Volume 134/Number 5 May 2021 In this issue President’s Message 1 National Officers 35 Branch Election Notices 55 Branch Items 56

The monthly journal of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS

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

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American workers need the PRO Act lthough the NALC was sions of a Union Buster: “Union busting is a field populated by founded in 1889, it bullies and built on deceit. A campaign against a union is an was not legally recog- assault on individuals and a war against the truth. As such, it nized as the exclusive is a war without honor. The only way to bust a union is to lie, representative of city distort, manipulate, threaten, and always, always attack. Each Aletter carriers until June 1962, ‘union prevention’ campaign, as the wars are called, turns on when they voted for NALC in a na- a combined strategy of disinformation and personal assault.” tional union recognition election, This behavior is wrong and must be stopped. called for by an executive order (EO) signed by President John That is why NALC and the AFL-CIO are working with the Biden F. Kennedy. There were a dozen administration and congressional leadership to support enact- postal unions at the time, and ment of the Protect the Right to Organize Act—the PRO Act. The every postal employee was sent bill, which already has passed the House of Representatives a ballot to vote for which union and has 45 co-sponsors in the Senate, would make union elec- they wanted to represent them. tions fairer by prohibiting employers from forcing workers to City carriers overwhelmingly attend “captive audience” meetings, where employers issue chose the NALC. We had the veiled threats and present anti-union propaganda to pressure freedom to choose for ourselves. workers to vote against the union. It will modernize our labor The Post Office had no say in the laws by stiffening penalties for employer violations to bring Fredric V. matter, because the EO specifi- them in line with other workplace laws, and by imposing finan- cally prohibited any agency “in- cial penalties on companies and individual corporate officers Rolando terference, restraint, coercion or who violate the law. This will end the epidemic of lawlessness discrimination” with regard to by America’s wealthiest and most powerful corporations, as employees’ union preferences. well as by their consultants and lawyers. That neutrality holds to this day; when men and women be- Once workers vote to form a union, the PRO Act will require come postal employees, they have the right to join their postal the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to order that the union free of employer meddling. employer commence bargaining a first contract. These orders would be enforced in district courts to ensure swift justice, Sadly, this basic workplace freedom is denied to tens of thereby outlawing company stalling tactics. The PRO Act also millions of American workers, which we once again witnessed will establish a process for mediation and arbitration to help last month when Amazon, among the world’s most power- the parties achieve a first contract—the process of interest ful corporations, crushed a union-organizing campaign at its arbitration that has worked well for letter carriers and other distribution center in Bessemer, AL. Fewer than half of the postal employees for decades. And it will restore the effec- plant’s 5,800 workers felt it was safe to participate in the elec- tive right to strike in the private sector and strengthen unions tion—and those who did rejected representation by the Retail, by preventing employers from hiring permanent replacement Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWSSU) by a ratio of workers and banning state “right-to-work” laws that have been 2-1. Amazon used a huge financial war chest and a variety of used to weaken unions by allowing free riders to benefit from tactics (both legal and otherwise) to intimidate workers and collective bargaining without paying union dues. Finally, it will convince them not to form a union, which the RWDSU cited in stop employers from misclassifying workers as “independent an April 16 filing to overturn the results of the election. contractors” to prevent them from forming unions and enjoy- Now, imagine what it would have been like for our members ing workplace protections like unemployment insurance and if the Post Office had been allowed to insert itself into the 1962 workers’ compensation benefits. referendum. What if it had brought in hundreds of union-busting consultants to roam mail-processing plants and delivery units In short, the PRO Act would extend to our friends, family and hold one-on-one meetings to denounce the NALC and other members and neighbors all the basic freedoms we enjoy as postal unions with lies and misinformation? What if managers postal employees and NALC members—the freedoms of a had held repeated, mandatory group meetings during work voice on the job, a seat at the collective-bargaining table and hours to mislead workers about collective bargaining and union the dignity of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Labor law dues? What if they produced slanderous videos and posted reform is long overdue in our country. NALC is committed to anti-union posters all over our workplaces, including in bathroom working with our brothers and sisters in the U.S. labor move- stalls—or had sent anti-union advertisements to our homes? ment to urge the Senate to adopt this urgently needed workers’ That is what Amazon did, and it is what most private em- rights bill. ployers do when workers decide to exercise their right under federal law to form a union. It is standard practice. As a famous union-busting lawyer once admitted in a book called Confes-

May 2021 The Postal Record 1 Cover illustration by Jim Starr National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO Contents Since 1889, representing city letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service. Volume 134/Number 5 May 2021 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 22 (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 News from Washington Region 3: MICHAEL B. CAREF Region 11: MARK CAMILLI 3 Letter from the Editor The White House releases the FY (Illinois) (Upstate New York, Ohio) 4979 Indiana Ave., Suite 203 5445 Beavercrest Drive, Suite 7 4 News 2022 budget outline and announc- Lisle, IL 60532-3848 Lorain, OH 44053 32 Proud to Serve es an infrastructure and jobs plan; 630-743-5320 440-282-4340 34 Retiree Reports meanwhile, the House passes the Region 4: DAN VERSLUIS Region 12: BRIAN THOMPSON 35 Executive Vice President PRO Act and introduces the Public (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, (Pennsylvania, South and Central Oklahoma, Wyoming) New Jersey) 36 Vice President Servants Protection and Fairness Act 12015 E. 46th Ave., Suite 550 Four Neshaminy Interplex, Suite 111 Denver, CO 80239 Trevose, PA 19053 38 Secretary-Treasurer 8 CCA: The bridge to career 720-828-6840 215-824-4826 39 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer We take a look at city carrier as- Region 5: MICHAEL BIRKETT Region 13: VADA E. PRESTON 40 Director of City Delivery sistants’ path from non-career (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas) (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West 42 Director of Safety and Health carriers to full-time regulars 1828 Craig Road Virginia, Washington, DC) St. Louis, MO 63146 P.O. Box 2660 43 Director of Retired Members 314-985-8040 Ashburn, VA 20146 44 Director of Life Insurance 12 Implementing the contract 703-840-2010 Following ratification of the new Region 6: TROY CLARK 45 Director, Health Benefit Plan National Agreement, the process (Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) Region 14: RICHARD J. DICECCA 46 Contract Talk 43456 Mound Road, Suite 501 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachu- of implementing the full terms of Sterling Heights, MI 48314 setts, New Hampshire, Rhode 48 Muscular Dystrophy Association 586-997-9917 Island, Vermont) the new contract begins 33 Boston Post Road W., Suite 360 49 Staff Reports Region 7: TROY D. FREDENBURG Marlborough, MA 01752-1813 51 State Summaries 20 Donor drive continues —PAGES 20-29 (Minnesota, North Dakota, South 617-363-9299 Dakota, Wisconsin) 52 Honor Roll The Stamp Out Hunger Donor Broadway Place West Region 15: LARRY CIRELLI Drive continues online as a way 1300 Godward St. NE, Suite 2600 (Northern New Jersey, New York, 53 Nalcrest Update Minneapolis, MN 55413 SW Connecticut, Puerto Rico, Virgin 54 In Memoriam to get food to the hungry during 612-378-3035 Islands) the ongoing pandemic 347 W. 41st St., Suite 102 55 Election Notices Region 8: STEVE LASSAN New York, NY 10036-6941 56 Branch Items (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 212-868-0284 22 Replacing the fleet Tennessee) 61 Cost-of-living adjustment We present an in-depth guide 160 Commissioner Drive 63 Auxiliary Update Meridianville, AL 35759-2038 to USPS’s recently chosen Next 256-828-8205 64 Mutual Exchange ads Generation Delivery Vehicle

2 The Postal Record May 2021 Letter from the Editor

A letter carrier legacy his is a story worth telling, I as he walked. He had a good pace about him. As soon as he thought, perusing a southwest- hit the door, he knew who to talk to and who not to talk to, Tern Pennsylvania newspaper. who to give the mail to, then he was out the door. That was A letter carrier born in 1916 (midway his routine. He always had a lot of gum bands on his hand, through WWI!), who delivered in a getting ready for his next drop-off.” small river town, had died. At age 104. Daughter Cynthia said of her dad, son of Italian immigrants, The Feb. 24 obit was short on de- who began carrying mail around 1950: “He loved the post of- tails: Henry Joseph Marini was born in fice, he lived and breathed it. Everybody knew him. The kids I Belle Vernon, on July 22, 1916…When went to school with, if he delivered their mail, I’d hear all about he met and married Angela Curcio of him. Kids sensed the kid in him and responded big time. Monongahela in 1938, that is where “He was so much fun. He was hilarious, up until Covid took they lived thereafter…Henry was a him. We thought we’d celebrate 105.” mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office, Cynthia said her father’s best friend at the post office was first on the mail truck, then walking John Yevincy. Indeed, they were “like brothers,” the 92-year- the often cold, snowy hills throughout old Korea-era veteran told me. “Henry was a very, very liked Philip Monongahela and ending up deliver- man. He was on the upside all the time, always joking.” ing the mail to the downtown busi- John, who delivered mail to Henry’s house, saw his friend Dine ness district for a number of years. He five years ago when Henry visited Monongahela, and had just absolutely loved his job, especially about convinced him to visit again. interacting with all the people on his various routes and with Henry knew the routes, addresses and names so well, his his post office co-workers—he seemed to know everyone in daughter recounted, that to speed winter holiday deliveries Monongahela! he’d spend entire days in the office casing for others. “He’d It noted his post-1985 retirement years in Arizona’s warmer complain, good-naturedly, with some pride, ‘The bosses climes; he died there on Feb. 2 (34 years after his wife) and won’t let me out!’ ” was buried back in Monongahela. Larry Carr’s three-decade postal career began a half-century Grist for a fascinating tale. But what exactly is the story, I ago. The Army vet remembers some early advice: “One thing wondered. Would anyone on his route even remember Henry he told me when I first started was, always take care of the Marini? people. Give the people good service. That stuck with me the Decades had elapsed and information was initially elusive. whole time I worked there.” City Clerk Tamie Gido arrived five years after Henry left, and One resident recalled Henry letting him tag along in the a 1985 flood destroyed paper records. 1950s, delivering an occasional letter. Inspired, the youngster Pam DeRose, who owns Frye Funeral Home, has been there later spent 31 years actually delivering mail, briefly assuming longer—34 years; still one short. “I did not know him,” she Henry’s route, before himself retiring in 2002. lamented, then walked me through his online photo album: So, this turns out to be a tale of a letter carrier plying his classic 1930s pictures, his 104th birthday fete, his 1964 postal craft with such verve that he earned the lasting appreciation vehicle. She offered to ask Henry’s daughter, in Arizona, to of the community he served. call me. Come to think of it, there’s a corollary—even as I write this, As for local businesses Henry might have delivered to, legions of letter carriers across this land are serving their com- Tamie suggested DeVore Hardware, founded in 1903—predat- munities with distinction, carving out their own legacies. ing Henry by just 13 years.

Hardware store, but also a goldmine. “I remember Henry EDITORIAL STAFF: Subscription included in membership dues. very well,” Don DeVore, fifth-generation owner, said. “We Director of Communications and Media First-class subscription available Relations Philip Dine for $20 per year (contact Membership put his hot water heater in his home. I knew Henry for a lot of Designer/Web Editor Mike Shea Department). Writer/Editor Rick Hodges years. I’m 66; I remember him when I was 5 years old.” Writer/Editor Jenessa Wagner © 2021 by the National Association of Letter The Pittsburgh Branch 84 member’s route contained resi- Editorial Assistant Clare Foley Carriers. Circulation: 287,000. Union-printed using dences on the hill and businesses by the river. “He smiled, The Postal Record (ISSN 0032-5376) soy-based inks. is published monthly by the National he whistled, and he sang,” Don, a volunteer firefighter, said. Association of Letter Carriers. Periodicals CHANGE of ADDRESS? Contact the Member- postage paid at Washington, DC, and at ship Department. “He was a very cheerful man. Being from a small town, every- additional mailing offices. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram body knew him, and everybody liked him.” POSTMASTER: Send address changes and YouTube by going to NALC.org. to Membership Department, NALC, The route’s size, however, precluded chatting in the store. 100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, “He just delivered the mail,” Don said. “He would be talking DC 20001-2144.

May 2021 The Postal Record 3 News

News from Washington White House releases FY 2022 budget request outline he White House released its more. It focuses these efforts through Relation Board’s (NLRB) procedures Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022) budget increased funding to federal to secure worker rights and effectively T outline on April 9. The budget agencies, including the Department prevent violations by establishing proposal reflects the priorities of of Housing and Urban Development penalties on corporations that violate the administration, but it must be (15 percent increase), the Department those rights and by combatting mis- reviewed and approved by Congress, of Education (41 percent increase) and classification of workers as supervi- which controls the budget and ap- the Department of Justice (5.3 percent sors and independent contractors. propriations process. As is customary increase). “NALC appreciates the 225 bipar- with presidential first-year budget tisan members of Congress who requests, the outline lacks certain House passes bill to protect demonstrated their support for basic specifics. Later this spring, the White organizing rights worker protections,” NALC President House will release a more detailed On March 9, the House of Represen- Fredric Rolando said. In addition presidential budget request as Con- tatives passed the Protecting the Right to lobbying for passage of the leg- gress begins the budget and appro- to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842), islation, NALC sent a letter to the priations process. which offers protections for the rights House in support of this important Regarding the Postal Service, the of workers the right to organize and legislation. outline reiterates the administration’s bargain for better wages, benefits and “While NALC is an open shop with priority of securing electric vehicles working conditions. over 93 percent voluntary member- and specifically increasing “demand H.R. 842 passed by a vote of 225-206 ship, we do not take our success in or- for American made, zero-emission with five Republicans—Reps. Brian ganizing for granted,” Rolando wrote vehicles through federal procure- Fitzpatrick (PA), Don Young (AK), John in the letter. “To protect our rights, we ment.” The budget request includes Katko (NY), Chris Smith (NJ) and Jeff all know that all workers must enjoy $600 million for electric vehicles and Van Drew (NJ)—joining a majority of a real right to organize, not just a the development of charging stations Democrats. Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX) was theoretical right to do so. We stand in for 18 federal agencies and USPS. (For the only Democrat who voted against solidarity with the millions of workers more information on Postal Service the measure. H.R. 842 was introduced and their families whom this legisla- vehicles, see page 22.) by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and 195 tion will benefit.” Notably, in contrast to presidential original co-sponsors in the House, and President Biden has said he would budget requests over the past four by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and 44 sign the PRO Act, but the legislation years that have proposed reducing original co-sponsors in the Senate. now must be considered by the Sen- or eliminating retirement benefits, The PRO Act supports the workers’ ate, where 60 votes will be needed to increasing employees’ share of health right to strike for basic workplace advance the bill the president’s desk. benefits and other changes to Postal improvements, including higher NALC is participating in lobbying Service operations, this first Biden wages and better working condi- efforts in the Senate and will continue administration budget includes no tions. It would create a mediation to lobby for enactment of this impor- such cuts. and arbitration process to ensure tant legislation to ensure all workers Overall, the budget outline includes that corporations and newly formed have the right to organize. more than $1.5 trillion in discretionary unions reach a first contract, would Public Servants Protection and spending for FY 2022. This includes authorize unions and employers $769 billion in domestic spending, to negotiate agreements that allow Fairness Act introduced in House a 16 percent increase from FY 2021, unions to collect fair-share fees that On April 1, Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), and $753 billion in defense spending, cover the costs of representation, and chairman of the Ways and Means a 1.7 percent increase. The proposal would protect the integrity of union Committee, reintroduced the Public focuses on funding medical research, elections against coercive “captive Servants Protection and Fairness Act education, housing, reducing gun audience” meetings. The PRO Act also (H.R. 2337), which would create an violence and climate change, and would streamline the National Labor equitable Social Security formula and

4 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka speaks during a February 2020 press conference advocating for the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

provide relief to public employ- ees and retirees who were nega- tively affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). H.R. 2337 has 136 Democrat co-sponsors and is identical to a previous bill introduced by Neal in the last Congress. also reinforces existing “Buy Amer- who have lost jobs. The plan also The WEP, intended to equalize ben- ica” provisions and urges the use of includes $100 billion for an improved efits for workers with similar earning unions while embracing the PRO Act. electric grid, $45 billion for clean histories both in and out of the Social President Biden’s plan has some water across the country and $100 bil- Security system, has unfairly penal- provisions that relate directly to the lion to set up high-speed broadband ized many public employees, includ- Postal Service. The plan restates the internet nationwide. Other funding is ing some postal employees. This bill administration’s priority of embrac- included for new affordable housing, provides a measure of relief to current ing electric vehicles and calls for improved public school buildings and Social Security beneficiaries affected “using the vast tools of federal Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. by WEP by providing them with an procurement to electrify the federal Biden proposes to pay for the additional $150 per month. Future fleet, including the United States American Jobs Plan with an increase retirees also would be eligible for the Postal Service.” The plan also in- in the corporate tax rate and an in- new formula, which calculates benefit cludes a target of 500,000 new elec- crease in the global minimum tax rate amounts based on the proportion of tric charging stations by 2030. The paid by U.S. corporations earned from lifetime earnings covered by Social Postal Service recently announced overseas. Americans earning more Security. The bill includes other a contract with Oshkosh Defense that than $400,000 also would pay higher protections, among them are benefit would partially satisfy this electrifi- taxes. In effect, the plan partially guarantees and improved language cation goal (see page 22). repeals the previous administration’s to ensure that future benefit amounts With respect to investing in Postal massive tax cuts for big business and are clear. Service facilities and equipment, the wealthiest taxpayers. While NALC supports the full repeal the plan is silent; however, Biden Following the announcement of the of WEP and the Government Pension emphasized the need to invest in American Jobs Plan, it will be up to Offset that is included in the Social retrofitting federal buildings. NALC the House and Senate to craft legisla- Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), NALC has advocated for federal investment tion that reflects the administration’s appreciates Chairman Neal’s legisla- in core Postal Service infrastructure, priorities and pass it in the House and tion to partially address the WEP. including facilities, equipment and Senate, where partisan tensions are Biden announces infrastructure vehicles. That investment would en- high, especially over additional gov- able the Postal Service to better serve ernment spending during a pandemic and jobs plan the needs of the public while also and the raising of taxes. The White House released the creating good union jobs for building NALC’s priority remains working American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion, trades and other industries. with Congress and the administration eight-year plan to invest in the na- Overall, President Biden’s plan calls on efforts to bring financial stability tion’s infrastructure, on March 31. The for $620 billion to improve highways, to the Postal Service. As such, NALC plan seeks to boost capacity in several bridges, airports and public tran- encourages Congress to include fund- sectors, including transportation, sit systems. Additionally, the plan ing to make much-needed invest- renewable energy, manufacturing, includes $300 billion for domestic ments in the Postal Service’s vast caregiving and local governments, manufacturing and $100 billion for infrastructure network. NALC looks while combating climate change and workforce development programs, forward to working with Congress on strengthening worker protections. It including training programs for those these efforts. PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 5 News

Study shows mail-in voting did not provide an advantage for either political party new study has found that mak- 5.6 percentage points in states that ing mail-in voting easier in last did.” Statistically, the 0.8 percentage Ayear’s elections did not provide a point difference was too small to pin significant advantage to either politi- on voting procedures as a cause, they cal party in terms of turnout, nor did it wrote, especially since larger varia- pave the way for voter fraud. tions happened in previous elections. Without the expanded ability to To dig deeper, the study looked at vote by mail that many states pro- Texas, which had a parallel system of vided last year, some voters might voting last year. In that state, voters have stayed home for fear of exposure aged 65 or older could vote absentee to COVID-19. But a study by Stanford with no excuse, while younger voters University’s Institute for Economic were required to have a specific rea- Policy Research found that voting by son. That gave researchers a chance mail did not result in a higher voter to compare the two groups within a turnout for one party over the other. state. They found no significant differ- In the high-stakes elections of 2020, ence in turnout between the two age voters of both parties showed up to groups compared to their turnout in vote in greater numbers than in previ- previous elections. ous elections, in person as well as by The Stanford study echoes other mail. “Voter interest appears to be far studies that found no partisan edge more important in driving turnout,” due to voting by mail in previous elec- the authors wrote. Voter turnout—the tions. proportion of eligible voters who Last June, as many states were eas- cast ballots—grew almost as much in ing restrictions on mail voting in re- states that did not ease restrictions on sponse to the pandemic, the National voting by mail as in those that did. Academy of Sciences (NAS) published There already is scant evidence that a Stanford analysis of three states mail-in voting causes an increase in that rolled out mail voting county by voter fraud. This study boosts the case county, which provided an opportuni- for the integrity of mail-in voting, and ty for a “natural experiment” similar it takes away another basis for restric- to Stanford’s examination of the 2020 tions on voting by mail that several election results in Texas. The study states are considering. published by NAS compared counties Not only did voting by mail not en- in these states—California, Utah and able fraud, it did not give either party Washington—that did not use vote-by- an advantage in states where voting mail with those that did. Comparing by mail was easier over states with the results in these counties with the more restrictions. results from election years between “Instead, turnout is up dramati- 1996 and 2018 indicated that voting cally for both groups of states,” the by mail did not bring a partisan shift Stanford study’s authors wrote. in voting. “Compared to the 2016 presidential Researchers have scrutinized mail election, turnout was up roughly voting since Oregon became the first 4.8 percentage points in states that state to adopt a universal vote-by- did not implement no-excuse absen- mail election system beginning with tee voting for 2020, and up roughly the 2000 election. A Massachusetts

6 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Institute of Technology (MIT) study President Fredric Rolando said. “It’s published in 2001 found no change in safe, honest and fair. The last elec- partisan advantage in Oregon from its tion proved that mail voting should new voting scheme versus its old one. remain a permanent part of our Scientific scrutiny of voting data democracy.” PR also refutes the argument that voting by mail makes voter fraud more likely. When MIT political science professor Charles Stewart III and National Vote Mail-in voting in the 2020 elections at Home Coalition Executive Director Amber McReynolds analyzed data on voter fraud, they showed just how rare it is. Writing in The Hill in April 2020, Stewart and McReynolds used a data- base compiled by a conservative think tank to find 143 criminal convictions for mail fraud in the last 20 years— equal to about 0.00006 percent of the total votes cast by mail. In Oregon, the incidence of vote-by-mail fraud was even lower, with only two criminal convictions for fraud since the state adopted universal voting by mail. “That is 0.000004 percent—about five times less likely than getting hit by lightning in the United States,” they wrote. The nonpartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, found in 2005 that voting by mail could be vulnerable to fraud when adequate safeguards, similar to measures used for in-person voting, were not in place. When fraud-preven- tion measures are present, though, the commission found that voting by mail is just as safe from fraud as is in- person voting. In 2020, Carter urged states to ex- pand voting by mail. “The research is clear: Voting by mail is good for everyone, regard- less of whom they vote for,” NALC

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 7 News

City carrier assistant: The bridge to career on-career city letter carriers have existed within the Postal NService since 1970, but city car­rier assistants (CCAs) are the first non-career employees with a direct path to career status. Over the years, the non-career workforce has consist- ed of several different classifications, including substitute carriers, casual carriers and transitional employees (TEs). Prior to the creation of the CCA classification in 2013, letter carriers hired in non-career positions had no guaran­teed path to becoming career letter carriers. For decades, NALC had advocated for a vehicle to assure that any non-career letter carrier­ has a way to reach career status. In January 2013, a national interest arbitration panel issued an award that set the terms of our National Agree- Understanding Re: Full-time Regular Assistants - Conversion to Career ment and created a new category Opportunities–City Letter Carrier Status for CCAs who have not been of non-career letter carriers—CCAs. Craft, found on pages 161-165 of the converted to career status by the This award, known as the Das award, 2019-2023 National Agreement. This time they reach 24 months of rela- provided that when the Postal Service MOU requires that management fill tive standing in their installation. For hires new city letter carrier career em- full-time opportunities through as- CCAs who don’t convert under the ployees, CCAs within the installation signment of an unassigned full-time Memorandum of Understanding Re: will be converted to full-time regular regular letter carrier, promotion of a Full-time Regular Opportunities–City career status to fill vacancies based part-time flexible (PTF) in the instal- Letter Carrier Craft, this new MOU on their relative standing. Although lation to full time, acceptance of a vol- requires USPS to convert to PTF career the Das award required conversion untary reassignment, or conversion status all CCAs who had at least 24 of CCAs to fill full-time vacancies, it of a CCA to full-time regular career months of relative standing as of the provided no mechanism to process status. Nearly all newly hired career ratifi­cation date of the agreement. these conversions. carriers have come from the non- Additionally, the MOU provides a NALC and USPS negotiated a career ranks, and more than 100,000 continual conversion process for CCAs memorandum of understanding CCAs have now been converted to (M-01824) that provided the first career status. once they reach 24 months of relative set of procedures to facilitate filling In addition to conversions to fill standing within the installation. This residual full-time regular city letter full-time vacancies, NALC has negoti- continual conversion process provides duty assignments. Over several years, ated several agreements over the last peace of mind to CCAs by limiting with the signing of subsequent MOUs few years that resulted in thousands non-career service time to a maximum (M-01834, M-01856 and M-01876), this of one-time conversions to career sta- of 24 months, a definite improvement mechanism was amended to expe- tus in all sizes of offices. To continue over the previous conditions. For dite and clarify the process for many our pursuit of an all-career workforce, more information on this new memo- CCAs to be converted to career. These NALC negotiated the Memorandum randum and the differences between MOUs resulted in the Memorandum of of Understanding Re: City Carrier PTFs and CCAs, see page 4.

