   In This Edition Editor’s Report...... 2 Maintenance Craft Director...... 3 Human Relations Director...... 3 Veterans’ Director...... 4 Volume 47, Number 198 MPWU Retiree Advisor...... 5 Retiree President...... 6 November-December, 2018 NBA ...... 7 MESSENGER Turney at the Table...... 8

Affiliated with: American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, APWU Postal Press Association, State AFL-CIO & Michigan Labor Press

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Michigan    PRESIDENT

by Postal Privatization Michael they all understand how tional APWU may want for Mize important this truly is. Make membership involvement. sure all our Representa- The Union is all of us and tives understand that we together we can make a will not tolerate them at- difference. tacking the USPS. Every Postal Employee should be One good thing for us as concerned about privatization. What You can all continue to Postal employees is having can you do? do the rock-solid job you the House of Representa- have been doing. Without tives come back to Demo- First things first, you can contact you the Postal employee cratic control. This is at least your Representatives in Washington the Service could not do a check and balance for the D.C. and explain to them that you want what it does. In fact, we Senate and the President. the Postal Service to continue to be get the job done in most With the Presidents report the peoples Post Office. You want it cases despite the failure of on the Service coming from left alone and not cut up and sold off Management around us. Trump’s Postal Task Force to private industry. You want universal Each one of you are a key we need to be prepared. We service and private industry can’t sup- component in making the have support on both sides port that ideal. USPS successful. of the political fence and need everyone we can get. You can have all your family and Watch the National web page for anything in your area, then get out and friends do the same thing. Make sure any events that may occur. If there is help. If not watch for anything that Na- Have a great Holiday Season America’s One Party System by Leo F. Persails, Retired tional News Media BLACKBALLED Trump’s every move or words are mies of the people”. Politicians love Central Region Coordinator the Democratic Party from interviews repeated as news without fact or re- news coverage, good or bad. Trump When did we become a one party and responses to trump? Why is he buttal of those attacked. American and the republican party have got- system to our National News Media? always given THE LAST WORD, or news throughout history has NEVER ten a daily dose of it for the last two For eight years the republicans whined worse yet, the ONLY words? When followed the path it has in the last 2 years, but the Democrats haven’t. It and stonewalled about Obama, and did the American National News Me- years, and yet they continue it when appears we are a one party system the news media covered it DAILY. dia embrace a one party system? he calls them “fake news” and ene- to the main stream news media. The News Media even bought into the republican attack on the “Afford- able Care Act”. They continually re- peated the republican name change to “Obamacare”. That new name was as- sociated to it whenever republicans re- peated political rhetoric about it. Their goal was to combine the new name and attacks simultaneously. The news media repeated almost every one of those attacks and name change refer- ences. Consequently, the News Me- dia effectively caused the change to Obamacare for the republicans.

Next, for over a year the news me- dia REPEATEDLY carried the attacks on Hillary and her emails and it was daily news without factual content. Over and over they reported trump’s name game of “crooked Hillary” for trump. Her ONLY reported News re- sponses to the attacks came from the debates, when they had no other choice.

Now it’s NOTHING but trump tweets, and attacks, FOR TWO YEARS. Why are republicans and trump our ONLY main stream news Governor Elect , Vice President Joe Biden, Elissa Slotkin, the new U.S. Rep for Michigan source? Why has the billionaire Na- District 8 and Lt. Governor Elect II. Page 2 Michigan Messenger November-December, 2018

      EDITOR

MESSENGER

Affiliated with: American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, APWU Postal Press Association, Michigan State AFL-CIO & Michigan Labor Press

