IOWA POSTAL

SOLIDARITYVol. 23, No. 10 For All Members of DMI Area Local APWU, IPWU, and BMC October, 2019 Interest Arbitration Next Session - APWU Rank And File Witness Panels During the next session of inter- testify on September 24-26 will “put a “I want to thank our most im- participated in an interview about est arbitration (Sept. 24-26), postal human face on the cold numbers the portant experts – the APWU mem- their job, participated in these meet- workers from the workroom floor will Arbitrator looks at,” said President Di- bers,” said Industrial Relations Di- ings, and will testify is helping us be serve as key witnesses in front of the mondstein. “Their experiences carry a rector Vance Zimmerman. “Every better prepared for interest arbitra- arbitration panel. lot of weight in the hearings.” member that responded to a survey, tion.” “We always knew that interest ar- bitration was a possibility and have been preparing for it since negotia- ACTOR DANNY GLOVER: tions began,” said President Dimond- stein. “Now that it is upon us, in or- der to get the best contract possible, My Parents Proudly Worked For The we are utilizing an outstanding team of economists, attorneys, and – most importantly – APWU members.” US Postal Service. Don’t Destroy It. The arbitration preparation pro- This opinion-editorial (op-ed) reprinted reducing delivery days, closing post cess included hundreds of rank and below was originally published in USA To- offices, and jacking up prices on most file surveys and interviews, training day on July 11. package and mail deliveries. local members to interview their fel- When I was growing up in the 1950s It would also get rid of the collec- low workers in their respective areas and 1960s, my family planned our vaca- tive bargaining rights that have helped about the work they do and to identify tions around big picnics for post office postal workers maintain decent wages. potential witnesses. Those potential employees. I remember the thrill of tak- My parents’ generation fought for and witnesses, who are APWU members ing the train from San Francisco to one won those rights in 1970. right off the workroom floor, were of these gatherings in Santa Cruz. Danny Glover arrives at the Acade- then brought to APWU headquarters For my parents, both longtime postal my Awards in Los Angeles in February for meetings in preparation of testify- employees and union officers, that was 2019. ing. their community. Back then, it was Privatizers say such moves are nec- No matter the craft, it was clear: mine, too. essary because the Postal Service is in APWU members are working under Today, the U.S. Postal Service is un- optimistic about where the country was a financial crisis. But Congress manu- stressful conditions. PTFs are getting der pressure to slash costs in ways that going. The civil rights movement was factured this crisis through a 2006 law shuttled between offices and their flex- would be devastating for customers and gaining strength, and the post office that required pre-funding of employee ible schedules are being abused. PSEs employees of all races — but especially was one arena in which they could or- retirement health benefits up to the year are having to self-train or be trained African Americans. For black families ganize for equality. 2056 — a stunning 50 years in advance by a fellow co-worker – if they are like mine, the Postal Service has long of when the law was passed. No other lucky to have one. All postal workers been one of the few reliable paths to the Black Families Will Be Hardest Hit federal agency or private corporation are working habitually understaffed. middle class. Today, the Postal Service remains a faces this burden, and without it the In spite of this, every single day, My parents were so proud in 1957 critical source of good jobs for African Postal Service would’ve been profitable APWU members come in and com- when they had saved enough money Americans. Black employees make up the past six years, according to a De- plete the postal mission, serving the to buy a house. They sometimes held 28.6% of the postal workforce — more cember report by the Treasury Depart- public and ensuring that the USPS re- union meetings in our living room and than double their share of the U.S. pop- ment. mains one of the most trusted govern- had me put my seventh-grade typing ulation. ment entities. These key expert testi- skills to good use addressing envelopes In 2018, average Postal Service Real Reforms Expand Service monies will undoubtedly hold a lot of for the union newsletter. wages were $51,540 a year, just slightly Instead of more cuts, policymakers weight in the hearings. The black postal workers I met back below the average for all U.S. work- should do away with the onerous pre- The witnesses in the panels who will then felt good about who they were and ers. According to the Institute for Pol- funding mandate and explore new prof- icy Studies, wages were substantially it sources, such as postal banking. One lower in the nine other occupations in government report found that expand- which blacks make up at least 25% of ing services such as check cashing, bill employees. For example, home health payment and electronic money orders aides, 26.1% of whom are black, aver- could generate as much as $1.1 billion aged just $25,330 per year. Barbershop in annual revenue after five years — all employees, 30.8% of whom are black, while dramatically expanding financial earned $33,220. services for low-income Americans. These numbers make clear why Sneakers aren’t the real problem: My

Permit No. 303 No. Permit black families stand to be the hardest black, disadvantaged students live with Jefferson City, MO City, Jefferson

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Iowa Postal Worker Postal Iowa task force plan to move in that direction black families. As Sen. Bernie Sanders calls for privatizing parts of the service, continued on page 3 Page 2 IOWA POSTAL SOLIDARITY October, 2019 Government Pension Offset And The Windfall Elimination Provision This law affects workers who are ment Pension Offset (GPO) law says that entitled to a pension based on work an amount equal to two-thirds of a non- in Federal, State, or local government Social Security covered pension must be that was not covered by Social Security, deducted from any Social Security depen- such as CSRS. dent benefits a person may be due. What is the difference between the The bi-partisan Social Security Fair- Windfall Elimination Provision and the ness Act of 2019 (H.R. 141), would Government Pension Offset? The Wind- amend part of the Social Security Act fall Elimination Provision (WEP) may by repealing the Government Pension apply if you receive both a non-covered Offset and the Windfall Elimination pension and Social Security retirement Provision. This law needs to be re- benefits. The WEP can reduce your pealed and replaced with a fair formula benefit payment by as much as half the that treats public servants like all other Call your representatives today and ask them to support H.R. 141. amount of your pension. The Govern- American workers.

Official Publication of the IOWA Iowa Postal Workers Union IOWA POSTAL WORKERS UNION EXECUTIVE BOARD POSTAL Kim Karol Lance Coles Kirk Brown Carter Smith WORKER PRESIDENT EDITOR MOTOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE Waterloo [email protected] SERVICE CRAFT CRAFT DIRECTOR [email protected] 1106 SE Michael Dr. DIRECTOR Fort Dodge P.O. Box 539 319-415-2298 (leave message) Ankeny, IA 50021 Des Moines [email protected] Des Moines, IA 50302 PO Box 23, Waterloo, IA 50704 Home 515-964-8028 [email protected] 515-570-1154 Work 515-262-9571 Cell 641-891-0292 The IOWA POSTAL WORKER is the official Brian Hammar Cell 515-669-8046 publication of the Iowa Postal Workers Union VICE PRESIDENT Cedar Rapids and is published 10 times a year. All articles Jeff Kyle or contributions for articles or Letters-to-the- [email protected] Sheryl Stagg Peggy O’Gara-Stone SUPPORT SERVICES Editor must reach the IOWA POSTAL WORKER, 319-389-9566 (leave message) RECORDING SECRETARY CLERK CRAFT DIRECTOR CRAFT DIRECTOR Box 539, Des Moines, IA 50302 by the 20th of Bi-State [email protected] [email protected] the month proceeding month of publication. Jon Arnold FINANCIAL SECRETARY 309-781-0942 PO Box 2142 4144 E. 8th St. Articles or comments should be typed or legibly Des Moines, IA 50313 [email protected] Clinton, IA 52733 written. Off Tue 200 39th St. 563-249-9169 Home 515-262-0492 Opinions expressed in articles are those of W. Des Moines, IA 50265 (leave message) Cell 515-422-0845 the author, not necessarily the opinion of the 1500-2350 IPWU Officers, Editor, Publishers or Advertisers Off Sat/Sun of this publica­tion. Home 515-299-9663 Work 515-283-7617 PROUD MEMBER: Fax 515-265-6270 MAL STEWARDS George Bates Cindy Lyons APWU National TRUSTEES [email protected] [email protected] Postal Press 563-293-6308 641-757-0508 563-293-6308 Association, AFL-CIO Cindy Housh Theresa Long TRUSTEE TRUSTEE (leave a message if no answer) Des Moines Cedar Rapids [email protected] [email protected] Skylar Wessely Iowa State Labor Press 515-669-9518 319-899-3160 [email protected] Association, AFL-CIO 319-883-7331 Lonnie Matticks Midwest TRUSTEE Labor Press Des Moines 515-240-8124 Association