8 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 79406_8panelX4_68151_8panel 1/13/2015 2:01 PM Page 1

Traditional IRA

In a Traditional IRA, the contributions you make each CITY CARRIER ASSISTANTS year can be deducted from your federal taxes. In addi- tion, earnings accumulate tax-free until the time of For more information, contact your NALC CCA Retirement Savings Plan MBA representative, local branch office, withdrawal. Upon distribution at age 59½ or older, the administered by the earnings and principal are taxed as ordinary income. or MBA’s headquarters office For 2019 , the maximum annual contribution per indi- to answer all your questions: Mutual Benefit Association vidual under age 50 is $6,000 ($ Choose a plan 7,000 for those 50 and older before the end of 201 ) — with modified adjusted 9 MBA’s nationwide toll-free number “With my and watch gross income eligibility limits of $6 Retirement Savings and $103,000 for a married couple 4filing,000 forjointly. a single filer 800-424-5184 your money Tuesday & Thursday 8-3:30 ET Plan from my union’s MBA, or call the MBA at I’ll be receiving 202-638-4318 checks during Monday-Friday 8-3:30 ET ggrowrow retirement— not delivering Roth IRA them!” Contributions to a Roth Individual Retirement Account are not tax-deductible, but earningsNegotiated accu- improvements CCAs and NALC mulate tax-free. At the time of withdrawal, earnings National Association of Letter Carriers are free from taxes if the owner has held thefor IRA for CCAs ManyU.S. branches Letter Carriers have Mutual CCAs, Benefit or Association a minimum of five years and is at least 59½ years old. For 2019, a Roth IRA generally allows you toThe new agreement also gives CCAs former CCAs, in leadership positions Fredric contribute a maximum of $6,000 per person each V. Rolando James many other enhanced benefits, includ- as stewards,President officers or committee W. "Jim " Yates tax year ($7,000 for those 50 and older before the Director end of 2019 ) if your modified adjusted gross incomeing improved USPS contributions board members. Also, many current does not exceed $122,000 for single filers and and former CCAs serveBoard of as Trustees: delegates toward health care premiums. When Lawrence $193,000 for a married couple filing jointly. D. Brown, Jr., Chairman they sign up for the USPS Non-Career at the national convention,Michael J. Gill where the convention body debatesMack I. Julion and votes on Roth IRA Traditional IRA Health Benefit Plan, they receive $125 Contributions may National Agreement resolutions for No a month toward the premium for Self be tax-deductible Yes No future contractual negotiations. These Other key tax Only, or 65 per­cent of the premium for Tax-free growth Tax-deferred growth advantages Self Tax-deferredPlus One growth or Self and Family cover- convention delegates share CCA con- Tax treatment Distributions are Earnings and cerns and feedback to assist in framing of withdrawals age Earningsin their subject first to tax year of employment, tax-free(if age 59½ deductible contribu- and account is at tions subject towhich tax rises to 75 percent in subsequent the future of the NALC and the Postal least five years old) United States Letter Carriers Eligibility subject to The MBA cannot give you tax advice. Before choosing a Service. Yes years. Effective Plan Year 2022, the income limits and limits Yes No plan, consult a tax advisor for assistance. Mutual Benefit Association to annual contributions Postal Serviceyour Retirement will begin Savings Plan paying may be differentof Treatment 75 under When possible,100 Indiana NALC Ave. NW,has Suite provided 510 When CCAs become career employees, state, local or foreign income (or other) tax rules. union membershipWashington, benefits DC 20001-2144 to fit they can join the Thrift Savings Plan percent of the premium for any CCA (TSP) and will have the option to transfer the needs of CCAs. For instance, the 1/15 56164_SavingsPlan.indd 1 who wishes to participate in the USPS their Traditionaltheir funds IRA from funds the from MBA. the MBA. Mutual Benefit Association (MBA) of- plan, regardless of the type of cover- fers a CCA Retirement Savings Plan to age selected or how long he or she has give CCAs access to retirement savings 2/11/19 10:40 AM been employed. the checkbox below the image of the benefits. It offers both a traditional Also included in the new agreement guide. A printed copy will be mailed to and a Roth IRA—the balance in the is a new pay schedule that eliminates your NALC address of record. traditional IRA may be rolled over to the Step CC pay rate in June 2021, in- As any CCA or career carrier who the federal employee Thrift Savings creasing the entry rate for newly hired converted from CCA status can tell Plan when the letter car­rier converts CCAs from $18.01 to $18.51 per hour. you, starting a letter carrier career as to career status. There is no open a CCA isn’t easy. CCAs often work long The 2019 National Agreement also con- season for enrollment in the CCA hours—sometimes evenings and week- tains general wage increases which, in savings plan—one may enroll at any ends—to provide outstanding mail and combination with the elimination of time. Information and applications parcel delivery service to the American the CCA Step CC hourly pay rate, will are available at nalc.org/mba. people. Some CCAs suffer difficulties raise starting wage rates for most CCAs The NALC Letter Carrier Resource with work-life balance, sacrificing to $19.33 per hour over the term of the Guide, a comprehensive refer­ ence for personal time with family and friends Agreement. all letter carriers, career and non- or recreational activities. CCAs work The 2016 National Agreement­ career, is being revised to reflect the hard as they learn their jobs, which required local­ offices to negotiat­ e an- changes in the new National Agree- include all of the traditional letter nual leave provisions for CCAs in their ment. The guide covers the letter car- carrier duties as well as new services lo­cal memorandum of understanding rier job as well as negotiated rights and being offered. When USPS tests new (LMOU), provided six paid holidays, benefits, and also provides informa­ technology, retail partnerships or and eliminated probationary­ periods tion and guidance for CCAs during product innovations, CCAs often are for career carrier­ s who spent at least the process of conversion to full-time instrumental in these pilot programs. one 360-day term as a CCA. The 2019 car­eer status. The guide is available The physical and mental challenges National Agreement continues these online at nalc.org/resourceguide. CCAs face when learning the job can provisions and reiterates the obliga- Members can order a printed version be demanding, but fortunately, with tion for local management to negotiate of the Letter Carrier Resource Guide by the new MOU providing a 24-month-to- with local branches for CCAs to sched- logging on to the Members Only sec- career ceiling, there is light at the end ule annual leave. tion of the NALC website and clicking of the tunnel. PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 9 Bringing home the honey y grandfather was an including a mead maker who produces avid beekeeper in north- the alcoholic beverage made of water ern Wisconsin where I and honey, malt and yeast. He’s also grew up,” Clayton Cook said. “I can still been known to drop off some honey at remember the scent of his honey house, his union hall. a mixture of honey and beeswax.” In addition to his own hives, he Beekeeping always stuck in his mind, manages apiaries for others around even after he moved to the West Coast. the county, mostly on friends’ proper- A decade ago, his wife noticed that a ties in rural areas. One such setup is at local junior college was offering a six- a winery, whose owners asked him to week beekeeping course, so the Santa take care of their bees on their property, Rosa, CA Branch 183 member signed and Cook also has a contract with a golf up. After taking the class, he decided course in Santa Rosa, which was look- Clayton Cook to try it for himself. ing for someone to maintain their bees. So far, he’s built up half a dozen For the bee removal part of the busi- apiaries (locations where beehives are ness, Cook will go rescue bees that kept) throughout Sonoma County, CA, are in places they don’t belong and with eight to 10 colonies in each one. perform what are called “structural (A colony’s size varies throughout the extractions.” Cook has found colonies year—perhaps 3,000 to 5,000 bees in in floors, ceilings and attics in houses the winter, and then 60,000 to 70,000 and other buildings. bees in the summer.) “I’m one of a handful of people in A few colonies are at Cook’s home, the area who do that,” he said, adding mostly in his garage, and the beekeep- that he belongs to an active local bee- ing operation often spills out to the keepers association, which keeps a list driveway. “Much to my wife’s chagrin,” of people who are willing to perform he says, adding, “She’s allergic to the extractions. bees.” On occasion, even his own curi- He normally works alone. On occa- ous neighborhood letter carriers will sion, though, his 17-year-old daughter, stop to ask about his setup. Lola, will help him tend to the bees. Cook also created a business out Cook, a 33-year letter carrier and an of beekeeping about four years ago, Army veteran, has been working full called Straightline Bee Co. “I started time the past seven years as a Step B rep- the business with the idea that I’m resentative for the San Francisco District only a few years from retirement” and Dispute Resolution Team, after five years wanted to be able to keep busy at that as a backup. In addition, he serves as point, he said. Branch 183 vice president and also is a There are three main parts of his letter carrier congressional liaison. business operation: honey sales, hive The hobby of beekeeping is a largely management and bee removal. seasonal endeavor. Pollen is the bees’ To sell honey, he uses a waiting list main protein source, and it is mostly that people sign up for (including fel- available during the warmer months. low letter carriers). If he ends up with Bees then build up the honey supply an excess amount, “I have a few places to get through the winter. “This is the I can offload extra gallons to,” he said, busiest time of year right now,” Cook

10 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Cook holds up a frame into which his bees built their honeycomb.

Cook sells his honey through the Straight- honey line Bee Co. said. “They’re quiet during the winter.” various pests such as In California, however, that doesn’t wax moths and small last very long. “We don’t stay cold,” the hive beetles, making it carrier says. When the thermometer hits harder for the bees to 45 to 50 degrees, “they’ll start flying.” police all the space.” Spring is by far the busiest season, Most of Cook’s hives Cook explains, because the hives are are the Langstrom building up fast and producing brood variety, which have in anticipation of the coming nectar vertically hung frames flow. “They’re building new comb in any in square boxes. There available space,” he said, “and most is a deeper box on the importantly, they are raising new queens bottom and a bottom to ‘throw off swarms,’ which is how they He adds that “every third or fifth board where bees can enter, a shallow reproduce at the colony level.” bite you take has been pollinated by box on top for honey, and a top cap The carrier elaborated that if bee- honeybees.” for protection from the weather. Each keepers don’t anticipate this and do Indeed, according to the U.S. Depart- box contains 10 frames, into which the what they can to keep bees from swarm- ment of Agriculture, pollination by bees build honeycomb. ing, two things can happen: 1) The bee managed honeybee colonies adds at In the warmer months, he’ll add workforce that is needed to bring in the least $15 billion to the value of U.S. boxes to all of the apiaries as the nectar flow is lost, and there will not be agriculture annually through increased any excess honey that can be extracted colonies grow. Then, “in the winter, yields and superior-quality harvests. that year from that hive; and 2) Swarms I do the opposite,” he said. “That’s For anyone wanting to start their can be a nuisance for neighbors, and if the cycle—they build up, then shrink own hive, Cook has some advice: Take not discovered and collected, they can down.” some classes and find a mentor. “You move into people’s houses, requiring When you see bees swarming, that need to have a real understanding of invasive removals. means a hive has raised a new queen, bee biology to be successful,” he said. Because of all this, Cook said, hives and then the old queen has left with As he gets closer to retirement, “have to be inspected every week and some bees to scout a new location. Cook hopes to expand his business, additional space provided as needed.” “We try to catch them then to start a which he documents on Instagram at When he heads to the hives, as new hive,” Cook said. @straightlinebeeco. “I’d like to do more equipment he brings a bucket, a belt Though people have a tendency raising of queen [bees] and selling with tools, a facial veil and a smoker to be scared of bees, the carrier says queens locally,” he said. And because (as using smoke helps to keep bees there’s little reason to be. “I’ve learned blackberries are grown fairly nearby, calm while he’s working). to pay attention to their temperament. he’d like to take advantage by bringing Tending to bees requires a watch- I don’t get stung frequently,” he said. his bees close to the crop in the spring- ful eye. “The goal as a beekeeper is to “With the rare exception, they’re not time more often, as it makes for good make sure they have room, but not too aggressive. They’re doing their thing honey. One thing he’s not sure he’ll much room.” and are out collecting. If you leave keep up is taking bees out of buildings, If honeybees have too much room, them alone, they’ll leave you alone.” describing it as “physical work.” it’s hard for them to thermal regulate Bees are important in part because And why does Cook personally love the colony. “They have to keep the they help to pollinate crops. “There bees so much? brood nest at about 92 to 94 degrees aren’t enough native pollinators,” Cook “It’s hard to articulate,” he said. Fahrenheit, no matter what the outside said. “Honeybees are an agricultural “They’re really fascinating creatures temperature,” Cook said. “Also, hav- commodity. They’re sort of a work [and] really addictive once you’ve ing too much room leaves room for horse in our agricultural system.” started working with them.” PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 11 News

Implementing the new collective-bargaining agreement ollowing balloting, eligible NALC Back pay will be calculated from the in Step O on Nov. 19, 2022, will advance members ratified the tentative dates indicated above through April 9, to Step P. Those with fewer than 46 F National Agreement by an over- 2021. The Postal Service has indicated weeks will advance to Step P upon whelming margin. The contract was of- that it will take some time to calculate reaching 46 weeks in Step O. ficially ratified March 8, 2021. Following the back pay for more than 210,000 let- Additionally, effective June 19, ratification, the process of implementing ter carriers, but it expects the process 2021, the CCA Step CC hourly pay rate the terms of the new contract began. to be completed and payments made (currently $18.01) will be eliminated, sometime in July. and CCA Step BB and its higher pay New pay rates implemented The new pay rates can be seen in rate (currently $18.51) will become the On April 10, all city letter carriers the new letter carrier pay schedule on new entry step for newly hired CCAs began earning their new pay rates in page 13. pursuant to the MOU Re: Elimination accordance with the 2019 National of Step CC Pay Rate in CCA Schedule. Agreement. The new pay rates include Future wage schedule changes A new Part-Time Flexible Step AA, the following: All city letter carriers will receive the with a waiting period of 46 weeks to For career city carriers: following general wage increases: PTF Step A, has been created as the starting wage for CCAs converted to • 1.1% general wage increase effec- • 1.3% effective Nov. 20, 2021 career under the new 24-month auto- tive Nov. 23, 2019 • 1.3% effective Nov. 19, 2022 matic conversion (discussed in detail • $166 cost-of-living adjustment ef- below). The hourly pay of PTF Step AA Career letter carriers will receive four fective Feb. 29, 2020 will equal the hourly pay of Full-time more COLAs over the life of the Agree- Regular Step A. Upon conversion to • $188 cost-of-living adjustment ef- ment. Wage rates will be increased full-time, the PTF will be slotted into fective Aug. 29, 2020 by 1 cent per hour for each 0.4-point the full-time step commensurate with increase in the Consumer Price Index • 1.1% general wage increase effec- their number of weeks as a PTF. tive Nov. 21, 2020 for Urban and Clerical Workers. The cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) will • $416 cost-of-living adjustment ef- Future city carrier assistant be applied to the pay tables using the fective Feb. 27, 2021 health benefit changes practice established by the Das interest *Cost-of-living increases referenced arbitration award that set the terms of The Postal Service’s biweekly contri- above are paid proportionally to city the 2011-2016 contract. July 2019 has bution of $125 toward self-only cover- carriers in Table 2 in accordance with been set as the “base month.” The age in the USPS Non-career Health Article 9.3.E of the National Agreement. future COLAs are payable as follows: Plan for Plan Years 2020 and 2021. For For city carrier assistants (CCAs): CCAs who wish to select self-plus-one • The fourth COLA will be effective in or self-and-family coverage under the • 1.1% general wage increase and September 2021. USPS plan, the first-year contribu- additional 1.0% increase effective • The fifth COLA will be effective in tion by USPS will be 65 percent in Nov. 23, 2019 March 2022. Plan Years 2020 and 2021, rising to 75 • 1.1% general wage increase and • The sixth COLA will be effective in percent in their second year of service. additional 1.0% increase effective September 2022. However, effective in Plan Year 2022, Nov. 21, 2020 the Postal Service will contribute 75 • The seventh COLA will be effective *City carrier assistants receive the percent of the premiums for self only, in March 2023. additional 1.0% increases referenced self plus one or self plus family, re- above in lieu of cost-of-living adjust- The contract provides for the addi- gardless of the year of employment. ments pursuant to Article 9.7 of the tion of a new top step to Tables 1 and 2 National Agreement. on Nov. 19, 2022. The new career Step P Uniform allowance increases These increases were reflected in the will be $444 annually greater than All letter carriers will receive a April 30 paychecks. Step O. Carriers with at least 46 weeks 5 percent increase in their uniform al-

12 The Postal Record May 2021 Letter Carrier Pay Schedule City Carrier Wage Schedule: Implemented April 10, 2021 The following salary and rate schedule is for all NALC-represented employees. Career city letter carrier increases City carrier assistant increases Date Type of Increase Amount Date Type of Increase Amount Nov. 23, 2019 General wage increase 1.1% Nov. 23, 2019 General wage increase 2.1% Jan. 2020 COLA $166 Nov. 21, 2020 General wage increase 2.1% July 2020 COLA $188 Nov. 20, 2021 General wage increase 2.3% Nov. 21, 2020 General wage increase 1.1% Nov. 19, 2022 General wage increase 2.3% Jan. 2021 COLA $416 July 2021 COLA TBD Nov. 20, 2021 General wage increase 1.3% Jan. 2022 COLA TBD Back pay adjustments for the two general wage increases July 2022 COLA TBD and three COLAS will be calculated and paid by USPS as Nov. 19, 2022 General wage increase 1.3% Jan. 2022 COLA TBD soon as practicable. NOTE: Upon conversion to full time, part-time flexible employees in Table 2 will be slotted into the full-time step commensurate with their number of weeks as a PTF, and retain their time credit toward the next step. NOTE: Effective Nov. 19, 2022, Table 1 and Table 2 will be modified to include an additional Step P that is $444 more than Step O of the basic salary schedule in Tables 1 and 2. NOTE: Carrier Technicians receive additional compensation equivalent to 2.1% of the employee’s applicable hourly rate for all paid hours. NOTE: The full COLAs will be added to the salaries of all steps in Table 1 and Step O of Table 2, with proportionate application of the COLA to Steps A to N of Table 2. Table 1: City Carrier Schedule RSC Q (NALC) This schedule applies to all carriers with a career appointment date prior to Jan. 12, 2013. Most Basic Annual Salaries Prev. AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Step City Carrier (Grade 2) 54,776 59,105 59,205 62,302 62,752 63,204 63,649 64,095 64,547 64,984 65,438 65,890 66,334 66,792 67,237 452 Carrier Technician** 55,926 60,346 60,448 63,610 64,070 64,531 64,986 65,441 65,902 66,349 66,812 67,274 67,727 68,195 68,649 461 Part-Time Flexible Employees - Hourly Basic Rates City Carrier (Grade 2) 27.39 29.55 29.60 31.15 31.38 31.60 31.82 32.05 32.27 32.49 32.72 32.95 33.17 33.40 33.62 Carrier Technician** 27.96 30.17 30.22 31.81 32.04 32.27 32.49 32.72 32.95 33.17 33.41 33.64 33.86 34.10 34.32 Full-Time/Part-Time Regular Employees - Hourly Basic Rates City Carrier (Grade 2) 26.33 28.42 28.46 29.95 30.17 30.39 30.60 30.81 31.03 31.24 31.46 31.68 31.89 32.11 32.33 Carrier Technician** 26.89 29.01 29.06 30.58 30.80 31.02 31.24 31.46 31.68 31.90 32.12 32.34 32.56 32.79 33.00 Step Increase Waiting Periods (In Weeks) Steps (From-To) A-B B-C C-D D-E E-F F-G G-H H-I I-J J-K K-L L-M M-N N-O YRS. 96 96 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 34 34 26 26 24 12.4 ** Carrier Technicians receive an additional 2.1% Table 2: City Carrier Schedule RSC Q7 (NALC) This schedule applies to all carriers with a career appointment date on or after Jan. 12, 2013. Most Basic Annual Salaries Prev. AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Step City Carrier (Grade 2) 41,353 43,200 45,049 46,898 48,748 50,595 52,446 54,296 56,144 57,993 59,843 61,690 63,541 65,389 67,237 1,850 Carrier Technician** 42,221 44,107 45,995 47,883 49,772 51,657 53,547 55,436 57,323 59,211 61,100 62,985 64,875 66,762 68,649 1,889 Part-Time Flexible Employees - Hourly Basic Rates City Carrier (Grade 2) 19.88 20.68 21.60 22.52 23.45 24.37 25.30 26.22 27.15 28.07 29.00 29.92 30.85 31.77 32.69 33.62 Carrier Technician** 20.30 21.11 22.05 23.00 23.94 24.89 25.83 26.77 27.72 28.66 29.61 30.55 31.49 32.44 33.38 34.32 Full-Time/Part-Time Regular Employees - Hourly Basic Rates City Carrier (Grade 2) 19.88 20.77 21.66 22.55 23.44 24.32 25.21 26.10 26.99 27.88 28.77 29.66 30.55 31.44 32.33 Carrier Technician** 20.30 21.21 22.11 23.02 23.93 24.84 25.74 26.65 27.56 28.47 29.38 30.28 31.19 32.10 33.00 Percent Step O 61.50% 64.25% 67.00% 69.75% 72.50% 75.25% 78.00% 80.75% 83.50% 86.25% 89.00% 91.75% 94.50% 97.25% 100.00% Step Increase Waiting Periods (In Weeks) Steps (From-To) AA-A A-B B-C C-D D-E E-F F-G G-H H-I I-J J-K K-L L-M M-N N-O YRS. 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 12.4 ** Carrier Technicians receive an additional 2.1% Table 3: City Carrier Assistant Schedule Hourly Rates RSC Q4 (NALC) This schedule applies to CCA hires with no previous This schedule applies to CCA hires with previous TE service TE service. after Sept. 29, 2007, who were on the rolls as of Jan. 10, 2013. CC BB AA CC BB AA City Carrier (Grade 2) 18.01 18.51 19.01 City Carrier (Grade 2) 19.50 20.00 20.50 Carrier Technician (add 2.1%) 18.39 18.90 19.41 Carrier Technician (add 2.1%) 19.91 20.42 20.93 Steps (From-To) CC-BB BB-AA Steps (From-To) CC-BB BB-AA in weeks 12 40 in weeks 12 40 NOTE: Effective June 19, 2021, the Step CC pay rate in Table 3 will be eliminated. Step BB and its pay rate will become the new entry step for new CCA hires. The new waiting period from Step BB to Step AA will be 52 weeks. May 2021 News Implementing the new collective-bargaining agreement (continued) lowance in 2021 and a 2.5 percent annual Leave upon conversion mind to non-career carriers. increase in 2022. The 5 percent increase to career status Those CCAs who have reached on May 21, 2021, equates to a yearly 24 months of relative standing with- Previously, all newly converted em- uniform allowance of $487 plus an ad- out being converted to career will be ployees, regardless of time in service, ditional $113 for a newly eligible carrier. converted to PTFs and placed in a new were required to complete 90 days of The 2.5 percent increase on May 21, 2022, PTF Step AA in Table 2. The Step AA employment as a career employee prior equates to a yearly uniform allowance of hourly rate will equal the full-time Step to being allowed to take annual leave. $499 plus an additional $116 for a newly A hourly rate, and PTFs in Step AA will The new MOU Re: Qualifying Period eligible carrier. receive proportional COLAs as described – Exception for City Carrier Assistants above. The waiting period in PTF Step states the parties agree that CCAs with Annual leave in lieu AA to PTF Step A will be 46 weeks. Upon a minimum of 90 days of continuous of holiday pay conversion to full time, regardless of the service as a CCA prior to conversion to PTF step they are currently in, PTFs will Effective beginning with the 2021 career status will be exempt from the be placed in the full-time step commen- Independence Day holiday, full-time, 90-day qualifying period in ELM 512.313. surate with their number of weeks as a part-time regular and CCA letter car- Any break in service as required by PTF, and they will retain their time credit riers who work their holiday, at their Appendix B, Section I.1.b will not affect toward the next step. option, may elect to have their annual this continuous service requirement. leave balance credited with up to eight CCAs who reached 24 months of rela- hours of annual leave in lieu of holiday 24-month automatic conversion of tive standing on or before April 9, 2021, pay. Such leave will be subject to all CCAs to career status will be converted to PTF career status applicable rules for requesting and effective May 8, 2021. CCAs who reach scheduling annual leave, and shall Pursuant to the Memorandum of 24 months relative standing on or after be combined with annual leave and Understanding Re: City Carrier As- April 10, 2021, will be converted to PTF counted as annual leave for purposes sistants - Conversion to Career Status, career status by the first day of the third of annual leave carryover. City carriers CCAs who have not been converted to full pay period that follows the date who choose this option will be credited career status by the time they reach the CCA achieves 24 months of relative with a number of hours of annual 24 months of relative standing in their standing. CCAs converted pursuant to leave equal to the number of hours of installation will now be converted to this provision will not have to serve a holiday leave pay for which they are el- PTF career status in their installation probationary period, since they already igible. Time worked on the holiday will rather than continuing as non-career will have successfully completed one continue to be paid as normal. Starting employees. This automatic conversion 360-day term as a CCA. with the July 4 holiday, eligible city after reaching 24 months of relative Please see the Contract Talk in this carriers wishing to request annual standing will take place in every size issue of The Postal Record for a detailed leave in lieu of holiday pay should do office throughout the country, provid- explanation of the conversion to career so using PS Form 3971. ing full fringe benefits and peace of and transfer processes. PR Part-time flexible questions and answers s a result of this new 24-month paid sick leave; annual leave carryover; have flexible work hours rather than automatic conversion that will employer contributions to retirement; in- a fixed schedule. PTFs are identified A continue throughout the life of the creased employer contributions to health by USPS designation-activity code 2019 National Agreement, many offices insurance through the Federal Employees 43-4 on their PS Form 50, Notification will see the return of part-time flexible Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and of Personnel Action and in the Time (PTF) career city carriers. Many of those seniority privileges—just to name a few. and Attendance Collection System offices have not had PTFs in some time. (TACS). Q. What are PTFs? PTF is a career classification that entitles Article 7 of the National Agreement letter carriers to additional compensa- A. PTFs are career carriers who are defines the different classifications of tion and benefits. These benefits include a part of the regular workforce and employees, including PTFs:

14 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Part-time flexible Q-and-As (continued) ARTICLE 7 EMPLOYEE which includes PTFs, are protected from ARTICLE 8 HOURS OF WORK CLASSIFICATIONS layoffs or reductions in force once they Section 6. Sunday Premium Payment A. Regular Work Force. The regular work reach six years of continuous service, Each employee whose regular work force shall be comprised of two catego- as provided in Article 6 of the National schedule includes a period of service, ries of employees which are as follows: Agreement: any part of which is within the period 1. Full-Time. Employees in this category ARTICLE 6 NO LAYOFFS commencing at midnight Saturday and shall be hired pursuant to such proce- OR REDUCTION IN FORCE ending at midnight Sunday, shall be dures as the Employer may establish (1) Each employee who is employed in paid extra compensation at the rate and shall be assigned to regular sched- the regular work force as of the date of of 25 percent of the employee’s base ules consisting of five (5) eight (8) hour the Award of Arbitrator James J. Healy, hourly rate of compensation for each days in a service week. September 15, 1978, shall be protected hour of work performed during that 2. Part-Time. Employees in this category henceforth against any involuntary period of service. shall be hired pursuant to such proce- layoff or force reduction. An employee’s regularly scheduled dures as the Employer may establish and (2) Employees who become members reporting time shall not be changed on shall be assigned to regular schedules of the regular work force after the date Saturday or Sunday solely to avoid the of less than forty (40) hours in a service of this Award, September 15, 1978, payment of Sunday premium payment. week, or shall be available to work flex- shall be provided the same protection While PTFs may be required to work ible hours as assigned by the Employer afforded under (1) above on comple- during the course of a service week. on Sunday, they will receive an addi- tion of six years of continuous service tional 25 percent of the base hourly rate Q. Do PTFs have a work-hour and having worked in at least 20 pay for each hour worked. periods during each of the six years guarantee? Q. My supervisor has instructed A. While PTFs have no weekly work- The intent of this provision is to provide me to come back to work later in the hour guarantees, they maintain the security to each career employee during day. Is that proper under the National daily work-hour guarantees that apply his or her work lifetime. Career employees Agreement? to CCAs. Article 8.8.C provides the same achieve protected status upon completion A. PTFs may be required to work a work-hour guarantees to PTFs as Article of six years of continuous service, which split shift under certain conditions. The 8.8.D provides for CCAs: begins upon conversion to career status. To receive credit, employees must work at following rules, found on page 8-26 C. The Employer will guarantee all least one hour in at least 20 of the 26 pay of the 2014 USPS-NALC Joint Contract employees at least four (4) hours work periods for six consecutive years follow- Administration Manual (JCAM), deter- or pay on any day they are requested ing their conversion date. Absences from mine the work or pay guarantees the or scheduled to work in a post office or duty while on paid leave, military leave, employee is due: facility with 200 or more workyears of leave without pay for union business or Split shifts:When PTF employees employment per year. All employees at leave due to a compensable on-the-job work a split shift or are called back, the other post offices and facilities will be injury are considered work for application following rules apply (Step 4, H8N-1N- guaranteed two (2) hours work or pay of this provision. C23559, Jan. 27, 1982, M-00224): when requested or scheduled to work. 1) When a part-time flexible employee D. Any CCA employee who is scheduled Q. What hours/schedule will I be expected to work as a PTF? is notified prior to clocking out that he to work and who reports to work in a post or she should return within two hours, office or facility with 200 or more work- A. Article 8 of the National Agreement this will be considered as a split shift years of employment shall be guaranteed describes the workweek, work hours and no new guarantee applies. four (4) hours of work or pay. CCAs at and work schedule for letter carriers. other post offices and facilities will be PTFs work a flexible schedule and most 2) When a part-time flexible employee, guaranteed two (2) hours work or pay. of scheduling/work hour guidelines for prior to clocking out, is told to return PTFs are similar to CCAs; however, there after two hours: Q. As a PTF, can I be laid off? is one important difference, found in • The employee must receive the A. Members of the regular workforce, Section 6: applicable guarantee of two or four

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 15 News

Part-time flexible Q-and-As (continued) hours work or pay for the first shift, • Three years but less than 15 years = 1 Q. Do PTFs receive holiday pay? and; hour for each unit of 13 hours in pay A. While PTFs do not receive holiday • The employee must be given status pay per se, Article 11 of the National another minimum guarantee of two • 15 years or more = 1 hour for each Agreement explains how PTFs are com- hours work or pay for the second unit of 10 hours in a pay status pensated for holidays: shift. This guarantee is applicable to Military veterans may submit their DD ARTICLE 11 HOLIDAYS any size office. Form 214, Certificate of Release or Dis- Section 7. Holiday Part-Time Employee 3) All part-time flexible employees who charge from Active Duty to receive credit complete their assignment, clock out and toward their years of service for earning A part-time flexible schedule employee leave the premises regardless of intervals annual leave. shall not receive holiday pay as such. between shifts, are guaranteed four hours PTFs may accumulate and carry over Part-Time Flexible employees other of pay if called back to work. This guar- unused annual leave from year to year than those in Step AA shall be com- antee is applicable to any size office. (instead of the terminal payout at the pensated for the ten (10) holidays by end of a CCA appointment), up to a basing the employee’s regular straight Q. As a PTF, what types and maximum of 55 days, or 440 hours. time hourly rate on the employee’s amounts of leave am I entitled to? Sick leave: PTFs earn one hour of sick annual rate divided by 2,000 hours. For work performed on December 25, A. Article 10 of the National Agree- leave for each unit of 20 hours in a pay a part-time flexible schedule em- ment outlines the leave program that status up to 104 hours per 26 pay-period ployee shall be paid in addition to the the parties have negotiated. These leave leave year. Sick leave for PTFs may be employee’s regular straight time hourly provisions are contained in Chapter 5 carried over from year to year and has no rate, one-half (1/2) times the employ- of the Employee and Labor Relations maximum accumulation limit. ee’s regular straight time hourly rate for Manual (ELM). Court leave: PTFs who have com- pleted their probationary period (CCAs each hour worked up to eight (8) hours. ARTICLE 10 LEAVE converted to career who have complet- Rather than basing a PTF’s hourly pay Section 2. Leave Regulations ed one 360-day term as a CCA do not rate on a 2,080-hour work year as is the The leave regulations in Subchapter have a probationary period) are eligible case with full-time employees, the hourly 510 of the Employee and Labor Rela- for court leave if the employee would pay rate for PTFs is based on a 2,000-hour tions Manual, insofar as such regula- otherwise have been in a work status work year. The result is a higher hourly tions establish wages, hours and work- or annual leave status. The amount of straight time rate for PTFs, which offsets ing conditions of employees covered by court leave for PTFs shall not exceed the lack of holiday pay. The additional this Agreement, shall remain in effect eight hours in a service day or 40 hours holiday portion of a PTF’s hourly straight- for the life of this Agreement. in a service week. time rate is not used when calculating Military leave: PTFs who are mem- overtime or Sunday premium. The ELM defines which employee clas- bers of the National Guard or reserve Please note the new language in bold in sifications are eligible for paid leave and components of the armed forces are Article 11, Section 7 quoted above that ex- the different types of leave they earn. Upon granted paid military leave. Paid mili- cludes PTFs in Step AA from this provision. conversion to PTF, letter carriers earn sick tary leave is authorized absence from leave and receive access to added leave Q. How and when will I be convert- postal duties for hours the employee ed to full-time regular status? categories above the leave benefits CCAs would have worked during his or her receive. When a CCA is converted, any an- regular schedule, without loss of pay, A. Most PTFs are converted to full-time nual leave earned will be paid out. time or performance rating, granted regular status in accordance with Memo- Annual leave: Career letter carriers to eligible employees. Eligible PTFs randum of Understanding Re: Full-time earn annual leave based on their years of receive one hour of military leave for Regular Opportunities – City Letter Car- career service, and the number of hours each 26 hours in pay status. Employee rier Craft found on pages 161-165 of the in which they are in a pay status accrues must have a minimum of 1,040 hours 2019 National Agreement. as follows: in the preceding fiscal year and paid Q. How is “seniority” different • Less than three years = 1 hour for military leave cannot exceed 80 hours from “relative standing”? How does each unit of 20 hours in pay status annually. it benefit me?

