic? If he or she does not, why would you exercise their right to vote in the 2020 general Our senators have shown no support for vote for that person, whatever office he or she election. We will be electing a president and USPS financially, while the majority leader al- holds or is running for? I hope that when you get vice president. There also are 435 House of Rep- lowed the Senate to recess without addressing done venting at the PMG, you realize a second resentative seats and 35 U.S. Senate seats up legislation passed by the House—the HEROES term for Donald Trump means a non-stop attack for grabs. It is critical that letter carriers, their Act, for a stimulus that include $25 billion for on your job and benefits. families, their friends and their co-workers get USPS. The House also passed a stand-alone bill Eric Ellis out to vote. We must have our voices heard, re- that included $25 billion for the Postal Service, as well as a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Trea- gardless of who we support. sury that is favorable to our employer. It was President Rolando wrote in his August Presi- Florida dent’s Message, “Given the public health cri- he major news for the state of Florida is the never addressed in the Senate. President Rolando has said, “Elections have sis and the serious recession our country now TCOVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Florida faces, the 2020 election is shaping up to be the seems to be leading the nation in the number of consequences.” If we cannot get our legislation passed through this Senate, then we must most consequential election in our lifetimes…. daily positive cases and deaths due to the coro- The vital thing is that you vote—and that you navirus. Certainly, it has severely affected our change the makeup of this body of Congress through the orderly process the framers of the vote in the safest way possible.” carriers and other postal employees. We have This year, New Jersey voters have a choice to had numerous carriers, active and retired, who Constitution established, U.S. elections. Nobody is unbeatable. Even the great thor- vote at polling locations or to vote by mail. The caught COVID-19. While most recovered, some mail-in votes must be postmarked no later than after hospitalization, we have sadly lost some oughbred, Man o’ War, was beaten once by a horse named Upset! So vote, and urge family Nov. 3, and be received by Nov. 10. Please re- to the disease. turn your vote early. The state of New Jersey also During the past two months, our state asso- and friends to turn out the vote like never before. The fate of the U.S. Mail, and maybe our has a voter information and assistance helpline ciation, working with branch leaders, Central La- set up 877-NJVOTER (877-658-6837). Calling the bor Councils and other organizations has been whole democracy, could be at risk. helpline directs you to county election officials, doing media blitzes to make sure our citizens Thanks to branch presidents and members and you also will be able to track your mail-in understand what is happening to the Postal Ser- who emphasize legislation and politics at vote. The New Jersey state website has more in- vice and the need for funding under the HEROES branch meetings and through communications. formation on voting and registering to vote, and Act. Thanks to NALC President Rolando and EVP Ren- There have been press conferences, auto- froe for having plans to deal with Congress and can be viewed at nj.gov/state/elections/index. mobile parades, billboard postings, etc. One the president, as well as for always putting an shtml. The deadline to register to vote in New of the parades in the Orlando area had several emphasis on NALC legislation and politics. Jersey is Oct. 13, 21 days prior to the election. hundred cars with signs, streamers, etc. and did Bob McNulty Whether you vote in favor of the candidates a post office drive-by along with a press confer- endorsed by the NALC, or support others for ence. In St. Petersburg, a press conference was your own personal reasons, please take your held at the historic Open Air Post Office. Reps. Michigan obligation as an American citizen seriously and Crist and Castor, along with FSALC President Al reetings again from the Michigan State As- vote on Nov. 3. Vote by either a mail-in ballot, or Friedman, Florida Rural Letter Carriers’ Asso- Gsociation. safely in person. ciation President Patterson and Tampa Ameri- As you read this, the election is just around Christine Strasser

40 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 We have a terrific state association ground- a testament to the resolve of the WSALC to be Wisconsin ed in doing what is best for WSALC members. creative in the face of the 2020 pandemic re- This will be my final summary for The Postal We continue the great tradition of fighting for straints. Record as president of the WSALC. I chose to not our rights in the political arena, while training My hope going forward is to have all mem- run again, and our next president will have the on the issues of the work floor affecting our bers of the WSALC find a way to be more in- honor to be the official state scribe. members every day. It has been a feature of our volved in their future. Please find the time to at- It has been my humble privilege to represent conventions and seminars to expand the focus tend meetings, run for steward or branch officer, the carriers of Wisconsin since May of 2010. I and understanding of our attendees beyond and educate yourself. Give to LCPF. Create a re- have worked with outstanding executive board the confines of a daily route to the larger issues lationship with your representative. Realize the members, our LCCLs, branch presidents, region- that face our craft. This tradition will continue pride of following in the footsteps of the many al office staff, national officers and fellow state with the next board and leadership chosen by who have gone before you. presidents. Most importantly, it has been my the membership. While it may have been much Thank you for the opportunity to serve you greatest honor to meet rank-and-file members easier to have had the election in the traditional all. and get to know what is important to them. manner at the canceled May convention, it is Scott A. Van Derven Honor Roll

NALC recognizes its brothers and sisters for their long-term membership NALC members who have completed 50 years of membership in branch requests for lapel pins. Accordingly, the secre- NALC are awarded a Life Membership Gold Card that entitles them tary-treasurer’s office can only provide suitable lapel to all privileges of membership in pins “when receiving proper notification by the Branch NALC without payment of dues. To Secretary” in the year when a member is to complete receive a gold card and 50-year la- the following number of years as a member: 25 years, pel pin, the branch secretary must 30 years, 35 years, 40 years, 45 years, 50 years, 55 write to the NALC secretary-treasur- years, 60 years and 65 years. Special plaques are er and request the award for the available for members who complete 70 years and 75 years. This is member. This is in accordance with also per Article 2 of the NALC Constitution. Article 2, Section 5 (a) of the NALC All requests must come from the branch secretary. Longtime mem- Constitution. bers are encouraged to inform their branches when they reach a lon- Additionally, the national secretary-treasurer’s office handles gevity benchmark. Below is a list of those NALC members who have received an award in the past month: 75-year pins Gerald A. Hawk Mansfield, OH Br. 118 Robert L. Berning Dayton, OH Br. 182 Richard H. Hartman Reading, PA Br. 258 Louis N. Bruns Dayton, OH Br. 182 Edward L. Filar Chicago, IL Br. 11 Theodore Gates Jr. Dayton, OH Br. 182 Michael A. Osifcin Chicago, IL Br. 11 60-year pins Thomas E. Hyder Dayton, OH Br. 182 Clarence Hoover Winchester, VA Br. 694 Eddie Mack Mansfield, OH Br. 118 Alfred M. Carelock Hot Springs, AR Br. 543 John L. Mauger Bux-Mont, PA Br. 920 70-year pins James E. McDougall Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 John R. Novotny Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 Philip C. Bickel Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Edward F. Blalock Jr. Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 Clayton S. Loss Watsonville, CA Br. 857 Howard W. Brandt Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Samuel F. Teresi Sr. Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 Warren E. Earle West Coast Florida Br. 1477 James W. Connors Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 David V. Matusz Chicago, IL Br. 11 Robert R. Sweet West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Brian C. Conroy Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Horace W. Parrish Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Allan J. Ambrose Chicago, IL Br. 11 Ralph D. Deer Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Roger A. Watkins Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Frank E. Deneweth Chicago, IL Br. 11 Philip G. Demmel Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Everett A. Evans Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Grover J. Hartig Chicago, IL Br. 11 Clarence Hill Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 John A. Keahon Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Willie H. Horton Chicago, IL Br. 11 John D. Hoelle Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 William D. Schneberger Dayton, OH Br. 182 H. G. Johnson Chicago, IL Br. 11 Ronald P. Hoffman Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Joel Kohler Chicago, IL Br. 11 Walter L. Jackson Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 65-year pins Jerry B. Krug Chicago, IL Br. 11 Russell G. Jones Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 A. H. Keebler Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 George M. Rodriquez Phoenix, AZ Br. 576 Henry J. Mazur Chicago, IL Br. 11 W. J. Kerelitch Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Ralph C. Perrotti San Jose, CA Br. 193 John W. McElroy Chicago, IL Br. 11 David A. Meier West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Darryl J. Moore Chicago, IL Br. 11 Gerald G. Logue Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Ernest A. Byloff Chicago, IL Br. 11 Joseph H. Saelens Chicago, IL Br. 11 Edward H. Madey Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Louis B. Hoffman Chicago, IL Br. 11 Dominick J. Salemi Chicago, IL Br. 11 John W. Mejasic Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Raymond F. Lackage Chicago, IL Br. 11 Ronald J. Szekely Chicago, IL Br. 11 R. S. Piskurich Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Charles F. Schroeder Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 Henry M. Wawrusiewicz Chicago, IL Br. 11 Guy Priano Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Donald R. Wilder Chicago, IL Br. 11 James L. Williams Chicago, IL Br. 11 Paul F. Rosenberger Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Floyd T. Williams Chicago, IL Br. 11 James H. Ballou Ottawa, IL Br. 316 David J. Rusch Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 George B. Schuerman Northern Kentucky Br. 374 David Purdy Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 F. W. Stinebiser Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Joseph A. Goble Lenoir, NC Br. 1852 James A. Berling Northern Kentucky Br. 374 Vaughn P. Swatsworth Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Horace W. Parrish Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Joseph A. Goble Lenoir, NC Br. 1852 James B. Tuscano Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Roger A. Watkins Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Soo K. Won Raleigh, NC Br. 459 John A. Yelich Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Soo K. Won Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Anthony V. Caniano Flushing, NY Br. 294 James A. Brown Columbia, SC Br. 233 Anthony V. Caniano Flushing, NY Br. 294 Anthony J. Baptiste Jr. Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Louie L. Smith Columbia, SC Br. 233 Charles V. Eichar Mansfield, OH Br. 118 Robert Ryder Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Fred W. Cox Spartanburg, SC Br. 628

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 41 Honor Roll

Below is a list of those NALC members who have received an award in the past month: 55-year pins and gold cards George C. Trively Jr. Allentown, PA Br. 274 William J. Lewis Valdosta, GA Br. 998 Martin E. Detweiler Reading, PA Br. 258 Walton L. McGhin Valdosta, GA Br. 998 Homer L. Dillard Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Robert A. Drexler Reading, PA Br. 258 Thomas C. Mobley Valdosta, GA Br. 998 Emery W. Lundquist Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Charlie E. Hinnershitz Jr. Reading, PA Br. 258 Tommy D. Rogers Valdosta, GA Br. 998 Joseph A. Schwartz Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Bobbie N. Hise Burkburnett, TX Br. 1227 Shirley J. Stevens Valdosta, GA Br. 998 Robert B. Alexander Phoenix, AZ Br. 576 Jerry G. Fontinel Albia, IA Br. 1268 Frank E. Egan Central CA Coast Br. 52 5o-year pins and gold cards Thomas D. Daiker Charles City, IA Br. 805 Vincent P. Anthony San Jose, CA Br. 193 Hiram J. Putney Charles City, IA Br. 805 Gene D. Bazzel Decatur, AL Br. 1314 Lewis P. Borg San Jose, CA Br. 193 Clarence E. Brinker Harlan, IA Br. 1704 Samuel H. Gossett Decatur, AL Br. 1314 John P. Ciraulo San Jose, CA Br. 193 William F. Davis Sheldon, IA Br. 1075 Ernest M. Mahaffey Decatur, AL Br. 1314 Victor M. Delacerda San Jose, CA Br. 193 B. Rodney Dosher Sandpoint, ID Br. 1602 Willard G. Tapscott Decatur, AL Br. 1314 William F. Frizell San Jose, CA Br. 193 Gilbert K. Allen Chicago, IL Br. 11 William E. Belzung Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Alvin Good Jr. San Jose, CA Br. 193 Joseph Brown Chicago, IL Br. 11 Billy M. Bowen Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Humberto Jasso San Jose, CA Br. 193 James H. Cade Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 Donnie L. Choate Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Jack R. Lamar San Jose, CA Br. 193 Bruce Childs Chicago, IL Br. 11 Glenn E. Thompson Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Eugene F. Lorenzo San Jose, CA Br. 193 Daniel W. Corey Chicago, IL Br. 11 Jerry D. Watson Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Antonio Menchaca San Jose, CA Br. 193 Emma M. Davis Chicago, IL Br. 11 Larry A. Winn Fort Smith, AR Br. 399 Bruce L. Neil San Jose, CA Br. 193 Joseph J. Dinovo Chicago, IL Br. 11 Frank P. Deleo Helena, AR Br. 1094 David R. Rania San Jose, CA Br. 193 Willie M. Dobbins Chicago, IL Br. 11 Jamie A. Jenott Watsonville, CA Br. 857 Jimmie C. Ruiz San Jose, CA Br. 193 Cletter F. Dupree Chicago, IL Br. 11 W. C. Dohnke Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Roger C. Salvador San Jose, CA Br. 193 Jimmy L. Dupree Chicago, IL Br. 11 James E. Hoover Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Harvey D. Schonauer San Jose, CA Br. 193 Carlos D. Garcia Chicago, IL Br. 11 Kenneth D. Lemmon Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Fidelio H. Vazquez San Jose, CA Br. 193 Alvino V. Goree Chicago, IL Br. 11 Antonio Lopez Jr. Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Gil H. Venegas San Jose, CA Br. 193 James E. Gray Chicago, IL Br. 11 Edwin L. MacIntosh Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Charles W. Wells San Jose, CA Br. 193 Sylvia E. Gray Chicago, IL Br. 11 Edward T. Rodela Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Edmond M. Wong San Jose, CA Br. 193 Dennis M. Hallberg Chicago, IL Br. 11 Eula A. Romines Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Steven Zapotocky San Jose, CA Br. 193 Steven M. Henderson Chicago, IL Br. 11 Leonard P. Sampson Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Denis G. Bloomquist Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 Nickolas F. Himpelmann Chicago, IL Br. 11 Richard A. Spears Ontario, CA Br. 1439 John M. Spencer Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 Claude E. Hughes Chicago, IL Br. 11 Elihue H. Stanback Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Earnice Jackson Chicago, IL Br. 11 Kenneth K. Uchimura Santa Clara, CA Br. 1427 Paul R. Walter Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Russell J. Lachapelle West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Terry L. James Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 James Williams Ontario, CA Br. 1439 Millage Jernigan Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 William B. Owens West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Harold W. Phillips Delta, CO Br. 1426 Larry D. Vantilburg West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Joseph M. Juchnowski Chicago, IL Br. 11 Philip J. Scheetz Delta, CO Br. 1426 Edward Krzyszpin Chicago, IL Br. 11 Donald J. Hornyan Aurora, IL Br 219 John Ambrogio Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Joseph A. Mayerbock Chicago, IL Br. 11 Sam Bishop Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 John F. Ambrogio Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Edward H. Pyrzynski Chicago, IL Br. 11 Cornel D. Booker Chicago, IL Br. 11 Arthur B. Caldwell Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Leroy Rogers Chicago, IL Br. 11 Leonard M. Bryla Chicago, IL Br. 11 Mario Congiu Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Johnny L. Rupert Chicago, IL Br. 11 Wade Cochran Chicago, IL Br. 11 John Dest Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Ralph W. Spight Chicago, IL Br. 11 Leo F. Cotter Chicago, IL Br. 11 Andrew W. Ferenz Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Mary Stricklin Chicago, IL Br. 11 George T. Elieff Chicago, IL Br. 11 John A. Frederick Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Saundra J. Thompson Chicago, IL Br. 11 Lawrence L. Hoffman Chicago, IL Br. 11 Ross G. Marullo Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Leroy G. Toliver Chicago, IL Br. 11 Robert F. Holstrom Chicago, IL Br. 11 Ralph J. Marzulla Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Harriet Willis Chicago, IL Br. 11 Dimitri A. Hoteko Chicago, IL Br. 11 Gary J. Memale Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Michael R. Hawkins Monticello, IL Br. 1396 Spencer H. Jurney Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 Ciro A. Notarile Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Henry L. Campbell Ottawa, IL Br. 316 Bennie L. Kelley Chicago, IL Br. 11 Donald C. Perry Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Gregg A. Shigley Rockford, IL Br. 245 Patrick J. Michael Chicago, IL Br. 11 Arlen B. Ritch Greenwich, CT Br. 759 George W. Geaugh Columbia City, IN Br. 1054 William C. Najdowski Chicago, IL Br. 11 John F. Sullivan Greenwich, CT Br. 759 George A. Howard Columbia City, IN Br. 1054 Cora L. Parsley-Downs Chicago, IL Br. 11 Mary D. Vakos Greenwich, CT Br. 759 Richard D. Ressler Columbia City, IN Br. 1054 Robert L. Peterson Chicago, IL Br. 11 John M. Clark West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Johnny H. Miller East Chicago, IN Br. 1399 Edward Reed Chicago, IL Br. 11 Raymond J. Connors West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ricky L. Gragg Hartford City, IN Br. 867 Howard F. Salvey Chicago, IL Br. 11 Orland H. Gennette West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Lloyd K. Kellogg Hartford City, IN Br. 867 Roscoe Seay Jr. Chicago, IL Br. 11 Robert B. Kaufman West Coast Florida Br. 1477 William P. Allred Coffeyville, KS Br. 766 Paul L. Spencer Chicago, IL Br. 11 Richard E. Konnen West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Michael S. Cole Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 Dominic L. Tocci Chicago, IL Br. 11 Donald R. Kosior West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Calvin L. Jameson Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 Adison A. Turner Chicago, IL Br. 11 Dennis B. Llano West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Gary L. Mattson Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 Everett Wilkins Chicago, IL Br. 11 Perry E. Lloyd West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Carl E. Mishmash Jr. Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 Joseph A. Goble Lenoir, NC Br. 1852 Robert F. Loeffler West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Gerald L. Peters Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 Larry B. Fulghum Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Steven M. Marking West Coast Florida Br. 1477 James H. Scott Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 Ronald G. Heugel Raleigh, NC Br. 459 James S. McSmith West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ira M. Sponsel Pittsburg, KS Br. 695 William P. Leonard Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Jacob O. Myers II West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Carless V. Cook Murray, KY Br. 2156 Charles G. Smith Raleigh, NC Br. 459 David G. Nelson West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ernest B. Curd Murray, KY Br. 2156 Soo K. Won Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Donald H. Olsen West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Herbert L. Doran Murray, KY Br. 2156 Anthony V. Caniano Flushing, NY Br. 294 Conrad J. Ross West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ray G. Doran Murray, KY Br. 2156 Anthony J. Baptiste Jr. Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Melvin L. Shipley West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Elbert R. Newsome Murray, KY Br. 2156 Allen Bodack Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Terry J. Skinner West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Gary L. Smart Northern Kentucky Br. 374 Robert R. Petersen Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Richard G. Spencer West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Paul E. Williams Northern Kentucky Br. 374 Robert Ryder Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Charles E. Travers West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Harles E. Smart Lake Charles, LA Br. 914 Charles J. Powers Long Island Mgd., NY Br. 6000 Albert J. Williams West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Thomas R. Dithomas Swanpscott, MA Br. 7 Thomas G. O’Meara Dayton, OH Br. 182 Robert R. Williams West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ernest M. Layman Frostburg, MD Br. 638 William G. Stone Dayton, OH Br. 182 Marvin H. Kemp Valdosta, GA Br. 998 Wayne T. Michael Frostburg, MD Br. 638