The Iowa Postal Worker is NATIONAL APWU OFFICERS REPRESENTING THE STATE OF IOWA SHARYN STONE, CENTRAL REGIONAL COORDINATOR 330 South Wells, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60806 100% [email protected]  312-786-0370 STATE AUXILIARY Union-Printer Produced ROBERT KESSLER, NBA, CENTRAL REGION, CLERK DIVISION and  Union Type Set ROBIN ARNOLD, PRESIDENT [email protected]  913-888-8555  Union Lay Out 515-240-5788 DAN SKEMP, NBA, CENTRAL REGION, CLERK DIVISION  Union Printed KRISTY BROMMEL, VICE PRESIDENT 10841 W. 87th St., Suite 400, Overland Park, KS 66214 [email protected] 515-326-2037

Serving  Union Labeled [email protected] Organized Labor for over DEBRA DICKERSON, SECRETARY/TREASURER 40 years. United We Stand – JEFF BEATON, NBA, CENTRAL REGION, MAINTENANCE DIVISION Divided We Fall! [email protected] JANICE GILLESPIE, EDITOR [email protected] 515-664 1154 William Wright, NBA, CENTRAL REGION, MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE DIVISION 55 East Jackson, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60604 Tel. 312-986-8650  Fax 312-986-8749 The Labor Press is the most important STEVE BROOKS, NBA, SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION As usual . . . leading the field. media to keep its members informed. 812-923-1111 8009 34th Ave. S., Suite 1250, Bloomington, MN [email protected]  952-854-0093 October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● IOWA POSTAL WORKER Page 3

Official Publication of the IOWA Iowa Postal Workers Union POSTAL

Vol. 60, No. 10 October, 2019 WORKER Contact Your Representatives Today! by Kimberly Karol, IPWU President withdrawing from the Universal to continue international services. compromise the safety of the mail. For months the Postal Service has Postal Union, UPU. This Organiza- The UPU is an agency of the This proposal hurts both the indi- been the target of Presidential policy tion includes 192 countries that have United Nations that provides all 192 vidual customer as well as the U.S. initiatives. Sadly, most of recommen- been working together for decades countries to have a voice and vote in small business customer who is sell- dations have been aimed at reducing developing policies and setting pric- establishing policy and setting prices. ing products internationally. It is yet services, closing offices or limiting ing that provide international mail To withdraw from this organization another short sighted, irrational and hours especially in small towns across services for billions of people around would require the Postal Service reactionary proposal from and ad- the country. There ministration that is is also an attempt to not motivated by the change the terms for “The UPU is an agency of the United Nations that provides all 192 best interests of the retirement for all fu- citizens. Rather it is ture. These proposals countries to have a voice and vote in establishing policy and setting prices. motivated only by have met with stiff To withdraw from this organization would require the Postal Service to the increased profits opposition thanks to of corporate allies many of you who negotiate new agreements with all 192 countries individually.” or their own profits. took the time to call It is also a back door your Representatives, educated them the world. The USPS earned over to negotiate new agreements with means of handicapping the Postal on the issues and consequences of $600 million dollars in International all 192 countries individually. This Service and stripping away a profit- such negative actions. This is not the Shipping fees last year. Whether it is is not only impractical it would be able product segment. end of the story, the proposals are still a citizen living abroad sending let- very time consuming and expensive. I urge you once again to contact out there, but for the moment the at- ters home to loved ones, or Natural- Without the multilateral negotiation your Representatives and urge them tack has taken a new form. ized Citizens sending packages and power of the UPU there would be no to contact the President and urge the Recently the administration an- letters to love ones in their native means to ensure pricing and main- Administration not to withdraw from nounced that they are thinking of countries there is an increased need tain custom regulations, which could the UPU. GM Stops Paying For Health Insurance For Striking Union Workers; Talks Continue General Motors Co shifted health the length of the nearly two-day cult and disruptive to families,” GM to being funded by the union’s strike insurance costs for its striking work- 2007 GM work stoppage. spokesman Jim Cain said in an email. fund, and in this case hourly employ- ers to the United Auto Workers Workers on picket lines outside “While on strike, some benefits shift continued on page 14 union as its members walked the GM factories waved signs declar- picket line for the second day on ing “UAW On Strike.” In Bowl- Tuesday, September 17. ing Green, Kentucky, they blocked My Parents Proudly Worked For The The UAW on Monday launched the three entrances to the assembly the first company-wide strike at GM plant, which normally builds the US Postal Service. Don’t Destroy It. in 12 years, saying negotiations to- Chevrolet Corvette. continued from page 1 ery helped bind the nation. During the ward a new national agreement cov- Salina Alexander, who works in and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Civil War, postal money orders allowed ering about 48,000 hourly workers the Kentucky plant’s paint shop, said noted in a recent statement in support Union soldiers to send funds home had hit an impasse. the strike is about GM sharing some of postal banking, low-income Ameri- safely. From 1911 to 1967, people who This year’s talks between the of its profits with union-represented cans lack access to regular financial had lost confidence in banks could de- union and GM, Ford Motor Co employees who helped bail out the services and have to resort to preda- posit their money in a postal savings ac- and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV carmaker during its bankruptcy. tory payday lenders and check-cashing count. (FCA) were expected to be tough, “We hung in there with them. They outfits. And African Americans and To this day, I still run into people with thorny issues such as health- can give us something back.” Latinos make up a disproportionate who remember my dad, Jimmy Glover, care costs, profit-sharing and the use Meanwhile, GM said coverage share of the 64 million underbanked as the man who trained them to sort of temporary workers on the table. for the striking workers’ health in- Americans. mail by hand and treated them with The UAW said Tuesday that some surance reverted to the union, which Danny Glover’s parents, James and dignity on the job. To them, he was the progress had been made during unsuccessfully sought to have the Carrie Glover, in 1944. real celebrity in our family. talks. As of Tuesday evening, talks No. 1 U.S. automaker cover those Throughout our nation’s history, the We must protect the Postal Service were still continuing among some costs through the end of the month. Postal Service has responded to chang- — and support new innovation to meet committee-level bargaining groups That places another drain on the ing needs while continuing to advance 21st century needs. We owe it to my but no deal was imminent, officials union’s strike fund. the common good. In the 19th century, parents and the millions of others who said. The strike has now surpassed “We understand strikes are diffi- the Pony Express and Rural Free Deliv- built this vital public infrastructure. Page 4 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● IOWA POSTAL WORKER October, 2019 They Don’t Have The Right by Omar M. Gonzalez, is issued to the union in advance and 8 contract restrictions. Nor can they ers, they are obligated to make every Western Region Coordinator restricted the use of the 204b before an change your rest days without comply- effort to find work that employee can We often hear that ‘management has individual forfeits their bid. ing with the work week and craft ar- perform. Being denied work is not au- the right to mismanage.’ NO THEY They don’t have the right to unilat- ticles. tomatic. There are strong protections DON’T! Laws require that USPS be erally change established past practices They don’t have the right to demand in Article 13. run efficiently, including managing the in your office even when new bosses medical documentation for sick leave They don’t have the right to work workforce. take over. Article 5 and the law pro- absence of 3 or less days unless they you in a dirty, unsafe place nor abuse Postal regulations, statutes and our hibits unilateral changes to the CBA can show a legitimate business reason you in any way. Many regulations, contract outline what management or past practice, unless negotiated with do it. It is not just on their demand; laws and Article 14 offer strong protec- cannot do. When we fight manage- the union after notice is given. they must also consider your welfare – tions. Federal law imposes penalties ment, we must use all three resources. They don’t have the right to make equitably on a case by case basis – per for unsafe conditions. Postal life would be less hectic if cross craft assignments unless they Articles 10, 16, 19. They don’t have the right to impose only all parties followed the union meet certain conditions reasonably un- They don’t have the right to reassign discipline at will and must prove “just contract. Regulations related to your foreseeable or unavoidable per Article you at will. They must comply with se- cause” exists by following six distinct working conditions, hours and wages 7. Intentional understaffing is not one niority rules, bid rights, section iden- rules. In discipline cases, management are subject to the contract. Manage- of those. tifications, skill requirements, higher has the burden of proof and must com- ment does not own the Postal Service, They don’t have the right to impose level pay rules and other contract re- ply with due process procedures. they operate it. overtime without penalties which in- strictions. The contract has 392 pages agreed They don’t have the unilateral right clude additional premiums for ex- They don’t have the right to treat upon work rules that have no value to do our work unless permitted by Ar- ceeding the 12-hour daily/60 hours PSEs as servants or casuals, these unless they are enforced by us all. You ticle 1 Section 6a and b. In level 18 of- weekly limits. Nor can they schedule employees have specific contract have a right to grieve violations. fices they can do only 15 hours of craft overtime (OT) willy-nilly without rights. Being a “Postal Support Access the CBA/JCIM here and work per week. In larger offices they penalty. CBA Article 8 has 2.5 pages Employee” is not a green light for then fight to enforce it. have to meet one of the five excep- of rules and the JCIM has 13 pages mistreatment. PSEs have their own We are fighting for a new contract tions, otherwise they have to pay the on OT rules. CBA sections covering their employ- now! Please stand with me and Coor- employee who would have performed They don’t have the right to change ment and their conversion to career dinators Stone, Gallagher, Beasley, Su- the work. your work hours unless they comply status. slak, and the entire APWU like never They don’t have the right to just with federal law, their own out-of- They don’t have the right to unilat- before. You cannot spell UNION with- make anyone a 204b unless a PS 1723 schedule premium rules and Article erally deny light duty to injured work- out U and I. Why The High Cost Of Prescription Drugs? Americans are not able to negotiate prescription drugs from other countries macy. over the price of prescription drugs for that do negotiate drug prices. Secondly, This has created a system that has several reasons. First, laws passed by unlike most other goods and services, made drug prices highest for those who Congress forbid the government from you cannot walk away and not buy the can afford it the least and unfair to use negotiating prescription drug prices for lifesaving drugs you need. That gives for all. The uninsured pay retail prices its citizens and make it illegal to import you zero negotiation power at the phar- for drugs. The underinsured, out of fi- Milestones In