   Michigan by President...... Michael Mize We Survived!!! W: (810) 257-1534; C: (810) 444-7578 John when you read this) as marijuana is States. I don’t care what your political U: (810) 239-0931; F: (810) 239-6879 Greathouse e-Mail: [email protected] now legal in this state. Not right away party affiliation is, if you get the chance Executive Secretary...... Michael Long but shortly after the first of the year. to attend a rally with him speaking, U: (616) 977-1050; C: (616) 822-3443 F: (616) 977-1020 make the effort to go, you will be ex- e-Mail: [email protected] One thing you, as a federal em- posed to a different kind of person that Secretary-Treasurer...... Darren Joyce ployee (yes, in case you did not know, what you have read about in the papers U: (810) 239-0931; C: (810) 444-5142 F: (810) 239-6879 Greetings Brothers and Sisters, Postal Workers are federal employ- or online. e-Mail: [email protected] ees), it is against federal law to have Director of Education & Research ...... Ron Krumrie It seems we have survived another or use marijuana, so as a reminder, Looking Back C: (231) 409-4609 e-Mail: [email protected] election and with the rise of Blue can- should you chose to have a smoke It is hard to believe that we are just Editor...... John Greathouse didates to offices both on the state and of that wacky weed, but you did not a couple of months past the National U: (517) 337-8753; C: (517) 819-7403 national level, I think we have an in- inhale, you can be considered to be Convention and in my last article I F: (517) 332-4391 e-Mail: [email protected] creased chance of surviving, provided under the influence while at work and did write about my experience there Legislative Director...... Roscoe Woods the Lame Duck session of Congress if you are a VMF or Motor Vehicle craft, as it relates to how the retirees were U: (248) 543-3262; C: (248) 709-8249 and they don’t just give into every crazy you may also be subject to random treated. F: (248) 543-2750 e-Mail: [email protected] plan to privatize the Post Office that the screening. Having a smoke could HR/Injury Compensation Director...... Keith Combs lobbyist can throw at them . . . along cause you your job! Well it seems that someone keeps U: (313) 532-9305; C: (313) 330-7030 with a large donation to their reelection ripping off the band aid off that sore F: (313) 532-5433 e-Mail: [email protected] campaign. I did have the opportunity to attend and I am just hoping that it will not Clerk Craft Director...... Wendy Kempke a political rally for Elissa Slotkin who cause an infection that might result in W: (517) 263-5809; C: (419) 377-4595 Election 2018 was running against rep. Mike Bishop. retirees getting pissed off to the point e-Mail: [email protected] Here in Michigan, Listening to her speak, she was not a that they say “Stick it!” and just go on Maintenance Craft Director...... Sterling Bouier W: (313) 965-1398; U: (313) 226-8685 the election had sever- polished politician but a much a down and enjoy their retirement and let us C: (313) 575-8254 al ballot proposals that to earth and genuine person who cares deal with all of the attacks by the GOP e-Mail: [email protected] are a big step forward about others. and privatization on our own! Motor Vehicle Service Craft Director .....Joe Wrobel U: (248) 543-3262; W: (248) 546-7146 in fixing what is wrong C: (586) 201-7356; F: (248) 543-2750 with the elections in This rally had many others in at- Having coordinated a large rally to e-Mail: [email protected] the state… Gerrymandering and ob- tendance, Gretchen Whitmer, Debbie fight Staples and the attempt to close Veterans Director...... John Smeekens U: (248) 543-3262; H: (586) 286-2304 stacles to absentee voting. Both of Stabenow, and the key note speaker, the Lansing Plant, I can tell you that I am e-Mail: [email protected] these passed with a good majority but Vice President Joe Biden and Uncle grateful to the retirees for their support Area 1 Director (480/481)...... Patrick Jones the third proposal is one you need to Joe keep a firm hand on the crowd as they made up around 60-70% of the U: (248) 543-3262; C: (313) 720-6092 F: (248) 543-2750 keep clearly in mind (your mind may as he discussed many of the events members who were there! They are an e-Mail: [email protected] not be clear if you are smoking some he experienced as VP for the United incredible resource to our members as Area 2 Director (482)...... Patrick Chornoby C: (313) 434-8089; U: (313) 532-9305 F: (313) 532-5433 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 3 Director (483)...... Robin Ely W: (734) 697-0047; H (734) 753-0438 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 4 Director (484/485)...... Sandra Rancour W: (810) 742-1580; U: (810) 239-0931 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 5 Director (486/487)...... Tom Kindell C: (989) 418-6061 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 6 Director (488/489)...... Joshua Gray W: (616) 977-1050; C: (616) 822-5627 F: (616) 977-1020 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 7 Director (490/491)...... VACANT If you know of someone that would be willing to fill this . position and represent our membership, please contact President Mize. Area 8 Director (492)...... Wendy Kempke W: (517) 263-5809; C: (419) 377-4595 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 9 Director (493/494)...... Lisa Borchardt W/U: (616) 776-1489; C: (616) 706-1005 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 10 Director (496)...... Vince Nichols W: (231) 933-1020/4502; C: (231) 499-9333 F: (231) 922-1863 e-Mail: [email protected] Area 11 Director (497)...... Laura Stafford W: (231) 238-7242; C: (313) 506-0917 H: (989) 448-0181 And I won by this much! e-Mail: [email protected] Area 12 Director (498/499)...... Theresa Granquist a whole and as such, should receive U: (906) 774-6303; C: (906) 396-6103 The Michigan Postal Workers Union proudly represents the Members at Large within F: (906) 774-7356 the level of respect that is due to them. e-Mail: [email protected] the Great State of Michigan. The following locals have also affiliated with the MPWU for training, education and information sharing between their members, stewards and officers But the only way this is going to change P.O.W.E.R. Representative... Tamika Johnson-Smith of their own local and others throughout the state and nation: is for that change to come from the top U: (313) 532-9305; F: (313) 532-5433 e-Mail: [email protected] Battle Creek 480-481 Jackson Stevensville and then we might be able to heal this Central MI 486-487 Ludington Traverse City State Retiree Chapter President...... Paul Browning fissure and make the APWU just that C: (231) 275-6016 Cheboygan 498-499 Muskegon Troy Local much stronger, Solidarity is the differ- e-Mail: [email protected] District Gaylord Roger City Western MI Farmington Great Lakes Area Sault Ste Marie ence if we survive as a union or not! MPWU Auxiliary President ...... Vacant Flint Mail Haulers Southwest MI

MPWU Historian...... Vacant Holidays

MPWU Advisor...... Gary VanHoogstraten The MICHIGAN MESSENGER is published six times yearly, and is the official publication of C: (989) 213-3068 As we head into the busy holidays e-Mail: [email protected] w the Michigan Postal Workers Union, American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, also affiliated with the APWU Postal Press Association. season, please make sure to take time The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writer and not necessarily those of for yourself and enjoy your friends and the Editor, the MPWU, the APWU or the Postal Press. Articles and correspondence to the Editor family. Stay safe on your travels and may be sent to MPWU – Michigan Messenger, John Greathouse – Editor, PO Box 27303, Lansing, MI 48909-7303. Articles must be signed to be printed (your name may be withheld upon request). be safe at work too. Articles may be edited to fit the confines of this publication. United We Stand – Divided We Fall! In Solidarity. November-December, 2018 Michigan Messenger Page 3

MAINTENANCE CRAFT DIRECTOR   

by Happy Veteran’s Day Sterling Bouier ties held to honor and thank those We need to continue challenging ees do not come to work. If you require that served. staffing packages that are not accurate a schedule change, leave of absence, and continue trying to increase staffing or FMLA, do not be afraid to ask!!! A lot going on right now in the as a whole. The more work and work maintenance craft. As a whole, we are hours we can have added, the more There are so many issues and topics, Hello MPWU Brothers and Sisters, trying to get settlements or appealing jobs we can create. that I can’t touch base on all of them in the Line H grievances for the custodial this one article. So, as always feel free Let me begin by saying “Happy occupational group for the 2018 fiscal Also, Management has been hand- to contact me if there are and questions Veteran’s Day” to all my fellow year. Ensure that you are request- ing out a lot of discipline as of late. The or if you are in need of my services. I APWU Union Member Veterans. It ing all the appropriate materials and majority of it being Attendance related. can reached at 313 965-1398 or via is an honor to have served and a documents for your particular facility We need to try as much as possible to e-mail at [email protected]. blessing to still dwell among the liv- in order to prove your cases. Also en- avoid unscheduled absences. It is hard I am here to serve. ing. I hope you all had the chance to sure that each step of the grievance to prevail when the argument is that indulge in all the freebies and activi- procedure is timely. you can not run a business, if employ- In Union Solidarity. HUMAN RELATIONS DIRECTOR    THROUGH MEDICAL REPORT:

by Keith Combs Traumatic Injury nor should he reach above shoulder Ms. Sterling complains that for the Sterling repetitive lifting overhead height with his right arm. past two weeks she is awakened at caused constant fatiguing of the ro- night with moderate to severe pain tator cuff muscles (especially the ex- This is an example of what your In my medical opinion that the in her shoulder area. An MRI was ternal rotators) as they attempted to Physician’s Report or narrative above described traumatic work performed (see attached report) and keep the humeral head centered in should read like. I’m addressing how place incident caused the rotator it demonstrated a partial tear of the the glenoid, resulting in chronic in- these reports are completed because cuff tear which was demonstrated supraspinatus of approximately 1.7 flammation and micro trauma result- on a regular basis these reports are by the referenced MRI report, Mr. centimeters proximal to the humerus. ing in the injury to the supraspina- not providing the Office of Worker’s Holmes use of his right arm to keep tus as described above. Mr. Sterling Compensation with enough infor- to container upright caused a sud- The patient will be treated con- has a good prognosis for recovery. I mation to adjudicate the claimants den loading of the right shoulder servatively with therapy and ultra- will evaluate her progress at the end claim. Also, this report should be on rotator cuff, especially the external sound. She has no other complaints of 4 weeks of physical therapy the Physicians Letterhead. rotators which were attempting to or symptoms. She can return to work keep the humeral head centered but should not use her right arm to (signed by a Physician not a Phy- To whom it may concern: in the glenoid causing microtrauma lift more than 5 pounds, not should sician Assistant) to the supraspinatus as described she reach above shoulder height On January 25, 2018 I examined above. with her right arm. These examples may not be uti- Mr. Keith Holmes. Mr. Holmes who lized exactly word for word, but the is a Postal Service employee, works Mr. Holmes has a good progno- In my medical opinion the above necessary points outlined in the 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Eastland sis for recovery. I will examine his described repetitive work performed examples should be a point of in- Processing and Distribution Center. progress at the end of four weeks of at the Postal Service caused the formation needed to get your claim He stated that on January 24, 2018 physical therapy. rotator cuff tear which was dem- adjudicated by the Department of at approximately 6:00 PM he was onstrated by the MRI report. Ms. Workers’ Compensation. pushing a loaded mail container (signed by a Physician not a Phy- which weighed approximately 310 sician Assistant) pounds up a small incline when it started to tip to the right. Mr. Holmes Thorough Medial Report: In A Showing Of Solidarity quickly moved to the right side of the Occupational Disease container raising his right arm and This is an example of what an placing his right hand at the top of Occupational Disease Physicians the container. He pushed against Report or narrative should read like the container, preventing it from tip- and again it should be on the Physi- ping over and held it upright for a few cians Letterhead. seconds until two coworkers came to his assistance and helped right To whom it may concern: the container. Mr. Holmes felt no im- mediate pain and finished his work On January 25, 2018 I examined shift without incident, However, after Ms. Brenda Sterling. Ms. Sterling, sleeping several hours Mr. Holmes who is a Postal Service Employee, woke up with a moderate to severe works 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the pain in his right shoulder area. An Northside Processing and Distribu- MRI was performed (see attached tion Center. Ms. Sterling, who is 5’5” report) and it demonstrated a partial tall, holds the position of automation tear of the supraspinatus of approxi- clerk, she describes the physical mately 1.7 centimeters proximal to activity of a normal work day as fol- the humerus. lows: for approximately two hours at a time, two times a day, she repeat- The patient will be treated con- edly lifts trays of mail, which she servatively with physical therapy estimates as weighting 20-30 lbs., and ultrasound. He has no other over shoulder height to place them Munson Medical Center Nurse Karen Card, and Traverse City MI Area Lo- complaints or symptoms. He can re- in a storage container and she has cal Vice President Ron Krumrie and MPWU Retiree Director Paul Brown- turn to work but should not use his been performing this work for ap- ing on Union Gear Day Sept. 13. We were at a rally/picket for the Munson right arm to lift more than 5 pounds, proximately three years. Hospital Nurses who are trying to negotiate a brand new CBA. Page 4 Michigan Messenger November-December, 2018