42 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Below is a list of those NALC members who have received an award in the past month: Richard L. Smith Frostburg, MD Br. 638 Robert E. Lysiak Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Eugene Kasper Reading, PA Br. 258 Charles W. Brown Havre De Grace, MD Br. 1749 John P. Martinko Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 F. I. Readinger Reading, PA Br. 258 Paul L. Nichols Havre De Grace, MD Br. 1749 Robert R. Petersen Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Larry R. Truckermiller Reading, PA Br. 258 Salvatore A. Ranieri Havre De Grace, MD Br. 1749 Art Russell Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Agustin F. Ayala San Juan, PR Br. 869 Ralph C. Ballard Niles, MI Br. 775 Robert Ryder Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 C. J. Berrios San Juan, PR Br. 869 James W. Carter Niles, MI Br. 775 Gerald R. Taggart Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Gil R. Bravo San Juan, PR Br. 869 Robert J. Jacobs Niles, MI Br. 775 John L. Truglio Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 C. L. Castro San Juan, PR Br. 869 Steven L. Kiger Niles, MI Br. 775 Lewis M. Wallace Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Miguel A. Castro San Juan, PR Br. 869 Gary P. Mansfield Niles, MI Br. 775 Allan Zubowicz Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 R. Claudio San Juan, PR Br. 869 Gerald B. Marsh Niles, MI Br. 775 Louis J. Adams Jamaica, NY Br. 562 R. Colon San Juan, PR Br. 869 William E. Shaffer Niles, MI Br. 775 Jack Banker Jamaica, NY Br. 562 J. R. Crespo San Juan, PR Br. 869 Donald C. Wallsten Niles, MI Br. 775 William J. Mauro Jamaica, NY Br. 562 Carlos M. Cruz San Juan, PR Br. 869 Frank C. Wesolowski Niles, MI Br. 775 Rafael Morales Jamaica, NY Br. 562 F. R. Dejesus San Juan, PR Br. 869 William E. Atkins Sault Ste Marie, MI Br. 707 Raymond Salerno Jamaica, NY Br. 562 E. Diaz San Juan, PR Br. 869 Geraldine B. Ragan Lenoir, NC Br. 1852 Peter N. Cianfrocco Utica, NY Br. 375 R. Diaz San Juan, PR Br. 869 Larry G. Jump Lenoir, NC Br. 1852 Marvin E. Chism Bellefontaine, OH Br. 465 R. Figueroa San Juan, PR Br. 869 Earl R. Woods Lenoir, NC Br. 1852 Clayton W. Hill Bellefontaine, OH Br. 465 P. Garcia San Juan, PR Br. 869 Charles B. Hight Oxford, NC Br. 1510 John W. Fox Coshocton, OH Br. 647 Sigfrido T. Garcia San Juan, PR Br. 869 Theodore R. Artis Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Edward Lukander Jr. Coshocton, OH Br. 647 Armando P. Hernandez San Juan, PR Br. 869 Joel L. Barbour Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Cletus C. Thobe Dayton, OH Br. 182 Rafael A. Lopez San Juan, PR Br. 869 Massey B. Blackmon Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Jack L. Yantis Dayton, OH Br. 182 Alberto E. Luciano San Juan, PR Br. 869 Winston Brooks Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Alfred E. Dessecker Dover, OH Br. 898 Luis A. Maxwell San Juan, PR Br. 869 Fred W. Brown Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Jerry D. Haas Dover, OH Br. 898 Armando Medina Colon San Juan, PR Br. 869 Gerald D. Catlette Raleigh, NC Br. 459 William C. Kaser Dover, OH Br. 898 Publio Melendez Jr. San Juan, PR Br. 869 William R. Creighton Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Richard L. Hawk Mansfield, OH Br. 118 Victor L. Miranda San Juan, PR Br. 869 Nelson H. Daubenmeyer Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Donald E. Lemon Mansfield, OH Br. 118 Jose L. Muller San Juan, PR Br. 869 Gene A. Deters Raleigh, NC Br. 459 John A. Voelp Mansfield, OH Br. 118 Jaime E. Negron San Juan, PR Br. 869 James M. Eason Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Paul E. Wertz Mansfield, OH Br. 118 J. E. Ortiz San Juan, PR Br. 869 Charles C. Evans Raleigh, NC Br. 459 James L. Bushatz Marion, OH Br. 280 Rafael Ortiz San Juan, PR Br. 869 Warren F. Evans Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Gary B. Derr Marion, OH Br. 280 Pablo A. Ortiz-Frau San Juan, PR Br. 869 Larry G. Garner Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Daniel L. Jeffers Marion, OH Br. 280 Jaime C. Otero San Juan, PR Br. 869 Floyd E. Graham Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Jay R. McComas Marion, OH Br. 280 I. Otero-Ferrer San Juan, PR Br. 869 Jon L. Hughes Raleigh, NC Br. 459 George F. Miller Marion, OH Br. 280 P. P. Pagan San Juan, PR Br. 869 Paul R. Jessup Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Joanna L. Sanders Marion, OH Br. 280 E. D. Perez San Juan, PR Br. 869 William P. Leonard Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Richard E. Stineman Marion, OH Br. 280 Angel L. Pol San Juan, PR Br. 869 Allan R. Morton Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Levi J. Jones McAlester, OK Br. 1166 J. L. Ramos San Juan, PR Br. 869 Robert L. Norris Raleigh, NC Br. 459 John F. Shields McAlester, OK Br. 1166 J. Rivera San Juan, PR Br. 869 Leslie L. Parnell Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Frankie Whittington McAlester, OK Br. 1166 Angel Roman San Juan, PR Br. 869 Vance B. Parrish Raleigh, NC Br. 459 George L. Williamson McAlester, OK Br. 1166 G. A. Santi San Juan, PR Br. 869 Bobby R. Raper Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Donald O. Bryan Astoria, OR Br. 295 Fransisco L. Suarez San Juan, PR Br. 869 David F. Rea Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Gordon R. Inman Astoria, OR Br. 295 Jose A. Tebar San Juan, PR Br. 869 Kenneth E. Ridley Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Frank Roshay Astoria, OR Br. 295 Raul Torres San Juan, PR Br. 869 Daniel B. Ritchie Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Arthur A. Allen Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 S. H. Vazquez San Juan, PR Br. 869 Charles G. Smith Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Robert J. Blancher Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Arthur Cordeiro Jr. Newport, RI Br. 57 Yessic C. Spencer Jr. Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Tommy J. Freeman Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 James Dias Newport, RI Br. 57 M. J. Strickland Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Michael H. Hawley Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Larry L. Branham Columbia, SC Br. 233 Logan H. Teachey Raleigh, NC Br. 459 David L. Lowe Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Charles R. Driver Columbia, SC Br. 233 Carl E. Thompson Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Gary K. Neville Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Gary L. Bailey Spartanburg, SC Br. 628 Charles R. Wall Raleigh, NC Br. 459 David M. Smith Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Harrison G. Boone Spartanburg, SC Br. 628 Jackie E. Waters Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Cecil M. Stark Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 David D. Hatchette Spartanburg, SC Br. 628 Johnny M. Wilson Raleigh, NC Br. 459 Raymond L. Weathers Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Modest Keenan Jr. Spartanburg, SC Br. 628 Norland W. Carr Broken Bow, NE Br. 1483 Larry W. Whitener Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Grover L. Thompson Jr. Spartanburg, SC Br. 628 Lloyd F. Bindle Falls City, NE Br. 1582 George W. Young Corvallis, OR Br. 1274 Bob G. Isbell Cisco, TX Br. 1966 James F. Titus Falls City, NE Br. 1582 Ralph D. Baird Pendleton, OR Br. 909 Edward E. Wende Cisco, TX Br. 1966 Paul J. Brodzinski Rochester, NH Br. 990 Robert E. Nyce Bux-Mont, PA Br. 920 Gloria D. Fucuals Dallas, TX Br. 132 James F. Ellison Freehold, NJ Br. 924 William J. Ryan Jr. Bux-Mont, PA Br. 920 Mariano D. Garcia Jr. El Paso, TX Br. 505 John A. Shanahan Freehold, NJ Br. 924 Charles H. Bingle Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Hugo Silex El Paso, TX Br. 505 Charles Burnett New Jersey Mgd. Br. 38 George R. Cametti Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Martin V. Taliferro Newport News, VA Br. 609 James F. Mancuso New Jersey Mgd. Br. 38 Steven J. Fabry Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Michael A. Marson Port Townsend, WA Br. 1515 Danny P. Biangasso Jr. Flushing, NY Br. 294 John C. Frasca Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Elmer B. Stanton Jr. Port Townsend, WA Br. 1515 Mark S. Blaho Flushing, NY Br. 294 Ronald R. Grech Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Peter L. Baker Pullman, WA Br. 1296 James Bullock Flushing, NY Br. 294 E. J. Grimm Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Albert T. Leguis Pullman, WA Br. 1296 Peter A. Kluska Flushing, NY Br. 294 Bruce R. Hammerle Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Larry A. McChesney Pullman, WA Br. 1296 Joseph J. Lampasona Flushing, NY Br. 294 John E. Koch Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Glen M. Smith Pullman, WA Br. 1296 Vito Venezia Flushing, NY Br. 294 Robert J. Kraynak Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Raymond P. Wapnowski Pullman, WA Br. 1296 Anthony J. Baptiste Jr. Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Charles C. McClelland Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard K. Braem Marshfield, WI Br. 978 Allen Bodack Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Joseph F. Punturi Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 James J. Brusky Marshfield, WI Br. 978 William T. Hagadorn Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 John A. Quattro Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Eugene R. Greenwald Marshfield, WI Br. 978 William F. Hogsett Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Charles W. Schramm Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 George A. Konieczny Marshfield, WI Br. 978 George C. Hoye Jr. Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 Langston V. Smith Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard E. Scheibe Marshfield, WI Br. 978 Lawrence D. Johnson Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Br. 137 David C. Wenzel Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Karl F. Lange Mayville, WI Br. 2186