16 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 A. Seniority applies to all regular from one installation to another who do of Understanding Re: Transfers on pages workforce letter carrier craft employees. not qualify for relocation benefits shall 189-192 of the 2019 National Agreement. It is computed from your career appoint- be given not less than 30 days advance The MOU Re: Full-time Regular Op- ment date in the letter carrier craft and notice, if possible. portunities – City Letter Carrier Craft continues to accrue so long as service is If a PTF is required to involuntarily allows letter carriers who were PTFs on uninterrupted in the same installation. relocate due to an involuntary reassign- Aug. 7, 2017, the ratification date of the CCAs converted to career status on the ment, USPS is obligated to reimburse 2016 National Agreement, to transfer same day in the same installation will be certain expenses under the policies con- without being subject to normal transfer in the same seniority order as their rela- tained in the F-15, Travel and Relocation considerations. This provision does not tive standing order. Seniority determines handbook. The provisions for paying apply to PTFs achieving career status the “pecking order” for many of your mileage in these circumstances are the after Aug. 7, 2017. contractual rights, including annual same as for a CCA. Q. I am having surgery and may leave scheduling, opting under Article not be able to carry my route until 41, and filling temporarily vacant higher- Q. As a PTF, may I voluntarily trans- I recover. As a PTF, can I request a level assignments within the city letter fer to another installation? light-duty assignment? carrier craft under Article 25. A. Career employees wishing to trans- Q. As a PTF, may I be involuntarily fer to another installation must serve a A. Article 13 of the National Agreement reassigned to another installation? lock-in period in their current installa- includes PTFs among the employees What are my rights if I am? tion before being eligible to transfer. Lo- who may submit a written request, cal transfers (within the district to which accompanied by a medical statement A. Article 12 of the National Agreement the employee is currently assigned or to from a licensed physician, for light duty contains the provisions regarding the an adjacent district) require an 18-month following an off-duty illness or injury reassignment of career employees. lock-in period, while all other transfer re- from which the carrier has not yet fully Article 12.5.B.5 provides that full- quests require a 12-month lock-in period. recovered. time and PTF employees involuntarily Whether a CCA must serve a “lock ARTICLE 13 ASSIGNMENT OF ILL OR detailed or reassigned from one instal- in” when they are converted to career INJURED REGULAR WORK- FORCE lation to another shall be given not less status is addressed by the parties’ joint EMPLOYEES than 30 days’ advance notice, or 60 days Questions and Answers 2011 USPS/NALC if they qualify for relocation benefits, if National Agreement, dated March 16, Section 2. Employee’s Request for Reas- possible. 2016 (M-01870 in NALC’s Materials Refer- signment ARTICLE 12 PRINCIPLES OF ence System). A. Temporary Reassignment SENIORITY, POSTING AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Any full-time regular or part-time REASSIGNMENTS 2011 USPS/NALC NATIONAL flexible employee recuperating from 12.5.B.5 Full-time and part-time flex- AGREEMENT a serious illness or injury and tempo- ible employees involuntarily detailed rarily unable to perform the assigned 29. After a CCA becomes a career or reassigned from one installation duties may voluntarily submit a written to another who qualify for relocation employee does he/she serve a lock-in period for transfers as defined by the request to the installation head for benefits shall be given not less than 60 temporary assignment to a light duty or days advance notice, if possible. They Memorandum of Understanding, Re: Transfers? other assignment. The request shall be shall receive moving, mileage, per diem supported by a medical statement from and reimbursement for movement of Yes. a licensed physician or by a written household goods, as appropriate, if There are specific factors that manage- statement from a licensed chiropractor legally payable, as governed by the ment must consider fairly when evaluat- stating, when possible, the anticipated standardized Government travel regu- ing transfer requests. These factors are duration of the convalescence period. lations as set forth in the applicable referred to as “normal considerations.” Such employee agrees to submit to a Handbook. These normal considerations and other further examination by a physician Full-time and part-time flexible employ- requirements governing voluntary trans- designated by the installation head, if ees involuntarily detailed or reassigned fers are contained in the Memorandum that official so requests.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 17 News

Part-time flexible Q-and-As (continued) B. Permanent Reassignment in January 2020, January 2021, and Janu- Q. Do I now receive life insurance? 1. Any ill or injured full-time regular or ary 2022, and January 2023. A. Employees converted to career status part-time flexible employee having a If as a CCA you were enrolled in the are automatically enrolled in Federal Em- minimum of five years of postal service, USPS Non-Career Employee Health Ben- ployee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) for or any full-time regular or part-time efits Plan, your enrollment in that plan basic life insurance coverage, unless this flexible employee who sustained injury is terminated either: 1) the last day of coverage is waived. Basic coverage begins on duty, regardless of years of service, the month that is 28 days after you the first day in a pay and duty status after while performing the assigned duties are converted to a career position, or conversion. USPS pays the entire cost of can submit a voluntary request for 2) if you choose to enroll in a FEHB plan, the basic coverage. The coverage is the permanent reassignment to light duty the date your FEHB coverage begins, annual rate of base pay rounded up to the or other assignment to the installation whichever is earlier. It is recommended next $1,000 plus $2,000. head if the employee is permanently that you enroll in the FEHB as soon as You may choose to increase the unable to perform all or part of the as- possible to avoid any gap in coverage or amount of life insurance coverage up to signed duties. to start receiving health benefits. five times your annual salary or provide optional coverage for your spouse and Career employees must have five years Q. Do I receive dental and vision eligible dependent children; however, of career service to be eligible to apply insurance? these additional premiums are paid for permanent reassignment due to a A. The Federal Employees Dental and entirely by the employee. To enroll you non-job-related injury or illness. Vision Insurance Program must submit a completed Life Insurance Q. What about my health insur- (FEDVIP) is a voluntary program de- Election form (SF 2817) to your local ance? What are the changes? What signed to provide supplemental dental personnel office within 60 days of your are my options? and vision benefits, which are available conversion to career. Eligibility to enroll on an enrollee-pay-all basis (no govern- A. As a career PTF letter carrier, you in optional insurance after your first 60 ment contribution toward premiums) to are now entitled to participate in the days is limited. Open season for FEGLI federal civilian and U.S. Postal Service Federal Employees Health Benefits is rare, and the most recent FEGLI open employees, retirees and their family seasons were held in 2016, 2004 and (FEHB) Program. From the date you were members. Letter carriers are eligible to 1999. Outside of an open season, eligible converted, you have 60 days to enroll in enroll in FEDVIP upon conversion to employees can enroll or increase their a FEHB plan. You should have received a career status. For more information on coverage by taking a physical exam or package of information in the mail that available plans and their associated with a qualifying life event (QLE). For included a brochure listing the available costs, visit benefeds.com. more information on FEGLI and a list of plans and their cost. Your right to these QLEs, visit opm.gov/healthcare-insur- benefits, and to have a large portion of Q. Are there any other programs ance/life-insurance. their cost paid for by the Postal Service, that will help me save money on my is covered by Article 21 of the National health care costs? Q. What about retirement? Do I Agreement: A. As a career employee, you are start earning it? How does it work? ARTICLE 21 BENEFIT PLANS automatically eligible to contribute to A. Upon conversion to career, employ- a flexible spending account (FSA) on ees are enrolled in the Federal Employ- Section 1. Health Benefits a pre-tax basis. An FSA allows you to ees Retirement System (FERS). FERS B. The bi-weekly Employer contribution pay for eligible out-of-pocket health comprises three components: FERS for self only, self plus one, and self and care and dependent care expenses with Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security and family plans is adjusted to an amount pre-tax dollars. By using pre-tax dol- the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The basic equal to 73% in 2020 and 2021, and lars to pay for eligible health care and benefit plan and Social Security portion 72.0% in 2022 and 2023, of the weighted dependent care expenses, an FSA gives of your retirement are defined benefits, average bi-weekly premiums under the you an immediate discount on these ex- while the TSP is similar to a 401(k) retire- FEHBP as determined by the Office of penses that equals the taxes you would ment plan. Personnel Management. The adjustment otherwise pay on that money. For plan Career employees have control over begins on the effective date determined information and enrollment options, go their TSP. The Postal Service automati- by the Office of Personnel Management to fsafeds.com. cally contributes 1 percent of your base

18 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 pay and will match employee contribu- temporarily vacant higher level posi- as defined in Section 1.f of the General tions up to 5 percent of base pay. Al- tion exists. However, for details of an Principles for the Non-Career Comple- though participation in TSP is voluntary, anticipated duration of one week (five ment in the Das Award) for available letter carriers are automatically enrolled, working days within seven calendar full-time craft duty assignments of and 5 percent of base pay will be deduct- days) or longer to those higher level anticipated duration of five (5) days or ed each pay period and deposited into craft positions enumerated in the craft more in the delivery unit to which they yourTSP account, unless you elect to Article of this Agreement as being per- are assigned that are not selected by change or stop contributions. For more manently filled on the basis of promo- eligible career employees. information on retirement, please visit tion of the senior qualified employee, the NALC website or contact the NALC the senior, qualified, eligible, available Q. I have opted on a temporary Retirement Department at 202-393-4695. employee in the immediate work area vacancy. Can management move me to another assignment? Q. Can I opt on a carrier technician in which the temporarily vacant higher assignment? If so, do I receive carrier level position exists shall be selected. A. Article 41, Section 2.B.5 of the technician pay? National Agreement requires manage- Q. An unassigned regular (UAR), ment to honor opts for the duration of A. Temporarily vacant carrier techni- PTF and CCA all have requested to opt the vacancy. These rules apply to all cian positions are higher-level assign- (hold down) on the same vacant route carriers properly awarded a hold-down ments and thus are not subject to opting for the same time period. Who gets assignment. under the provision of Article 41.2.B. the hold-down? Rather, temporarily vacant carrier ARTICLE 41 LETTER CARRIER CRAFT A. Full-time reserve, unassigned technician positions must be filled in ac- regulars and PTFs have first preference, Section 2.B Seniority cordance with Article 25, and as a career by use of their seniority, to be awarded letter carrier, you are now entitled to the 5. A letter carrier who, pursuant to a hold-down assignment prior to a CCA. provisions outlined in this article. Em- subsections 3 and 4 above, has selected This is outlined in Article 41, Section 2.B ployees who are detailed to carrier tech- a craft duty assignment by exercise of nician positions under the provisions of of the National Agreement as follows: seniority shall work that duty assign- Article 25.4 are entitled to higher-level ARTICLE 41 LETTER CARRIER CRAFT ment for its duration. pay as if promoted to the position. These Section 2.B Seniority The opting carrier awarded the hold- provisions are outlined below: down works the assignment until the 3. Full-time reserve letter carriers, and regular carrier returns, a new regular ARTICLE 25 HIGHER LEVEL ASSIGN- any unassigned full-time letter carriers MENTS Section 1. Definitions carrier is assigned or as outlined below. whose duty assignment has been elimi- Opting carriers are entitled to work the Higher level work is defined as an as- nated in the particular delivery unit, regular schedule/hours of the assign- signment to a ranked higher level posi- may exercise their preference by use of ment, but are not automatically entitled tion, whether or not such position has their seniority for available craft duty to the scheduled day off of the assign- been authorized at the installation. assignments of anticipated duration ment. A carrier may be removed from Section 2. Higher Level Pay of five (5) days or more in the delivery the hold-down only to provide work for unit within their bid assignment areas, An employee who is detailed to higher a full-time carrier who does not have suf- except where the local past practice ficient work for a full-time assignment. level work shall be paid at the higher level provides for a shorter period. for time actually spent on such job. An When a CCA or PTF letter carrier on employee’s higher level rate shall be de- 4. Part-time flexible letter carriers may a hold-down is converted to full-time termined as if promoted to the position. exercise their preference by use of regular and assigned to a residual their seniority for vacation scheduling vacancy pursuant to Article 41.1.A.7, Section 4. Higher Level Details and for available full-time craft duty the employee may voluntarily choose Detailing of employees to higher level assignments of anticipated duration of to end the hold-down and assume the bargaining unit work in each craft shall five (5) days or more in the delivery unit new assignment at any time. This is in be from those eligible, qualified and to which they are assigned. City carrier accordance with the MOU Re: Opting available employees in each craft in assistants may exercise their prefer- Duration found on page 226 of the 2019 the immediate work area in which the ence (by use of their relative standing National Agreement. PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 19 News

Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive continues n the second Saturday in May public, with an easy way to for nearly three decades, letter participate. By visiting nalc. Ocarriers have collected bag org/food, donors can find upon bag of groceries donated by a food bank in their area to postal customers who leave the food support with an online dona- at their mailboxes. The annual effort tion. The site links directly to comes at a crucial point on food pantry donation pages on each food calendars—when holiday donations bank’s website. The same list are largely depleted, while free or also provides branches with a reduced-cost meals from school cafete- convenient means of inform- rias are not available to needy children ing donors in their area about during the summer. how to locate and donate on- But for a second year now, after 27 line to their local food banks. traditional food drives, there won’t As with the traditional be bags upon bags of food lining the Stamp Out Hunger Food mailboxes on letter carriers’ routes. Drive, donations will stay The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has in the communities of the flyer and local link, all available at again forced NALC to postpone the donors. Anyone, whether in a big city or suburb, small town or rural nalc.org/food. food drive for safety reasons. Mean- area, can donate funds for a local food Meanwhile, following a national while, the pandemic’s impact on the pantry to purchase food and replenish press release and follow-up outreach economy has increased the problem its stocks so that local families can put to media outlets around the country, of hunger—putting additional pres- food on their tables. newspapers and broadcast outlets sure on food banks, as many working As always, our national partners large and small have highlighted the people have lost their income and in the food drive—the U.S. Postal donor drive, often quoting grateful struggle to buy food even as dona- Service, United Way Worldwide, the food bank directors. tions decline. United Food and Commercial Work- “Our goal is to fill the shelves of NALC’s virtual food drive, the Stamp ers International Union, Kellogg Co., food pantries with as much, or more, Out Hunger Donor Drive, was estab- the National Rural Letter Carriers’ as we would through our traditional lished in June 2020 and raises funds Association, CVS Health, Valpak, the May food drive,” President Rolando for food banks nationwide to help AFL-CIO and Valassis—will be vital to said. “To succeed, we will need to get fill the nutritional needs of the 1 in 8 its success. the word out to our communities and Americans who face food insecurity, The flexibility of monetary dona- encourage people to give.” including millions of children, older tions could be one of a few silver lin- With the national online donor effort people and military veterans. ings of the shift, for now, to an online in place, and the tools for branches to “As letter carriers in every neighbor- donor drive, Rolando said. “By buying use available at nalc.org/food, every hood in the country six and seven in bulk, food banks may end up with branch can help its local food banks days a week, we see the need and we more food than donors give at their restock their shelves. cannot wait while food banks struggle, doors each May,” he said, because of “In the nearly 30 years that NALC has demand grows and people remain the use the food bank can make of its held a national food drive, the need hungry,” NALC President Fredric Ro- purchasing resources. “In addition, has never been greater,” Rolando said. lando said. “With the right effort, letter the period of the donor drive is open- “It is essential that we make this year’s carriers could extend this online food ended at this point.” virtual food drive a resounding success. drive to help meet the needs of local As with every annual food drive, “And when it’s safe to do so,” he food banks for many months to come.” NALC Headquarters is providing pub- added, “letter carriers will be there to NALC is continuing to provide licity resources for food coordinators, hold our traditional Stamp Out Hunger its members, as well as the general including the PSA video, media plan, Food Drive.” PR

20 The Postal Record May 2021 News

Customer Connect adds up for USPS Juan Ayala y touching every address in Meanwhile, 33-year carrier Donald While the United States at least six days Felice Jr. submitted a lead for a company delivering Ba week, letter carriers naturally that sells exfoliators and body sponges. mail, he develop special relationships with their The lead resulted in a shipping deal talked to customers. Since USPS’s Customer Con- worth more than $287,000. the owner, nect program began in 2003, thousands The company, Clean Logic, had Sunil of carriers have successfully leveraged recently moved to a storefront on Felice’s Gakhreja, their interactions with business custom- route. “I saw they had a huge warehouse and asked ers to encourage them to use the Postal in the back,” the carrier recalled, and him if he Service, rather than rely on private deliv- he wondered if USPS could pick up the had ever ery and mailing services. Below are some company’s shipping business. When the considered recent stories about Customer Connect store opened, he went in and talked to mailing Daniel Galvan (r) and store leads submitted by letter carriers that one of the owners. out flyers owner Sunil Gakhreja have helped USPS earn new revenue. “I asked if they were interested in through talking to the Postal Service,” Felice said, the Postal Service’s Every Door Direct Pennsylvania carriers honored “and she gave me her business card.” He Mail (EDDM) program. Gakhreja was on Customer Connect Day then passed the information to the sales intrigued. “He was asking a lot of ques- team, who closed the deal. tions,” the nine-year carrier recalled. “So, The Eagleville, PA, post office celebrat- “I have a great rapport with custom- ed Customer Connect Day on Nov. 17, I gave him all the information and got his ers,” the carrier explained about his information” in return. 2020, when the office honored two sales tactics. “They see me in uniform, Norristown, PA Branch 542 members Galvan then took the information back and I talk to them and make a personal to the office and submitted the lead. When whose leads resulted in almost $900,000 contact.” Once he has a familiarity with in new revenue for the Postal Service. the sales team followed up, they spoke to the store and its management, he asks Gakhreja about the merits of the EDDM Drew Ritchie, a 26-year carrier, had them if they would be interested in sav- recently submitted two leads through campaign; the restaurant has subse- ing money by shipping with USPS. quently done two advertising campaigns, Customer Connect that brought in a com- “It’s really not that hard—everyone’s bined revenue of more than $600,000. generating $30,000 in revenue for USPS. interested in saving money,” Felice This is not the first lead that Galvan One lead was for a golf apparel added. “It’s just a matter of making that company that was looking to eliminate has found for the Postal Service. He says initial contact.” that he keeps an eye out on his route for surcharges and enhance customer de- The two carriers’ achievement was livery expectations. “I inquired with [the any potential new customers. “I try to celebrated in Washington, DC, as well. look out for everything: new businesses, employees] at the place, ‘Who does your “Drew and Donald served their custom- shipping?’ ” Ritchie recalled, and then [customers who] ship out packages every ers well by noticing that they could get day, or have heavy outgoing mail.” managed to get the store contact informa- better service from USPS,” said Mary tion to pass along to a USPS sales team. Galvan says talking about the pluses Anderson, the small-business engage- of the EDDM program is a great way to Ritchie’s second lead was for a clean- ment director at USPS Headquarters. “It ing supply company that was unhappy convince business owners to speak to a is important that we recognize the efforts sales representative. “You can tell them, with the service provided by another of all our carriers who help drive new shipper and looking for better rates ‘Have you thought about advertising? revenue for the Postal Service.” and improved shipping times. “It was We deliver flyers to every house in the at the start of the pandemic, and they At pizza restaurant, area,’ ” the carrier explained. “ ‘Whatever were overburdened” due to the demand works best for your business,’ I tell them, for hand sanitizer and other cleaning a carrier delivers for USPS and they all seem very interested.” products, he explained. “I said, ‘I’ll have When San Diego, CA Branch 70 Most important of all, Galvan says, is Kathy Brown (l) holds her award along- someone talk to you.’ ” member Daniel Galvan saw a new pizza knowing the details behind what USPS side Branch 132 President Kim Lewis. The carrier said that if he sees packages restaurant opening up on his route, he can offer. “You have to learn about the from another shipping company sitting decided to use his tried-and-tested sales service we provide, and get informed,” inside a store, he asks the owners if they pitch to encourage the owner to use he said. “If [the customer] has the correct would consider switching. “I’m not shy,” USPS to drum up attention for the store’s information, then most likely they will he said. “Just don’t be afraid to ask.” opening. follow through.” PR

May 2021 The Postal Record 21 Next The Generation Delivery Vehicle

Congressional reps want investigation n late February, the Postal Service President Biden described in January startup that specializes in electric awarded the contract for the Next his administration’s plan for purchas- vehicles, announced that it would chal- IGeneration Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) ing federal vehicles, as follows: “The lenge the award, and three members of to Oshkosh Defense of Wisconsin. The federal government also owns an Congress called for a freeze on the con- winning design provides the Postal enormous fleet of vehicles, which we’re tract. Ohio Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Tim Service with the option of ordering going to replace with clean electric Ryan, along with Rep. Jared Huffman of either electric or fossil fuel engines. vehicles….” California, put forward a resolution that USPS says that at least 10 percent of When the USPS contract was calls for Congress to investigate how the new vehicles will come with electric awarded, one of the losing vendors, the Oshkosh contract was awarded. It motors. Workhorse Group Inc., an Ohio-based calls for the award to be in line with the

22 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 fter five years of proto- the 34 companies that responded to types and testing, on Feb. the RFI, USPS narrowed the field to a 23, the Postal Service an- 15 prospective vendors. After meeting nounced that it had awarded a contract with these vendors, the Postal Service to build the Next Generation Delivery issued a request for proposal (RFP), Vehicle (NGDV) to Oshkosh Defense. inviting each company to submit Under the terms of the contract, Osh- ideas for building a prototype vehicle kosh Defense will finalize the produc- for testing. After reviewing the pro- tion design of the NGDV and build up to posals, USPS awarded the contract to 165,000 vehicles over the next 10 years. build prototype vehicles to five manu- Throughout this process, NALC and facturers in September 2016. One of USPS have held numerous meetings the vendors awarded the contract regarding the design, production was Oshkosh, which partnered with and testing of the prototype vehicles. another manufacturer during the Drawing on their own experience as prototype phase of the process. letter carriers, as well as input from Testing of the prototype vehicles letter carriers across the country, began in September 2017 and was NALC national officers and staff have initially scheduled to last through worked with representatives from the November 2018. USPS tested the dura- Postal Service to finalize the required bility, fuel economy and emissions of features of the NGDV. each prototype at the Transportation The road from identifying the need Research Center in East Liberty, OH, to replace the current USPS vehicle while testing of the components of the fleet to awarding a contract started vehicles took place at the Dayton T. in 2014, when the Postal Service Brown facility in Bohemia, NY. Field initiated the process for developing a testing of the vehicles began in Octo- vehicle that would replace the Long ber 2017 in several locations around Life Vehicle (LLV). The journey began the country with varying climates to with USPS soliciting input from city ensure that each vehicle could per- letter carriers regarding the features form in the weather conditions letter they would like to see in a right-hand carriers face throughout the year. Test drive delivery vehicle. sites were Flint and Utica in Michigan; In 2015, USPS issued a request for Alexandria and Manassas in Virginia; information (RFI) to solicit informa- and Tempe, Tucson and Apache Junc- tion from manufacturers interested in tion in Arizona. building a prototype vehicle for test- In November 2017, the Postal ing. After reviewing submissions from Service halted field testing and the into USPS’ NGDV contract award Paris climate accord and with Biden’s that the contract had been awarded “in With congressional support, DeJoy electric vehicle policy. It also urges the accordance with Postal Service procure- wrote, USPS “can commit to a majority Postal Service “to freeze the recently ment procedures” after an “extensive” of the Postal Service’s delivery fleet awarded contract to purchase 165,000 process. being electric within ten years…We new vehicles until an expedited review He added that the 10 percent in welcome support from Congress that is conducted to determine there was no electric vehicles is a “floor” and not a inappropriate political influence.” “ceiling.” USPS would like to procure advances the goal of a Postal Service In a March letter to leaders of more electric vehicles, DeJoy said, but vehicle fleet with zero emissions and congressional postal committees, it needs funding from Congress to do the necessary infrastructure that will Postmaster General Louis DeJoy wrote so, in the amount of $8 billion. be required to support it.” PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 23 Next The Generation Delivery Vehicle

prototypes were returned to the Trans- Once all of the bids were received, portation Research Center. This was USPS reviewed them based on the done so that the manufacturers could technical specifications in each address mechanical issues that arose submission to ensure that they met during the course of testing. Once the guidelines in the SOW. USPS also the repairs were made, field testing reviewed the total cost associated resumed in April 2018 and continued with the NGDV, including the initial until the end of March 2019. cost to purchase the vehicles; the Once testing was complete, the cost to fuel and maintain them for Postal Service issued an initial the next 20 years; and any costs re- statement of work (SOW), which was lated to purchasing electric vehicles. provided to the manufacturers and The additional costs for electric NALC at the national level. In March vehicles include the installation of 2019, Director of City Delivery Chris charging stations at each facility Jackson and Director of Safety and as well as upgrading the electrical Health Manuel L. Peralta Jr., along service to handle the increased usage with NALC staff members, met with of electricity. The final technical and representatives of the Postal Service financial reviews were completed in regarding the SOW to ask questions, January 2021, which led to the an- give feedback and offer suggestions nouncement of the contract on Feb. for the production model of the 23. Based on projections made by NGDV. Between May and June 2019, the Postal Service, the first vehicles the Postal Service met with the pro- should be ready for deployment in spective manufacturers to finalize the 2023. specifications based on the supplier’s From the beginning, NALC’s goal input. has been to ensure that the new At the conclusion of these meet- delivery vehicle provides a safe work- ings, the Postal Service issued the ing environment by incorporating final SOW based on the input from the advances in automotive safety NALC and the prototype manufac- technology developed over the past turer. The SOW was submitted to the 30 years. Also, the NGDV had to inte- five manufacturers, and they were grate features focused on the comfort invited to submit their bids to design of letter carriers while operating the and build the final production model vehicle. of the NGDV. At the time, the Postal In addition to explaining how we Service anticipated the first pro- reached this point, this article will duction models being available for discuss some of the new features that deployment in 2021. Unfortunately, will be included in the final produc- the timeline for awarding the con- tion model of the NGDV based on the tract and manufacturing the NGDV final SOW described earlier. Once was delayed due to the COVID-19 Oshkosh finalizes the production pandemic. The final bids from the model, there may be modifications vendors were delivered to the Postal made to the function of these features Service in July 2020. based on the design.

