A Day in the Life

Volume 133/Number 6 June 2020 In this issue President’s Message 1 National Officers 25 Branch Items 48 Branch Election Notices 57

The monthly journal of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS HEROES DELIVERING

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A new postmaster general: What’s the agenda? n all of American history, to credit unless the Board of Governors implements policy there have only been 74 changes that would damage the Postal Service and its long- postmasters general, start- term viability. ing with Benjamin Frank- In fact, during the very week DeJoy was appointed postmas- lin in 1775. In early May, ter general, one member of the Board of Governors, David Iwe learned that North Carolina Williams, resigned in protest over the Treasury Department’s businessman Louis DeJoy would inappropriate meddling in the management of the Postal be the 75th. DeJoy was selected Service. Along with my counterparts at the other three postal by the Postal Service’s Board unions, I wrote to the Board of Governors to urge them to resist of Governors, as provided by such meddling, noting that: “It is the role of a democratically law. As has been the custom at elected Congress to set postal policy in this country, and it is NALC, we congratulated the new the role of the Board and the [Postal Regulatory Commission] PMG on his appointment and to implement that policy with the managerial and regulatory offered our commitment to work discretion provided by law. The Treasury Department has no in good faith to use our collec- authority to re-write the law or impose its policy preferences tive-bargaining relationship to on the Postal Service—or the country.” strengthen the Postal Service. The Treasury Department clearly wants to advance the di- This month, PMG DeJoy will take sastrous recommendations of the 2018 White House Task Fredric V. office, and the biggest immedi- Force on the Postal System—to cut service, eliminate collec- Rolando ate question we face is: What is tive bargaining and force the USPS out of the package-delivery his agenda? business by dramatically raising prices. The question is: Does Of course, the most pressing priority must be overcoming the new PMG support this agenda? The fact that he has donat- the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goals as a union won’t change ed hundreds of thousands of dollars to President Trump’s re- one bit: We will continue to focus on protecting the health and election campaign has raised fears with some that he might. safety of the country’s city carriers and preserving their jobs But none of us should automatically jump to such a conclu- by securing the survival of the Postal Service as a public enter- sion. Now is the time for calm and quiet determination to give prise. We expect, and will insist, that the new leadership work the new postmaster general a chance. As I said upon his ap- with us to secure these goals in the months ahead. pointment, NALC is committed to working with the new PMG DeJoy’s longer-term agenda will be revealed through his ac- to build a shared vision that focuses on: a strategy to grow the tions in the months and years ahead. Although I personally USPS as a public institution; that values its employees; and hope he will apply his experience in building and expanding that works with its unions to promote high-quality service, his logistics business to building and expanding the Postal safety, efficiency and a workplace culture of mutual respect. Service as a public service, his appointment coincides with If Postmaster General DeJoy sets politics aside and works more than a few red flags. with us toward this shared vision, he will have a true partner First, it comes at a time when the Trump administration has in the NALC. If not, we will vigorously defend ourselves and demonstrated open hostility toward the Postal Service. The the American people’s right to high quality and affordable president called the Postal Service “a joke” during an April universal service. Either way, we will serve our members and press conference while spreading misinformation about the the public interest with conviction. source of the financial crisis we face—falsely blaming low Not since the first PMG took the job in 1775 has a new lead- package prices instead of the historic pandemic-induced re- er faced a more challenging environment in leading the Ameri- cession that has slashed mail volume and postal revenues— can Post Office. Benjamin Franklin held the job as America’s before walking it back in a subsequent Twitter post. fight for independence in the Revolutionary War was just be- Earlier in March, Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin ginning; DeJoy is taking this position in the middle of a global blocked a House of Representatives proposal to provide $25 pandemic. PMG Franklin passed the test. We hope that PMG billion in financial relief to the USPS—a similar relief pack- DeJoy will do the same. age to the one offered to airlines and hotels in the Corona- virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act—before agreeing to an inadequate $10 billion conditional loan. This after the Treasury Department has threatened to withhold access

June 2020 The Postal Record 1 National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO Contents Since 1889, representing city letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service. Volume 133/Number 6 June 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 10 (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 NALC remembers Region 3: MICHAEL B. CAREF Region 11: MARK CAMILLI 3 Letter from the Editor We mourn those brothers and (Illinois) (Upstate New York, Ohio) 4 News 4979 Indiana Ave., Suite 203 5445 Beavercrest Drive, Suite 7 sisters we’ve lost due to the Lisle, IL 60532-3848 Lorain, OH 44053 22 Proud to Serve COVID-19 pandemic 630-743-5320 440-282-4340 25 Executive Vice President Region 4: DAN VERSLUIS Region 12: DAVID J. NAPADANO 26 Vice President 5 Updates from the union (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, (Pennsylvania, South and Central NALC announces the cancellation Oklahoma, Wyoming) New Jersey) 27 Secretary-Treasurer 12015 E. 46th Ave., Suite 550 Four Neshaminy Interplex, Suite 111 28 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the 72nd National Convention Denver, CO 80239 Trevose, PA 19053 in Honolulu and the postpone- 720-828-6840 215-824-4826 29 Director of City Delivery 30 Director of Safety and Health ment of judging for the union’s Region 5: MICHAEL BIRKETT Region 13: VADA E. PRESTON (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas) (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West 31 Director of Retired Members scholarships 1828 Craig Road Virginia, Washington, DC) 32 Director of Life Insurance St. Louis, MO 63146 P.O. Box 2660 6 News from Washington 33 Director, Health Benefit Plan 314-985-8040 Ashburn, VA 20146 Letter carriers answer the call to 703-840-2010 34 Contract Talk Region 6: TROY CLARK action as the House introduces a (Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) Region 14: RICHARD J. DICECCA 36 Staff Reports 43456 Mound Road, Suite 501 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachu- 38 Muscular Dystrophy Association fourth pandemic relief package; a Sterling Heights, MI 48314 setts, New Hampshire, Rhode new postmaster general is named 586-997-9917 Island, Vermont) 40 Honor Roll 1208A V.F.W. Parkway, Suite 201 42 In Memoriam Region 7: TROY D. FREDENBURG West Roxbury, MA 02132 10 The new normal (Minnesota, North Dakota, South 617-363-9299 43 State Summaries NALC members share how their Dakota, Wisconsin) 44 Veterans Group Broadway Place West Region 15: LARRY CIRELLI workdays have changed since the 1300 Godward St. NE, Suite 2600 (Northern New Jersey, New York, 46 Retiree Reports onset of the novel coronavirus Minneapolis, MN 55413 SW Connecticut, Puerto Rico, Virgin 47 Nalcrest Update 612-378-3035 Islands) 347 W. 41st St., Suite 102 48 Branch Items 20 The game master Region 8: STEVE LASSAN New York, NY 10036-6941 53 Cost-of-living adjustment A New York carrier tells us about (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 212-868-0284 Tennessee) 56 Auxiliary Update his love of board games and the 160 Commissioner Drive 57 Mutual Exchange ads/ Meridianville, AL 35759-2038 joy he gets from teaching others 256-828-8205 Election Notices how to play

2 The Postal Record June 2020 Letter from the Editor

Delivering he related but separate topics sisted in carrying out the communications efforts—for ex- of letter carriers acting in heroic ample, Dave Napadano and Larry Cirelli in Regions 12 and 15, Tfashion and of letter carriers de- respectively; Ted Lee in Pittsburgh and Paul Toms in Indianap- livering our message have frequently olis—by identifying carriers to talk in first-person terms about been discussed in this space. their work and why it matters so much to those they serve. They are separate no longer. With the U.S Postal Service facing Those carriers, in turn, have been solid, impressive and an existential threat that affects all humble, as they tell the public what the challenges for let- those who work there, as well as mil- ter carriers are, how they are meeting them, and why they lions of Americans who depend on are willing to accept them. And, what it would mean for the USPS, you are rising to the occasion. country if they were not there to do so. You are doing so by working your And so, as representatives of what many of you are do- routes and helping customers along ing, we have Thomas Jackson of Pittsburgh, whose appear- the way, as always—but also by ance on a new local media outlet called PublicSource cap- delivering our message like never tivated listeners from the get-go, as this soft-spoken Navy before, just when it is more impor- veteran explained that he has a duty on his route—serving Philip tant than ever. All this, even as you the community and our country. Dine bravely accept the risks on your Or Tamara Twinn, a carrier until recently in New Mexico, route so others can shelter at home now in Colorado, whose appearance on a Vice News televi- and as you, off the clock, face the sion segment offered a compelling tale of an indispensable same challenges as everyone else. delivery network. The threat USPS faces is a singular one—that the federal Robert McLennan, retired after 18 years as president of his government will fail to help an institution held in high re- Buffalo, NY, branch, warmed up with a letter in the Buffalo gard by an overwhelming majority of Americans of all politi- News, the state’s fifth-largest newspaper, before being pub- cal persuasions throughout the country. lished in the country’s largest paper, the Wall Street Journal. Our goal is simple: We seek the same treatment as other Krysten Wilson of Canton, GA, graced the pages of sectors of the economy hit by the pandemic, assistance that People, one of the largest U.S. magazines with close to 4 will allow USPS to survive by returning it to its pre-coronavirus million readers, which profiled her in a story on essential financial condition. This makes sense by any measure: logic, workers. A team of consultants could spend a week without fairness, public well-being or U.S. economic interest. devising a better quote than her last sentence: “The people Unfortunately, getting the government to do what it that I work with, we would love to be home with our fami- should is less simple. It requires, among other things, that lies, but we’re out here to be there for everyone’s families.” we inform the public of what is at stake, inspire our allies Trust me, the names could fill the entire column. And trust to be even more assertive, and persuade those who are re- me on this as well, such a broad-based effort is not typical luctant or even hostile to change their mind or, at the least, in the American labor movement. Some unions have skilled change their behavior. national leaders or dedicated regional or local officers; few Watching all of you in action gives me confidence that combine that with an engaged and talented membership. we will accomplish this large communications challenge. It is inspiring to watch you accept the challenge even as That confidence starts with observing the actions of our you face so many other challenges. We will see what the top officers, as President Rolando engages with national politicians do; we know what the letter carriers are doing. news outlets to reach as many Americans—and politicians—as possible, making clear the sacrifices letter carri- EDITORIAL STAFF: Subscription included in membership dues. Director of Communications and Media First-class subscription available ers are making for the greater good and the urgency of help- Relations Philip Dine for $20 per year (contact Membership Designer/Web Editor Mike Shea Department). ing USPS get through this crisis intact. One small example: Writer/Editor Rick Hodges His live interview on Yahoo Finance reverberated widely; no Writer/Editor Jenessa Wagner © 2020 by the National Association of Editorial Assistant Clare Foley Letter Carriers. surprise, given that it is the largest financial news platform, Circulation: 287,000. Union-printed using The Postal Record (ISSN 0032-5376) soy-based inks. with 10 million views a day. is published monthly by the National Equally involved every step of the way has been Execu- Association of Letter Carriers. Periodicals CHANGE of ADDRESS? Contact the Member- postage paid at Washington, DC, and at ship Department. tive Vice President Brian Renfroe, whether he is making additional mailing offices. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram himself available to the media or helping devise plans to POSTMASTER: Send address changes and YouTube by going to NALC.org. to Membership Department, NALC, get multiple letter carrier voices out there. 100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, Leaders at regional and branch levels have unfailingly as- DC 20001-2144.

June 2020 The Postal Record 3 n weather radar, the storm resembled a News massive circular hurricane looming over Omost of the country. The “bomb cyclone” superstorm dumped rain and snow on the Mid- west in March, causing record floods. In the center of the storm, nestled between two rivers, lies Fremont, NE. As this article went to press in April, another “bomb cyclone” storm was developing over the Midwest. The Postal Record will report on any news Letter carriers killed by COVID-19 about this storm in a future issue. This special memoriam honors letter families safe from the COVID-19 virus. work. This year’s observance is made carriers known by NALC at press time to Unfortunately, hundreds of us have more poignant by the increased risk of have died from COVID-19. contracted the viral disease, even if we COVID-19 exposure that all active letter can’t usually know whether we were carriers face on the job. s of the second week of May, infected on the job or not. Tragically, at “Whether or not they contracted the more than 80,000 Americans least 14 letter carriers have died due to virus while working, the loss of these have died as a result of the A this coronavirus. carriers shines a light on the heroic COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1.5 mil- “We mourn the loss of our brothers and dedicated service that letter carri- lion Americans have been infected by and sisters in this unprecedented health ers are providing to a nation that needs the virus. The numbers can be numb- crisis,” NALC President Fredric Rolando their help more than ever,” Rolando ing, and the tragedy can seem abstract. said. “NALC offers its prayers and sup- said. “Letter carriers are bringing But letter carriers know the reality of port to their families, because they are supplies, medication, election ballots, the pain and suffering caused by the part of our letter carrier family too.” checks and vital information to house- pandemic because we are not shelter- The loss of these carriers occurred holds isolated from the world, and ing in place. As essential workers, we in the weeks surrounding Workers along the way, are delivering a sense of continue to work and face the risks of Memorial Day on April 28, which we connection and hope.” interacting with the public and our observe each year to remember work- Let us remember and honor the fellow postal employees, while we do ers who have died while on the job or letter carrier victims of this terrible all we can to keep ourselves and our due to injury or disease caused by their pandemic. PR

4 The Postal Record June 2019 June 2020 Pandemic forces cancellation of Letter carriers killed by COVID-19 NALC’s 2020 national convention s it has for so many events, from Honolulu would be permitted under be charged. If a room deposit was sent the Tokyo Olympics to the open- the state’s strict quarantine law, which by check, instructions will be sent by Aing of the Major League Baseball currently requires all travelers to self- email from Experient regarding how to season, the COVID-19 pandemic has isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the receive the deposit money back. forced the cancellation of NALC’s 72nd islands. Branches should, however, cancel National Convention. At the direc- President Rolando thanked the any flight reservations and contact tion of the NALC Executive Council, leadership of Honolulu Branch 860 for airlines about their refund policies the union has notified the convention all of its hard work in preparing for the and/or rules for using credits for future center, convention hotels and various convention, and he expressed NALC’s flights. convention vendors of our decision to hope that it would be possible to con- Additionally, any branch or del- cancel the convention, which was to be vene in Hawaii in the future. egate that made hotel reservations or held Aug. 17-21 in Honolulu, HI. Branches need not cancel their hotel other housing arrangements outside The Council made the unprecedent- reservations made through NALC’s offi- of NALC’s official housing company ed decision after it became clear that cial housing provider Experient, Inc.— is responsible for canceling those the state government of Hawaii could they will be automatically canceled reservations. not give us any assurance that gath- with no further action required. Any The Executive Council will continue erings with the number of delegates credit card on file used as a guarantee to monitor the effects of the pandemic attending would be allowed in August. to hold hotel rooms through the official and available options for scheduling Nor could we be assured that travel to housing company has not and will not the convention in the future. PR Doherty & Donelon Scholarships selection postponed ecause of the ongoing COVID-19 Each year, six children of NALC pandemic, NALC’s Doherty & members receive NALC memorial BDonelon Scholarships pro- scholarships in recognition of their gram is currently on hold. Selections schoolwork and community involve- originally were scheduled to be made ment. One student from each of the at NALC Headquarters in Washington, five geographic regions is awarded DC, on May 8. $4,000 from the William C. Doherty The Scholarship Committee, com- Scholarship Fund, and a sixth stu- posed of Sandy Laemmel, Detroit, MI dent receives $1,000 from the John Branch 1; Kimetra Lewis, Dallas, TX T. Donelon Scholarship Fund. All six Branch 132; and Lawrence Kania, Buffa- scholarships are renewable for three lo-Western New York Branch 3, has not additional years. yet been able to review the applications. NALC created the Doherty scholar- In addition, the three academic judges ship in 1962 in honor of NALC’s presi- who assist in performing the assess- dent from 1941 to 1962. The Donelon ment of applicants and making the final scholarship, named for the longtime selections have been informed that the assistant to three NALC national presi- judging session has been postponed. dents, was announced in 2003. A new date will be announced once For more information about NALC known, and the winners of the schol- scholarships, visit nalc.org/member- arship will be announced in a future benefits/benefits-for-members/ Postal Record. scholarships. PR

June 2019 June 2020 The Postal Record 5 News

News from Washington House introduces fourth COVID-19 stimulus package; poll shows support for USPS; new postmaster general chosen s the country continues to riers and other postal employees. That It also seeks to improve the safety of adapt to the “new normal” pay—$13 per hour—would be capped at in-person voting by expanding early Acaused by the COVID-19 a maximum of $10,000. voting in the fall. Toward these ends, pandemic, Congress is adjusting to “These provisions are an improve- it provides $3.6 billion in state grants. legislating under conditions that are ment and a first step in keeping the Recent negative comments from the uncertain and changing from week to Postal Service stable,” NALC President Trump administration about vote-by- week. Since March, both the House Fredric Rolando said. NALC contin- mail have elevated the issue and could and Senate have operated for brief ues to call attention to the need for lead to contention in negotiations on periods in Washington, with extended relief for the duration of the crisis to the final package down the line. NALC work periods back home in their cover the difference between postage is not actively lobbying on this issue; districts or states to maintain social- revenues and total USPS expenses, as we are focused entirely on securing distancing requirements. Offices on well as a mechanism to reimburse the congressional funding for the Postal Capitol Hill and back home have been Postal Service for the cost of COVID-19- Service so the agency and letter carri- largely vacated, with staff working related leave. ers can continue to provide essential remotely. Unfortunately, Congress Among the general provisions also service to the American public. wasn’t built for remote operations, included in the legislation are mea- Letter carriers answer the call to and the result has been to create an sures to provide a second round of action: With all of the negotiations on uncertain legislative calendar with a $1,200 direct payments to individual Capitol Hill, the importance of engag- focus on what is needed to keep the Americans; require an enforceable ing and educating lawmakers never has country afloat during this time safety standard governing infectious been greater. Letter carriers around the of crisis. diseases, within seven days of pas- country have answered the call to ac- sage, from the Occupational Safety tion by keeping in regular contact with House introduces fourth relief and Health Administration (OSHA); their senators and representatives over package while Senate hits pause provide additional support to small the course of the last two-and-a-half With three COVID-19-related relief businesses and non-profits; preserve months. More than 110,000 actions (in- packages in the rearview mirror, on health coverage for those who are at cluding phone calls, emails and letters) May 15 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi risk of losing their employer-provided have been initiated by letter carriers (D-CA) and House Appropriations health insurance; and extend unem- urging lawmakers to support immedi- Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey ployment benefits. ate and ongoing financial relief for the (D-NY) introduced a fourth assistance These provisions are in addition to Postal Service until this crisis is over. package: the Health and Economic Re- $1 trillion in funding for state and local “The importance of these actions covery Omnibus Emergency Solutions, governments struggling from the rising cannot be overstated but our fight is or “HEROES” Act (H.R. 6800). essential workforce costs and shrink- far from over,” President Rolando said. With regard to the Postal Service, the ing tax revenues. These developments “Letter carriers should be proud of $3 trillion package provides $25 billion are threatening the jobs of many essen- their hard work as we continue to fight in direct appropriations to USPS to tial workers across the country, includ- for the future of one of our nation’s help it weather this storm, in addition ing medical personnel, first responders most treasured institutions.” to the removal of restrictions placed in and teachers. That funding is divided Lawmakers echo need for relief: the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- into three categories: for states, coun- Thankfully, letter carriers are not alone nomic Security (CARES) Act on the $10 ties and municipalities. in this fight. The American public is billion in USPS borrowing authority On the issue of voter protection and firmly on the side of the U.S. Postal from the U.S. Treasury. Also included accessibility during the pandemic, the Service, as multiple polls (see below) in the package is the creation of a stimulus package would require that and articles have shown in recent “Heroes Fund,” which would provide all registered voters be provided access weeks and months. That support is not hazard or premium pay for essential to absentee ballots to vote by mail in lost on Capitol Hill. Numerous letters front-line workers, including letter car- the November 2020 general election. have been sent from representatives

6 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 The USPS revealed two additions to the 2020 Stamp Program: Grand Island Ice Caves and Big Bend. These stamps are a convenient way for customers to News from Washington pay for Priority Mail and Priority House introduces fourth COVID-19 stimulus package; Mail Express Flat Rate shipping with poll shows support for USPS; new postmaster general chosen a single stamp. It also seeks to improve the safety of and senators to their congressional next relief package to sustain the On May 7, President Rolando con- in-person voting by expanding early leaders and the administration urging Postal Service through the coronavi- gratulated Louis DeJoy on his appoint- voting in the fall. Toward these ends, financial relief for USPS, including rus crisis—that includes 90 percent ment as the 75th it provides $3.6 billion in state grants. letters from a bipartisan group of 10 of Republicans, 96 percent of Demo- postmaster general. Recent negative comments from the senators led by Sens. Dianne Feinstein crats and 90 percent of rural voters. We say, again, that Trump administration about vote-by- (D-CA) and Susan Collins (R-ME); a The results reflect a broad consensus the National As- mail have elevated the issue and could group of 122 representatives led by that the mail and package service sociation of Letter lead to contention in negotiations on Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO); a provided by the Postal Service is Carriers is com- the final package down the line. NALC bipartisan group of 21 members of the important, a sentiment shared by 94 mitted to working is not actively lobbying on this issue; New York congressional delegation; percent of those polled—including 95 in good faith with we are focused entirely on securing a group of 26 Republican lawmakers percent of Midwesterners, 95 percent him to build a relationship based Postmaster General congressional funding for the Postal led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA); a of Democrats, 92 percent of Republi- Louis DeJoy Service so the agency and letter carri- group of 58 members led by Reps. Ann cans, 91 percent of Independents and on mutual trust ers can continue to provide essential Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) and Raul Grijalva 94 percent of rural voters. and a shared vision for the future of service to the American public. (D-AZ); a group of 30 senators led by To support NALC’s continued efforts, the Postal Service. This shared vision should embrace a strategy to grow as Letter carriers answer the call to Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM); and a group letter carriers should continue contact- a public institution that values its em- action: With all of the negotiations on of four bipartisan members, made up ing their senators and representatives ployees and that works with its unions Capitol Hill, the importance of engag- of Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Pete to urge support for funding in the final to promote high-quality service, safety, ing and educating lawmakers never has King (R-NY), Gerry Connolly (D-VA) draft of the new assistance package. efficiency and a workplace culture of been greater. Letter carriers around the and Mark Amodei (R-NV), who, in Let lawmakers know that the Postal mutual respect. We look forward to country have answered the call to ac- addition to pushing for financial relief Service enjoys overwhelming public seeing whether his agenda is indeed for USPS in their letter to congressio- support for emergency funding, as it tion by keeping in regular contact with consistent with this vision. nal leadership, also formed the Postal carries out its mission—which never their senators and representatives over The selection of the new PMG fol- Preservation Caucus, which is commit- has been more important than it is the course of the last two-and-a-half lowed the unexpected resignation of ted to saving the agency, and invited months. More than 110,000 actions (in- now. You can take action by visiting Board of Governors Vice Chairman Da- cluding phone calls, emails and letters) their fellow members to join the new the Legislative Action Center on the vid Williams on April 30. It is reported have been initiated by letter carriers caucus. NALC website. that Governor Williams resigned in urging lawmakers to support immedi- protest over the Treasury Department’s ate and ongoing financial relief for the Poll shows American public New postmaster general supports direct funding to USPS inappropriate meddling in the man- Postal Service until this crisis is over. The Postal Board of Governors agement of the Postal Service. We had “The importance of these actions On May 1, the GOP-affiliated North (BOG) announced the choice of a new recently written to the Board members cannot be overstated but our fight is Star Opinion Research and the Dem- postmaster general on May 6. Louis urging them to resist such meddling, far from over,” President Rolando said. ocratic-affiliated Hart Research -As DeJoy will succeed outgoing PMG and we ask the same of the new post- “Letter carriers should be proud of sociates, two leading public opinion Megan Brennan, and is expected to master general. their hard work as we continue to fight polling firms, released the findings begin serving in his new role on June Soon after the appointment of DeJoy, for the future of one of our nation’s of a national poll of registered voters 15. He is the first PMG in more than 20 Deputy Postmaster General Ron Stro- most treasured institutions.” (viewable on the NALC website) about years to not rise through the ranks of man announced that he would step Lawmakers echo need for relief: the importance of the continued the Postal Service. Mr DeJoy currently down in June, capping four decades Thankfully, letter carriers are not alone operation and funding of the Postal is president of LDJ Global Strategies, of public service. NALC congratulated in this fight. The American public is Service during this pandemic. The a real estate development, private Williams, Brennan and Stroman and firmly on the side of the U.S. Postal results of the NALC-commissioned equity and consulting company based wished them well in the future. Service, as multiple polls (see below) poll show overwhelming support for in Greensboro,NC. He also serves as and articles have shown in recent USPS across party affiliations and the lead fundraiser for the Republican Results of NALC presidential weeks and months. That support is not geographic regions, with 92 percent National Convention. Prior to that, he postcard survey lost on Capitol Hill. Numerous letters of respondents favoring congres- spent more than 30 years as a highly With the November election just have been sent from representatives sional appropriation of funds in the successful CEO in the logistics field. around the corner, NALC continues

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 7 News

reader poll 2020 Presidential Postal Record Who’s the best candidate for NALC members? ment, we index to include many more countries, Hear from the candidates who have responded to NALC’s can report including Canada, China and numer- questions about their postal positions starting on page 6, that ques- ous other “emerging market” econo- then indicate the presidential candidate you prefer and mail this card to NALC Headquarters. tionnaires mies. Most 401(k) plans in the private have been sector have adopted the broader index Please choose one: q Write-in: q Bernie Sanders q Joe Biden com- q Donald Trump and the FRTIB generally seeks to give q Roque De La Fuente ______q Bill Weld pleted and q Tulsi Gabbard federal employees and annuitants the published, same investment options that other a public Americans have. opinion poll of our membership has Nominating new FRTIB members to monitor federal races around the been conducted and, now, NALC presi- is the right of the president, though country as well as the upcoming presidential postcards have been returned. we hope that the new board members dential race. With so much at stake for The results of the NALC presidential would remain non-partisan and inde- letter carriers and our employer, NALC postcard poll from our members are as pendent, serving only the interests of the is paying close attention to which can- follows: TSP’s participants and beneficiaries. didates will put the interests of letter Candidate Cards Percent However, the intervention by Sec- carriers first. As we weigh an endorse- Biden 3,982 58.4 retary of Labor Eugene Scalia is not Trump 1,814 26.6 appropriate. In a letter sent on May 11 Pandemic alters Sanders 740 10.8 to the Federal Retirement Thrift Invest- schedule for Nolan Other 208 3.0 ment Board, Scalia stated that, “at None 69 1.0 the direction of President Trump, the interest arbitration 6,813 99.8 board is to immediately halt all steps associated with investing the I Fund The interest arbitration hearings to TSP nomination and FRTIB update according to the [new index], and to resolve the impasse in collective Podcast hosts NALC Executive Vice President bargaining between the Postal Ser- On May 4, the White House an- reverse its decision to invest plan as- Brian Renfroe (l) and Assistant to the Presi- vice and NALC over a new National nounced three nominations to the sets on the basis of that international dent for Contract Administration Mark Sims Agreement have been disrupted by Federal Retirement Thrift Investment equities index.” The Labor Department (r) discuss a union administration topic with Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine. the COVID-19 pandemic. In Febru- Board (FRTIB) to replace three of its five has no legal authority to direct the ary, Arbitrator Dennis Nolan agreed current members. The nominees are FRTIB’s actions; it serves only as the to serve as the neutral chairman of Christopher Bancroft Burnham, Frank TSP’s auditor under the law. a three-member arbitration board. Dunlevy and John Barger, who also is As this issue went to press, the FRTIB Arbitrator Nolan then provided a current member of the U.S. Postal announced that it would suspend its available hearing dates during the Service Board of Governors. The board plan to broaden the I Fund’s tracking months of May, June and July. Unfor- governs the federal government’s Thrift index to allow the new board members tunately, the onset of the pandemic Savings Plan (TSP), which controls to weigh in on this issue once they are has made it impossible to proceed about $700 billion in assets and is confirmed by the Senate. ETAC and the with the hearing schedule. As the drawn from the 5.5 million employees of Federal Postal Coalition have called public crisis extended into the the federal government. on Sen. Ron Johnson, chairman of the spring, Arbitrator Nolan provided The sudden nominations were Senate Homeland Security and Govern- available dates in the fall to replace prompted by a political dispute over mental Affairs Committee, to forgo the the May dates. In early May, NALC whether the TSP’s International expedited process allowed for FRTIB was forced to reschedule the June stock index fund should be allowed nominations. We urged him to schedule and July dates as well. Under the to invest in Chinese companies. The confirmation hearings so that the nomi- new schedule, hearings will begin current board decided earlier this year nees can be properly vetted, and so that in late September and continue to expand the number of countries the principle of the Board’s indepen- through November. PR included in the International (I) Fund’s dence can be re-established. PR