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 43 Retiree Reports

Hartford, Connecticut tirees and active carriers in advance? that most fundamental right. Keep in mind, in 1933, Ed Mulrenan, Branch 86 Hitler was voted into office. It can happen again! ur September Branch 86 meeting was can- Tentatively, we have AARP scheduled for our Oceled. I am wondering if our September re- Oct. 14 meeting. Watch for information in the tirement party will go off as scheduled. New Orleans, Louisiana Branch Mailbag. Stay safe, register to vote, and Many of the local school systems are still do- contribute what you can to the Letter Carrier ing classes online. Hopefully society will return hat do you have to lose?” —45th Presi- dent Donald Trump Political Fund. It’s your insurance for your hard- to normal as soon as possible. “W earned benefits. Make America better again! We could use that pre-funding money at the Post Nov. 3 can’t come fast enough to right the ship Office right about now—the $5 billion a year for of state. At the end of the day, people vote their Stanley Taylor, Branch 124 14 years taken from the post office annually. That pocketbook and then issues that they care about. would be $70 billion by now. Why was that money Quite a few carriers vote against their own self- not put into an escrow account with a lockbox for us interest—a phenomenon I don’t understand; it’s Paterson, New Jersey to use? Where is that money, exactly? That, and the why the word “inexplicable” is in the dictionary. y the time this article comes into print, union franked mailings for Congress to their voters, $15 As the majority of retirees in this branch are Bmeetings may be back to normal, and social billion worth for 30 years, could come in handy now in the at-risk category, and the country is also gatherings (with limits) may be back into place. that revenue and mail volume have declined. at risk, it is wise to plan how to cast your vote in We could only hope that this actually takes place. Cutbacks in service have continued at the Post the upcoming election. Absentee is the safest In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy sides with Office for decades now. When I started on Route option. In Louisiana, if you’ve voted absentee caution when allowing people to gather. This Three in Naugatuck, there were about six or before, you should not have a problem. Voting does come at a cost, as New Jersey tends to seven blue collection boxes on my route. When I early, in person, is the option I prefer. Go to place a priority on the safety and health of peo- retired 22 years later in 2009, I had only one blue geauxvote.com to see where your polling loca- ple than actually worrying about economics and collection box that remained. Low mail volume tion is. To make sure you’re registered to vote, making money. This is a very difficult decision for outgoing mail then, as now, was the reason check with the Orleans Registrar of Voters, 1300 due to the complexity of the state and also the given for the six mailboxes’ removal. So sad, for Perdido St., #1W24, New Orleans, LA 70112- density of the population. they generated usage and indirectly increased 2127. The phone number is 504-658-8300. The practical solution in getting back to as nor- revenue from stamp sales. Plus, it was looked The upcoming flu season is going to be a fac- mal as possible would be to develop a vaccine for upon favorably by my neighborhood patrons. tor in the ongoing pandemic. Consult with your the COVID-19 virus, then resuming normal opera- Lastly, I started at the P.O. in May of 1979. Ev- health care provider as to how to proceed to pro- tions. This is a time-consuming process, and pa- ery four years, we were asked who we wanted tect yourself and your family. We’ve gone through tience is needed when dealing with this option. for president in the national primary season a lot in 2020; be vigilant and prepared, as hurri- We hope that our great nation puts together a with a return ballot enclosed. This went on from cane season is still with us. Keep the members of team of experienced scientists who can deal with 1980 through the 2016 presidential primary. Lake Charles and the areas affected by Hurricane this virus and hope that we can talk about this as Many retirees tell me that none of them received Laura in your prayers and thoughts. an item of the past, so that our union continues anything in this primary season of 2020. What Failure to vote is not an option in these trying to work on one of its best strengths: solidarity. happened to the NALC hierarchy polling our re- times. Encourage your family and friends to exercise Joseph Murone, Branch 120 In Memoriam

NALC offers deepest sympathies to the families and friends of departed brothers and sisters Michael A. Thrower Br. 462 Huntsville, AL Eugene G. Lipovac Br. 352 Central Iowa Mgd. Joel H. Scatliffe Br. 36 New York, NY Alva M. Bunting Jr. Br. 1902 Arizona Mgd. Donald L. Swift Br. 352 Central Iowa Mgd. Joseph R. Jehrio Br. 661 N. Tonawanda, NY Gerard G. McBride Br. 1902 Arizona Mgd. Carl K. Grigsby Br. 766 Coffeyville, KS David N. Richards Br. 661 N. Tonawanda, NY Raymond S. Randazzo Br. 1902 Arizona Mgd. James A. Melton Br. 201 Wichita, KS Caesar J. De Lorenzo Br. 210 Rochester, NY John Sakmary Br. 1902 Arizona Mgd. Donald R. Duplessis Br. 92 Maine Mgd. Daniel E. Straub Br. 2613 Chapel Hill, NC Dale Vanderaa Br. 1902 Arizona Mgd. Dorothy E. Bolas Br. 25 MA Northeast Mgd. Jammie Jones Br. 1512 Gastonia, NC Robert G. Soto Br. 6156 Sun City, Arizona Ernest E. Lacroix Br. 12 Worcester, MA Donald E. Wright Sr. Br. 3331 Roanoke Rapids, NC Charles R. Jones Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Thomas A. Ontko Br. 1 Detroit, MI Robert S. Gray Br. 238 Canton, OH William H. Shearer Br. 24 Los Angeles, CA Dennis P. Fitzpatrick Br. 246 Kalamazoo, MI Russell G. Malcuit Jr. Br. 238 Canton, OH Birdie Deadwiler Br. 70 San Diego, CA William Bauman Br. 2184 Western Wayne Co., MI Louis E. Henschel Br. 2902 Tri-Valley, CA Charles E. Minthorn Br. 2184 Western Wayne Co., MI Charles Rata Br. 238 Canton, OH Jordan Wright Br. 214 San Francisco, CA Lewis H. Robinson Br. 2184 Western Wayne Co., MI Jack W. Shanower Br. 238 Canton, OH Benjamin J. Burzota Br. 193 San Jose, CA Ronald C. Thorson Br. 5 Omaha, NE Howard D. Stansburger Br. 238 Canton, OH Jack R. Lamar Br. 193 San Jose, CA Robert A. Forbes Br. 2502 Las Vegas, NV Paul R. Vearil Br. 43 Cincinnati, OH Glenn P. Asoy Br. 1280 San Mateo, CA Eugene J. Arao Br. 709 Reno, NV Herman J. Lubertazza Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Hector De La Riva Br. 737 Santa Ana, CA Maurice A. Vaillancourt Br. 230 Nashua, NH Paul J. Anderson Br. 82 Portland, OR William M. Getts Br. 229 Pueblo, CO Gary P. Matala Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. Robert D. Modesitt Br. 82 Portland, OR Robert F. Connelly Jr. Br. 86 Hartford, CT William D. Morgan Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. William E. Robinson Br. 347 Salem, OR Vincent J. Deleon III Br. 147 Norwalk, CT William A. Roberts Jr. Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. Joseph C. Kistler Br. 274 Lehigh Valley, PA Louise R. Franklin Br. 142 Washington, DC Anthony F. Natoli Br. 120 Paterson, NJ Richard R. Hemphill Br. 84 Pittsburgh, PA Tony D. Pulliam Jr. Br. 142 Washington, DC Anthony C. Pelosi Br. 120 Paterson, NJ George C. Mihailoff Br. 84 Pittsburgh, PA Joseph Hayes Br. 2148 Sarasota, FL William J. Yarcich Br. 120 Paterson, NJ Teresa A. Dixon-Wicker Br. 181 Austin, TX Keiondra L. Richardson Br. 1071 South Florida Michael J. Martinez Br. 504 Albuquerque, NM James P. Ashley Jr. Br. 226 Fort Worth, TX Glenn Lumme Br. 2689 Spacecoast Florida James W. Caulford Br. 41 Brooklyn, NY Timothea L. Canady Br. 226 Fort Worth, TX Nile A. Barner Br. 11 Chicago, IL Irving L. Shapiro Br. 41 Brooklyn, NY James W. Desormeaux Br. 283 Houston, TX Arthur F. Matillano Br. 11 Chicago, IL James C. Gaglione Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY Dale E. Thompson Br. 1227 Wichita Falls, TX Martin Perez Br. 11 Chicago, IL Charles J. Giarrizzo Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY Hugh E. Wagner III Br. 825 Oak Brook, IL William W. Grankowski Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY Jeremy F. Cruz Br. 3520 Northern Virginia Jack A. Kettering Br. 292 Rock Island, IL George F. Baranovics Br. 294 Flushing, NY George F. Condon Br. 79 Seattle, WA Russell J. Wignall Br. 292 Rock Island, IL Augusto T. Chiok Br. 357 Long Island City, NY George W. Michael Br. 852 Yakima, WA Paul O. Bevers Br. 80 Springfield, IL Anthony M. Defendis Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY John C. Parsons Br. 481 Parkersburg, WV Joseph L. Zaremba Br. 116 Fort Wayne, IN Joseph P. Decharo Br. 36 New York, NY Richard H. Weisbach Br. 125 Fond Du Lac, WI Kolton B. Gonnerman Br. 1268 Albia, IA Doreen Provenza Br. 36 New York, NY Richard W. Welch Br. 125 Fond Du Lac, WI Boyd L. Kale Br. 352 Central Iowa Mgd. Ruben Santiago Br. 36 New York, NY Daniel K. Schmidt Br. 700 Neenah, WI

44 The Postal Record OctoberDecember 2020 2017 Election Notices

Aiea-Pearl City, Hawaii treasurer shall be delegates to national lar meeting on Nov. 10. ber branch meeting on Dec. 9. and state conventions. The nominations will be for the offices This is to serve as official notice Trevor Payne, Rec. Sec., Br. 78 LaNicole Kelly, Sec., Br. 651 of president, vice president and secretary/ to the members of Branch 4682 that treasurer. There will also be nominations Duluth, Minnesota nominations and election of all branch for a sergeant-in-arms, three trustees and Asheville, North Carolina This is official notice to all Branch 114 officers for the 2021-2023 term will be a health benefits representative. In accordance with Article 5 of the members that nominations for state con- postponed until further notice due to The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. NALC Constitution and the branch by- vention delegates will be accepted at the the COVID-19 pandemic and as per the at the VFW at 6 Maple St., Winooski. assistant secretary-treasurer’s report laws, this is official notice to all mem- special Oct. 12 and Nov. 9 meetings. Those in the August 2020 Postal Record. bers of Branch 248 that branch elec- Eric Spencer, Pres., Br. 521 wishing to be nominated who are unable Ramona Andow-Azumi, Sec., Br. 4682 tions will be held on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. to attend must submit their willingness to via Zoom. Contact the branch at P.O. Box Cape Girardeau, Missouri be nominated in writing to the branch sec- Alexandria, Louisiana 25072, Asheville, NC 28813 with your This is an official election notice to retary prior to the special Oct. 12 meeting. email address so that meeting login info all members of Branch 1015. Nomina- Due to COVID-19, the union meetings This is notice to all members of Branch can be provided. You must be a member tions for officers will be held on Oct. will be held online beginning at 7 p.m. 932 that nominations for the next two-year in good standing to participate. 22 during our monthly union meeting. Those who wish to vote for state conven- terms for the following offices will be held Nominations will take place on Oct. The election for offices will be held on tion delegates who are unable to attend on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the union hall, lo- 27 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Nov. 19. Both will be held at our regu- the branch meetings will be sent a ballot cated at 2052 Rapides Ave., Alexandria, at Candidates must be present or signi- lar meeting place at 6 p.m., located at by request only. The ballots must be sent the regular meeting time of 7 p.m.: presi- fy their willingness to accept the nomi- Cape VFW, 1049 N. Kingshighway St., back and received by the election commit- dent, vice president, secretary, treasurer, nation in writing to the branch secretary Cape Girardeau. The offices up for the tee no later than Nov. 30 to be acceptable sergeant-at-arms, health benefits repre- prior to the starting time of the Oct. 27 next two-year term are as follow: presi- for voting. sentative and board of trustees. meeting. Voting will be by secret ballot. dent, vice president, treasurer, secre- Elections will be held by secret ballot Election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. Officers to be nominated and elected tary, health benefit representative and during the Dec. 14 regular branch meeting, 8, at 7 p.m. at the union hall, at 2052 to a one-year term are president, vice three trustee positions. Any questions, beginning at 7 p.m. This meeting will also Rapides Ave., Alexandria, by secret ballot. president, recording secretary, financial please contact a current union officer. be online. If the state convention is held Al Mathews, Sec., Br. 932 secretary-treasurer, sergeant-at-arms Cheryl Powell, Sec., Br. 1015 in 2021, the date and time will be deter- and health benefits officer. One trustee mined by the Minnesota State Association Alliance, Ohio will be selected for a three-year term. All Carmel, Indiana of Letter Carriers sometime in 2021. As per stewards for all zones and associate of- the bylaws of Branch 114, the number of This is to serve as notice to all mem- This is official notice to all members fices will be elected for a one-year term. delegates and the amount to compensate bers of Branch 297 that nominations for of Branch 888 that nominations for Chief stewards are to be appointed by them will be decided before nominations the following offices will take place at delegates to the 2021 state convention the elected president. begin. All active and retired members of the regular meeting, to be held on Tues- will be held at the regular membership Branch 114 may be nominated and elected day, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m: president, vice Arkadia Smith, Sec., Br. 248 meeting on Nov. 5 at the Carmel Ameri- as delegates. In order to be financially president, secretary, treasurer, health can Legion at 852 West Main St., Carmel, compensated by the branch, you must benefits coordinator and three trustee Billings, Montana in accordance with Article 5 of the NALC have attended eight out of the 12 regular positions. The meeting will no longer This is official notice to all members Constitution and the branch bylaws. The branch meetings prior to the beginning of be held at its normal meeting place at of Branch 815 that nominations for date and location of the 2021 Indiana nominations. Polinori’s, located at 1441 South Liberty president, vice president, secretary, state convention is unknown at this time Ave., Alliance, due to the COVID-19 cri- treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave Mayou, Sec., Br. 114 sis. Those who wish to be nominated benefits representative, director of The president and vice president, by must be present at the virtual meeting retirees, three-year trustee and state virtue of their office, are delegates to Erie, Pennsylvania (see emailed information with Zoom convention delegates will be held at all state and national conventions dur- Notification is hereby given to all meeting link), or should give the secre- the regular branch meeting on Nov. 18. ing their terms of office. All candidates Branch 284 members that nominations tary a written letter prior to the meeting Elections will take place at the regular are required to be present at the meet- will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 branch meeting on Dec. 16 at the Labor stating his or her acceptance of nomina- ing when nominated, or signify in writ- p.m. at Siebenbuerger Club for officers, Hall, located at 530 S. 27th St., Billings. tion. The term of office will be for the ing their willingness to serve if elected. trustees, and delegates and alternates to 2021-2022 election cycle; the election Deb Senn, Pres., Br. 815 Nominees must signify that they have the state convention, which will be held will be conducted by mail-in ballot. not applied for, accepted or served in April 14-16, 2021. If you cannot be present Boston, Massachusetts any supervisory capacity in the Postal to accept the nomination, a written letter Joshua Lilly, Pres., Br. 297 This is an official notice to all members Service for a period of 24 months prior of acceptance must be in the possession Annapolis, Maryland of Branch 34 that nominations for the to nomination. of the secretary before the meeting. election of delegates to the 2021 Massa- The election, if necessary, will be Elections, if necessary, will take place Nominations for the election of officers chusetts State Letter Carriers Association conducted by secret ballot mailed to the on Tuesday, Dec. 8, between 4 p.m. and 8 of Branch 651 shall take place at the regular (MSLCA) convention will take place on most current home address of record for p.m. at the Siebenbuerger Club. You can branch meeting on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Dec. 8 at the regular Branch 34 meeting. all members. Ballots must be returned to request an election ballot with your name, Election Notices American Legion in Crownsville. Nomina- Nominations will be taken from the the election committee prior to the regu- address and telephone number from: tions will be made for the following offices: floor, and there will be no nomination lar branch meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3. Branch 284 Election Committee, P.O. Box president, vice president, recording sec- papers necessary to run in this election. The election will be at the regular branch 11345, Erie, PA 16514, before Tuesday, Election Notices must be retary, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, health Any potential nominees who cannot be meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3. Nov. 14; the completed ballot must be benefits representative and three trustees. submitted to The Postal Re- in attendance must submit a letter of ac- Ken Johnson, Sec., Br. 888 received before Dec. 8. cord, not to other offices at All regular members shall be eligible ceptance at the time of nominations. The Because of COVID-19 regulations, only for officer and delegate positions, except NALC. The Constitution for Gov- names of all the nominees will be read off 25 percent of the room (or 25 members for any regular member who, voluntarily or Columbus, Ohio by the close of the meeting. capacity) may be in play at those meet- ernment of Federal and Sub- otherwise, holds, accepts or applies for a In accordance with Article 5 of the If necessary, the election will take ings, meaning that voters may only be al- ordinate Branches requires supervisory position in the Postal Career NALC Constitution and Branch 78 by- place at the January meeting. All del- lowed to come after a member has left the that notice be mailed to mem- Service for any period of time; they shall laws, nominations for all officers, in- egates must be elected by a plurality vote. meeting or voting place. If the regulations bers no fewer than 45 days immediately vacate any office held and cluding president, vice president, re- The vote shall be counted and tabulated change, more may be able to come into (Article shall be ineligible to run for any office or to cording secretary, assistant secretary/ before the election at that time. the meeting. We will make every effort to be a delegate to any convention for a pe- editor, financial secretary/treasurer, 5, Section 4). Branch secre- Delegates to the MSLCA convention accommodate the influx of traffic in and riod of two years after termination of such safety officer, sergeant-at-arms, direc- taries must remember the time will not receive financial assistance un- out for the voting process. supervisory status. tor of retirees, MBA health representa- difference between deadline less they attend 16 to 24 meetings in the Election of officers will be by written tive, five trustees, and delegates to the Bernard J. Wisniewski, Sec., Br. 284 prior two years. Alternates will not be en- for submission of notices— ballot and shall take place at the regular national and Ohio State Association titled to financial assistance unless they the 10th of the month—and meeting on Dec. 2, and at each station be- conventions. Nominations will be con- Florence, Alabama become delegates. The sergeant-at-arms publication of the subsequent fore work on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. ducted at the regular branch meeting, In accordance with Article 5 of the will validate proof of attendance with the issue of the magazine, e.g., Balloting will take place at the regular scheduled for Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at NALC Constitution and the branch by- regular monthly meeting signature book. branch meeting and shall be for the first 1029 Harrisburg Pike, Columbus. The laws, this is an official notice to all mem- November’s deadline is for the hour and a half of the meeting on Dec. Michael Murray, Sec.-Treas, Br. 34 nominations will be for a three-year bers in good standing of Branch 892. The December publication. 2. The results of the election will be an- term beginning on or about Jan. 1, 2021. nominations for the following positions nounced at the same meeting in December. Burlington, Vermont The election will be conducted by se- will be held during the regular branch By their election to office, pursuant This is official notification to all mem- cret ballot, mailed to the member’s last meeting on Nov. 5, beginning at 7 p.m.: to the NALC election regulations, the bers of Branch 521 that nominations for known address. Results of the election president, vice president, secretary, trea- president, vice president, secretary and branch officers will take place at the regu- will be announced at the regular Decem- surer, one head trustee, three regular