Labor History nancial necessity, tend to choose high deductible health insurance plans or — October — those are all that their employer offer. High deductible plans force patients to pay the full cost of drugs until their con- 6 the Brentwood Mail Center in Washington D.C. and siderable deductible is met. Those lucky 1918 - Women trade unionists hold first national came in contact with envelopes containing weaponized enough to have quality health insurance conference. anthrax spores coming from terrorist anthrax attacks. still are paying for the huge mark-up on 1993 - President Clinton signs the Federal Employ- On October 21 Brother Morris called 911 and the tape prescription drugs – if not in copays ees Political Activities Act (Hatch Act Reform) which, of the call revealed that he told the operator of his fear and deductibles, then in the large pre- for the first time in over 50 years, grants postal and fed- he had contracted anthrax and said his symptoms were mium increases in their paychecks. eral workers the right to participate in partisan politics. those being discussed on the news. Regarding postal Several states have either passed or management, he reported they said, “I don’t know any- are passing legislation so they can pur- 7 thing, I don’t know anything.” “I couldn’t even find out chase drugs from other countries for 1879 - Birthdate of Joe Hill, Industrial Workers of if the stuff was or wasn’t. I was told that it wasn’t, but state employees in an attempt to stem the World (IWW) organizer, songwriter, and poet. I have a tendency not to believe these people,” Morris the tide of rising prescription drug said. Hours later, Thomas L. Morris Jr. was dead. costs. I look forward to seeing if the 18 courts side with the states and allow 1648 - Shoemakers of Boston, first labor organiza- 23 them to go outside the country to seek tion in America founded. 1938 - National Association of Post Office Custodial relief from the rising costs of prescrip- Employees organized. tion drugs. 21-22 Medicare Advantage Plans 2001 – October 21 death of postal worker Thomas 24 Medicare Advantage plans have L. Morris, Jr. and on October 22, death of Joseph P. 1940 - The 40-hour work week went into effect under been in the news recently and not for Curseen, Jr. Both of these APWU brothers worked at the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. continued on page 16 October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● DMI NEWS & VIEWS Page 5

DMI Official Publication of the Des Moines, Iowa Area Local #44, APWU News & Views Vol. 54, No. 5 EDUCATE TO ORGANIZE October, 2019 Updates By Bates Management Has Taken Out The AFSM Machine Management has instructed clerks has to be while wasting time and mon- going on in your station. If you are on in the automation section to only print ey. overtime at a station and you see these one label at a time and has notified the MVS drivers are not allowed to work violations, please request a union stew- APWU there is a new software pro- seven days in a row and management is ard and we will file a grievance. gram coming in. The union has voiced breaking up routes to circumvent pay- Full time regulars should be check- UPDATES your concerns and we have also filed ing penalty overtime. We have appealed ing out and checking in accountable BY a grievance which is being appealed several grievances to arbitration on this items to the carriers. We are not find- ing the checking out carriers to be a BATES to arbitration. Management’s job is to issue and are requesting compensatory make our jobs easier and more efficient increases for the blatant violations of problem. The problem is when the car- instead of harder and more work. We our contract. DMI AREA LOCAL rier gets back to the office, no clerk is will continue to monitor this issue. The MVS craft director, George Bennett is staffed to check the carrier in. This is a by MJ Bates, President union needs statements from the clerks keeping busy filing these blatant viola- violation of handbooks and manuals. The Plant: The Des Moines Iowa on the one label issue. Please see your tions. If your office is not checking in carriers P&DC is going through some chang- steward and write a statement. Maintenance is having their own or the supervisor is checking in carriers, es. Recently, management has taken Management in the truck terminal is problems. Management is telling cus- please request a union steward. Make out an AFSM machine and is in the disciplining expeditors for late trips for todians to put a “C” on their paper- sure that if you check in carriers, you process of putting the Automated In- the mail not being placed in the trailers work even if they have not completed sign your initials so the union knows duction system (AI) on the other two on time. Many variables can cause the the route. DO NOT FALSIFY ANY that it was you. machines that are left. Management mail to be delayed or for a truck to be PAPERWORK!!! In accordance with Also, package look ups and filing is has notified the APWU that the mail late. Now, the MVS drivers have been the CTC program, if you complete the clerk work. You must report all viola- handler craft will be the primary craft instructed to scan out on time regard- route put a C, if you partial the route tions!!! Management is reverting a lot on the machines with one clerk per less if there is mail on the truck or not put a P. We must start working within of clerk craft positions out at the sta- machine per tour to run the machines. and to drive out to the station. When the CTC program and watch it fail. tions. Management is having a very dif- Maintenance is working on fitting the they get back to the Plant, they are to STATIONS: The Des Moines Iowa ficult time posting bids, because it has AI on the first machine and as soon as start a new trip just to avoid a late trip. stations are blatantly violating the con- to go through the compliment commit- that work is complete, we assume that What the hell is going on here? ! ! ! We tract and doing so on a daily basis. Man- tee at the area level. I am sure you have we will be meeting with the RI399 com- need to contact the OIG and let them agement is doing clerk work! CCAs, all heard the term we don’t earn that mittee. The RI399 process is the process know that mail is being delayed. We city carriers and rural carriers are doing many clerks. Management is basing that identifies what craft performs what have been winning all the discipline clerk work! We need the clerks at the staffing on earned compliment and the work. The clerk craft will see a reduc- cases because they are setting the clerks stations to report ALL VIOLATIONS. union is basing clerk staffing on actual tion in staffing in the flat sorter area. We up to fail and the discipline is punitive I can not stress enough that our JOBS clerk hours. I know we are all busy, but will do everything we can to protect our rather than corrective. Again, manage- are being CUT, and we need to pro- we must keep reporting the violations work. ment is making our jobs harder than it tect our work! Please request a Union by requesting a union steward!!! steward when you see these violations continued on page 12 ave the Date S 2020 Tri-State April 24th & 25th Des Moines, IA Save the Date ! Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Casino and Hotel ’ 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona, IA. 50009 Children s 800-491-9657, www.prairiemeadows.com or (515) 957-3000 Christmas Party Group Room Rates: $112.00  Code: 04222020APW Saturday, December 7th Dates: Hospitality/Registration, April 23rd, 2020 Following the Union Meeting Check Out: April 26th Local 44 Union Hall More Information to Come Mike Bates, President, DMI-APWU Local 44 – (515) 265-7371 Page 6 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● DMI NEWS & VIEWS October, 2019