8 The Postal Record June 2020 n weather radar, the storm resembled a massive circular hurricane looming over Omost of the country. The “bomb cyclone” superstorm dumped rain and snow on the Mid- west in March, causing record floods. In the center of the storm, nestled between two rivers, lies Fremont, NE. As this article went to press in April, another “bomb cyclone” storm was developing over the Midwest. The Postal Record will report on any news Former NALC legislative director died about this storm in a future issue. ormer NALC Legislative and was instrumental in building Political Assistant to the Presi- NALC’s political advocacy F dent George Gould died on April capacity through what now is 6 of pancreatic cancer. He was 79. called the Letter Carrier Politi- Gould was revered in labor union cal Fund. circles for his 28-year career of suc- Gould was co-chairman of cessfully working to advance NALC’s the Coalition to Preserve the legislative and political agenda of im- Postal Service, a coalition proving pay, benefits, work conditions made up of postal unions, and union rights for letter carriers, postal-management groups, and strengthening the Postal Service. mailers and the Postal Service. Born in Schenectady, NY, Gould He also served as chairman moved with his family to Southern of the Committee on Legisla- California when he was 13. After tive and Political Affairs of the receiving a bachelor’s degree in Fund for Assuring an Indepen- political science from California State dent Retirement (FAIR), which University at Long Beach, he became advocated for the protection staff assistant to the speaker of the and enhancement of federal George Gould California Assembly, Jesse Unruh. He employee pensions and other benefits. FAIR later became then moved to Washington, DC, and the Federal-Postal Coalition. began a distinguished career as a Gould retired from NALC in 2007, congressional staffer. having served longer than anyone Gould served as staff director of the who had previously—or has subse- House Subcommittee on Postal Facili- quently—held the position. ties, Mail and Labor Management and “George was held in very high re- the Subcommittee on Postal Person- gard by thousands of NALC members nel and Modernization of the Commit- and officers who got to know him over tee on Post Office and Civil Service, the years,” NALC President Fredric and was chief of staff to Rep. Charlie Rolando said. “He not only built one Wilson (D-CA). He served as staff di- of the best political and legislative op- rector of the House Subcommittee on erations in the labor movement, but Postal Operations and Services from he was also a great mentor to many 1976 to 1979, when he left Capitol Hill activists and lobbyists who still work to take the reins of NALC’s legislative in progressive circles today. George and political program under the direc- did a fantastic job promoting the tion of then-NALC President Vincent interests of letter carriers on Capitol Sombrotto. Hill for decades. Our members remain As NALC’s chief lobbyist, Gould indebted to his great service.” oversaw significant advances for Gould is survived by his wife, letter carriers on postal operations, Diane, and a daughter, a brother and as well as labor rights, job safety, several grandchildren. A son, George health care and retirement issues. He Gould III, preceded him in death. A was instrumental in advancing the celebration of Gould’s life will be held political freedoms of federal workers at a later date; in lieu of flowers, con- through his advocacy efforts on the tributions can be made to the Blue Hatch Act reforms of 1993. He also Ridge Hospice in Winchester, VA. PR

June 2020 The Postal Record 9 HEROES DELIVERING A day in the life as told by letter carriers living it n the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Postal Service is We started by asking about “I have been methodical about leaving providing an essential service, how their preparations for go- the house by gathering all my things be- and letter carriers are recognized ing to the office have changed. fore I put on my shoes, so I don’t step I in the house again.”—Alfredo Dwan of as heroes for delivering during this Seattle, WA Branch 79 crisis. Millions of people are in isola- “I bring my own mask, gloves, sanitizer tion or quarantine in their homes and and wipes to clean the vehicle. And a “The new steps in my morning routine disconnected from jobs, friends and tall can of Lysol to spray down every- include: wiping down my pocket items family. They are depending on letter thing I touch for the day.”—Lisamarie such as my badge, my ink pen, my black carriers to be their link to the outside Garcia of Los Angeles Branch 24 permanent marker; washing with soap world by bringing needed supplies, “I bring everything related to my and water my locker key and rubber documents and medications. workday along pre-sanitized, where thumb. I spray disinfect (151 proof But letter carriers are under applicable, such as my water and lunch alcohol with just a little water) on my tremendous stress at work and at containers.”—Christopher Wetzel of hat and mask. I am a shop steward. I home from putting themselves out in Woodstock, VA Branch 3376 started keeping all the NALC-released public, delivering mail and packages COVID info in a three-ring binder. In “I used to eat a fast breakfast, but now to every house and business in the mid-March, there was something new I make sure to eat a hearty meal to hold country. For many NALC members, every day to find, print, read, under- me off as long as possible. I sanitize my much about the way that we work— stand and have on hand to answer personal vehicle before I head to work, from preparing to report to the office questions for my co-workers. It’s a lot pack my lunch in disposable bags and in the morning to returning from work of info to keep up with. I read the new put my phone in a Ziploc bag. When I at night—has changed dramatically. info as I eat breakfast. The binder is in get to work, the first thing I do is sani- While there have been a number a tote bag with other things I have to tize my whole truck top to bottom. Refill of new memoranda of understand- bring from home.”—Nona Roop Hall of the hand sanitizer.”—Aaron Thompson ing and stand-up talks that change Roanoke, VA Branch 524 of Tulsa, OK Branch 1358 the way letter carriers are required to “The before-work routine has become perform their work (all of which can “I bring my own mask and use hand wake up, take temperature, coffee, be found at nalc.org/covid-19), each sanitizer disinfectant to clean my make sure I have my mask and hand office is unique. So,The Postal Record truck, and make sure I have gloves sanitizer. Try to remember to wear a asked letter carriers what the “new with me to get gas. I carry only a small head band so I am not brushing the normal” is for a day in the life of a let- bag with those essentials and my hair out of my face and touching my ter carrier. Their answers help paint license and debit card.”—Kathleen face. Items that I make sure I have a portrait of how much has changed Paolillo Heltke of Connecticut Merged every day are my own hand sanitizer, and what makes letter carriers tick. Branch 20 gloves, mask and bleach spray. The

10 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 station has supplies, but I will not take the time clock.”—Kristina K. Pickering across the entire width of the lift gate). the risk of one of those items not being of Central California Coast Branch 52 Then I move to the inside driver’s side available for me.”—Becky Stockman of “We have plenty of PPE in our office... and wipe down the door, the blinker, Buffalo-Western New York Branch 3 each route got a jug full of sanitizer the heat/air controls, the cup holder, seat adjusters, the seat belt, buckle “My ability to get to work has been and a little container on our key chains and latch, steering wheel and gear drastically improved. Traffic is nonexis- to take to the street with us. Boxes of shift. Then I get inside and wonder what tent.”—Aaron Thompson of Tulsa, OK gloves and masks.”—Paul Romanies of I forgot and if my hands were clean Branch 1358 Bux-Mont, PA Branch 920 enough when I started cleaning so then “I try to play more positive, upbeat Vehicle checks take a lot more I use some hand sanitizer.”—Nona music on my way to work to help keep Roop Hall of Roanoke, VA Branch 524 my spirits up.”—Marc J. Mancini of effort, as sanitizing the work- “The very first thing I do in my vehicle Pittsburgh, PA Branch 84 space has become a priority. is spray the entire cab with the bleach Once at the office, for many, “My vehicle check process hasn’t water spray. I let that sit while I pre- changed too much. Since Day One, I have form the outside inspection and then even clocking in has changed. always been aware of how filthy our job start the 2-ton to finish the inspection. “The Brentwood Post Office is located is. So being a regular on my own route, My 2-ton smells like a swimming pool in the heart of the pandemic here on I have always had my own disinfectant at all times.”—Becky Stockman of Long Island. It became so serious wipes within my truck. The funny thing is, Buffalo-Western New York Branch 3 in this area that a few weeks ago a now I won’t get talked to for using my full “Our managers clean our cases and vehicle check time. I have made it known COVID-19 testing site was set up and vehicles twice a day. We do not have a I don’t wish the custodian staff to clean has been operating just a quarter-mile janitor and the postmaster wants to be my case or my vehicle, which is why I do from the office. The way we operate sure that everything is being sanitized. it myself. The less hands and people in has changed dramatically. The carriers Marks on the floor remind us to social my personal workspace, the better.” would all start, en masse, at 7:30 a.m. distance. We have an entire safety —Kristina K. Pickering of Central Now, there are four shifts, to prevent station set up with disinfectant, hand California Coast Branch 52 large groups gathering at once. The sanitizer, gloves, masks and all the first shift starts at 7 a.m., with the last “I use a Dodge Ram van for my route. stand-up info posted. All the employees starting at 9:15 a.m.”—James Padilla When I start my vehicle inspection, respect each other’s space, so stag- of Long Island Merged, NY Branch first I wipe down the door handles, a gered times are not necessary. We sup- 6000 6-inch square where I purposely use to port and encourage one another.” close the door and the lift gate handle. —Leslie Hardman Nielsen of “I wait in my car until it’s very close to Wipe down the Ram emblem (this is key Springville, UT Branch 2821 time to start. The entire office is now later). Open the lift gate and wipe down separated into four different waves to the inside handles used for closing. There are other changes in how clock in. I use the corner of the time Wipe down the inside of the back where letter carriers interact with card to punch the buttons on the clock. I lean in to grab parcels during the day. People I used to chat with every day, clerks, supervisors and others I grab the handle and pull down like I’m I now rarely see.”—Nona Roop Hall of at the office. spinning the wheel in the “showcase Roanoke, VA Branch 524 showdown” on “The Price is Right.” “Sometimes the mail is there at the “My time clock process has changed in Then I make sure to place my hand on case and sometimes it’s not. Changes the fact that I am usually a couple clicks the emblem to finish the closure of on a daily basis.”—Calvin Rich of over my start time to avoid crowding at the lift gate (instead of having to clean Pasadena, CA Branch 2200

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 11 One carrier now brings these supplies to work on a daily basis.

“The clerks in our office refuse to The environment has changed. It used forwarding and holds are wear masks as they sort the parcels, to be fun in the office, joking around more complicated. even though Michigan’s governor has with your co-workers. Now everyone ordered masks to be worn if social just wants to get out of the office.” “We put bars in the case for closed distancing cannot occur. Management —Becky Stockman of Buffalo-Western businesses. Most won’t put in changes keeps telling us we don’t have to fol- New York Branch 3 of address and instead pick up mail low Michigan’s guidelines because we “Swing assignments are written down on here and there. I started 10-day holds are federal workers. Our local health a whiteboard and unless carriers need and was going to send it all back MLNA. department also instituted guidelines overtime on their own assignment, there There’s no good regulation applying to be followed before employees are is no verbal interaction.”—Alfredo Dwan to these times.”—Rob Cover of South allowed into a workplace, which we of Seattle, WA Branch 79 Macomb, MI Branch 4374 have yet to do.”—Matthew Amlotte of “There are more holds with no extra Alpena, MI Branch 259 “We are still filling out 3996s, but management is approving by scanner case shelf space, making our work- “Management has informed us that message, not coming to carrier cases per space cluttered and crowded. [There custodians are now sanitizing our are] many closed businesses and usual.”—Dan Wheeler of Massachusetts MDDs [Mobile Delivery Devices] before holding [of] unclaimed mail from Northeast Merged Branch 25 we use them. Custodians will leave a full mailboxes for residents who are sheet of paper signed and dated to in- “Some clerks are very good at calling away.”—Mary Kinney of Columbia, MO form us our MDDs have been sanitized. us over to sign for accountables and Branch 763 There are times where I’ve gone to grab providing us social distance, but others “Our office has moved the hold from my MDD and had to ask the custodian just stand there near you handing you each carrier’s case to one location to please sanitize mine next since she certifieds and keys. Old habits are hard to minimize clerks walking to every hadn’t gotten to mine yet. Usually they to change, unfortunately.”—Calvin Rich case.”—Dan Wheeler of Massachusetts comply and we don’t have to wait too of Pasadena, CA Branch 2200 Northeast Merged Branch 25 long. Other times I don’t see them “Our clerk rolls around the cart, case to “More change-of-address orders are be- being sanitized, nor do I see the sheet case. They tell us verbally what we need ing filed by residents who moved away of paper stating MDDs were sanitized, to get from the cart, then they back months ago, so they can receive their which is hard to prove on a daily basis. away and we go out to the cart and grab government stimulus check. It results in I usually sanitize my MDD throughout and sign for all the stuff they just told more time spent by me filling out forms the day with my personal sanitizing us about.”—Willie Groshell of Portland, to cancel their MLNA and correcting to wipes.”—Calvin Rich of Pasadena, CA OR Branch 82 Branch 2200 their new addresses.”—Mary Kinney “They don’t care about 3996s any- of Columbia, MO Branch 763 “We must stagger times to retrieve more. Nobody knows how long a day scanners to keep social distancing.” will take when the mail shows up Break times in the office are —Dan Wheeler of Massachusetts whenever it shows up. We’ve lost, on different now, when they are Northeast Merged Branch 25 some days, a third of our workforce. I even held there. “The interaction with management haven’t worked under 11 hours a day has changed. We have to remind each in probably three weeks.”—Rob Cover “We have smaller groups taking breaks other to stand 6 feet apart. PS 3996 of Utica, MI Branch 4374 at 8:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. are more of a challenge to estimate We pretty much just stay to ourselves because of having to return to pick up With businesses closing and text each other. The funny thing packages and the time to run them off. and changes of residence, is, some carriers FaceTime each other

12 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 while they are still in the same building “CBU and blue box collection points “I spray the scanner down daily with my and chat. Pretty cool. But they are being have not changed too much, other than own supply of bleach and keep it in my responsible, that is for sure.”—Richard politely asking congregating custom- possession at all times.”—Christopher Ray of Staten Island, NY Branch 99 ers to maintain distance and to hand Wetzel of Woodstock, VA Branch 3376 sanitize after touching these multi- “We used to have a full break room “More dog encounters have become contact surfaces.”—Christopher Wetzel where stories and life would be shared normal. Some owners get it and others of Woodstock, VA Branch 3376 every morning. Now, no more than do not, and it has caused extra conflict three people have taken a break in the “I have many cluster boxes on my route; during these challenging times.”—Wil- break room together.”—Willie Groshell some are located outside and some lie Groshell of Portland, OR Branch 82 of Portland, OR Branch 82 are located inside closed mail rooms. I “I have made some new dog friends don’t know which are worse. I have to “The morning break is chaotic in my of- and have also made some more dog ask customers to stay back when I am fice. As the steward in my office, I went warning cards.”—Becky Stockman of delivering to the outside boxes, which around and asked each carrier if they Buffalo-Western New York Branch 3 wanted to keep the office break or take frustrates everyone. Then when I am two street breaks. About half the office delivering to my mail rooms, I have to Many carriers reported that decided to keep the office break. Then leave the doors closed to keep customers out, which then isolates me from they have had to adjust their with staggered start times, we came to them and the questions they have work for all of the government agreement with the postmaster to have about their mail.” offices and businesses that the carriers start their office break 30 —Susan Ugone of minutes after punching in. So, break Hartford, CT Branch 86 are closed, as well as for the times are at 8:15, 8:45 and 9. It is “Some [businesses] want you to use other businesses that have weird, but working so far.”—Samuel H. the mailbox. Some come to the post increased packages. Farley of Elyria, OH Branch 196 office to pick up mail. Some Lysol it on sight. One wants you to put it in a file “We take mail to home addresses “No office break. Switched to two street folder. It took some time to not take instead of businesses for those who breaks. Took a few weeks to get used it personally.”—Rob Cover of South don’t want to hold it for pickup.”—Laura to because it felt like the day dragged Macomb, MI Branch 4374 Bogart of Hays, KS Branch 2161 on.”—Jacqueline Mayes of Seattle, WA Branch 79 “My route has many closed businesses. “I have a mall on my route that is I’m holding the mail for some, deliver- closed, but I call the security guard Out on their routes, letter car- ing some with mail receptacles. I’m every day and he lets me in to deliver riers are adapting to the new sending some mail for business owners mail to the cluster boxes. I also have rules of work. who live in town to the carrier who a closed nail salon on my route, but delivers to their home and some to the owner lives on the street behind “We have to touch a lot of things dur- those who also have P.O. boxes.”—Dan it, so I deliver their business mail to ing a workday. It still has to be done Wheeler of Massachusetts Northeast their home. There’s also an eldercare to deliver the mail.”—Mary Kinney of Merged Branch 25 facility, but I now leave the mail on their vestibule instead of taking it to the Columbia, MO Branch 763 “I don’t let anyone touch [the MDD] to main desk.”—Tish Seymour-Wells of “I always used hand sanitizer in collec- sign for accountable mail. I ask if I can Cleveland, OH Branch 40 tions because I have a compromised sign it for them. Anything with a return immune system before COVID-19, but card gets a pink slip so they can pick it “I have a CVS pharmacy on my route, now I use it a lot more often.”—Kimberly up at the office.”—Tish Seymour-Wells and pickups have increased signifi- Arnhold of Pasadena, TX Branch 3867 of Cleveland, OH Branch 40 cantly, and I usually come by to do a

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 13 second collection before returning to station.”—Richard Ray of Staten with customers has been rough, but the office.”—Charles Milde of Shawnee Island, NY Branch 99 at the same time, if we explained to Mission, KS Branch 5521 “Most bathrooms are not accessible them how the 6-foot distance is critical, “My public school is closed. They pick due to closures. The couple I still can they understand. I always explain to mail up at our station. I have a church get to and use have become critical. I them that if I was to be the cause of any of them to get sick, it would break office open for regular business. I wear take my lunch at the exact same place my heart, especially with how much my mask into the office. I also have a each day so I can go use the bathroom interaction and touching of mailboxes Catholic school where the office is open and thoroughly wash my hands before we do.”—Kristina Pickering of Central to me. I never see anyone, but wear going back to eat.”—Willie Groshell of California Coast Branch 52 my mask in also.”—Debra Kluesner of Portland, OR Branch 82 Sioux Falls, SD Branch 491 “First the two leasing offices on my “For many customers, I am the only route closed, then two weeks later the outside person they get to have interac- One of the biggest changes park bathroom closed. I was thank- tions with each day and it is critical to for carriers on their routes is ful for the park having its bathroom their mental well-being. I take this very how they take their breaks and open until it finally closed. Once I saw seriously. I had one woman passed out comfort stops. the sign on the door stating that the from drinking too much on the side- bathrooms were closed, I got angry. walk, and I couldn’t just ignore her. So I “I take [breaks] alone and in my truck As I walked back to my truck, I had an woke her up, helped get her on her feet as much as possible.”—Debra Kluesner overwhelming load of feelings from... and safely back home before continu- of Sioux Falls, SD Branch 491 everything. I cried as I walked back to ing the route. It was scary because I my truck. Sat for a minute, then pro- couldn’t keep a safe distance and I “I can’t eat my morning snack until I pull ceeded to drive to a bathroom that is simply had to hope she wasn’t sick, over and sanitize my hands. I do the not near my route.”—Jacqueline Mayes too, but I couldn’t leave her. She, like same on my lunch break, which I pack of Seattle, WA Branch 79 so many others, was simply having a and eat in my truck after I also wipe down difficult time coping in that moment.” the steering wheel, ignition, parking Letter carriers take pride in the —Willie Groshell of Portland, OR brake and my phone.”—Tish Seymour- work they do and often interact Branch 82 Wells of Cleveland, OH Branch 40 with their customers, but that “I cannot shake hands or touch or hug “I have a hospital/medical center that interaction has had to change. my customer friends. Many cross the butts up to my route. That used to be street to avoid sharing the sidewalk with the place I replenished my water bottle, “In all honesty, quarantine has been me, or retreat inside their house when I heated up my lunch (if need be), and rough. When the first stay-at-home approach to avoid us sharing space. Par- used the bathroom. Now with COVID-19, order was issued, I sent out a handful ents restrain their small toddler children it’s not a practical option.”—Kristina of personal letters to my customers at from walking toward me for their ‘used risk who would possibly need me to go Pickering of Central California Coast to be’ usual hug from me. That makes us above and beyond my normal duties. Branch 52 sad. I cannot visit my elderly residents Our customers become a part of our “I mostly use a bathroom without or help them like I used to. I can sense hearts. The communities we serve are hot water, because all the others are the loneliness and desire for connection often more so our neighborhood than closed. It’s fun!”—J.T. Thorstad of from many people.”—Mary Kinney of where we live. To make sure they’re OK Tacoma, WA Branch 79 Columbia, MO Branch 763 is a part of what makes the USPS so “No one is letting carriers use their above and beyond different than any “For customer interactions where I bathrooms. We go back to the possible competitors. Social distancing knowingly deliver to those immune

14 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 compromised or elderly, I attempt to make sure you are OK. We feel the same check and statement forms. There is an sanitize my hands prior to delivery.” about them. I have a fear of passing the increase in the elderly now using online —Christopher Wetzel of Woodstock, VA virus to one of them, even though I do purchases to help them social distance Branch 3376 not have any symptoms. I worked in a and likewise many people who rely “One day I was delivering on my route nursing home and saw how easily the on us to deliver other essentials such and one of my customers left a mask regular flu could spread; I do not want as medicine, prosthetics and equip- for me at the mailbox. As instructed, to bring any harm to any of my custom- ment.”—Christopher Wetzel of I washed the mask before using, and ers.”—Becky Stockman of Buffalo- Woodstock, VA Branch 3376 since that day I have worn a mask. You Western New York Branch 3 “The customers on my route expect have no idea how appreciated you are “I have a lot of older customers who to see me out there every day deliver- until someone does that for you. And regularly get medications delivered. ing their packages, birthday cards, I feel appreciated with every breath. I A couple customers of mine have Mother’s Day cards, medicine and ads. have a lot of great customers, and many higher-risk children and definitely do We are the ‘normal’ that the American like to meet me by the door to get my a lot of online ordering so they don’t people look forward to.”—Samuel H. mail. But, as of a month ago, I have re- have to leave the house at all.”—Debra Farley of Elyria, OH Branch 196 solved to discontinue handoffs as much Kluesner of Sioux Falls, SD Branch 491 as possible. By my estimation, I have “I transport a lot of medications to the turned down at least 100 handoffs. Letter carriers also understand other offices to be delivered, so [customers] would be affected physically Most customers are very understanding why their work is essential and encouraging when I let them know and medically.”—Kimberly Arnhold of what I am doing, and I occasionally let and know what would happen Pasadena, TX Branch 3867 to the communities on their them know how many handoffs I have “I’ve been on this route for more than turned down, reminding them that that routes if they were not there. 20 years and plan to retire at the end of number is a reduction of direct expo- June. I have developed many friend- sures they themselves have avoided. “Small businesses would be completely closed. They rely on my work picking ships and been witness to many life …My customers have been wonderful. experiences, hardships and changes While I focus on my work, I do keep my up outgoing parcels every day to keep some money coming in through the with my customers. I am sometimes eyes open and see their sense of humor the only person they interact with each as I walk, like the little girl who wrote door, and I’m the only delivery service that they can count on to come by every day.”—Mary Kinney of Columbia, MO ‘Closed’ on a piece of paper and put it Branch 763 on her front door, or the customer who day. People would be scared. Just our put corona masks on her pink flamin- daily presence lets them know things “I don’t think people who haven’t done gos. The signs of thank you, especially are OK and not that bad. Take us off the this job really realize we are the heart- from the kids, are incredibly moving. street and panic will set in quickly. I do beat of the community. I have custom- And the countless thank-yous I get from all the stuff (grocery after work, other ers who I deliver pharmaceuticals to my people as I walk along. To them, pickups, shipping, etc.) for some of my regularly and I have a couple customers I say the same thing to everyone: ‘As immune-deficient customers so they who I do welfare checks on regularly.” long as I have two feet and healthy can safely stay at home until this all —Kristina Pickering of Central lungs, you will get your mail.’ ” ends. They rely on me for all external California Coast Branch 52 —Charles Milde of Shawnee Mission, needs.”—Willie Groshell of Portland, “I have the elderly customer who trusts KS Branch 5521 OR Branch 82 you to come into their home to carry “I feel this is hardest on our elderly “I have customers who rely on me to packages for them. The customer trying customers. They want to see you and deliver financial security items, both in to give you their raincoat because you

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 15 got caught mid-loop without yours. My I get sick.”—Tish Seymour-Wells of to dispatch mail every day. We still have having to wear a hat in the winter on Cleveland, OH Branch 40 to do it all ourselves and it’s all in a nar- one loop because it upsets Mr. Burns “I have an old-age complex on my row walkway where it is impossible to when I don’t have it on and he will get route. Many people get their medication safely keep space unless it’s done one up to give me the business if I don’t. delivered through the mail. I also have person at a time.”—Willie Groshell of The customer that has a hot cup of businesses that have started to do or Portland, OR Branch 82 coffee for you every day in the winter are doing more shipping with the USPS “We must leave items at the account- and an ice-cold water in the sum- since they are no longer open to the able cart and step away for the clerk to mer, because you have to stay warm public. I’m making these pickups every clear.”—Dan Wheeler of Massachusetts or hydrated. People care about us as day.”—Dan Wheeler of Massachusetts Northeast Merged Branch 25 much as we care about them.”—Becky Northeast Merged Branch 25 Stockman of Buffalo-Western New York But the day doesn’t end there. Branch 3 “We in New York, we had to deal with 9/11, we had to deal with Hurricane Letter carriers have to make “Our customers have been lonely. If we Sandy, but I never got so many thank- sure they’re safe to return to weren’t delivering, many wouldn’t be yous in my entire time with the Post their homes and their families. able to get things from loved ones far Office. Our customers need us now more away, or essential items you can’t find than ever. They’re getting everything they “Before I leave [work], I change into in our small town.”—Laura Bogart of regular clothing. I put my uniform in a need delivered to their doors.”—Richard Hays, KS Branch 2161 plastic bag before I walk in the door. Ray of Staten Island, NY Branch 99 “If I’m not here, my route will probably My outer clothing comes off. My wife be keyed out for pivots and overtime. When carriers return to the sprays me with Lysol, takes my plastic My customers would get their mail station, many try to maintain bag and my clothing that goes right into late or not at all. I also have a CVS on social distancing. the washer, and I take a shower before my route and I used to pick up scripts I do anything.”—Richard Ray of Staten maybe once a week; now it’s at least “Upon my return to the office, my Island, NY Branch 99 five a day. If the packages happen to be routine is pretty much the same, but “Change out of uniform right away. I my customers, they get them delivered I will keep my distance before sort- have two small children and one of the same day. That will not happen if ing through my nixies and forwards. them is high risk (heart/lung). If it is My CVS parcels, which are considered my days with them, I will shower before Some of the artwork and notes secure, are tubbed, and I often slide I pick them up from their dad’s, who that customers are the tub over to the supervisor or clerk, works from home.”—Debra Kluesner of posting to thank instead of making a handoff. Clocking Sioux Falls, SD Branch 491 their letter carriers out is still unsafe, but we try to keep “When I get home, I go through a for delivering. 6 feet from one another. Still, there decontamination ritual of wiping down is an occasional person who likes to my car, keys and any items I bring into hang over the clock while carrying on a the house. Early on, I began to play a conversation. As you can imagine, this game I call ‘Typhoid Mary’—a dark dis- is usually one of the people who opt traction while trying to think of where not to wear a mask.”—Charles Milde of I need to kill the dangerous cooties in Shawnee Mission, KS Branch 5521 and around me as I come home.” “This is a very awkward situation where —Charles Milde of Shawnee Mission, safe spacing breaks down due to rush KS Branch 5521

June 2020 “Once I get home, I immediately throw carrier associated with our office who stuff with the kids. So, the day doesn’t my uniform on the laundry floor [to not not only has tested positive, but has end until very late and we are both ex- mix with other laundry] then shower. I in fact been hospitalized. But, at the hausted all the time.”—Willie Groshell have told my daughter to not hug me same time we are extremely grateful of Portland, OR Branch 82 until I shower a few times after she that we do have a job to go to. So, we “Having to go to work as well as do- rushes to the door to hug me. I rinse off soldier on. We social distance on, even ing schoolwork with my daughter is my iPhone and Apple watch. I even rinse with those we’ve known for 25 to 30 extremely stressful and exhausting, off my prescription glasses. I always hug years. Don’t shake hands. Don’t even especially if a child (any child) has extra and kiss my daughter on her forehead; I do the elbow touch anymore. I walk needs that need to be met at school. have limited that.” past the numerous discarded masks —Jacqueline Mayes of The only other person who helps with Seattle, WA Branch 79 and gloves, laying in the streets and my daughter is my mom. She watches parking lots on my route, throughout “After work is an entirely new routine. her all day for me, so I try to stick to the day, and just shake my head. Many I make sure I leave my shoes outside doing the homework at least. I am at people do wear protective goods, and spray myself with Lysol before I work constantly thinking about her but sadly, there are some who still walk in the house. I immediately go homework and wondering what e-mails congregate, not all wearing protective to the laundry room, change out of my the school will send next. She has a gear.”—James Padilla of Long Island work clothes and wash them. I then go health condition that I also worry about Merged, NY Branch 6000 shower before I give my kids a hug. I no during this time.”—Jacqueline Mayes of longer give them kisses, just in case.” “I’m both mentally and physically Seattle, WA Branch 79 —Amie Gallo of Salt Lake City, UT exhausted from this COVID virus. “I think everyone is stressed and Branch 111 During the day and evening, I keep in scared. Some show it; others do not. touch with my core group. We speak a Some snap over nothing. But for the The stress is taking a toll on lot more, as we are all stressed about most part, we are the same. We are COVID-19 and the future of the Post carriers and their relation- family.”—Richard Ray of Staten Island, Office. With my NALC friends from ships. NY Branch 99 other states, we reach out more often. “We are working long hours. We are We send cards, little gifts and rude “Before my quarterly daily routine stressed out and burning out. We come memes/GIFs to let each other know we began, I signed up on the [overtime de- home, eat dinner, try and spend some care and that we understand. NALC has sired list] for the first time ever because time with the family, then go to bed and given me friendships that I cherish with my unit needed it.”—Joe Gibson of get up and do it all over again. Letter people I never would have come in con- Central California Coast Branch 52 carriers take pride in the work we are tact with otherwise. We are all in this “City carriers are a tough breed, tougher doing, providing reliable, efficient mail struggle together and any can reach out than woodpecker lips. And, not account- deliveries to all of our customers.”— to me at any time to be talked off the ing for how we individually might deal Samuel Farley of Elyria, OH Branch 196 ledge if they need it. I know they would with the disease, I think we can navigate “I don’t think anybody wants to be do the same for me.”—Becky Stockman the issues, just as we do every day with there, at work, while this town is at the of Buffalo-Western New York Branch 3 heavy coverage, excessive tub mail, new epicenter of the pandemic. We were “My wife is out of work because of it all, ideas to ‘increase efficiency,’ oh, and told that four of our co-workers tested so she is home all day home schooling the weather. If we remember the stuff positive. One has returned, after be- our 7-year-old and looking after our we had to do to get where we are today, ing out for a month. No word on the 15-month-old. She is stressed and tired we will all know in our hearts: We got condition or work status of the other by the time I get home from working all this!”—Charles Milde of Shawnee three. And now, I just learned of a fifth day, so I end up doing all the evening Mission, KS Branch 5521

June 2020 The Postal Record 17 n weather radar, the storm resembled a massive circular hurricane looming over Omost of the country. The “bomb cyclone” superstorm dumped rain and snow on the Mid- west in March, causing record floods. In the center of the storm, nestled between two rivers, lies Fremont, NE. As this article went to press in April, another “bomb cyclone” storm was developing over the Midwest. The Postal Record will report on any news about this storm in a future issue.