24 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 One feature almost every carrier is even when the driver’s-side window A look at some of concerned about is the climate inside is open. Second, the heater must be the features in the the vehicle and the ability to main- able to heat the driver’s footwell to at new vehicle tain a comfortable temperature based least 65 degrees within 60 minutes of on the driver’s preferences. What is starting the vehicle when the outside too hot or too cold to one person may temperature is -20 degrees. A third be comfortable to someone else, and feature addressed the climate in the the LLV does not adequately allow cargo area. The NGDV will include an the driver to regulate the temperature active ventilation system, which must inside the vehicle. provide sufficient airflow so that the To address these concerns, the cargo area is within 10 degrees of the NGDV will be equipped with modern outside temperature. climate controls that will help allevi- Another area of great concern to let- ate those concerns. The NGDV will ter carriers is the safety of the vehicle. be equipped with air conditioning in Due to the standards at the time the the cab area, which must be able to LLV was built, the current fleet lacks cool the driver to 85 degrees when the the safety features most people take outside temperature is 120 degrees, for granted in their personal vehicle.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 25 Next The Generation Delivery Vehicle

The NGDV will include several fea- ers to enter the cargo area from the tures that will make the vehicle safer curb side. This door will be located to operate. adjacent to the driver’s-side door Over the past several years, letter and will be equipped with electronic carriers have been involved in horrific locks. A step will be located on the accidents while working from the rear outside of the vehicle and a grab of the vehicle on the street. Letter car- handle will be in the cargo area to as- riers have suffered traumatic injuries sist letter carriers when entering and after being struck and pinned by oth- exiting the vehicle. er vehicles. Tragically, some of these In contrast to the manual parking letter carriers have lost their lives. Be- brake in the LLV, the NGDV will be cause of these events, one of NALC’s equipped with an automatic brake. goals in the design of the NGDV has The automatic parking brake will been to ensure that letter carriers can engage when the vehicle is shifted in the park position, when the driver avoid the hazards of standing in the leaves the seat, or when the ignition street while loading and unloading is turned off. The brake will disen- the vehicle. To address this safety gage automatically when the vehicle concern, the NGDV will have a sliding is running and then shifted into side door that will allow letter carri- either drive or reverse. As an added safety feature, the vehicle will start only when the transmission is in ei- ther park or neutral. In addition, the driver will be able to shift out of park only when the seat belt is fastened. To help avoid collisions, the vehicle will be equipped with sensors in both the front and rear bumpers, which will beep when objects are within 8 feet. This beeping will become con- tinuous when the objects are within 6 inches of the vehicle. This system will also include visual alerts to notify deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. In addition to the sensors, the NGDV will have a forward collision warning system to alert the driver. The automatic front braking system will monitor the vehicle’s speed, trajectory and environment, and automatically apply the brakes if there is a high likelihood of a crash. This system will engage only after the sensors have notified the driver of the impending

26 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 crash and the driver has failed to cor- rect the collision trajectory. To help avoid collisions when traveling in reverse, the NGDV will be equipped with an automatic rear braking system to prevent any impact or contact with the rear of the vehicle. This system will automatically stop the vehicle after the rear sensor has notified the driver of an impending collision and the driver has failed to correct the trajectory. The vehicle will include a blind- spot warning system that will detect vehicles in the left and right travel will override a monitor that has been lanes and include a visual alert turned off. when another vehicle enters one The images captured by the camera of the blind spots. The system will will be shown on the touch-enabled include a visual and audio alert if operator display inside the cab area. the vehicle’s turn signal is activated While active, the display will provide or moves into a lane where another the various camera displays and will vehicle is present. duplicate the Mobile Delivery Device In the event a letter carrier is (MDD) display when the camera sys- involved in a collision, the vehicle tem is inactive. will be equipped with a driver’s-side The camera and display system will airbag. include an event data recorder that To provide the driver with a view will record and store data from the of the area surrounding the vehicle, camera monitoring system. Recording it will be equipped with a 360-degree will be activated five seconds before camera and monitor that displays a triggering event, such as a vehicle an area at least 10 feet on each side. accident, to five seconds after the The camera and monitor will auto- event ends. matically turn on when the vehicle is Another safety concern to letter traveling less than 5 mph; however, carriers across the country is the the driver will be able to turn off the hazard posed when exhaust from monitor if it is distracting or unhelp- a vehicle powered by an internal ful. The vehicle also will include a combustion engine enters the cab rearview camera to assist the driver area. To alleviate this issue, the while backing up. When the vehicle is exhaust system of vehicles that use shifted into reverse, the monitor will an internal combustion engine will display a rear trajectory projection discharge on the street side. This will based on the location of the vehicle prevent the fumes from entering the and the steering angle of the tires. cab area through an open window on When the rear camera is activated, it the driver’s side.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 27 Next The Generation Delivery Vehicle

Along with added safety features, prevent slips or falls while working in the NGDV includes numerous im- the vehicle, the cargo area will have provements in the cab area to make anti-skid flooring, like the flooring the vehicle more comfortable and used in the Promaster van. The cab easier to use while delivering mail. area will have non-slip flooring that Letter carriers will see a dramatic will also provide thermal and acous- upgrade in both the look and feel tic insulation. of the cab area in the NGDV. New To assist letter carriers working in features include an improved driver’s low light, the NGDV will have two seat, which will incorporate many lights in the cab area. One will be an of the features available on modern overhead light capable of illuminat- vehicles. The new seat will have an ing the entire cab area when it is adjustable lumbar support, the abil- dark outside. The second will be a ity to adjust the seat for height as task light, which will illuminate the well as the distance from the steering mail tray without generating window wheel, and the ability to tilt the seat glare. The cargo area will have a light back. To accommodate drivers of dif- equipped with a motion sensor. This fering heights, the steering wheel on light will turn on automatically when the NGDV will tilt both up and down. the driver enters the cargo area and The vehicle will even be equipped turn off after one minute if there is no with intermittent windshield wipers movement in the area. for use on rainy days. All of the doors will be equipped The cab area will also include with electronic locks, which will be an adjustable cup holder and coat operated with a keyless remote. In hooks. A docking station for the MDD addition, the driver’s-side door to the adjacent to the driver’s seat will be cab area will include a manual lock included. This station will charge the device and display the screen on that can be operated with a key. All the operator display. The charging doors, except the roll-up door at the station will include two 12-volt power rear of the vehicle, will lock in the ports, with one port dedicated to the open position. MDD. For those letter carriers who work The NGDV will be equipped with a in parts of the country affected by two-tiered mail tray in the cab area. snow and ice, the NGDV will include The width of both trays will allow an option for all-wheel/four-wheel three letter-sized or FSS trays to be drive. placed side by side. The lower tray As the process moves forward and will tilt toward the driver to make Oshkosh Defense finalizes the design it easier to read addresses on mail of the NGDV for production and de- pieces. Each vehicle will be equipped ployment, we will continue to update with two rows of foldable shelving on the membership about any changes each side in the cargo area. The driver or modifications to the NGDV that will be able to stow and lock these may affect the safety and comfort of shelves in the raised position. To help the new vehicle. PR

28 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 The of letterhistory carrier vehicles or as long as letter carriers have to Lenoir’s been delivering the mail, the Post horseless A city collection mail wagon that was used in Office has been looking for ways carriage. In 1893, brothers Frank and F Chicago in 1890 to speed up the delivery process, often Charles Edgar Duryea developed and through the use of vehicles. Now that road-tested the first successful U.S. the Postal Service has awarded a con- gasoline-powered car. Three years tract for the Next Generation Delivery later, they started the first American Vehicle, here is a brief history of the car manufacturing company in Spring- vehicles used by letter carriers. field, MA, called Motor Wagons. In When the Second Continental 1896, Henry Ford built his first automo- Congress created the nation’s first bile in Detroit. postal service in July 1775, it enshrined By 1899, the Post Office had become the Post Office in Article I, Section interested in these developments and 8, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution, set up the first Post Office Department empowering Congress “to establish test. The test involved a mail wagon Post Offices and Post Roads.” The Post built by the Winton Company of Cleve- Office used horses and wagons at the land. In the December cold, and over A Winton vehicle in Cleveland in 1899 time to transport the mail from city to snow-covered streets, the city along these post roads. vehicle covered 22 miles Horses remained the primary mode of paved and unpaved of transportation even as Free City road in just under two Delivery was established in 1863. (For and a half hours, stop- more on the establishment of Free City ping at 126 mailboxes Delivery, see the January 2021 edition along the route. The Post of The Postal Record.) That same year, Office estimated that it Belgian engineer Jean J. Lenoir invented would have taken a horse- the “horseless carriage.” Though the drawn wagon six hours to internal combustion motor had been deliver the same route. in development for decades, Lenoir’s “Officials cheered invention was the first commercially the dramatic increase in collection successful one. It could move at about 3 speed and soon postmasters across mph and had no steering wheel, using a the country were testing motorized steering tiller instead. vehicles,” a historian at the Smithson- The first Post Office letter carriers- de ian’s National Postal Museum later livered on foot in the late 1800s, but car- wrote. “Collection times were cut at riers often used horse-drawn wagons to least in half in most trials. This was collect mail from collection boxes scat- exciting news for the time-conscious tered throughout the cities they served, Post Office Department.” and they would continue to do so even Another test was held in Baltimore Harley-Davidson tri-cars as American inventors started creating in 1906 with a pair of Columbia Mark their own self-powered vehicles. 3 “autocars.” Each had a special In 1879, American inventor George compartment holding two mail sacks Baldwin filed the first U.S. patent for mounted on the back of the front seat. an automobile, one that looked similar Because driving wasn’t a skill many

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 29 The of letterhistory carrier vehicles

and other manufacturers built tri-cars for testing, but the vehicles didn’t perform well in the tests and were abandoned. In 1920, after the end of World War I, the War Department gave thousands of trucks and motorcycles to the Post Office, but many were too damaged for use. Through the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, the Post Office amassed a fleet of postal trucks. But with so many different manufacturers and suppliers, it became difficult to service the fleet. During the Great Depression, the Post Office limited purchases of new vehicles, resulting in many remaining on the road longer than expected. And during The Columbian Mark 3s were driven by drivers people had, the company supplied World War II, the Motor Vehicle Service provided by the manufacturer, who would take drivers. The letter carriers stood on had to make do with whatever it had on the letter carriers along their route. the back of the truck for easy access to hand, as spare parts were hard to find. mailboxes along the route. “When you hear talk of keeping a A Sit or Stand Van The tests were successful and motor- vehicle together with bailing wire, ized mail vehicles were introduced believe me, the Post Office was good at elsewhere. By the end of 1912, they it,” Baltimore letter carrier Jim Byrne were being used in Boston, Detroit, said at the time. Indianapolis, San Francisco and other Until the 1950s, most carriers and cities, all with drivers provided by the the mail were transported by truck to vehicle manufacturers. But these driv- where their walking routes began. But ers soon proved to be a problem. in the post-World War II period, busi- In a 1913 New York City public ness was booming, more people were hearing, mail drivers were accused of employed and mail volume surged. reckless driving, for allegedly exceed- City delivery had expanded to include ing the 15 mph speed limit and driving curbside delivery in the 1930s, and as on the wrong side of the road. When suburbs started to grow in the ’50s, the drivers went on strike in New York that need for better-suited vehicles became same year, the Post Office decided that a pressing issue. It was time for letter it was time to develop its own Motor carriers to get behind the wheel. Vehicle Service. It did so the next year. In Miami in 1954, the Post Office Meanwhile, some letter carriers used tested many types of vehicles, before bicycles for delivery, but the Post Office focusing on three: the Sit or Stand Van, was less successful with motorcycles, the Mailster and the Jeep. as it was difficult to balance the mail The Sit or Stand Vans were built while on the motorcycle. In 1908, the by the Twin Coach Company of Kent, Post Office tested a three-wheel motor- OH, and gave letter carriers the option cycle called the “tri-car,” which had of standing up while driving short storage in the rear. Harley-Davidson distances or sitting down for longer

30 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 The assembly line for the Willys Jeep

distances. The sliding side panel doors allowed carriers easy access to mail- boxes along the route. The Mailster was a smaller, three- wheeled vehicle based on an ice cream truck design. As soon as the vehicles were put into use, the problems with • Drive 960 miles over pot- them became apparent. The heating holes at 10 to 14 mph. often didn’t work and the Mailster • Haul a 1-ton load during could become immobilized in 3 inches half of the road test. of snow. With three wheels, if the letter carrier went around a corner too fast, it • Haul a man and a could topple over. One carrier com- 400-pound load during plained that his Mailster was tipped half of the road test. over by a large dog. • Drive over potholes ensur- The most successful of the new ing that each wheel hits a vehicles was the Jeep. The Jeep had pothole 35,000 times. become famous for its rugged perfor- • Make 100 consecutive mance during World War II. Willys Mo- stops from 15 mph. tors of Toledo, OH, produced a right- hand drive vehicle so carriers could Additionally, the vehicles A Mailster from 1955 save time on their routes by delivering had to have a weather-tight, straight from the window. These Jeeps aluminum-alloy body, be easy to enter were built in a lighter, less durable and exit for carriers ranging from 4 design than the standard Jeep. feet, 11 inches tall to those standing In the 1980s, the Postal Service at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, decided to replace its fleet, seeking a and had to be able to run 20 hours a new vehicle that would meet its needs day, seven days a week, for more than in terms of longevity. But rather than 20 years. using a design from an already existing The winner of the competition vehicle, as it had in previous searches, was the Long Life Vehicle (LLV), it created a set of testing criteria and produced by the Grumman Corpora- asked manufacturers to compete to cre- tion, then based in Bethpage, NY. It ate a new design. Each vehicle had to: began service in 1986 and The Grumman LLV 99,150 LLVs were produced • Drive 5,760 miles on a closed-loop until the last was built in 5-mile-long paved road at 50 to 55 mph. 1994. The Postal Service • Drive 11,520 miles over a gravel pushed the lifespan up to 30 road at 30 to 45 mph. years, but by 2014, it knew it had to prepare for the next • Drive 2,880 miles over a road with postal vehicle. a shoulder, stopping every 250 The Next Generation De- feet and accelerating to 15 mph in livery Vehicles are expected between. to appear on carrier routes • Drive 960 miles over cobblestones in 2023, becoming the latest that ranged from 3 to 4 inches high vehicle to help letter carriers at 10 to 14 mph. deliver. PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 31 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 a complete loss, no one was injured many packages—think of police in the fire. The carrier, however, Hofficers or firefighters. But for shrugged off any claim to heroism, some citizens in need of assistance, and said she was just thankful that their heroes come in the form of con- her customers were safe. “I was pan- cerned letter carriers. icked,” she added, “because I knew it Letter carriers are members of was a family home with small kids.” nearly every community in this nation and know when something is wrong. Carrier assists contractor Spotting fires and injuries, they often after tumble from roof are the first to respond. The following stories document their heroism. For “I was delivering a parcel to the front them, delivering for America is all in a door of the house,” Trenton, NJ Branch day’s work. 380 member Richard Powelson recalled about his route on Feb. 8. As Carrier’s instincts save he approached the home, he saw a man climbing up a ladder to the roof. customer from fire The 26-year carrier had reached the Arizona Merged Branch 1902 door when he heard a loud crashing member Jennifer Nava had finished noise. “I stopped and listened, so I delivering to a house on her route could see if it was just that the ladder on Sept. 15, 2020—as she recalled, “I had fallen,” Powelson said. “But then was getting ready to pull out [of the I could hear the guy—he was in quite a driveway] when I noticed the black bit of pain.” smoke.” The carrier rushed to help the man, The smoke appeared to be coming who was a contractor working on from behind the home, and given the home. Given the man’s distress, that a major freeway ran behind the Powelson went to call for help, but residence, “I thought it was a car realized that he had left his phone fire,” the 21-year carrier explained. back in his LLV. However, after driving a few feet, she “I knocked on the front door of the knew she had to go back and check. house, but nobody answered,” the When she pulled around to look carrier said, so he ran down the street back at the house, at first, she could to his vehicle. Powelson called 911 and still see only the thick smoke. Then, waited with the man until the para- she spotted the source. “I could see medics arrived. the fire coming out of the attic vent,” The contractor underwent surgery to Nava said. repair a shattered elbow. The carrier parked her vehicle and Powelson said that he was happy ran up to the house, where she began to be able to assist the man during banging on the front door. Eventu- the emergency, and added, “I’m glad ally, the homeowner came to the door. I happened to be in the right place at Nava told him, “You have to get out— the ‘wrong’ time.” the house is on fire!” The homeowner, who had been Directing traffic sleeping and unaware of the fire, swiftly evacuated and called 911. and calling for help Firefighters arrived a short time later On Sept. 22, 2020, Long Island Daniel Saposnick to put out the blaze. Merged, NY Branch 6000 member While the house was later deemed Daniel Saposnick was delivering on

32 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Eye on the elderly hile delivering on his had suffered a seizure due persisted. “I ended up talking Wroute on Saturday, Feb. to her brain cancer. Dunford to him through the window,” 20, Buffalo-Western New York deflected any praise for his the carrier said. Given the Branch 3 member Timothy actions, and said he considers man’s deteriorating condition, Kelleigh Fulton Dunford knocked on the door it part of his job to look out for Barth called police again, who of one of his customers. “I talk his customers. “I find out as gained entry into the house house, all of which was un- to her regularly,” the 30-year much as I can about every- and found the home uninhab- usual for the customer. Fulton carrier said. “She gets a lot of one,” he added, which allows itable. “They extracted him reported the situation to the mail and small parcels, and him to recognize if anything is through the window,” Barth woman’s next-door neighbor, we talk current events.” On amiss. said, and the man was taken who she knew had a key to this day, however, their rou- to the hospital and treated the house. “I told [the neigh- tine deviated from the normal outheast Pennsylvania for dehydration. He has since bor], ‘I’m getting worried,’ small talk. When she opened SMerged Branch 725 recovered and moved to a ” the carrier recalled. When the door, the woman told member Bernard Barth Jr. had nursing home. The carrier was they walked back over to the Dunford, “I had a stroke.” Con- been keeping a particular eye modest about his role, and woman’s house, however, fused, the carrier asked her on one of his customers—the said he considers it to be part they could hear something—it if she had had a stroke in the elderly man had recently of the job. “I’m always looking was the customer, faintly call- past few days; instead of an- lost his wife, and the 25-year out for my customers, every ing for help. They entered the swering, the woman attempt- carrier noticed that his health day,” Barth added. house and found the woman ed to open her garage door, appeared to be declining. lying on the floor; she had but was unable to push the “He looked like he was losing rick Town, NJ Branch 5420 fallen early in the morning and buttons on the remote control. weight,” the carrier said. In Bmember Kelleigh Fulton been unable to stand up. The “I knew there was something early October of 2020, how- had a close relationship with neighbor called 911, while Ful- not right,” Dunford said, so he ever, something even more an elderly customer on her ton stayed with her customer ran next door and asked the concerning happened: The route. “I’d always check on until paramedics arrived. The neighbor if she knew whether customer stopped showing her,” the three-year carrier woman subsequently went to the woman had had a stroke up at his door and, eventually, said. “She would meet me a rehabilitation center, but has recently. The neighbor didn’t stopped picking up his mail at the door; if [she didn’t], I since recovered and returned know, but he called 911 after at all. After a few days went by would knock and hand her home. The carrier said that at hearing Dunford’s description without seeing his customer, the mail.” As a result, one the time, her focus had been of her behavior. The carrier Barth reported the situation day in the summer of 2020, solely on making sure that her then finished his loop; when to a neighbor, who called when Fulton knocked on her customer was safe. “[Your cus- he was done with his route, for a welfare check. When door and the woman didn’t re- tomers] become part of your he went back to the woman’s officers arrived at the home, spond, the carrier was imme- daily day, and you become house to speak to the para- the man declined assistance. diately concerned. The door pretty close with everyone,” medics. At the hospital, it was But Barth was so concerned was locked, and there was no she said. “I was just worried determined that the woman about his customer that he sound coming from inside the about her.” PR

his route when he spotted an elderly gency operator, all the while direct- quickly. “Within eight minutes, [the woman trying to cross the road. “She ing vehicular traffic to go around paramedics] were at the scene,” said was unsteady on her feet, so I asked, her. Given the woman’s serious head Saposnick. The woman was taken to ‘Do you need any help?’ ” the 28-year injury, he didn’t want to move her the hospital, where it was determined carrier recalled. She declined, but without paramedic assistance. “There that she had collapsed due to a blood when he glanced back a few moments was blood all over the place, and I’m clot in her brain. later, she was lying facedown in the trying to stabilize her,” the carrier The woman has since recovered and road. recounted. moved in with her son, but she and “She smashed her head, and she As the woman regained conscious- the son both contacted Saposnick to was bleeding everywhere,” Saposnick ness, Saposnick talked to her and kept thank him for his actions. Despite the said. He immediately rushed over and her calm. He also managed to get in chaos, the carrier said, “I would do it dialed 911. touch with the woman’s son and let him all over again.” He added, “I’ll go out The carrier then stayed by her side know about his mother’s condition. of my way to make sure that everyone while on the phone with the emer- Thankfully, an ambulance arrived on my route is all right.” PR

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 33 Proud to Serve

Neighborhood watch DeMario Roland happened to be going carrier that he would keep an noticed something moving child, her supervisor arrived “Ito my in-laws” on Feb. 3, eye out for the vehicle while in the middle of the road. “I and began walking down the said Buffalo-Western New York driving. As he continued on thought it was a dog at first,” street. Down the road, he Branch 3 member DeMario his way, he happened to see a the 20-year carrier said. But ran into a woman who was Roland, when he witnessed car that matched the descrip- as she pulled closer, she searching the area for her son. an unoccupied postal vehicle tion he had just given—down recalled thinking, “Oh my god, The mother explained that the being struck by a hit-and-run to the damage he could see that’s a child!” Greene quickly boy had learned to climb over driver. “Someone had hit on the front of the vehicle. “I stopped her vehicle, got out their gate and gotten out of [the LLV] while it was parked, got the license plate,” Roland and picked up the toddler; their yard. When they walked and the mail truck was on said, which he also passed on she then went back to her LLV back over to Greene, they the sidewalk,” the two-year to the carrier, who was able to and placed him on the seat. found that the toddler was carrier recalled. “I know the turn all of the information over The carrier called her supervi- indeed her missing son. The carrier, so I pulled over.” He to police investigators. sor, who asked her to contact carrier said that given the traf- told the carrier, who had been police. “I was looking around fic, she was relieved to have delivering mail, everything he n Nov. 10, 2020, while [to see where the child had been on the scene. “Nobody remembered about the other Odriving to her route, Fond come from], but I didn’t see was stopping [their cars]—two vehicle, including the color, du Lac, WI Branch 125 mem- any doors open,” Greene said. people went around him,” type and make. Before driving ber Mary Greene was coming “So I waited for the cops.” she said. “I’m just glad I was away, Roland also told the up to a stoplight when she While she waited with the there.” PR Retiree Reports

achieved the wages and benefits we have, it’s Hartford, Connecticut New Orleans, Louisiana in your own interest to be informed. Undelivered s a retiree, I often get unsolicited claims on- oting is the cornerstone of democracy.” by Philip Rubio is a great starting point. Aline and via my cell phone from scam sites, “V One of the features that is near and In memoriam to Wendell Guy and Ronald T. claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service. They dear to me in this imperfect country is that we Lee. Rest in power. claim I have a cash amount or check from some are blessed with a document that few countries foreign country that I have never lived in or vis- possess—that being the U.S. Constitution. In this Stanley Taylor, Branch 124 ited. They always ask for my credit card number document is the foundation of the organization we or Social Security number to claim my prize. either actively work for now, or if you’re fortunate, Obviously it is a scam. Never give out that were able to retire from. Article 1, Section 8 lays the Paterson, New Jersey info, unless you yourself have gone to a online framework of this institution the U.S. Postal Service. ome of our members have been reporting sales site like Schaeffer Outfitter, My Pillow, There are elements in this country that seek Sthat there has been some delay in service Made in USA, etc., to buy some item there. to restrict voting and or make it difficult to vote. regarding letters from our members reaching Friends tell they are having delays in parcels Some have stated that if you don’t agree with our their final destination. Unfortunately, payments being processed through the USPS parcel post policies, we are going to make that essential right facility in Springfield, MA. I guess the lack of of bills, credit cards, etc., were included in this overtime allowed and new hires could be the harder to accomplish, and even go so far to not delay, which was probably due to this pandemic problem there. allow you to have water or food while waiting to taking place at this time. Congratulations to Frank Kish, our longtime cast your vote. Our members were informed to call their pay- letter carrier union steward from Naugatuck, who In our last presidential election, this country ex- ment companies for an attempt to cancel any retired after about 40 years as a letter carrier. He perienced the highest voting turnout in 120 years, late fees or interest payments that were associ- has moved to Florida, and we wish him the best. the former guy who occupied that office had the ated with the delay in the receiving of mail. He joins George Fonte, Mike Yannelli and Joe highest number of votes for a losing candidate, Companies generally go along with the as- Giordano, who have transferred or retired down and in more than 50 lawsuits, there was no voter sisting of customers in this manner, providing to Florida from Connecticut. As you get older, the fraud. it is not on a regular and routine basis. Letter winters in Connecticut get tougher to get through. Registering to vote is not the same as voting. carriers should make the time and have the pa- Hopefully the new Congress will deal with the Voting matters to our bottom line. When the tience in calling these companies in an attempt medical pre-funding 75 years in advance, which current PMG is replaced, hopefully we can get to waive any late fees and interest charges, but has put our USPS in a financial dilemma. I hope “right-sized” and eliminate the pre-funding of will the average customer do so? our MDA fundraisers, and food drive if we have retiree health benefits and repeal the Windfall We do know that there are many options of it, will be successful. Elimination Provision (WEP)/Government Pen- bill pay available to the average customer, which I cannot wait until we get the new postal ve- sion Offset (GPO) with passage of the Social Se- may sway customers to change their way of think- hicles. Our aging LLVs are long overdue for re- curity Fairness Act, H.R. 82. Federal Employees placement. Retirement System (FERS) annuitants don’t re- ing of how bills are paid. Our union may have to Best wishes to all carriers and retiree as the ceive the same cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) take an active interest in the need to make sure weather warms. Dogs will be out in the nicer as Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) an- that deliveries are made as quickly as possible weather—bring your dog spray and watch out nuitants—this can also be rectified by H.R. 304. in a timely manner so that customers can remain for them, please. Voting matters! loyal in using the United States Postal Service. Ed Mulrenan, Branch 86 To be better informed as to how we have Joseph Murone, Branch 120

34 The Postal Record May 2021 Executive Vice President

Task forces and committees he process of preparing and ne- street functions, and other alternatives for structur- gotiating a national collective- ing city carrier routes that will drive efficiency as- Tbargaining agreement often sociated with variable daily workloads. takes many months to complete, as • Staffing and scheduling: Jointly review and ad- it did in our last round of negotiations dress issues regarding city letter carrier comple- for the recently ratified 2019 National ments, starting times, employee availability and Agreement. Once a new agreement related transportation schedules to optimize staff- takes effect, there are many provi- ing and scheduling efficiencies. sions that must be implemented, • Route evaluation: Using the alternative and tech- such as the economic provisions. nological findings of the Alternate Route Evaluation The cover story in this month’s Postal and Adjustment Process Task Force, jointly develop Record explains several of those eco- and implement a process to efficiently and accu- nomic issues. rately evaluate delivery routes and assignments, and determine the most efficient and effective mix There also are a number of task of letter routes, parcel routes, etc. Jointly explore Brian forces and committees that the the use of technology, data, advanced analytics new Agreement either continues and machine learning to improve operations, route Renfroe or establishes. We have started evaluation, adjustment and optimization, delivery work on a number of these. Some capabilities and visibility. are long-standing and continue through the negotiations • Safety: Jointly ensure that the parties are fully using process, and others are modified or newly created. the provisions of Article 14 to maintain a safe envi- One of the modified task forces was established by ronment for all employees, including adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding Re: City Delivery and COVID-19 protocols for as long as necessary. Workplace Improvement Task Force. We have had a city • Contractual compliance: Jointly address issues delivery task force in the past. The task force established with repeated violations of the parties’ collective- by this MOU will continue to address several issues that bargaining agreement, as well as any issues with were previously under the city delivery task force, but also the timely and effective functioning of the Dispute incorporates other topics. The vision of the parties in ne- Resolution Process. gotiations was to create a high-level task force that would • Mentorship: Explore the possibility of jointly devel- address a comprehensive group of issues related to the oping and discussing implementation options for a daily work of letter carriers and the service we provide. mentorship program for new employees intended The following are listed in the MOU: to improve the onboarding experience and reten- tion rate of city carrier assistants. • Creating a positive work environment/culture • Business growth: Using the findings of the New where everyone is treated with dignity and re- Product Development and Innovation Task Force, spect: Evaluate the workplace culture and develop jointly explore how to safely and effectively per- solutions to address the causes of conflicts be- form existing, expanding and future services, and tween management and city letter carriers, includ- how to efficiently integrate such services into the ing disagreements over the amount of time a letter structure of city delivery. Jointly review the office’s carrier needs to complete their daily assignment. use of the Customer Connect program and the po- • Efficiency and use of space:Jointly develop and tential for new business. test new work methods/concepts to prepare for fu- I am privileged to serve on this task force with President ture delivery environments that ensure the Postal Rolando, Director of City Delivery Chris Jackson, Special Ex- Service remains the provider of choice for our cus- ecutive Assistant to the President Tim McKay and Assistant tomers. Jointly explore the modification of current to the President for City Delivery Michelle McQuality. We case configurations and work methods to identify have subcommittees working on each of the topics listed more efficient techniques for handling residual and above and have several pilot tests started. I am encouraged sequenced mail volumes. Jointly examine current thus far by the Postal Service’s commitment to this task casing standards and times for associated line force and the others included in the National Agreement. items. Explore various combinations of office and We look forward to continuing the work we’ve started.