DMI Official Publication of the Des Moines, Iowa Area Local #44, APWU News & Views Membership Appreciation Day EDUCATE TO ORGANIZE by Cindy Housh The COPA table was Des Moines, Iowa Event/COPA Coordinator loaded with prizes award- The DMI Local changed the name ed all day long. The list of Area Local #44 APWU of their annual picnic to Member- winners is posted on all the 1200 E. Euclid Avenue ship Appreciation Day. This yearly union bulletin boards at the Des Moines, IA 50316-2352 event is to thank all the union mem- post offices, here in the pa- (515) 265-7371 bers and retirees for being a part of per, and on Facebook and the American Postal Workers Union. Twitter. Please make ar- -2 This year’s event was held on Sat- rangements to pick up your 10 01 urday, September 7th at the Labor prizes by calling the union 9 0

1 • Union Park. hall at 515-265-7371. 1 • Local A huge thank you to all the mem- The DMI Auxiliary also had a raf- this year, try to put this event on next

0 bers, retirees, officers, and stewards fle with many toys handed out to the year’s calendar. You, the member, de- G

0 who volunteered their time to make children throughout the day. A fun serve a day to be pampered by your

N this event successful. The weather was time was had by all the members and union. Thank you for being a member Y perfect, except when Mother Nature families who came to the park that and I hope to see you next year. O decided to rain on our parade, once day. If you were not able to make it In Solidarity. E 44 R A T it was time to clean up. We served R S S pulled pork, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, watermelon, potato salad, chips, DMI-APWU and cookies for dessert. EXECUTIVE BOARD The ice cream truck, paid for by PRESIDENT the First Class Credit Union, arrived Michael J Bates after lunch to top off our menu. A big [email protected] thank you goes out the DMI Retiree PH. 515-229-9089 Chapter and the DMI Auxiliary for

VICE-PRESIDENT Mike Gillespie [email protected] PH. 515-283-7743

TREASURER Jon Arnold [email protected] PH. 515-229-9663

EDITOR Mark Sarcone [email protected] PH. 515-265-7371 (union hall)

SGT. OF ARMS Robin Arnold [email protected] PH. 515-240-5788 their monetary donations to help pay for some of the food. The children CRAFT DIRECTORS had plenty of activities to participate Julie Bates - Clerk in: riding the train, sliding down the [email protected] huge slide, getting a tattoo, playing PH. 515-251-2380 video games in the air conditioned Brian Brommel - Maintenance truck, making crafts, gunny sack races [email protected] and having a goodie bag to take home. PH. 515-975-7323 We hired a balloon artist who made all kinds of animals out of balloons or George Bennett - MVS even a balloon crown to wear. [email protected] PH 515-283-7717