Branches stay connected with social media t this time in NALC’s history, Having a goal for your social media planned for it to be much more interac- it has become increasingly cru- page helps keep it unified and on mes- tive with the members. A cial for branches to communicate sage. That is why, when Northeastern “Originally, what I thought is that with their members as quickly and ef- New York Branch 358 member Billy it would be a conversation [with the fectively as possible. Many branches have Ganey set up the branch’s Facebook membership] where we could go back found that social media is one of the best page in 2015, he made a resolution for and forth,” Bottom said. But members tools for connecting to a greater share of the page. “My goal was to promote were not commenting on the page as their membership. These branches are positive, factual stories,” he said. Ganey frequently as he had expected. Instead, using platforms like Twitter and Face- wanted to steer clear of the negative he realized that the Facebook page was book to update members with the latest tone that characterizes much of social excellent at keeping his branch con- news from NALC Headquarters, explain media, and focus on positive events for nected to other NALC branches. complex new safety guidelines, rally letter carriers while keeping the mem- “Carriers around the country have letter carriers behind pending legislation bers up to date with information. similar concerns, similar jobs,” Bottom (including the current need for federal Information distribution also is an said. “[The social media pages] boosted funding to offset the loss of Postal Service important goal for New Jersey Merged our sense of community and solidar- revenue stemming from the pandemic- Branch 38 member Joseph Otero, who ity—and this enhanced our ability to caused economic shutdown) and serves as the social media editor for his work in concert.” highlight the extraordinary work done by branch. “Knowledge is power,” Otero Once the site’s goal has been set, the our brothers and sisters in communities said. “The more information we get out subsequent Twitter or Facebook posts throughout the country. to [our members], the more educated have to follow that tone. For branches For branch officers or members who they are against any problem that comes that use their social media as a tool for are considering starting a social media up with management.” The Branch 38 legislative purposes, this can be a tricky page, NALC members who run their Facebook page also tries to focus on the tightrope to walk without becoming too branch’s social media pages have some positive. “We try to post more good news negative or controversial. pointers. Their methods and advice if possible,” Otero added. “That’s the toughest part—convincing demonstrate how to use these plat- However, goals can be changed if the membership, particularly younger forms as effective tools for communica- necessary. When Central California members, that this does affect their jobs,” tion, including how to set the tone and Branch 231 member Gary Bottom Canton, OH Branch 238 member Gary guide the message for your branch’s started working as an administrator Scherer, who is one of several Facebook online presence. for his branch’s Facebook page, he had administrators for the branch, explained.

18 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Left: Central California Branch 231’s Twitter account Above: The Facebook page for Northeastern New York Branch 358

Ganey agreed about the added chal- he said, such as “people in the comments from members. When new guidelines lenge surrounding legislative posts, saying, ‘Good job, good career.’ ” were posted online by NALC’s Twitter especially given the overall positive tone Lesch says that he too gets higher lev- account, “within a minute… we had of his branch’s page. But he has found els of membership interaction on more it up on the branch site,” Otero said. a way to promote the union’s legislative localized content. “Quite a few people “[Local members] asked me to post it goals without sparking controversy. “I are appreciative when I put up pictures the next day, and I told them, ‘It’s been lean toward positive political content to of people winning awards or things like up since yesterday!’ ” improve the Letter Carrier Political Fund that,” he said. “[Those posts] seem to Overall, the social media administra- contributions,” Ganey said. “I stay away resonate with a lot of people.” tors who were interviewed agreed that from the opinionated content.” Mike Hayden, president of Toledo, their Facebook and Twitter accounts However, for Ontario, CA Branch OH Branch 100, has been running his have been good for their branch. The 1439 member Mark Lesch, who runs branch’s Facebook page since 2012, pages have boosted membership en- the Twitter and Facebook pages for the and says he’s noticed an uptick in gagement with officers and each other, California State Association of Letter membership response during the while helping branch leadership com- Carriers, the legislative messaging COVID-19 crisis. “Updates about the municate news and promote legislative always has been the key goal. “It’s current situation, thank-yous [to letter efforts. For any members thinking about all about advancing the goals of the carriers] get shared quite a bit,” Hayden starting a page for their own branch, NALC,” he said. In March, a letter- said. The branch has even received Hayden had a few final words of advice: writing campaign that he posted on feedback from the general public. “Engage your members, be respectful the accounts received an unusually “We’ve had customers posting support- and try to be positive,” he said. high amount of online interaction. “[It] ive things on our page,” he said. Ganey encourages administrators to got a lot of shares, which means that On the other hand, the New Jersey take the long view on content. “When people were forwarding it on to family Merged Branch 38 Facebook page is I post from the page, it’s coming from members or co-workers,” Lesch said. closed to non-members, which Otero Branch 358,” he said. “So, I always One of the added benefits of social thinks has positively affected the site. have to think, what do I want Branch media is that it allows members to com- “This way, we can keep the comments 358 to represent?” municate directly with the branch about going,” he said. For example, when Otero and Bottom emphasized the their needs, questions and concerns. By members have specific questions about influence that administrators have looking at what type of content is gen- new memorandums of understand- over the tone of the site. “People like to erating the most feedback and interest ing (MOUs), they can ask questions hear good news, and they want to stay from members, branches can tailor their about the changes directly on the page informed,” Otero said. accounts to best suit their membership. without worrying that any part of the Lesch agreed, and noted that given Ganey has found that the posts with dialogue will be seen by non-members. this influence, it’s crucial to get other the most comments tend to be positive Besides security, Otero’s other aim members to contribute to the site. “It local stories: announcements about retir- for the page is to post new information shouldn’t be just one person; it can’t ing members or pictures from 50-year pin as quickly as possible—a practice that be just my voice,” he said. “Everyone ceremonies. “Those get local interaction,” has elicited a lot of positive feedback has to be involved.” PR

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 19 n weather radar, the storm resembled a massive circular hurricane looming over Omost of the country. The “bomb cyclone” superstorm dumped rain and snow on the Mid- west in March, causing record floods. In the center of the storm, nestled between two rivers, lies Fremont, NE. As this article went to press in April, another “bomb cyclone” storm was developing over the Midwest. The Postal Record will report on any news about this storm in a future issue. Game Master Dave

’ve taught games my whole ‘Hey! Play this game!’ ” VanderWerf life,” David VanderWerf says. said. “People will say they don’t know In grade school, when friends how [and we tell them], ‘That’s OK! We would get board games, they’d can teach you how to play.’ “approachI VanderWerf, now a member “They go crazy and love it,” he of Long Island Merged, NY Branch added. “The reaction was, ‘Whoa! This 6000, and ask, “Can you learn and was awesome!’ ” then teach us?” The introductory games he teaches A lover of military history and are Quoridor, Ticket to Ride, Carcas- strategy, the Army and Army National sonne and Catan. “We call them gate- Guard veteran attended his first gam- way games,” VanderWerf said. ing event, held at West Point, in his The carrier says he and Ginger have late teens. That interest has translated grasped onto “the community, the into becoming an expert on games strategy, the laughter…it’s great fun.” such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: Tabletop board games have experi- The Gathering, Pokémon and Warham- enced a surge in popularity in recent David VanderWerf mer 40,000. years, with some people calling it the VanderWerf, who also goes by the “golden age” of gaming. The explod- this?’ ” VanderWerf said. He would moniker “Game Master Dave,” has con- ing board game industry is expected to teach them Quoridor in one minute. tinued his hobby with his wife, Ginger, reach a value of $12 billion by 2023. “Once you teach someone one of by putting on events in New York and Now in his fifth year as a car- these cool board games, you just New Jersey for fellow game enthusiasts rier, VanderWerf serves as Customer watch them get into it and enjoy it,” and newbies alike. Connect coordinator, an on-the-job the carrier said. These experiences include library instructor and a shop steward. Prior to The VanderWerfs put on events events as well as larger gaming con- joining the Postal Service, VanderWerf each week in the store, including ventions, such as Long Island Retro ran a board game store on Long Island, tournaments for Magic: The Gathering, Gaming Expo and Long Island Table- which had been a lifelong dream of Dungeons & Dragons or War Machine top Gaming Expo, where the Vander- his. “I was an entrepreneur and small- that brought out about 50 regular Werfs teach three to 15 board games to business owner,” he says. He was customers. about 400 people over the course of a fascinated by the prospect of whether During that period, he’d attend five weekend for the events. The conven- someone would buy a game if he was to six large gaming expositions a year tions usually draw between 500 and able to teach them to play. as a patron, but he would go to others 2,000 people. “When I had the game store, some- as a vendor to sell games and other As participants walk by, “We’re like, one would walk in and ask, ‘What is products. While doing so, “I had built

20 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 VanderWerf teaches board games at gaming events.

some relationships with librarians,” he in Zoom rooms, and also streamed on co-workers to his personal online said. That led to the partnership with Twitch and YouTube. events. None has come yet, but he his local library, where he would hold A few other libraries have contacted holds out hope. a few events each month. VanderWerf as well, hoping that he “Most people are resistant. It’s hard While he doesn’t have the busi- and Ginger would help with a mini to get a non-gamer out of their comfort ness anymore, he still is friendly with Comic-Con-type event for 200 people zone,” he said. “Once you do, they those in the industry on Long Island by providing instruction for Dungeons love it.” and sends them business when he & Dragons. In addition, “some libraries He’s humbled when people tell him can. He and Ginger also usually host have asked us to do kids’ events, ages that they have made friends because a monthly game night at their home 6 to 16,” he said. of his store or events. The carrier likes with friends. Knowing thousands of games, you seeing connections happen, especially VanderWerf loves the fact that any- would think it would be tough to when people exchange information one can get into gaming. “I play games choose a favorite, but for VanderWerf and form a new event. “I enjoy watch- with retired people and kids,” he says. there is a clear-cut choice. ing those interactions. It spreads com- “Anybody at any age can play.” The “My favorite game of all time is Ad- munity,” VanderWerf said. “The game carrier added that after he taught his vanced Squad Leader, because the rule becomes the tool to spending time mother Dominion, she won every game book is something like 200 pages,” he with friends.” against him. says. “It takes two hours to do squad- His biggest success story was when He has been determined not to let level combat in World War II.” “a divorced father, looking for some- the COVID-19 pandemic stop his gam- There aren’t a lot of people who thing to do with his sons on a Friday ing. The conventions have been post- know how to play that particular night, took a chance and walked poned or canceled and all the stores game, VanderWerf says with a laugh, into my store,” he said. “Two years on Long Island have closed for now, so but he enjoys it when he does. David VanderWerf later, they had shared experiences, VanderWerf has moved the fun online. “It’s very tactical, because you’re had learned many new things, stored The carrier has been running events refighting historical battles,” he said. with a library on Zoom, a video-con- “Video games do it much better, but I away memories of good times and had ferencing platform. He and Ginger will like the strategy of the board.” made dozens of good friends. This is demonstrate a game to the attendees VanderWerf runs his own website, what gaming can do for a person. That and then they all play. The events draw gamemastergames.com, where he lists is what community can do for a group as many as 25 people. upcoming events and writes a blog. of individuals. We all have a desire When it helps, he embraces tech- He says he has a personal email chain to be near one another and have fun. nology. “My personal gaming uses of about 50 people to whom he sends Tabletop games are a great choice of multiple platforms: Steam, Board- regular game invitations. He plays entertainment and learning.” game Arena and Tabletop Simulator,” about four nights a week online. But the part that brings VanderWerf VanderWerf said, adding, “I made The past few years, he also has the most joy is teaching. “Teaching a Discord channel to chat. It’s like tracked what games he plays at games is my life’s passion,” he says. Skype, but with a couple of other bells boardgamegeek.com. Games he’s liked “There’s something inside of me that and whistles.” recently include 7 Wonders, which he’s loves to break down the rulebook.” One conference he participates in, now played often, and Wingspan. “It’s It’s great to help see people through Long Island Tabletop, moved en- a gorgeous game,” VanderWerf said. the process, he explained by recounting tirely online for this year and hosted a “You can learn a lot about birds.” what he tells them: “This is how you get virtual event in April. It had 20 events He has invited at least half a dozen toward your victory. Now let’s play.” PR

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 21 Proud to Serve Proud to Serve is a semi-regular compilation of heroic stories about letter carriers in their communities. If you know about a hero in your branch, contact us as soon as possible at 202-662-2489 or at [email protected]. We’ll follow up with you to obtain news clippings, photos or other information. Honoring heroic carriers eroism, like the mail, comes in who served in the Army, shrugs off the many packages—think of police praise and ceremonies. “I don’t really Hofficers or firefighters. But for feel like I had a choice in the matter,” some citizens in need of assistance, he said. “When there’s something their heroes come in the form of con- that needs to be done,” such as ex- cerned letter carriers. tinguishing a burning building, “you Letter carriers are members of just have to do it.” nearly every community in this nation and know when something is wrong. Carrier prevents vehicular Spotting fires and injuries, they often fire from spreading are the first to respond. The following stories document their heroism. For It was Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, “just them, delivering for America is all in a around Thanksgiving,” when Cran- day’s work. ford, NJ Branch 754 member Xavier Carpio-De Jesus says he noticed Carrier rescues family smoke pouring out of the front of one of six from house fire of the parked cars on his route. The car’s owner had placed the battery On March 12, 2019, “I was parked charger on the car and gone inside, for my 10-minute break, and I looked where he had fallen asleep. In the to my left,” Champaign, IL Branch 671 meantime, his car had caught on fire. member Matthew King recalled. “I “I ran to the house and banged [originally] thought that someone was on the door,” the five-year carrier grilling, but then I knew that there was recalled, but he was unable to arouse too much fire.” the homeowner. The car had started One of the houses in the neighbor- sparking, so Carpio-De Jesus ran hood had caught on fire—a stray over to the home of a neighbor who cigarette butt had set the porch ablaze. he knew was friendly with the car’s “I ran over and banged on the door [to owner. When the neighbor’s son alert anyone inside],” the three-year came to the door, the carrier asked carrier said. As it turned out, the whole him to call the homeowner, and then family—including three children—were rushed back to the car. still inside the home, unaware that the “I tried to find the cord to unplug house was on fire. the charger,” the carrier said, but After helping everyone get outside, the car began sparking furiously. “I King called 911 and went into the thought [the garage] was going to home to find buckets. He subsequently catch on fire,” Carpio-De Jesus said, started a chain of water buckets with so he went back to the owner’s front help from neighbors, and managed to door and began banging on it again. keep the fire contained until firefight- Finally, the owner came to the door. ers arrived. Thanks to King’s timely “He said, ‘Why are you banging on intervention and quick thinking, “we my door?’ and I said, ‘Your car’s about were able to save the house,” he said, to catch on fire!’ ” Once the man real- and nobody was injured. ized the gravity of the situation, he The story was covered at the time frantically pulled the plug and cut off Cranford, NJ Branch 754 member Xavier by the local NBC affiliate, WAND-TV, and King was recognized in an award the power. When he realized that the Carpio-De Jesus was recognized by the carrier had saved his car and possibly mayor of Garwood, NJ, for his role in ceremony at the fire station in Novem- stopping a vehicular fire. ber for his act of bravery. But King, (continued on page 24)

22 The Postal Record June 2020 JanuaryJune 20132020 Eye on the elderly uffalo-Western New York better to me,” the carrier said. the incident. Bosley, an Air her route one day in October BBranch 3 member Peter Mellerski rebuffed any praise Force veteran, explained his 2019, she heard a faint cry for Mellerski was delivering mail for his actions. “I was just do- reticence by stating that he help coming from a cus- on Feb. 28 when he noticed ing what I thought was right,” views helping the community tomer’s house. The door was one of his elderly customers in he explained. “I would do it as part of the job. “I think an unusual situation. “It’s not again.” it’s so important that we every day you see someone are in the neighborhood on the ground,” the six-year hile delivering his route every day,” he said. “I carrier said. The man was Won Feb. 12, Burlington, don’t think the general sitting coatless in the snow, VT Branch 521 member public understands how and his hands were bloody. Kenneth Bosley Jr. saw his much we check in [on our “He told me he was going to customer, an 89-year-old customers].” get the paper, and he had woman, outside her house slipped on the ice,” Mellerski while in lightweight clothing n Saturday, Nov. said. The carrier helped the and with only slippers on O23, 2019, Buffalo- man stand up and escorted her feet. “It was still winter, Western New York Branch him into his house. “I wanted and it was not warm out,” 3 member Tammy DeCorse to call 911, but he said no, he the 16-year carrier recalled, noticed that one of her didn’t need [an ambulance],” “and I saw her standing on elderly customers had not the carrier said, adding that he her little stoop.” The carrier, picked up his mail in two who was delivering mail days. “I also saw his medi- thought the man’s condition Susan Pineault seemed to improve once he across the street, walked cal ID on the driveway,” was inside the home. When across the road to check on she said. Concerned by the customer seemed stable, her. When he learned that these signs, the two- open, and when she entered Mellerski went on to finish his she had been locked out, year carrier alerted a local the home to investigate, she route. However, he wanted to Bosley gave her his thermal firefighter who lived down found the elderly homeowner be sure that the man was all vest, scarf and gloves so the street, who agreed with on the ground and unable to that she could get warm her assessment of the situ- stand. “There was a sliding while he went for help. ation; she then called 911. glass door, and [the woman] The carrier didn’t have When emergency respond- had crawled to it” and opened his phone, so he walked ers entered the house, they it to call for help, the 20-year his delivery loop to scout found that the man had fallen carrier explained. She added, for a friendly neighbor. in his bedroom and had been “I helped her up and got One of the neighbors was on the floor for two days. The her cane, and I asked if she home, and happy to help medical ID had slipped out of wanted me to call anyone.” once Bosley explained the man’s pocket before the The carrier then helped her the situation. He went fall. The resident was hospi- contact her daughter to let back to the woman, and talized for dehydration and her know about the situation. then, slowly and carefully, was released a few days later. The woman’s family was very escorted her down the icy DeCorse said it “felt great” to grateful to Pineault for her sidewalk to the neigh- be able to help the customer, actions—they wrote a letter bor’s home. The neighbor adding, “In this job, you get to the post office praising her called emergency services to know the patterns of [your] willingness to help, writing, and a locksmith, and the customers. It’s all about “[We] know this [to be] far Peter Mellerski woman eventually was paying attention and staying above her duty, and we so able to get back into her alert.” much appreciate her valiant right, so he went back to the house. The woman’s visit to effort and kindness.” Pineault house during his lunch break. the post office the next day hile Keene, NH Branch downplayed her actions, say- This time, when he saw the to thank Bosley was the first W590 member Susan ing, “I think letter carriers are customer, “he seemed much time anyone had heard about Pineault was delivering on doing this all the time.” PR

June 2020 JanuaryJune 20132020 TheThe PostalPostal RecordRecord 2323 Proud to Serve

his house, “the guy was very thank- helpfulness to Garwood residents,” he “It was so weird,” he said, and ful,” Carpio-De Jesus said with a received the Garwood Community Spirit added, “The houses are so close in the laugh. Award. Carpio-De Jesus, who served neighborhood. If his house had caught The carrier later was recognized by in the Army prior to his postal career, [on fire], it could have spread to the Garwood, NJ, Mayor Sara Todisco for described the feeling of helping his whole block. After the fact, you realize, his actions. For his “responsiveness and community as “amazing.” I might have saved someone’s life.”PR Neighborhood watch n Nov. 14, 2019, Helena, vehicle. “She was chasing for everything,” she said. and asked Jordan if she could OMT Branch 220 mem- my truck, screaming and “I’m just glad I was there to bring the dog inside. After ber Michayla O’Dell was crying,” the first-year city help.” the carrier did so, she came on her route when “I was carrier assistant (CCA) said. back outside and tried to lift driving along, and I heard O’Dell pulled her LLV over was driving down the Share up, but the woman was something,” she said. “But and approached the girl. “Istreet when I saw this too badly injured to stand. I couldn’t tell what it was, “She said she’d just gotten little dog,” Northeast Florida Instead, “I got her pulled up because our trucks are so off school, and had gone to Branch 53 member Brenda onto a chair,” the carrier said, a friend’s house, and then Jordan recalled about the loud.” She glanced in her and then Share asked Jordan started walking home,” events on July 29, 2019. “I to call her daughter. Jordan rearview mirror and saw a the CCA recounted. “And saw that [the dog] had this did so, and waited with Share young girl, about 9 years then she’d gotten lost.” long red leash trailing behind old, running behind the O’Dell asked him,” the two-year carrier until her daughter arrived. the girl if she said, “and I’m an enormous While chatting, the two knew her home animal lover, so I pulled women found out that they address, but the over.” She started looking both had lived in Toronto, child could only around the vicinity for the Canada, and Jordan was remember the dog’s owner, and noticed that able to distract Share from house number, an elderly woman, Annette her pain and worry. Share not the name of Share, was crouched on later was transported to the her street. O’Dell her hands and knees in her hospital, where she learned called 911 and garage a short distance away. that she had broken her hip. reported the situ- When Jordan got close, she After emergency surgery, she ation, and then saw that the woman’s hands made a full recovery at a re- waited with the were covered in streaks of habilitation center. In a letter girl until the po- blood. On her way over to she wrote to the post office, lice arrived. She the woman, the carrier also Share’s daughter described later found out grabbed the dog, which had Jordan as her mother’s guard- that the police been wandering into the ian angel, and stated that had returned the middle of the road. “I showed without the carrier’s help, her girl home safely. her the dog, and she said, mother would have lain there O’Dell said that ‘That’s my dog,’ ” Jordan said. it “felt good” to Share explained that she had in pain for a much greater be able to help fallen on the ground while period of time. “It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever Gerald Soileau (r) was responsible for her community, getting out of her car, and saving the lives of two people after a but declined to then had crawled into the had, to be able to be there plane crashed into the Lafayette, LA post take any special garage because she could for someone [I] didn’t even office parking lot. One of the people credit for her as- not pull herself up. Share know,” Jordan said. “I think saved by Soileau was the wife of a postal sistance. “I think was mostly worried about her it’s the best feeling in life, to worker, whose car (l) was hit by the Michayla O’Dell God has a plan dog, who was blind and deaf, be able to help someone.” PR plane. 24 The Postal Record June 2020 Executive Vice President

Activism during a pandemic he COVID-19 pandemic has asking Congress and the Trump administration to appropri- changed the lives of all Ameri- ate money in the next round of stimulus legislation to sus- Tcans and most people world- tain USPS through the pandemic. The influence letter carriers wide. For letter carriers, our daily have on our elected representatives is already being felt. As work has changed, and the need to of press time for this column, more than 120,000 messages accomplish our mission for our cus- have been sent from NALC members to your elected represen- tomers has also been transformed. tatives through the action center available at nalc.org. The ac- Our work is more important than it’s tion center link is right on the front page of the website. It is ever been. America’s letter carriers very easy to do and takes only a couple of minutes. have embraced that work and hero- To those who have taken action through the website, all ically served through the challenges letter carriers thank you. If you haven’t, please do so. As and risks that we face every minute always, in-depth information about the issues facing us are of every day. available on our website. Letter carriers also have a long, proud history of legislative activism. Brian No union has a more active mem- “The website [heroesdelivering.com] bership that constantly advocates was created as a resource for every- Renfroe for the Postal Service and our jobs. The need for that activism and advo- one to understand the heroic work of cacy has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic, just as the need to deliver for our customers has grown. letter carriers, the importance of the I know a lot of letter carriers. I was raised in a letter car- Postal Service to our country and the rier family and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with, meet and get to know thousands of other letter need for action to sustain that ser- carriers. One common characteristic of every letter carrier vice.” I know is that we care about our customers and we care about our jobs. I believe that this mindset is responsible for the commitment to action to protect our jobs and the While our outreach to Congress and the Trump adminis- service we provide to our customers. As a collective group, tration in Washington, DC, and our members’ work to con- 285,000 strong, our commitment is needed now more than tact them from all over the country, are ongoing and impor- ever. tant, this is not the complete strategy. We are in the middle of using targeted television and digital ads, targeted social The COVID-19 pandemic has started to have a negative media engagement and driving traffic to a newly created effect on the Postal Service’s revenue, and that effect is go- website, heroesdelivering.com. The name of this website ing to worsen in the weeks and months to come. Currently, was easy to choose—you are all heroes delivering. we are delivering significantly fewer letters and flats than The website was created as a resource for everyone to we were in comparable periods prior to the pandemic. Less understand the heroic work of letter carriers, the impor- mail equals less revenue. Fortunately, our package volume tance of the Postal Service to our country and the need has grown to peak season volumes and remained at that for action to sustain that service. It includes information level for a few weeks. This is likely caused by the number of on these topics and a way for anyone in the United States people remaining at home during the pandemic and using to contact their senators or House members to encourage e-commerce to get goods that they otherwise might have them to support helping the Postal Service. I encourage all purchased elsewhere. This has somewhat offset the loss members to ask their family and friends to visit this website of revenue from sharply declining mail volume for the time and take action. being, but we can’t expect package volume and revenue to continue at the levels we’ve seen in recent weeks. At some I want to thank all of the branches and state associa- point, package volume will return closer to normal levels, tions for their work to mobilize our members using online while the effects of the economic recession caused by the meetings, conference calls and other forms of communi- pandemic will likely prevent mail volume from returning. cation. You, our members, always step up under any cir- In short, USPS revenue is going to continue to sharply de- cumstances, including an unprecedented pandemic. That crease as a result of COVID-19. may come as a surprise to some, but not to me. It is what NALC, the Postal Service and all other stakeholders are letter carriers do.