May 2021 The Postal Record 35 Vice President

Local negotiations are coming, Part 4 e are now in the middle of the 2. If management makes the “inconsistent or in conflict with 30-day local negotiations pe- the National Agreement” claim on a provision that was a Wriod that began on April 29 and new provision in your city’s 2017 LMOU, impasse the item. will end on May 28. We have provided Also include any statements/information that proves the you with copies of our 2021 Local Nego- provision in question is not inconsistent or in conflict with tiations guide, local memorandum of the National Agreement. understanding (LMOU) training in each 3. If management makes the “inconsistent or in conflict with region, and added additional resources the National Agreement” claim on a provision in your LMOU in the Members Only section of the that became this way as a result of a change in the 2019 Na- NALC website for all branch presidents tional Agreement, impasse the item. Also include any state- and secretaries. All of these efforts are ments/information that proves the provision in question is designed to assist you through the en- not inconsistent or in conflict with the National Agreement. tire local negotiations process. Processing impasse items has a few aspects in common with If you have taken advantage of the processing grievances. For starters, you must be timely. The ac- resources offered and done your prepa- tual deadline for appealing impasse items is June 12. Please do ration, you should be in great shape at not wait for the last day to send your appeal(s) forward. I would this point. If you are following the advice Lew advise you to set D-Day (June 6) as the deadline in your mind for conducting the actual negotiations, and send your impasse appeal(s) forward before that Sunday. Drass you will be ready for the impasse phase You also should use a special service for the copy of your im- of the local negotiations process. passe appeal(s) that you mail to the Labor Relations Service The best result of local negotiations is to come out with a ne- Center, so you can prove when you mailed it/them if necessary. gotiated local contract. However, if your negotiating committee Forget everything else you know about processing griev- does not get there, you must focus your attention on giving your ances (except documenting your position). The LMOU impasse impasse item(s) the best chance for success. process is different. First, this is not a joint process. As such, For instance, if you currently have no provisions for city carrier you do not send a joint file to a team. Instead, you send a copy assistants (CCAs) to be granted annual leave selections dur- of your impasse appeal(s) to three places: the Labor Relations ing the choice vacation period and for incidental leave in your Service Center, your postmaster and your NBA’s office. Addi- LMOU, and management is unreasonable at your level, just im- tionally, the only place to which you send the documentation/ passe the matter at the end of the 30-day negotiating period. information you have gathered that supports your position is Remember, the process is not over just because you did not reach agreement on one or more items. Impasses are dis- your NBA’s office. cussed at the regional/area level first, then appealed to inter- If one or more items are appealed to impasse, remember to est arbitration, and discussed at least one more time before first complete a separate impasse appeal form for each item that finally reaching an arbitrator. you are impassing. You can find a sample impasse appeal form in Appendix L on page 67 of the 2021 Local Negotiations guide Let’s look at the “inconsistent or in conflict” issue. Some of you will run into cases where management claims a provision(s) or in the Members Only section of the NALC website. Please be in your LMOU is “inconsistent or in conflict with the National sure to include the following with each impasse appeal form: Agreement.” If we do not come to agreement at the local level, • Exact language, if any, of the impasse item as it appeared we should create a separate impasse of our own. in the 2017 LMOU The reason for creating a union impasse in this situation • Original union proposal (exact language and date discussed) is that we want to ensure that the parties at the next steps of • Management counterproposal (exact language/date this process have all of the information needed to make an in- discussed) formed decision. There are three possible scenarios: • If applicable, any additional proposals and counterproposals 1. Most of the time, management tries to make the “inconsis- • Final union proposal (exact language and date discussed) tent or in conflict with the National Agreement” claim on • Final management proposal (exact language/date discussed) a provision that has been in your LMOU for a long time. If It is fine to send multiple impasse appeal forms with all management makes this claim on a provision that has been the information referenced above, attached to each one with in your LMOU since before 2017, impasse the item. When a staple or paper clip, in the same envelope. Second, send sending an impasse to your national business agent (NBA), a copy of all this information for each item you are appealing include statements and a copy of an LMOU from your city to three places: the Labor Relations Service Center at U.S. that was in effect prior to 2017. That should end the matter Postal Service, P.O. Box 23788, Washington, DC 20026; the during the regional discussions that follow. installation head (postmaster); and your NBA.

36 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Vice President

As discussed above, if you want to have the best chance for In the event a proposal(s) on this subject is appealed through success, take the following additional steps with the impasse the Article 30 impasse procedure, prior to a request for arbitra- item(s) package you send to your NBA: tion, such dispute(s) will be referred to an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) team established by the national parties. The • Include a copy of your current LMOU in your package to expectation is that the ADR team will reach an agreement that your NBA. will allow city carrier assistants to plan for leave use while ac- • Write a separate cover letter to your NBA for each item be- counting for city carrier assistant absences, including during ing appealed. Fully explain the disputed issues and the scheduled five day service breaks. course of negotiations. If appealed items are related, be sure to give a clear explanation. Include any additional in- We had high hopes during the last round of local negotia- formation you have gathered to support the union’s posi- tions that the ADR process described above would be success- tion. This will be helpful when discussing the issues or pre- ful in resolving the CCA annual leave issues. We could not have paring for arbitration. Do not send this letter or any other been more wrong on that count. Maybe we will have better luck additional information you have gathered to support the this time. union’s position to the Labor Relations Service Center or the installation head (postmaster) with your impasse. There are two other MOUs continued in the 2019 National • If management makes its own appeal to impasse, claiming Agreement that are designed to expedite the arbitration pro- a provision(s) is an “unreasonable burden” or “inconsis- cess during this round of local negotiations. The first one can tent or in conflict with the National Agreement,” make sure be found in the seventh paragraph of the MOU Re: Local Imple- to request and provide a copy of management’s impasse mentation. It states: (in addition to following the advice above). You should do The national parties will establish an impasse arbitration panel the same thing if management attempts to impasse an in each area for all management and union impasse items ap- item that is outside of the 22 items listed in Article 30 of pealed to final and binding arbitration pursuant to paragraph the National Agreement. In any of these situations, also 4 above. A sufficient number of arbitrators will be selected so enclose any documentation they have with your impasse that all such appeals will be scheduled and heard within 120 item(s) package that you send to your NBA. days of receipt of the appeal to arbitration. In those areas where • Your NBA may need additional branch input during settle- the impasse backlog will not allow the parties to meet these ment discussions with management at the regional/area time limits, it is understood that steps will be taken to process level. Please make sure your NBA knows how to contact them as expeditiously as possible. Impasse appeals address- your negotiating team. ing whether an item is inconsistent or in conflict will be sched- So, what happens next? The next step of the process is de- uled prior to unreasonable burden cases. scribed in the third paragraph of the MOU Re: Local Implemen- The second MOU Re: Arbitration Scheduling Procedure – tation. It states: (LMOU) is designed to eliminate the “stall tactics” that were The Representative of the Employer from the Labor Relations used in some places in the past. It states: Service Center and the Union’s Regional Representative shall The parties agree to the following concerning the scheduling of attempt to resolve the matters in dispute within seventy-five Local Memorandum of Understanding (LMOU) impasse arbitra- (75) days after the expiration of the local implementation pe- tion cases during the term of this agreement. riod. The Representatives of both the Union and the Employer will have full authority to resolve all issues still in dispute. 1. LMOU impasses from each installation will be heard by the same arbitrator. What happens if your NBA and management at the area lev- el cannot resolve an impasse item(s)? The fourth paragraph of 2. It is expected that multiple impassed items from an LMOU the MOU Re: Local Implementation states: will be heard on each arbitration date. If the parties identified above are unable to reach agreement by This agreement expires with the 2019 collective bargaining the end of the seventy-five (75) day period provided for above, agreement. the issue(s) may be appealed to final and binding arbitration by In the end, it is our sincere hope that you will be able to the National Union President or the Vice President, Labor Rela- come to agreement on an LMOU for your city during the 30-day tions within twenty-one (21) days of the end of the seventy-five negotiating period. If not, just send your impasse item(s) to the (75) day period. right places in a timely fashion and we will take it from there. We have added an additional step in the process again this In closing, I want to wish all of the mothers out there a happy year for the CCA annual leave issue that applies only to LMOUs Mother’s Day. that do not currently contain any language for CCA leave rights. In MOU Re: CCA Annual Leave, it states:

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 37 Secretary- Treasurer

Reciprocal Agreement/ obtaining a branch checking account ll branch officers need to For more information, please see the Reciprocal be aware of the Reciprocal Agreement handbook, which was mailed to every AAgreement and how it works. branch. The handbook also can be found on the NALC The Reciprocal Agreement ap- website on the secretary-treasurer’s page. Clink on the plies to all members of NALC, the link to “NALC membership and dues.” National Rural Letter Carriers’ As- sociation (NRLCA), the American Obtaining a branch checking account Postal Workers Union (APWU) and Since the passage of the Patriot Act in 2001, open- the National Postal Mail Handlers ing a checking account can be a trying experience for Union (NPMHU). Each union’s pro- NALC branches. Many branch officers have arrived at cedures are slightly different, so the bank only to find they have not taken along the representatives should refer to the necessary documentation that banks are required to Reciprocal Agreement handbook. obtain from customers. The bank is required to identify The Reciprocal Agreement is im- an entity (non-individuals) and verify the entity’s exis- portant, as it provides a process tence. Unfortunately, to verify the branch’s existence, Nicole that, if acted upon immediately, the bank may require multiple documents, resulting in Rhine eliminates unintended multiple redundancy of information. dues withholdings. For example, The following is a list of items that NALC branch of- if a clerk who belongs to APWU ficers should have with them when opening an account transfers to the letter carrier craft and wishes to join with a different bank: NALC and cancel dues withholding to APWU, the mem- ber should complete Form 1187 with the “Union Trans- • The name and address of the branch and the fer” section completed by circling which union’s dues branch’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) identifica- they are requesting to be canceled. tion number (Employer Identification Number.) If Upon receipt of the notation on Form 1187, the NALC you have a Form 990 or 990-EZ, take it with you as Membership Department will notify APWU that the mem- well as an invoice billed to the branch’s address. ber belongs to NALC and wishes to cancel dues withhold- • NALC and its branches are tax-exempt 501(c)5 la- ing to APWU. In some cases, this can take two or more pay bor organizations (not a 501(c)3, as many people periods. The member may then make copies of paycheck incorrectly assume). You should print out the IRS stubs showing dues to both NALC and APWU to send to Determination Letter available at nalc.org. (Click the Membership Department for review and possible re- on the link on the secretary-treasurer’s page imbursement of the APWU double dues. titled “What to do if your Branch Lost Its Tax- Keep in mind that the Reciprocal Agreement applies Exempt Status.”) Although not all banks ask for only when the member transfers crafts and is joining the same documentation, you should have the another union. If a member transfers crafts but does letter available and be aware that NALC’s group not join another union, the member must wait until the exemption number (GEN) is 0685. window period of his or her anniversary date, per Sec- • If the branch has bylaws, take a copy along as tion 925 of the Employee and Labor Relations Manual well as a copy of the NALC Constitution. Also take (ELM), to cancel his or her NALC membership. City car- the branch charter if it is available, or a photo- rier assistants (CCAs) also may cancel within 10 days copy. after starting another term of non-career employment. • A resolution must be submitted to the bank to An important point: A change in crafts does not au- identify the individuals who are authorized to tomatically cancel dues withholding to another union, use the branch’s bank account. The resolution nor is membership automatically transferred from one should include the name, address and position union to another. of each person authorized to use the account. One other important point: Not every letter carrier mov- A resolution is separate from the actual signature ing into another postal craft should terminate his or her card, which the bank should provide. Many banks will NALC membership. If an NALC member changes crafts but have a resolution ready which, if the officers are not still wishes to retain enrollment in the NALC Health Bene- all present at the bank, you may take with you to have fit Plan, the member must continue membership in NALC. signed and then return to the bank.

38 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

Are you exposed? If so, protect yourself now ost of us spend our careers volunteer on behalf of an organization. This may be an impor- thinking that our only em- tant consideration for branches using volunteers to help with Mployer is the United States the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive local efforts and is usually Postal Service. That’s where we report covered under a comprehensive general liability insurance to work, receive our paychecks, and policy. But without specific endorsements written into the access our benefits. It’s easy to forget policy, there can be potential holes in coverage. In some that in some cases, union officials re- cases, a separate policy is needed for medical payments, etc. ally have two employers—USPS and • Directors and officers liability insurance (aka D&O insurance) our local branch. We know, for exam- provides coverage against personal losses if you are sued ple, that USPS provides workers’ com- over work done in your capacity as a branch officer. This in- pensation for us through the Federal cludes claims involving your hiring process and terminations, Employees’ Compensation Act, and and claims regarding perceived mismanagement of branch other coverages as a federal employer. funds. The kicker is, most folks don’t realize that without this So, when you are not on the clock with type of insurance, branch officers may be personally liable for the USPS, who protects the branches damages, if successfully sued. D&O also covers legal defense Paul and their employees? fees in many instances. Since branches are, of course, • Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in all 50 Barner stand-alone entities and separate states if you pay any wages, since you are considered an from USPS and NALC Headquarters, employer. In some states, the insurance must be secured branches must protect themselves independently. A robust directly with the state fund. In most states, the premium and risk management strategy likely includes protection (in the benefit structures are set by the state government, but the form of insurance) against general liability, property and other actual insurance coverage is provided by standard insur- damage claims. If a branch compensates at least one person ance companies via your insurance agent. Volunteers and/ for this work, managing risks gets more complex, since you are or employees who receive very little compensation may now considered an employer and will need to have a mitigation be exempt from such coverage in some states; check your plan against additional claims (usually covered under workers’ state’s website for further clarification. compensation, director and officer insurance, employment • Auto insurance is an insurance product easily understood by practices liability and other policies). most of us, as we most likely have purchased personal cover- Most branches are familiar with the legal requirement age for ourselves. If you own a vehicle, it’s a must-have. But to carry bonding insurance under the Labor Management Re- did you know that the risks extend even to branches that don’t porting and Disclosure Act of 1959. This law pertains to any own vehicles? Whenever an employee or volunteer uses his branch with total liquid assets and annual receipts in excess of or her personal vehicle, or rents a vehicle, to conduct branch $5,000. Under this requirement, branches must obtain a bond business, the branch’s assets may be at risk. Therefore, hired in the amount of no less than 10 percent of the total amount of and non-owned auto insurance is critical if you are sued for liquid assets and annual receipts. Branches are cautioned to negligence due to an auto accident. This type of insurance review their bonding amount each year to ensure compliance. can be easily added to your general liability insurance. Here is a brief list of other important insurance coverages to • Umbrella liability insurance offers additional protection consider at the branch level: above and beyond the limits of your other insurance prod- ucts, such as general liability, workers’ comp and business • General liability insurance (aka business liability insur- auto policies. This relatively low-cost insurance product pro- ance) protects against claims that may occur as a result of vides that extra layer of protection in the event of a large claim. normal operations, including property damage, bodily in- juries, and “personal” injuries such as libel and slander. Branches need to give serious consideration to risk-man- General liability coverage can offer comprehensive cover- agement strategies. This article is not intended to be compre- age, but the key is to understand what it does not cover so hensive in nature, but rather to provide a sample of the impor- that you can evaluate which endorsements to add. tant insurance options to consider at the branch level. • Professional liability insurance (aka errors and omissions In the meantime, as we look to protect ourselves in busi- insurance) is separate from general liability insurance but ness, we must not forget what is truly important as we ap- expands coverage against liability involving professional proach this Memorial Day. Let’s take the time to reflect on and (continued on next page) negligence or bad advice. honor those brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces • Volunteer liability insurance is designed to cover those who who sacrificed their lives to protect our precious freedoms.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 39 Director of City Delivery

New technology testing ike most companies, the Connect. Traditionally, when participating in Customer Postal Service has voiced a Connect, city carriers would manually fill out a Customer Lcommitment to exploring new Connect lead card and submit it to their supervisors for technologies, as well as poten- data input, subsequent validation, and follow-up by a tial enhancements and new uses member of the sales team. for existing technology. As part In February, the Postal Service advised NALC of its in- of this effort, the Postal Service tent to test future electronic submission of leads for the routinely updates the software Customer Connect program using the MDD/MDD-TR. The program used on the Mobile Deliv- software update will provide city carriers the opportunity ery Device (MDD) and Mobile De- to record new business lead information that normally livery Device Technology Refresh would be provided on the manual lead card. (MDD-TR). With these updates, After selecting “Lead Card” on the scanner menu, the USPS will take the opportunity to MDD will list nearby addresses based on the carrier’s enhance existing processes or test location. The carrier can either select the address from new features for future use. I want the list or choose to input manually if the address is not Christopher to use this month’s article to tell shown on screen. The MDD will allow for entry of the busi- Jackson you about some new features that ness name, contact name, phone number and email. The USPS is testing in limited areas for carrier will also have an opportunity to enter additional potential use nationwide. comments related to the lead submission. A confirma- tion screen will be presented on the device with the mes- PS Form 3575-Z test sage: “Thank you [name] for submitting a business lead and helping to grow our business.” The MDD will then Traditionally, when a customer has vacated a prop- submit the data, along with the carrier’s Employee Iden- erty without providing a change of address to the Postal tification Number (EIN) or badge ID to the Postal Service Service, letter carriers would complete a written PS Form Panorama/Sales Force system. 3573-Z, Employee Generated Change of Address, to doc- USPS hopes that direct submission of the information ument that the customer had moved and left no forward- to the sales team will allow a rapid response to the cus- ing address. In February, NALC received notification that tomer within 30 minutes of submission of the electronic USPS would be updating the MDD software on March 8 lead. The test began in April and is anticipated to last to include a PS Form 3575-Z test feature. NALC has been until the end of June in 10 pilot sites: three in California, advised that this test concept was developed based on three in Arizona and four in Iowa. letter carriers’ feedback and suggestions. During the test, carriers will use the MDD/MDD-TR to Time clock enter and/or scan the information for mail being held for an address where a customer has moved and did not The Postal Service is exploring another new feature involving use of the MDD/MDD-TR for carriers to clock submit a change of address. After holding the mail for 10 in and out, switch operations and record work on other days, letter carriers will complete the PS Form 3575-Z us- routes. In a recent report from the Office of the Inspec- ing the MDD/MDD-TR and process the mail according to tor General (OIG) dated December 2020, the OIG found the method used locally. that while the Postal Service had recently updated the USPS hopes to automate the current process for com- Time and Attendance Collection System (TACS), it was pleting the form and eliminate the hard-copy version to not pursuing initiatives to update the physical time col- increase the accuracy of the database that handles un- lection devices. According to OIG, the company that built deliverable mail. The three-month test will be conducted the electronic badge reader (EBR) used by Postal Service in approximately 1,000 delivery units nationwide. employees to input time clock entries went out of busi- ness in August 2018. Customer Connect leads The OIG reported that as of December, there were ap- The Postal Service currently has several programs in proximately 21,000 remaining readers in use, and that place to enable employees to submit potential business USPS management believes it will run out of serviceable leads to help grow the USPS customer base and generate units by the end of 2022. As indicated in the OIG report, revenue. For city carriers, this program is called Customer the current EBR system is quickly becoming obsolete,

40 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Director of City Delivery

Connect. Traditionally, when participating in Customer and the Postal Service will need to create a solution for Touch panel mode (MDD-TR only) Connect, city carriers would manually fill out a Customer future employee timekeeping. Connect lead card and submit it to their supervisors for In response to the OIG report and concerns regard- Also from the March USPS notification, I learned that data input, subsequent validation, and follow-up by a ing the future viability of the EBR, USPS operations the new MDD-TR device offers different touch panel mode member of the sales team. announced that it is in the planning stages of an en- options to allow for the use of a bare hand, gloves or stylus In February, the Postal Service advised NALC of its in- hancement to the MDD/MDD-TR, which may replace on the touchscreen. These settings can be changed by the tent to test future electronic submission of leads for the the traditional method of clocking on the EBR. Based carrier according to the environmental conditions present Customer Connect program using the MDD/MDD-TR. The on communication with USPS, this feature is still being for better functionality and ease of use of the touchscreen. software update will provide city carriers the opportunity formalized and is not currently active for letter carrier The option of “Touch Panel” mode has been added under to record new business lead information that normally use. NALC will provide the membership more informa- the menu options from any application screen and pro- would be provided on the manual lead card. tion on this potential feature as it becomes available. vides the carrier with two setting choices: “Glove and Fin- After selecting “Lead Card” on the scanner menu, the In the meantime, city carriers should continue making ger” or “Stylus and Finger.” MDD will list nearby addresses based on the carrier’s clock rings entries on the EBR. USPS says that these settings will improve the ease of location. The carrier can either select the address from use and increase touchscreen performance by decreasing the list or choose to input manually if the address is not Delivery point access information errors on data entry and creating a smoother workflow. The shown on screen. The MDD will allow for entry of the busi- In a notification received March 23, NALC was advised MDD-TR application will automatically change the setting ness name, contact name, phone number and email. The that the Postal Service is planning to test a new enhance- to “Stylus and Finger” at the signature capture screen for carrier will also have an opportunity to enter additional ment to the MDD/MDD-TR that incorporates the ability to the ease of customer use. comments related to the lead submission. A confirma- provide building access information for select buildings. These are the most recent features of the MDD/MDD-TR tion screen will be presented on the device with the mes- With this enhancement, the Postal Service hopes to re- that the Postal Service is exploring for use by city carri- sage: “Thank you [name] for submitting a business lead duce the amount of parcel redelivery and “No Access” ers. I am encouraged by these advances in technology and helping to grow our business.” The MDD will then scans by providing delivery instructions. and the evolution from the MDD to the MDD-TR. I believe submit the data, along with the carrier’s Employee Iden- During the test, carriers will receive building access in- that these enhancements, if implemented, could offer tification Number (EIN) or badge ID to the Postal Service formation such as access codes, instructions related to key letter carriers additional, more convenient options for re- Panorama/Sales Force system. keepers, or receptacle location, for select buildings in the ceiving or providing information related to their duties. I USPS hopes that direct submission of the information test site. When carriers are within a 25-foot radius of the de- will update the membership on these initiatives and oth- to the sales team will allow a rapid response to the cus- livery point, they will receive an alert on their scanner with er changes in technology related to city delivery. Be sure tomer within 30 minutes of submission of the electronic the access information. This testing will be conducted for ap- to check the “City Delivery” page at nalc.org regularly for lead. The test began in April and is anticipated to last proximately three months in the Arlington, VA, Main Office. more news and updates. until the end of June in 10 pilot sites: three in California, three in Arizona and four in Iowa. Below: An enhanced view of the updated MDD Touch Panel Mode screen Time clock The Postal Service is exploring another new feature involving use of the MDD/MDD-TR for carriers to clock in and out, switch operations and record work on other routes. In a recent report from the Office of the Inspec- tor General (OIG) dated December 2020, the OIG found that while the Postal Service had recently updated the Time and Attendance Collection System (TACS), it was not pursuing initiatives to update the physical time col- lection devices. According to OIG, the company that built the electronic badge reader (EBR) used by Postal Service employees to input time clock entries went out of busi- ness in August 2018. The OIG reported that as of December, there were ap- proximately 21,000 remaining readers in use, and that USPS management believes it will run out of serviceable units by the end of 2022. As indicated in the OIG report, the current EBR system is quickly becoming obsolete,

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 41 Director of Safety and Health

Heat-related warnings and rulings ummer is just around the corner than 108 degrees, which is characterized as a “Danger” level and you need to prepare for the by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sheat to protect yourself. USPS contested this citation and it is awaiting a trial before Over the last 10 years, we have the OSHRC. suffered thousands (as reported Between John’s death in 2012 and Peggy’s death in 2018, by management) of city letter car- OSHA has investigated and issued a number of citations to rier heat-related injuries. During this USPS following heat-related injuries or complaints brought to same period, we have experienced its attention about how employees were treated during exces- three letter carrier deaths from this sive heat. These citations asserted that the employer did not cause. Two of these employees were take the steps necessary to provide a safe work environment members of NALC; their cases follow. to its employees. A number of those citations were contested John Watzlawick of Independence, and were pending before the OSHRC. MO Branch 827, lost his life on July During this same time frame, USPS changed its strategy, 24, 2012. joining forces with a law firm that had successfully fought back John had just returned to duty fol- a heat-safety citation in the roofing industry. So, what did the Manuel L. lowing a five-week absence, and de- employer learn from the citation issued in the death of John Dan livered his route in temperatures ex- Watzlawick? We want USPS to train its supervisors to do all in Toth Peralta Jr. ceeding 100 degrees while the area their power to protect us from excessive heat. Further, we want was under an excessive heat warning them to promptly come to our aid when we inform them of the from the National Weather Service. John called his supervi- heat illness symptoms that we experience. We want supervi- sor shortly after 12 p.m., reported symptoms that indicated sors to care for your well-being as if it involved their loved ones. the heat was affecting him, and was told by his supervisor to Instead, it appears that the lesson learned was how to pro- continue delivering. Just before 3 p.m., John collapsed. tect itself from blame. What it learned was to fight off accept- The temperature was 102 degrees, with 28 percent humid- ing any responsibility for the injuries and deaths by challenging ity, for a calculated heat index of 104 degrees. When John the use of the “General Duty Clause” of the Occupational Safety arrived at the hospital, his core body temperature was mea- and Health Act (see my column for August-September 2018). sured at 108.7 degrees. The Occupational Safety and Health When it came time for the first of these cases to go before the Administration (OSHA) conducted an investigation, issued a OSHRC, a decision was made to coordinate the hearings to al- citation and determined that the employer had failed John by low for “global witnesses” to testify one time for the five cases not getting him used to the heat (acclimatizing), not training scheduled, yet to have the relevant witnesses pertinent to each supervisors and employees, and not establishing work rules case testify at the trials held in Houston, and San Antonio, TX; and practices that encourage employees to seek assistance Des Moines, IA; Benton, AR; and Martinsburg, WV (rural carriers). and evaluation when experiencing heat stress symptoms. The judge recently issued her decision in all five cases, in- Further, OSHA recommended that the employer establish dicating that: a heat-stress management system. The citation references The Secretary has not met his burden of proving the cited recommendations issued by the National Institute of Occu- conditions presented a hazard of excessive heat exposure pational Safety and Health through its publication, Working to [all 5 cities] letter carriers...He has failed to establish the in Hot Environments. economic feasibility of his proposed abatement methods The Postal Service challenged the citation before the Oc- related to acclimatization programs, additional paid breaks, cupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC). work/recovery cycles, and earlier workday start times. I applauded the findings of the judge in my November 2014 The OSHRC decision has been appealed by the Department Postal Record column. of Labor and is pending before the board of the OSHRC. NALC Peggy Frank of Woodland Hills, CA Branch 2902, lost her life is greatly disappointed with the decision, but we all must still on July 6, 2018. move forward. I therefore request that you review my June Peggy had just returned to work following a three-month 2020 column, and make sure that all letter carriers receive absence due to an injury. OSHA conducted an investigation the required Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) training, and issued a citation charging USPS with not furnishing a which is required every year, and put it to use. place of employment free from recognized hazards that were When management tells you that “safety depends on you,” causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employ- they do so because they know you cannot depend on them. ees. Its write-up indicates that the temperature was more Keep an eye on each other.

42 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Director of Retired Members

Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset ongress approved the Wind- tiplier for those with 30 years of such earnings. fall Elimination Provision (WEP) The main reason Congress gave for including this provision Cin 1983, as part of a larger pack- in the overall Social Security reform package was to remove age of Social Security reforms (which a so-called windfall that these employees would receive for also included an increase in the full participating in two retirement systems. This false perception retirement age). is completely unfair when compared to workers in the private This provision reduces the Social sector whose Social Security benefits are not reduced if they Security benefit of a public employee receive benefits from their private pension plans. CSRS em- who has job earnings in non-Social ployees earned their full Social Security benefits and are en- Security-covered employment, but titled to receive them. who also worked in covered em- In December 2020, about 2 million Americans were being ployment and qualified for a Social adversely affected by the WEP provision, a number that will Security benefit by working at least grow as more CSRS employees retire. FERS retirees are not 40 quarters (or 10 years). The WEP affected. directly affects many state and local Dan government employees who are cov- The Government Pension Offset ered by alternative retirement sys- Toth tems. It also affects most permanent Social Security pays benefits to the spouses of retired and civilian federal employees hired be- disabled workers and to widow(er)s of deceased workers. fore Jan. 1, 1984, who are covered by the Civil Service Retire- The Government Pension Offset (GPO) is intended to regulate ment System (CSRS). Upon retirement, workers can see their Social Security benefits for spouses who receive pensions Social Security benefits reduced by as much as 55 percent. based on non-Social Security-covered employment. The WEP affects the determination of a new retiree’s month- The GPO typically eliminates most, if not all, of the other- ly Social Security benefit, the primary insurance amount (PIA). wise payable spousal and survivor benefits for retirees who This is done by separating your average earnings into three receive a government annuity for non-Social Security work. amounts and multiplying the amounts using three factors to That’s because the GPO reduces Social Security spousal and compute your full PIA. For example, for a worker who turns 62 survivor benefits by $2 for every $3 paid in CSRS annuity ben- in 2021, the first $996 of average monthly earnings is mul- efits to affected retirees. tiplied by 90 percent; earnings between $996 and $6,002 For example, if a CSRS retiree’s spouse receives $2,000 in are multiplied by 32 percent; and the balance is multiplied Social Security retirement benefits, the 50 percent spousal by 15 percent. The sum of the three amounts equals the PIA, benefit would normally be $1,000 per month. But if the an- which is then decreased or increased depending on whether nuitant receives $3,000 in CSRS benefits, his spousal benefit the worker starts benefits before or after full retirement age. would be totally eliminated. This formula produces the monthly payment amount. That’s how the calculation works for private-sector workers Legal and legislative action and/or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) work- ers. But for CSRS retirees, the first bracket of the calculation is At our 70th biennial convention in Los Angeles, the Execu- different. The Social Security Administration (SSA) multiplies tive Council approved a resolution to file a class-action law- the first $996 of their average indexed monthly earnings suit on behalf of CSRS and FERS-transferee retirees with the (from private sector jobs) by 40 percent instead of 90 per- U.S. federal court to repeal the GPO and the WEP. Since that cent—reducing the benefit by up to $498 per month ($5,976 time, the national union looked into the class-action suit and annually). This is grossly unfair, as workers with private pen- found that it was not a viable option. Now NALC is pursuing sions face no similar reduction in Social Security benefits. an alternative legal strategy focusing on how the law discrim- The impact of the WEP can be reduced if CSRS workers inates between private and public pensioners. Meanwhile, have at least 21 years of substantial earnings from Social Se- we will also continue to seek redress through the legislative curity-covered employment (in private-sector jobs before and process. after their CSRS employment—or through second jobs during Working with the NALC, Congress has just reintroduced the their federal service). The 40 percent multiplier is increased Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 (H.R. 82). This legislation to 45 percent for a worker with 21 years of substantial Social would completely repeal the GPO and the WEP titles of the Security earnings—and by 5 percent for each additional year Social Security Act. In just a couple of months, we already of such earnings—until it reaches the normal 90 percent mul- have strong bipartisan support moving forward on this bill.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 43 Director of Life Insurance

The Mutual Benefit Association 2020 financial report ach year, the Mutual Benefit For more information about the MBA, go to nalc.org/mba. Association (MBA) publishes Please note: Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Efigures that reflect its financial MBA phone lines are open only on Tuesdays and Thursdays health. This is in accordance with from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. MBA’s General Law 9, Section 3, which requires that after the annual valua- tion by the association’s actuaries, United States Letter Carriers financial information must be pub- Mutual Benefit Association (MBA) lished in the letter carriers’ magazine, The Postal Record. The Life Insurance Association of Board of Trustees The report below demonstrates that and for the National Association Lawrence D. Brown Jr., chairman of Letter Carriers Mike Gill the MBA continues to be a strong finan- Suite 510, 100 Indiana Ave., NW Mack I. Julion cial institution. This strength allows us Washington, DC 20001-2144 to provide quality products at afford- able rates. Comparisons were made of 202-638-4318, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Eastern) James W. MBA’s financial condition between its 800-424-5184, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Eastern), Tuesday and Thursday prior two years of performance, ending “Jim” Yates Dec. 31, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2019.