Lee Gray - Support Services [email protected] PH 641-975-6718

TRUSTEES Cindy Randolph [email protected] PH 515-283-7572

Dan Ramirez [email protected] PH 515-554-6370

Cindy Housh [email protected] PH 515-669-9518 more photos continued on page 11 October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● DMI NEWS & VIEWS Page 7 Point In Time by Mark Sarcone, 4. Mayor Pete Buttigieg: “The rea- Editor/Legislative Director son we are here and the reason Don- 15 2020 Presidential Candidates ald Trump came within cheating dis- highlight Iowa Federation of tance of the Oval Office is due to poli- Labor Convention cies that have been put in place over On the morning of July 3rd, I woke the past 40 years. These policies have up, checked my phone like I usually eviscerated the working and middle do. I checked my Twitter feed first. class. If we don’t stand with orga- The first thing I saw was from Char- nized labor, the American Dream will lie Wishman with the Iowa AFL-CIO: be gone.” He added that freedom is “Hey, here’s all who will be speaking at more than more freedom from regula- the @iowaaflcio convention this year! tions. “It’s the freedom for workers to See ya in August, potential leaders of organize.” Further, he would ensure 2. Senator Elizabeth Warren: the free world.” My response was an that workers in the gig economy (like 7. Secretary Julian Castro: He “Unions built America’s middle class eye-opening: “Holy (blank)!” He post- Lyft, Uber) would be able to organize. said he will emphasize improving and unions will rebuild America’s mid- ed the names of 16, 2020 Democratic education at all levels; improving the dle class.” She assured us that unions Presidential candidates slated to speak healthcare system; increasing pros- will have a seat at the table when she is at the convention, August 21-23rd at perity for more people by raising the in the White House. Being the “plans Prairie Meadows Events Center. minimum wage; investing in labor candidate,” she said we must attack gov- That number would grow and shrink unions to give them better tools to ernment corruption head-on, regardless between the date of his tweet and the organize, and create more affordable of what party is in power. “We must re- date of the convention. Nonetheless, housing. structure the heart of our economy. We it was almost overwhelming thinking must give workers more power.” She about that many candidates slated to also presented her Wealth Tax where speak to a room of Iowa labor leaders. any income over $50 million would be As far as I know, that was a record for taxed at two-cents on every dollar. That the number of Presidential candidates money would be invested in universal to speak at an Iowa AFL-CIO conven- childcare, raising the wage of childcare tion. In the end, 14 candidates took the 5. Senator Bernie Sanders: “I am workers and Pre-K workers, technical stage and one, New York City Mayor proud of my 100 percent pro-union training, and to attack the opioid crisis. Bill de Blasio, addressed the delegates voting record by the AFL-CIO! I’ve She said that voting should be “as safe by video. de Blasio has since ended his been on the picket lines over the years as Fort Knox.” Finally, she added that campaign. All candidates, including a supporting workers. I’ve fought for the Citizens United case (corporations professional comedian, came to make workers at both Amazon (in Minne- are people/money is free speech) must their case that they were the best can- sota) and at Disneyland to get $15 per be overturned and that she will fight for didate for labor and to replace Donald hour minimum wage. I have the stron- 8. Governor Steve Bullock: He an America that works for all of us. Trump in the White House next year. gest pro-union platform in the history spoke about how as even the Gov- Full disclosure: Charlie Wishman with of American politics.” He said there ernor of a red state like Montana, the Iowa ALF-CIO said his office did has been a war between the corporate they’ve been able to limit campaign reach out to the White House and elites and the working class for the donations in his state: “We kicked the extended an invitation to President last 45 years. “This has led to a deci- Koch Brothers out of Montana dur- Trump to speak. The Trump adminis- mation of the working class. He also ing our elections and if we can do that tration declined the invitation. spoke of his Medicare for All policy. in Montana, it can be done in Iowa Before the 10-minute speeches be- and all across America!” He added gan, Richard Trumka, President of the that “I’m tired of playing defense in AFL-CIO, addressed over 150 dele- trying to stave off the constant wave gates in the hall via video. His message of attacks on workers. I’m ready to was clear: every candidate will need play offense!” more than platitudes and unrealistic promises to earn labor’s vote. 3. Senator Cory Booker: He With that, the proceedings began stressed that unions are under assault and the following are the major points like never before. “This election will each candidate touched on: be a referendum on us and what we are willing to fight for. We need bigger aspirations than just beating Donald Trump. We will win by getting people 6. Vice President Joe Biden: “The off of the sidelines and stand up for only reason we have a middle class is and fight for justice.” Finally, he added because of unions!” He said there has that the American Dream would not been a concerted effort to suppress be possible without unions. wages, union organizing and paying employee’s overtime. “People have 9. Representative Tim Ryan: “I’m been brainwashed by the Chamber of a union man from a union commu- Commerce and corporations that or- nity in a union part of the country. ganized labor is the problem.” As President, I will have unions best He is for $15 per hour minimum interests in mind in every decision I 1. Representative John Delaney: wage. He said the NLRB will be much make!!” He told the story of how his “My dad told me when I was grow- friendlier to unions in his administra- grandfather taught him at a young ing up that if you care about work- tion. Further, he said he would expand age that you don’t cross a picket line. ers, you vote for the Democrats.” the Affordable Care Act plus provide He spoke of doubling union member- He added that when we put workers a Medicare option. Finally, “there ship in the United States to “tilt the first, every community in America will be no trade agreement made by balance of power back to labor.” He does well. me without labor at the table.” continued on page 10 Page 8 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● DMI NEWS & VIEWS October, 2019 Local 44 Celebrates Labor At Labor Day Parade October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● DMI NEWS & VIEWS Page 9 Local 44 Celebrates Labor At Labor Day Parade Page 10 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● DMI NEWS & VIEWS October, 2019 Point In Time continued from page 7 and not seen as dangerous.” On la- he would implement ideas to give and country!” She said the hope for assured delegates that “I will be your bor unions: “I have found that when regular citizens the opportunity to people is “that they can work hard President. You can take that to the it comes to labor when we support weigh-in on any Executive Orders but have a good life; that their kids bank!!” unions it’s great for unions and the he proposes. On Trump: “To beat a can get a good education and have entire country.” heckler, we need a comedian. Com- a better life; that when you get sick, edy got us into this mess. Comedy you don’t go bankrupt, and that can get us out.” On Congress: “A ‘do when you get hurt on the job, that nothing’ Congress should not try to you get compensated for it! That’s multi-task.” what drives me every day. The remainder of the Convention Dave Loebsack, Second District consisted of regular business and Congressman, who will retire at the speeches from some of Iowa’s Con- end of his term in January 2021 said gressional delegation along with oth- he will continue to do what I’ve al- er state and local political dignitaries. ways done. “I will continue the fight Cindy Axne, Third District Con- to increase the federal minimum gresswoman, could not thank la- wage to $15 per hour and I will bor enough for all the support she work hard to protect the Davis-Ba- 10. Senator Amy Klobuchar: “I had in getting elected last year and con Act.” He said the current Unit- stand before you today because of 13. Admiral Joe Sestak: He said stressed that the same effort will be ed States Mexico Canada (NAFTA unions. I come from a family legacy he would draw on his military experi- needed to get re-elected next year. 2.0) Agreement needs work in the of union members.” She said that ence to build a stronger middle class. “It’s a good thing I’m there because area of worker protections, the envi- when unions are strong, our whole there’s a heck of a lot of people in ronment and curbing pharmaceuti- economy is strong. She, too, said the D.C. that I’m working with that are cal companies before it’s agreeable working class will have a seat at the morally bankrupt and they don’t to him. table in her administration. She as- understand how important it is to Other topics at the Convention in- sailed Trump’s failure to deliver on support the middle class and hard- cluded presentations by: Union Vet- promises made to the working class. working people in this country. erans Council; Working America; We have a saying in Minnesota: “All They’re consistently trying to find Immigration and Labor; Iowa’s La- foam and no beer.” ways to undermine the system so bor Commissioner; A re-enactment that it benefits corporations and the of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory wealthy at the expense of people fire; the upcoming Iowa Caucuses; in this country who are just trying Midwest Labor; Union Organiz- to make ends meet.” However, she ing in Iowa; United Way of Central said it’s not all gloom and doom: “A Iowa; a current Legal Report; the 14. Ben Gleib: Gleib is a profes- lot of good people, including Abby Iowa Policy Project; and an update sional comedian. He said he was (Finkenauer) and Dave (Loebsack), from Iowa House of Representa- proud that he is the only candidate are fighting the good fight every day tives and Senate from both Minority running for President that is a union for working people.” Leaders about what happened in the member. He is a member of SAG- Abby Finkenauer, First District most recent General Assembly. AFTRA. He had lots of one-liners Congresswoman, reflected on the Finally, Jennifer Sherer, Director mixed in with some seriousness. He moment that triggered her to run of the University of Labor Center, joked that the politicians were his for congress. “I remember the vote gave an update on their current pro- 11. Senator Michael Bennet: He warm-up act. “Working people in this to gut Chapter 20 in Iowa in 2017. I grams. It was just over a year ago that attacked Trump on his broken promis- country are not given the same re- remember looking up in the gallery, the University of Iowa proposed to es for better healthcare and infrastruc- spect as the ruling class! Isn’t it time with tears in my eyes, and looking at shut down the 68-year-old-Center. ture. “It’s shameful that Democrats that changed?!!” many of you who fought to stop this “Their attempt to kill us only made lost the jobs argument to someone He said that the President should repeal. I thought to myself: this is us stronger. Persistence pays off and who filed for bankruptcy six times,” be a true servant of the people and not how we treat people in our state when we fight, we win.” he said. He is also in favor of a $15 per hour federal minimum wage but also increasing tax credits to put more money in low-income households. He stressed the need for apprenticeships. Finally, he said: “it’s time to put an end to the reality TV show.”