OctoberJanuary 20202013 TheThe PostalPostal RecordRecord 45 45 Election Notices

trustees, and delegates to the 2021 state Hazelwood, Missouri president, secretary, treasurer, sergeant- nated address by 3 p.m. on Nov. 18. convention. at-arms, health benefits representative, Results will be announced at the Nov. The election of officers and delegates This is official notice to members of legislative liaison, safety and one trustee 18 meeting. Branch 5847 that nominations will be tak- will be by secret ballot during the regular position, as well as nomination for dele- Valerie Henry, Rec. Sec., Br. 2183 branch meeting on Dec. 3, beginning at 7 en for the offices of vice president, trea- gates to the state convention—will be held surer, sergeant-at-arms, shop stewards, p.m. at 2208 2nd St., Muscle Shoals. The at the regular branch meeting on Nov. 5 at New Castle, Delaware alternate shop stewards and one trustee. the Falcons. election results will be announced on this Nominations will be taken at the regular This is official notice to all members of day as well. The election for shop stewards All eligible branch members must be meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at in good standing. If you are not able to Branch 4015 that nominations for all offi- will be held at the regular union meeting the Bridgeton Community Center at 4201 cers and delegates to the 2021 state con- on Jan. 7, 2021. attend the scheduled meeting and would Fee Fee Road, Bridgeton. Elections for like to be considered for a position, it must vention will be accepted at the branch’s Social distancing will be practiced, and these offices, if necessary, will take place regularly scheduled meeting on Wednes- masks will be required. be put in writing prior to the meeting. The at the December meeting. election will be held at the Dec. 3 meeting. day, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Weston Lisa Jones, Sec., Br. 892 Donna Stenshoel, Sec., Br. 5847 Senior Center, 1 Bassett Ave., New Castle. Kimberly Neal, Sec., Br. 232 Any member in good standing is eligi- Fort Smith, Arkansas Hot Springs Natl. Park, Arkansas ble for nomination and must be present or This is official notice to all members of Johnson City, Tennessee signify in writing through the branch office This is official notice to all Branch 543 Nominations for officers from Branch prior to the meeting their willingness to Branch 399 that nominations for branch members about nominations for Trustee officers and three trustees will take place at 1110 will be held at the branch meeting on serve as an officer or delegate if elected. 2 for 2021-2023. Those who wish to be Oct. 15. The election will be held on Nov. 10. The positions open for election are presi- the regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, nominated must be present at the October Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. held at 5500 S. 28th St., dent, vice president, secretary-treasurer, meeting or should give the secretary a let- Scotty Jones, Sec.-Treas., Br. 1110 Fort Smith. sergeant-at-arms, three trustees and del- ter in writing stating acceptance of nomina- Those who wish to be nominated must Lafayette, Indiana egates to the state convention. be present or give the secretary a written tion before the October meeting. The terms An election, if necessary, will be con- of office will be till December 2023. This is official notice to all members of ducted by secret ballot at the regularly letter prior to the meeting stating his or her Branch 466 that we will be voting on bylaw acceptance of nomination. The term of of- Johnny R. Johnston, Sec., Br. 543 scheduled union meeting on Wednesday, changes and taking nominations for one Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. fice will be for the 2021-2022 election cycle. three-year trustee, as well as all other office Elections, if necessary, will be held at Hudson Valley Mgd., New York positions and delegates to the 2021 state Jeff Kowalskie, Sec.-Treas., Br. 4015 the Dec. 1 union meeting. In the event that This will serve as an official notice to convention, at the November meeting. more than one member is nominated for all active and retired members of Branch The election will be conducted by se- New Haven, Connecticut an officer’s position, or more than three 137 that nominations for the positions of cret mail ballot. All positions except the On Aug. 31, a motion was made and trustees, ballots will be sent to members. two trustees will be open through Oct. trustee position are two-year terms. Bal- approved by the executive council to dis- To be counted, ballots must be in the 31. These positions will be for terms of lots are to be received before the regular pensate the nominations and elections hands of the chairman of the election com- one and two years. meeting in December; therefore, results for Branch 19 officers and delegates to mittee at the December meeting. An elec- Due to the COVID-19 crisis and the cur- will be announced at that time. the state convention at the November tion committee of three will be appointed rent restrictions placed on indoor gather- Dwana L. Hairston, Sec., Br. 466 2020 monthly meeting; the reason be- to handle election procedures and count ings in New York, the nominations that ing that Connecticut Gov. Lamont has not the ballots. would normally take place at the Oct. 21 Lake Jackson, Texas started Phase 3 of the opening of Con- Robert Roy, Sec., Br. 399 meeting cannot be held, as this meeting This is the official notice to all members necticut and therefore we cannot have has been canceled. Self-nominations of Branch 4723 that nominations for all of- large groups of people in one place due Galveston, Texas can be made in writing and mailed to ficers will take place at the Oct. 15 meet- to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, there This is official notice to the members of Hudson Valley Merged Branch 137, P.O. ing at Dunbar Park, Lake Jackson. If an have been errors by NALC Headquarters Branch 23 that nominations of officers and Box 10666, Newburgh, NY 12552. election is warranted, ballots will be sent regarding our membership lists that delegates to the state and national conven- Upon nomination, the candidate to members in good standing, which they have to be corrected. Our goal will be to tions will be held at our meeting on Nov. 12 must verify that they have not served in will return; the ballots will be counted at reschedule this process as “expeditious- at 7:30 p.m., located at Happy Buddha Res- a supervisory capacity for the 24 months the monthly meeting on Nov. 19. ly as possible,” as stated by President taurant, 2827 61st St., Galveston. prior to the nomination. Rolando in his written communications Robert Gilliam, Sec., Br. 4723 By virtue of their offices, the president, If an election is necessary, it shall on March 11, March 18, and more specifi- secretary and treasurer are automatic dele- be conducted by secret mail ballot. The Longview, Washington cally to Branch 19’s inquiry on Aug. 24. gates to the state and national conventions. election committee, which will be ap- MaryAnne DeRevere, Rec. Sec., Br. 19 The election will be held at our meeting pointed by the president immediately This is an official notice to all members on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., at the same location. following the close of nominations, shall of Branch 2214 that nominations for all branch officers and convention delegates North Little Rock, Arkansas Linda Palomo, Sec., Br. 23 then mail a ballot to each member in good standing to their last known ad- will take place at our regular October This is official notice to all members Great Falls, Montana dress at least 20 days prior to the Dec. 16 meeting and our regular November meet- of Branch 3745. Nomination for Trustee 2 regular branch meeting. The deadline for ing. Elections will be by secret ballot and will be held at October’s regular monthly union meeting. This will be for a three- This is official notice to all members of returning marked ballots shall be 5 p.m. will be held on the day of our December Branch 650 that nominations of all branch year term. The October meeting will be on Dec. 16. All election results will be an- meeting. officers, three-year trustees and state held at American Pie Pizza, located at nounced at this time. Any member unable to vote during the convention delegates will be held at the regular December meeting may request in 4830 N. Hills Blvd., North Little Rock, at regular November meeting. Elections will Frank Ramus, Sec.-Treas., Br. 137 writing an absentee ballot. Absentee bal- 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. If necessary, take place at the regular December branch lots must be requested after nominations an election vote will be held at the Thurs- meeting at the Labor Temple, 1117 7th St. Huntington, West Virginia have been opened, but at least three day, Nov. 12 meeting, also at American S., Great Falls, at 7:45 p.m. This is official notice that nomination weeks before the elections. Pie Pizza. Voting will open at 6 p.m. and Nick Liston, Sec., Br. 650 of officers will take place at the Novem- The polls will be open during the regu- end at 9 p.m. ber meeting; the election will be by mail lar December meeting, and the ballots Todd D. Schroeder, Rec. Sec., Br. 3745 Greeley, Colorado ballot, with the results announced at the will be counted immediately following the This is official notice to all members in December meeting. regular meeting in December. Oak Brook, Illinois good standing of Branch 324 that nomina- The offices up for nomination are as Wesley Manning, Rec. Sec., Br. 2214 This is official notice to all Branch tions for all branch officers and delegates follows: president, vice president, sec- 825 members that nominations for to the 2021 Colorado state convention will retary, treasurer, health benefits/MBA/ Melrose Park, Illinois convention delegates will be accepted be held at the regular branch meetings NSBA representative, three trustees, ser- This shall serve as official notice to all until the close of business on Oct. 15. on Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. The meetings will geant-at-arms and delegates to the West members of Branch 2183 that nomina- Term of office is one year. be held at the Branch 324 union office at Virginia state and national conventions. tions for officers of Branch 2183 and dele- Any eligible member in good stand- 2525 16th St., Greeley. Any member who By virtue of their office, the positions of gates to the 2021 Illinois state convention wishes to be considered for nomination ing whose name is properly placed in president, vice president, secretary and will take place at the regularly scheduled nomination during the nomination must be present at the meeting or submit, union meeting on Oct. 21 at the American in writing, their acceptance to the branch treasurer will be delegates to the state period shall be declared a convention and national conventions. Legion Hall, located at 9757 Pacific Ave., secretary prior to the October and Novem- Franklin Park, at 6:15 p.m. delegate by the president, as long as ber meetings. Alan Atteberry, Sec., Br. 359 The election will be conducted by se- the number of nominees does not ex- Elections will take place by secret cret mail ballot. Ballots with instructions ceed 5 percent of the total membership ballot at the regular meeting on Dec. Jackson, Michigan will be mailed to the home addresses of the branch. If an election is neces- 3 at the union office at 2525 16th St., This is to serve as official notice to (of record/on file) of eligible members in sary, a mail-in ballot election for con- Greeley. all members of Branch 232 that nomina- good standing. Ballots must be received vention delegates will be held in the Richard Byrne, Pres., Br. 324 tions for branch officers—president, vice by the election committee at the desig- 30-day period immediately following