BALANCE SHEET* INCOME STATEMENT*

Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Assets Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Cash 1,703,806 1,340,148 Operations Short Term 0 0 Premiums earned 11,591,494 11,257,745 Investments +Investment income 9,833,375 9,954,748 Stocks 26,243,068 23,649,307 +SCILC considerations 2,776,562 1,798,141 Bonds - amortized value 231,353,409 227,637,136 -Increase in reserves 6,861,970 1,927,612 Policy loans 2,612,157 2,692,031 +Miscellaneous Income 11,451 40,187 Accrued investment income 2,558,604 2,505,020 -Experience refund provision + Misc. Inc. 439,091 388,392 Security Lending (89,517) 2,214,053 =Provision for benefits and expense 16,911,821 20,734,817 Misc., including unearned premium and EDP equipment 124,737 119,688 Incurred benefits Total assets 264,506,264 260,157,383 Deaths 1,694,307 1,278,087 Maturities 0 0 Liabilities and Reserves Waiver of premium, life/annuities 27,411 20,050 Liabilities Hospital indemnity 65,698 188,549 Unpaid claims 543,481 432,887 Disability income 598,008 822,274 Deposit - type contracts 2,923,102 3,060,594 NSBA 0 0 General expenses due and accrued 367,695 346,093 Cash surrenders, life 9,555,985 10,648,179 Taxes due and accrued 0 0 Annuity benefits 2,963,627 2,177,266 Unearned income 167,557 176,139 Scilc contract Payments 2,020,752 1,609,038 Escrow and suspense 103,099 87,480 Interest on deposit contracts 121,185 116,596 Experience refund provision 439,091 387,911 -Total incurred benefits 17,046,973 16,860,039 Securities Lending Collateral 0 2,318,000 Other - FAS 106 medical plan 4,000,582 3,660,814 -Dividends to policyholders 682,902 669,999 Reserves -General expenses 3,635,183 3,334,155 For the benefit and protection -Taxes 118,129 119,299 of policyholders 211,601,122 204,739,152 =Net income from operations $(4,571,366) $(248,675) For dividends to policyholders 704,421 696,061 Required securities valuation 9,243,736 8,351,103 +Realized capital gains/losses 2,726,990 976,024 Total Liabilities and Reserves 230,093,886 224,256,234 =Net income $(1,844,376) $727,349 Fund Balance (Surplus) Allocated for contingencies 350,000 350,000 Other Surplus Gains (Losses) Unassigned 34,062,378 35,551,149 +Unrealized capital gains/losses 986,458 4,435,315 Total Fund Balance (Surplus) 34,412,378 35,901,149 +AVR change (357,904) (1,469,245) Total Liabilities, Reserves Change in valuations basis 0 0 and Fund Balance 264,506,264 260,157,383 +NAA change 52,394 (11,975) Surplus Ratio 14.96% 16.01% Miscellaneous (FAS 106 & EDP) (325,338) (103,012) Ratio with AVR and IMR 19.77% 20.50% =Change in fund balance (surplus) $(1,488,766) $3,578,432

*Per NAIC statutory accounting rules *Per NAIC statutory accounting rules

44 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Director, Health Benefits

Addressing caregiver burnout ccording to the “Caregiving in sive member resources at liveandworkwell.com. Members the U.S. 2020” report from the have confidential access to information and tools devel- ANational Alliance for Caregiving oped by doctors, clinicians and industry experts. The Live and the American Association of Re- and Work Well website portal focuses on mind-body inte- tired Persons, there was a 9.5 million gration for a practical approach to wellness and well-being. increase in the number of family care- This link empowers members to find answers to day-to-day givers in the United States from 2015 challenges on their own terms and based on their own to 2020. The study also revealed that schedules. more than 1 in 5 Americans are now The website’s wealth of resources and information on family caregivers, and most of these health and wellness helps members manage chronic dis- caregivers are in worse health than eases, as well as find ways to alleviate stress and take they were five years ago. charge of their overall health and wellbeing. As a caregiver, it is extremely im- portant to manage your own health Solutions for Caregivers—High Option Plan first and foremost, though we un- Additionally, when enrolled in the NALC Health Benefit derstand that is easier said than High Option Plan, there are resources through the Solu- Stephanie done. Caregiving can be rewarding; Stewart however, it is very challenging and tions for Caregivers program. This program provides six can take a toll in the long term. Too hours of care-management services at no additional cost often, the caregiver will focus on others and neglect his or per calendar year. her own care, leading to physical, mental and emotional Members also have the option of purchasing continu- health issues. Like a domino effect, there is then a decline ing services beyond the six hours offered if needed. So- in the quality of care provided to the patient. lutions for Caregivers provides members with access to a Many professionals call this situation caregiver burnout. care advocate, a registered nurse with geriatric, disability Symptoms may include minimal energy, fatigue, stress, and community health experience, to help ensure that your anxiety or change in attitude. Simply put, it is when you loved one maintains a safe, healthy lifestyle. Specialists become physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Solutions So, what do you do when you reach this point? First, for Caregivers can: never feel embarrassed or guilty about speaking with a • Counsel you on your loved one’s individual, medi- “Don’t let ‘snake oil salesmen’ health professional. Although you may not feel it at the cal, financial, safety, emotional and social needs. time, real strength is acknowledging your need for help, scare you away from the TSP with and making someone aware of the problem. • Conduct an on-site assessment and develop a per- incorrect information.” And the good news is: Help is closer than you think. sonalized care plan. • Connect you with professionals, including home Help from your home or office—High Option Plan health aides, nurses, lawyers and financial advisors. If you need help for an acute but non-emergency medical • Offer assistance in a crisis situation when you don’t condition such as the flu, sinus problems, allergies, abra- know where else to turn. sions or minor wounds, virtual doctor visits are available through NALCHBP’s telehealth program. Download the mo- Whether it is arranging transportation to doctor’s ap- bile app, visit nalchbptelehealth.org or call 888-541-7706. pointments, explaining insurance options, having safety Additionally, the Plan offers outpatient Telemental equipment installed, or coordinating care with multiple Health service through Optum®. Telemental Health pro- providers, the care advocate will help ensure that your el- vides convenient access to virtual visits for mental health derly relative or disabled dependent maintains a safe and assessments and mental health treatments from the con- healthy lifestyle. venience of your home or office. Providers include psy- For questions or to learn more about this program, you can chiatrists, psychologists and social workers. To locate an call 877-468-1016. You also can access educational resources in-network telemental health provider, call 877-468-1016 and discounted products and services at UHCforCaregivers. or visit liveandworkwell.com. com/welcom/nalchbp. Please use the code NALCHBP when creating an account. Live and Work Well “Be there for others, but never leave yourself be- The NALC Health Benefit High Option Plan offers exten- hind.”—Dodinsky

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 45 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 Voluntary reassignments ransfers within the letter carrier craft are governed by while those covered under Section 2 must serve a lock-in four contractual provisions: Article 12 of the National period of 18 months. T Agreement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) There are some exceptions to the lock-in periods. One Re: Transfers, the MOU Re: Full-time Regular Opportunities exception is granted if a letter carrier who previously trans- – City Letter Carrier Craft, and the MOU Re: Reassignment ferred wants to return to his or her former installation. In this Opportunities (M-01947 in the NALC Materials Reference case, there is no lock-in period. This exception applies only System). These provisions, which apply only to career em- to employees who were career employees prior to transfer- ployees, must be read in concert to fully understand the ring. A current career employee wishing to return to an office transfer process. where he or she previously served as a city carrier assistant Article 12 of the National Agreement lays the groundwork (CCA) is not eligible for this exception. for the transfer process in Section 6, which states: A second exception to the lock-in period is available to A. Installation heads will consider requests for transfers sub- a let­ter carrier who previously transferred if the installation mitted by employees from other installations. head of the current office releases the employee early. A B. Providing a written request for a voluntary transfer has been third exception is available to part-time employees. Under submitted, a written acknowledgment shall be given in a time- Section 2.C of the MOU Re: Transfers, employees who can ly manner. increase the number of hours by eight or more per week will need only to serve a 12-month lock-in period, even if the The MOU Re: Transfers, which is incorporated into Article transfer is covered by Section 2. The employee must still 12, is comprised of two sections which define the catego- meet all of the other criteria required to transfer. ries of transfers: Keep in mind that newly converted career employees 1. Reassignments (transfers) to other geographical must serve this lock-in period, and time spent as a CCA does areas. not count toward the minimum service time requirements 2. Local reassignments (transfers). discussed above. Newly converted career employees may not be released early from the lock-in period in the second Determining which section covers the transfer request exception; however, those employees converted to PTF may requires knowing where the employee currently works and be granted the third exception. This issue is covered in the the location of the requested office. All transfer requests are Questions and Answers 2011 USPS/NALC National Agree- covered under Section 1, unless they are defined as local ment (M-01870), dated March 16, 2016: transfers, which are covered under Section 2. A local trans- fer is a voluntary reassignment to an office within the em- 28. After a CCA becomes a career employee does he/she serve ployee’s current or an adjacent district. a lock-in period for transfers as defined by the Memorandum The MOU Re: Transfers also defines the criteria man- of Understanding, Re: Transfers? agement should consider when deciding whether to ac- Yes. cept an employee for transfer. Grievances filed over a denial of transfer must be filed in the employee’s current Once career letter carriers have met the lock-in period described above, they have two options for submitting office, even if the denial was issued by the office where their request. Regardless of which option they select, the the employee wished to transfer. This issue is addressed request will be entered in eReassign, the automated system in the 2014 Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM) used by the Postal Service to administer transfer requests. on page 12-45: Employees may access eReassign online at liteblue.usps. The denial of a transfer request is a grievable matter. When the gov through the Postal Service intranet for employees with denial of a transfer request is grieved, the disputed decision computer access at work, or through the self-serve kiosks is by the Postmaster of another installation. Nevertheless, any located in some postal facilities. grievances concerning the denial of a transfer request must be The first option is for an employee to submit a written filed with the aggrieved employee’s immediate supervisor as request to Human Resources (HR) in the installation where required by Article 15.2. Arbitrators from one region have the he or she wants to transfer. The employee should keep a authority to order Postmasters in another region to accept a written record of the request. Once a request is received, HR transfer request. is required to provide written confirmation of the request to The only difference between the two types of reassign- the employee. ments is the lock-in period an employee must serve before The second option is for the employee to submit their being eligible to transfer. For transfers covered under Sec- request through eReassign using one of the options listed tion 1, the employee must serve a 12-month lock-in period, above; however, most letter carriers will use LiteBlue for

46 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Contract Talk by the Contract Administration Unit

Voluntary reassignments their submission. To log into LiteBlue, employees will Re: Full-time Regular Opportunities – City Letter Carrier Craft need their employee identification number (EIN) and and the MOU Re: Reassignment Opportunities (M-01947) password. Once the employee logs in, eReassign is ac- are applied. cessed by the “My HR” tab at the top of the page and then The MOU Re: Full-time Regular Opportunities – City Let- by clicking on “Access eReassign.” Accessing eReassign ter Carrier Craft sets forth the pecking order for filling full- requires the employee to log in again using their EIN and time opportunities, whether through the assignment of un- password. assigned regulars (UARs), promotion of part-time flexibles After logging in, employees can submit a request if they (PTFs), the conversion of city carrier assistants (CCAs) to know the installation and craft into which they want to trans- career status, or the acceptance of transfer requests. Un- der Paragraph 1 of this agreement, the opportunity would fer. If they do not know which craft positions are available in be filled through the assignment of a UAR. If there are no offices where they desire to work, eReassign allows them UARs in the installation, the PTF with the highest seniority to search by city or state. Even though an office may have in the office would be promoted to full-time regular. Para- letter carrier craft employees, a vacant position may not be graph 3, which allows opportunities to be filled through re- available at the time of the request. Employees still should assignment, limits the ratio of career transfers based on the request a transfer to the installation, because when a posi- size of the office. Offices defined as having more than 100 tion does become available, all individuals who request a workyears can accept no more than one transfer for every transfer into that installation will be considered in the order four full-time opportunities that become available. Offices in which the requests are made. with less than 100 workyears may accept no more than one Employees may submit an unlimited number of transfer transfer for every six full-time opportunities. The workyear requests; however, each request expires one year from designation of each office is determined at the beginning the date of submission. Once a request is received, the of each collective-bargaining agreement. Letter carriers with employee will be placed on hold until the office is able questions regarding the designation of an office should con- to accept a transfer. Once the opportunity for transfer is tact their local union representative or national business available and an employee is being considered, he or she agent (NBA). will be placed in review. Employees can check the status of In offices where CCAs will continue to be converted to their requests via eReassign. PTF in accordance with the MOU Re: City Carrier Assistants To keep a request active, it must be renewed every year – Conversion to Career Status, the ability of career employ- on or before the date of submission. Requests may be re- ees to transfer would be limited, since opportunities must newed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date. Requests be filled through the promotion of PTFs prior to accepting a in eReassign will automatically renew if it is in review on transfer. M-01947 addresses these situations by modifying the date the request expires. Letter carriers should not some of the terms of the MOU Re: Full-time Regular Oppor- rely on this automatic renewal and should instead renew tunities – City Letter Carrier Craft. Under M-01947, offices their requests each year. Requests that are in review prior which could have accepted a transfer had there been no to the expiration date will not be renewed if the employee PTFs on the rolls, may still offer the transfer opportunity to a is placed back on hold. If an employee fails to renew the career employee; however, the transferring employee would request, any new requests will be placed in order based on become a PTF letter carrier in the new office. Employees ac- the date of the new submission. This could result in miss- cepted for transfer under M-01947 will be counted in the ing out on a transfer opportunity that the employee would ratios described above. have otherwise been offered. When an employee is accepted for transfer, whether as Career letter carriers who wish to transfer to another craft full or part time, and reports to the new installation, he or within the installation where they are currently employed she begins a new period of seniority. This is governed by Ar- must submit a written request to the installation head. As ticle 41.2.A.2, which states: stated above, the employee should keep a copy of his or Seniority is computed from date of appointment in the Letter her request. These types of requests are not entered in eRe- Carrier Craft and continues to accrue so long as service is un- assign; therefore, there is no need for the employee to re- interrupted in the Letter Carrier Craft in the same installation, new the request on a yearly basis. Requests to transfer to except as otherwise specifically provided. another craft are filled based on the contract covering the Letter carriers with questions regarding the transfer pro- requested craft. cess should contact their local union representative or NBA. Once an employee has requested a transfer and has met Contact information for the NBA who covers your region can all of the criteria to be eligible for reassignment, the MOU be found at nalc.org/union-administration/nalc-regions.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 47 MDA Report

March Branch Challenge winners ongrats to our March Branch • Virtual Muscle Walk—Aug. 7: mda.donordrive. Challenge Winners; your dedi- com/team/teamnalcvirtualwalk Ccation to #DeliveringTheCure • Tough Mudder 5K—Oct. 16: mda.donordrive. is exemplary. com/participant/teamnalcToughMudder March Branch • MDA Gift Bags ($100 each): mda.donordrive. Challenge Winners com/participant/nalcmdagiftbags Rank Branch Total • MDA Poker Chips ($2 each): mda.donordrive. 1. 38 $21,000 com/participant/NALC-MDAPokerChips Christina Vela Davidson 2. 134 $2,500 Always input your branch number to ensure that the branch receives proper credit. 3. 14 $2,442 Be sure to use the attached MDA Donation Allocation 4. 57 $1,894 card (also available at nalc.org). Send the completed allocation card and donations to MDA’s new address: 5. 36 $1,865 Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc., Attn: NALC, P.O. 6. 3 $1,000 Box 7410354, Chicago, IL 60674-0354. Also, please 6. 52 $1,000 send copies of your checks and allocation form to me at: Attn: Christina Vela Davidson, NALC, 100 Indiana Ave. 6. 462 $1,000 NW, Washington, DC 20001-2144. 7. 4559 $975 8. 574 $575 9. 439 $500 10. 12 $361 What’s next? MDA is committed to making sure that every NALC branch is registered on the MDA’s NALC website. Please check to make sure your branch is registered at mda.donordrive.com/event/nalc2021. This will be an online hub for your branch for the entire year, where you can raise money online, host events and track all offline donations/checks. What’s new? Support MDA while logging miles! All NALC members can support MDA while participating in a physical ac- tivity of their choice through MDA’s Boundless Motion App. The app allows NALC branches and members to engage in and track their physical activity while they raise money for MDA. Whether you want to log miles on your routes, walk, run or ride, you can support MDA MDA outreach in the process! Every NALC member who registers on- MDA is making a huge effort to reach out to as many line at the above website will have access to the MDA NALC branches as possible over the next couple of Boundless Motion App. months. You or your fellow branch members may hear from an MDA representative, checking in to say hello MDA virtual campaigns and thank you, and to make sure you have any needed Some upcoming MDA events to add to your calendar support in 2021 and upcoming campaigns. Please be are: sure to take a few minutes to let them know what you • Branch Online Virtual Fundraising Registration: need. The more our branches are connected with MDA, mda.donordrive.com/event/nalc2021 the better we can #DeliverTheCure in 2021!

48 The Postal Record May 2021 Staff Reports DFEC’s pharmacy benefits management program he U.S. Department of Labor • Phase 2: Welcome packets and new Optum pharmacy (DOL) has begun implementa- cards were mailed to the remaining 200,000 claim- Ttion of a new contract to pro- ants. Those PBM cards became effective on April 30. vide pharmacy benefit management Those cards will bear the effective date in the center of (PBM) services to the Federal Em- the pharmacy card between the Optum and DOL seals, ployees’ Compensation Act (FECA) as depicted in the sample pharmacy card below: program for all claims covered under FECA. DOL’s new PBM contractor is Op- tum Workers’ Compensation Ser- Assistant to the President vices of Florida (Optum). The FECA for Workers’ Compensation program’s PBM will be responsible Kevin Card for pharmaceutical transactions, in- cluding, but not limited to, the im- plementation of FECA program eligibility determinations and pricing for pharmaceutical drugs provided to FECA claimants. Use of the Optum/FECA pharmacy program is mandato- ry for all FECA claimants. If claimants have refills available at a non-participating pharmacy, an Optum/FECA partici- pating pharmacy may be able to transfer and receive the Prescriptions will not be authorized at the pharmacy on remaining refills. or after the effective date printed on the recipient’s card The approximately 4,200 claimants who are receiving unless an Optum card that looks like one of the samples is 90 MED (Morphine Equivalent Dosage) or higher of pre- presented at a participating pharmacy. scribed opioids and who are receiving services under an earlier limited PBM with Coventry/First Scripts were trans- ferred to the Optum PBM effective April 1. “Claimants can search for partici- With the implementation of this contract, the FECA pating pharmacies on the web at PBM will be expanded to the remainder of our FECA claim- ant population by May. The two phases for card distribu- ecomp/dol.gov or by contacting tion are as follows: Optum at 833-332-2726.” • Phase 1: Welcome packets and new Optum phar- macy cards were mailed to the 4,200 claimants re- ceiving 90 MED or higher. Those PBM cards became Shifting to a national benefits manager program is ex- effective on April 1. Those cards bear the effective pected to yield significant savings for OWCP and agencies date in the center of the pharmacy card between like the Postal Service. The FECA PBM replaces a similar the Optum and DOL seals, as depicted in the sam- program instituted by the Postal Service. ple pharmacy card below: If claimants have refills available at a non-participat- ing pharmacy, an Optum/FECA participating pharmacy may be able to transfer and receive the remaining refills. Claimants can search for participating pharmacies at ecomp.dol.gov, or by contacting Optum at 833-332-2726. Use of the Optum/FECA pharmacy program is mandatory for all FECA claimants.

May 2021 The Postal Record 49 Staff Reports

Union Plus, union strong nion Privilege (Union Plus) is a • Travel benefits: Its travel benefits are here to make nonprofit organization found- travel cheaper with exclusive discounts on car rent- Ued by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to al, vacation tours and even hotels and attractions. provide excellent consumer Union Plus benefit programs exclusively to • Hardship help: Above all other benefits, Union Plus union members (current and retired) is proud of its hardship help benefits. Hardship and their families. help benefits are designed to help union members Its mission, then and now, is sim- when they’ve fallen on hard times, such as when ple—to improve the quality of life their union goes on strike, they get laid off or even for working families through unique become disabled. products and services. Union Plus Assistant to the President Union Plus believes that our country’s middle class was for Community Services believes that supporting our union built by union-strong members like you, so it diligently Christina Vela Davidson members through good and bad researches every benefit and tailors them to support you times keeps our unions strong, so it and other union members. It is working hard to make life offers financial assistance, includ- a little easier for you. ing strike benefits and other hardship help benefits, that supports union members and their families. Solidarity, savings and support Union Plus benefits were selected by union members, for union members. Union Plus works hard to make life a • Stand in solidarity: Because of our strength in “The women’s little easier for you and your family. Union Plus is a non- numbers, it is able to negotiate exclusive discounts profit and theonly consumer benefits organization cre- and financial assistance programs just for union movement and ated and endorsed by the AFL-CIO. members and their families. the labor move- Its mission is to improve the quality of life for union • Savings and unique programs—pay it forward: It members and their families, provide valuable benefits passes along the exclusive benefits it has negoti- and services that strengthen the ties of union members ated on behalf of union members directly to you. to their unions, and contribute funding to the labor move- These benefits and programs arefree to union ment. members and their families. It offers benefits for every aspect of your life, including: • Supporting union workers and union-made prod- • Financial products: It offers union members and ucts: Union Plus is union, and it stands by union. their families a wide array of financial products for It is committed to supporting U.S.-based and union each step of your financial life, including the Union workers, right down to using union printers and Plus credit card, prepaid card and personal loan programs. Note: Credit approval required. Terms union-made products in its offices. Even its staff are and conditions apply. Union Plus Credit Cards are members of the Office and Professional Employees issued by Capital One N.A. pursuant to a license by International Union, Local 2. Mastercard International Inc. Union Plus has negotiated with some of the biggest • Home and auto programs: It offers exclusive union names and brands to get you the discounts you deserve member savings and discounts for all your home and the benefits working union members need, such as and automobile needs, such as auto buying and hardship help, strike grants and disability benefits. mortgage. If you are a current or retired NALC member, you are automatically eligible for NALC’s Union Plus benefits. • Insurance products: Its insurance products include Oftentimes, your parents, spouse and children also are plans from brands you know and trust, and features eligible. No Union Plus membership, no fees, no waiting home, auto and pet insurance, as well as others. period, no hassle. • Education: Its education programs help you avoid student debt and earn your degree for free when How to get your Union Plus benefits you enroll in our Free College and bachelor’s de- Getting started could not be easier. Go to nalc.org/ gree programs. If you’re already enrolled, apply for community-service/union-plus and click on the red Union our Union Plus Scholarship to help get you to the Plus® benefits and sign up. Or simply type in unionplus. finish line. org/?modal=register and start using your benefits and • Shopping and discounts: Save on everyday ex- discounts today! penses like your monthly wireless phone bill or even going to the movies.