June 2020 The Postal Record 25 Vice President

Backbone his COVID-19 pandemic causes procedure. You know what I am talking about here. me to reflect on all sorts of Additionally, shop stewards are routinely confided in by Tthings. When I think about our letter carriers with personal problems outside of their work union, I can compare us to a human experience. The job of a letter carrier is a career position. being. I guess the idea comes from That means that many of those who get through the CCA that old line: You are the U in Union. part of the job will be here for the next 30 years or more. NALC has a strong body of members A lot of personal stuff happens in that kind of time frame. that can accomplish anything. We Life is full of personal problems. The Postal Service has the are a strong body. Employee Assistant Program (EAP) available for you any- This strong body is supported time, but sometimes letter carriers trust their shop steward by our union’s structure, which in- to help them instead. cludes all of the letter carriers who work for the union. These folks in- If you are a steward who is on the overtime desired list clude all of the officers, staff mem- right now, you are probably working six days a week. You bers, those letter carriers who work carry your own route and a chunk of another each day. You in the national business agent offic- are doing your best to make sure everyone in your office Lew es around the country, branch presi- has access to personal protective equipment and you are Drass dents, etc. This group serves as the reporting it up the line when it is not provided. You are do- nervous system and the brain. ing your best to enforce the social-distancing memoran- Shop stewards are the backbone of our union. No hu- dum of understanding (M-01915). It is hard to convince man can function properly without a backbone. Nor can foolish managers to stop moving CCAs from station to sta- this union. They are also the eyes and ears for all those tion, but you are getting it done. mentioned above. They are warriors on the front line who Shop stewards do not do the job for the money. Most of are really doing triple duty during these times. them get paid either nothing or around $2 to $4 per day. Stewards are the ones who do their best to convince man- They also do not do it for gratitude. “Thank you” are two agement to abide by the contract. That might sound fairly words that shop stewards seldom hear. By the way, when simple, but it is not. Anyone who has been around for a is the last time that you walked up to your shop steward while knows better. and thanked them for their efforts? When it comes to a discipline situation, the process So why would anyone decide to take this underpaid and starts with your shop steward going into the office with thankless job? Some letter carriers take the job because you and your supervisor for a pre-discipline interview/in- they want to help the brothers and sisters at their station. vestigative interview/fact finding meeting (or whatever you Some take the job because nobody else is willing to do it. call it in your town). They do their best to help you through Either way, there is a certain satisfaction that comes from this kind of meeting. There is an art to this part of the job. successfully representing letter carriers in the grievance Part of the problem is that management usually has no procedure that you cannot touch or spend, but is nonethe- interest in the truth. They normally have already made up less a great reward. their mind to issue discipline before these meetings begin. Therefore, they spend their time trying to somehow trap Letter carriers expect a lot from our shop stewards. We the letter carrier involved into saying something that builds expect them to be there for us whenever we need them for management’s case instead of just objectively getting the something. It does not matter if it is after hours or on a non- letter carrier’s side of the story for consideration. scheduled day. We also expect perfection from them and Shop stewards do their best to defend letter carriers sometimes forget that they are merely mortals and there when they are issued improper discipline. This is the case are no magic wands. most of the time. I would say that 80 percent of the time, The toughest job a shop steward has to do is to tell discipline is issued because a supervisor does not like a someone that they do not have a valid grievance or they letter carrier, they are mad at one of us, or they were told are wrong about a perceived contract violation. Those to issue discipline to one of us for one reason or the other. words are hard to say, but even harder to accept. Shop stewards do much more than just file grievances for In closing, please remember to say “thank you” to your you. They are the bridge between you and management. In shop steward once in a while. many offices, so many more problems and disagreements/ misunderstandings are resolved outside of the grievance

26 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Secretary- Treasurer

DOL Form T-1: What is it, and who is required to file? n March of this year, the Depart- Return/Report under ERISA ment of Labor (DOL) released a • Labor organizations’ wholly owned subsidiary organi- Ifinal rule on the Form T-1, Trust zations whose financial transactions must already be Annual Report. The Form T-1 is a reported on the union’s Form LM-2 report new annual financial disclosure Now, let’s apply the list of exemptions to some examples. report that applies only to certain If a branch or state association that files an LM-2 has LM-2 filers. LM-2 filers are labor a wholly owned building corporation or similar building organizations with total annual re- entity, but the financial activity of the building corpora- ceipts of $250,000 or more. The tion is already being disclosed on its annual LM-2 filing new rule requires certain LM-2 fil- or on a separate annual filing to the DOL, then there is no ers to also file a Form T-1, but only requirement to also file the Form T-1. under particular circumstances, for If a branch or state association has a PAC, but the finan- each trust in which the labor orga- cial activity of the PAC is already being timely and com- nization is interested. pletely reported on a report required by federal or state A trust in which a labor organiza- law, then there is no requirement to also file the Form T-1. tion is interested is defined by Sec- If a branch or state association has a scholarship fund/ Nicole tion 3(I) of the Labor Management Re- bank account and the financial activities are already be- Rhine porting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), ing disclosed on its annual LM-2 filing or on a separate 29 U.S.C. 402(I) as a trust or other annual filing to the DOL, then there is no requirement to fund or organization that was: also file the Form T-1. 1. Created or established by a labor organization, or one or more of the trustees or one or more of the members of the governing body are selected or appointed by a “The Form T-1 is a new annual financial labor organization; and 2. Its primary purpose is to provide benefits for the disclosure report that only applies to members of such labor organization or their beneficiaries. certain LM-2 filers.” LM-2 filers will trigger the Form T-1 reporting requirements (subject to certain exemptions) when, during the Remember, to trigger the filing of the Form T-1, a reporting period, it is deemed to have financial or mana- branch or state association LM-2 filer would have to have gerial domination over the trust. For purposes of the Form a separate trust (as defined above) in which the branch T-1 reporting requirements, this means that the labor or- or state association appoints or selects a majority of the ganization: governing board of that entity, or contributes more than 1. Selects or appoints a majority of the members of the 50 percent of that entity’s receipts and the financial ac- trust’s governing board; or tivities of that entity aren’t currently being reported to the 2. Contributes more than 50 percent of the trust’s receipts. DOL on its annual LM-2 filing. These rules are effective beginning on June 4 and re- So, how might this new rule affect NALC branches and quire a Form T-1 for a trust’s “most recently concluded state associations that file LM-2 reports? fiscal year” beginning on or after June 4. Should circum- If a branch or state association that files an LM-2 has no stances require the filing of the Form T-1, the branch or other associated entity or trust, then the ruling will have state association must file within 90 days after its first no effect at all and there is no requirement to file the Form fiscal year that begins on or after June 4. A trust’s “most T-1. recently concluded fiscal year” is the fiscal year ending 90 For LM-2 filers that do have associated entities or days or more before the filing union’s fiscal year. trusts, let’s first look at some of the exemptions that are If any branch or state association LM-2 filer is uncertain most common to NALC branches and state associations if it has a reporting requirement for the Form T-1, please that don’t trigger a filing of the Form T-1: do not hesitate to contact my office for clarification. • any political action committee (PAC) that submits timely, complete and publicly available reports required by federal or state law • Credit unions subject to the Federal Credit Union Act • Employee benefit plans that file a Form 5500 Annual

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 27 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

Requirements for bylaw changes s chairperson of the Commit- then it is unclear whether the branch’s board of trustees is tee of Laws, I receive various composed of three members or five members. Aquestions each month regard- Article 4, Section 1 provides that: ing branch and state bylaws. So this The officers of the Branch shall be a President, Vice Presi- month, let’s look at the NALC Con- dent, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, stitution language used for making, Sergeant-at-Arms, a Health Benefits Representative, and a altering or rescinding branch bylaws. Board of Trustees composed of either three or five members. Article 15 of the NALC Constitution The Branch may provide for additional elective offices in its states: by-laws. Branches may provide in their by-laws for the inclu- sion of Stewards on the executive board. Bylaws of Branches and State Associations Article 4, Section 3 of the Constitution for the Govern- Each Branch or State Association ment of Subordinate and Federal Branches (CGSFB) states: may make, alter, or rescind such by- With the exception of the office of President, Branches laws, rules, and regulations from time may consolidate the offices of the Branch. However, if there to time as may be deemed most ex- are less than ten (10) active members, the office of President pedient, providing they do not in any may be combined with other offices. Paul way conflict with this Constitution. Barner By-laws of branches may be amended Many branches have consolidated elected offices. The at any regular meeting of the branch, Committee of Laws recommends that the trustee office not be provided the amendment has been consolidated with another office that handles branch funds. submitted in writing at the last previous regular branch meet- In the Constitution, the trustees’ duties state in part: ing, and suitable notification to members shall be made at least ten (10) days before the regular meeting at which the The Trustees shall examine and report to the Branch the condition of the books of the officers at least once every six vote is to be taken. By-laws and amendments thereto, fixing months, compare the vouchers and records and see that the amount of initiation fees, dues, and reinstatement fees, they correspond with the collections and disbursements. or the time and place of meetings, shall become effective at the time determined by the Branch or State Association. All It is advised that those responsible for handling the other by-laws must be submitted in duplicate to the Chair- funds not be officers who audit. However, it is permissible person of the Committee of Laws and shall not become ef- and is not in conflict with the Constitution should a branch fective until approved by the Committee of Laws as provided decide otherwise. in Article 11, Sec. 3, of this Constitution. In summary, branch bylaws listing officers may look like One of the many questions I receive involves the “suitable the following example: “Officers of Branch 000 shall be pres- notification” language. Previously, rulings have established ident, vice president, secretary (recording and financial), that “suitable notification” within the meaning of Article 15 treasurer, sergeant-at-arms/health benefit representative “During recent months, USPS has is any notice that, under the facts and circumstances, is rea- and a board of trustees composed of three members.” This sonably designed to inform all members of the substance example shows the consolidation of several positions and notified NALC about several new of the proposed amendment and the time and place of the is permissible. Remember, a branch can also add elected initiatives and proposed tests for vote. Such notice may be provided by mailing or by publica- officer positions to its bylaws. A common position in larger tion in a branch newsletter mailed to the members. While branches is the addition of an executive vice president. city carriers.” posting a notice on a station bulletin board is a good meth- Article 4, Section 1 of the CGSFB also states that a branch may od of informing members of bylaw amendment votes, it is in- provide for additional elective offices in its bylaws. If a branch sufficient by itself to provide adequate notice where there is wishes to have additional elective offices then, of course, no guarantee that every member of the branch, particularly those offices also should be listed in the branch bylaws. retirees, will see the bulletin board display. Article 4, Section 2 of the CGSFB provides that all offi- Another frequent question concerns officers of a branch. cers shall be elected for a term of one, two or three years at Every branch’s bylaws should contain a list of the branch’s the option of the branch. Often the committee encounters elected offices. There are several reasons for this require- branch bylaws that fail to specify what the term of office is ment. First, it is important that the members of the branch for its officers. The branch may choose that the term of of- know readily what the branch offices are. Secondly, the fice be either one, two or three years, but the bylaws must Constitution provides that a board of trustees of either specify what term of office the branch opted for. three or five members be elected. I hope the above provides some guidance when review- If the offices of the branch are not listed in the bylaws, ing and/or amending your bylaws.

28 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Director of City Delivery

Requirements for bylaw changes Bravery in the face of danger etter carriers face many danger- Many letter carriers may work up to 12 hours a day on the street ous situations every day while operating their vehicle. Increased time in the vehicle and on Lserving the American public. The the street increases the opportunity for letter carriers to be in- escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic volved in motor vehicle accidents, sometimes with devastating demonstrates how dangerous a let- results. Letter carriers have been struck by cars while walking ter carrier’s job can really be. Letter their routes, crossing the street or reloading a satchel with mail. carriers interact with the public on a Some letter carriers have suffered severe physical and emo- regular basis, increasing the potential tional injuries from being involved in a motor vehicle accident exposure to this deadly virus. I want while on their route. As the USPS delivery fleet ages, reports of to use this month’s article to discuss fires in postal vehicles also are becoming more common. De- some of the dangers that letter carri- spite the increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and fires, let- ers bravely confront, and to thank you ter carriers get behind the wheel, walk their routes, and perform for rising to the challenge. their duties with willing professionalism and dedication. Recently, letter carriers all over the One constant danger facing letter carriers is the possibility country have experienced major of dog attack. Oftentimes, unrestrained dogs will become changes in the way we deliver mail. aggressive and harm letter carriers. According to USPS Christopher Many letter carriers are working in statistics, 5,800 postal employees were attacked by dogs Jackson conditions unlike any experienced be- in 2019; many of those employees were letter carriers out fore. Carriers are now wearing medical on their routes. The third week of June is National Dog Bite gloves, masks or face coverings; clean- Awareness Week and USPS will be reminding customers to ing and sanitizing their postal vehicles and workspaces; and keep the family pet secured. Customers with dogs should socially distancing themselves from their co-workers. Carriers remind their children not to accept mail directly from their who normally have substantial interactions with customers letter carriers, as the dog may view the carrier handing mail now must remind themselves and their customers of the need to a family member as a threatening gesture. I encourage for social distancing. These extra measures, while necessary, letter carriers to always take every precaution to protect can make a letter carrier’s job significantly more difficult. themselves from dog attacks. Letter carriers should always Many letter carriers are now sacrificing personal relation- report aggressive animals on their route and complete warn- ships to try to stifle the spread of COVID-19. I have heard ing cards, which should be cased with residual mail, as well reports of letter carriers living separately from their spouses as ensuring that management enters alerts into the MDD to or children due to fears of exposing them to the virus. Letter warn replacement carriers of any potential hazards. carriers in some locations are dealing with the grief of hav- Due to COVID-19, there has been a decline in letter and flat ing lost family members, co-workers or friends to this virus. mail and a 30 to 50 percent increase in parcels, which has Yet these carriers willingly return to the workplace, continue resulted in less time spent in the office preparing the mail their duties and face the pandemic while delivering essen- and more time spent on the street. Understandably, these in- tial life-saving medications, personal protective equipment, creased street times can create additional wear and tear on the cleaning supplies and vitally important stimulus checks. body and may lead to a rise in on-the-job injuries. Letter carri- COVID-19 is just one of the many dangers letter carriers may ers often experience injuries to knees, ankles and hips from encounter. In recent months, there have been reports of letter the additional time spent on the street. Increased time on the carriers being shot and killed, physically assaulted or robbed street may also require letter carriers to be exposed to extreme at gunpoint while performing their duties. Sadly, these re- temperatures for longer periods of time, potentially creating ports, while still uncommon, are becoming more frequent. another source of on-the-job injuries. Extreme heat can lead to Some of these assaults have occurred while letter carriers are heat exhaustion or heat stroke, while extreme cold can cause delivering mail in the dark. Letter carriers should not have to hypothermia and debilitating frostbite. worry about these types of dangers while delivering mail, but On-the-job injuries, dog attacks, motor vehicle accidents unfortunately it is a reality some may face. These letter carri- and fires, physical assaults and, recently, the COVID-19 pan- ers woke up expecting a typical day, full of positive interaction demic are only some of the dangers letter carriers face. Let- with customers while earning a living wage to provide for their ter carriers proudly tackle the challenges of these increased families, only to be faced with a frightening situation beyond dangers to provide essential mail service to every address in their control. Even in these difficult times, letter carriers perse- the nation. I am proud of every one of you. Your commitment vere and continue to provide exceptional service. to service is one reason that the United States Postal Ser- Letter carriers deliver mail and parcels seven days a week, vice is America’s most trusted government agency. Thank which means a lot of time spent driving a delivery vehicle. you for your unrelenting dedication and perseverance.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 29 Director of Safety and Health

Summer is knocking on our door n February of this year, NALC asked following: USPS to provide us with its 2020 • See your union representative to make an inquiry as to IHeat Injury Prevention Program when this training will be conducted at work and, if neces- (HIPP). It took until April 9 for USPS to sary, request that a grievance be filed. issue a response indicating that the • Sign in to LiteBlue at your first opportunity and click on course was finalized and uploaded the HERO icon. From there, click on “My Learning” (top in its integrated HR system, HERO, left of screen). At this point, it shows what is in the active which makes the material available queue. Change the selection criteria to “Completed” and through LiteBlue. it will list all of the courses that you have completed. The material did not include a deadline for completion, so I made In the April letter from USPS, we were advised that: an inquiry. As of this writing, we ...The objective of this course is for participants to be able have not received a response. Until to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress, first aid we receive the information we have treatments of heat related illnesses, and preventive mea- requested, we will use last year’s no- sures for minimizing heat stress. tice to NALC, which indicates that: Employees working in hot environments will be required to Manuel L. ...Employees must complete this take this training. The training material associated with this Peralta Jr. training prior to April 1 each year. course will be provided to you when it becomes available... Employees who are absent when the training is provided are required to When you take the course, you have the option of down- be provided with the training prior to returning to street du- loading and printing out a “transcript of the narration.” I ties, during the period April 1 through October 31... would strongly encourage each and every employee to take the course, and save a copy of the transcript for your future The 2019 instructions included footnotes, which indicated use. that for FY 2019, the deadline was extended to April 30, 2019. The training should take between 15 and 30 minutes, and I took the 2020 course on April 11, and when I review the is broken down into the following three sections: HERO records, it accurately reflects that date. But when I reviewed the remainder of the courses identi- 1. Identifying risk factors fied as completed, I noted that there were a number of en- 2. Recognizing and treating heat-related illnesses tries claiming that I had completed 30 additional training 3. Taking preventive measures items, which is simply not true. Each section provides useful information. In Section 1, the narrator discusses heat stroke as follows: “While working in hot environ- Narrator: You should never send a person who is suspected to have heat stroke home or leave them unattended without ments, try to make the job easier the approval of a physician. or shorten its duration by taking In Section 3, the following instructional comment is impor- frequent breaks as needed.” tant and should be kept at the ready to combat any inappropriate management behavior as a result of your performance in the heat: Why do I bring this to your attention? I do so because the employer, in past years, has made entries into this training Narrator: While working in hot environments, try to make and tracking system that are plainly not true. The entries the job easier or shorten its duration by taking frequent are made to keep USPS headquarters off their backs in the breaks as needed. field. If you find that false entries are being made that relate Narrator: Slow down the work pace and use an air condi- to training that you should have received, please reach out tioned area for rest breaks when possible. to your shop steward or branch officers. Article 14 of the Na- The HERO system has a May 31 expected completion date. tional Agreement requires that the employer develop a safe working force. Making false entries about required training Yesterday and this morning, as I write this, I was informed of does not help develop a safe working force. the first two heat-related injuries for the year. Keep management honest and keep an eye on each other. With that in mind, if you have not received the training at work by the time you read this, I encourage you to do the

30 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Director of Retired Members

Retirement resources here are lots of places to get in- fact sheets and other useful publications. Additionally, the formation these days, especial- TSP ThriftLine (877-968-3778) has good customer service Tly about retirement. Whether it’s and will help you get the right forms and information you co-workers, stewards and branch of- need. The website for the TSP is tsp.gov. ficers, management, scores of online resources or directly from the Office The Social Security Administration (SSA) has valuable of Personnel Management (OPM), information and tools online. Additionally, SSA has brick- there are many ways to get the an- and-mortar offices across the country (approximately 1,230 swers to your retirement questions. field offices) that are a great resource, especially for those This article will talk about some of who are less inclined to jump on a computer. But if you can, the resources available, and how to be sure to head over to ssa.gov to create an account, if you get correct and reliable information. have not already done so. The No. 1 source for retirement The Postal Service also provides resources targeted to information is OPM, since it is the employees preparing for retirement. These can be found in government agency that adminis- LiteBlue via eRetire. It even has hours of video clips view- ters FERS, CSRS, FEHB and FEGLI, able online to cover the most common topics, along with Dan to rattle off a few acronyms. OPM associated workbooks. These can be found online at usp- Toth produces a wealth of information sretirement.connectlive.com. that is available online. This comes In addition to information and resources, the Postal in the form of Q-and-As, booklets, Service is obligated to provide retirement counseling. This pamphlets, slideshows and manuals. All the resources are valuable, but which resource you prefer depends on your obligation is echoed in the Employee and Labor Relations current knowledge, how much you are looking to learn or Manual, Section 589 (see Section 569 for CSRS employ- how technical you want to get. You could even go straight ees). This provides carriers with an important opportunity to the laws that implement the above programs, but I gen- to get help with the application and any final questions erally do not recommend that. The laws, although they lay they may have. out a foundation for these programs, do not always get into Of course, NALC also has produced many retirement re- the fine details and can be harder to read and understand. sources over the years, which we continue to improve and Generally, OPM’s Q-and-As will get you the information update. I would recommend these resources for the one- you need in an easy-to-understand format. Just make sure stop shopper. The NALC Questions and Answers on FERS is you are asking the right questions. But if you are looking for more, I recommend heading to the CSRS/FERS Hand- an 80-page booklet available online at nalc.org/workplace- book. This is a handbook available online that contains issues/retirement that compiles all the need-to-know in- almost 50 chapters of specific topics. For instance, if you formation specific to carriers. This booklet is broken down wanted to read about return-of-excess contributions (FERS into four parts that cover Social Security, FERS, the TSP and employees who were transferred from CSRS), you would general retirement information. There is a booklet for CSRS head to Chapter 33. This chapter explains who may receive as well. It is a useful collection of easy-to-understand infor- a return-of-excess contribution, the amount of return, em- mation that every carrier should review prior to retirement. ployee responsibility, agency responsibility and OPM’s Also, other useful publications such as the Survivor’s responsibility. These CSRS/FERS Handbook chapters are Guide to CSRS, FERS, and Social Security and When a Retired indispensable for the aspiring retirement guru and will ex- Letter Carrier Dies might be helpful for a loved one someday. pose you to topics you did not even know existed. You can Additionally, you can always talk to your local retirement find theHandbook online at opm.gov/retirement-services/ guru. Some branches and regions have experts that either publications-forms/csrsfers-handbook. provide retirement trainings or can provide direct assis- OPM also produces a FEHB Program Handbook, which is the tance in completing the retirement application. Be sure to go-to resource for all your Health Benefit Program questions, use and appreciate these valuable resources that can help including eligibility, enrollment and leave-without-pay sta- you through a major life transition. tus. It can be found online at opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/ The Retirement Department is always here for you as well. healthcare/reference-materials/fehb-handbook. We can be reached by calling 800-424-5186 (toll-free) Mon- Information about the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can be day, Wednesday or Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 obtained directly from the TSP. The TSP does a great job p.m. (Eastern time), or by calling NALC Headquarters at 202- helping participants get the information they need through 393-4695 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. a well-organized website and comparison tools, as well as (Eastern time) and asking for the Retirement Department.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 31 Director of Life Insurance

Premium payments made easy raditionally, the Mutual Ben- of the month on which the premium is to be deducted from efit Association (MBA) has of- the bank account. The date may be any day of the month Tfered only two ways to pay the between the first and the 28th. If the payor does not spec- premiums on life insurance policies, ify which day of the month the deduction should be taken, hospital confinement policies, dis- the MBA will deduct the premium on the original policy day ability income insurance policies, of each policy. and retirement savings plans. These Once the EFT method of premium payment has been es- ways were by 1) sending a check or tablished, the automatic deduction will take place on the money order directly to the MBA of- same day of each year or each month. Any request for a fice on a monthly or annual basis, or change in the EFT deduction must be made by a written re- 2) through biweekly payroll deduc- quest to the MBA executive office. tion from the Minneapolis Payroll Data center. The MBA has a variety of insurance policies that are Most letter carriers chose the con- offered to letter carriers. Some of these policies have dif- venience of biweekly payroll deduc- ferent payment requirements; for example, the number of James W. tion to pay the premiums on their premiums that are due to the MBA per year. For payors who policies. However, once the letter choose to pay annually, only one premium payment is due “Jim” Yates carrier retires or separates from the each year. This payment will be due on the policy anniver- Postal Service, the only option avail- sary date. able is to pay the premiums directly to the MBA office. Some policies pay premiums on a true “monthly” pre- Although this method of premium payment has been mium basis, paying premiums 12 times per year. For these successful for many years, letter carriers have recently re- policies, the premium is due on the same calendar day quested that the MBA offer premium payments through of each month. Other policies have the premiums due electronic funds transfer (EFT), also known as an automatic on an “eleventhly” basis, because these policies premi- withdrawal, directly from their bank account. ums are due only 11 times per year, on the same day of The MBA now allows our members to authorize with- each month. For these policies, no premium is due in the drawals (debits) from their savings account or checking ac- month of December. count of their financial institution. This may be done on a To determine the monthly premium payment amount, the monthly or annual basis. The use of EFT to pay premiums annual premium is divided by 12, to determine a “monthly” on MBA policies can help avoid the risk of forgotten or late premium amount, or by 11, to determine the “eleventhly” payments and potentially having a policy lapse or cancella- premium amount. If you are not sure whether the premi- tion for non-payment of premium. ums are due on a policy on a “monthly” or “eleventhly” ba- To sign up for EFT payments, the policy payor (person sis, please contact the MBA office at 202-638-4318, Mon- responsible for paying the premiums on an MBA policy) day through Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. will complete an Authorization Agreement for Electronic Please note: Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fund Transfers (ACH Credits And Debits) Form. This form is the MBA phone lines are open only on Tuesdays and Thurs- available at nalc.org/mba. Click on the MBA “Brochures, days from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications and Forms.” Scroll down to “Forms & Filing Information for U. S. Letter Carriers Mutual Benefit Asso- ciation Policies.” Click on the “EFT Funds Authorization” to obtain the form and an instruction sheet. You may also call United States Letter Carriers the MBA executive office to have an EFT form mailed to you. Mutual Benefit Association (MBA) The entire form must be completed, signed and returned to the MBA executive office, along with a voided check. The Life Insurance Association of Board of Trustees and for the National Association Lawrence D. Brown Jr., chairman The MBA will notify the payor when the first monthly or an- of Letter Carriers Mike Gill nual premium is scheduled to be withdrawn from his or her Suite 510, 100 Indiana Ave., NW Mack I. Julion bank account via EFT. The payor should continue to make Washington, DC 20001-2144 premium payments directly to the MBA executive office until he or she has received written confirmation from the 202-638-4318, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Eastern) MBA indicating that the EFT payments will begin. 800-424-5184, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Eastern), Tuesday and Thursday As an added convenience, the payor may choose the day

32 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Director, Health Benefits

This June, celebrating men’s health s promised in my last article, ations that are out of our control have been prevalent. this month we will be discuss- According to the National Center for Health Statistics Aing men’s health. (NCHS), nearly one in 10 men reported experiencing some Upon researching this topic, I form of depression or anxiety, but less than half sought discovered that in 1994, Congress treatment. At times, we may think of depression as a sign passed a bill declaring the week of weakness, and we avoid talking about it because we leading up to Father’s Day (in 2020, feel embarrassed or ashamed. Please do not let these June 15-21), as Men’s Health Week. feelings stand in the way of seeking help. The purpose of this week is to Depression may make you feel sad, lose interest in activ- heighten awareness about health ities that you once enjoyed, pull away from people or have issues affecting boys and men, and minimal energy. You may even have a hard time recogniz- to encourage all males to take some ing the symptoms, because it can also cause anger and ir- time to consider their health. ritability. Remember, mental and emotional well-being are According to a national survey con- essential to overall health. Positive mental health allows ducted by the Cleveland Clinic, ap- you to realize your full potential, cope with stresses of life Stephanie proximately two-thirds of men tend and work productively. to wait as long as possible before If you think you may suffer from depression or anxiety, Stewart seeing their doctor; 72 percent would we are here to help. rather do household chores, like If you are enrolled in the High Option Plan, Optum® is cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn; and 65 percent prefer to self-diagnose. These are a few highlights that I found a recognized leader specializing in providing behavioral interesting from the survey, which was released in 2019. health care and substance use services. With Optum, Building on that information, I have a few questions for members have access to more than 203,000 in-network all the men out there. Have you been to the doctor lately? clinicians and 3,000 in-network facilities. You can locate an If not, why? Are you uncomfortable talking about yourself? in-network provider 24 hours a day, seven days a week by Are you afraid of what you’ll hear? Are you in denial that either using our online provider locator or calling Optum’s your health can change over time? Please know, whatever toll-free number at 877-468-1016. the reason is, you are important, and your family needs you If you are enrolled in the CDHP or Value Option Plan, you around. So, it’s time to put those reasons aside. can call 855-511-1893 to locate an in-network clinician who Everyone should live a long, happy and healthy life. can best meet your needs. The Cigna HealthCare OAP Net- Scheduling regular check-ups and talking to your doctor is work includes more than 264,000 mental health clinicians an easy way to ensure you’re on the right path for success. and 5,600 mental health facilities to provide quality mental To help you get started, the Plan has many benefits that health and substance abuse services. are paid at 100 percent when you see a PPO provider. Don’t wait; June is Men’s Health Month. Schedule an ap- In 2020, we cover the following: pointment today. • Routine physical exam—one annually, age 22 or older There also are many other ways we can take better • Chest X-ray—one annually care of ourselves, including eating healthier, exercising • Basic and comprehensive metabolic panel blood test— more, wearing sunscreen, reducing stress or quitting a one annually nicotine habit (we can help with that, too). I understand • Biometric screening—one annually that it can be overwhelming, so take one small step at a • Colorectal cancer screening for adults age 50 to 75 time. Before you know it, all the little steps will add up • Complete blood count—one annually to a healthier you. • Electrocardiogram—one annually This is only a summary of some of the features of the • General health panel blood test—one annually NALC Health Benefit Plan. Detailed information on the ben- • High blood pressure screening—as recommended by efits for the NALC Health Benefit Plan can be found in the the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force official 2020 brochure (RI 71-009). All benefits are subject • Prostate specific antigen test—one annually for men to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in age 40 and older the official brochure. Mind and body Unfortunately, the last few months have been a stressful time around our nation for both men and women. Situ-

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 33 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 COVID-19 frequently asked questions s management required to notify employees if a co-work- provided through the Families First Coronavirus Response er tests positive? Act (FFCRA). Emergency paid sick leave provides up to 80 I The Postal Service should notify employees if a co- hours of paid leave for absences related to COVID-19. This worker tests positive; however, the Postal Service cannot leave was effective April 1, and was immediately available share the name and/or medical condition of any employee, to all employees for certain qualifying reasons. including one who tested positive for COVID-19. The How does COVID-19 leave affect my attendance record? requirement to notify employees of a positive test in a work location should have been communicated in a mandatory Leave taken under the FFCRA may not be used as the basis stand-up talk dated March 30. for disciplinary or corrective action. Other leave taken for COVID-19-related reasons between Feb. 29 and May 17 may What if my office does not have proper personal protective not be cited in discipline for failing to maintain an assigned equipment (PPE) or cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, face schedule under ELM 511.43 in accordance with the letter covering, gloves, etc.)? from USPS Vice President, Labor Relations Doug Tulino If your office lacks sufficient PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) regarding liberal changes of schedule and leave (M-01914). In or necessary cleaning supplies, notify your shop steward addition, COVID-19-related absences will not be considered or branch president, who can communicate supply issues when reviewing the attendance record of employees to the national business agent. You may also call the USPS requesting reassignment pursuant to the Memorandum of COVID-19 Supplies Command Center at 844-773-3594, Understanding (MOU) Re: Transfers contained in Article 12 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern of the National Agreement. The national parties agreed to time, to report any supply issues. this exception for any COVID-19-related absence beginning on Feb. 29, in the MOU Re: Exception to MOU Re: Transfers- “Employees advised to self-qua- COVID-19 Related Absences (M-01919). How do I request leave for COVID-19-related absences? rentine by a health care provider Employees must notify their supervisor if an absence is due to an underlying health con- related to COVID-19. Complete PS Form 3971, Request for or dition or because of their age Notification of Absence prior to taking the leave if possible, or upon returning to work if advance notice is not given. may utilize emergency paid sick Employees cannot use the Interactive Voice Response leave as provided through the (IVR) telephone number of the Enterprise Leave Request Families First Coronavirus Re- Application (eLRA) to request leave related to COVID-19. sponse Act (FFCRA).” Can I use leave to care for an adult disabled child? If your child is 18 years of age or older with a disability and cannot care for themselves due to that disability, you Are face masks mandatory? may take emergency paid sick leave and expanded family Although the Postal Service is not subject to local and and medical leave to care for them if their school or place of state orders or directives to wear face coverings or masks, care is closed or their child care provider is unavailable due the Postal Service issued a stand-up talk on April 21 that to COVID-19-related reasons, and you are unable to work as requires the use of face coverings when there is a local or a result. state face-covering order or directive in place, or when an Management denied my leave request related to COVID-19. employee who does not deal directly with the public cannot What should I do? achieve or maintain social distancing in the workplace. This stand-up talk can be found on NALC’s website under the If you have submitted a PS Form 3971 and relevant docu- COVID-19 section. mentation for leave related to COVID-19 and management denies your request, you should provide a copy of the de- I have been instructed to quarantine. What are my options? nied PS Form 3971 and relevant documentation to your Employees advised to self-quarantine by a health care shop steward or branch officer. Your local union officials will provider due to an underlying health condition or because investigate your issue and discuss with your national busi- of their age may utilize emergency paid sick leave as ness agent for possible resolution.