46 The Postal Record October 2020 OctoberJanuary 20202013 the close of nominations. Delegates bers of Branch 195 that nominations for branch officers shall be made at the nation, every nominee must certify in will be announced at the Nov. 30 all branch officer positions will be held regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. writing that they have not served or branch meeting. at the regular monthly meeting on Nov. 18 at the branch hall, 701 N. Walnut St., applied to be a supervisor in the 24 To obtain a nominating petition, see 4. Election of the nominees for these Milford. Officers to be elected at the months prior to being nominated. your shop steward or call the branch of- positions will be held at the regular Jan. 13, 2021, regular meeting at 7:30 Nominations for branch officers fice at 630-571-4167. Any branch mem- monthly meeting on Dec. 2. p.m. are the positions of president, vice will be for a three-year term (Jan. 1, ber who has served in or applied for Steve Drozd, Sec., Br. 195 president, recording secretary, financial 2021–Dec. 31, 2023) for the following a managerial position in the past two treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, director of positions: president, vice president, years is ineligible to run, according to Salem, Oregon retirees, health benefits representative recording/financial secretary, trea- the NALC Constitution. This is official notice to all members and three board of trustees. surer, health benefit representative, If a nominee—a member in good sergeant-at-arms, three trustees and Mark Dowdle, Sec., Br. 825 of Branch 347 who meet the criteria of our branch bylaws that nominations standing—is absent from the nomina- delegates for the 2021 Florida state Oshkosh, Wisconsin will be open for delegates to the Oregon tion meeting, a letter of intent to accept convention Aug. 13 -15, 2021, in Orlan- state convention for 2021. Nominations or decline nomination must be received do, FL. The president and vice president This is official notification to inform will be held at the regular branch meet- at the branch no later than one day prior of Branch 1690, by virtue of his/her of- members of Branch 173 that nomina- ing at 345 River St. NE on Wednesday, to the meeting. fice, shall be an automatic delegate to tions for president, vice president, sec- all state and national conventions and/ Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. All members who Norberto Aviles, Rec. Sec., Br. 906 retary, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms and want to be delegates must be present or assemblies, including the option of trustees will be held on Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. at the meeting or signify in writing to Southwest Missouri attending the state AFL-CIO convention. during our regular meeting. The results the branch recording/financial secre- There will be a secret mail-out bal- will be announced on Dec. 1 during the tary prior to the meeting their willing- This is to serve as official notice to lot sent to each member who is in regular meeting. ness to be nominated. all members of Branch 366 that nomi- good standing’s last-known address. Scott Krause, Sec., Br. 173 The election shall be by secret bal- nations for all branch officers will take All ballots must be returned no later lot by mail or in person at the regular place at the regular meeting in Novem- than 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the mail- Palatine, Illinois branch meeting on Wednesday, Dec. ber. Elections, if necessary, will be held ing address on the return envelope. at the regular meeting in December. In accordance with Article 5 of the 9. Balloting shall be open from 5 p.m. All ballots will be counted on the first NALC Constitution and the branch by- until the start of the regular branch Randy Graham, Sec., Br. 366 Sunday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m. at the Doyle laws, this is official notice to all mem- meeting. Ballots shall be mailed out Adair union hall at 1840 Alice Ave., W. bers of Branch 4268 that nominations no later than 21 days after the close of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Palm Beach, FL. nominations. Mailed-in ballots must be for the offices of executive vice presi- Branch 1096 will be taking nomina- No person shall accept nomination dent, recording secretary and trustee received by the election committee by for more than one office. 12 p.m. on Election Day. tions for branch officers, as well as for will be held at the Oct. 21 meeting. Alabama state convention delegates, at The address is: NALC Branch 1690, Attention: Recording/Financial Secre- The voting will take place by mail-in Harry C. Scott, Rec. Sec., Br. 347 the October and November meetings. tary, P.O. Box 19766, West Palm Beach, voting, according to the bylaws. Voting Members will vote during the December results will be determined at the No- San Juan, Puerto Rico FL 33416. vember meeting. meeting. Union meetings are held on This is the official notification of the first Thursday of each month at 7 Veronica Flores-Osborne, Pres., Br. 1690 Latoyia Shuford, Sec., Br. 4268 elections to all members of Branch p.m. at the union hall. 869. Nomination for the following posi- Westchester Mgd., New York Kimmery Taylor, Sec., Br. 1096 Parkersburg, West Virginia tions will be made in writing, but must This is an official notice to all Branch This is official notification to all be received by the election committee Walterboro, South Carolina 693 members, in accordance with the members of Branch 481 that nomina- not later than Nov. 15: president, vice NALC Constitution and the Branch 693 tions will be accepted for president, president, recording secretary, financial This is official notice to all members bylaws, that nominations for delegates secretary, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, vice president, secretary and treasurer, of Branch 6123 that nominations for of- to the 2021 New York state convention health benefit representative and a ficers, trustees and sergeant-at-arms as well as nominations for one trustee board of trustees composed of three will be held at the regular branch meet- for a three-year term, at the Nov. 13 will be held at the regularly scheduled ing on Nov. 10. Please contact the union members and a newspaper editor. meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at 333 meeting. Nominations will also be ac- Elections will be conducted by mail. office at 914-736-6300 for additional cepted for delegates to the 2021 West East Washington St. The office term is information. The 64th biennial state The ballot will be mailed to each eligible three years. Virginia state convention. The election convention will be held in Schenectady member’s last-known home address on The election results will be an- will be held one hour prior to the 7 p.m. July 24-26, 2021. Nov. 23. Ballots must be mailed back nounced at the regular meeting on meeting on Dec. 11. to the Election Committee, P.O. Box Dec. 10. Richard Montesarchio, Pres., Br. 693 Shelly Elschlager, Sec., Br. 481 367241, San Juan, PR 00936-7421, and Jeffery Musgrave, Sec.-Treas., Br. 6123 must be received by 3 p.m. on Dec. 15. Williamsport, Pennsylvania Roanoke, Virginia At that time, the election committee Watsonville, California This will serve as official notice to all In accordance with Article 5 of will collect the ballots, bring them to This is an official notice to the mem- members of Branch 50, in accordance the NALC Constitution and the bylaws the union hall and begin the tally. All bers of Branch 857 that nominations with Article 5 of the NALC Constitution of Branch 524, this is an official no- officers shall be elected for a term of will be accepted on Nov. 19 at the regu- and Article 4 of the Branch 50 bylaws, tice to all members of Branch 524 of three years. Each candidate for office or lar branch meeting. that nominations for the following posi- nominations for delegates to the NALC delegate must signify in writing his/her The nomination and election will be tions will be held at the regular meeting 2021 Virginia state convention. All willingness to serve if elected. conducted in accordance with the rules on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.: president, vice pres- Elec- nominees must have attended 75 per- Angel Roman, Rec. Sec., Br. 869 and regulations specified by Article 1 of ident, secretary-treasurer, sergeant-at- tion cent of all Branch 524 meetings from the Branch 857 bylaws. arms, MBA representative, health ben- Notices December 2019 through November Somerville, New Jersey efits representative and one trustee for 2020. Nominations will take place at Jovita U. Quezada, Sec., Br. 857 must Nominations for the election of all a three-year term. be sub- the Nov. 10 regular meeting. officers of Branch 768 will be held at If necessary, the election of del- West Palm Beach, Florida All members in good standing must mitted the regular branch meetings on Oct. be present or have a letter to the branch egates will take place on Dec. 8, be- 6 and Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m., located at NALC Branch 1690 is unable to have to The ginning at 7 p.m. at the regular Branch a regular branch meeting on Wednes- prior to the meeting of their intent of the American Legion, 232 Union Ave., running for an office. Elections will take Postal 524 meeting. The Branch 524 meet- Somerville. Nominations will be held for day, Oct. 21, due to COVID-19 and the Record, ings are held at the union hall, located CDC guidelines. The Branch 1690 of- place at the regular monthly meeting on the following branch offices: president, Dec. 1. not to at 1015 Georgia Ave. NE, Roanoke. vice president, secretary treasurer, re- ficers and Florida State Convention nomination contingency plan will be as Jared Bowes, Pres., Br. 50 other Jack Green, Sec., Br. 524 cording secretary, sergeant-at-arms, of- three trustees, area representative, follows: Rochester, New Hampshire shop stewards, health benefits officer In accordance with Article 5 of the Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin fices at This is the official notice to all mem- and political liaison. The terms of the NALC Constitution, Article 8 of Branch This is to serve as official notice to NALC. 1690 bylaws and President Fred Ro- bers of Branch 990 that nominations officers will be two years, beginning members of Branch 1083 that nomina- The lando’s dispensation, this is an official of officers will take place at the regular Jan. 1, 2021. Elections will take place at tions for branch officers will be held Consti- notice to all Branch 1690 members. All November branch meeting, with elec- the Dec. 1 meeting. in October and election of officers in nominations will be accepted via mail tution tions to follow at the December meet- November. Both will be at our regu- Dominique Taylor, Sec.-Treas., Br. 768 and must be received no later than for Gov- ing at Gonic Fire Station, Gonic. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 11:59 p.m. at larly scheduled meeting on the third Mike Lancelier, V.P.-Sec., Br. 990 Southern Delaware the address listed below. Wednesday of the month. Meetings are In accordance with Article 5 of the All candidates must accept nomina- held at Jammers, 2810 Eagle Road, Wis- St. Joseph, Missouri NALC Constitution and Branch 906 tions in writing indicating their willing- consin Rapids. This is an official notice to all mem- bylaws, nominations for all elective ness to accept if elected. Upon nomi- John Daven, Sec.-Treas, Br. 1083

October 2020 OctoberJanuary 20202013 TheThe PostalPostal RecordRecord 47 47 Branch Items

officers are trying to get a personal visit set up to ering the maiI the day after a natural disaster Albany, New York drop by and congratulate these members, along passes...I could go on and on about how letter he branch offers our condolences to the fam- with last year’s retirees Mark Hauser, Kevin carriers go above and beyond on a daily basis. Tilies of our departed brothers Leo Cosgrave, Spears, Mike Wettstein and Dan Emery. We get it done. So, get out of the way and let us Dennis McCarty and Matt Dugan. do our jobs! Leo was a 59-year member of Branch 29, Changing gears, I would like to congratulate worked 37 years at the USPS and was an Army and welcome the 18 CCAs who were recently veteran. converted to full-time employees. Congratula- I had the pleasure of working with Dennis at tions also go out to our recent retirees: Dave Academy Station in the late 1980s. Dennis lived Maguire, Lawrence Atkinson, John “Jay’’ Prin- in Florida for many years and almost always ciotta and Kevin Pinkham. Enjoy your well-de- traveled home for our annual retiree brunch. served golden years. Matt Dugan was a 64-year member of Branch The branch sends out our heartfelt condo- 29, worked 38 years at the USPS and served lences to the family and friends of active car- many years as our HBR and branch chaplain. rier James Wu, who passed in the line of duty, Matt was a Navy veteran. and retired letter carriers Bruce McCormack and May you all rest in peace. Sheldon Tutin. Rest in peace, my brothers. Jay Jackson, Branch 29 Jerry McCarthy, Branch 34 Anchorage, Alaska Don Hildeman was honored for his 70 Brick Town, New Jersey ell, it was inevitable given the pandemic. years of NALC membership by Appleton, t’s been nearly two decades since Steve Leeds We’ve had our first few positive tests of WI Br. 822 President Jeff Leeman and Sec- W asked me to fill in as a shop steward “just for the coronavirus. Our very first carrier has been retary Jeanine Griesbach. I two weeks.” I felt, “Why me?” I had never read severely affected and has been on a ventila- our contract and didn’t know the first thing tor for many weeks. The doctors say he won’t And speaking of retirees: wowzer, has our about filing a grievance...but I learned with the be able to return to work for months. And then branch seen a rush out the door to that great help of many. Well, those two weeks turned we had another single case in another unit and place they call retirement. The 2020 retiree list into later being elected as your vice president. then two, three and up to four in another. Then is growing monthly, with numerous others hop- During my term as VP, then-President Ed Decker we have the carriers in those units who worked ing to follow in the next few months. with these individuals take time off to be tested Our New London, Menasha, Kimberly and mentored me. Ed put a lot on me during that to ensure that they are not positive and expose Appleton carriers have all been dealing with term, preparing me for what was to come. At their families. different stress factors affecting their workdays. our next election, Ed himself nominated me for Even though protocols were in place, carriers COVID-19, Amazon, ESAS, case reduction, large president, and you elected me. still ended up testing positive for coronavirus. building complex, lack of staff, change of man- After many terms as your president, I am ex- We must still be vigilant and take the necessary agers, media reports—well, I could fill the page. cited for the next chapter in the history of our precautions by wearing masks, washing hands, Let’s just say it’s very challenging to go through branch. We will have a new president soon, one and not touching our faces. Fortunately, carriers the door these days. I’m confident will continue to grow and take our have access to the COVID-19 leave to help them Remember, management or mismanagement branch to new heights. Of course, that choice financially get through most of this. at the office has created all of our problems, will ultimately be yours during elections. The additional leave provided (COVID-19 especially with staffing. Ever notice how fast a We are in unprecedented times in both the leave) is an unexpected cost to the Postal Ser- vacant supervisor position is filled, but we have world and the Postal Service. I urge everyone to vice. Add in the personal protective equipment to file a grievance to get a route posted? remain strong and united. I also urge you to get that is being provided on a daily basis and the Remember our customers—the reason you behind our next president with your support, cleaning required, and the cost is in the millions took this job, and try to go home safely and solidarity and your help. You might be like I was, and approaching billions. The Postal Service sanely at the end of the day. thinking, “How can I help?” You, too, may have never read the contract. If you have a desire to has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic Kay Hanke, Branch 822 and should receive direct funding, just as many become involved, we will be more than happy other businesses have. Why is there such a fight to train you. to not provide funding to the Postal Service? The Boston, Massachusetts It has truly been a blessing to have served public believes, by a more than 90 percent mar- he Postal Service initiates programs such as you, and to continue to serve you through the gin, that the Postal Service should receive fund- TConsolidated Casing, ESAS, SER and limit- remainder of my term. I will always be here for ing from the effects of COVID-19. We recently ing park points, and rushes to change carrier the brothers and sisters of this union. Thank you held a rally out in front of our senator’s office work methods in an attempt to “Save the Postal for the privilege. to encourage the senator to support legislation Service.” The only thing it is accomplishing is Philip W. Cornell, Branch 5420 providing direct funding. It was impressive to sending the Postal Service further into debt. see nearly a dozen other unions come out to Now the new postmaster general is making ev- support us. This was solidarity at its finest and ery attempt to tarnish our reputation by doing Carmel, Indiana a sure sign that the labor movement is alive and everything possible to slow down and delay the steward is one of the most important posi- well. delivery of the mail. A tions in a local union and, unfortunately, Jim Raymond, Branch 4319 All the Postal Service has to do is get the mail Branch 888 is in severe need for people to be- to us, and we will get it delivered! We have a come stewards. I believe the local steward is long running history of this during every pan- the most important position in the branch. The Appleton, Wisconsin demic this country has faced, during September wheels of justice continue to pay dividends in ello, Branch 822 members! What a year 2001, when all you had to do was look out your Branch 888, but we need more people to step Hwe’ve been having. window to see that the country was still in oper- up to learn how to enforce our contractual provi- The most important part is that we are cel- ation, and during the anthrax threats that soon sions. It takes several people to run a branch of ebrating our 70-year member Donald Hilde- followed. During the development of the Postal our size, and the opportunity to get involved is man. He was supposed to be honored this past Plan, letter carriers were to be the method up to you. All you have to do is be willing to step spring, and, well, we all know why that didn’t through which a vaccine would be delivered to up and try to make a difference! happen—darn virus. Michael Hodges and John all big-city residents in case this country faced It is really simple what we need to become a Marx are 50-year members this year. Our branch a chemical or biological terrorist attack. Deliv- stronger local union. We need people to step up