VETERANS’ DIRECTOR    Veteran News by John P. important modernization program, where absence from work to undergo medi- ing units. Veterans will have their own Smeekens more than 7 million paper files were re- cal treatment for a service-connected bedroom and bathroom, a common moved from numerous locations in less disability rated 30% or more. It is a gathering area and kitchen space. The than 22 months, enabling them to be separate leave category, distinct from four smaller houses will also connect scanned into the VA’s electronic claims sick leave. Approved WWL cannot to a community center with clinical processing system. This was done by be adversely used against an eligible and therapeutic services. The last Merry Christmas several third-party vendors. This will employee for attendance and disci- time there was a gathering like this, to Merry Christmas to you and your fam- now lead to faster claims decisions for pline purposes. To request WWL an celebrate a new Veterans home, was ily. I hope it is a blessed, and safe one Veterans. employee must submit a PS Form back in 1885. And everyone arrived for you and yours. Keep safe, don’t drink 3971 to their appropriate supervisor. by horse and buggy at the site of the and drive, eat lightly, so you don’t have V. A. And Adoptions If an emergency arises, there is an Grand Rapids Veterans Home. to make up some crazy News Years Veterans who have lost their ability to exception to the advance approval for resolution that you’re going to exercise reproduce due to a service-connected unexpected treatment that qualifies for 2018 Senate Bill #1042 and lose weight. And don’t forget our disability may now be eligible for adop- WWL. Although these changes are Just received the following information troops. Say a prayer, or whatever you tion expenses to be reimbursed through labeled as a DRAFT, once the Offi- from B. J. Khalifah, of Grosse Pointe do, for them and their families. the VA, or to receive coverage for in vitro cial Postal Language does come out Park; Senate Bill # 1042 has been in- fertilization (IVF). The VA also provides we will inform you! And don’t forget. troduced to the finance committee, by Happy New Year infertility evaluation, management, and The Hoover Act! Senators Geoff Hansen of Muskegon, Happy New Year to one and all. Ditto treatment services to veterans enrolled co-sponsored by Michael Nofs of district on the words above about being safe in the VA health care –– regardless of Veterans’ Home Groundbreaking 19 of Barry, Calhoun, and Ionia Coun- and not drinking and driving and those service connection. Veterans interested It was called Sebille Manor when it ties, and Senator Vincent Gregory of resolutions that are so far out of reach in infertility services should contact their once served as base housing for Self- Southfield. This bill, if passed, will termi- that you can’t keep them. Keep our VA provider or their local VA Women ridge Air National Guard Base. But that nate some benefits to Michigan’s 100% troops and their families in your prayers Veterans Program Manager, or contact was a long time ago when Selfridge disabled Veterans. The Chairman of the and thoughts. your local V.S.O. to get more information! was an Active Duty Base. Now with Finance Committee is Jack Branden- the help of James Redford, director of burg of Grosse Pointe Shores. Please Burn Pits WWL Act Of 2015 the Michigan Veterans Affair Agency, ask your State Senators and your State Are Burn Pits the Agent Orange for the Wounded Warriors Leave Act of he is being credited with spearhead- Representatives DO NOT SUPPORT Nation’s Youngest Veterans? It took Viet- 2015 is implementing new changes ing the project. Michigan has almost THIS BILL!!! Those of us who were nam War veterans nearly two decades to starting January 05, 2019. Eligible 590,000 Veterans, with one-third of drafted into the Military, or those of us receive compensation from exposure to employees will receive an allotment of them living in the Southeast Michigan who joined the Military Voluntarily, have Agent Orange and now, veterans of the 104 hours of WWL. WWL will continue area. Ground was broken on Monday served our Country HONORABLY. We wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were to be provided to newly hired employ- October 29, 2018 to build a brand-new should NOT be used as Political Pawns exposed to burn pits face a similar battle. ees at the beginning of their term of Veterans Home to house 128 Veter- considering we put our lives on the line Sign up on the BURN PIT REGISTRY. employment as required by the terms ans when completed in 2021. These for this Country and The Great State of of the 2015 Act. WWL is an authorized Veterans will live in four small hous- MICHIGAN. Homeless Veterans’ Decrease Recently, Secretary of Veterans Af- fairs Robert Wilkie and the Department of House and Urban Development Yes, Voter Suppression Is Real. But (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson an- nounced a decrease of 5.4 percent in the number of homeless veterans in the past Young Voters May Bridge The Gap year. They’ve made great strides in their efforts to end Veteran homelessness, The midterms are rigged against tionally disenfranchises but they still have a lot of work to do, to people of color and the poor. people of color and the help those who wore our nation’s uni- by JOEL BLEIFUSS, In These Times poor. Not coincidentally, form get access to stable housing. The 4.2 million are residents annual Point-in-Time report estimates Will enough Democratic voters of the 11 states that were that 37,878 veterans experienced, or turn out November 6 to overcome part of the Confederacy, will experience homelessness in 2018, institutionalized efforts at voter sup- all of which currently have compared to 40,020 in 2017. The num- pression? GOP-controlled legisla- ber of women veterans experiencing tures. In Florida, this re- homelessness declined by 10 percent The critical 2018 midterms will de- striction bars more than 10 over the same time period. We encour- termine whether the 116th Congress percent of the voting-age age homeless or at-risk veterans, who can put the brakes on President population from voting. need assistance, to call 1-877-4AID-VET Donald Trump and the Koch-Adelson (1-877-424-3838). And if you know of agenda. The outstanding question is: Another tactic in the a Veteran who is in need, please don’t Will enough Democratic voters turn out vote-suppression toolbox is to require 1.5 million voters — twice as many as hesitate to step up and assist that Vet- November 6 to overcome institutional- that voters present specific forms of between 2008 and 2012 — under the eran!!! Thank You.) ized efforts at voter suppression? ID. In Texas, an estimated 600,000 pretense that it was keeping the voting registered voters (and many more rolls accurate and up-to-date. Such Prioritizing Appeals In 1789, the U.S. Constitution al- unregistered voters) lack the required purges tend to target black people who The VA has announced that they are lowed the states to determine which identification. Again, it is no accident vote Democratic, and are therefore prioritizing pending appeals claims for of their residents would be allowed that such laws disproportionately affect both racist and partisan. benefits of veterans impacted by recent to participate in elections. Initially, all people of color and the poor. hurricanes Florence, Michael, Maria and states extended the franchise only to The security of voting infrastructure Super Typhoon Yutu. If you know of a white men who owned land or paid Not to mention periodic purges of the is also a concern, with voter registra- Veteran who was impacted by one of taxes. Since then, progressive activists rolls, which the GOP has turned into an tion rolls particularly vulnerable. Ac- these weather problems, please contact have fought — and died — to secure art form. Those purges accelerated cording to a July 13 indictment arising them to let them know about this pro- voting rights, while the forces of reac- after 2013, when the Supreme Court, from the Mueller probe, Russian cess. Have them contact a VSO, in their tion, presently incarnate in today’s in Shelby County v. Holder, overturned hackers tried to penetrate the voting area, to seek help with this prioritizing Republican Party, have sought to limit a 1965 Voting Rights Act provision systems of 21 states in 2016. In Illinois, process. who is granted access to the ballot box. that regulated elections in 15 states they accessed “names, addresses, with a history of racial discrimination partial social security numbers, dates V.A. Milestone For example,6.1 million Americans (including nine former members of of birth, and driver’s license numbers” The U.S. Department of Veterans are denied the vote because of a felony the Confederacy). Between 2012 and of approximately 500,000 voters. Affairs (VA) has recently completed an conviction, a restriction that dispropor- 2016, for example, Georgia purged continued on page 7 November-December, 2018 Michigan Messenger Page 5