34 The Postal Record June 2020 You can order NALC products at nalc.org/store Staff Reports

Are you prepared for an emergency? urricane season is arriving, and • Manual can opener for food ver the past two months, so are the fires. Preparing for • Local maps the world as we know it has Hthem can reduce anxiety, fear • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery Ochanged. While most Ameri- and losses. Be ready to evacuate your cans have been sheltering in place, a You also may want to add these additional emergency grateful nation watches as letter car- home and know how to treat basic supplies to your kit, based on your individual needs: medical problems. Make sure you have riers keep us connected by deliver- the insurance you need, including spe- • Prescription medications ing mail, medicine and parcels. I am cific types such as flood insurance. • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, continually amazed at the dedication The following information can help anti-diarrhea medication, etc. and persistence of letter carriers in these extraordinary times. you build an emergency supply kit. • Glasses and contact lens solution The costs borne by essential work- Assistant to the President As you prepare, consider any special • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, rash cream for Community Services • Pet food and extra water for your pet ers like hospital workers, grocery needs, including mobility, disability clerks and letter carriers have been Christina Vela Davidson and medical issues. It also is impor- • Cash or travelers checks • Important documents such as copies of insurance poli- enormous. The coronavirus has not tant to have plans for communica- spared anyone, including letter car- tion, important records, each family member and pets. cies, identification and bank records • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person riers. As I write this, around 800 letter carriers have test- After a disaster, you may need to survive on your own • Complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes ed positive for the virus and many more may be infected for several days. Being prepared means having 72 hours’ • Household chlorine bleach, medicine dropper to disin- without knowing it. Fourteen letter carriers have died from worth of food, water and other crucial supplies. fect water the virus. Businesses have been lobbying Congress to grant them A basic emergency supply kit could include the follow- • Fire extinguisher sweeping immunity from civil liability for failure to ade- ing recommended items (not limited to): • Matches in a waterproof container quately protect workers and customers from infection. For- • Water—a gallon of water per person per day for three days • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items tunately, letter carriers suffering from COVID-19 contracted • Food—at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and utensils at work are protected by the Federal Employees’ Compen- • Battery-powered/hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic • Paper and pencils sation Act (FECA). and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with tone alert • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children Thus far, the Postal Service’s response to COVID-19 • Flashlight with extra batteries Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire kit claims has been to controvert and challenge most claims, • First-aid kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as a plastic bin or which has lengthened the time it takes to get a claim ac- • Whistle to signal for help a duffel bag. Maintain your kit and store it in a cool, dry place. cepted. The Postal Service can controvert a claim in Sec- • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air As disasters come and go, you may want to re-think and tion 36 of the supervisor’s portion of the CA-1. The form • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place update your kit per your family needs. Natural or manmade, requires that the reason for the controversion be stated in • Moist wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation disasters can cause emotional distress. Brothers and sisters, detail. The Postal Service often writes a controversion letter • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities stay connected to your family and friends during this period. to accompany the claim form. In many cases, the injured worker does not know that the claim has been controverted. However, the Postal Service is required both by federal law (20 CFR 10.211.c) and the ELM (547.75.e) to notify the worker of the controversion. Failure to provide notification of the controversion is a violation that should be investigated and grieved. The Postal Service can also challenge a claim, and generally does so via a letter to OWCP. In the USPS handbook EL-505, Section 8-5 mandates that the Postal Service notify the employee, in writing, that his or her claim is being controverted or challenged. Failure to do so is a violation that should also be investigated and grieved. Claims are often denied when a controversion or challenge is not rebutted. Therefore, it is important that injured workers closely monitor what the Postal Service does in every claim. The Postal Service is obligated to provide a copy of the completed CA-1 or CA-2 to the injured worker. Despite this requirement, injured workers should always request a copy after filing the claim. Responding to controversions and challenges is the re-

36 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Staff Reports COVID-19 and letter carriers: The end of the world as we know it • Manual can opener for food ver the past two months, sponsibility of the employee, as OWCP places the burden • Local maps the world as we know it has of proof on the injured worker in every claim. It often takes • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery Ochanged. While most Ameri- little more than a simple letter to refute controversions and cans have been sheltering in place, a challenges. You also may want to add these additional emergency grateful nation watches as letter car- From the cases we have seen, most letter carriers who supplies to your kit, based on your individual needs: riers keep us connected by deliver- have filed COVID-19 claims are being sent 30-day devel- • Prescription medications ing mail, medicine and parcels. I am opment letters. Development letters give injured workers • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, continually amazed at the dedication 30 days to provide updated medical documentation and anti-diarrhea medication, etc. and persistence of letter carriers in answer questions posed by claims examiners. these extraordinary times. • Glasses and contact lens solution The pandemic has changed our entire health care sys- • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, rash cream The costs borne by essential work- Assistant to the President ers like hospital workers, grocery tem. Doctors have canceled appointments, hospitals have • Pet food and extra water for your pet canceled elective surgeries and medical care for many in- • Cash or travelers checks for Workers’ Compensation clerks and letter carriers have been Kevin Card enormous. The coronavirus has not jured workers has been put on hold. The inability to attend • Important documents such as copies of insurance poli- medical appointments can be problematic for injured work- cies, identification and bank records spared anyone, including letter carriers. As I write this, around 800 letter carriers have test- ers who need to respond to 30-day development letters. • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person In a rare change of policy, OWCP now is accepting tele- • Complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes ed positive for the virus and many more may be infected without knowing it. Fourteen letter carriers have died from medicine reports for injured workers. Some (but not all) • Household chlorine bleach, medicine dropper to disin- doctors have transitioned seamlessly to telemedicine and fect water the virus. “The women’s movement and the Businesses have been lobbying Congress to grant them can provide medical reports when needed. If you need a • Fire extinguisher sweeping immunity from civil liability for failure to ade- medical report for OWCP, you should contact your doctor’s labor movement are facing some of the • Matches in a waterproof container quately protect workers and customers from infection. For- office and request a telemedicine appointment. If your biggest challenges in our history.” • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items tunately, letter carriers suffering from COVID-19 contracted doctor is unable to schedule a telemedicine appointment, • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and utensils at work are protected by the Federal Employees’ Compen- you should notify OWCP immediately. In COVID-19 cases, • Paper and pencils sation Act (FECA). OWCP has begun listing telephone numbers at the bottom • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children of the development letter so that injured workers can re- Thus far, the Postal Service’s response to COVID-19 Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire kit quest additional time by phone. OWCP has indicated that claims has been to controvert and challenge most claims, they may extend time limits when properly notified. in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as a plastic bin or which has lengthened the time it takes to get a claim ac- a duffel bag. Maintain your kit and store it in a cool, dry place. cepted. The Postal Service can controvert a claim in Sec- As disasters come and go, you may want to re-think and tion 36 of the supervisor’s portion of the CA-1. The form “It is important that injured work- update your kit per your family needs. Natural or manmade, requires that the reason for the controversion be stated in disasters can cause emotional distress. Brothers and sisters, detail. The Postal Service often writes a controversion letter ers closely monitor what the Postal stay connected to your family and friends during this period. to accompany the claim form. Service does in every claim.” In many cases, the injured worker does not know that the claim has been controverted. However, the Postal Service A key piece of every claim is the employee’s statement is required both by federal law (20 CFR 10.211.c) and the as to the nature of the injury. Despite a worker’s best at- ELM (547.75.e) to notify the worker of the controversion. tempts at social distancing, it may be impossible to avoid Failure to provide notification of the controversion is a vio- close personal contact at work. In COVID-19 cases, the em- lation that should be investigated and grieved. ployee narrative needs to detail every point of close per- The Postal Service can also challenge a claim, and gen- sonal contact with co-workers in the office and customers erally does so via a letter to OWCP. In the USPS handbook on the route during the course of the workday. EL-505, Section 8-5 mandates that the Postal Service notify The Postal Service saves a lot of data relative to a letter the employee, in writing, that his or her claim is being con- carrier’s daily duties. Copies of employees’ work schedule troverted or challenged. Failure to do so is a violation that and workhour/workload report for the two weeks prior to a should also be investigated and grieved. COVID-19 infection should be uploaded into the claim file Claims are often denied when a controversion or chal- via ECOMP. If you are unable to do so, contact your shop lenge is not rebutted. Therefore, it is important that injured steward, branch OWCP officer or national business agent’s workers closely monitor what the Postal Service does in office for assistance. every claim. The Postal Service is obligated to provide a As we all work our way through this pandemic, NALC is copy of the completed CA-1 or CA-2 to the injured worker. committed to helping every member with his or her OWCP Despite this requirement, injured workers should always claim. Do what you can to practice social-distancing habits request a copy after filing the claim. at work and at home. You save lives by doing so. We are all Responding to controversions and challenges is the re- in this together.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 37 MDA Report

Move your MDA fundraising online he neuromuscular disease com- an all-volunteer, door-to-door effort by letter carriers during munity—people with ALS, mus- Thanksgiving week of 1953. Tcular dystrophy, SMA syndrome, Since that time, NALC has remained faithful to its commit- Duchenne muscular dystrophy and re- ment to help save and improve the lives of people fighting mus- lated rare diseases—is among the high- cle disease, raising millions of dollars—an effort that continues est-risk populations for COVID-19. They to advance the MDA’s mission. NALC and its members are here are also among the most overlooked. until a cure is delivered for every neuromuscular disease. While precautions for travelers, older adults and those with conditions that COVID-19 won’t stop us! We can’t afford to wait for the curve affect respiratory health exist, there is to flatten or for this virus to go away. Children and adults af- Christina Vela Davidson a lack of information specific to people fected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular living with neuromuscular diseases, as diseases need help now, and together we can achieve that. well as their caregivers. I worked with MDA to create a way for branches to raise mon- The freedom to walk, talk, run ey through virtual campaigns. This page has access to tools and and play. To laugh, hug, eat—even resources to rapidly activate your virtual events to raise money breathe. Each day, these freedoms are taken away from and keep social distancing in place for everyone’s safety. people with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases This virtual campaign can bring your fundraising events to that weaken muscle strength and limit mobility. all of your branch members in a safe and healthy way. You can In 1952, NALC became MDA’s first national sponsor and share your fundraising campaign with your friends, family and declared it NALC’s official charity. The union’s first cam- followers. Live fundraising can be used for any type of event— paign to raise funds for MDA was its Porch Light Brigade, from walks to poker nights to auctions and other campaigns.

38 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 MDA Report

Move your MDA fundraising online The following links are two recently created virtual campaigns Finally, many changes have been made with MDA due where you can donate to MDA and support Team NALC for the 5K to the COVID-19 pandemic; many offices have closed and Tough Mudder: mda.donordrive.com/campaign/Tough-Mudder many employees have been furloughed. If you do not know and mda.donordrive.com/campaign/Ladies-Night-for-MDA. where your donations should go, use the allocation form For MDA’s 70th year, I am asking every provided below and send your money to MDA in Chicago. member of each branch to raise $50 for the “Deliver the Cure” campaign in 2020. If each member is able to rise to the challenge, then NALC will be able to raise over $14 million for kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases. I am asking presidents to set up an online campaign for their branch at mda. donordrive.com/event/nalc2020 as soon as possible, and to encourage fundraising among members, families and friends. Need help setting up a webpage or have questions on how to fundraise? Contact me at [email protected] or MDA at [email protected]. I also have provided instructions to create your own virtual campaign (see “How to set up an NALC Donor Drive Page” on the previous page). I would also like to make a correction for the following branch and the amount it raised for 2019: Aiea-Pearl City, HI, Branch 4682—$1900.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 39 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: Edith S. Laduke Louisville, KY Br. 14 Delbert A. Cota W. Coast Florida Br. 1477 70-year pins Edward E. Lee Jr. Louisville, KY Br. 14 James W. Fuller Central Iowa Mgd. Br. 352 Robert S. Fry Louisville, KY Br. 14 Lawrence M. Miller Louisville, KY Br. 14 John Rauh Central Iowa Mgd. Br. 352 Robert J. Feretich Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 James D. Olges Louisville, KY Br. 14 Bernard M. Bleser Northern Kentucky Br. 374 Robert B. Rich Louisville, KY Br. 14 George A. Adams Boston, MA Br. 34 65-year pins William T. Roberts Louisville, KY Br. 14 J. A. Albano Boston, MA Br. 34 Donald L. Seadler Louisville, KY Br. 14 Robert A. Alexanian Boston, MA Br. 34 William G. Habich Louisville, KY Br. 14 Paul R. Seitz Louisville, KY Br. 14 James W. Alker Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Edwin G. Linehan Boston, MA Br. 34 Stanley E. Spaulding Louisville, KY Br. 14 James J. Almeida Boston, MA Br. 34 Arthur J. Minichiello Boston, MA Br. 34 Dallas R. Stayton Louisville, KY Br. 14 Manuel G. Almeida Boston, MA Br. 34 David J. Aul Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Bobby L. Stewart Louisville, KY Br. 14 John R. Anderson Boston, MA Br. 34 Emil Steffen Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard M. Sulzer Louisville, KY Br. 14 Paul J. Andrews Boston, MA Br. 34 Nicholas E. Cioffi Williamsport, PA Br. 50 Rodger D. Tullock Louisville, KY Br. 14 T. F. Armour Boston, MA Br. 34 Walter Ward Sr. Louisville, KY Br. 14 Gregory L. Ashe Boston, MA Br. 34 60-year pins Larry W. Wilson Louisville, KY Br. 14 Richard J. Auterio Boston, MA Br. 34 James R. Hurst Torrance, CA Br. 2207 Arthur E. Ardolino Boston, MA Br. 34 L. F. Baker Boston, MA Br. 34 Louis K. Buckel Louisville, KY Br. 14 David J. Fitzgerald Boston, MA Br. 34 J. Baldassari Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph D. Cahill Louisville, KY Br. 14 Henry W. Fleming Boston, MA Br. 34 John G. Barrett Boston, MA Br. 34 John W. Clay Louisville, KY Br. 14 John T. Foy Boston, MA Br. 34 C. R. Bassett Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. Martin Boston, MA Br. 34 William G. Habich Louisville, KY Br. 14 R. A. Bennett Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert E. McKeon Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles C. Hickey Louisville, KY Br. 14 J. A. Berardi Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard B. Morgan Boston, MA Br. 34 Clifton E. Hutchison Louisville, KY Br. 14 Leo T. Bergin Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Daniel R. Rice Marquette, MI Br. 95 John C. Morgan Louisville, KY Br. 14 P. L. Blaney Boston, MA Br. 34 Francis H. Hoffman Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 Floyd E. Nall Louisville, KY Br. 14 Joseph A. Bolotte Boston, MA Br. 34 Everett C. Keller Jr. Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 David A. Potts Louisville, KY Br. 14 J. L. Booker Boston, MA Br. 34 Alexander T. Kozak Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 James T. Reed Louisville, KY Br. 14 J. D. Booras Boston, MA Br. 34 John A. Graziano Westchester Mgd., NY Br. 693 Robert P. Tate Louisville, KY Br. 14 Richard L. Bostrom Boston, MA Br. 34 Nicholas A. Lasorsa Westchester Mgd., NY Br. 693 James D. Tilton Sr. Louisville, KY Br. 14 Thomas F. Boyd Boston, MA Br. 34 James L. Kohler Lima, OH Br. 105 John J. Brady Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles A. Wick Jr. Louisville, KY Br. 14 Herbert N. Lanker Jr. Lima, OH Br. 105 George B. Wolz Louisville, KY Br. 14 Ralph M. Brown Boston, MA Br. 34 Stephen R. Miller Lima, OH Br. 105 Dennis M. Bryson Boston, MA Br. 34 John A. Chiavaroli Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Clyde E. Neinas Lima, OH Br. 105 John W. Dimock Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul T. Buckley Boston, MA Br. 34 Glenn W. Scheufler Lima, OH Br. 105 R. L. Buhlman Boston, MA Br. 34 Edwin F. Gilbert Boston, MA Br. 34 Joe U. Williams Lima, OH Br. 105 John S. Borawski Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 John L. Burns Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert A. Beetem Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Leonard P. Bussolari Boston, MA Br. 34 Arthur L. Rossi Jr. Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 Raymond J. Borowski Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Anthony L. Leggiero Westchester Mgd., NY Br. 693 Luis E. Cabezas Boston, MA Br. 34 James E. Cush Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Gerard K. Callahan Boston, MA Br. 34 Kent N. Sawmiller Lima, OH Br. 105 Gabriel J. Pagliaro Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Joseph Campanella Boston, MA Br. 34 Edmund S. Lewandowski Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 L. P. Rivetti Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Joseph J. Candora Boston, MA Br. 34 Wilbur R. Klahn Madison, WI Br. 507 Louis E. Salvatore Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Russell H. Carnes Boston, MA Br. 34 John G. Vidmar Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 John J. Carras Sr. Boston, MA Br. 34 55-year pins and gold cards J. W. Zollars Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard A. Carroll Boston, MA Br. 34 John D. Foley Williamsport, PA Br. 50 Pete C. Zepeda Phoenix, AZ Br. 576 Paul A. Cash Boston, MA Br. 34 James C. Mabis Madison, WI Br. 507 Alfred D. Gabianelli Derby, CT Br. 109 George J. Castiello Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Gilman D. Anderson Louisville, KY Br. 14 Forest E. Catron Boston, MA Br. 34 Jerry W. Blue Louisville, KY Br. 14 5o-year pins and gold cards Robert J. Cella Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard J. Brown Louisville, KY Br. 14 Thomas E. Perez Brawley, CA Br. 2704 E. P. Chapin Boston, MA Br. 34 Michal W. Broyles Louisville, KY Br. 14 Richard H. Straesser Greater East Bay, CA Br. 1111 Frank J. Chaplik Boston, MA Br. 34 Martin G. Bruck Louisville, KY Br. 14 Joe Liscano Santa Barbara, CA Br. 290 Paul N. Cioffi Boston, MA Br. 34 Jerry L. Clements Louisville, KY Br. 14 David F. Bishop Derby, CT Br. 109 Augustine Ciulla Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard L. Crawford Sr. Louisville, KY Br. 14 G. G. Chopak Derby, CT Br. 109 David Clark Boston, MA Br. 34 James E. Fey Louisville, KY Br. 14 Robert W. Eccles Derby, CT Br. 109 Thomas S. Coleman Boston, MA Br. 34 William E. Furlong Louisville, KY Br. 14 William A. Martin Derby, CT Br. 109 William J. Coleman Boston, MA Br. 34 John W. Hartlage Jr. Louisville, KY Br. 14 David A. Noe Derby, CT Br. 109 Robert S. Collibee Boston, MA Br. 34 Louis J. Hellmueller Louisville, KY Br. 14 John P. Petryshyn Derby, CT Br. 109 K. A. Collina Boston, MA Br. 34 Bobby G. Kennedy Louisville, KY Br. 14 Henry Tylinski Derby, CT Br. 109 J. J. Collins Boston, MA Br. 34

40 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Below is a list of those NALC members who have received an award in the past month: W. P. Comeau Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Clifton F. Holbrook Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. Moran Boston, MA Br. 34 R. C. Conley Sr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Lloyd W. Howes Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 A. G. Morelli Boston, MA Br. 34 Alfred J. Connell Boston, MA Br. 34 William P. Hupfer Boston, MA Br. 34 Arthur J. Morgan Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph R. Conte Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert M. Hyde Boston, MA Br. 34 J. J. Moriarty Boston, MA Br. 34 Jeremiah A. Corcoran Boston, MA Br. 34 C. Jackson Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph E. Morris Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 S. A. Costello Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward A. Jacobs Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard G. Moses Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert J. Coughlin Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward C. Jacobucci Boston, MA Br. 34 Kenneth A. Muha Boston, MA Br. 34 James F. Courtney Boston, MA Br. 34 Lawrence M. Johnson Boston, MA Br. 34 Peter E. Munnett Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard J. Crecco Boston, MA Br. 34 R. D. Johnson Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles T. Murphy Boston, MA Br. 34 William N. Cripps Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas G. Jones Boston, MA Br. 34 Francis T. Murphy Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul F. Cronin Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward F. Jordan Boston, MA Br. 34 G. Murray Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert J. Cuddyer Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles G. Joy Boston, MA Br. 34 John C. Najjar Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas L. Cummings Boston, MA Br. 34 Stephen E. Karigianis Boston, MA Br. 34 James R. Neville Boston, MA Br. 34 Phillp J. Cutler Boston, MA Br. 34 J. P. Keegan Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul T. Norcott Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward R. Daley Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert J. Kelley Boston, MA Br. 34 M. J. O’Brien Boston, MA Br. 34 Howard S. Daley Boston, MA Br. 34 H. F. Kendall Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. O’Connor Boston, MA Br. 34 Michael E. Dandrea Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. Killoran Boston, MA Br. 34 P. R. O’Leary Boston, MA Br. 34 M. T. Denehy Boston, MA Br. 34 George J. Knox Boston, MA Br. 34 S. J. Olsson Boston, MA Br. 34 Douglas A. Derry Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph W. Kraby Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Michael S. Onessimo Boston, MA Br. 34 Anthony J. Desisto Boston, MA Br. 34 Philip J. Lang Boston, MA Br. 34 Frank C. Ouellette Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard S. Di Napoli Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul F. Larrabee Boston, MA Br. 34 R. A. Pacios Boston, MA Br. 34 John T. Dinanno Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas J. Last Boston, MA Br. 34 Angelo F. Paglia Boston, MA Br. 34 James J. Dodd Boston, MA Br. 34 Raymond R. Last Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Walter A. Paliwoda Boston, MA Br. 34 Donald L. Donahue Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard C. Lavey Boston, MA Br. 34 Salvatore V. Panico Boston, MA Br. 34 Jeremiah J. Donahue Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard P. Leach Boston, MA Br. 34 William A. Pardi Boston, MA Br. 34 John M. Donnelly Boston, MA Br. 34 J. C. Leblanc Boston, MA Br. 34 B. W. Parsons Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. Donovan Boston, MA Br. 34 G. F. Lennon Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles L. Patrick Boston, MA Br. 34 W. F. Donovan Boston, MA Br. 34 Peter A. Leray Boston, MA Br. 34 Nazzarene Pellegrini Boston, MA Br. 34 Martin G. Dorfman Boston, MA Br. 34 John W. Lewis Boston, MA Br. 34 Donald E. Peterson Boston, MA Br. 34 Stephen M. Dorsey Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert A. Lind Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward F. Petras Boston, MA Br. 34 A. T. Doyle Boston, MA Br. 34 James A. Lind Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Alphonse J. Petrillo Boston, MA Br. 34 E. J. Duggan Boston, MA Br. 34 Michael A. Lourie Boston, MA Br. 34 Ronald J. Pitts Boston, MA Br. 34 Albert E. Egersheim Boston, MA Br. 34 Arthur J. Lumenello Boston, MA Br. 34 Malcolm W. Pohl Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas E. Eggers Boston, MA Br. 34 W. E. Lundon Boston, MA Br. 34 James A. Pontes Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert N. Emma Boston, MA Br. 34 Alfred Luongo Boston, MA Br. 34 Kenneth J. Poole Boston, MA Br. 34 Michael V. Eppoliti Boston, MA Br. 34 Roderick W. Lynn Boston, MA Br. 34 Bradley W. Powers Boston, MA Br. 34 David F. Epps Boston, MA Br. 34 John B. Mackay Boston, MA Br. 34 Myles J. Preston Boston, MA Br. 34 Angelo J. Erba Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. Mackenzie III Boston, MA Br. 34 John F. Puliafico Boston, MA Br. 34 Jack P. Fabrizio Boston, MA Br. 34 D. F. Madeiros Boston, MA Br. 34 Tony Quan Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert F. Fee Boston, MA Br. 34 Roger C. Madore Boston, MA Br. 34 William G. Quigley Boston, MA Br. 34 Zoltan N. Feher Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert G. Madsen Boston, MA Br. 34 James J. Quinn Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul T. Ferla Boston, MA Br. 34 John H. Mahoney Boston, MA Br. 34 Warren F. Quinn Boston, MA Br. 34 Albert F. Ferrante Boston, MA Br. 34 Arthur R. Malatesta Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard E. Ready Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward P. Fiorenza Boston, MA Br. 34 William H. Malloy III Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert K. Reczek Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas J. Flynn Boston, MA Br. 34 Kevin M. Malone Boston, MA Br. 34 Harold R. Reicker Boston, MA Br. 34 George E. Flynn Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 William J. Malone Boston, MA Br. 34 W. W. Reid Boston, MA Br. 34 James J. Foley Boston, MA Br. 34 John S. Mandracchia Boston, MA Br. 34 Daniel A. Richardson Boston, MA Br. 34 H. G. Fox Boston, MA Br. 34 Cornelius J. Manning Boston, MA Br. 34 Kevin M. Ring Boston, MA Br. 34 Gilbert F. Fuentes Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas F. Marchant Boston, MA Br. 34 Emmanuel M. Ronzano Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward J. Gavin Boston, MA Br. 34 John V. Marlowe Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. Rooney Boston, MA Br. 34 Louis R. Gianatassio Boston, MA Br. 34 Vincent E. Martino Boston, MA Br. 34 Pasqul A. Rosati Boston, MA Br. 34 Victor F. Gigliotti Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 R. J. Matthews Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Raymond E. Ross Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul J. Glennon Boston, MA Br. 34 John J. McBride Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul J. Rozanski Boston, MA Br. 34 John Gomes Boston, MA Br. 34 G. R. McCarthy Boston, MA Br. 34 E. W. Rushton Boston, MA Br. 34 John W. Grant Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul D. McCarthy Boston, MA Br. 34 F. S. Rutana Boston, MA Br. 34 David Graves Boston, MA Br. 34 Henry H. McCarthy Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 J. E. Rutledge Boston, MA Br. 34 David M. Griffin Boston, MA Br. 34 John M. McDonough Boston, MA Br. 34 Daniel F. Ruvido Boston, MA Br. 34 William D. Grigas Boston, MA Br. 34 A. J. McElroy Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph M. Ryan Boston, MA Br. 34 Leo F. Haley Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert D. McKenna Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul J. Ryan Boston, MA Br. 34 John R. Hanley Boston, MA Br. 34 Alan J. McKeone Boston, MA Br. 34 Vincent A. Sabella Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward S. Hannon Boston, MA Br. 34 Richard T. McLaughlin Boston, MA Br. 34 A. P. Sacco Boston, MA Br. 34 Lawrence J. Hannon Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Lincoln R. McLean Boston, MA Br. 34 H. L. Saganov Boston, MA Br. 34 John D. Harrington Boston, MA Br. 34 William M. McNeil Boston, MA Br. 34 Henry Saganov Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles R. Harris Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph M. McNichols Boston, MA Br. 34 M. F. Sammarco Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert F. Hart Boston, MA Br. 34 Peter W. McSorley Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas F. Scanlon III Boston, MA Br. 34 G. E. Hartnett Boston, MA Br. 34 Anthony L. Melchionna Boston, MA Br. 34 Angelo J. Scanzillo Boston, MA Br. 34 J. L. Hastings Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 John L. Mello Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert B. Schwartz Boston, MA Br. 34 Michael P. Haugh Boston, MA Br. 34 R. L. Meneguzzi Boston, MA Br. 34 Barry R. Scott Boston, MA Br. 34 Chester O. Havey Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 J. F. Mernin Boston, MA Br. 34 J. V. Sferrazza Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul K. Hayes Boston, MA Br. 34 Bruce A. Mills Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph P. Shannon Boston, MA Br. 34 F. S. Hayward Boston, MA Br. 34 John P. Mitchell Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas J. Sheridan Boston, MA Br. 34 Hugh F. Hibbard Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert B. Mitchell Boston, MA Br. 34 Gerald E. Shields Boston, MA Br. 34 Bernard A. Higgins Boston, MA Br. 34 Stephen J. Molloy Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph G. Shubster Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas W. Hill Boston, MA Br. 34 P. G. Monahan Boston, MA Br. 34 C. F. Simard Boston, MA Br. 34 Mitchell C. Hilton Boston, MA Br. 34 R .J. Montgomery Boston, MA Br. 34 E. S. Smigielski Boston, MA Br. 34 J. J. Hogan Boston, MA Br. 34 Louis R. Moore Boston, MA Br. 34 James H. Smith Boston, MA Br. 34