48 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 to become stewards in our offices. I need a few initially giving them to routes with limited driv- peat of what happened in the 2016 election in people who will help me enforce our contract ing, ignoring the fact that we have carriers old Pennsylvania and other “swing states,” where and learn to file grievances. The answer can’t enough to have driven a floorboard-less Jeep. he won narrowly after thousands of ballots were always be for someone else to come in and fix Senior carriers haven’t experienced what an rejected as late due to “mail issues” in Demo- an issue. The Postal Service gets off easy when air-conditioned right-side-drive vehicle could cratic cities such as Philadelphia. a branch doesn’t have a steward in an installa- mean for their safety, sanctity, or sanity. Espe- Here in Michigan, Trump stopped a bipartisan tion, because that means that they don’t have cially as Cincinnati struggles to shake the last effort to make sure early votes received before to provide paid steward time to investigate and vestiges of summer. Instead, the Grummans Election Day were processed early. Now, these file grievances. A branch of our size has to have continue to chug along, running on the last of ballots will have to wait until Election Day to be more than three stewards other than me to file their cat-like nine llives and being piloted by processed. And then, after uncounted ballots grievances in our nine associate offices. carriers who have enough sweat equity to cash pile up, he will undoubtedly complain about Who is going to step up in Carmel, Fishers, in for a cooling respite during the dusk of their a problem he caused and will loudly claim the Fortville, Lebanon, Sheridan, Thorntown and careers. delay as evidence of “voter fraud,” which some Zionsville? Things will never be great unless we Route inspections are still scheduled and will people will choose to believe. Not me; I’m not have stewards in every office. There is an excel- be in full swing by the time this is published. In stupid. If you want to cheat, at least don’t insult lent training opportunity called School of Stew- one of the most unprecedented and pivotal pe- my intelligence with phony excuses while you’re ards that will be offered again as soon as it is riods in USPS history and a time where reorga- doing it. safe to do so. This is an excellent opportunity to nization at the highest levels are taking place, And please don’t give me that crap about not to mention a national pandemic, manage- learn from some of the best in Region 6. There is both sides doing it. What Republicans are con- ment believes that allowing more people into no time like the present to step up and make a doning is just another form of voter suppression the offices is a safe move. They believe using a difference for your brothers and sisters. that they’ve become quite expert at. But this Knowledge is power! modified or at times blind observance of our duties will accurately allow them to adjust routes. is only what we should expect from Trump and Ronnie Roush, Branch 888 What will management base their intended cuts his unvetted stooge DeJoy, who now stands ac- on? The always divisive and maligned numbers. cused of illegally reimbursing former employees Charlotte, North Carolina Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., Branch 43 will for political contributions in violation of state have a membership meeting. This is the last and federal law. We don’t need an accused fel- ere at Branch 545, management has kept on as our PMG; he should resign immediately or Hour union members quite busy, from a sta- he should be tossed out before he can do more tion being a test site for caser routes to another harm. five stations being slated for the ESAS program, Mark Woodbury, Branch 2555 while dealing with the heat of summer and the issues of COVID-19 throughout it all. The carriers have managed the constant changing situ- Emerald Coast, Florida ations quite well and delivered their routes like ith all that is going on within the Postal the trained professionals that they are. Service and the local offices, we as em- The ESAS program that postal management W ployees continue to put mission first and deliver has tried to implement has been nothing more the mail. We are constantly meeting obstacles. than management’s old tricks in a new bag and Sometimes the biggest obstacles are our own direct violations of the M-41 and Article 8. They selves. promised that start times would remain the The job we have is especially important to the same, that it would reduce carrier overtime, earlier return times and would be more efficient. nation. We often hear people tell us that we are Well, what we got was quite the opposite. They only putting “a piece of paper in a box”: well, moved our start times back immediately, ear- that piece of paper is important to so many peo- South Suburban Mgd., IL Br. 4016 mem- ple here in this nation. Therefore, we all should lier return times didn’t really materialize, and ber Wendy Jeter received the Dave Bybee it was anything but efficient. The mail that was take pride in our work and work together as a Award for leadership and service from the team for this nation to continue receiving impor- delayed from the morning usually ended up get- Illinois State Association. Pictured (l to r) ting cased by the first carriers back, regardless tant documents, medicine, birthday cards from are Region 3 NBA Michael Caref, Branch loved ones, etc. I know that we will continue to of the ODL, that is, if a member of management Vice President Patrice O’Banner, Jeter, had not already cased it all up themselves. So strive to provide the public with the type of ser- Joaquinn Williams (who nominated Jeter) vice this great institution has been providing for it ended up being just a whole lot of confusion and Branch President Dan Smith. about what was to be carried, or delayed to the more than 200 years. next day, and yet no significant overtime was re- month to sign up for delegate nomination to the Another thing I want to address is the atti- ally saved if any at all. 2021 state convention and the 2022 national tude of entitlement. When we all started work- With all that has been going on, the branch convention. If you are unable to attend the ing for USPS, we were not promised anything would like to acknowledge our members who meeting, signup sheets will be made available other than: if you get past your 90 days proba- have recently begun their retirements: Mary at your office. tion, the future will look bright for you. That did not mean that once you got past your probation, Evans-Campbell, David Jones, Phadonia Antho- Jacob Bingham, Branch 43 ny and Josephine Keels. We thank you for your you were free and clear. I see more and more service and commitment to the union and wish each day where the CCAs feel that they are en- you all well. East Lansing, Michigan titled to something. If you are on a hold-down, Justin Fraley, Branch 545 e should resent being exploited as pawns you are entitled to the hours of that route and Win Trump’s scheme to use the Postal Ser- the day off, if possible. That is the only entitle- vice to help him steal the election. I have no ment you have based on your relative standing Cincinnati, Ohio doubt that he and his boy DeJoy plan to delay with the Service. Your entitlement is the ability ranch 43 recently began training on the mail to create “lost ballots” in Democratic dis- to earn a decent living if you hold up your end of Bnew right-side-drive vehicles. The limited tricts that will arrive too late to be counted. I see the bargain. Think about it! amount of those being trained have been CCAs no other reasonable explanation for the removal I wanted to wish Neil Wilkening good luck on and junior carriers. In fact, when questioned, of sorting machines and the cutting of overtime his retirement, and I will miss working beside management stated that they were trying to and delivery hours in Democratic areas that rely him for all these years. keep the mileage low on the new vehicles by on mail-in voting. No doubt Trump expects a re- Percy Smith Jr., Branch 4559

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 49 Branch Items

the USPS, 26 House Republicans voted with Pe- them know how you feel. We are their constitu- Fargo-West Fargo, North Dakota losi and against Trump. ents, and we should exercise that power. They e are coming into a trying time at the Post Democratic leaders in the Senate should really do respond to letters and phone calls. WOffice. The flu season, the common cold get behind the bipartisan bill co-sponsored by And third, treat your customers like they de- and the coronavirus are all coming together to Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Repub- serve to be treated. Give them the best service make the next few months very unpredictable. lican Sen. Susan Collins. Every U.S. senator you can. Don’t skimp or cut corners and justify With packages still at an all-time high and the should be held accountable not only for their doing so by saying that somehow you are going abundance of political mailings, I would think vote, but for their role in achieving a success- to save the Post Office. Poor service will kill us. we are looking at a lot of long delivery days. ful result. Our customers are voters. They also have the For many years it has been deemed unsafe or power as constituents over Congress. We need a hazard to pick stuff up off the floor due to pos- to have them on our side. As federal workers, sible back injuries. Now with it faster and more we live at the whim of Congress. But we also convenient for distribution clerks to toss bun- have the great power of Congress to work for us. dles of magazines and newspapers on the floor, management is not concerned. What changed? Larry Wellborn, Branch 443 The last few months, we have been told to make coronavirus adjustments in many of our Hopkins, Minnesota procedures. Please do not take shortcuts or use them as an excuse to skip crucial steps. When las, it took but a few weeks for Branch 4319 you need a signature on your scanner, make APresident Jim Raymond to submit another sure you ask the recipient if they accept the cer- yarn about the Northland Step B Team. It ap- tified or other pieces of mail. If you sign it with pears there is literally nothing more important your initials, route number and C-19, that does in the mind of Mr. Raymond than the Northland not mean the customer accepted and received Letter carriers joined rallies to support Step B Team. it. Some signature receipts are used in the court USPS. Above: A demonstration with Buf- Prior to my retirement in March, I was a mem- of law as proof they received it. falo-Western New York Br. 3 members. Be- ber of the Northland Step B Team for nearly Our monthly branch meetings are taking low: Garden Grove, CA Br. 1100 members 12 years. In my tenure, my fellow NALC Step B place again at the Biltmore. rallied for the Postal Service. Team members and I were the subject of Mr. Congratulations to Andrew Odegard on re- Raymond’s ire on many occasions. Subsequent cently converting to regular. Never too late, but to several of Mr. Raymond’s rants, I reached out welcome to our transfer from California, Oscar and challenged him to contact our office directly Marin, who came to Fargo earlier this summer. regarding questions on Step B decisions rather than continuing to use The Postal Record to Brian Prisinzano, Branch 205 push his slanted agenda. The only contact Mr. Raymond ever made directly with me or any of Greensboro, North Carolina my colleagues was at a national rap session, where he and two other officers from Branch ho is this postmaster general from Greens- 4319 surrounded me and began berating me in Wboro?! For more than three decades as the CEO of public. Mr. Raymond has never communicated New Breed Logistics, Louis DeJoy masterfully with any member of the Northland Step B Team used the public Postal Service as a profit-gen- regarding any of the issues that have led him erating machine to amass a great private corpo- to publish his screed in The Postal Record. The rate fortune. He and his wife have “donated” a members of the Northland Step B Team have few million dollars to the Trump dynasty in just The defense of the USPS is a defense of the until now had no means to respond to Mr. Ray- the past few years. presidential election of 2020. mond, and he has used this advantage to push With DeJoy’s appointment as PMG in June, he Richard A. Koritz, Branch 630 his agenda on the national membership. was primed to make billions more by being in The time is long overdue for Mr. Raymond charge of Trump’s projected “piecemeal privati- to take a long, hard look in the mirror. There is zation” of the public post office on the road to Hagerstown, Maryland an old proverb that states, “People who live in outright privatization. ur new postmaster general has not been with glass houses should not throw stones.” Be care- But President Trump slipped up, admitting Ous for very long, but he has already made a ful where you throw the stones, Mr. Raymond. he planned to starve the USPS so it wouldn’t be name for himself. As different charges seem to Your house of glass is already filled with holes, fit to carry out the November presidential elec- surface almost every day, the pressure is start- and the cold weather is coming to Alaska soon. tion in COVID-19 conditions. Accordingly, the ing to be applied to him. At the writing of this Warren Wehmas, Branch 2942 new PMG, with no prior postal experience, and article, it seems even President Trump is starting with no prior consultation with postal unions or to distance himself from him. The changes DeJoy other public postal stakeholders, almost imme- is attempting to implement will only damage an Jackson, Michigan diately began a rapid and radical dismantling of institution the American public has long revered. onny baby has appointed another criminal; this venerable institution. People love the Post Office, and it seems they Dyou know birds of a feather flock together. What we hadn’t known was that DeJoy, as are finally starting to notice us. Mr. NoJoy doesn’t take orders well. His main corporate CEO, had been a habitual criminal There are three fronts that we need to work task is to put the United States Postal Service violating federal and North Carolina election on to ensure the health and future of the Postal out of business. The fact that he forced his work- laws. He has no shame carrying out Trump’s ef- Service. None of them include running your ers to contribute to tRUMP’s campaign, made fort to sabotage the election, including through route like a madman. First, if you do not already more than 283,000,000 smackers doing with, smashing the Post Office. contribute to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, you guessed it correctly, the USPS. We did know, however, that 91 perent of the consider it good job insurance. If you already What kind of manager goes into a process- Republican- and Democratic-leaning postal do, consider increasing your contribution. Like ing center, takes out machinery required to do public admire and appreciate their Post Office it or not, members of Congress respond to po- the job and removes carrier cases to slow the (Pew survey). The public pushed back against litical action committees, and we need all the carriers down? Carriers ordered to cut and roll, DeJoy and Trump. friends we can get. no OT, just eight and skate. Rep. Debbie Wasser- When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held the Second, when issues arise with the Postal man Shulz was denied admission to the plant. successful House vote granting $25 billion to Service, contact your representatives and let Next time she appears, she will be given per-

50 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 mission to enter, or there will be some furniture Supervisors do not determine whether a by our profession because of our uniforms. We moving. matter may be investigated by the union. This take them for granted. They make life easy. They I know it been said many times that “this is a decision that is made by the steward. Ar- eliminate indecision of what to wear to work. It election is the most important election this ticle 17, Section 2.B, of the National Agreement feels great to put on a crisp new uniform, but it year.” If you don’t vote, you don’t count. gives the union steward the right to investigate doesn’t take long for it to be “broken in.” The Spending time in Kevin Korner. Missing him a specific problem to determine whether to shirts quickly stain, and our pant pockets fray. It bad. Promised him to control my emotions; file a grievance within the Informal Step A, 14- is easy to overlook their condition because our I lied, Kev. Everyone tells me, “God had plans day period. National Step 4 Decision M00671 co-worker’s uniforms have the same wear and for him.” How could I see the plans through the states that management “may not determine in tear. tears? advance how much time a steward reasonably We are under incredible scrutiny now. It’s our Always in my heart, always on my mind, love needs to investigate a grievance.” Likewise, Na- time to shine, and we’re up to the challenge. As you now, always and forever. tional Step 4 Decision M00303 states that “an essential workers, the American public can con- Bob Czartoryski, Branch 232 employee must be given time to consult with tinue to depend upon us. But does the condi- his/her steward, and such reasonable time may tion of our uniforms reflect the image we want not be measured by a predetermined factor.” to project, the pride we take in a job well done, Kansas City, Missouri Article 31.3 states that management will make and the professionalism with which we deliver? available to the union all relevant information t one time in my illustrious letter carrier ca- We interact with our customers all day, every necessary for the enforcement of the National reer, my ultimate nightmare was beginning day. Look in the mirror from the perspective of A Agreement, including information necessary to my deliveries at midnight. That nightmare has a customer. Does your uniform project that you determine whether to file or continue the pro- since been superseded by presidential lackey cessing of a grievance. The first thing a steward do not care about your appearance or your job, Postmaster General William NoJoy. I have been has to do is request time from the immediate even if that’s not the case? told, “every piece, every day,” by letter carrier supervisor to conduct an initial interview with Do not believe for one second that our ap- and postal management alike since I was a PTF. the person who brought the situation to the pearance does not matter. If your shirt and/or But to see the head man; numero uno; the Big steward’s attention, say five to 10 minutes, to pants look like you have been under your car Cheese, single-handedly attempt to flush cen- determine if it is just a gripe or whether it is a doing an oil change, it’s time to throw them out! turies of public service down the drain is (insert matter requiring further investigation. We are professionals. It’s more important now your own word here). Did he take an oath of than ever that we look the part— USPS letter car- Tony Rodriguez, Branch 419 office like every other postal employee? Pho- rier and NALC proud. tographs from offices around the nation show- In solidarity— ing disassembled/removed sorting machines, Louisville, Kentucky JoAnn Gilbaugh, Branch 9 stacks of removed collection boxes, or reports of trucks leaving empty resulting in massive de- o need to downplay COVID-19; we know firsthand the effects it has had on us as a lays he ordered suggest not. N business. The question is: How much longer Norristown, Pennsylvania Members of NALC must step up and accept can we survive this? The Senate still hasn’t reetings, essential workers. Just wanted to the challenge to disprove what many say cannot advanced the much-needed help, but election give a shout-out to my fellow scribes! We be done. The NALC/USPS didn’t get a 91 percent G time is right around the corner! Absentee bal- are the news reporters for NALC, and I enjoy favorability rating by being slouches, did we? lots, anyone? reading every one of them. With all that we are The Christmas holiday season remains our time Although we’re having a hard time, and the going through with COVID-19 and the Tangerine to shine and prove our capabilities. However, order from the PMG has come back down to Toddler and now our (a guy with zero experience with things being as they are now, we have to go back the way we were, it seems some sta- of Postal Service) new Postmaster General De- rise to the occasion each and every day to the tions are having a problem interpreting that. Joy, we are in a war within ourselves. PMG said, 10th power. It would be shameful to give up now CCAs still being sent out, carriers working more after the actions those brave letter carriers took “I didn’t think that letting trucks leave empty than 12 hours, and we’re still confined to these and leaving mail would slow down service.” You in the 1970 Great Postal Strike. Look deep inside masks. To top things off, now supervisors are yourself and ask if the sacrifices they made so can tell that he was appointed for one reason, finding it extremely difficult to settle grievances. and he did it. Now he is being investigated for that you can enjoy your lifestyle today were for I know what you’re thinking, some other excuse nothing. making his employees at XPO contribute to the to not do their job, well, exactly! Its bad enough Republican Party and repaying them with large It really comes down to this. that the carriers must obey the instructions that Do we as the NALC, when faced with the bonuses. Uh, this is illegal, but what do you are given, but then the supervisors are stalling expect from a Tangerine Toddler appointee? He greatest challenge of our existence, fold under the process of getting the carrier paid what they pressure? said he would drain the swamp...the only way deserve in the grievance process. the people get out is being fired by the TT or ar- Hell no. Through all of this, we still must stick togeth- rested by the police. And he just refilled with Vote. er and be safe. The number of COVID-19 cases in more toads that will croak on command. Calvin Davis, Branch 30 the stations have risen. Please make sure you’re If you enjoy the job you have and like the taking all of the necessary precautions to stay safe, and not just for you, but for your families. style of life you have, you better remember in Knoxville, Tennessee Remember: Knowledge is power! November. The TT wants to privatize us and sell off our real estate and leave the people in rural ello, sisters and brothers! Adriane Shanklin, Branch 14 H Grievances are won with documentation areas without a cheap, reliable service. He has and lost with a lack of documentation. Requests a vendetta against the real news that is being for Information (RFIs) are for the good of the Minneapolis, Minnesota reported by The Washington Post, and his one way at getting to them is taking away 600,000 union because they help to win a grievance and ue to the overwhelming generosity of our make management think twice about violating DNALC brothers and sisters across the U.S., good-paying jobs. Because they tell the truth in the contract. Due to COVID-19, every branch in we have restocked the uniforms lost in the re- his lies. Amazon and the Post are owned by Jeff the country has been swamped with overtime, cent fires and loss of our branch office and two Bezos, so TT wants to attack him by using you 12/60 hour grievances and letters of warning, of our stations. We cannot say thank you enough as his ammo! which means that management will put a stew- for your incredible display of union solidarity. Hey Doug, thanks for working on getting our ard off on providing clock rings, DOIS data and We have always been in the fabric of every- union hall back to normal from the flood. 2020 time to obtain statements because of down day life across our nation. We are the face of is a year we will never forget! routes and heavy parcels. the Postal Service, and everyone recognizes us Joel Stimmler, Branch 542