12. Former Representative Beto O’Rourke: He touched on immigra- tion and the issues at the border and said as President, “I will assure that our differences are not disqualifying APWU Delegates. October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● IOWA POSTAL WORKER Page 11 Retiree Fall Luncheon by Cindy Housh Retiree Chapter President The Retiree Fall Luncheon was held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. We had a packed house, serving 75 retir- ees, guests, and auxiliary members. The DMI Auxiliary did a wonderful job of preparing the lunch of three different kinds of soup: potato, chili, and chicken with vegetables and wild rice. To com- plete the menu we had sandwiches, sal- ads, deviled eggs, fruit, and many kinds of dessert. Thanks to all the auxiliary members who prepared and served the lunch. These retired members received a “50” year pin for being an APWU member for 50 years. Pictured left to right are We had a guest speaker Jennifer Harold Noland, David Olney, Paul Bebensee, Karen Smith, Marion Davis, Gloria Andrews, Marsha Herman, and Konfrst, Iowa House of Representa- Bruce Herman. Not pictured is Jim Peterson and Wayne Howard. tives, House District 43, who did a for 50 years. The retirees made motions members who request them in 2020. I wonderful job of explaining the proce- to give $150.00 to DMI for the Chil- will be sending out flyers to all the retir- dures and rules a freshman representa- dren’s Christmas party, $100.00 to DMI ee members in November to sign up for tive endures in her first year serving as a Auxiliary for the Angel Tree project, to the Christmas party and some informa- Representative. We recognized several have a Christmas party on December tion on the Angel Tree project. Thank retiree members who were given “50” 17th with $300.00 in door prizes, and to you for being a retiree member. If you year pins for being APWU members buy two Iowa State Fair tickets for our are not a member, please contact me to become one. I look forward to seeing our members in December. Membership Appreciation Day In solidity. Jim Peterson continued from page 6 Page 12 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● IOWA POSTAL WORKER October, 2019 We’re Not Staying Quiet Anymore! Working people hit the streets last accept a rigged, broken system. seen in decades. From the workplace work and live, putting our lives and week, marching for climate justice Worker solidarity is at a boiling to the picket line to our communities, future back into our own hands. and picketing alongside nearly 50,000 point. Hundreds of thousands of we’re making our voices heard and That sort of structural change re- striking General Motors workers. working people are joining the labor fighting for the justice that we’re owed. quires new economic and political It was far from a one-off demon- movement, and millions more say It’s a fight to peel back corpora- rules. And to win those new rules, we stration of our power. Those actions they’re ready to follow suit if given tions’ stranglehold on our economy have to win some elections. followed in the footsteps of activists, the chance. and eradicate the inequities that still We’ve made plenty of noise in the strikers, organizers and countless oth- Americans are driving a moment of define our society. This is a struggle streets. Now, it’s time to make sure ers who, all this year, have refused to collective action unlike anything we’ve for massive changes in the way we continued on page 13 — Updates By Bates — continued from page 5 formation requests, and they are not this issue to arbitration. IT’S TIME TO THE REQUEST BUT NO LATER Area Offices: If management is do- meeting with the steward at Step One. FIGHT BACK AND BE UNITED!!! THAN THE END OF YOUR TOUR ing clerk work in your office, you must The APWU has reached out to the REQUEST A UNION STEWARD ON THE DAY YOU REQUEST A report it. Management can NOT per- acting District Manager, Sam Reed, to WHEN YOU SEE VIOLATIONS IN UNION STEWARD. The Steward has form clerk work in level 20 and above rectify these issues. The NALC is hav- YOUR OFFICE!!! YOU SHOULD 14 days to file the grievance, so don’t offices. In level 18 offices management ing the same problems, so both unions GET YOUR STEWARD IMME- wait!!! can only do 15 hours a week of clerk are meeting with the Des Moines Post- DIATELY, TWO HOURS AFTER In Solidarity. work. Please monitor the hours that master and MCSO’s along with the HR management is doing and if you feel Manager every Friday at 9 a.m. they are doing over 15 hours a week, We will not be disrespected, and DMI Official Publication of the Des Moines, Iowa Area Local #44, APWU please report it to your union steward. we will not tolerate being blown off The APWU is going through the cus- by management. We are making some todial packages at small towns to make progress and are hopeful that the meet- News & Views sure the clerks are getting the proper ings will make a difference. Here are hours to do the cleaning in the office. the issues that we are talking about: EDUCATE TO ORGANIZE Management has been out measuring Blatant violations such as not staffing DMI-APWU the offices and changing them over to a clerk to check in carriers or supervi- CTC, team cleaning. If your station sors checking in carriers. We were also AUXILIARY OFFICERS PRESIDENT TREASURER has been changed over to CTC or better having a problem with the supervisor Christine Sarcone Vancee Ringleb known as TL5 please get a hold of me, telling the union who to pay in these so I can get you a copy of your MS47, grievances. Management agrees that VICE PRESIDENT RECORDING SECRETARY custodial staffing package. The MS 47 the union identifies who to pay. Carri- Cindy Weems Karen Tallman tells the employee what they need to ers doing clerk work. The carrier should EDITOR do and the frequency they must do the clock onto 079 so we can track these Janice Gillespie work. It is very important to keep track violations; unfortunately not all carri- of everything that you are doing when ers clock over. It is very important that it comes to cleaning. If you would like we have eyes and ears on the workroom a copy of your custodial staffing pack- floor to report the violations. TACS age please email me at mjbates2016@ work should be performed by clerks. gmail.com. Again, report ALL vio- We have been winning these grievances lations!!! If you have any questions and paying the lead clerks until recently. please let us know. REQUEST YOUR The labor department is now denying UNION STEWARD!!! the cases based on the rural time keep- OVERVIEW: Management is bla- ing. Management is challenging that tantly violating the contract. They are rural time keeping is NOT clerk work. Come join the fun . . . squeezing the union steward on union We strongly disagree and we feel we time. They are not responding to in- have a very strong argument appealing APWU Christmas DMI Official Publication of the Des Moines, Iowa Area Local #44, APWU Open House Retiree Members & Their Spouse or Significant Other Only If you are not a member, sign up today by calling 265-7371 News & Views or sign up the day of the Open House. EDUCATE TO ORGANIZE TUESDAY, December 17th, 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. DMI Area Local Meeting Schedule @ Union Hall, 1200 E. Euclid PRIZES! Hors d’oeuvres, Cookies & Conversation Meetings held at 1200 E. Euclid Ave. No Meeting, Just Fun!! October 5th 10:00 AM November 20th 7:00 PM We will be taking donations for the Food Pantry. PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BY October 16th 7:00 PM December 7th 10:00 AM December 13th, 2019 – CALL 265-7371 November 2nd 10:00 AM Keep up-to-date with what’s going on in your union, attend your monthly union meetings! October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● Des Moines BMC APWU Page 13 O v e r T h e C o l e s APWU Elections by Lance Cole, Editor Things may get better or they may Don’t take your right to vote for Association. The APWU Auxiliary The APWU elections are in full get worse, but our officers need our granted. Even these local elections awarded me with the Bridge Builder swing and may be over by the time support or management and politi- are important. Many of these can- Award and I am very humbled and this paper is out. I just want every- cians will use this division against us. didates will run for higher office and grateful. one to remain calm. Regardless of I hope you all voted. we need to support those candidates I am also very thank full and ap- how this elections comes out, we that our unions have endorsed. preciate receiving the Midwest La- have to work together as a union. Speaking Of Elections bor Press Association, Eugene Debs We have a contract in front of an ar- As trivial as they may seem, there A Heartfelt Thank You Award. bitrator and we can’t afford to lose are a number of City Council, School I want to thank the APWU Aux- It is always humbling to be recog- what we have fought for years to ob- board and other local elections that iliary for the surprise award recog- nized by your peers for doing what tain. will be taking place on November 5. nition I received at the Postal Press you love and know needs to be done. Spouses Serving In The Shadows (This article first appeared in the Sep- anxiety and of Veterans from their private health care provid- tember/October 2019 issue of the Ameri- depression. Affairs health er or a civilian mental health profes- can Postal Worker magazine) They are on care systems sional. Depending on the situation, U.S. servicemembers who experi- constant alert to provide individual, family or couples coun- ence traumatic events during military for signs of caregivers seling can be helpful. There are also service are commonly diagnosed with suicidal be- with the treat- medications and a variety of indi- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) havior, and ment, resourc- vidual therapies that have proven to or complex PTSD. The conditions always as- es and support reduce PTSD symptoms including can be debilitating if left untreated sessing situ- they need. cognitive processing therapy, pro- and can reach far beyond the indi- ations to determine the best course However, researchers have found longed exposure therapy, eye move- vidual sufferer, negatively impacting of action - whether to coax or push that burden and stress levels experi- ment desensitization reprocessing, friends, family and caregivers. For the them, or leave them alone. They can enced by the spouse are connected and stress inoculation training. Sup- purpose of this article the term PTSD even become targets of misplaced an- to the severity of the veteran’s PTSD port groups can also be a useful out- will be used to cover both conditions. ger and rage, and can be subjected to symptoms. As symptoms worsen, let and a place to learn how to better The Department of Veterans Af- verbal, mental or physical abuse. It is caregiver distress increases and risk of cope with their loved one’s PTSD fairs reports that 11–20 percent of exhausting and unnerving, and even- violent behavior becomes more preva- from individuals who have endured our combat veterans, depending on tually leads to resentment, a sense of lent. Studies show intense or frequent similar challenges. their service era, are currently di- burden, fatigue and the manifestation stress can have damaging psychologi- Spouses, family and friends are pri- agnosed with PTSD; as many as of vicarious PTSD. cal consequences and places caregiv- mary sources of support to their re- 30 percent have had PTSD at some Unfortunately, despite the value of ing spouses in greater jeopardy of spective veteran or military member. point in their lifetime. According to these caregivers, there has been little developing PTSD, somatic disease, It is important as caregivers that they the National Institutes of Health, a to no research beyond the study of clinical depression, panic disorder take time, without guilt, to recharge shocking 21.6 percent of our mili- incident rates. There has been virtu- and suicidality. their batteries and seek assistance tary spouses also qualify for a PTSD ally no focus on what methods best Spouses who develop PTSD or to ensure their personal health and diagnosis. address caregiver stress and no recog- other consequential conditions from mental well-being is being cared for. Spouses often develop PTSD from nition or effort made by the Depart- caring for a loved one with PTSD Thank you for your service and sacri- being terrified for long periods about ment of Defense or the Department can benefit from seeking treatment fice. their partner’s well-being during de- ployments, which can be compound- ed by graphic media coverage and combat imagery seen in movies and We’re Not Staying Quiet Anymore! television; from repeatedly listening continued from page 12 of people from the voter rolls. help them check. And if they aren’t, to their partner’s stories or feelings of that noise is heard loud and clear at They want us to be quiet. They help them register. inability to escape trauma relived by the ballot box. want us to stay home. Because if we Third, remember those conversa- their partner. Spouses are also suscep- The work of electing genuine advo- aren’t silenced, they know we will de- tions and make sure all of those peo- tible to vicarious or secondary PTSD, cates to office—from the White House cide this election. ple in your life turn out to vote. caregiver burden and compassion fa- to city councils—starts now. Our suc- We can’t afford to sit this out. So, I That’s the game plan. If we follow tigue. A person with chronic PTSD cess in 2020 won’t be secured through have three asks for you this National through with it, we can make sure that can require constant care. Spouses of- ad buys or corporate fundraisers. Ul- Voter Registration Day. the votes cast next November repre- ten assume the role of caregiver and timately, it will be decided by the size First, check your voter registration sent who we are. We can make sure are frequently faced with a number and makeup of the electorate. status. You can do it right now. Go that our elected officials represent our of stressors including financial strain, Who will be registered to vote, and to your secretary of state’s website to communities. And we can make sure managing symptoms, dealing with who will turn out to cast a ballot? That’s see whether you’re registered to vote. the policies they enact represent our crises, the loss of friends or a lack of the game. The other side is already play- And if you’re not, change that today. best interests. intimacy. ing, and we need to get moving. Second, register your people. Talk It’s on us to mobilize our commu- They become hypervigilant to trig- In states across the country—in- to your family and your neighbors. nities. Nobody’s going to do it for us, gers and incessantly work to avoid or cluding battlegrounds like Ohio, Your friends. Your co-workers. Talk and plenty of deep pockets are doing remove them. They work diligently Wisconsin and Georgia—right-wing to young people and newly eligible just the opposite. to control situations to stall addictive forces have changed registration rules, voters. Talk to people who haven’t We have the power to overcome behaviors and temper emotions. They restricted access to polling places and voted in years. Ask them if they’re that opposition and be heard. We do deal with the effects of insomnia, even purged hundreds of thousands registered to vote. If they don’t know, it every day. Let’s do it some more. Page 14 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● Des Moines BMC APWU October, 2019 How Post Offices Can Beat Payday Lenders The fight to curb payday loans has To turn a profit, this new crop of reached one of America’s oldest in- lenders set sky-high interest rates that stitutions: the Postal Service. Demo- have left poorer Americans trapped in cratic representatives Bill Pascrell of debt. New Jersey and Ayanna Pressley of The postal service still offers one Massachusetts recently introduced banking service: postal money orders. an amendment to the Financial Ser- An inspector general report estimates vices and General Government Ap- that it provides roughly $21 billion of propriations Act authorizing post of- these orders — which operate like pre- fices to provide small loans, savings paid checks — to those who have no accounts, and other financial services. other place to store their money. The The amendment sets aside $1 million report also noted that “ZIP Codes to cover any overhead. It passed the with higher population, more poverty, House of Representatives on June 25. and lower education levels sold more Pascrell is a longtime supporter of money orders.” the Postal Service. In an April 2019 ar- Pascrell and Pressley’s legislation — ticle for this magazine, he argued that which also had the support of Nevada the USPS is an essential institution that Republican Mark Amodei — would has been bogged down by privatization greatly expand this banking system, efforts. Rather than take away money making post offices install new ATMs, from the agency, Pascrell said that set up deposit accounts, and hand out Congress should expand its functions. Many of these people would have to ing China, India, Italy, and France low-interest loans to customers. Its Post offices, he noted, could bring loan take out payday loans to deal with — currently offer loans and savings odds of passing the Senate are slim. and ATM access to unbanked Ameri- such a shock. accounts at post offices. American But if the bill were implemented, it cans, many of whom rely on payday “They turn to the unregulated post offices offered loan and deposit would offer low-income Americans lenders that charge exorbitant interest predatory payday lenders, to check services from 1911 to 1966, when mil- inexpensive access to the U.S. finan- rates. cashiers,” Pascrell told me. These lend- lions of low-income individuals relied cial system. A USPS inspector general Bank access is a severe problem in ers, he said, “keep families in poverty.” on them. In 1947, the post office man- study found that postal banking could the United States. In 2017, 6.5 percent Typical payday lenders charge in- aged $3.4 billion, the equivalent of $35 provide loans at a 90 percent discount of U.S. households were “unbanked” terest rates of 390 percent per year, a billion today, making it one of the larg- compared to what payday lenders (no bank access), and 18.7 percent figure so high that one out of five re- est financial institutions in the U.S. charge. were “underbanked” (reliant on finan- cipients default. A recent move by the But Lyndon Johnson cut the proj- Given its vast reach, Pascrell argued cial institutions that were not banks). Trump administration to slash regula- ect in the 1960s as a part of a larger ef- that the Postal Service was uniquely Almost half of the country could not tion around payday loans risks making fort to trim government agencies. Af- prepared to help solve America’s pay- pull together $2,000 within thirty days this problem even worse. terwards, predatory lenders stepped day lender problem. “It’ll be a little in the event of an emergency (or at Pascrell’s solution is not wholly in to fill the gap, offering small loans push from us,” he said. “But they’re least they would struggle greatly to). new. Several large countries — includ- that commercial banks often avoid. basically ready to do this.” GM Stops Paying For Health Insurance For Striking Union Workers; Talks Continue continued from page 3 GM has said in the past that it annu- per worker is in the range of $1,700 health care benefits. ees are eligible for union-paid CO- ally spends about $1 billion a year to $2,000. The UAW on its website Charlie Highlander, 59, who also BRA so their health care benefits can on healthcare coverage for its hourly said its strike fund covers certain ben- works in the Bowling Green plant’s continue.” workers, suggesting the monthly cost efits such as medical and prescription paint shop, said the strike was about drugs, but not dental, vi- protecting the rights of younger work- sion and hearing. (uaw. ers who are paid at a lower wage or org/strike-faq/) are hired as temporary workers. A UAW spokesman “I’m out here mostly for them,” he had no immediate com- said. “It’s about the young people for ment, but Terry Dittes, me.” vice president in charge The contract talks with GM have of the union’s GM depart- been overshadowed by a mushroom- ment, in a letter to union ing U.S. federal corruption probe of leaders on Tuesday, said top union officials. The investigation the UAW would review has raised questions about UAW Pres- its legal options regarding ident Gary Jones, who a source said GM’s decision. was an unnamed official cited in a During the walkout, federal complaint last week detailing UAW members also re- alleged embezzlement by union lead- ceive $250 a week from ers. the union’s strike fund. The strike has also become a po- In a statement on litical issue, and both U.S. President Sunday, GM outlined its Donald Trump and Democrats who offer to the union, say- want to unseat him in 2020 have ing the package included weighed in. Trump and Democrats plans for Michigan and see the votes of UAW members in the Ohio assembly plants cur- Midwest as critical to victory. rently lacking products, GM’s workers last went out on a $7 billion in U.S. invest- brief two-day strike in 2007 during ment and a signing bonus contract talks. A more painful strike of $8,000 per worker. GM occurred in Flint, Michigan, in 1998, also said the union would lasting 54 days and costing the auto- retain “nationally leading” maker more than $2 billion. October, 2019 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● IOWA POSTAL WORKER Page 15 Why We Throw Stones! Everyone loves a good story about In the recent contest for NewsGuild an Amazon walkout. But when Labor president, and in the New York Nurses Notes wades into more controversial debate, activists who identify with La- waters — the pros and cons of a con- bor Notes principles didn’t all see eye to tract, for instance, or a race for union eye. office — we can expect some angry let- In those articles we worked hard to ters. include a variety of voices and to give “Let’s not criticize each other,” is a readers an accurate portrayal of each common refrain. “We get enough at- side. That doesn’t mean we came down tacks from the boss! Airing disagree- in the middle, or should. ments gives ammo to union-busters.” tive? You shouldn’t take sides.” We don’t quote company bigwigs. We’re not neutral, but I’m proud My answer: first of all, those fears We strive to be fair, and to deal with We rarely even quote union bigwigs. that we are credible. We don’t fudge are overhyped. Union busters hired to disagreements honestly. But Labor Our focus is on the rank and file. numbers or puff up failures. We delete squelch organizing drives mostly play Notes has a point of view. We always Sometimes it’s a snap to see where empty rhetoric. the classics, like “You’ll Get Fired have. we should stand. Longtime readers Read Labor Notes long enough and and the Plant Will Close,” “It’s No We’re for member-run unions, ac- aren’t surprised when Labor Notes criti- you’ll read something you disagree with Use—You Have No Power,” and “The tion on the job, and solidarity across cizes Teamsters honchos and boosts — sometimes because we got it wrong. Boss Loves You (Give Him Another borders. We’re against concessions, rac- Teamsters for a Democratic Union. Please keep the letters coming, and Chance).” Debates within the union are ism, and partnering with the boss. Other times it’s more complicated. keep us honest! inside baseball. But even when employers do seize on a union’s real flaws as talking points, the union is vulnerable because the problem exists, not because we’re talk- ing about it. How will we ever fix prob- lems if we can’t discuss them? First Class Union busters are sure to make hay of the scandal that Auto Workers lead- ers allegedly took payoffs from employ- ers. That doesn’t mean we should sweep this horrifying behavior under the rug. Despite this principle, we’re sensitive Community Credit Union to timing. In the recent union drive at Volkswagen, we held back our criticism of the organizing strategy until after the Providing First Class Service since 1925 vote. We wanted the union to win de- spite its flaws. But ultimately what helps the boss is a weaker labor movement that doesn’t deal with its mistakes—or an undemo- cratic movement that squanders poten- tial participation.