MPWU RETIREE ADVISOR   

by A View From The Mitt Al LaBrecque ward in making Michigan pure again! photo of Browning, Traverse City A.L. leadership? For example: I cringe when V.P. Ron Krumrie at a picket demonstra- APWU boasts a membership of 200,000 Huge is the adoption of Prop 2. ending tion supporting Nurses fighting for a fair when the devilish details reveal a full gerrymandering of U.S. Congressional, contract at Munson Hospital. APWU dues-paying membership of 160,000 State House and Senate districts that retired members have necessarily been and 40,000 more or less APWU $36. “Just because we’re retired, we’re favors the Party in power. We’ll have put in a position of the ‘loyal opposition’ dues-paying Retirees Dept. members. NEVER out of the arena!” to wait until after the 2020 Census with the 2019 APWU national officer Truth in packaging! A little respect for which will have a profound effect on elections looming. Retiree leadership the retired Mothers and Fathers of this Requiem: We mourn the sudden some districts currently carved to favor are at once angry, yet resolved to forge Union will go a long way toward solidar- and unexpected passing of retired the GOP. Prop. 3. should take effect ahead, giving rise to the adopted slogan; ity of purpose for everyone aboard the former MPWU State President Gary for the 2020 election restoring straight “We are not the Enemy!” leaking USPS mothership. VanHoogstraten on October 25, 2018. Party voting, same day registration, no- Gary “Van”, was a past president of reason absentee ballot eligibility. And, 2019 APWU Elections: It’s already Flop! Thud! What happened?! Es- the Saginaw 486-487 Area Local, one- of course; Prop. 1. ending prohibition of begun with former APWU Exec. V.P. sentially, not much. Nothing organized term V.P. MPWU State Retiree Chapter, recreational marijuana, expected to take Greg Bell formally announcing his intent in Michigan I know of. Where was the and past president, Saginaw 486-487 several months to implement at State to run for that office again. The uncon- much emphasized NALC led coordina- A.L. Retiree Chapter. Gary assumed level, then local governments to ordain. firmed (still) scuttlebutt that Eastern tion with APWU and MHU? No coor- the office of MPWU president upon the Let’s pool resources and get reversal of Region Coordinator Gallagher, yes the dination, no communication, no flyers election of Flint’s Clyde Hartshorn, Jr. to RTW on the 2020 ballot. Maybe restoring same Gallagher who trashed Retiree or organized materials. Questionable Clerk Div. NBA, Chicago Region. Gary; the prevailing wage rule while we’re at it. Involvement from a floor mic, was going plan beginning with the decision to along with Leo Persails, Clyde, Lou to run for the APWU top spot. Lending hold a nationwide postal unions’ dem- Schwartz, Jerry Martin, Dave Lenard, Convention Fallout: Barely rating credence to, at the very least, a crack in onstration on Columbus Day when and Local leaderships across the state a blurb in the Sept.-Oct. APWU maga- NEB solidarity with Pres. Dimondstein P.O.’s were closed! A postal worker were disciples of the late NBA Frank zine, one wouldn’t think there were re- reportedly advocating elimination of holiday weekend, need I go on? Yet, Kowal, Jr. and the so-called “NBA Mafia” tiree related Constitutional amendment the N.E. Regional Coordinator position there were APWU retiree leaderships of the APWU formative ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Resolutions and ensuing contentious upon the retirement of the current office out there, like Brother Browning, doing We grew together in those (we didn’t debate. Thanks to Bobby Donelson, holder, combining the N.E. Region with their level best to fulfill the APWU call know it then) exciting times for the postal S.W. Coastal CA Area Local sharing a Gallagher›s Eastern Region, prompting to arms. So, tell me who is truly Union- labor movement. Gary was more than long list of e-mails from across APWU his heated retort in a Facebook posting minded?! just a wise leader, he was a close friend that belies suppression of the delegate’s for all to see. H-m-m-m . . . Are we edg- and dear Brother in every sense of the harsh rejection of Retiree Involvement. ing closer to frequent murmurs favoring APWU Health Plan Seminar - Bits word. Gary’s passing was personally Here’s a sampling: elimination of all 5 Coordinators? Yes, & Pieces: Several sources who were especially difficult to absorb. We had “It’s really sad when I get these e-mails potential candidates and/or incumbents; at San Antonio offered little consolation just exchanged e-mails on Oct. 22nd, 3 how people at the national level and dif- “Retirees do Rock!” And yes, Retirees do over the spike in premiums or status days earlier. We also recently lost Wil- ferent Locals feel about retirees. How- Vote! quo coverage for retirees. Still retain liam “Bill” Russell (Flint) retired MPWU ever, my prayer for you and the rest of Express Scripts as the Plan prescription Special Delivery Messenger Dir., last of retirees is not to give up hope . . .” 2.8% COLA, Health Plan Open provider. Just got my $96 out-of-pocket the SDM’s, who was a past Flint Local Season, 2019 Medicare Premium In- billing for a supply of insulin pens. Seems Retiree Chapter V.P. “Eternal rest grant “Sad and Ridiculous!” crease: Retiree bread & butter issues! like nearly every mail-order script has unto them O’ Lord, and let Perpetual This is what I know; APWU Health Plan a $20 co-pay. Thank God for LBJ and Light shine upon them. Amen.” “So sad. I could not believe what (he) (non-postal-retiree) Self+1 going up Medicare! I still have serious issues with said. As they start taking the P.O. private, $55.89 per month. Medicare premiums rural Cigna’s questionable methods to Election 2018! Blue is such a lovely they may need the RETIREE’S VOICE.” increase to $135.50 (X 2) per mo, up recruit preferred providers. Until rural color! A mixed bag, but progress! Pri- from $113.10. Don’t forget; the IRS will retired members attain Medicare at 65, mary was the retaking of the “People’s “What I do not understand is why the also take their slice of annuity and Social the APWU Plan remains a tough sell. House”, but the U.S. Senate remains top three national officers are turning Security COLA increases. Guess I’ll wait blood red. Divided government, grid- their backs on retirees. In addition, the for the OPM Notice of Annuity Changes, Two interesting issues emerged dur- lock, isn’t ideal but throws a block Eastern Region (Coordinator Gallagher) and S.S. calculations before I fret wheth- ing the Seminar. An inquiry as to how into the emerging dictatorship at 1600 spoke against retirees and reward(ed) by er we stay even or fall further behind. A many NEB officers belong to the APWU Pennsylvania Ave. Lessens the specter Mark by having him chair the convention” further case for legislating senior’s COLA Health Plan. The sparse response was of privatization. However, beware the . . .”The APWU does not put a premium based on a CPI-E reflecting more ac- “some” did not. National Executive Board GOP lame duck session! Michigan is on its retirees”. curately senior’s “market baskets”. officers plus Plan Dir. comprise the headed in the right direction re-electing APWU Health Plan Board of Directors. our champion, U.S. Senator Debbie And that’s some of the milder stuff. Missed Opportunity: During a The issue being; concern is that NEB Stabenow keeping Michigan ‘Blue’. The There have been various ‘suggestions’ telecom to promote membership par- officers making Plan direction decisions MI congressional delegation remains a that retirees withhold their labor when ticipation in the planned, to be NALC with no stake in the outcome. Years ago, slim GOP majority, including my 1st Dis- called upon to support an APWU initia- led Columbus Day rally to bring public a convention decreed that all national trict. Bah! MDP and my 1st District Dem tive, or to boycott COPA. As yet there’s attention to the threat of USPS priva- officers must belong. A subsequent con- leadership leaves a lot to be desired, been no serious attempt to implement tization, Pres. Dimondstein passed continued on page 8 in my jaundiced view! The three state either. up a unique opportunity to heal raw ballot Proposals 1, 2,& 3 helped to get emotions left by the particularly harsh out a record mid-term vote, helping to Make no mistake, the division is deep delegate rejection of retiree initiatives, elect Democratic Governor, Gretchen and bitter. To the credit of beleaguered even to the questioning the validity of Whitmer, a Dem Attorney General retiree leadership in the field; Local and retiree APWU membership per APWU and Secretary of State. More gridlock, State Chapters are undeterred as if to Constitution, Art. 3. The Philly PA Local however, with both legislative houses demonstrate to active APWU opposi- Retiree Chapter president weighed in blood red. Key offices ‘Blue’ again! Will tion to Retiree Involvement, that retiree expressing exactly what I was thinking. be an uphill grind; but hope springs members are still actively engaged vs. The Sister›s inquiry/statement that; on eternal the hateful “Right-To-Shirk” can privatization while preparing Resolutions the heels of the Convention slap down, be reversed, repeal the pension tax addressing existing discrepancies of now we›re being asked to step up? . . that targeted Baby Boomers and every retiree inclusion in our Union. Our own . got curtly short-stopped by Mark who retiree thereafter, shut down Enbridge State Chapter president, Paul Browning, refused to address the Sister’s query. A Line 5 Canadian oil pipeline across the took it upon himself to copy 50 flyers unique opportunity to pour oil on troubled Straits of Mackinac that snakes across from a 2017 Tax Day rally, handing them waters ignored. For me, at least; it Michigan down across Lake St. Claire out at a busy grocery store on Columbus demonstrated a thinly veiled disdain for to Sarnia, Ont., just for starters . . . and Day (P.O.’s were closed). Page 13 of the retiree involvement. Why do I feel we›re Yes; Fix the damned roads! A step for- Nov.-Dec. APWU magazine featured a just being used when convenient to the Vice President Joe Biden Page 6 Michigan Messenger November-December, 2018