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 51 Branch Items

on the school system to provide a nutritious quest your mail-in ballot, carry mail contractu- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma breakfast and lunch. But, with most schools ally, fight the internal dread and don’t just wait s the pandemic continues, letter carriers being conducted online, many children will go for the Walmart-ization to occur. and postal employees remain on the front A hungry. John Conger II, Branch 84 lines doing their due diligence as they always The United States is the richest nation on the have, and always will. The election is nearing planet. We simply cannot allow our children to and there are a lot of issues and problems fac- go hungry. It is against what we stand for. It is Portland, Oregon ing our nation, and letter carriers in particular. against our values as Americans. It is against n the last issue, I wrote that Portland is not The Postal Service is facing assaults from both who we are as a people. on fire (regardless of what you may have seen inside the and outside. The issue of a fair elec- I God bless and stay safe! And don’t forget to on the news about protests). Now, horribly, tion and vote-by-mail places letter carriers and vote! postal employees right in the middle. Despite Portland is one of the few places not on fire, yet. Joe Rodgers, Branch 157 misinformation to the contrary, voting by absen- As the West Coast burns, smoke and flames are tee ballot is and always has been the safest and choking the blue out of our sky. Our governor most secure way to cast one’s ballot in any elec- warned us today that there will be much loss tion. This election is only different in that voting of land and even lives. By the time this reaches by mail has become the most likely way to vote. you, I sincerely hope that she was proven wrong. Letter carriers will deliver the ballots and It is with great sadness that I must report a clerks and other postal employees will process terrible loss for one of our members. Lance Cpl. the ballots as timely and as efficiently as they Chase Sweetwood, son of Piedmont Station are allowed to. Letter carriers know what is at carrier Christiana Sweetwood, lost his life in a stake, and they will continue to do their jobs naval accident in Southern California on July with the usual dispatch they always have. 30. The accident occurred during a training ex- The issues confronting workers, letter carriers ercise involving an AVV, assault amphibious ve- and their families in this election make what we hicle (sea tank). This young Marine would have do and who we are of tantamount importance, been 19 on July 31. Instead of being able to wish perhaps more so than ever before. We as voters her son a happy birthday, she was notified of must be aware of what the issues are and vote his death. Christiana, our hearts break for your accordingly. We need to vote for candidates Winchester, VA Br. 694 President Todd unimaginable loss. As our veterans representa- who support our issues and candidates who Welzel presented Clarence Hoover with a tive Bruce Hall said, let us remember our own in care about working men and women and their 75-year membership pin and plaque. these tragic times. He was not killed by our en- families. It does not amount to a hill of beans emies, but he was training to defend our great what party they belong to. The latest polls show nation. Semper fi. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Amidst election chaos, long hours, bad staff- that 65 percent of America support unions and o you feel that in the pit of your stomach? 91 percent support the Post Office. If our vote is ing, lost days off and even fires burning, please DIt’s the existential dread that the entire remember that people are working and dying to to have any meaning, we as letter carriers need 2020 election will likely be entirely pinned on to keep that in mind. preserve freedom and democracy in our coun- letter carriers as the face of the business. Oh, try. Let us be mindful and grateful of their sac- Bob Bearden, Branch 458 just wait. rifice. Personally, I think that the mail-in ballot ar- Please, be safe out there. guments are convenient. If the mail is indeed Suzanne Miller, Branch 82 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania being slowed, I’m not sure that’s the reason. he 2020 presidential election will be the Customers who fervently support the presi- Tmost consequential election in our lifetime. dent have blindsided me on the street and, be- Racine, Wisconsin Voting is the surest path to achieve the changes fore explaining that it is illegal for me to have ou see it, don’t you? You see what happened we seek. Our future and the future of the United an opinion whilst in my uniform, the common Yin just a couple months to a national trea- States Postal Service rests with you and the thread I hear is the belief that there’s no way he sure. It took two months for the PMG to erode power of your vote. can lose. It’s almost an afterthought, which in- confidence in the USPS. Two months to lose So, how do you plan on voting? Pennsylva- dicates ballots aren’t the ultimate goal. parcel business. Two months to engineer an all nians have three ways to vote: vote by mail, vote It was, is and always will be about the priva- assault on the USPS. If you don’t see it, then you by mail early in person and voting on Election tization of the service. That’s where the real choose not to see it. Day. Remember the adage, “Failure to plan is money is. Remember the Treasury Department USPS has lost its way in the never-ending pur- planning to fail.” Therefore, you need to decide getting access to our private-sector contracts? suit of efficiency. It is frustrating and exhausting how you intend to cast your ballot. Well, if you slow the mail to make the product as we bear witness to the continued evolution To vote by mail, go to votespa.com and print 100 percent worse, then Mnuchin leans on the of failed time saving practices. Automation took a vote-by-mail application. The technical dead- Postal Regulatory Commission to “renegotiate” a left turn as start times keep getting later and later. Our unsuccessful test is officially canceled line to request a mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. on Tues- them, how many partners would pay two to at 4-Mile. So the next obvious question asked day, Oct. 27. I strongly encourage everyone to three times more for less effective service? Just was when we go back to our original start times. apply to vote well before the deadline. You can wait…none. Our answer was: We won’t be. They would like do it today! Your county elections office must re- That would leave the United States Postal to start us earlier; however, there are bugs ceive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Service as a lifeless husk, unable to produce that need to be worked out. Baloney. I’ve been or your ballot will not count. Remember, when any meaningful revenue. It would still be guar- around long enough to know a con when I hear we all vote, we take our power back. anteed by the Constitution, but all traces of one. Stick around awhile and you’ll hear them The Philadelphia AFL-CIO held its virtual profitability would have been chased right to all. We won’t be going back to our original start Labor Day parade. Branch 157 presented a these politicians’ personal financial interests… times. video, which you can check out at our web- and it’s not here. Recently, two of our supervisors transferred site, nalckeystonebranch157.org. With no ability to turn a profit, the result to other USPS locations, shockingly looking for would be lost jobs, concessions (the cost is your greener pastures. There’s an old saying: “Su- In transitioning, I have one special request to pervisors come and go, but carriers are here to all of the members of Branch 157. Please consid- union card) and route consolidations with clus- stay.” Something like that; I’m close. It’s true in er making a financial donation to the letter carter boxes on every street corner. Then, “they” re- the sense that carrier friendships forged over riers’ virtual food drive. Forty million people are peal the pre-funding for a bonus payday. If you the years are more meaningful than a supervi- out of work in the United States. These families think morale sucks now, just wait. If you think sor who maybe gave you a hard time over some- are unable to feed their children. Most depend new CCA retention stinks now, just wait. Or, re- thing petty.

52 The Postal Record October 2020 October 2020 Every postal employee should be outraged On the political front, I am happy to say that with the dismantling of automated equipment. the branch has a fresh face on the scene in Raul Those flatbeds carting away our blue mailboxes Reyes as our Letter Carrier Political Fund coor- could very well be our jobs. Think about it. Vote dinator. Look for him to be contacting all of you like your job depends on it. Because it does. about contributing to the fund, contacting Con- Stay positive; stay focused. gress about stimulus relief for the Postal Ser- Congratulations, Tom Kuiper, on your retire- vice, and registering to vote. Request a mail-in ment! Enjoy; you earned it! ballot now if you can. Do not let politics get in Chris Paige, Branch 436 the way of your right to vote. Remember and keep in your thoughts and prayers deceased carrier Mary Granados of St. Louis, Missouri Northeast Station in Odessa. It was a little over hile I know I am bound by the Hatch Act not a year ago that Mary was killed in a senseless Wto endorse any political candidate or party, act of violence while performing a job she loved. I urge you to think about the consequences on This was a tragic loss of someone whose career the United States Postal Service if things remain was just beginning. Witchita, KS Br. 201 Treasurer Catherine the same. To all the carriers working every day, keep it pushing and stay safe. Lamb presented a 50-year gold card to Each one of us has our own set of values and past Branch President and 2010 NALC beliefs shaped by family, faith and life experi- Tony Boyd, Branch 421 Humanitarian of the Year Larry Gunkel. ences that we bring to the table when we exercise our right to vote. There is no politician or Where’s their skin in the game? Privatization political party with all the answers to all of our Seattle, Washington fellas, which means union-busting, lower wages problems, and therefore we all need to evaluate ear ye! Hear ye! By declaration of His and health benefit cuts for the workers—higher the best intentions that we hope will benefit all “HMajesty.” USPS now has “fresh think- profits for the 1 percent—and the 99ers can just the citizens of this great country. That’s why in ing” brought to the American public by the go hang themselves. So what, WFED network this election, it’s imperative to vote your pock- Honorable Louis DeJoy, the donor who hath is a Republican-owned news source, providing etbook. filled His Majesty’s coffers. The policymakers Republican think tank talk (Steidler comments) There has never been a greater threat to the now know that GOP donor-class PMG Louis that disparages the union’s reaction to a Repub- Postal Service since the appointment of Louis DeJoy has exactly what USPS needs because lican, donor-class (PMG Louis DeJoy) appoin- DeJoy as the postmaster general. With surgical he’s being heralded as a great new add-on to tee’s hare-brained ideas on mail delivery. Color- precision, he has managed to “kneecap” the the Postal Service, and anointed as a “fresh code this news red. WFED reeks of Republican, Service in three short months by delaying mail, thinker” by Paul Steidler (a senior advisor of union-busting blather. Vote appropriately. compromising delivery standards, eliminating the GOP think tank, The Lexington Institute.) Don Nokes, Branch 79 sorting equipment and reducing overtime. Con- This GOP message is broadcast to all policy- sequences have already affected rural areas of makers on WFED radio, which is owned and the country where the delivery of desperately operated by Stanley S. Hubbard. Hubbard, Silver Spring, Maryland needed medicines are being delayed and, now, who is on the advisory board of Great America reetings from the La La Land of retirement even the integrity of the Service is being ques- PAC—which was formerly known as TRUMPAC. Gbliss! Please don’t think for one second tioned with allegations of mail-in voter fraud. Smells fresh? Or just smells? I haven’t been paying attention to the obvi- The irony of Mr. DeJoy, who owns millions of You can almost see Jim Jones whipping things ous dismantling and outright sabotage of my dollars in stock in Amazon and UPS, being ap- up in the back, only this Kool-Aid is coming from former employer, and my former co-workers’ pointed as head of the U.S. Postal Service is be- Hubbard, who is straining it through the GOP, and friends’ plight. I am truly saddened and yond belief. It’s like owning the Dallas Cowboys who is filtering it through WFED radio, and frustrated by what carriers currently have to and being appointed general manager of the spooning it out for public consumption, using endure, and it’s messing with my joy. My only San Francisco 49ers. Can anyone see a conflict (GOP think tank operative Paul Steidler’s com- solace comes from the fact that my retirement of interest? ments) on “fresh thinking” to attack the unions came just in time, but the fact remains that you One political party has been trying for years for protesting piss-poor managerial ideas that all have to still deal with the current craziest of to privatize the Postal Service. There is little are spewing from the newly appointed, GOP situations. doubt of the intensions of this appointment. If donor-class postmaster general, Louis DeJoy. The Washington Post summed up the di- you care about your career and your pension, Mmmm—tasty. Fair and balanced? More donor- lemma with the headline: “Everyone’s clueless: you need to vote accordingly on Nov. 3. class cronyism brewed fresh and presented Cost-cutting uncertainty mires Postal Service in Tom Schulte, Branch 343 daily to the public forum. more delays.” Postal management cannot give San Antonio, Texas reetings, brothers and sisters. COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment G We are still living with the COVID-19 pandemic like everyone else. June and July were pretty bad as far as staffing goes due to the af- tt Following the release of the July 2019 with the publication of the September termath of the Memorial and Independence Day consumer price index (CPI), the cost- 2020 CPI in October 2020. holidays. Numerous carriers were out sick due to of-living adjustment (COLA) under exposure to the virus, and it made for some long tt The 2021 COLA under the Federal days, especially for our CCAs. Like many other the 2016-2019 National Agreement is Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) individuals around the country, we learned that $624 annually. This COLA is based on this virus always must be taken seriously, both the change in the CPI from the base is projected to be 1.3 percent follow- on and off duty. Wear your protective gear, wash ing the release of the August CPI. your hands frequently and maintain social dis- index month to July 2019, with the pre- tancing, because we need you, and so do your vious six COLAs subtracted. This COLA is based on the change in families and friends. the CPI between December 2019 and Recently, we got the good news that the Post- t The 2021 projected COLAs for CSRS t December 2020 and will be finalized al Service came to its senses and stopped the and FERS, which are based on the Expedited Street/Afternoon Sortation program. with the release of the December Thank you, President Rolando and national of- CPI’s increase between the third quar- 2020 CPI in January 2021. ficers, for filing the grievance to rescind this ter of 2019 and third quarter of 2020, process. The Sortation Equipment Rationaliza- tion (SER) program bit the dust, too. is 1.4 percent and will be finalized Visit nalc.org for the latest updates.