Armchair Quarterback? Another complaint: “Easy for you to say! It’s not your union, and you’re not in the trenches, so who are you to criti- cize?” If you think it’s nosy to take an inter- est in anyone’s contract but your own, then Labor Notes isn’t the magazine Online Teller for you. We were founded 40 years ago with the express goal to help activists in Mobile Banking different unions cohere together to de- mand more democracy and militancy Competitive Loan Rates across the whole labor movement. That said, we’re not making this stuff Direct Deposit up. We ground any criticism in what we hear from rank and filers. We didn’t gin Shared Branching up controversy over the New York State Nurses’ contract; we reported on it be- Much, much more! cause it was real. Our analysis of why the Volkswagen WESTOWN OFFICE drive fell short was bound to leave orga- nizers feeling stung. Nonetheless these 2051 Westown Parkway conversations are important so that the West Des Moines labor movement can learn from mis- takes and up our game. EASTOWN OFFICE Of course employers and anti-union groups are to blame for defeats. But it’s 303 Euclid Avenue up to unions to figure out how to beat Des Moines them. Not Neutral One more: “This article is biased. 1.800.392.7122 www.gofirstclass.org Aren’t journalists supposed to be objec- Page 16 Iowa Postal Solidarity ● IOWA POSTAL WORKER October, 2019 Postal Group Files Lawsuit Over Pay The National Association of Postal ner, NAPS. “Given continued USPS Supervisors has filed a lawsuit against resistance to the fair administration the U.S. Postal service on the behalf of of the law, we have no choice but to nearly 50,000 managers, supervisors, seek the relief to which all supervi- postmasters and other professional sors, managers, and postmasters are and administrative employees who the entitled,” he added. group says are owed back pay. NAPS is seeking retroactive pay to The lawsuit specifically represents compensate all EAS-covered employ- Executive and Administrative Sched- ees at levels equal to comparable pri- ule employees, who are non-bargain- packages from 2016 to 2019. qualified supervisors and managers,” vate sector positions from Oct. 1, 2015 ing unit workers and operate under a “…the Postal Service was and is vi- the lawsuit states that the panel con- (the start of the 2016-2019 pay pack- pay-for-performance system. olating the (Postal Reorganization Act cluded. age) to the date of a court’s final judg- According to the lawsuit, EAS of 1970) Act by inadequately compen- USPS rejected most of the panel’s ment in the matter. pay is not comparable to that of sating its EAS employees in a variety findings. The group also wants declaratory the private sector and the pay-for- of manners, and that this inadequate “The USPS pay system for its relief recognizing NAPS’s right to rep- performance system is “seriously compensation contributes to severe managers and supervisors is broken resent all headquarters and area EAS flawed,” which was confirmed by a morale problems as well as problems and inconsistent with the expecta- personnel and all postmasters who are fact-finding panel that reviewed pay with the attraction and retention of tions of the law,” said Brian J. Wag- members of NAPS.