RETIREE PRESIDENT    Yes, Retirees Are Entitled by Paul of whether you think this is good or the taxes out of the average person’s (The same demonization also hap- Browning bad, someone has to make up for less paycheck plus our payroll tax money pened to the word “liberal” which the money not going into federal coffers. (payroll tax being Social Security dictionary defines as broad-minded, Naturally you hear Mitch McConnell and Medicare deductions from your favoring reform or progress. What’s and Republicans-the self-proclaimed paycheck, the money you are sup- wrong with that?) political party of small government- posed to get back when you retire in With elections over, a divided gov- talking about spending less money on entitlement programs) there would be Meanwhile, I don’t think nothing much ernment and a ballooning Federal “entitlement” programs. (Can some- plenty to go around. And that payroll is going to happen legislatively with our budget deficit, no doubt talk in Wash- one from Kentucky please explain to tax? That’s the deal we have with the divided government. There’s this thing ington will again turn to so-called en- me why one of the poorest states in Federal Government. That money is called a lame duck Congress. Up until titlements. And when most politicians the country keeps voting in politicians taken from of us now with the promise January 3rd when newly elected U.S use that word they are talking about who seem to not give a damn about that we will get it back later. It’s not as House of Representatives Congress- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, helping its residents? Seriously, coal if we retirees are getting something for men and Congresswomen take office, and even Federal pensions. mining is not going to make a come- nothing. If I put money in the bank with Republicans still hold a majority control back.) a written agreement from the bank of Congress. In the past we’ve seen all Of course that deficit was certainly that I will get a certain amount of inter- kinds of shenanigan legislation voted increased by the Trump/Republicans Americans are fond of referring est paid to me by the bank, can the on by defeated office holders who no tax cut for the wealthy legislation. to the United States as the richest bank renege on that agreement and longer care about getting re-elected While those of us not in the top 1% country in the world and rightfully so. say I’m not owed that amount of inter- and just go with their personal agenda. may have got a few dollars a week I’m sure we have more millionaires est? Of course not. We have a deal So cross your fingers and hold your more take home pay, the high in- plus billionaires than anybody else. and I am entitled to the money. So, breath APWU members. The Presi- come earners and corporations got a You would think with their fair tax can we please stop using entitlement dent’s Postal Privatization plan is still helluva bundle of money. Regardless money, stop laughing here if you can, as if it were some kind of dirty word? waiting in the wings. Mackinac Bridge Authority - In No Hurry To Consider Line 5 Tunnel Deal ST. IGNACE — Mackinac Bridge Patrick “Shorty” Gleason, who was Authority members asked no ques- elected authority chairman on Thursday, tions Thursday as Michigan officials told Bridge Magazine his colleagues unveiled a plan to allow the state and would act on their own timeline and “I Enbridge Energy to construct a tunnel don’t feel any pressure at all” from the to protect Line 5, the Canadian com- Snyder or an incoming Whitmer admin- pany’s 65-year-old pipeline beneath istration. the Straits of Mackinac. “I have a lot of confidence the two But former members of the inde- administrations are going to talk, and pendent, seven-member agency that they’re going to offer us some good oversees the Mackinac Bridge were solutions,” he said. among dozens to voice opposition to the linchpin of proposal: Having the If built, the tunnel — or “utility corridor” bridge authority agree to oversee and in bureaucrat speak — would shield Line own the tunnel that is expected to cost 5, electrical lines, broadband cables and $350 million to $500 million. other infrastructure. Enbridge would pay William Gnodtke, the longtime Mackinac Bridge Authority Chairman who all costs, and the project is expected to “Create an independent tunnel stepped down late this year, spoke to his colleagues in opposition of a plan take up to 10 years to complete. authority, if that’s your wish,” William to give the bridge authority ownership of a proposed tunnel to surround Gnodtke, the longtime authority chair- Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. (Bridge photo by Jim Malewitz) “In the event of a leak of a pipe, there man who stepped down late this year, is virtually no way for any product to told his former colleagues. Environmentalists and other con- The plan hinges on the bridge au- leak out of this tunnel. It’s completely cerned citizens fear a rupture, however thority owning the 4-mile, 12-foot in sealed,” Michael Mooney, director of the “I can’t speak, and I won’t speak as slight the possibility, would create a diameter tunnel, under the October Colorado School of Mines’ Center for to whether or not there should be a tun- catastrophe in the Great Lakes. agreement, and leasing space to En- Underground Construction and Tunnel- nel. I’m only saying it does not belong bridge for 99 years. ing and a state-hired consultant on Line under the auspices of the Mackinac “We do need to get this right. We 5, told authority members. Bridge Authority.” need to make sure we separate com- The proposal follows Tuesday’s modity and resource,” Keith Creagh, election of Democrat Gretchen Whit- The plan falls within standard tunnel- Gnodtke also circulated a statement director of the Michigan Department of mer to succeed Snyder and Dana ing practice, he said, listing three com- expressing opposition he signed with Natural Resources, told bridge author- Nessel, also a Democrat, to replace pleted or ongoing tunnels that are larger, seven other former authority members. ity members. Republican Attorney General Bill more complicated or in deeper waters: Schuette. The Eurasia Tunnel in Istanbul, Turkey; The meeting inside a packed con- Snyder, a Republican set to leave Lake Mead’s water intake for Las Vegas; ference center 2 miles north of the office in January, wants to swap out Both Whitmer and Nessel have and the Hudson Tunnel between New iconic bridge was the first public air- twin pipelines in the Straits for a new called for a Line 5 shutdown, and some York and New Jersey. ing of term-limited Gov. Rick Snyder’s pipe that would be protected in a bed- critics say Snyder is trying to tie their proposal for the bridge authority to rock tunnel 100 feet below the lake hands during his final days in office. The authority board includes two oversee a tunnel protecting Line 5. bottom. members Snyder appointed days The board did not vote Thursday, before announcing the October agree- The pipeline transports up to 540,000 Enbridge and the state announced and it’s unclear whether it would before ment of Enbridge: Mike Zimmer of barrels of light crude oil per day from a deal in October to pursue the tunnel, Snyder leaves office. The authority Dimondale and Kirk Steudle of South Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario but the plan is fraught with controversy scheduled its next meeting for Feb.12 Lyon. – and runs beneath the Straits. and legal uncertainty. in Lansing. continued on page 7 November-December, 2018 Michigan Messenger Page 7