October 2020 October 2020 The Postal Record 53 Branch Items

a straight answer regarding directives and are in ments. All the while, we started our prime-time order for it to arrive by the due date. Do they not an obvious state of CYA lockdown. A workforce vacation period. When we “opened” the coun- want people to use the mail? simply cannot be successful in such an environ- try back up, we had to start training in a social- Then enter our new PMG and his cost-cutting ment, which results in off-the-charts stress and distancing setting (16 CCAs). But the training fiasco. Partial route delivery, or none at all, for anxiety. teams fell victim to retirements and COVID-19 as days! What is going on!? He could save a bundle PMG DeJoy should immediately resign or be well. That left only a few teams to train the new if his managers and supervisors could follow removed. His shady shenanigans have resulted classes. Now, more teams have been trained. the rules. If they followed the rules, there would in more USPS bad press than I have seen in my We should slowly get our staffing back. be fewer grievances and the Postal Service entire career cumulatively. He snuck into the In the meantime, we have been challenged could save some money. If his Formal A people by 12-hour days (or more). And routes not go- were allowed to settle grievances at the lowest job outside of the official screening process and level, when it’s obvious they were in violation, has committed perjury before Congress regarding out for days. But we will get past this. What they could save even more money. We’ve had ing his conflicts of interest for starters. DeJoy doesn’t kill us will make us stronger; that is if we two grievances settled recently in the six-figure is only one of a number of crooks holding high don’t kill each other first (LOL). range. Both could have been resolved for much positions in the current administration, many #StayUnified less, but higher-ups wouldn’t agree. of which are headed to jail. Recent numerous Eric Jackson, Branch 725 Right now it doesn’t look good for them. From Hatch Act violations pale in comparison to the the beginning of the year to May 31, we filed 619 other illegalities occurring as corporatists at- grievances. That number had doubled by Aug. tempt to fill their coffers at the expense of the Springfield, Ohio 16, 78 days later. Maybe tell your people to follow the rules, Louie! working class. lease take a minute to read the “Honor Roll” Please don’t assume the attack on you and Pin this magazine to see the names of Branch Ray Bricker, Branch 100 your co-workers will end nicely. Support each 45 members who have been a part of the NALC other more than ever by being long-suffering for 50 to 55 years. and caring in the workplace. Don’t subscribe to Think about it. Fifty-five years. These carriers Worcester, Massachusetts the selfish norm; dedicate appropriate time and are the last link to our past that has given us aturday, Aug. 29, marked the first day of a resources to aid the right side of this fight. We our present. Swell-deserved retirement for Clinton letter can only prevail with a joint effort! 1965 (55 years ago). There was no binding carrier Paul Chase. Brother Chase began his Lee Taylor, Branch 2611 arbitration. The Post Office Department, as it postal career in 1985 after was then called, could simply ignore grievance serving in the armed forc- settlements. In fact, it could ignore anything it es. During his more than Southeast Pennsylvania Merged had previously agreed to. 35-year career with USPS, e are enduring unprecedented times in the 1966. Cost-cutting measures included se- he was always the proud WPost Office. NALC has spent millions of dol- verely curtailing overtime. Sound familiar? This example of a professional lars and so many hours trying to bring aware- resulted in 10 million pieces of mail piling up letter carrier and faithful just in Chicago. supporter of NALC. It’s a ness to our issues. Then we get a new postmas- bittersweet day to see a ter general (and all the political ramifications), 1967. Letter carrier pay was so low that many carriers were eligible for food stamps. gentleman like Paul re- and voilà, we are the news. Our plight was the tire because, on the one No. 1 story nightly. But all of our hard work did 1970. Wildcat strike swept the country. The government ordered the military to deliver the Paul Chase hand, you’re very happy not fall on deaf ears. When the politicians talk- for him, but on the other, ed, they knew our issues from all of our lobbying mail with disastrous results. 1971. Post Office Department replaced with you know what the office is losing with his re- efforts. Every customer wants to know our story tirement. and blame anything that happens to us on the USPS. USPS told to “break even” by becoming Brother Chase also served as the union stew- current administration in the White House. self-sufficient. Of course, this led to harass- ard in the Clinton office for more than 20 years. NALC has asked us to not say negative things ing carriers to go faster and over-supervision. Those of us who have been stewards know how about the company online and on camera like Sound familiar? NALC gets binding arbitration in thankless and difficult of a job it can be, but Paul our sister unions. We are still in negotiations exchange for not allowed to strike. was always there to help his fellow brother and for a new contract. NALC chooses to keep those 2020. Today we enjoy better pay and working sister letter carriers. If he didn’t know the answer words in-house. And with our union set to go conditions. Sick leave, annual leave, paid holi- to something, he’d jump right on the phone to to arbitration for our next contract, we must be days, FMLA, etc. And none of it would have been call the union office to get the answer. He was a strategic. So please be careful to not get roped possible without these letter carriers. dedicated representative, to say the least. into an uncomfortable interview. We all should be forever grateful to these car- On behalf of Branch 12, I want to wish Brother Our problem has been staffing. Once the riers who had the courage and audacity to fight Chase a very long, safe, healthy and happy re- pandemic hit, we were not able to fill positions for a better way of life for themselves, their fami- tirement. You’ve earned it, brother! lost through resignations, removals and retire- lies, and yes, even for us. Ken Janulewicz, Branch 12 Interested in learning more? Your branch has copies of Carriers in a Common Cause, A history of letter carriers and the NALC. How to submit items Branch meetings are the second Thursday Yakima, Washington of each month in Room 221. Pizza at 6:15 p.m. ug. 29, 8:30 a.m. EDT for the last time. What an ranch presidents or their designated Meeting at 6:30. Show up. Listen. Ask ques- Aawesome feeling. Thanks to all of the friends Bscribes may submit Branch Items to tions. Knowledge is power. and family who came to hear my farewell speech. The Postal Record by mail at 100 Indiana Not a bad turnout, considering the current situa- Brian Gourilis, Branch 45 tion. Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001-2144; Once again, too late for me, but good job by email at [email protected]; or fax at our national officers to get the vacation leave 202-737-1540. The deadline is the 10th Toledo, Ohio rollover increased to 520 hours. I believe every- of the preceding month, or if it falls on a ever can I remember the Postal Service being one should take some time off each year to keep weekend or holiday, 9 a.m. E.T. the first Nin the news more than now. Thanks to PMG from going crazy. However, if you use it wisely business day after. For the November is- Louis “delay deny” DeJoy, we are a hot topic, and over the course of your career, you should be sue, the deadline is 9 a.m. on Monday, for good reason. Mail processing and delivery are able to retire with one last fat paycheck. Oct. 12. The NALC Constitution limits atrocious! It was so bad in Northwest Ohio that The insanity continues in Yakima concerning items to 300 words. Photos should be in one of our congressmen, Bob Latta, wrote to the O.T. and mandates. Hopefully enough new car- color; photos sent by email should be at PMG demanding mail from Northwest Ohio be riers have been hired to get trained before the least 150 dpi resolution. Please identify processed in-state instead of going to the Pon- holiday and weather add to an already heavy every person in the photo. The Postal Re- tiac Metroplex in Michigan. There is no evidence work load. Not going to miss it! cord reserves the right not to print every that the change has been implemented yet. Next month will be my last submission. I will I still believe in the Postal Service, so I pay be spending my winters at Nalcrest. photo received. Hard-copy photos will not Peace. be returned. any bills I can by mail. I have had to start mailing my payment the day after receiving my bill in J.S. Bohlinger, Branch 852

54 The Postal Record October 2020 Auxiliary Update

National Auxiliary News and updates Board from the officers

Cynthia Martinez Crystal Bragg Linda Davis Pam Fore Vice President Secretary Asst. Secretary Treasurer Cythensis Lang President also found that we have practically no business al that they would be attending the convention. From the President to tend to, even had we had those meetings. We Please don’t think I don’t support the Auxil- nion brothers and sisters: Below you will have 27 members, with approximately 14 ac- iary, but I just feel like we have gone as far as Uread a letter sent to me by Ann Borowski, tive, but not necessarily physically able, so our we can, and due to the ages of many of the president of the Milwaukee Auxiliary. activities are limited. Our gatherings are mostly members, our membership will just keep going Read and understand that this is the state of social. As to new members, it looks like the well down. I also believe that if there are auxiliaries the Auxiliary! is dry. The new young carriers don’t even attend like Milwaukee, we would most likely continue to letter carriers meetings and, of course, show no meet socially, but continue to be available to our Hello Cythensis, interest in the Auxiliary. Also, young families branch should they need our help. I have just reread your article in the latest these days have so much on their plates that Again, I appreciate the position you’re in, and Postal Record, and I appreciate the position joining any outside activity is nearly impossible, I wish you and your officers the very best as you you’re in regarding the future of the Auxiliary. I except to participate in their children’s activities. continue to make some very hard decisions in feel I am in the same position regarding the Mil- I guess what I’m asking is there real discus- the upcoming months. waukee Auxiliary. The way our meeting schedule sions on ending the National Auxiliary? Also, I I wish you all the wisdom you will need. is set up, our first meeting was scheduled for know you’re getting lip service support from the Please have a good day and continue to stay the last Monday in March. That, of course, was NALC, but how much financial support can you ex- canceled, as has been our June and upcoming pect. Looking at the financial reports, I don’t know safe. September meetings. As you can guess, most of how the Auxiliary could financially send and pay Sincerely, our members are elderly (70 and well into 80s expenses for you and your officers had there been Ann Borowski and some approaching 90). They are not in a a national convention. Also, I’m just wondering President, Milwaukee Auxiliary hurry to participate in group gatherings. I have how many Auxiliary members had notified Nation- Cythensis Lang

AUXILIARY OFFICERS

Cythensis Lang, President Cynthia Martinez, Vice President Crystal Bragg, Secretary Linda Davis, Assistant Secretary Pam Fore, Treasurer 319 Chelsea Court 3532 W. Mauna Loa Lane 835 Westland Drive 114 E. Staff Sgt. Pendleton Way 3618 Hileman Drive S. Satsuma, AL 36572 Phoenix, AZ 85053 Mt. Zion IL 62549 Yakima, WA 98901 Lakeland, FL 33810 251-679-4052 602-843-8676 217-864-4684 509-969-1334 863-853-2113 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

NALC Include me in the fight Member for letter carrier rights Sign me up as an Auxiliary member!

App Branch No. ______Branch City ______Auxiliary No. ______Name______Phone No. (____)______Address ______City ______State ______ZIP______I am a family member of NALC member ______of Branch ______

Return form with membership fee of $20 to a local Auxiliary member or mail to: Available for free in NALC Auxiliary Crystal Bragg, Secretary the Apple App Store and the 835 Westland Drive Google Play Store Mt. Zion, IL 62549

October 2020 The Postal Record 55 Nalcrest Update

From the Trustees With the creation of Nalcrest more than 50 years ago, the residents felt the need to estab- Apply to live at Nalcrest uys, I’m looking for feedback, suggestions. lish a volunteer fire department. For many years, GLabor Day and the end of summer—well, For an application to live at Nalcrest, visit actually, fall—arrived on Sept. 22, but we won’t that service was maintained at our community. nalc.org/nalcrest, or call 863-696-1121. quibble. However, with the growth of Polk County (the As has become the custom, the Nalcrest home of Nalcrest), the county fire department trustees sponsored our annual Labor Day picnic placed a unit right across the road from “Down- for our residents. town Nalcrest.” In addition, just down the road Nalcrest Trustees However, this was a picnic 2020-style, with is a paramedic/EMT unit. attention to virus concerns. With the help of So, as you contemplate moving to Nalcrest, some wonderful resident volunteers, all the there is an added measure of safety and secu- NALC President Fredric Rolando appropriate safety protocols were observed. rity for our residents. NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine So this year’s “picnic” was a socially distanced, With moving in mind, there are now more NALC Director of Retired Members Dan Toth mask-wearing production, conducted “drive- than 180 letter carriers on the waiting list for through” style, with hot dogs, hamburgers and NALC Trustee Mike Gill an apartment. Therefore, as you can consider all the fixings. retirement, it is not too early to submit your ap- Nalcrest Trustees President Matty Rose As usual with Nalcrest residents, a great time was had by all. With safety in mind, perhaps a plication to make Nalcrest your home. Nalcrest Trustees Vice President Tom Young brief mention of another Nalcrest amenity is in Happy fall, y’all. Nalcrest Trustees Vice President Don Southern order. Tom Young

Polk County in Florida recently added a fire rescue unit across the street from Nalcrest.

56 The Postal Record October 2020

October 2020 The Postal Record PB

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Mutual Exchanges

CA: Sacramento (6/07) to Columbus, OH FL: Ft. Myers (3/20) to Charlotte, NC. IL: Chicago (8/98) to the Northwest, West OT. 13 bidding stations. Jianhong, 702- or surrounding area. Nine bidding sta- Beaches and sunshine, plenty of OT and or MN (open to other areas). Uptown 336-9043 or [email protected]. tions. One hour, 45 minutes to San Fran- five bidding stations. Ray, 786-431-8352 Northside station. Great area. Citywide bid- NV: Las Vegas (8/00) to Spokane, WA; cisco and one hour, 45 minutes to Tahoe. or [email protected]. ding available. Scott, 612-298-2245. Boise, ID or surrounding areas. Mild Sunshine year-round, no snow. Relocating MN: Minneapolis (4/07) to Seattle, WA. winters. Family reasons. Regulars only, to be with my family; must move ASAP. FL: Seminole (10/14) to Sebring, FL Travis, 916-541-3919. (Avon Park area). 15 minutes from beach- Family reasons. Regulars only. Patrick, please. 14 bidding stations. Lots of OT. 651-644-3361 (call, text or voice mes- Mike, [email protected]. FL: Ft. Lauderdale (6/93) to Michigan es, awesome office, awesome people. sage) or [email protected]. City, LaPorte, Alquina, Chesterton, IN. Friendly. Lots to love out here. Lots of TX: Garland (3/17) to Griswold, CT or Large office with OT. John, 561-329-0944 OT. Judy, 863-273-4087 or gidget6868@ NV: Las Vegas (11/15) to Southwest Riv- surrounding areas. Mary, 214-476-3307 or [email protected]. yahoo.com. erside County, CA. No state tax. Plenty of or [email protected].

How to place a Mutual Exchange ad The cost of Mutual Exchange ads is $15 for up will be returned. Note: Specific route information or mention of to 30 words and $25 for 31-50 words per month. Include your name, address and branch num- three-way transfers will not be published, nor Ads must be received by the 5th of the month ber. Ads must be received in the same format any wording that offers cash or property to fa- preceding the month in which the ad will appear, and wording as they will appear in the maga- cilitate an exchange. Mutual exchanges must e.g., October’s deadline is for the November pub- zine. Begin each ad with your state abbreviation, be approved by both postmasters involved. lication. Mail ad with check (payable to NALC) to: city and seniority date. Seniority of carriers involved shall be governed Mutual Exchange Ads, Postal Record, 100 Indiana Ads should be typed in upper/lower case (or, by Article 41, Sec. 2E of the National Agree- Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001-2144. if this is not possible, printed clearly) on a full ment. Carriers may not exchange assignments, Ads are published for NALC members only. A sheet of 8.5 x 11” paper. Make certain the nu- since vacated positions must be posted for branch officer or steward must endorse the ad to merals 0 (zero) and 1 (one) can be distinguished bids in accordance with local and national certify membership. Ads without endorsements from the letters O and l in e-mail addresses. agreements.

October 2020 The Postal Record 57 Help your NALC family affected by natural disasters The NALC Disaster Relief Foundation provides hands-on relief for carriers affected by natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornados. It receives donations to be used to assist regular NALC members affected by natural disasters. NALC response teams throughout the country are activated to go to disaster locations and offer assistance to NALC members and their families who live in the same household. Basic supplies, including uniforms and food, are available for those who need assistance. Financial support may be available depending on the availability of funding and qualifying criterias. Any regular member of NALC who has faced hardship as a result of a natural disaster will be able to apply for assistance. Go to the App Store or Google Play and search Make a donation by sending a for “NALC Member App” to install for free check or money order to: NALC Disaster Relief Foundation 100 Indiana Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001-2144 The foundation is a 501(c)(3). Your contribution to the NALC Disaster Relief Foundation may be eligible for a tax deduction. It is recommended you seek further advice from your tax advisor.

NALCNALC DisasterDisaster ReliefRelief FoundationFoundation