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 41 Honor Roll

Below is a list of those NALC members who have received an award in the past month: William J. Smith Boston, MA Br. 34 John C. Beck Jr. Allentown, PA Br. 274 Bruce D. Stefanko Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Vincent B. Smyth Boston, MA Br. 34 William D. Margeson Allentown, PA Br. 274 Lawrence P. Stickney Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Edward A. Snell Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 L. J. Amati Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Larry P. Struhar Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 William Splaine Boston, MA Br. 34 P. Anischenko Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 E. R. Sudaz Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard W. Stefanelli Boston, MA Br. 34 Dennis J. Baluh Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 William G. Thornton Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Charles D. Stevens Boston, MA Br. 34 William J. Balzer Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard P. Turner Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Albert A. Strain Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 C. Bissontz III Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Lonie J. Ward Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 William M. Strazzullo Boston, MA Br. 34 Anthony J. Bottino Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Lysle D. Williams Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 James J. Sullivan Boston, MA Br. 34 R. S. Broniecki Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 John A. Yevick Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Richard H. Swan Boston, MA Br. 34 Regis E. Carney Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 John H. Youk Sr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Michael J. Sweeney Boston, MA Br. 34 Larry E. Carr Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 William R. Barrett Williamsport, PA Br. 50 Robert R. Tagg Boston, MA Br. 34 Victor J. Caruso Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Joseph S. Ettwein Williamsport, PA Br. 50 G. F. Taylor Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph A. Chisick Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Gerald K. Farrer Williamsport, PA Br. 50 Robert A. Terranova Boston, MA Br. 34 Dennis P. Coleman Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Dee J. Bloxham Ogden, UT Br. 68 William T. Thompson Boston, MA Br. 34 Raymond Dinkfelt Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Michael A. Cheney Ogden, UT Br. 68 Laurence D. Tiner Boston, MA Br. 34 Raymond M. Dubiel Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 J. Brent Coulam Ogden, UT Br. 68 Raymond J. Todd Boston, MA Br. 34 Paul J. Gasper Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Dallin B. Douglass Ogden, UT Br. 68 John F. Trotman Boston, MA Br. 34 W. P. Geyer Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Darrel L. Einspahr Ogden, UT Br. 68 A. D. Truesdale Jr. Boston, MA Br. 34 Thomas S. Gumpf Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Eugene Hopkin Ogden, UT Br. 68 S. Tutin Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles E. Hazlett Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 David L. Johnson Ogden, UT Br. 68 John J. Wentworth Boston, MA Br. 34 Oliver K. Hixson Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 William A. Lakey Ogden, UT Br. 68 Jerome A. Werner Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph A. Kensinger Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 John M. Lujan Ogden, UT Br. 68 Patrick J. Whiffen Boston, MA Br. 34 Chas J. Knurek Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Andrew M. McCrady Ogden, UT Br. 68 Walter L. White Boston, MA Br. 34 Edward W. Link Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Jorge J. Oliveras Ogden, UT Br. 68 Kenneth T. Williams Boston, MA Br. 34 L. H. Long Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Lonnie G. Thorpe Ogden, UT Br. 68 P. T. Winer Boston, MA Br. 34 Henry J. Marini Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Gordon L. White Ogden, UT Br. 68 James A. Woodlock Boston, MA Br. 34 Joseph W. Mayconich Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Robert L. Allbritton Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Denis S. Young Boston, MA Br. 34 T. E. McGaughey Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Leroy F. Brinkley Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Donald A. Young Boston, MA Br. 34 Charles B. Meyer Jr. Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Arthur R. Creef Jr. Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Ernest E. Young Boston, MA Br. 34 Robert M. Miskovitch Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 James H. Jenkins Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Walter L. Zammuto Boston, MA Br. 34 L. R. Myers Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 St. Elmo R. Pugh Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Charles E. Walden South Macomb, MI Br. 4374 Maryann Otis Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Gerald C. Shupe Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Bruce E. Campbell Wymore, NE Br. 2261 George R. Ribarchak Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Willie L. Williams Chesapeake, VA Br. 6066 Richard C. Gagne Concord, NH Br. 72 G. E. Rump Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 John L. Dorman Richmond, VA Br. 496 Alan A. Pollack Plainfield, NJ Br. 396 J. R. Runyan Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Pierre R. Laroche Garden State Mgd., NJ Br. 444 Charles W. Sabo Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Santa A. Mealy Richmond, VA Br. 496 N. P. Bonacci Jr. Oneonta, NY Br. 97 Louis J. Sanso Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Mack C. Williams Richmond, VA Br. 496 Michael G. Hubbs Oneonta, NY Br. 97 Kenneth J. Schivins Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Terrence P. Anders Madison, WI Br. 507 Frank Vendemmia Oneonta, NY Br. 97 Eugene D. Sherpata Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Mary T. Harris Madison, WI Br. 507 Dominic D’Apice Jr. Westchester Mgd., NY Br. 693 Moses Simmons Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Scott E. Ofstie Madison, WI Br. 507 Thomas D. Zwick Westchester Mgd., NY Br. 693 W. B. Sims Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Dennis A. Rundle Madison, WI Br. 507 Richard S. Dankirt Lima, OH Br. 105 Francis H. Singleton Pittsburgh, PA Br. 84 Donald K. Mether Riverton, WY Br. 5923 In Memoriam

NALC offers deepest sympathies to the families and friends of departed brothers and sisters Gordon S. Weaver Br. 1902 Arizona Merged Kevin J. Tomasek Br. 1690 W. Palm Beach, FL James J. Caffrey Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Ronald E. Cushman Br. 231 Central California Joseph K. Blocker Br. 546 Columbus, GA Salvatore T. Pellegrino Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Randall R. Allen Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Jerry A. Hardwick Br. 155 Belleville, IL Rakkhon Kim Br. 36 New York, NY Amber Irelan Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Leonard J. Scallion Br. 11 Chicago, IL Frank Leong Br. 36 New York, NY Jose Martinez Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Charles L. Falzone Br. 245 Rockford, IL John Serrano Br. 36 New York, NY Reymar B. Mendoza Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Robert E. Wells Br. 39 Indianapolis, IN Anthony E. Troiano Br. 358 Northeastern NY George E. Pfister Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Gerald D. Grueber Br. 506 Davenport, IA William L. Bosco Br. 693 Westchester Mgd., NY Tony C. Lam Br. 24 Los Angeles, CA Darron M. Matthews-Bey Br. 176 Baltimore, MD John D. Consilvio Br. 693 Westchester Mgd., NY Larry D. Pullmann Br. 133 Sacramento, CA James J. Nabstedt Jr. Br. 34 Boston, MA Martin D. Harris Br. 693 Westchester Mgd., NY Alexander D. De Mateo Br. 70 San Diego, CA Robert J. Hahn Br. 232 Jackson, MI Sherley Celin Br. 387 Yonkers, NY Alfred C. Winters Br. 70 San Diego, CA Larry D. Thomas Br. 89 Fremont, NE Michelle A. Addleman Br. 743 Baker, OR Amalia R. Flores Br. 213 Stockton, CA Stanley C. Kaster Br. 5 Omaha, NE William L. Balthrop Br. 916 Eugene, OR George E. Gonzales Br. 866 Visalia, CA Michael A. Dalerio Br. 2778 Sparks, NV Harold E. Hartdung Br. 84 Pittsburgh, PA Christian D. Cicero Br. 47 Denver, CO Thomas X. Donnelly Br. 425 Bergen County Mgd., NJ Virgil L. McCune Br. 47 Denver, CO George R. Fauth Jr. Br. 5420 Brick Town, NJ Joseph R. Horne Br. 84 Pittsburgh, PA Noah Lemert Br. 20 Connecticut Mgd. Tom F. Foley Jr. Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. Stephen P. Kalafsky Br. 520 Uniontown, PA Anthony C. Waiters Br. 20 Connecticut Mgd. J. J. Reddington Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. Diana D. Mitchell Br. 752 Cleburne, TX Henry Prokop Br. 86 Hartford, CT Ron F. Herman Br. 2128 Toms River, NJ Claudia Gausin-Camacho Br. 2589 Lubbock, TX Kevin C. Lee Br. 142 Washington, DC Frederick C. DiCarali Br. 41 Brooklyn, New York Johnny Tamayo Jr. Br. 3867 Pasadena, TX Carlos J. Negron Mercado Br. 1091 Central Florida David P. Grogan Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY Stanley G. Henry Br. 3520 Northern Virginia Lorado Capocci Br. 1071 South Florida Michael A. Lamancuso Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY James P. Curtis Br. 507 Madison, WI James E. Llewellyn Br. 1071 South Florida Konstantin Pavlov Br. 137 Hudson Valley Mgd., NY Stephen B. Hodges Br. 2 Milwaukee, WI Oscar L. Boatwright Br. 1690 W. Palm Beach, FL Robert L. Beason Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY John F. Stelter Br. 2 Milwaukee, WI

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

Veterans’ legislation roundup Veterans’ legislation roundup (continued) he final stretch of the 116th Con- Takano (D-CA), this bipartisan legis- views, as they often slow payment gress is coming up, and there lation also addresses education and timeliness. As with the previous bill, Thave been thousands of pieces veterans by authorizing the VA to this is a temporary measure until the of legislation introduced over the last make payments or extend eligibility current federal emergency declaration year and a half. Since the last Postal periods for students who participate is lifted. Record review of veterans-specific leg- in work-study or vocational reha- islation in December 2019, there have bilitation programs, are affected by Other veterans-related legislation been numerous bills introduced that school closures or can’t take courses Numerous other pieces of veterans- affect veterans one way or another. online. Typically, the VA provides related legislation were introduced The following are those that are most monthly payments for eligible veter- since December and are largely bipar- significant to NALC and its members. ans and other beneficiaries to use for tisan. Here is a breakdown of some of housing, tuition and other education- those. Veterans-related legislation al costs, and this law continues that due to COVID-19 policy during any interruption caused S. 3587—Department of Veterans Af- by the pandemic. fairs Website Accessibility Act of 2019 As our country and the world is still (passed Senate March 26, 2020) responding to the devastating pub- H.R. 6590 (introduced April 21, 2020) lic health and economic crisis of the Introduced by Sen. Bob Casey (D- COVID-19 pandemic, multiple pieces The COVID-19 pandemic and the as- PA), this bill would require the secre- of legislation have been introduced sociated economic downturn caused tary of the VA to conduct a study on that address its impact on veterans severe financial problems for millions the accessibility of VA websites by in- specifically, two of which were signed of Americans. Debt collection was pro- dividuals with disabilities. hibited temporarily and in certain cir- into law in late March and April, re- H.R. 5786—VA Quality Health Care spectively. cumstances, such as those instituted by Department of Education and the Accountability and Transparency Act introduced Feb. 6, 2020) S. 3503 (became law March 21, 2020) Social Security Administration. Rep. Chris Pappas’s (D-NH) legislation Introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego This bipartisan legislation, intro- would expand the temporary prohibi- (D-AZ), this bill would direct the secre- duced by Senate Veterans’ Affairs tion of collecting debts by preventing tary of the VA to make certain staffing Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R- the VA from demanding repayment and quality of care data publicly avail- KS), sought to help veterans who are until the current federal emergency able on a specified VA website, and continuing their education and tak- declaration is lifted. Current VA policy specifically include statistics related ing courses that were moved online states that it is up to each individual to patient wait times, effectiveness of in response to the pandemic. Now veteran to ask the VA for temporary care, and staffing and vacancy infor- signed into law, it authorizes the De- debt suspension. mation. partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) to maintain payment levels for students H.R. 6591 (introduced April 21, 2020) H.R. 5923—Fair Access to Co-ops for whose courses are converted to dis- This legislation seeks to provide Veterans Act (introduced Feb. 18, tance learning due to an “emergency covered veterans with access to and 2020) or health-related situation.” It applies continued coverage for life-saving pro- Introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney through Dec. 21 and covers a wide cedures and care related to COVID-19 (D-NY), this bill would make perma- range of benefits, which include hous- without being saddled with thousands nent the VA’s loan guarantee for the ing stipends under the Post-9/11 GI of dollars in medical fees. To do so, it purchase of residential cooperative would relax the existing requirements Bill and payments for veterans’ survi- housing units. vors and dependents. related to how the VA pays for emergency care, ensure that payment is not H.R. 6013—Veteran Families Finan- H.R. 6322—Student Veteran Corona- contingent on whether community pro- cial Support Act (introduced Feb. 28, virus Response Act of 2020 (became viders notified the VA within 72 hours 2020) law April 28, 2020) of providing emergency treatment to Introduced by Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), Introduced by House Veterans’ a veteran, and make sure any VA pay- this bill would reform the Service-Dis- Affairs Committee Chairman Mark ments are not delayed by clinical re- abled Veterans Life Insurance program

44 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 Veterans’ legislation roundup Veterans’ legislation roundup (continued) so disabled veterans could receive up Employment benefit, ensuring that As always, NALC is carefully moni- to $40,000 of insurance coverage, all veterans eligible for this benefit toring both good and bad legislation and veterans under the age of 45 with can access it whenever they need to that is introduced and advanced in service-connected disabilities would achieve their career goals. the 116th Congress and will be sure to keep letter carriers aware of what may be able to receive coverage through H.R. 6168—Veterans’ Compensation affect our membership. the VA, even if they had been previ- Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 ously denied coverage by private in- (introduced March 10, 2020) surance providers. Introduced by Rep. Elaine Luria (D- Join the NALC Veterans Group H.R. 6027—Restore Veterans’ Com- VA), this bill would provide cost-of- The NALC Veterans Group is de- pensation Act of 2020 (introduced living increases for wartime disability Feb. 28, 2020) signed to provide NALC members— compensation; compensation for de- both active and retired letter carri- Introduced by Rep. Gallego, it would pendents; clothing allowance; depen- ers—who are also military veterans prevent the federal government from dency and indemnity compensation to the ability to connect with fellow forcing veterans to return separation surviving spouses; and dependency NALC veterans and stay informed pay if they later qualify for VA disabil- and indemnity compensation to chil- on issues of importance to letter ity benefits. dren. carrier veterans. It is free to join. S. 3378—Reduce Unemployment for H.R. 6141—Protecting Moms Who Members receive a pin as a sym- Veterans of All Ages Act of 2020 (in- Served Act (introduced March 9, bol of gratitude for their military ser- troduced March 3, 2020) 2020) vice and membership in NALC. Introduced by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Introduced by Rep. Lauren Under- If you are interested in joining the (D-AZ), this bill would end the 12-year wood (D-IL), this bill seeks to improve group, complete the sign-up card at limit on disabled veterans access- maternity care coordination provided nalc.org/veterans. ing the Vocational Rehabilitation and by the VA.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 45 State Summaries

California our national officers, and has never cried wolf. to-date on all of the current information and ac- The howls of USPS detractors have been just a tions needed. es, we have a new postmaster general. And distant pitch in the wind, until now. They smell The new podcast is another way take in Yyes, he gave a lot of money to President blood. what’s happening within NALC. You can listen Trump. And yes, he served as CEO of a logistics Continue to be good citizens and inform our to President Rolando and all of the other resi- corporation that did business with the USPS for elected officials how we expect them to vote dent officers read their monthly reports. This is decades. Now, many of you seem to think these when it comes to sustaining our beloved U.S. an awesome way to take in The Postal Record. I things point to our immediate destruction. Mail. After all, it existed before the Constitution; highly recommend it. Also, Executive Vice Presi- A reminder: The president appointed all five Congress does not have a requirement to fund dent Brian Renfroe does an outstanding job with members of the postal Board of Governors, the it. U.S. Mail binds the nation together. Who is the “You Are The Current Resident” podcast. same ones he disagreed with when it came to entrusted to carry the ballots from vote-by-mail? The state board recently discussed and the bipartisan proposal to grant the USPS $25 It’s our U.S. Mail. agreed to extend the deadline to receive schol- billion to get us through the pandemic. And if the new PMG turns out to be anti-union Bob McNulty arships applications. The TSALC Pete Good- and pro-privatization, he wouldn’t be the first. man /Anne Jefferson/Doug Meador/T.T. Morris Some examples, you might ask? Michigan Scholarship(s) application deadline has been Marvin Runyon wanted to slash the amount extended until June 30. Applications must be of annual and sick leave we earn. reetings again from the Great Lakes State! received by June 30. They should be mailed to: William Henderson said the USPS would G I admire all of my brothers and sisters Scholarship Committee, c/o Julian Alvarez, Sec- eventually be privatized. for continuing to serve on the front lines of the retary-TSALC, 181 W. 87th St., Odessa, TX 79764. Pat Donahoe wanted to end six-day regular pandemic battle. This virus is affecting all postal If you need a copy of the application, please mail delivery. He also proposed ending door workers across the country in some way. I per- send a request by email to juliannalc3964@ delivery and suggested that new employees not sonally lost a family member to this virus. It re- yahoo.com. get pensions. ally makes things hit home. Again, happy belated Mother’s Day, ladies; Did any of those suggestions or proposals As I write this, we have lost more than 40 gentlemen, happy Father’s Day; and happy become law? No! Why not? postal employees and thousands have been in- Fourth of July. Notice I said “law.” Congress legislates, not fected. In April, we lost sister Angela Summers Thank you and God bless, the PMG. Therefore, it’s more important who from Indianapolis in a senseless act of violence Carlos Rodriguez Jr. sits in the House of Representatives and the when she was shot and killed on her route by an Senate than who happens to own the title of angry customer who was looking for a stimulus postmaster general. check. Angela had a teenage daughter who will Wisconsin It’s also important who occupies the White never see her mom again. The Michigan State isconsin letter carriers are living through House. Remember the $25 billion that members Association sends its deepest condolences to Wan incredible period of history. The world of both parties in the House and Senate, as well Sister Summers’s family, friends and co-work- that we serve and live in has been turned on as the current PMG and the Board of Governors ers. She will be missed. its head by the COVID-19 pandemic and I hope This tragedy illustrates how letter carriers agreed we needed now? Who objected? The each of you is able to find the resources you potentially put their lives on the line every day. president! need to keep yourself and your families safe. And still we are under attack. From our own gov- And that is why we have the fight of our lives As I write this summary, the WSALC is encour- ernment, no less. to keep our employer viable. aging its members to repeatedly contact their The last aid package proposed including Instead of fixating on who runs the USPS, members of Congress through the NALC portal financial aid for the Postal Service, but the how about doing something productive? Like to have those elected officials push for and se- administration rejected that aid. It instead in- going to nalc.org and taking whatever action cure stimulus funds for the Postal Service. It is cluded a $10 billion loan that we could utilize, our NALC leadership suggests we take, such as no surprise to any of us that the revenues for the contacting our elected officials. And get family but even that comes with strings attached. Then the president stated loud and bold that he will USPS have taken a huge hit with the closing of and friends to do likewise. businesses across the nation. While parcels are Eric Ellis veto any aid package that includes help for the Postal Service. We can lay down our lives but up to holiday levels and beyond, normal mail- don’t expect any help. ings have plummeted. Folks, it has been and still is critical that we While delivery of the mail is not as sexy as Kentucky a sea cruise, it is most assuredly more vital to hanks to all who have been taking action at contact our senators and representatives and tell them we need their support in any future aid the nation. Recent polling of the American pub- Tnalc.org or the NALC app to send messages lic confirms this and does so across all politi- to our two U.S. senators, McConnell and Paul, package. Not just in Michigan, not just in Region 6, but across the country. Our jobs depend on it! cal, generational and socioeconomic levels. The and our U.S. reps in Kentucky. American people have spoken clearly that they Tom Minshall A public service appropriation for USPS dur- need us, and our elected officials must hear ing and after the COVID-19 pandemic must be that message from us continually until they act! maintained by Congress with its oversight pow- Texas The USPS will also see a new PMG, as Louis er. All levels of NALC have responded well, from DeJoy has been appointed by the Board of Gov- President Rolando to the newest letter carri- hope you are well in these trying times. To all ernors. He will be the first non-postal PMG since ers. Your Kentucky State Association, including the mothers out there, I hope you were show- I “Carvin” Marvin Runyon tried his hand at “im- the officers, executive board and LCCLs, have ered with gifts and love beyond belief. You have proving” the USPS with his auto-industry back- worked well in all six congressional districts. more than earned it. Thank you to all of the dads ground. Of course we would like more carriers and their on this Father’s Day. loved ones to participate in Kentucky, as would As of this writing, we just received word of the There will be a change in the leadership of NBA Clark and LPO Anna Mudd. It is a constant selection of the new postmaster general. The the WSALC as well. Although the state conven- education process to let people know that jobs postal Board of Governors have selected busi- tion was postponed from May until September, and benefits, and the very existence of USPS, ness executive Louis DeJoy as the 75th post- the previously approved delegates from each can vanish with the stroke of a pen, or a lack of master general. We need to take a wait-and-see branch will be nominating and voting on new of- action by Congress. approach. He begins on June 15. ficers with a mail-in program this summer. New When Vincent Sombrotto started COLCPE, This does not stop us from contacting our officers will be sworn in at the condensed event our PAC—now known as LCPF, the Letter Car- representatives and our senators. If you have in Madison on Sept. 27. rier Political Fund—he knew how important that not yet downloaded the NALC Member App, In the meantime, keep safe, Wisconsin! was. Your state association stands vigilant with now is a great time to do so. It will keep you up- Scott A. Van Derven

JanuaryJune 2020 2013 The Postal Record 43 Retiree Reports

etc., which cost 13 postal workers their lives service, just like firefighters/police. back then. Another concern is the aging LLV The Postal Service is enshrined in the Con- fleet, which is increasingly a fire and safety haz- stitution, and in 1970, the compensation and ard. benefits were changed for the better. The real- We need to donate blood to help out those ity of that work stoppage is that not all carriers who are elderly and ill with the flu. Relatives were on board and the same applies to civil of mine in the medical field tell me that Type rights. We still have carriers not paying dues, O blood, a common and universal blood donor and some retirees who passed on paying $1 in type, is somehow immune to the COVID-19 flu. dues and who still want the NALC Health Ben- Hopefully, the antigens or antibodies in O-type efit Plan now having to pay associate member blood can be used to treat the disease. dues. The only thing perfect in life is imperfec- Best wishes to the medical first responders tion. and nurses such as my niece, who is an inten- As a medic/respiratory therapist, I’ve seen sive-care unit nurse in a New Haven hospital, for heroes, in particular while stationed at Maxwell the long hours they are putting in to help those Air Force Base. In the early ’70s, I helped treat ill in the hospitals. Please continue to support returning Vietnam POWs, and at the VA I treated through take-out services the many cafes, etc., concentration camp/Holocaust survivors. In that are trying to stay in business during the this pandemic situation, active-duty carriers are pandemic slowdown. among those heroes. Be engaged in the upcoming political sea- Ed Mulrenan, Branch 86 Spacecoast Florida Branch 2689 Presi- son. Last time I checked, we live in a democracy, dent Sante Zeppieri (l) recently presented not a thug-ocracy. branch trustee Howard Print with a gold New Orleans, Louisiana Thanks to Fred Rolando, the indefatigable staffers of our national and local offices, and card for his 50 years of NALC membership. eep hope alive!” Print retired in 2010 with more than 40 active retirees. “K Going forward, this country and union Stay involved! Vote! years of service. are in a “new normal.” Stanley Taylor, Branch 124 After Hurricane Katrina, David Simon created Flushing, New York a show called “Treme.” One episode that stands o all letter carriers who took and are continu- out has a scene with a letter carrier delivering Paterson, New Jersey Ting to take great risks during this coronavirus mail. His response to a customer who was elat- ue to the coronavirus (also known as pandemic, give yourselves a pat on the back. ed to receive mail after a six-month hiatus was, DCOVID-19), the regular monthly union meet- You sequenced mail in very close quarters and “Yes, ma’am, I’m back.” ings, as well as the regular monthly retiree delivered mail to every household, every day of I also recall Helen Keller and Holocaust survi- breakfast meetings, have been canceled until the week except Sundays. While the news me- vors, people who overcame life-threatening sit- further notice. Members can call the union of- dia saluted and thanked heath care workers, uations. We will rise again; it’s the Amer-I-Can fice for more information and updates on when police, firefighters, etc., letter carriers for the way. As a descendant of people who survived meetings will resume. most part were overlooked. the MAAFA, the middle passage from Africa to This is an unprecedented event in the history From a proud retired letter carrier, thanks! America, it’s in the American DNA. of our union, as well as our nation, in which we With the utmost respect and pride— Americans who are in the essential-worker remain committed to the safety and health of Frank Gallo, Branch 294 segment will have to rethink the paradigm of all our members. We hope and pray that this is how they are compensated and able to operate only a temporary and short-term sacrifice that in a free-market economy. Profit is derived from we make in order to curb this virus. Hartford, Connecticut people. For postal employees, our segment is This union is no stranger to making sacri- ur union meetings for May fices to gain for the common Oand likely June have been good. Many times, our letter canceled due to the COVID-19 carriers have dealt with ex- scare. Sadly, we may not have tremes when dealing with our nation’s mail (floods, hurri- another meeting until Septem- canes, etc.) in which our mail ber. Hopefully cafes and small service has always been on businesses, etc., will reopen the front lines of returning our soon. They generate much ad- lives back to normal. We ask vertising bulk business mail that everyone stay safe, and for the Postal Service. obey the guidelines set forth Important legislation recti- by our safety department and fying our lower cost-of-living the Centers for Disease Con- adjustments and excessive trol and Prevention to protect pre-funding of P.O. medical all of our carriers’ safety and care are in Congress. Please health. contact your representatives We are thankful to have in Washington, DC, to pass mail delivery each and every these needed pieces of legis- day and look forward to see- lation. ing our letter carriers who It is interesting to see our keep a vision of normalcy in letter carriers wearing gloves our everyday lives. We must and sometimes masks at work stay safe and practice safety for safety’s sake. I hope we measures in order to contain can avoid the large number Former Denton, TX Branch 1367 President Marvin Ruyle and fellow branch and possibly eliminate this of deaths like in the anthrax retiree Liska Cook handed out water, food and sanitizers to letter carriers fatal virus. mailing scares to Congress, and front-line workers in Denton during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joseph Murone, Branch 120

46 The Postal Record JuneDecember 2020 2017 Nalcrest Update Nalcrest Update

From the Trustees a number of volunteers to create a number of landscape around our property in living color. gastronomical events at the Nalcrest Cafe. As always, we like to encourage our members une brings summer and a change at Nalcrest. About twice a week, our residents are treated contemplating retirement to seriously consider A large number of our residents are headed J to an economical lunch that has sold out every moving to Nalcrest. You should know that our for the northern parts of the country to fulfill time. All of the meals are provided while follow- waiting list continues to grow, with more than their identities as snowbirds. ing the appropriate safety protocols, including 170 union members looking to be part of our re- Notwithstanding this exodus, we still have a masks, gloves and the all-important social dis- tirement paradise. large contingent of year-round folks staying on. tancing. Finally, the Nalcrest Trustees hope that all of Of course, things are a little different this year Speaking of volunteers, we have been treated you and your families stay safe as we continue because of the impact on our lifestyle due to the to the artistry of some great gardeners who have to find ways to deal with the pandemic. coronavirus. However, the residents have prov- created an explosion of color as their planting en to be resilient and have found new activities efforts are blooming. Tom Young to fill their days. Nalcrest has also had our resident artists cre- One of our residents, David Fix, has gathered ate a mural in the town center that recreates the

Apply to live at Nalcrest For an application to live at Nalcrest, visit nalc.org/nalcrest, or call 863-696-1121.

Nalcrest Trustees

NALC President Fredric Rolando

NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine

NALC Director of Retired Members Dan Toth

NALC Trustee Mike Gill

Nalcrest Trustees President Matty Rose

Nalcrest Trustees Vice President Tom Young A colorful new mural adorns the Nalcrest town center, painted by residents Linda Nalcrest Trustees Vice President Don Southern Schmeltz and her husband John Batronis (shown above at right).