NATIONAL BUSINESS AGENT   

by Grievant And Witness Statements Michael O’Hearn Blow sorting mail into PO boxes in supervisor? When did this happen? something in the box section, but they the box section from 7:00 AM to 8:00 What kind of work was performed? worked on the dock all day, this will AM. Not only does this violate our Where did it happen? How long did the be a problem. Can they explain how contract, but also, he was doing a poor supervisor work clerk work? Therefore, they saw this event? If the steward job of it, making a lot of mistakes.” always get statements that address the witnessed the event, they can write A good witness or grievant statement Then, the statement should be signed key questions. If your witness does not a statement. However, the most can make a grievance. Sometimes the and dated. The who is Mike O’Hearn convey a clear message about what creditable statement should come only evidence you can use to document and Supervisor John Blow. The what happened, talk to the witness and from the rank and file members. a violation of our contract is a good is sorting mail into PO boxes. The suggest how they might improve her/ witness statement. For instance, if the where is the box section. The when his statement. Don’t write a statement and then supervisor or manager is performing is September 29th from 7:00 AM to send it around for others to sign. our work, the best evidence is a good 8:00 AM. The why is violating our Another problem with witness These types of statement are not witness statement. Unfortunately, contract. The how is poorly. Not every statements, is creditability. You have creditable. Have each member write not all witness statement are good statement will need to answer all to ask yourself, “Was the witness in their own statement. Each person statements. A good witness statement these questions. In this example, the a position to actually see the event will see the event a little differently. will answer the questions “who, what, why and how will probably not need described.” Check the clock rings This is usually not a problem as it where, when, why, and how.” These to be answered to have an effective of your witnesses. If they were not lends creditability to the statements. are the questions they teach journalist grievance. However, answering all even working that day, then you A witness statement can make or to answer when writing a good news these questions will not hurt your cannot rely on that statement. Also, break your case. Therefore, look article. An example of a statement grievance. I have seen statements if their statement says somebody told each statement over and objectively that answers these questions might like “I saw the supervisor doing clerk me the supervisor was doing clerk evaluate it. Improve a bad statement be “On September 29th of this year, I, work.” This statement is worthless. It work. This type of statement is no if possible. This will result in better Mike O’Hearn, saw Supervisor John does not prove anything. Who is the good. If the statement says they saw grievances. Yes, Voter Suppression Is Real. But Young Voters May Bridge The Gap continued from page 4 Russian oligarch with close ties to Russian President crats, and only 37 percent for Republicans. Voting J. Alex Halderman, a University of Michigan Vladimir Putin. habits and political commitments are established computer scientist, told the electronic industry when people are young. Given the enthusiasm magazine,EE Times, “Russia was in a position to All that is the bad news. The good news is that among youth for the common sense social demo- do more damage than they did. They could have on the Left, electoral politics is being enthusiasti- cratic proposals of Bernie Sanders and rising stars changed voter registration data, but they didn’t.” cally embraced, particularly by young people. Ac- like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, we have reason to cording to Pew Research surveys, 2018 will see a hope that 21st-century America, marked thus far On a related note, in July, the FBI reported that record turnout of 18- to 34-year-olds for a midterm by lawless wars and hideous inequality, may break the private company that hosts Maryland’s voter reg- election. What’s more, 57 percent of millennials its fever and begin a turn toward something like istration system is controlled by Vladimir Potanin, a who are registered to vote plan to vote for Demo- common decency. Mackinac Bridge Authority - In No Hurry To Consider Line 5 Tunnel Deal continued from page 6 Enbridge — a “private, foreign corpora- shut off date for the dual pipelines if the “There are going to be consequences Steudle, who recently retired as direc- tion, access to our powers and authority tunnel project isn’t going as planned, for this action. We are going to get our tor of the Michigan Department of Trans- through a ‘shotgun wedding’” that is not Brader said. seat at the table,” he said. portation, wrote in an opinion column in the board’s interest. for Bridge Magazine on Thursday that “The MBA would not be required to Jim Larsen, CEO of Upper Peninsula the deal “makes sense” for the bridge Valerie Brader — who in Febru- accept the tunnel if the technical specs Power Co. in Marquette, said Enbridge is authority. ary resigned as Michigan Agency for were not met,” she said. “You would be one of his company’s top customers and Energy director and is now a paid private sure that this is constructed right.” shutting down Line 5 would force other “The MBA should seize the opportu- consultant to the state on Line 5 — said customers to make up for lost revenue. nity to assist in safeguarding the bridge, the Mackinac Bridge Authority has un- In a statement Thursday, Enbridge the Straits of Mackinac and the state,” matched expertise in the Straits and a spokesman Ryan Duffy said “working But Gnodtke, the former bridge au- he wrote, offering a similar argument to bipartisan record of success. with the authority is a constructive and thority chairman, said that governing what state officials offered at Thursday’s logical way to pursue a replacement body has no business overseeing the meeting. She said Snyder’s agreement segment of Line 5 in a tunnel under the pipeline. would protect the authority from legal Straits of Mackinac.” In a dueling Bridge Magazine column, and financial liability should some- In emotional testimony, he recounted Barbara J. Brown, Steudle’s board col- thing in the tunnel go awry. Dozens of residents voiced objections to a phone call from former Gov. John En- league and granddaughter of its first the deal during a public comment period. gler, who appointed him to the authority chairman, accused Snyder of handing The deal sets Dec. 31, 2028, as a in 1997 and instructed him to “look after Bryan Newland, council chairman the Bridge.” for the Bay Mills Indian Community, ac- cused Snyder of shutting Michigan tribes “That’s what I’m asking you to out of Line 5 negotiations and urged the do,” Gnodtke said. “Look after this bridge authority to rectify the oversight. bridge.” DEADLINE The deadline for articles for the January-February issue of the Michigan Messenger is January 5, 2019 Michigan APWU Officials at the RI-399 Training in Atlantic City, NJ Page 8 Michigan Messenger November-December, 2018