50 The Postal Record May 2021 State Summaries

California posed bill would also eliminate drop boxes. Texas Also, if passed, every voter who currently has an or the last five years, I’ve served as one of active request to vote by mail would be removed he Texas State Association of Letter Carriers Fthe facilitators in California’s Central Valley, from the list. The FSALC, along with the AFL-CIO Twill hold nominations and elections for offi- meaning that I teach the carrier academy class. Working Families Lobby Corp, are doing every- cers. It will be conducted by mail. Branch del- One thing that we emphasize in the class is thing possible to defeat this bill. egates will receive the notice of nomination and providing good service, that to survive in a com- Reminder to all branches: The 2021 state election, nomination and election rules, and petitive market we need to promote our prod- nomination form this month. The nomination ucts, such as Priority Mail and the like. As I write convention will be held Aug. 12-14 in Orlando at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney form must be received by May 31. Mail to: Julian this article, I’m coming off the second class I Alvarez, TSALC Secretary, 181 W. 87th St., Odes- taught in three weeks just to find out that the Springs. In accordance with Article 3, Section 11 of the bylaws, your registration fees must be sa, TX 79764. If necessary, an election commit- Postal Service as of the end of May is changing tee will be convened to conduct the election, the delivery time for Express Mail to 6 p.m. And paid no later than “forty-five (45) days preced- ing the Convention date.” with ballots to be mailed out July 15. They must that’s on top of the plan to slow first-class mail be received by Aug. 26 to be counted. delivery by transporting mail mainly by truck as O.D. Elliott As this comes to print, a special election for opposed to by plane to “save” money. Texas’s 6th Congressional District will be tak- Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard about any business that has as its mantra Kentucky ing place on May 1. There are 23 candidates vying for this congressional seat. Time will tell “We’re going to grow our business by making it he biggest news from the commonwealth is take longer to get our products from point A to Tthat due to the danger of the COVID-19 virus, how this race plays out, but we will keep an eye point B just to save a few bucks.” And as part your Kentucky State Association, along with on it. of the process, let’s also eliminate process- Bowling Green Branch 468, has decided to can- Letter carriers and all labor advocates will be ing centers and gut our infrastructure. Wait a cel the state convention that was scheduled for calling, writing, emailing and visiting our sena- minute—we played this game two postmasters June 13-14. We plan to reschedule the state con- tors to encourage them to support the PRO Act. general ago. Different musician, same music. vention in Bowling Green for Feb. 26-27, 2022. Your call can make the difference. Most Ameri- Don’t be fooled. When someone tells you how We will conduct nominations and, if neces- cans support the Protecting the Right to Orga- much he values the workforce, how pro-union sary, elections, along the same 2021 timelines. nize (PRO) Act. he is, how much he loves the organization, etc., State Secretary Steve Terry will provide addi- Speaking of support, H.R. 695/S. 145, the and at the same time proposes service-cutting tional info through The Postal Record and other USPS Fairness Act, has 260 co-sponsors in moves—well, guess what? You can’t believe communication means. Any elections would the House and eight in the Senate. We have anything he says! be conducted by paper mail-in ballots. We will a lot of work ahead of us. There is a chance Elections have consequences. The reason comply with the Office of Labor-Management to put us over and get this passed. Your state Louis DeJoy is PMG is because Donald Trump Standards and Department of Labor require- association board is working hard with our let- wanted him there. How did DT feel about letter ter carrier congressional liaisons to make this carriers and the USPS in general? He repeat- ments of U.S. labor Law. Thanks to President Rolando and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Paul happen. edly accused us of dishonesty and wanted to Memorial Day is a day to remember those privatize our service. Judge someone by their Barner for past and continual advice. Letter carrier congressional liaisons should we have lost in military service. I believe the actions, not their words. Slowing down delivery brothers and sisters we have lost to COVID-19 merely drives customers away, and that hardly continue to follow Legislative and Political Or- ganizer Anna Mudd’s leadership, and contact should be remembered for their service as seems like a winning strategy. well. Let us celebrate them as we enjoy this Eric Ellis U.S. House representatives to support H.R. 695 to repeal pre-funding. Go to nalc.org or contact long weekend. Anna for a list of our other NALC-supported leg- Carlos Rodriguez Florida islation. n 2016, the FSALC, working with the Florida After all of our long and arduous election IAFL-CIO’s Working Families Lobby Corp in Tal- work, now we must lobby for legislation that lahassee, succeeded in getting a vote-by-mail benefits NALC members and our employer, bill passed. This bill changed the name from USPS. President Rolando, NALC officers and staff want us to contact our elected U.S. repre- NALC “absentee ballot” to “vote by mail” and re- quired no excuse for requesting to vote by mail. sentatives and senators for all of our bills. The request to vote by mail was good for two Legislation is like making sausage: The pro- election cycles and had a designation on the cess is ugly, but the result is often very tasty! Member mail-back envelope to check to continue voting Bob McNulty by mail. Since passage of the bill, requests for vote-by-mail ballots have increased tremen- dously. Tennessee App The 2020 election was hailed by the Florida he 97th Tennessee State Association of Let- legislature and by all 67 county supervisors of Tter Carriers convention that was scheduled elections as the most successful election for the to be held in Gatlinburg is now being held via state of Florida in many years and should “serve the Web on June 13. Notices have been sent to as a model for the nation.” On Feb. 19, Gov. TSALC locals via the mail. DeSantis stated: “Last November, Florida held Also, as in the past, TSALC is awarding two the smoothest, most successful election of any $500 scholarships to the son/daughter of a re- state in the country.” tired, active or deceased letter carrier who was One would think that with such glowing re- ports of how the 2020 election was conducted, a member of TSALC. For more information, write: the state legislators wouldn’t want to make Scholarship Committee c/o Ray Maki, 2405 Old Available for free in changes, but that is just what they are attempt- Russellville Pike, Clarksville, TN 37040. ing to do. They have a bill pending that would There are many new fact sheets on the legis- the Apple App Store and the require any vote-by-mail request to be made for lative section of the NALC website. Please stay Google Play Store each election, eliminating a ballot request good informed and stay safe. for two cycles of elections (four years). This pro- Laurie McLemore

JanuaryMay 20212013 The Postal Record 51

PB The Postal Record April 2021 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: 70-year pins Everett E. Sanders Jr. Columbus, OH Br. 78 Robin L. Sharp Aurora, IL Br. 219 Wilbur D. Stidham Jr. Columbus, OH Br. 78 Michael W. Hauptfleisch Belleville, IL Br. 155 James A. Hodonicky Downers Grove, IL Br. 1870 Dale F. Vogelsang Columbus, OH Br. 78 Frederic C. Carlson Rock Island, IL Br. 292 Thomas H. Hartman Rock Island, IL Br. 292 65-year pins 5o-year pins and gold cards David L. Stimpson Rock Island, IL Br. 292 Donald V. Corso Springfield, IL Br. 80 Richard D. Lund Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Paul E. Castracane Bridgeport, CT Br. 32 James R. Cox Springfield, IL Br. 80 Johnny W. Fambro Macon, GA Br. 270 Stanley J. Bujalski New Haven, CT Br. 19 James R. Heady Springfield, IL Br. 80 Edward R. Elliott Rock Island, IL Br. 292 Aldora Nelson New Haven, CT Br. 19 Gary D. Liesman Springfield, IL Br. 80 Jack A. Kettering Rock Island, IL Br. 292 David J. Pelkey New Haven, CT Br. 19 Richard T. Scott Springfield, IL Br. 80 Richard K. Frazier Columbus, OH Br. 78 John M. Tagliatela New Haven, CT Br. 19 David E. Bammes Manhattan, KS Br. 1018 Frank G. Vumbaco Jr. New Haven, CT Br. 19 Melvin L. Nudson Manhattan, KS Br. 1018 60-year pins George S. Weted Jr. New Haven, CT Br. 19 Charles R. Olmstead Manhattan, KS Br. 1018 William C. Accola Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Aubrey E. Small Manhattan, KS Br. 1018 Raleigh H. Stevens Savannah, GA Br. 578 James W. Blitch Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Carl J. Urbanek Manhattan, KS Br. 1018 David R. Tucker Rock Island, IL Br. 292 Clyde Carter Jr. Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 William T. Kelley IV Salisbury, MD Br. 902 Edward A. Cain Springfield, IL Br. 80 James B. Cartwright Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Wayne M. Haapala Calumet, MI Br. 568 Leo Fanning Springfield, IL Br. 80 Bernie Chazin Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Adam J. Gartner Glendive, MT Br. 1643 Harold W. Pierson Springfield, IL Br. 80 Joseph V. Cisario Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Ronald W. Yakel Glendive, MT Br. 1643 Charles D. Smith Springfield, IL Br. 80 Sequire A. Cowart Jr. Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Martin W. Kraus New Jersey Mgd. Br. 38 James V. Thornton Springfield, IL Br. 80 Timothy L. Datema Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Larry E. Bamfield Columbus, OH Br. 78 Gerald Wilson Springfield, IL Br. 80 Henry K. Dudley Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Richard L. Bell Columbus, OH Br. 78 Robert E. Walters Michigan City, IN Br. 455 Melvin L. Gilner Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 James R. Cason Columbus, OH Br. 78 Joseph F. Tudjek Cape Atlantic, NJ Br. 903 Robert W. Haberland Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Rocco C. Depassio Columbus, OH Br. 78 Nicholas Garbarino Utica, NY Br. 375 Freddie L. Hill Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Thomas H. Ewers Columbus, OH Br. 78 Duane F. Egeberg Fargo-W.Fargo, ND Br. 205 Melvin J. Jenkins Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 John L. Moler Columbus, OH Br. 78 Larry O. Cartmell Columbus, OH Br. 78 William K. Katterfield Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Terrance M. Riley Columbus, OH Br. 78 David E. Platt Columbus, OH Br. 78 Thomas D. Lacey Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Joseph E. Salmons Columbus, OH Br. 78 David S. Roffers Green Bay, WI Br. 619 Edward H. Levy Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Harlan D. Sorlien Fargo-W.Fargo, ND Br. 205 Kenneth R. Seigworth Green Bay, WI Br. 619 Robert H. Riley Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Larry T. Tweet Fargo-W.Fargo, ND Br. 205 Anthn J. Sanseverino Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 John P. Deckard Jr. Salem, OR Br. 347 55-year pins Walter J. Szary Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Willie M. Aguilera Garland, TX Br. 4065 Rogers Williams Ft. Lauderdale, FL Br. 2550 Ruben Alvarez Garland, TX Br. 4065 Roger L. Bailey Macon, GA Br. 270 William R. Coppage South Florida Br. 1071 Richard O. Bradfield Garland, TX Br. 4065 Albert R. Cribb Jr. Macon, GA Br. 270 Edelberto E. Herrero South Florida Br. 1071 Gary C. Bulin Garland, TX Br. 4065 Arthur Howard Macon, GA Br. 270 Gary L. Hobbs South Florida Br. 1071 Lon P. Burke Garland, TX Br. 4065 George L. Mason Macon, GA Br. 270 Steven E. Curtis West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Gary A. Cook Garland, TX Br. 4065 James J. Mullis Jr. Macon, GA Br. 270 James C. Disney West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Joe C. Dowdy Garland, TX Br. 4065 Danny L. White Savannah, GA Br. 578 Kenneth A. Grasso West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ronald J. Fendley Garland, TX Br. 4065 Robert L. Burghardt Aurora, IL Br. 219 Robin E. Hood West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Ramon Flores Jr. Garland, TX Br. 4065 David E. Kunkel Aurora, IL Br. 219 Michael A. Morcillo West Coast Florida Br. 1477 James W. Fojtik Garland, TX Br. 4065 Dwight M. Wagner Rock Island, IL Br. 292 Bernard H. Ososky Jr. West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Joe S. Gaines Garland, TX Br. 4065 Paul E. Bahlow Springfield, IL Br. 80 Kenneth L. Richey West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Dennis R. Griffith Garland, TX Br. 4065 John J. Bartolozzi Springfield, IL Br. 80 Joseph F. Tessa West Coast Florida Br. 1477 Don T. Hall Garland, TX Br. 4065 George E. Hamrick Springfield, IL Br. 80 James H. Hall Macon, GA Br. 270 James T. Kerbow Garland, TX Br. 4065 James A. Kincaid Springfield, IL Br. 80 Robert L. White Jr. Macon, GA Br. 270 David K. Knoerr Garland, TX Br. 4065 William H. Pippin Springfield, IL Br. 80 Michael T. Brown Savannah, GA Br. 578 Ralph E. McGhee Garland, TX Br. 4065 Terrance L. Schou Springfield, IL Br. 80 Harold J. Buck Savannah, GA Br. 578 Richard L. McNair Garland, TX Br. 4065 Dennis J. McGrath Michigan City, IN Br. 45 James M. Cooper Savannah, GA Br. 578 Gregory L. Mitchell Garland, TX Br. 4065 Robert I. Pipe Framingham, MA Br. 334 Emmett Cossey Savannah, GA Br. 578 George G. Mokry Jr. Garland, TX Br. 4065 Joseph F. Tudjek Cape Atlantic, NJ Br. 903 Carl W. Hayes Savannah, GA Br. 578 James L. O’Kelley Garland, TX Br. 4065 Terry L. Clapsaddle Columbus, OH Br. 78 Rayburn B. Livingston Savannah, GA Br. 578 Thomas W. Porter Garland, TX Br. 4065 Leon R. Coleman Columbus, OH Br. 78 Zackson R. Lord Savannah, GA Br. 578 Guillermo Rodriguez Garland, TX Br. 4065 John L. English Columbus, OH Br. 78 Leroy Stanley Savannah, GA Br. 578 Isaac C. Taylor Garland, TX Br. 4065 Dean K. Lewis Columbus, OH Br. 78 John M. Adam Aurora, IL Br. 219 David Passarelli Green Bay, WI Br. 619 Arthur L. Murray Columbus, OH Br. 78 Thomas A. Barnes Aurora, IL Br. 219 Merlin J. Sanderfoot Green Bay, WI Br. 619 Frank S. Nichols Columbus, OH Br. 78 Richard K. Kolkay Aurora, IL Br. 219 Allen E. Sievert Green Bay, WI Br. 619

52 The Postal Record May 2021 Nalcrest Update Nalcrest Update

From the Trustees As you proceed to the town center parking and schedule a tour. lot, the beautiful rose garden brings a welcome he photo accompanying this article below is Tom Young greeting. TNalcrest’s equivalent of “American Gothic” in the flesh. All the way across the property is a tropical Mike Wisler and Elaine Berner are resident paradise planted near the swimming pool, pro- Nalcrest Trustees volunteers with green thumbs and a passion for viding a very inviting entrance to the area. beautifying the Nalcrest community. In between Town Center and the pool, many residents have beautified their apartments by They are joined by quite a number of other NALC President Fredric Rolando residents who fulfill their own passion for plant- filling pots with greenery and flowers. ing by growing plants and flowers, adding to the You have to come for a visit and, perhaps, NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine pleasure of living at Nalcrest. find a home at Nalcrest. Give the office a call NALC Director of Retired Members Dan Toth These volunteer efforts exemplify the unique- ness of living in a place dedicated to retired let- NALC Trustee Mike Gill ter carriers. Apply to live at Nalcrest Nalcrest Trustees President Matty Rose Immediately after arriving at Nalcrest, you Nalcrest Trustees Vice President Tom Young are greeted by a view of one of our lagoons, en- For an application to live at Nalcrest, visit hanced by an expanse of lawn and a variety of nalc.org/nalcrest, or call 863-696-1121. Nalcrest Trustees Vice President Don Southern trees.

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

Nalcrest residents Mike Wisler and Elaine Berner regularly volunteer to beautify the landscape.

May 2021 The Postal Record 53 In Memoriam

NALC offers deepest sympathies to the families and friends of departed brothers and sisters Troy E. Edwards Br. 35 Little Rock, AK Robert P. Tate Br. 14 Louisville, KY Archie N. Sidwell Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Lawrence E. Tilghman Br. 2293 Beverly Hills, CA James E. Stewart Br. 4617 Bossier City, LA Robert W. Clark Br. 196 Elyria, OH Szufu Lo Br. 4494 Carmichael, CA Ronesha Brown Br. 124 New Orleans, LA Richard E. Smith Br. 196 Elyria, OH Gregory Adams Sr. Br. 2525 Escondido, CA Gary R. Barnes Br. 176 Baltimore, MD Blaine Sprague Br. 196 Elyria, OH Leonard A. Delay Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA William T. Soutar Jr. Br. 176 Baltimore, MD Donald G. Katonak Br. 583 Lorain, OH Donald M. Paull Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA Louis H. Strickland Br. 176 Baltimore, MD Ronald J. Sauer Br. 583 Lorain, OH John A. Vargas Br. 1100 Garden Grove, CA George C. Winter Br. 176 Baltimore, MD Donald J. Jarosz Br. 4195 Mentor, OH Anh T. Denson Br. 24 Los Angeles, CA Jonathan E. Stack Br. 34 Boston, MA Gerald G. Foote Br. 100 Toledo, OH Francis C. Loper Br. 24 Los Angeles, CA Eugene R. Beliveau Br. 212 Lawrence, MA William E. Hartman Br. 100 Toledo, OH Doris Hua Br. 2200 Pasadena, CA Donald L. Talbot Br. 25 Massachusetts NE Mgd. Gerard J. Koehle Br. 100 Toledo, OH Edwin J. Ventura Br. 2902 Tri-Valley, CA Frydrk J. Bernat Br. 18 Southeast MA Mgd. Roy C. Dickey Br. 214 San Francisco, CA William A. Hall Br. 18 Southeast MA Mgd. Ronald R. Napierala Br. 100 Toledo, OH Wing H. Louie Br. 214 San Francisco, CA Michael W. Backus Br. 12 Worcester, MA George E. Young Br. 100 Toledo, OH Harry W. Novak Br. 183 Santa Rosa, CA Roger S. Mezynski Br. 12 Worcester, MA Bill P. Manner Br. 458 Oklahoma City, OK Leo H. Sutton Br. 213 Stockton, CA Joseph F. O’Connor Br. 12 Worcester, MA William A. Matthews Br. 458 Oklahoma City, OK Natashia R. Mix Br. 2168 Upland, CA Herbert N. Vaughan Br. 187 Bay City, MI Herbert R. Couperthwaite Br. 82 Portland, OR Carl H. Oakley Jr. Br. 47 Denver, CO R. C. Eades Br. 1 Detroit, MI Ronald R. Hendricks Br. 82 Portland, OR Rocco A. Defonzo Br. 19 New Haven, CT Harry D. Peterson Br. 1 Detroit, MI Andrew Rilling Br. 82 Portland, OR James A. Griffin Br. 19 New Haven, CT Anthony J. Rand Br. 1 Detroit, MI Dale R. Schwager Br. 82 Portland, OR George P. LaMarsh Br. 19 New Haven, CT Harry A. Zebrowski Br. 1 Detroit, MI John E. David Br. 347 Salem, OR Joseph A. Mongillo Br. 19 New Haven, CT Leo F. Zelmanski Jr. Br. 1 Detroit, MI Ty R. Mariner Br. 347 Salem, OR Donald M. Myers Br. 19 New Haven, CT George R. Lane Br. 56 Grand Rapids, MI John M. Baker Br. 500 Harrisburg, PA Richard L. Rettig Br. 19 New Haven, CT John J. Stachowiak Br. 56 Grand Rapids, MI Stanley T. Pietkiewicz Br. 500 Harrisburg, PA William A. Scungio Br. 19 New Haven, CT Calvin E. Telman Br. 56 Grand Rapids, MI David L. Anderson Br. 451 Johnstown, PA Joseph J. Apostolico Br. 191 Wilmington, DE Henry J. Zlydaszyk Br. 56 Grand Rapids, MI Jack Keefer Jr. Br. 451 Johnstown, PA James R. Ellis Br. 142 Washington, DC Ryan S. Ross Br. 13 Muskegon, MI Michael D. Lynch Br. 451 Johnstown, PA Kanwaljot S. Muchhiana Br. 142 Washington, DC Eugene N. Thompson Br. 9 Minneapolis, MN Robert B. Powell Br. 451 Johnstown, PA Thomas S. Burdeaux Br. 5955 Altamonte Springs, FL Barry J. Klemek Br. 388 St. Cloud, MN William R. Cogswell Br. 2591 Deland, FL Robert L. Lampe Br. 343 St. Louis, MO Richard B. Rubritz Br. 451 Johnstown, PA Dominic J. Fariello Br. 2550 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Martin L. Huggins Br. 948 Kalispell, MT Robert L. Ruth Br. 451 Johnstown, PA Charles G. Harrison Br. 2550 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Robert E. Behrens Br. 5 Omaha, NE Joseph A. Clark Jr. Br. 157 Philadelphia, PA Raymond J. La Chance Br. 2550 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Harry C. Christensen Br. 5 Omaha, NE William G. Kanefsky Br. 157 Philadelphia, PA Paul E. Remillet Br. 2550 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Robert L. Hanna Br. 5 Omaha, NE Joseph C. O’Neill Br. 157 Philadelphia, PA Kent A. Wright Br. 2072 Fort Myers, FL Donald D. Hilpipre Br. 5 Omaha, NE J. R. Parker Br. 157 Philadelphia, PA Richard Howe Sr. Br. 2689 Spacecoast Florida Dean S. Jacobson Br. 5 Omaha, NE Joseph F. Cherra Br. 17 Scranton, PA William I. Clutter Br. 1071 South Florida Donald L. Jellsey Br. 5 Omaha, NE Richard F. Ettinger Br. 17 Scranton, PA Marilyn J. Haynes Br. 1071 South Florida Joseph J. Partusch III Br. 5 Omaha, NE Paul F. Guse Jr. Br. 17 Scranton, PA Bruce P. Davis Br. 1477 West Coast Florida C. G. Redfield Br. 5 Omaha, NE Michael J. Lucas Br. 17 Scranton, PA John Kamuda Br. 1477 West Coast Florida Vincente A. Magdael Br. 42 Jersey City, NJ Leo P. Rinaldoni Br. 17 Scranton, PA Danny P. Pocchiari Br. 1477 West Coast Florida John Twight Br. 42 Jersey City, NJ John A. Soloski Br. 17 Scranton, PA Miguel U. Cuervo Br. 599 Tampa, FL William Brumbaugh Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. George E. Wagner Br. 17 Scranton, PA Herbert H. Haager Br. 599 Tampa, FL James A. Falcetano Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. Shirley L. Williams Br. 17 Scranton, PA Paul P. Johnson Br. 599 Tampa, FL A. J. Fornaro Br. 38 New Jersey Mgd. James J. Christy Br. 725 Southeast PA Mgd. Antonio Suarez Br. 599 Tampa, FL Michael J. Chasan Jr. Br. 444 Garden State Mgd., NJ Robert D. Carswell Br. 233 Columbia, SC David E. Van Bremen Br. 599 Tampa, FL Douglas E. Mallen Br. 380 Trenton, NJ William A. Hutchinson Br. 73 Atlanta, GA Anthony R. Tanzone Jr. Br. 380 Trenton, NJ Isaac H. Sproles Br. 419 Knoxville, TN Edwin D. Nelson Br. 73 Atlanta, GA Carla M. Dowdell Br. 41 Brooklyn, NY Billy J. Jackson Br. 27 Memphis, TN Diane Newell Br. 73 Atlanta, GA Winston J. Torchon Br. 41 Brooklyn, NY Ricky Fain Br. 181 Austin, TX Noble O. Walker Jr. Br. 73 Atlanta, GA Jody L. Kotowski Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY Franklin A. Richter Br. 181 Austin, TX Hubert Darrisaw Sr. Br. 270 Macon, GA Fred J. Kubasak Br. 3 Buffalo-Western NY Edward A. Frank Jr. Br. 842 Beaumont, TX Rl Brown Jr. Br. 4057 Warner Robins, GA Alba R. Hernandez Moron Br. 294 Flushing, NY Aaron L. Ramon Br. 1259 Corpus Christi, TX Raymond Martinez Br. 331 Boise, ID Peter Difiore Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Arturo Ontiveros Br. 505 El Paso, TX Christophe L. Detoni Br. 219 Aurora, IL Melvin L. Fonville Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Margarita A. Rodriquez Br. 283 Houston, TX Jess W. Parker Br. 522 Bloomington, IL William M. Kelsey Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Edwin F. Pollok Br. 421 San Antonio, TX L. B. Williams Br. 522 Bloomington, IL William J. Kostelac Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Marcos O. Sanchez Br. 421 San Antonio, TX Howard D. Wilson Br. 522 Bloomington, IL Richard A. Kurpisz Br. 6000 Long Island Mgd., NY Carrie L. Strickland Br. 111 Salt Lake City, UT Ronald A. Damore Br. 11 Chicago, IL Nicholas V. Amen Br. 36 New York, NY Robert H. Gresham Br. 609 Newport News, VA Richard S. Holland Br. 11 Chicago, IL Joseph R. Bell Br. 134 Syracuse, NY Michael R. Edwards Br. 2819 Virginia Beach, VA Curley B. Hughey Jr. Br. 11 Chicago, IL Muzio Pellegrini Br. 387 Yonkers, NY Robert M. Bigelow Br. 79 Seattle, WA Benedicto F. Fajardo Br. 4739 Wheeling, IL Fred M. Yates Br. 936 High Point, NC Richard D. Byland Br. 79 Seattle, WA Brandon D. Metzger Br. 198 Crawfordsville, IN Michael A. Williamson Jr. Br. 464 Wilmington, NC Ted A. Dean Br. 201 Wichita, KS Vernon F. Page Br. 517 Grand Forks, ND Francis P. Hennessey Br. 79 Seattle, WA Fredrick L. Leonard Br. 201 Wichita, KS Donald S. Berman Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Ernest E. Lendy Br. 79 Seattle, WA Jack A. Reynolds Br. 201 Wichita, KS Joseph S. Cinadr Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Roy E. Gilmer Br. 481 Parkersburg, WV Jimmy A. Reynolds Br. 201 Wichita, KS Joseph W. Corcoran Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Paul B. Plog Br. 619 Green Bay, WI Harold W. Long Br. 361 Lexington, KY Joseph R. Deluca Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Anthony P. Kielpinski Br. 574 Kenosha, WI Charles C. Hickey Br. 14 Louisville, KY Melvyn D. Lanier Br. 40 Cleveland, OH Thomas A. Felhofer Br. 507 Madison, WI Carl L. Meiman Br. 14 Louisville, KY Jake E. Morrison Jr. Br. 40 Cleveland, OH John E. Shireman Br. 507 Madison, WI

54 The Postal Record May 2021 Election Notices

Decatur, Alabama Secret ballots will be mailed out and Branch 709 bylaws, Article 8, Sec- ficers for the Texas State Association replies must be received at the P.O. box tion 2 states: “Nominees must be pres- of Letter Carriers shall be conducted This is official notice to the mem- no later than 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 9. The ent, or present to the Recording Sec- by mail. The nomination form shall be bers of Branch 1314 that nominations tally of ballots will be at the union hall retary prior to the October meeting a mailed to all delegates, as well as to will be taken on the floor for elected during our monthly meeting on Nov. 9 written statement stating that he/she is each branch in Texas. Any regular mem- officers at the regular branch meeting at 7 p.m. willing to accept the position for which in August. Rafael G. Carranza, Sec., Br. 354 he/she is nominated. In addition, any ber in good standing with their branch Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and member who is unavoidably detained shall be eligible for any office of this dispensation granted by our national New Hampshire from attending the said meeting and association, and candidates running union, the format for the meeting will contacts the branch within 24 hours for a district board member position be determined in advance of the meet- In accordance with Article 4 of the New Hampshire State Association Con- shall be considered a candidate.” must be a member of the branch for ing. Nominations may be taken during The terms of office for elected offi- a conference call with attending mem- stitution and bylaws, this is official that specific district. notice that nominations and elections cers will be two years, beginning Janu- Candidates running for a district bers or in person at the regular meeting ary 2022. The duly elected officers of place. of state officers will be held during the board member position shall be elect- New Hampshire 121st state convention this branch shall be delegates to all Members will be given advance no- conventions in order of their election. ed by delegates of their respective tice in accordance with the national at the Red Jacket Resort in North Con- way June 4-6. The election will be conducted by se- district. No person shall be nominated bylaws governing elections concerning cret mail ballot. for more than one office. The nomina- the desired format. The officer positions that are open for election are: president, vice presi- Shawn Wells, Rec. Sec., Br. 709 tion form must be acknowledged and Tim McIntyre, Sec.-Treas., Br. 1314 dent, secretary, treasurer, liaison (Dis- signed by each candidate running for Kentucky trict 1), liaison (District 2), state legis- Roanoke, Virginia office. Every nominee must certify that lative liaison, retiree trustee, five-year In accordance with Article 5 of the he or she has not served in a supervi- Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pan- trustee and two one-year trustee. NALC Constitution and the bylaws of sory capacity for the 24 months prior to demic, it is too dangerous to conduct Paul Nee, Sec., NHSALC Branch 524, this is an official notice to the state convention as scheduled for being nominated. all members of Branch 524 of nomina- Upon its completion, the nomina- June of this year. Although we have to New Haven, Connecticut tions for delegates to the NALC 2022 postpone or cancel the convention, tion form must be received by May 31 This is official notice to all members national convention. All nominees the state association must have an must have attended three quarters of and shall be mailed to: Nomination election of state officers and execu- of Branch 19 that nominations for of- ficers will take place at the regularly all Branch 524 business meetings from Form, TSALC Secretary Julian Alvarez, tive board for the next two-year term. December 2020 through November 181 W. 87th St., Odessa, TX 79764- NALC President Rolando has given scheduled Monday branch meeting on June 16 at 7:30 p.m. Nominations 2021. 2326. dispensation to implement alternative Nominations will take place at the procedures for nomination and elec- will be accepted via Zoom, by email at This election by mail shall include [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 regular business meeting. If only duly elected delegates by and for tion of state officers. necessary, the election of delegates June 16, or by mail to: Branch 19, NALC, their branch. All ballots shall be mailed Nominations for all officers and ex- will take place on Dec. 14, beginning at ecutive board members can be made 23 Brock St., Unit B2, North Haven, CT to the delegates’ address of record 06473 or Election Committee, P.O. Box 7 p.m. at the regular Branch 524 busi- in writing, by email or by telephone. with NALC Membership. Ballots must 185374, Hamden, CT 06518 (received ness meeting. The Branch 524 busi- Nominations should be sent by ness meetings are held at the union be received by Aug. 26 to be counted mail to KYSALC Secretary Steve Terry no later than June 16). Self-nomina- tions can be made via all methods. hall, located at 1015 Georgia Ave. NE, at their weighted value. (Weighted at 4620 Fox Run Road, Louisville, KY Roanoke. 40207, by email to lttrcrr1978@twc. Nominations for the following value=total number of branch mem- com or by phone at 502-681-4512. branch officers will be made: presi- Jenny Hall, Pres., Br. 524 bers, divided by the total number of If the nominations result in two or dent, vice president, recording sec- delegates voting.) more nominees for any position, there retary, financial secretary, treasurer, Tennessee A branch may choose to vote unit will be an election for that position. health benefits representative, director The Tennessee State Association of rule for the entire membership; this of retired members, three trustees and An election committee shall be ap- Letter Carriers will hold its state officer decision must be made in writing and sergeant-at-arms. nominations on May 2. They will be pointed by the state president, Bob received by TSALC by June 30. McNulty. The election committee will This is also official notice that nomi- held via the Web after receiving a dis- All candidates running for TSALC conduct the election. nations for delegates to the 2021 state pensation letter from President Fredric The election committee will have convention shall be made. Rolando. office may contact Reilly Echols Print- the task of printing ballots and mail- Maryann DeRevere, Rec. Sec., Br. 19 Laurie McLemore, Sec., TSALC ing Inc. at 214-428-8385 to print and ing those ballots to the branches by mail their campaign material to all del- May 22. New Mexico Texas egates, at the candidates’ expense. The ballots must be returned to the This is official notice of elections to The nomination and election of of- Julian Alvarez, Sec., TSALC election committee by June 14. all members of the New Mexico State A member who is nominated for Association of Letter Carriers. The fol- any position and is unopposed will be lowing offices are up for election: considered elected to that position. president, vice president, secretary- Regarding Election Notices All branches must decide if the treasurer and director of retirees. All branch will vote “en bloc,” or have officers will serve a two-year term. each member vote individually and Nominations will take place at the New Election Notices must be DC 20001-2144. Include the notify the election committee of the Mexico state convention on Thursday, submitted to The Postal Record, following information: type of choice by May 1. June 4, and elections will be held June not to other offices at NALC. item (Election Notice), where it The elected officers and executive 5. The state convention will take place The Constitution for Govern- comes from, the person send- board members will assume office af- in Albuquerque at the Ramada Hotel. ment of Federal and Subordi- ing it, and how to contact the ter ballots are counted. The results of Gloria E. Baros, Sec.-Treas., NMSALC nate Branches requires that sender. the election will be sent to all branch- es by the state secretary. Reno, Nevada notice be mailed to members To submit items by e-mail: no fewer than 45 days before Send to [email protected] Stephen A. Terry Sr., Sec., KYSALC In accordance with branch bylaws the election (Article 5, Section Article 9, Section 1 and Article 5 of the with the branch city and state Laredo, Texas 4). Branch secretaries must as the subject. The item can be NALC Constitution, this is official notice remember the time difference This is the official notice to all mem- to all members of Branch 709 that nom- in the body of the e-mail or as bers of Branch 354 of nominations and inations for the following officers will between deadline for submis- an attachment in either Corel elections for the 2021 national conven- be held at the regular branch meeting sion of notices—the 10th of the WordPerfect or Microsoft Word tion delegates, two trustees and all on Oct. 6 at the Carson City Plaza Hotel month—and publication of the (not Microsoft Works). Include other offices for Branch 354. Nomina- and Event Center, located at 801 South tions will be taken at the regular branch subsequent issue of the maga- the same information as listed meeting on Oct. 12. Meeting starts at 7 Carson St., Carson City—president, vice zine, e.g., May’s deadline is for above for items sent by mail. If p.m. at the Union Hall, 3220 E. Locust. president, recording secretary, finan- the June publication. cial secretary/treasurer, health benefits you do not receive an acknowl- Nominees must be present and accept To submit items by mail: edgment that your e-mail was nomination at the time made or, if ab- representative, sergeant-at-arms, three sent, in writing. The term for trustee is trustees, and delegates to the 2022 na- Mail to The Postal Record, 100 received, please call The Postal three years. All other officer terms are tional convention and the 2023 Nevada Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, Record at 202-662-2851. two years. State Association convention.