June 2020 The Postal Record 47 Branch Items

retired carriers Rodney Howes for 60 years and work in Human Resources, Delivery Programs, Albany, New York Michael Segal for 55 years of NALC membership. Marketing, Communications, Information Tech- ongratulations to our newest career letter I wish all brothers and sisters affected by this nology, Delivery Operations, Operations Sup- Ccarriers in Branch 29, Michael Bergh and crisis a speedy recovery. port, Safety, Finance and, among others, Pro- Ryan Quinn. They converted on May 9. Jerry McCarthy, Branch 34 cessing and Distribution, according to the GID Congratulations to Paul Rushkoski on his website. What do these people do to get the retirement from the Postal Service on April 30. mail delivered? Paul worked out of the Delmar Post Office. �We Camden, New Jersey Merged We have thousands of district-level or above wish you a long and healthy retirement. hen there’s a job to do, the letter carriers employees who make a lot of money and do Jay Jackson, Branch 29 Walways get it done. Whether we are out absolutely nothing in terms of processing or de- delivering mail in the elements, when everyone livering the mail. These people need to be elimi- Anchorage, Alaska else is in their homes nice and warm, or we’re nated or greatly reduced instead of trying to gut out there during an international pandemic, we our service or cut our craft employees who actu- ’m fortunate to report that we’ve not had any get the job done. Now is no different. Whenever ally do the work. Icarriers test positive for COVID-19. One office letter carriers hear the call, we do what needs to Every single district, area and headquarters didn’t want to provide the FMLA expansion sim- be done. We serve the mail, we collect food for employee could call in sick and we would get ply because more employees than other offices the hungry, we raise money for MDA, we keep the mail delivered without them. It is time to put in for the leave. I applaud the steward (yes, an eye on the elderly. I could go on, but I’m only cut the fat! Can anyone tell me why we need 67 it’s you, Alison) who ensured that her members allowed 300 words. communication (media) specialists around the knew of their rights. Hand sanitizer was finally Now it’s time for letter carriers to make sure country at the district level? Please contact me provided, yet carriers expressed their concern our employer gets the influx of cash it needs to and enlighten me. that the alcohol content was so strong they keep its doors open. Just like other industries, Knowledge is power! could also use it as gas if they ran low on fuel. the mailing industry has taken a hit. Just like Ronnie Roush, Branch 888 The pandemic has had a serious effect on other businesses, the Postal Service needs the financial stability of the Postal Service. The to be part of a stimulus package. We need to only financial relief provided to the Postal Ser- Cleveland, Ohio vice has been a $10 billion line of credit with take action when we are prompted by the NALC enough strings attached that you could make it Member App. We need to take action each and ome time ago, my wife Audrey and I decided into a rope to hang the Service out to dry. And every time we get that prompt. It’s not a “one Sto go the easier route, moving from hom- the emergency financial packages that followed and done” thing. eowners to apartment dwellers. It’s nice! No contained no money for the Postal Service, even I’ve raised a family working for USPS. The more cutting grass, shoveling snow, or other though 92 percent of the public favor appropri- contract my union negotiated has allowed me “stuff.” And now we decided to go even easier, ating funds for the Service. to maintain a comfortable middle-class lifestyle into a senior (55 and older) community. Again, All of us need to contact our congressman in which I can retire and live my golden years in less work and responsibilities. We have met and senators’ offices and tell them the Postal dignity. That is now all being threatened. We’ve new friends, have many activities, and life is/ Service needs an immediate and significant in- always had battles to fight on Capitol Hill, but was good. jection of money and that it needs to continue this is different. We need to ensure that our em- In fact, life is/was very good! But then the until this crisis is over. This is about your secu- ployer survives so we, as individuals, can sur- COVID-19 hit like a ton of bricks. So now life rity. Do you have six years of time as a career vive. I’m not talking partisan politics. I’m talk- goes on - just not the same. But wait…Trump employee? If not, you do not fall under the no- ing about America’s Postal Service, and we’re said not to worry, he has all the answers. (Just layoff clause. More than 55 percent of the NALC America’s letter carriers. ask him…right?) membership has been hired since 2013, and Let’s save our jobs, save this current lifestyle But back to our easier, good life. Residents some of that time was as a CCA, which does for our families, and in the process, save Amer- here take time for the really important occa- not count toward layoff protection. While all ica’s Postal Service and continue to provide the sions—like a letter carrier’s retirement. Retire- postal employees should be concerned about nation with a symbol of American grit, determi- ment is a very important time in life! the financial status of your job, it’s even more nation, strength and courage. Rich has been our mailman for a long time. so for them. They need to be messaging their Chuck Goushian, Branch 540 Like us, he has come to that “retirement place,” congressman and senators every day until ap- so we had a little party for his last day on the propriations are made to ensure that the USPS job. We did it without food, without handshakes survives until this crisis is over. Have you made Carmel, Indiana or hugs, no beverages raised in a toast. But we the call? nyone remember the commercial with India- did it, with masks and gloves and many words Jim Raymond, Branch 4319 Anapolis Colts legendary quarterback (best of congratulations. We probably looked like a ever) Peyton Manning where he chanted “Cut group of senior citizens going trick-or-treat. that meat, cut that meat!”? I believe the Postal Rich deserved his party (even if it was some- Boston, Massachusetts Service needs to feature him in another com- what unusual). He has always been a gentle- e are still in a holding pattern with all mercial where he chants “Cut that fat, cut that man and will be greatly missed by all of us. We Wbranch meetings and events, as Gov. fat!” The USPS needs to cut the fat and “we” hope he comes and sees us later when we can Baker has extended the ban on social gather- letter carriers ain’t the fat! If you don’t directly treat him to a proper sendoff. ings and the stay-at-home order. We have been touch the mail, then your job should be in seri- Letter carriers are heroes, and during these told when trying to reschedule canceled events ous jeopardy. eventful times we have a lot on the line. Be- that when the social gathering restrictions are There are simply way too many layers in man- cause health and safety really does come first, lifted it, will be gradual or in phases. This has agement. There are Headquarters employees take precautions! Wear your mask while you also resulted in the branch having to cancel our in Washington who do something, but never “socially distance.” May monthly meeting. It will be wonderful to get touch a piece of mail or directly supervise craft So here’s to the heroes across the nation back to some kind of normalcy after this virus employees. Then, there are seven area offices and the world doing their jobs. We will all get moves on. around the country with many hundreds or through this! Congratulations to the 14 CCAs who were con- thousands of people with management-type Bob Murphy, Branch 40 verted to regular on May 9. Additional congratu- jobs who do something, but again, never touch lations go out to recent retirees Paul Tsinzo, a piece of mail or directly supervisor craft em- Margaret Howlett, John Cotta, Bill “Willie” Led- ployees. East Lansing, Michigan dy, John Murray, Marjorie Shannon and John On top of all that, there are 67 districts within rump says the Post Office is a joke and he Gaudet. The branch would also like to recognize the USPS that employ thousands of people who Twon’t authorize monetary assistance unless

48 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 we raise Amazon rates to punish his enemy, tired, but being disrespectful is not right. Even- Jeff Bezos. A mad scheme brought frighteningly tually the ship will right itself and we will get Fresno, California closer to reality with the appointment of Trump back on course, but until then, we must come arcastic responses do not answer legitimate toads as PMG and to the Board of Governors. together as one! Squestions. They are often of no use in an- swering questions. It’s the same thing when an His brain, such as it is, gets stuck in certain Percy Smith Jr., Branch 4559 ruts, loops of illogical thought difficult if not im- abusive supervisor is assigned to a different possible to dislodge. His anti-Post Office loop station. They are still abusive, just at a goes like this: He hates Bezos because the Ama- different location. Sarcastic responses zon founder also owns the Washington Post, a are just that. I read them on social media major newspaper that regularly says bad things often. A new employee asks a question. about him (tells the truth). To punish Bezos, Others respond with sarcasm, never an- Trump wants USPS to raise Amazon’s rates. swering the question. It is irresponsible Petty? Sure. But that’s the way narcissists think. to delay and deny answers to legitimate The COVID-19 problem has also suffered from questions and concerns. narcissistic thinking. Narcissists believe their Look no further than our president. instincts are better than the experts’ facts. His Referring to financial help to our Postal illness dictated that he ignore the increasing ur- Service, all we get is sarcasm or in- gent warnings he got from the intelligence and sults. ‘‘A joke,’’ ‘‘Dumber and poorer,’’ medical experts and rely on instinct, which told and, ‘‘Postal workers don’t deserve a him he’d look bad if he prepared the country financial lifeline.’’ Not talking about the for a pandemic. That’d be an admission he’d Ann Arbor, MI Br. 434 member Therese Couture Postal Service itself. He is talking about been wrong to eliminate Obama’s pandemic (center) with fellow carriers wearing personal- the workers. Let’s just ask the patrons of preparedness programs. So he tried a quick ized masks she made and donated to them. Pic- the best postal service in the world, all fix by shutting off flights from China. Too little, tured (l to r) behind Couture are Brandy Rathburn, 157 million delivery points, about that. and way too late, as COVID had already fes- Lamaria Reed, Ozzie Williams, Imanni Campbell- This while our financial woes time line tered here for weeks. His next move out of the Mabins, Jeff Baker, Tim Gosnick, Antonio King runs out. Sarcasm and bad intentions is narcissist playbook? Change the subject. Make and Ashley Oldham. all we get. Anybody voting for four more it about “freedom” so the public stops talking years of him in the White House is a fool, about how badly he screwed up. My daughter or just as evil as he is. was walking her dog during the first open-the- Fargo-West Fargo, North Dakota On a brighter note, congratulations to Dave economy “protest” at the Lansing capitol—and he current situation we are in has caused Peralta, 36 years; Sally Peralta, 36 years; and Raul Garza, 39 years. All three retired as letter noticed how many armed “freedom lovers” had some changes. The food drive was switched T carriers on April 30. Enjoy retirement. They will professional signs in their $50,000 pickups to a virtual money donation drive. Hopefully it with out-of-town plates—spreading COVID-19, all be missed. will be rescheduled for later this summer; they Live solidarity, don’t just talk it. all in the name of freedumb. really need our help. Our annual MDA auc- He sacrificed the country to save his ego; you Jesse Dominguez, Branch 231 tion was postponed, rescheduled, and finally don’t think he won’t sacrifice the Postal Service to stop voting by mail? switched to an online auction. Our monthly meetings got canceled then moved to an execu- Mark Woodbury, Branch 2555 Greensboro, North Carolina tive board online meeting. Talks are underway reensboro’s Louis DeJoy was announced as with the Biltmore to move to the large event Gthe new postmaster general effective June Emerald Coast, Florida room so we can resume in person meetings 15. But, except for his name, this news offers ormally I have talked about management, with appropriate social distancing. Our annual little “joy” for the owners of the U.S. Postal Ser- Nattendance, dignity and respect, or things picnic, usually held in June, might have to be vice, the people of the USA. that have happened in our branch. I normally moved to a later date. In the lead-up to the $2.2 trillion COVID-19 use something that has happen in our branch to Many MOUs have been added during the relief package, outgoing PMG Brennan, with the be the subject. So, I have decided to talk about pandemic, so be sure to read the bulletin board unanimous consent of the Trump-appointed Re- teamwork. and reference the NALC website or mobile app. publican-majority Postal Board of Governors(!), I believe that we are not only employees of While we have been dealing with the situation asked Congress for $25 billion to stave off pandemic losses and then billions more to upgrade the Postal Service but are members of a family for a few months, it can be easy to become needed postal infrastructure and for debt relief. of letter carriers within the office. We may not complacent. Remember to use the same cau- This excellent ask directly opposed the Trump always get along with our family member, but tion you did in the beginning. Wash your hands we are still family. I believe that working togeth- Commission’s plan to undermine the public frequently, use hand sanitizer and wipe your er as a team, we can get a lot more done than post office. Furious, Trump and Treasury Secre- working against one another. When we signed steering wheel and handles frequently. Wear a tary Mnuchin (of Goldman Sachs) threatened to on for the position that we are in, we accepted mask to prevent any unintentional passing of veto the entire $2.2 trillion package if Congress the responsibility that goes with it. Constantly germs. Keep your distance and remember to provided USPS any grant money. Mnuchin’s bla- leaving your teammates out to carry your load respect others. While you might think the virus tant intervention led the Board of Governors’ creates a hostile environment among the team, is no big deal, others might have extreme con- vice chairman to resign. “your fellow carriers.” Working with six, seven cern. Meanwhile, DeJoy gave more than $2 million or eight routes down is not a good thing. That Appreciation from our customers is seen fre- to the Trump campaign and Republican causes means that your family must carry your weight— quently while we continue our everyday jobs of since 2016, including more than $650,000 to is this fair? I don’t think so. delivering their mail. Especially with our elderly the Trump Victory Fund. DeJoy’s wife is currently We need to work together. By you being a customers, take a second to wave or a minute awaiting confirmation as Trump’s Ambassador weak link in the chain does not mean that the to check on them. Even more so now for a lot of to Canada, and he is chief fundraiser for the upcoming RNC Convention. They are close to mission is not going to accomplished, because them, we are the only daily human interaction it will, with the help of the other members of Trump. they have, since they may be quarantined to this team. We are going to have to work together Furthermore, though the first PMG in 20 years as one. I observed a carrier asking a steward a their homes. You might not realize it, but those who did not rise through postal ranks, DeJoy question, then storm off, because I guess they interactions might give them the smile they has strong connections to the Post Office. DeJoy didn’t like the answer they received. I am go- need to help them along the way. is the former chairman and CEO of New Breed ing attribute this to being tired. Well, we are all Brian Prisinzano, Branch 205 Logistics. According to the Greensboro News &

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 49 Branch Items

Record, “it provided logistical support to mul- time” and requiring grievances to be filed off FundMe to receive donations to add to the trust. tiple Postal Service mail processing facilities the clock. It has proposed additional pay steps Many branches have reached out to us to see for more than 25 years…[and] grew from 10 em- reducing the pay of craft employees and elimi- how they can help. If any branch would like to ployees to more than 9,000 during his tenure.” nating COLAs. It is actively pursuing alterna- contribute to the trust, you can send it to our Under DeJoy, too, New Breed waged a vicious tive delivery protocols, which would reduce hall: NALC Branch 39, 2211 E. 54th St., India- anti-union campaign against its workers’ efforts the number of city letter carriers needed. It has napolis, IN 246220. to organize. proposed eliminating collective bargaining over The officers and members of Indianapolis So DeJoy amassed his wealth in private wage and benefit matters. Branch 39 want to thank everyone for the sup- business connected to the public Postal Ser- Trump has forced out PMG Brennan while port and encouragement we have received since vice, and is ideally positioned to help carry out this senseless tragedy occurred. We know this Trump’s privatization plans. We have a fight on is felt throughout the entire NALC family. While our hands! nothing will fill the void of losing her mother, we Richard A. Koritz, Branch 630 hope to be able to provide Katrina with a nice gift to help her in the future. Hagerstown, Maryland Steve Amrhein, Branch 39 he Postal Service has long been at the mercy Tof politics. With the appointment of our new Jackson, Michigan postmaster general, it looks like that could get he Postal Service has a new postmaster. As much worse. President Trump, like him or not, Tpart of the president’s “only the finest can- has always managed to get “his guy” into plac- didates will serve in my administration,” no one es where they can help him. Make no mistake, knows who this chucklehead is. No experience Louis DeJoy is his guy. In just the last year, DeJoy in government service and we think he was has donated more than $700,000 to the Trump Letter carriers and other postal employees in the Indianapolis are gathered at the hired to take the Service apart. His qualifica- campaign and more than $450,000 to the Re- tion? He coughed up a mountain of money to publican National Committee. It hasn’t been Linwood Post Office to release balloons in honor of Angela Summers, an Indianapo- sucker citizens of the U.S. since the old Post Office Department that the Our thoughts and prayers go out to our sis- appointment of a postmaster general has been lis Br. 39 member who was murdered on her route. ter carrier, shot dead doing her job. The skell so overtly political. responsible was captured and awaiting his trial. The task force that was formed two years ago nominating a sycophant henchman to carry out Today is May 9 and it is snowing. I had to take by the Trump administration recommended in- his plans. He has just nominated replacements more medicine. This has nothing to do with cli- creasing subcontracting, eliminating collective to the board of the Thrift Savings Plan. The Sen- mate change. Don’t believe me, ask the “stable bargaining, reducing wages, reducing pensions, ate, without medical protocol clearance, has genius.” Another union meeting was canceled. and reducing workers’ compensation benefits just gone into session to discuss “changes” to That is two in a row. It is spooky thinking; every of postal employees. This is the postal reform Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Why? day is a boogie man day. the president intends to take. He now has a Do you think Trump is going pay for the new $3 No baseball. No football. No hockey. No bas- loyal postmaster general to help him. trillion in deficits by raising taxes on the wealthy ketball. 33 million people on unemployment, As if that wasn’t enough, the Postal Service (who just had their taxes reduced)? business operations going belly up, lighthouse is also facing an enormous budget shortfall in Why are there members in our ranks who large part due to the pandemic crisis. Megan on the rocks, chorus girls kicking, subways in a support an individual who not only does noth- hole. Maybe, just maybe, this is the straw that Brennan has asked Congress for as much as ing to support them, but openly threatens the $89 billion to keep us going and put us on a breaks the Trump chump’s back. livelihood and standard of living realized by OK, gang, gotta have the dog walk me. Please sustainable path. We can no longer afford to be NALC members and their families? Trump and politically ambivalent. This is our livelihood. We take care of yourselves. his swamp rats don’t care about us, and we Cut and roll. must demand from our elected officials a sane have nothing in common with them. Don’t for- path forward. On the front page of the NALC get that USPS is heavily unionized, and what a Bob Czartoryski, Branch 232 website is a simple way to contact your senators blow it would be to the labor movement if he and representatives. I strongly urge all active were to be successful. and retired members to contact your congress- A second term for Trump? Think about it. Kansas City, Missouri person and ask them to help save an American Think very hard. have told many a CCA, “If you thought today was crazy, just wait.” Little did I know at the institution. Michael L. Willadsen, Branch 86 I I would like to congratulate Justin Bertrand time the sheer weight of those few words of on his recent conversion to full-time regular car- wisdom. rier. Justin has worked hard without complaint Indianapolis, Indiana President No. 45 pulled a fifth ace from his and has always been an asset to our office. Con- ndianapolis Branch 39 is mourning the loss sleeve by nominating “his boy” to stick a fork gratulations, Justin; you have earned this! Iof one of our own. Angela Summers was shot in America’s most trusted agency’s eye. The Larry Wellborn, Branch 443 and killed while delivering mail on April 27. She new postmaster general (PMG), Louis DeJoy, was attacked by a customer who was upset they who bought (err) inherits the keys to the Execu- weren’t getting mail because they had received tive Office bathroom in the Ivory Tower, report- Hartford, Connecticut dog letters. We have never lost a member in edly forked over $200 million to The Don. Rumor idden amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, such a senseless manner. Thankfully, the shoot- Control (RUMCON) has not confirmed whether I Hwhich is receiving the majority of today’s er was tracked down and arrested. have started a GoFundMe page to raise $200 media coverage—as it should—are very ag- Angela was a single mother of a teenage million and 99 cents to be the next PMG. gressive moves by the Trump administration to daughter, Katrina. She was within a month or Yet, NALC has faced trials before, and as his- degrade and downsize the USPS as employees two from converting from a CCA to career. Since tory has continually shown, the resiliency and and the public have come to know and accept it. she was a CCA, she wasn’t eligible to participate selflessness of the NALC letter carrier is excep- The Trump administration has already pro- in the FEGLI. Katrina will receive a small annuity tional. Likewise, most NALC letter carriers would posed employees paying more into FERS and from OWCP and will receive the $5,000 benefit say the number of abusive, incompetent, and drawing less out of it. It has proposed paying from the NALC MBA, but that’s it. unqualified supervisors is also exceptional. The more for health insurance while receiving less Branch 39 is working on establishing a trust new PMG will fit right in, considering most of the benefits. It has proposed eliminating “union fund for Katrina. We are also working on a Go- personnel in decision-making positions have

50 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 never carried, or forgot what it takes to carry a courage as a soldier carried into his career as a New Orleans, Louisiana satchel. letter carrier. He tackled grievances like battles. Some difficult decisions will be made in the No one in our branch could put together as huge y fellow letter carriers— upcoming weeks by the NALC Executive Council a file as our Tommy. The more paper in it, the M It pleases me to pen this letter to you, that will affect us in ways unseen since the 1970 more he liked it. He could argue any case and the true heroes on the front line. What you do strike. COVID-19 has redefined what normal is did so in his own unique style. He knows the for the American people does not go unnoticed. for everyone. contract and can recite chapter and verse from Many of our customers who reside in rural areas For that very reason, support of the LCPF must memory. Management hates him. We love him depend deeply on the Postal Service to get mail be an integral part of the strategy for survival. for that. and packages that are life-saving. Medicines, Staying informed via the NALC Member App is Tommy submitted a resolution that was ac- supplemental products that the carrier delivers a sure way to have the latest information. We cepted into our National Agreement. It provided on a daily basis, reach people in a timely man- must continue to perform our jobs in a safe and additional USPS contribution for CCAs insuring ner. Without you, there is no USPS! To let the professional manner that develops/reinforces their dependents (page 135 of the 2016-2019 Postal Service just die out for the sake of priva- public trust. Finally, we must vote for the candi- contract). He cares about improving the lives tization is just plain un-American. The Postal date who will work with us to secure financial vi- of letter carriers. There are stories about him Service has been in existence for more than two ability in both short- (rates/services) and long- sleeping overnight at the union hall to finish a centuries. term (banking) aspects. timely grievance. There is his ability to speak This Postal Service is the very best in the P.S. I also tell the CCAs, “Come back tomor- (sometimes endlessly!) off the cuff. Carriers world. It is with the very dedication of the men row.” chanted “Tommy! Tommy!” when he got up to and women who work here that we can accom- Calvin Davis, Branch 30 speak at branch meetings. plish much. We simply cannot, will not, let this system fail. The American people will not stand Alas, his body has done what nothing else for it! In the midst of this global pandemic such could: slowed him down. It forced him to stop as the world has never seen, the Postal Ser- Knoxville, Tennessee his career and end his participation in the union vice continues serving the public. To the men ello, brothers and sisters. he loves. But what a legacy he has left us. Our and women of the Postal Service, I salute you! One might hear a cliché that “politics and branch is strong and organized because of his H Continue steadfast in your duties and you will religion” will not be discussed on the workroom work. He helped build the foundation of Branch prevail. We are the United States Postal Service floor, but this article will discuss an issue that 2502. We want him to know he is as much a part and we deliver. We simply cannot let our spirits will have an impact on your career as a city let- of us as the walls of our building. Thank you, dwindle. We must remain steadfast. Be not dis- ter carrier and as a provider to your loved ones. Tom VanCleef. You’re a true union hero. mayed or downhearted. This too will pass! Tthe current administration has identified two Leslie Hammett, Branch 2502 areas that they feel will benefit NALC carriers: You are essential. The customers depend the elimination of the FERS Special Annuity heavily on you. They trust you impeccably. If Supplement and a readjustment of the “High-3 New Jersey Merged they don’t see their mailman, it’s like a day retirement average” to a “High-5 retirement av- without sunshine. You are the only person they simple “thank you” seems terribly inad- erage.” The White House, Treasury Department, see and can talk to. For many, they look forward equate. What you have done, what you have and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) A to seeing you, the letter carrier. I say to you, be endured, over the past several months speaks feel that this is good for all concerned parties. It not dismayed; continue steadfast; the Postal not only to your dedication, but also to your is not! It is like your parents trying to give you a Service will survive! We have a new PMG. Let bravery and strength of heart. You have watched teaspoon of castor oil and saying that “it’s good the watchmen watch. Give to LCPF. Stay carrier your fellow carriers, your family members, your for you, so take it.” strong! friends, fall victim to this dreaded virus. Some The annuity supplement is for retiring FERS Yours in unionism— have survived, and some have been lost. Yet employees who meet their minimum retirement Marshall Wayne Smith, Branch 124 age and may be entitled to an additional annu- you have stared this vicious enemy in the face ity supplement up to age 62 or up to the last day and continued to do your job. of the month before the first month for which You have stood shoulder to shoulder with Norristown, Pennsylvania they would be entitled to actual Social Security the doctors and nurses, with the first respond- ello, front-line workers; never thought that benefits. It is paid by OPM, not by Social Secu- ers, America’s military, grocery workers, and Hwe would be considered this but he we are. rity. And Social Security has no role in deciding so many more. You served the American public While most of the U.S. is in quarantine, we are whether a retiree is entitled to it. To request through perhaps the most difficult time of our out there delivering like nothing changed. an annuity estimate, go to liteblue.usps.gov or lives, when you were needed the most. You de- Speaking of nothing changing, I have to take call Human Resources Shared Service Center livered prescription drugs, insulin, checks, and a few steps back and walk down memory lane. at 877-477-3273. The actual calculation will be products necessary for daily life. Most impor- As I said in my last scribe article (stay tuned) performed by OPM after you retire, this estimate tantly, you brought a sense of normalcy to your when this all started (pandemic) and people will get you in the ballpark. As for the High-3 vs. customers. When there was no normal to be were starting to get the necessary tools to High-5 average: For example: $60,000/3 years found elsewhere in their lives, you were there. combat it. Our office was way behind the curve = $20,000 while $60000/5 years = $12,000. You have adapted to changes in how you do and saying everything is on order, e.g. hand It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out your job, changes you never imagined. Stag- sanitizer, face masks and practicing social dis- who will lose out on this, and it is not the gov- gered start times, gloves and masks, hand sani- tancing. Meanwhile, we were still working as if ernment. tizer and disinfectant have become part of your nothing had changed. Then our PM came over Tony Rodriguez, Branch 419 routine. You have been worried about your fami- and said only one person in the USPS had been lies and loved ones. Your lives have been turned infected (wrong) and everything is OK, we are upside down, and yet you continued to show up doing everything right. And one carrier spoke Las Vegas, Nevada to do your job and to serve the American public. up and said, “no, you’re not!” regarding hand t’s the end of an era. Our beloved union I am so proud to know many of you, and to sanitizer, face masks and not practicing social Ibrother, Tommy VanCleef, has retired. Lots of share the title of letter carrier with you. You have distancing. In these times everyone is on edge, dedicated union representatives have retired, my admiration and my heartfelt thanks. I know ya know. He probably should have gone about it but our Tommy is one in a million. He lived and that your customers appreciate you more than in a better way because he was told to clock out breathed the union as an officer and steward. ever. I pray that this pandemic passes soon, and go home. But he got his point across and He was the first “union official” newly hired car- and that you all come through healthy and safe. something amazing happened... the next day, riers met during orientation. There were very few Thank you and God bless you. we had Purell and a spray bottle with cleaner in who didn’t join after Tommy spoke to them. His Michael J. O’Neill, Branch 38 it and masks near the supervisor’s desk.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 51 Branch Items

Then they started to separate our cases a acted to come to the aid of the Service. In the for generations to come. Your actions will not be little further apart and staggered our starting face of more than a 40 percent drop in revenue, forgotten. times (stay tuned on this one), they are send- the Postal Service is facing a difficult time be- On behalf of all of the officers and members ing USPS employees who work in an office at ing able to stay open. Postal employees are on of Keystone Branch 157, we extend our condo- a desk, not touching the mail, home to protect the front lines of COVID-19, still processing and lences to everyone who lost a loved one during delivering the mail despite the fact that more these most difficult of times. God bless you and and more people are contracting the virus and protect you. deaths across the nation have passed 80,000. Joe Rodgers, Branch 157 The predictions are dire in that most experts say that we will be soon hit with a second wave. The Postal Service has been mandated by the Phoenix, Arizona U.S. Constitution to deliver mail to every house- e are hoping one of the benefits of 110- hold and business in the nation. It is the only Wplus temperatures cooks the crap out of government entity enshrined in our Constitu- COVID- 19! tion. What postal employees have always done Our hearts and prayers go out to all those ar- in times of crisis is bind our nation together, eas hit so much harder than Arizona. God bless and this crisis is no different. The general public all those who work tight in it to help others. depends on the Postal Service for its daily com- Let us all offer thanks to our union leaders munication. Millions of our fellow citizens need for spearheading the fight to save our Postal the Service to be there for them for their pre- Service. I sure hope by the time this is delivered NALC President Fredric Rolando presented scriptions and other necessary items that they there is a success story we can revel in. a 50-year gold card to South Suburban can’t get any other way. Millions still pay their Thanks to all of the members who have taken Merged, IL Br. 4016 member John Buffer bills via the Postal Service and literally millions action and participated in this effort. Unity and at Nalcrest. have no access to social media. It is imperative commitment are our strengths. Keep it up, al- that the Service continues to operate in this un- ways! them from COVID-19 (shows who is more impor- certain time. Practice good safety measures until this thing tant in the USPS) but the ones who are out in the We need to do our part by contacting our con- is really under control. public every day, hmmmm. It’s sad that we were gresscreatures and letting them know that the It won’t be long until you can show your feel- an afterthought on being protected. Until next Postal Service needs relief in much the same time. #COVIDsucks! way as private companies have already received ings with votes about how horribly this administration has handled this crisis. Joel Stimmler, Branch 542 relief. If you have not yet contacted your congressperson or your senator, please do. Many Al Linde, Branch 576 Northeastern New York lives that depend upon the Postal Service are at stake. Stay safe and healthy! Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania t is unbelievable how the last two months Bob Bearden, Branch 458 Ihave affected life in our country and around o, I didn’t write anything last month. Noth- the world. The virus has decimated our econo- Sing seemed important enough. At the time, my and has affected us mentally and physically. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania we had seen the first COVID-19 deaths of letter Many people can work from home, but our let- oet Maya Angelou said, “Well I know it will carriers (and other crafts, for that matter), so ter carriers are out on the front lines serving Pget better. If it is bad, it might get worse, but most topics paled in comparison. I’ll have to America. They are putting their lives at stake I know it’s going to get better.” These are con- admit that specific reality hit me a little harder delivering for America. I have seen many stories victions letter carriers subscribe to. Even if you than I’d have liked. regarding the public’s support for them. We all have doubt about the veracity of these words, I Shortly thereafter, I started to see tokens of need to support them. know you believe it. How else can you explain appreciation emerge from my route. Whether it It seems like it is a perfect storm for the Post- your resilience, your strength, your dedication, was a card or a small note of thanks, they all al Service. Mail volumes have plummeted, rev- and your courage to move forward every day? wished wellness and safety for me or my family. enues have decreased, and bankruptcy could You cannot deny your professional heroism. People had made signs in their windows thank- ing me for service. Some emerged with a friend- follow. There are segments in our government Heroes tend to have great empathy and concern ly word or two of encouragement. One of my who are rejoicing. It has been their philosophy for people in the community who are in need. customers thanked me because, in his opinion, to destroy us. We have adversaries, but also They continue to serve regardless of the risk to the home delivery segment was the sole reason friends. It is imperative for all active and retired their own personal well-being. Sound familiar? I our country hadn’t completely collapsed. That in letter carriers to get involved to make our case. am describing you! In the face of a global public itself was enough to pull me out of my funk and Sending letters and donating to our political health crisis, letter carriers continue to service our customers while exposing themselves and it got me thinking. fund is essential to maintain our way of life. You are stewards of the economy. You are the These are the most challenging times we have their families to potential infection and illness. In visiting station after station, having to tell reason that, while the country has slowed to a faced. The one silver lining is NALC. Our union crawl, it has not stopped moving completely. has faced many struggles, and have led us well. you, one of your co-workers has contracted the disease, I see your expressions of nervousness That is invaluable. I’m confident that the - Ser We need to support our leadership. and apprehension. I sense the distress in all of vice and its letter carriers will emerge from this I would like to congratulate Tim Duket, Ed you. But despite those feelings, you march for- in a good position. Remember, it’s an election Hanson and Keith Fisher on their recent retire- ward. You do not succumb to fears. You walk in year and there’s much jockeying to be done. So ments. Tim was a longtime steward from the the shoes of others, while placing their needs far, we’ve seen good first-class revenue from Glens Falls office. I worked with Ed and Keith at ahead of your own. I am so darn proud of you; the census, stimulus and its accompanying cor- the Niskayuna office. These carriers were very words are simply inadequate. respondence—and that’s not to mention the professional, and provided excellent customer We are all united by one thing: our vulnerabil- parcels! service. They will be missed. Happy retirement. ity to this dreadful disease. There is no doubt, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our fel- Frank P. Maresca, Branch 358 history will judge all of us by our actions dur- low carrier, Angela Summers, alongside those ing these uncertain times. This moment will we’ve lost to COVID-19. I’m sure that every be defining. I am convinced letter carriers will member in Branch 84—from the president to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma be remembered for their strength, conviction, the street-level brother and sister—echoes my he pandemic continues and the woes of the compassion and love for their fellow citizens. sentiment in sending condolences, prayers and TPostal Service worsen as Congress has not You will be appreciated and held in high regard well-wishes to all friends and family members. If