Why The High Cost Of Prescription Drugs? continued from page 4 good reasons. There have been news stories of Medicare Advantage plans overcharging Medicare for services not provided to seniors. This issue is impor- tant to postal workers as the USPS has mailed newsletters to our retirees tout- ing the availability of Medicare Advan- tage plans in lieu of FEHB health insur- ance and traditional Medicare Part B. Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan is an option our members have and as each person’s health care needs and finances are unique, it is a personal choice. Therefore, I will not offer any advice on this subject, but as the infor- mation that was provided to our mem- bers was lacking, I will relay some facts from the Medicare.gov website. Medicare Advantage plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by a pri- vate company that contracts with Medi- care. Medicare Advantage plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage plans include:  Health Maintenance Organizations  Preferred Provider Organizations  Private Fee-for-Service Plans  Special Needs Plans  Medicare Medical Savings Ac- count Plans If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan:  Most Medicare services are cov- ered through the plan  Medicare services are not paid for by Original Medicare Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. The network, area covered, drug cov- erage and costs may be different with Medicare Advantage plans than what our members are used to with FEHB coverage and traditional Medicare. I urge our members to get all the informa- tion when making this decision. This is of paramount importance: make sure, if you do make this decision, that you elect to suspend your FEHB coverage and NOT cancel your FEHB coverage as the form is very confusing.