NATIONAL BUSINESS AGENT   

by Turney At The Table Linda Turney enforcement of accommodation for take time off or change jobs, if you’re interview the Grievant prior to the Pregnant Employees, but our contract still able to do your job. PDI. The steward testified that he also needs to reflect this now urgent was not the steward on the LCA and need for our little sisters, our female 6. Non-medical leave must be needed a moment to discuss the PSEs. Recently, I have represented equally available to both women and terms of the agreement and whether When you read, you empower NON-FMLA employees who could not men. or the Grievant had applied for FMLA. yourself. When you write, you em- come to work due to illness before, The supervisor also stated she only power others. during or after the birth of a child. 7. Employees can’t be harassed allowed for a few minutes for the based on pregnancy, childbirth or steward and the grievant to meet Pregnancy Discrimination Our stewards need to be aware that: related conditions. and discuss the matter prior to the I am happy to report that an Illinois PDI. The Grievant claimed during the Resolution which was forwarded to 1. They can let supervisors know the 8. Employees cannot be fired for PDI that the absences were covered the 2018 APWU National Conven- USPS cannot fire a woman because having an abortion or considering under FMLA. The USPS knew that tion in Pittsburg PA to end Pregnancy she’s pregnant. having an abortion. FMLA had applied for and received Discrimination passed. Under the some FMLA coverage. The supervisor Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, 2. The USPS cannot refuse to hire These 8 items are based on the stated the PS Form 3971s did not signed into law by President Carter, a woman because she’s pregnant -- or Pregnancy Discrimination Law of 1978. show a request for FMLA and the women must be allowed work if work because she may become pregnant in Do not allow for your pregnant PSEs required documentation had not been is available within their restrictions. the future. to be removed from the USPS without submitted. The Grievant said that an argument regarding this law. his doctor had submitted the FMLA Our PSEs are often told to go home 3. New mothers have the right to forms. The USPS did not conduct a because Article 13 does not cover pump breast milk at work in a safe Investigation proper investigation to determine if light duty. However, Pregnancy is place. A company cannot fire or One of the most basic requirements the absences were FMLA. covered by the law. We often forget discriminate against a woman because of due process is the right to an that Pregnancy is covered by law so she’s lactating. investigation. An investigation means Both the Union and the USPS stewards and managers both need to not believing the rumors that are going stated the steward and the Grievant be reminded of the language that cov- 4. In some cases, pregnancy-related on at the PO, but rather finding out the were allowed about 2-6 minutes ers Pregnancy. There is no up to date conditions may entitle women to facts first hand. In order to prove that for the steward to conduct a pre- language in our present contract that special accommodations. management did an investigation that disciplinary consultation. This short establishes a policy concerning preg- is proper, thorough, and objective, time was not adequate and thus it was nant women. EEOC has criteria for the 5. The USPS cannot force you to you as the steward must also do an a meaningless right. investigation. Our grievant’s have a right to know with reasonable detail Article 17 page 5 or page 155 in the the charges against them and an JCIM discusses the Weingarten rule opportunity to defend themselves. which requires that a pre-interview This language is so important that consultation take place. stewards must take a moment before a Pre-Disciplinary Interview The Weingarten rule includes the (PDI) to discuss in detail with the right to a pre-interview consultation Grievant the reason they are being with a steward. called in for the PDI. Stewards should not assume anything, ask Federal Courts have extended for the time to meet. this right to pre-meeting consulta- tions to cover Inspection In a recent decision by Arbitrator Harry McClean (J15C-1JD Service interrogations. (Postal 17422697) in which I was the Service v. NLRB, D.C. Cir. 1992). Arbitration Advocate, the arbitrator ruled in the Union’s favor on a last In order for a PDI to be effective chance agreement (LCA) where adequate time must be given to the management was in too much of Steward and the Grievant before the a hurry to allow the steward to PDI. Do that investigation. A View From The Mitt continued from page 5 from this break, and thus able to vention overturned the requirement absorb health care cost increases. when it was ruled APWU would have APWU Health Plan did not receive to pay the full amount of the premi- the tax break. It’s somewhat more ums. complicated, calculating weighted increases with BC/BS not going up Reportedly, a proposed Resolution much, caused APWU H.P. to hit the that only those NEB officers who be- maximum percentage of the weighted long to the APWU Plan are eligible to cost which is passed on to you and serve on the Plan’s Board of Directors me . . . or something like that. What with voice and vote. Sounds reason- I do understand is the effect on my able to me! bottom line and level of coverage.

Another was an explanation for Holiday Season: Peace, Joy, and the increase in premiums. The Blessings however you and yours ob- Trump corporate tax cuts gave Big serve and celebrate December secular Insurance Companies a huge tax and religious traditions, and A HAPPY break designed to adversely affect & HEALTHY 2019!

Return to APWU/MPWU Return to c/o John Greathouse, Editor Box 27303 P.O. Lansing, MI 48909-7303 Change of Service Requested the Affordable Care Act. Only big insurance like BC/BS benefited Solidarity Forever!