52 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 this pandemic is the catalyst that brings about As always, I urge caution. For all the usual be included as part of the next stimulus pack- good postal reform, Angela’s face and memory hazards to life and limb. For heat and cold. For age. Please go to the NALC website or the app should undoubtedly be associated with it. dangerous practices and equipment. For the and look under “Action Needed” on the front John Conger II, Branch 84 mental and emotional wellness of those around page of the website and click on it. Nothing is us. For this damned virus. We cannot, however, more important right now regarding protecting live in fear. We check our vehicles, we observe our jobs, so do it today. Share it will your family Racine, Wisconsin the weather, we use the hazard cards. We pre- and friends and have them send letters, too. We had another article in mind this month, how- pare for the world out there. As masks and hand need all the support we can get. Stay safe. I ever, a recent “you suck” service talk regard- sanitizer take their place in our kit next to the Tony Boyd, Branch 421 ing proper office scanning merits a little atten- raincoats and dog spray, do what you need to tion overriding my well-thought-out plans. We do to take care of yourselves and others. Be in- are the worst in the Lakeland District. I agree formed and vigilant. Ask questions. Share infor- Seattle, Washington that scanning correctly is important, but what a mation. Just leave the fear to those stuck inside. hen we say something is disposable—ex- de-motivating pep talk that was. With long days Fear is too much of a burden and your satchel is Wactly how is it disposed of? Where does it and hundreds of scans, a “thank you” would heavy enough without it. Stay healthy until we go when we toss it away? Where is “away,” any- have been nice. Bosses are so numbers-driven see each other again. way? Here’s a different takeaway from the pan- they don’t actually see what’s in front of them. Colin Walker, Branch 28 demic. We have the plague, the murder bees (I It’s hard comprehending management want- suppose those are radicalized wannabes, may- ing to stake a claim on this issue at a time carri- be something with a MAGA hat), then there’s ers are stepping up and carrying mail under the San Antonio, Texas the floods, and the fires—I’m not totally up on most extreme conditions with parcel volumes reetings, brothers and sisters— my biblical end-of-times cheat sheet, but I think exceeding peak Christmastime volumes. With- G Into June we are still dealing with deliver- we’ve checked all the boxes. (I’m still waiting out a doubt, carriers are a self-motivating crew. ing the nation’s mail in a COVID-19 environment on the frogs.) It’s easy to be intense, but con- I doubt asking the boss what happened to our like our brothers and sisters around the coun- sider this—the air is fresh. It’s cleaner now than urinal cakes wouldn’t have gone over very well. try. Despite the hazards and the precautions it may ever be again. We may be dreading the Thanks and appreciation goes out to branches we must take every day to protect ourselves, virus, but Mother Nature may be welcoming the and carriers who sent us urinal cakes! The uri- we are still getting it done for our city, our re- breather she’s getting from the assortment of nal cakes are actually in-house, not being used, gion, and our country. The support for what we pollutants we’ve been force-feeding her. The sti- and I can’t get a reason why. If a lawyer drafted do for America has never been greater, and yet fling smog, chemical pesticides and agricultural there are still political elements that have an pollutants in the rivers, oil spills, ocean garbage their response, it would read something like unwavering belief that the Postal Service must patches, red tides, runoff pollution—just about “We regret to inform you that your urinal cakes die. Despite the favorable view of 85 percent of everything mankind engenders gives a gut do not meet current cleaning protocols. Thank all Americans, this minority political element punch to the planet. I suppose since plastic only you for your interest.” We better not see one uri- wants 650,000 jobs to go away! takes about 10,000 years to decompose, you nal cake decorating our station manager’s bath- The COVID-19 pandemic has created an even could say we’re paying it forward. The sarcastic room either. What’s my humorously entertain- larger reduction in first-class mail volume due to thank-yous we’ve got coming from future gen- ing obsession with urinal cakes? It’s an easy fix many businesses closing, temporarily or perma- erations are fortunately light-years away. That’s to a simple problem. Plus it gets on their nerves. nently. Although parcel levels have increased, it supposing we don’t all choke and croak first. Congratulations, Dan Wendt and Monica is not enough to make up for the deficit in mail At our house, we glove up and shop the Eisel, on your recent retirements. More than 60 volume. This situation has put the Postal Service Goodwill, not because it’s cheap, but because years of experience walking out the door. Now in a position where it could run out of money by it’s interesting. There are a lot of God’s oddi- go out there and do retirement stuff and make September without an infusion of cash from the ties in there. It’s full of flotsam and jetsam jet- us proud. I had the privilege of stewarding with federal government. Congress has already put tisoned when a person’s past took a perpen- Dan for many years and felt we made a formi- together several stimulus packages for industry dicular turn. One man’s trash is another man’s dable team. Would I do it again? You betcha, and the American people, and it is working on treasure. I’m not saying we’re doing it right, but brother! another stimulus package to revive the econ- we are doing what we can. What we believe we Chris Paige, Branch 43 omy. Right now, every letter carrier, active and should. We practice the Three R’s: recycle, re- retired, has to contact their congressperson and use, restore. The place has a hint of the haber- Saint Paul, Minnesota both senators to request that the Postal Service dashery to it, but it’s home. It’s virus free. And hree months without a haircut or a general Tmembership meeting…I’m sure there are a few new gray hairs in there as well…we may COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment not recognize one another by the time we get together again. tt Following the release of the July 2019 with the publication of the September For those of us who have spouses and fam- consumer price index (CPI), the cost- 2020 CPI in October 2020. ily members working/schooling from home, of-living adjustment (COLA) under this serves as the most extreme case of the tt The 2021 COLA under the Federal Em- difference in experience between being out the 2016-2019 National Agreement is ployees’ Compensation Act (FECA) is walking/driving the streets, talking to people, $624 annually. This COLA is based on delivering the mail, and taking at face value the the change in the CPI from the base projected to be 0.0 percent following world portrayed on screens. I am sure that nei- index month to July 2019, with the pre- the release of the January CPI. This ther method encompasses the entirety of life in COLA is based on the change in the the pandemic, but I cannot help but be struck vious six COLAs subtracted. CPI between December 2019 and De- by the confidence of those stuck inside all day t The 2021 projected COLAs for CSRS describing the horrors outside that we carriers t cember 2020 and will finalized with and FERS, which are based on the have, somehow, managed to miss while actu- the release of the December 2020 CPI ally moving around and doing the work that we CPI’s increase between the third quar- in January 2021. have been at for two and a half hundred years. ter of 2019 and third quarter of 2020, I will have to keep a better eye out on the route is 0.0 percent and will be finalized Visit nalc.org for the latest updates. tomorrow.

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 53 Branch Items

we throw very little “away.” “Give a hoot, don’t South Jersey, New Jersey month to the world and your customers is truly pollute.”— Woodsy the Owl. admirable! Peace. onsolidated Casing exposed! If you looked Thanks to Branch 725 President Les Dillman, at the results in the April Postal Record with Don Nokes, Branch 79 C this branch has steadied the ship in the most regard to this disastrous idea put into play by trying time. Les answered your questions and the Postal Service, you will see how every of- endured both day/night telecons. And if you Silver Spring, Maryland fice’s total hours were way over their projected think those rules were confusing, then ask Les. hours. This shows a dismal failure, right? I didn’t plan to retire during a zombie apoca- He might say yes, but he worked through the ini- guess not! Well brothers and sisters, since our lypse; but, since my plan has long been in tial stages of the pandemic seamlessly. I office of Marlton/Voorhees is in this nightmare place, by the time this is printed I will be enjoy- Also, the stewards did a fantastic job through program, you will notice it appears they were ing the post-work lifestyle (whatever that is). I this trying time. You exhibited leadership that one of the better offices in the country with re- feel so very thankful for the type of retirement is to be applauded. It’s not easy to relay the we get and the career I had doing a gig I actually gard to their projected total hours and actual total hours used. unpleasant information that we had to dis- enjoyed. Our jobs and benefits are definitely seminate. When we talk about heroes, you are worth fighting for. Not so fast. When we were told a decision was made on this national-level grievance and among the elite. On my way out, I will attempt to share some Let’s be honest, at any time were you scared? of the new protocol information concerning our since our office was a top performer according to them, we knew something was rotten in I was. But we show the way, not show fear. I saw ongoing pandemic. First, mask and gloves do no fear in my brethren. What people showed not protect you or anyone due to the nanosized Denmark. We immediately started to look at the numbers, and what do you know, there are were intellectual choices. So many of us support nature of the particulate and the quick contami- people and family members who have compro- nation issue, but you may be required to wear more data integrity issues than you can shake a stick at. Of course, it is on us to prove the mising health issues that we had to make choic- them...or not. The good news is that every type es that placed us out of work. I salute you! This of fatality that used to plague mankind has fraud again, which we will, but this entire initia- issue is no joke. Death is final. been completely cured except COVID-19, which tive was a blatant violation of the handbooks But through it all, stewards (including myself) is now the only official morbidity factor. and manuals and should have been dismissed Postal management has been thoroughly in its entirety. I am not sure what our National had to endure more discipline that was placed trained in the several possible types of leave has agreed to, but before it does, it better do a on our carriers. Some offices had less aware- to credit for COVID-related absence...or not. At complete audit of the data before agreeing to ness for the pandemic. They still practiced their least the never-ending quest for increased pro- anything. We have uncovered many things that bu@*$^it! ductivity from the carriers working through the I can’t go into here, but for starters, those con- So, among enduring the travails of life, carri- pandemic is relaxed...or not. A “blast from the tingency cases that were made to handle any ers had to endure the travails of the Postal Ser- past,” the 7:01 rule, is re-instituted so that, if overflow issues were used on a daily basis and vice. For that, you are to be applauded. Because a carrier finishes their assignment early, they the times those carriers used on these routes we all know what that means. can be paid for eight hours...if there is no other were never entered into the total office hours of That’s why this executive board serves you. work...or not. At least the route times during the the routes they serviced. Next, the casers never We have been and will be there for you until the pandemic won’t be used for future route inspec- swiped to their route they were casing, which end. tion data...or not. creates bad route data! Of course, we beat pro- Let’s use this as a steppingstone rather than When you are off duty, stay inside unless you jections; half of the data was never entered into a boulder! find it absolutely necessary to venture out... the program. You held this country together! or not. If you find that you must leave your Stay tuned! #UnityPrevailsThroughChallenges residence in a non-essential way, please avoid Gary DiGiacomo, Branch 908 Eric Jackson, Branch 725 parks and beaches, basically any area a sane human being would find pleasurable ...or not. But seriously, know that retired (or not) I will Southeast Pennsylvania Merged Springfield, Ohio be fighting right beside you to save this great, take my hat off to the most loyal, dependable don’t understand this talk about the USPS go- beloved institution. I and prideful employees in the world. Yes, you I ing broke. The spendthrifts in the Cincinnati Lee Taylor, Branch 2611 letter carriers. What you displayed this past District in general, and particularly Springfield, How to submit items ranches may submit items for publica- June 11. Items received after the deadline and state as the subject. The item can be in Btion in The Postal Record by standard will be held for the next issue. the body of the e-mail or as an attachment mail or by e-mail. But please note the im- in either Corel WordPerfect or Microsoft Word limit: The NALC Constitution (Article 9, Word (not Microsoft Works). Do not type portant information below. Due to pro- Section 1.b) limits items to 300 words. Sub- duction requirements, items that do not in all-capital letters. Include the same in- missions that are too long or violate the pro- formation as listed above for items sent by comply with the styles specified cannot be hibition on defamatory or unlawful matter mail. If you do not receive an acknowledg- published. Call The Postal Record office at (such as electioneering) cannot be printed. ment that your e-mail was received, please if you have questions. 202-662-2851 To submit items by mail: Use upper and call The Postal Record at 202-662-2851. Who can submit: Branch presidents must lower case letters (not all capitals) on one Photos: Branches may submit in-focus, send The Postal Record a letter designating sheet of 8.5 x 11” paper. Use an easy-to-read font (no scripts) and print in black. Mail to professionally processed photos or e-mail authorized scribes, especially if the branch digital image files of at least 300 dpi reso- scribe has changed. If items will be submit- The Postal Record, 100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001-2144. Include the lution as attachments. Include caption in- ted by e-mail, the president also must list following information: type of item (Branch formation identifying all individuals and the e-mail address(es) that will be used. Item, State Summary, Retiree Report, Elec- the event. Do not send photos printed on a Deadline: The deadline is the 10th of the tion Notice, etc.); where it comes from; the desktop printer. Due to space limitiations, month preceding the month of publication, person sending it; and how to contact the The Postal Record does not guarantee pub- or if it falls on a weekend or holiday, 9 a.m. sender. lication of photos. Photos may be posted E.T. the first business day after. For the July To submit items by e-mail: Send to online at nalc.org or in one of NALC’s social issue, the deadline is 9 a.m. on Thursday, [email protected] with the branch city media accounts.

54 The Postal Record June 2020 June 2020 are handing out money faster than hand sani- mail balloting in the upcoming months, primar- to their members of Congress to help restruc- tizer. ily because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ture the Postal Service in a constructive way, So far, this fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019, through Public figures in our democracy should not and not in a partisan-politics way. April 30, 2020), Springfield handed out - al be dismissive of an institution that for so long On a May teleconference with our legisla- most $70,000 in grievance settlements. That’s has served this nation well. tive and political organizer, it was reported $9,841 a month for ignoring the contract. Sixth Tom Schulte, Branch 343 highest in the district. that about 10 percent of the membership had The plants in this district cannot get our mail contacted their congressional representatives. I to us in a timely fashion. Our starting time has guess to no surprise that’s about the same per- been changed to 8:30 a.m. while other nearby centage of those carriers already giving to the post offices are starting at 7 a.m. And still, our LCPF. I have to think they’re one in the same; we mail, especially parcels, are late every day. need the other 90 percent or so of letter carriers Every day after we finish our routes, we drive to join the effort. back to the Springfield Post Office, pick up the Some of our senior letter carriers think late arrival parcels, and go back out to deliver they’ve heard this same tune before that the them. If our mail volume has declined so much, how can our parcels be so late? Rhetorical ques- USPS is going to be privatized and carriers could tion. No one seems to know the answer. be laid off, yet time and again it’s never hap- Last week I drove back to the post office (12 pened. Some junior carriers aren’t even fazed minutes), picked up one parcel (three minutes), by the potential implosion of the USPS because drove back to my route (13 minutes), delivered Western Wayne County, MI Br. 2184 is sell- they never looked at this job as their career, but the parcel (two minutes) and drove back to the ing masks to raise funds for MDA. Pictured rather just another job until they find their next post office (12 minutes)—42 minutes to deliver job. one parcel. It cost USPS approximately $33 at (l to r) are Diane Kennedy, Zia Simmons, Michele Szafran, Elizabeth Truskowski Both groups are missing the big picture that time and a half for me to do it. although the USPS does need to make some I am disgusted by these numbers. I am dis- and Dawn Gable. gusted that management can’t follow the con- big changes, the good career jobs that offer tract. I am disgusted that the plants can’t get us pretty decent pay, benefits and retirement can the mail in a timely fashion. Hope it gets better Toledo, Ohio be here for decades to come. Proof in part is soon, because disgust leaves a terrible taste in had planned for this to be my last article, but the U.S. Postal Service reported total revenue my mouth and I am tired of eating it. I plans change. I had become frustrated be- of $17.8 billion for the second quarter of fiscal Branch meetings are the second Thursday of cause of the last six articles I submitted, only 2020 (Jan. 1, 2020, through March 31, 2020), an each month in Room 221. Pizza at 6:15. Meet- one was published. There were various reasons increase of $348 million, compared to the same ing at 6:30 p.m. Show up. Listen. Ask questions. this happened and all involved pledged to do period last year. Knowledge is power. better. I want to thank our magnificent officers Two things should be noted here. First, we Brian Gourilis, Branch 45 for the work we do. As the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was can’t think this report means no action is neces- happening, Branch 100 was preparing for nu- sary. That is hardly the case. Second, even tak- St. Louis, Missouri merous arbitrations. To date, all have been can- ing into consideration the onset of the pandem- celed. Much has changed. Like most, we are no ic, USPS was showing revenue growth, meaning rior to computers, the internet, Facebook, longer holding meetings at the union hall. Tele- there’s certainly hope for the USPS to continue Twitter and all of the other social platforms, P cons are the new normal. well into the future with prudent restructuring. there was the U.S. Postal Service. We are, and We were preparing to order bags for the food continue to be, the original social network. The drive, until that was postponed. We have a golf Ken Janulewicz, Branch 12 Founding Fathers intended the Postal Service tournament scheduled for June that has been to be “a pillar of the Republic, binding together postponed as well. Our delegates to the legisla- millions of Americans, rural and urban, for the tive conference in Washington, DC, never made Yakima, Washington common good.” the trip. By the way, flight insurance does not s Amazon taking advantage of the Postal Ser- The Postal Service Act of 1792 entrusted the cover cancellation due to COVID-19. The nation- Postal Service with an expansive civic mission Ivice? Yes. Are they breaking any laws or get- al convention in Hawaii is also in question. ting a sweetheart deal? No. to establish mechanisms for rapid expansion In our branch, Formal A representatives have from the seaboard into the hinterland and ul- been pulled occasionally from their duties at Our fearless leader is an idiot and doesn’t timately creating a continental postal network. the union hall to cover for carrier shortages at know or understand how the Post Office works. This information infrastructure facilitated the their stations. Though sick leave use is up dur- In his defense, neither do many of the people in rise of nationwide markets. ing this time, coronavirus cases in Region 11 charge of our organization. The Postal Act also subsidized the circula- have been the lowest in the nation. Like every- Here in Yakima, Amazon is driving overtime. tion of newspapers throughout the country on one everywhere, the Postal Service has been In other areas across the nation where Jeff has a non-preferential basis and at extremely low scrambling to find protective equipment and got his own system of delivery up and running, cost. Not only pro-, but anti-government ideas sanitation supplies. Two months into this crisis, could circulate throughout the republic. James hours are decreasing. This is historic economic things are better but not ideal. reality. Supply and demand. Madison called it a political imperative by help- The processing plants in Detroit and Pontiac, Really not our problem. The United States ing America speak truth to power. For the found- MI, have been hit hard by the virus. Mail out of ers, a well-informed citizenry, not profit making Postal Service is constitutionally designed to Toledo has been sent to various other plants. for every letter delivered, was the reason the give all citizens equal access to communicat- Through it all, the dedication of many postal Postal Service was so crucial to the future of the ing with each other. Our only responsibility is to employees has been shown to the public. republic. deliver the correct mail to the correct address. Hopefully, Congress will take note and pass While mailbags once stuffed with newspa- While management continues to make the goal pers and magazines have shifted over the de- legislation to help the Postal Service in these cades to packages, providing these essential trying times. harder in the name of progress, letter carriers adapt to fulfill the mission. services has never been more vital especially Ray Bricker, Branch 100 over the “last mile,” which is extremely expen- Bezos isn’t cheating the P.O. He’s playing the sive to serve. Without the Postal Service, count- game. Trump will go down as the worst POTUS less Americans, especially those in rural areas, Worcester, Massachusetts ever. There is such a thing as not enough staff would pay far more for all kinds of shipments, or equipment. There is such a thing as too much hope by the time this is published that I’ve fig- including prescription drugs. redundancy, especially in a management sys- ured out a way to get across to the members of The Postal Service is the most admired fed- I tem that doesn’t move a single piece of mail. eral government institution in the country, with Branch 12 the need for them to take action. That a popularity rating above 90 percent. We will be action needs to come in the form of donating to Peace— playing a crucial role in ensuring trustworthy the Letter Carrier Political Fund and reaching out J.S. Bohlinger, Branch 852

June 2020 June 2020 The Postal Record 55 Auxiliary Update

National Auxiliary News and updates Board from the officers

Cythensis Lang Cynthia Martinez Linda Davis Pam Fore President Vice President Asst. Secretary Crystal Bragg Treasurer

Secretary From the Secretary tos 4-5). Those attending (shown from left to though we are unable to have meetings, we can right) were Mary Jean, Edie, Moses, Mike, Pat still keep in touch by our wonderful mail ser- erome the traveling letter carrier arrived in and Tommy. Gerome packed up and left Colo- vice. I’m encouraging everyone to keep up their Denver, CO, where he met Auxiliary #444 G membership by mailing your membership form President Edie Pottenger and Branch 47 Presi- rado to head to his next adventure. dent Alex Aguilar. (See photo 1.) I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy to your local secretary. While in Denver, Gerome attended Branch during this distressing time. This crisis has af- I want to thank everyone for their service and 47’s stewards’ meeting (photo 2) and branch fected all of us, including the Auxiliary. Our for helping each other through this crisis. meeting (photo 3). Before leaving town, Gerome membership is down several hundred members Stay healthy and safe— stopped by to visit the retirees’ luncheon (pho- all because we are unable to get together. Even Crystal Bragg

1 2

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]

56 The Postal Record June 2020

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Mutual Election Exchanges Notices

CA: Newport Beach (12/93) to Durango, rounding areas. Close to oceans, beach- Gadsden, Alabama the election will be announced on that day, which is the regular branch meet- CO or surrounding area. Beautiful area es and fishing. No state tax. 16 stations This is a notice to all members of near beaches and best weather. OT avail- to bid, abundant OT. Brian, 954-558- ing held at the Croatian Cultural Club, Branch 1047 that nominations for the 1503 Clement St., Joliet. able. David, 714-914-8726 (text or call) 7853 or [email protected]. next two-year term for the following The president, vice president, sec- or [email protected]. FL: Ft. Lauderdale (6/93) to Michigan offices—president, vice president, retary, treasurer and health benefits secretary/treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, CO: Colorado Springs (7/05) to Kear- City, IN. Large office with OT. John Tor- representative will serve as convention three board of trustees members and delegates by virtue of their offices. Both ney, NE or surrounding areas. Colorado res, 561-329-0944 or jetorres01@ya- a health benefits representative—will the notices of election and the election Springs has 12 bidding stations and lots hoo.com. be accepted at the Nov. 10 meeting at ballot used for the election of those of- 7 p.m. at the Gadsden main post office of sunshine near the mountains. Relo- NV: Las Vegas (3/14) to Dallas, Fort ficers shall specify that they will also cating to be near family. Nathan, 719- located at 700 Chestnut St., Gadsden. serve as convention delegates. Worth, TX or surrounding areas. Regu- Elections will be held on Dec. 8 at 7 432-9543 or [email protected]. lars only. Nice weather year-round. OT p.m. at the Gadsden main post office Brenda Smith, Sec., Br. 305 CO: Denver (10/94) to Northeast FL— available. Moving for family reasons. located at 700 Chestnut St., Gadsden. Midland, Michigan Jacksonville to Titusville or surround- Sherry, [email protected]. Elections will be by secret ballot. Re- This notification shall serve as an ing areas. 26 offices for bidding. Close quests for absentee ballots after the OH: Toledo (11/00) to Fort Myers, FL or nominations are complete must be official notice of nominations for the to downtown Denver and mountains. surrounding area. Citywide bidding. 11 made in writing to: NALC Branch 1047, upcoming elections for Branch 2317. All Alan, 303-522-5545 (call, text or voice offices. Plenty of OT available. Windy, Attn: Branch Election Committee, P.O. nominations will take place at the Oct. 15 meeting held at the steelworkers message). 419-270-0342. Box 104, Gadsden, AL 35902. Complet- FL: Casselberry (3/18) to Las Vegas, NV ed absentee ballots must be received union hall at 3510 James Savage Road, Midland, at 6 p.m. for all officers, trust- or surrounding area. Regular carriers PA: State College (11/15) to Harrisburg, by the branch election committee no Camphill, PA or surrounding areas. later than Nov. 24. ees and delegates for any member in only. Two bidding offices. Plenty of OT. good standing for the 2021 and 2022 Plenty of OT available. Home of Penn Heart of central Florida! Relocating back Keith Mitchell, Sec., Br. 1047 term. Candidates must accept or de- to Vegas to be with family. Thomas, 407- State University, beautiful surrounding Joliet, Illinois cline nominations at the time made, 242-2525 (text or call). nature and safe community. Thomas, or, if absent, in writing. In accordance with Article 5 of the The voting will take place by mail- FL: Davie (1/16) to Port Saint Lucie, [email protected]. National Constitution and the branch in voting only as stated in our bylaws, Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jenson Beach, FL WA: Bremerton (7/14) to Auburn, Kent, bylaws, this is official notice to all mem- with results to be determined at the area or surrounding areas. Plenty of OT. Covington, WA or surrounding areas. bers of Branch 305 that nominations for Nov. 19 meeting at 6 p.m. Write-in Six bidding stations. Roger, 313-410- Many options outdoors. Ferry ride to Se- the office of president, vice president, votes will not be counted, and your bal- secretary, treasurer, health benefit rep- 7571 or [email protected]. attle. Affordable housing options. David, lot must be received in the envelope resentative, three trustees, sergeant-at- FL: Ft. Lauderdale (5/07) to Nashville, 425-221-6727 or 454david.anderson@ that was mailed to you with your ballot arms and delegates for the national and at the P.O. box by Nov. 18. Knoxville, Chattanooga, TN or sur- gmail.com. state convention for 2021 will be held at the Oct. 1 meeting. Terrel Ross, Sec., Br. 2317 Those wishing to be nominated must Plainfield, New Jersey accept such nominations in person or must submit their willingness to be This is official notice to all members How to place a Mutual Exchange ad nominated in writing to the branch sec- of Branch 396 that nominations for all retary prior to the October meeting. officers will take place at the June 23 The cost of Mutual Exchange and seniority date. The election will be held by secret union meeting, with elections, if nec- ads is $15 for up to 30 words Ads should be typed in up- ballot mailed to members’ last-known essary, at the July 28 meeting. Regular and $25 for 31-50 words per per/lower case (or, if this is not address. Update your address now. Bal- meetings take place at Kerwin’s Tavern, month. possible, printed clearly) on a lots must be received by the election 353 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex. Ads must be received by the full sheet of 8.5 x 11” paper. committee by Nov. 5, and the results of Michael Breslin, Pres., Br. 396 5th of the month preceding the Make certain the numerals 0 month in which the ad will ap- (zero) and 1 (one) can be distin- pear, e.g., June’s deadline is guished from the letters O and l Regarding Election Notices for the July publication. Mail ad in e-mail addresses. with check (payable to NALC) Note: Specific route informa- to: Mutual Exchange Ads, Postal tion or mention of three-way The Constitution for Govern- ana Ave. NW, Washington, DC Record, 100 Indiana Ave. NW, transfers will not be published, ment of Federal and Subordi- 20001-2144. Include the fol- Washington, DC 20001-2144. nor any wording that offers cash nate Branches requires that lowing information: type of Ads are published for NALC or property to facilitate an ex- notice be mailed to members item (Election Notice), where it members only. A branch officer change. Mutual exchanges must no fewer than 45 days before comes from, the person send- or steward must endorse the be approved by both postmas- the election (Article 5, Section ing it, and how to contact the 4). Branch secretaries must sender. ad to certify membership. Ads ters involved. Seniority of carri- remember the time difference without endorsements will be ers involved shall be governed To submit by e-mail: Send between deadline for submis- to [email protected] with returned. by Article 41, Sec. 2E of the sion of notices—the 10th of the Include your name, address National Agreement. Carriers the branch city and state as month—and publication of the the subject. Include the same and branch number. Ads must may not exchange assignments, subsequent issue of the maga- be received in the same format since vacated positions must be information as listed above. If zine, e.g., January’s deadline is you do not receive an acknowl- and wording as they will appear posted for bids in accordance for the February publication. in the magazine. Begin each ad with local and national agree- edgment that your e-mail was with your state abbreviation, city ments. To submit by mail: Mail to received, please call The Postal The Postal Record, 100 Indi- Record at 202-662-2851.

June 2020 The Postal Record 57 Looking for the latest NALC news? Give it a listen! NALC has launched the new podcast “You Are the Current Resident” on Podbean and other popular podcasting venues, including iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.

During each episode, NALC Executive Vice President Brian Renfroe and Assistant to the President for Contract Administration Mark Sims discuss vital topics affecting the letter carrier craft and the union. The show’s format also includes interviews with other NALC leaders to talk in depth about issues affecting letter carriers and the union.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on letter carriers and the Postal Service have dominated early episodes since the podcast debuted in March.

Accessing the podcast is easiest on Podbean On smartphones, simply go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the Podbean Podcast App & Player. Once you have downloaded the app, open it and create an account (or sign on as a guest) and go to the search icon at the top and enter “You Are the Current Resident.” From there, you can listen to the available episodes and can click “Follow” to receive updates when new episodes are released. On your computer or mobile browser, go to the web address The Podbean app is available in the youarethecurrentresident.podbean.com and click on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store play button of the episode you wish to listen to.