JanuaryMay 20212013 TheThe PostalPostal RecordRecord 55 55 Branch Items

providing the unions with a running total of Albany, New York cases, so those numbers are added from the Carmel, Indiana ongratulations to Gene Skorupski and Don daily totals provided by email to all union presi- called my homeowners association and told CRamella on receiving their gold cards hon- dents in the Boston District. Massachusetts I them I no longer wanted to be part of the HOA. oring them for 50 years of NALC membership. I Gov. Charlie Baker has added postal workers to They said I was required to pay because I got the had the pleasure to work with Gene early in my the vaccine eligibility list as of March 22, and a same services as everyone else, so I had to pay career at Academy Station. That was back in the thank-you goes out from this office to MSLCA for my share. I told them I wanted the snow removal period of time where we had fun at work! Don its efforts to help sway this addition to the list. and other things for free and I shouldn’t have was executive vice president of our branch prior Management will still enforce a mask mandate to pay for them. The same comparison can be to his retirement from the Service. I had the even if the entire station is vaccinated. It will be made with all non-members, because they get pleasure to work with Don at the Carrier Annex nice to get back to a new normal, and we are the same wages and benefits that we members pay for. Non-members don’t have any skin in the for a few years. currently beginning to book branch functions game. It is amazing that almost all union stew- We also congratulate 55-year members Lio- beginning on May 8, even though the majority ards and officers voluntarily donate money to our nel Jean and Paul Volsky. Lionel worked out of of the COVID-19 MOUs remain in effect until June political fund on top of paying our union dues. the Cohoes Post Office. Paul finished his career 4. There is absolutely not a valid reason that on Route 314. I floated for Paul for close to 10 I would like to congratulate the 20 CCAs who would justify any letter carrier not being a mem- years. Paul will always be remembered for his converted to regular on March 27 in the Greater Christmas jingle! ber. The USPS would love for all of us to be Boston District. Conversions now are taking 12 Congratulations to you all. non-members and not have the NALC at all. One to 14 months to become a career employee. This Jay Jackson, Branch 29 thing is for sure: We wouldn’t have the pay and is a much better place than we were only one benefits we enjoy without our union negotiating year ago, when it was taking 30 months to be for us since 1970. converted to a regular. The list is long, but how about our 10 holi- Anchorage, Alaska Additional congratulations go out to our re- nother successful contract for letter carriers days, 13 sick days, 26 annual days, 5 percent cent retirees: Chris Baker, Ann Drolet, Daniel TSP match, $65,000-plus salary, retirement, Ahas been achieved. Since the Great Postal Heafey, John Maras, Dom Pinnelle, Nicholas Strike of 1970, carriers have enjoyed continued uniform allowance, cost-of-living adjustments, Rideout, Richard “Rickey” Rose, Michael “Mike” affordable health care with low deductibles, COLAs and pay increases over the years. What Walsh and Lisa Weathers. Enjoy your well-de- other industry can make the same claim? This overtime, penalty overtime, night-shift differen- served retirements; you have all earned it. tial, the right to file grievances and, best of all, contract will have top-step carriers making Condolences to the families of retired carriers more than $70,000 per year. Prior to the Great if you know your rights, you can pretty much tell David Cullen (Newtonville) and Paul McCarthy the boss what you are going to do! Postal Strike, top step carriers didn’t even make (Belmont). Rest in peace, our brothers. $9,000 a year. We’ve had carriers taking home We are blessed to be members of a union, more than that in one paycheck this past holi- Jerry McCarthy, Branch 34 and every single one of us should be a dues- day season. I challenge anyone to find where paying member. If you are not happy, step up they can make the pay and benefits that carriers Camden, New Jersey Merged and become a leader and make a change for the enjoy in today’s job market with the same edu- better for your co-workers. The easy way out is cation and experience. mazon workers in Alabama rejected a union to become a non-member and have the rest of I’ve seen carriers across the country working Abid. How does this happen? Why do so many us pay your way. long hours and enjoying big paychecks. Please, Americans have such negative opinions about Knowledge is power! take your extra earnings and put it into the TSP unions? What are these workers afraid of? What Ronnie Roush, Branch 888 so you can enjoy it in retirement and have a are so many of us afraid of? What do we all think comfortable lifestyle. Sacrifice now so you can is going to happen if all of us working Americans enjoy it in retirement. It’s sad that our work stand up and say, “I deserve my fair share”? Charlotte, North Carolina environment hasn’t changed much over the de- We are so eager and willing to sell ourselves e here at Branch 545 would like to honor cades. While it is nice to see wage increases, I’d short. Why do we, as Americans, feel we don’t Wand wish all of the mothers in our branch like to see management held more accountable deserve to have jobs with decent pay and ben- and around the country a happy Mother’s Day. for their actions. Management should be held efits? Why are we so willing to give away almost We cannot express enough our sincere thanks accountable for their decisions in how they treat all of our meager wages to fat-cat billionaires? for all that each and every one of you do to sac- workers. Management has failed to train those Are we all really this stupid and gullible? rifice and provide for each of your families. We who deal with the workforce. Their management The U.S. has the largest economy in the world want to let you know that your efforts do not style is to punish all employees for the actions and the most wealth. Where does all this wealth go unnoticed—for you all are true inspirations of the few. How is moving a carrier’s starting come from and where does it all go? It comes to every one of us. We hope that all of you get time to later in the morning good for customer from the common person, who then hands it some much-needed quality time and some service? Wasn’t automation supposed to be all over to a small group of people for no other good ol’ pampering this Mother’s Day, for you more efficient? Carriers used to start as early reason than, um...well, no reason, really. Just deserve it. as 6 a.m. Now we have carriers starting at 9:30 because we believe we don’t deserve to share The branch would like to recognize and honor a.m. with all of this automation. This validates in the gains and prosperity of our toil and labor. our fellow union members Frank Bauknight and my point that management is not being held ac- The American worker needs to realize where the Glen Kerns on their recent retirement. Frank countable for their management style. power truly lies. retired from Idlewild Station with 30 years of Let’s get back to where providing service to We have the power from both ends, as work- service and Glen retired from Independence the customer is our main focus and bonuses to ers and as consumers. As workers, it is we Station with 27 years of service. We would like management is the least of our worries. who are the engine of the business, and with- to wish you both the best in the next chapter of Jim Raymond, Branch 4319 out us nothing gets done. As consumers, we your lives. Thank you so much for your dedica- provide the revenue, not the business owner. tion to the Postal Service and Branch 545. The business owner gets his money from us. The union leadership would also like to let Boston, Massachusetts The consumer is the job creator, not the busi- everyone know that we are continuing to work s of April 8, the Boston District has had more ness owner. The business owner is merely an within the parameters established by our local Athan 1,180 positive cases of the coronavirus overcompensated middleman. Let’s encourage government leaders in regard to COVID-19. We since Oct. 1. Prior to Oct. 1, there were 256 cas- union organizing so that more Americans can are hopeful that we can resume in-person union es, for a total of 1,436 cases since this pandemic enjoy the fruits of their labor and, as the true meetings as soon as possible in accordance began. The weekly average is still around 28 to job creators, create more jobs. with established guidelines. 30 cases per week. Management has stopped Chuck Goushian, Branch 540 Justin Fraley, Branch 545

56 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 not a smart thing to do. It will cause you to ex- East Lansing, Michigan plain your actions during a PDI. Should I remind Fresno, California guess it’s pretty bad when Congress thinks to the meaning of CCA? (City carrier assistant.) ost people and businesses not only want I your boss is so vile that they literally pass a Assistance is the key. You are supposed to be Msix-day mail delivery, they depend on it. law against him. To erase any doubt that it’s helping us, but we are helping you a lot. So, It does not matter if there is a pandemic going in fact their intent, they call it the “DeJoy Act,” there is no “I” in “team.” Remember that. on, or a freezing storm going through the state. short for “Delivering Envelopes Judiciously On- Mail delivery is still depended on. Many insist time Year-round.” They don’t even try to hide on it. While it’s been a difficult year for all, we their contempt for him. Although anyone whose did not need an outgoing president openly in- first act as postmaster general was to get rid of sulting and trying to privatize our Postal Service. perfectly good mail-sorting equipment and then So much so that he installed a wealthy loyalist claim this was somehow going to magically im- of his as PMG. prove delivery time probably deserves our con- The new PMG was quick to start sabotag- tempt. He certainly has contempt for our intel- ing the Postal Service and delivery standards, ligence. And then so obviously doing everything with an emphasis on mail delivery service. The in his power to delay mail-in voting to illegally wants, needs of our patrons. Our economy, the sway the election for his buddy Donald Trump, middle class, working people, ability to vote by he likely deserves to have legislation named mail, and our ability to communicate by mail— against him. A similar conundrum as yet unex- all on the chopping block. All in the name of plained is exactly how DeJoy expects that low- profit for the already wealthy. ering service standards from three to five days Greed has no end. We must defend six-day won’t further drive away customers. mail delivery and door-to-door delivery. Those Meanwhile, President Biden has done his two are everyday things many take for granted. part by naming three Democratic candidates to Cheyenne, WY Br. 555 honored Orville But they are a part of the fabric that keeps us go- fill out the nine-member postal Board of Gover- Cussins with a 50-year gold card. ing as a country. Be proud of the quality service nors, which can fire DeJoy. And their vetting and you provide. Our country depends on it, and so appointment is in the capable hands of Michi- The branch gives its condolences to the do you. gan Senator and Post Office friend Gary Peters. Pope, Gee, Treadway and Zimmerman families Jesse Dominguez, Branch 231 Hopefully, they’ll act soon. on their losses. DeJoy baldly states, while citing no studies Percy Smith Jr., Branch 4559 or advancing any reasoning whatsoever, that Greensboro, North Carolina his proposed changes won’t harm Post Office n the eve of Trump’s departure from the finances. Should we believe him? Hey, Louis, Evansville, Indiana OWhite House, he pardoned Steve Bannon, sold your $70 million in UPS, J.B. Hunt and XPO y the time this article is published, we will his former top campaign and White House Logistics stock yet? Can anybody say “multiple, Ball be in the midst of local negotiations. Our strategist. Bannon was facing trial on fraud and massive conflicts of interest”? You said you’d branch will be trying to improve on several parts money-laundering charges in Manhattan fed- take care of that little problem—change your of our current LMOU. It is unfortunate that the eral court for fleecing Trump’s supporters! He mind? Oh well, Trump never divested anything, training of new employees is not one of the 22 apparently scammed $1 million from donors to and we all know what a fine example he is. May- items listed under Article 30. the “We Build the Wall” GoFundMe campaign. be you’re one of those QAnon folks who think I am not a fan of the currently agreed-upon Trump’s pardon of Bannon showed Trump’s ut- ol’ buddy Trump will be back any day now to training program, as I feel it does not give ter contempt for his own supporters. save you? Ain’t gonna happen. We don’t want enough OJT time to our newly hired CCAs. I think Now this. The April 4 New York Times carried you! Resign, now. most reasonable people would agree that work- a front-page story titled, “Trump Steered Sup- Mark Woodbury, Branch 2555 ing as a postal letter carrier is unlike any job that porters Into Unwitting Donations.” The piece our new employees may have ever had, even if showed how before, during and after the 2020 they previously worked for UPS or FedEx. election, the Trump campaign, the Republican Emerald Coast, Florida Back in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s (yes, I was National Committee and “WinRed,” the for- ith the conversions of city carrier assistans an instructor then), we had a more enlightened profit company that processed their shared W(CCAs) being promoted to part-time flexi- management who understood that burning a online donations, used pre-checked boxes to bles (PTFs) beginning on May 8, and the auto- few more hours for training today would pay off get Trump supporters to unwittingly commit to matic conversion once you reach the 24-month in the long run of the next 30 years. They un- recurring monthly, or even weekly, donations. period in accordance with the national MOU, I derstood that teaching new employees how to (To avoid recurring charges, one would have want to congratulate all of you for having made deliver the mail properly now would make for a had to un-check such boxes on the form.) Us- it. Saying all of this, you should always keep in better and more professional workforce of the ing such schemes, “all told, the Trump and mind that the hard work that you put in to get future. party operation raised $1.2 billion on WinRed, you to where you are should stay with you for Back in the old days, I had an agreement with and refunded roughly 10 percent of it.” The your entire career. We all have gone down the local postmasters that each new hire would re- Times explained: “In effect, the money that Mr. path that you have traveled. ceive five days of OJT after their initial week of Trump eventually had to refund amounted to an I have been approached by management classroom training. And if they struggled, addi- interest-free loan from unwitting supporters at concerning the actions and attitudes of some tional training days with a different OJT instruc- the most important juncture of the 2020 race.” of the CCAs, not only in my office, but offices tor was available. Trump “was able to use tens of millions of dol- within the branch jurisdiction. I listen to them Three days of OJT is simply not sufficient for lars he raised after the election, under the guise and have discussed the call with the stewards most new employees to thoroughly grasp the of fighting his unfounded fraud claims, to help in that office. I will not beat up on the CCAs, but numerous and diverse aspects of what letter cover the refunds he owed.” will remind you that you are a part of this team. carriers do for a living, or for our OJT instruc- The Democrats and their non-profit, “Act- You must perform your duties just lik everyone tors to impart that information to them. And Blue,” apparently carried out a less bloodsuck- else. I have heard that CCAs are complaining that spells poor service to our customers. It ing hustle compared to WinRed. Yet the Times that they are carrying someone else’s load, is shocking what some of our new employees piece states: “…Democratic groups, including pointing out what they have done for the day, don’t know. both congressional campaign committees, con- and that others need to do the same and refuse It may not be one of the 22 items, but we’re tinue to pre-check recurring boxes…” to follow the instructions of the supervisor and going to try. Clearly, the current bipartisan NALC approach clock out and go home. I must say that this is Al Griffin, Branch 377 is serving our members’ interests far better than

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 57 Branch Items

the former policy that tended to subordinate the The arrival of the spring season means the As we approach Memorial Day, may we re- union’s strategic interests to Democratic Party conduct of street observations will be the norm member each of those who gave the ultimate politics. for the rest of the year or until the arrival of win- sacrifice for our freedom and remember all of In solidarity— ter, when supervisors will stay indoors to stay those we love whom we can no longer hug and Richard A. Koritz, Branch 630 warm. Regardless, remember that management spend time with. is still relentless in using street observations to Be safe, and to all of you who have lost a issue discipline to carriers (e.g., not rolling up loved one to COVID-19, I hope this year will be Greenville, South Carolina their windows or locking their door). better for all of us. n June 3 at our regularly scheduled branch With the advent of virtual schooling, remem- We wish Ruben Medina a wonderful retire- Omeeting, this branch will put up to auction, ber to watch out for mindless kids who do not ment. Enjoy sleeping in, staying up late and sale, give, trash or donate several branch items watch out for you. Also, with spring showers, having fun. Route 10 will miss you! that are no longer of branch use. Among the one will never win a battle with a telephone United we bargain; divided we beg. items are several never-used bamboo blinds, pole, particularly when their LLV/FFV hits one. Patty Cramer, Branch 1310 several old and used horizontal blinds, safety Be advised that management is required to vests, an old computer monitor, printers and conduct weekly safety talks as outlined in Sec- various other computer-related items. tion 1-7 of the EL-801 Handbook. Speaking of Norristown, Pennsylvania service talks—if management passes around a Michelle Splawn, Branch 439 o, what up? Can ya tell where I grew up? It’s Yspring now and the weather is starting to get warmer and more bearable till we have the dog Hagerstown, Maryland days of summer. Just wanted to take the time branch is only as strong as its members. The to welcome your new branch officers: new presi- A more people who are involved, the better dent, Frank Pavgouzas; vice president, Jey Coss; positioned a branch is to represent its mem- secretary, Jamal Griffin; treasurer, Joel Stimmler; bers. But it takes individuals who are willing sergeant-at-arms, Doug Avery; and trustees, to get involved, and when necessary, step into Don Felice, Rich Farra and Gordon Stephens. positions of need. Over time, people will move Take the time to go over and thank one of these on, and more people will be needed to move guys for their service; it takes a lot of personal into positions of responsibility. It is the cycle of time to do what needs to be done, and with all life for any organization. Without new involve- the OT we have been getting, it makes the win- ment, the whole thing falls apart. It is a mistake dow a little bit smaller, but we squeeze it in. to believe that your rights and benefits will re- Flushing, NY Br. 294 President Tony With COVID-19 still around, hopefully when main unchallenged without a strong network of Paolillo (l) and Branch 294 Director of Re- everyone gets a shot we can go back to in-per- people working to make sure of that. If you feel tirees Clara Sarmiento (r) honored Manny son meetings. Our office had a small makeover that you have something to offer, please step Zepnick with a 50-year gold card. and is still in the process of reorganization, but up and become involved in your branch. And will be up and running ASAP. please attend your local union meetings. It re- roster for everyone to sign, do you have to sign With vacation time creeping up, we still do ally does take all of us. it? No! Step 4 National Decision Letter M-01302 not have enough people to cover routes com- I would like to congratulate Luis Jaramillo- dated February 1998 states, “There is no re- fortably. So it’s gonna be a long summer work- Lopez on his recent promotion to full-time regu- quirement that a carrier sign that the subject in- ing late. This is just a shout-out to management: lar carrier. Luis is as conscientious as he is a co- formation was received.” If you have any ques- Christmas is Dec. 25 this year, and with the median, and he will make an excellent addition tions, please contact your steward. boom of packages we have and people working from home ordering stuff on their lunch break, to the Northern Station. I would also like to con- Tony Rodriguez, Branch 419 gratulate Juan Velazquez, Tunisia Frazier, Dani- we may need a few more bodies to help us, and elle Burkett and James Roberts on their recent while you’re (not) hiring CCAs, maybe we could promotion to PTF carriers. They are the first of Monterey, California get some more clerks so the custodian can may- be have time to do his job! what I hope will be many to be promoted under accinations are being administered at an ac- I had a carrier say to me that he hates walking the new MOU Re: City Carrier Assistants—Con- celerated rate, and it’s looking like we might V in the door and seeing his name on the white version to Career Status. The Hagerstown Post see a light at the end of the tunnel in the next board for OT. Said he just wants to do his eight Office now has 26 former CCAs who have been few months. Experiencing this pandemic re- converted to career status. minded me of the polio vaccination I got in the and go home. Click your heels—maybe that’ll I would like to remind all Branch 443 mem- ’50s. We waited in lines for hours for our turn. I work. bers that union meetings are held on the sec- had no clue how important that day would be, Stay safe! ond Wednesday of every month except for July but learned the vaccine saved a lot of people Joel Stimmler, Branch 542 and September. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. from getting polio. and are currently being held on Zoom. If you Our long-awaited non-compliance grievance have not yet provided your email address to was resolved through a pre-arbitration decision. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma the branch, please send it to NALCBranch443@ Many thanks to James Henry and Chris Calica for ith the appointment of three new members gmail.com. A link will be sent to you to join the their hard work and guidance to get us to this Wof the postal Board of Governors, things meeting. point. Solid solidarity! I don’t have a lot of con- should bode better for letter carriers, but of Larry Wellborn, Branch 443 fidence that management will do it right, but we course we still have to contend with Postmaster shall see. Three non-compliance grievances and General DeJoy, whose 10-year plan appears to lots of hours, but the integrity of the contract be more like simply another attempt to impede Knoxville, Tennessee was upheld and the carriers were protected. and dismantle the Postal Service than it does at ello, couriers of information! To those of you who aren’t members of improving and upgrading the Service. Delaying H There are three individuals in society Branch 1310, but benefited from the hard work first-class mail as a means to austerity and the who are the most watched by our customers—a and expenses the union incurred during these bottom line makes no sense unless you are try- prostitute, a police officer and a city letter car- four huge grievances, I hope you will step up, ing to destroy rather than improve. rier. Besides our customers who watch a city join the union and start paying your fair share. The Postal Service still has deep financial carrier, we have management to watch carriers. Enforcing the contract doesn’t just happen with- problems brought on by the onerous mandate Why? To see if a carrier is doing his job in a safe out effort, knowledge and the will to take care of placed upon it in 2006 by a lame-duck Con- and efficient manner. all of you. It’s just not right. gress. The ending of that piece of work would

58 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 go a long way toward solving our problems. But Amazon bags on the side of the road with how between work and home. We’re high-wire acts DeJoy isn’t interested in improving the Postal much they drive having the doors wide open. balancing work, home, parenting, school and Service and making it better; he is simply trying The opposite is true in the places mentioned play time. We manage our time despite being to destroy it. above. Regulars are being forced weekly, and spoon-fed inaccurate DOIS numbers every day, Letter carriers and postal employees have most sign off of the overtime desired list in despite the fact that we will never meet manage- performed above and beyond during the hopes that it will change, and it doesn’t. I know ment’s expectations. Everything looks rosy from COVID-19 pandemic with little reward save a it stinks, but you must obey now and grieve a computer monitor; executing that plan on the new contract. Letter carriers have done great later. If it is a non-maximization issue, file the street is much different. We give management work while putting their lives on the line. But I grievance or call a branch officer. If the overtime our entire day and yet still wanting more or it’s don’t think the postmaster general is interested desired list is being utilized properly, it is pos- not good enough. in that. He is simply continuing to do what the sible that there is not a grievance. In this case, Grand Old Party has failed to do, and that is de- take time to make sure that management is forc- stroy this nation’s most effective form of mass ing in juniority order on a rotating basis. Control communications. what you can control. With a new administration that looks to labor Some of you are being scheduled up to a unions to help rebuild this nation’s infrastruc- month in advance. Even worse, some are called ture, the Postal Service is a vital part of that in- that morning and told that the “volume doesn’t frastructure. We finally have a president who un- dictate” being needed. These are also issues derstands that. We should be able to work with that you should speak to your steward about or, his administration and the Labor Department, if not, call the hall. now headed by a union member. Understanding your rights is equally as im- portant as knowing your responsibilities, so Bob Bearden, Branch 458 even though it’s tiring, control what you can control. Phoenix, Arizona John Conger II, Branch 84 Wayne Wharton, outgoing president of owdy from Arizona! Hoping your area is New Orleans, LA Br. 124 (l) administers the oath of office to new Branch President Hpushing through this COVID stuff OK. We are Providence, Rhode Island making headway in Arizona as more and more Steve Ancar. s we approach the warmer months of the people get vaccinated. Over a year has passed since COVID up- I and my wife, Marilynn, got our shots and did Ayear here in New England and throughout the country, it’s important to remember to not ended daily routines. We take stock in what we not experience any adverse effects. We got the have lost and what we have gained. We take Pfizer shots. let your guard down in regard to coronavirus. Thankfully, for those of us who would like to get stock and remember the passing of more than Most businesses and people are still practic- vaccinated, we will hopefully all have the oppor- 550,000 of our countrymen, family, friends and ing mask-wearing and social distancing to help tunity in the coming months, leading to help get neighbors. As we emerge from our bunkers and keep a handle on the spreading. That is in spite our lives back to as close to normal as possible. squint in the daylight, we take stock not of the of a governor (Republican) who has once again We still have to do our part in helping to slow things in life but the people in our life. As letter “jumped the gun” to open up businesses and the virus by continuing basic things like mask- carriers, our story doesn’t end here. Our story ignore the advice of the health care profession- wearing, physical distancing, frequent hand of strength, patience and self-sacrifice were als. washing, cleaning frequently touched objects qualities we already possessed. Our journey My wife and I supervised three young grand- and surfaces, and staying home if feeling sick! continues. children through the online schooling until they We’ve made it this far in the pandemic; let’s Chris Paige, Branch 436 returned to the classroom in February. What an not jeopardize a year-plus of hard work when ordeal! I take my hat off to the teachers who it comes to being diligent about keeping safe went through that with us. I also sympathize from coronavirus. Rockville, Maryland with the children who tried to stay focused Congratulations to the recently converted e recently won a major arbitration out of while working on a computer at home. CCAs in the Providence area. I encourage you to Wour Gaithersburg installation. Arbitrator I applaud my wife and her sister who helped keep up to date on postal matters on the NALC Stanton ruled that management must comply us, and all of you parents, grandparents and website until our monthly meetings resume, with the policy that pay adjustments be com- others who stepped up and worked with the hopefully soon. pleted within 28 calendar days (meaning mon- kids and teachers. May we never have to do this ey in hand within 28 days.) In Gaithersburg, we Anthony Turcotte, Branch 15 again! now have seven arbitrations within the last 16 months reaffirming the 28-calendar-day policy. Al Linde , Branch 576 Arbitrator Drucker issued four arbitration deci- Racine, Wisconsin sions, and she paid our branch $200 in each ar- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ith COVID vaccines hitting the streets in bitration due to the amount of repeat violations Wincreasing numbers, it’s not a stretch to of this policy. The total was $800 to our branch. hile it’s not been an occurrence in my par- wonder why, necessary as it is, the urgency Arbitrator Saltzman also ordered manage- Wticular installation, regulars being forced at this moment of the rollout of new vehicles ment to comply with the money-in-hand- to work Amazon Sundays has become prevalent rather than USPS to vaccinate its employees. within-28-calendar-days policy, and she paid within a lot of the offices that comprise Branch 84. As word came down that the USPS would not be our branch $200. Arbitrator Roberts paid our My station only gets the overflow from Ama- entering the vaccination game, employees were branch $2,500 due to repetitive violations of zon as the company began home delivery ser- given the “save yourself” speech. the 28-calendar-day policy, and that case was a representative case for three other grievances. vice late last year. You will not see one Amazon The real culprit here is the lack of information truck on the days we get bombed from them, So, the total paid to our branch from arbitrator disseminated to front-line, essential USPS em- Roberts was $10,000! And now, we just won in then we only get large, heavy parcels that could ployees. Information is the name of the game arbitration again with the Stanton award. Seven potentially cause a workers’ compensation in our business. Apparently it’s just fine to arbitrations within 16 months in the same city case on the days that we don’t. Amazon drivers cancel Pepé Le Pew because he’s shortsighted and the same issue! are just delivering the padded envelopes (that and blind to see that it’s a cat with a stripe he’s A special thank-you goes out to our vice pres- would fit in the mailbox, BTW) and getting their chasing, but relaying vital information like vac- ident, Charles Clark, for appealing this case and fingernails buffed while we do the heavy lift- cinations should be a priority. All day, carriers for his expert testimony. We also wish to thank ing. I’m surprised that there’s not more feces in walk a fine line jockeying for scarce free time the NALC advocate for this case, Walter Brum-

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 59 Branch Items

mage, for the fine job he did in arbitrating this less basic personnel information? Who profits asked my advice if he should resign and go to case. most from sowing seeds of discontent? Divide work for a sub-contractor of Amazon, since they On April 7, we had our first union meeting via and conquer. Pitting the workers against one pay a comparable wage. Zoom where business was actually conducted. another by and large is not conducive for in- These are multiple issues to address, but it All said, the meeting went well. Thank you, creasing job production, but if, say, you want to is clear that the carrier does not possess the Chuck Clark, for setting up this Zoom meeting. stick someone in the crosshairs, if you want to skills necessary to navigate treacherous postal Please visit our website set up by Union make someone a target for recrimination, then waters. The OWCP violation concerning pay is Brother Chuck Clark at nalc3825.com. We now rather obvious, but the carrier demonstrates no have more than 314,930 hits! We have impor- knowledge of his rights or benefits whatsoever. tant information concerning COVID-19 and lots More worrisome is the fact that this carrier rep- of information on CCA rights and benefits. We resents the status quo. have escalating remedy settlements from all Please don’t expect your union representa- steps of the grievance/arbitration procedure. tive to know clairvoyantly if your rights are be- In the struggle— ing violated. Make nalc.org your one-stop shop. Kenneth Lerch, Branch 3825 Everything about injuries and illnesses, on and off the job, are there. It is vital to download the Letter Carrier Resource Guide. It explains what St. Louis, Missouri USPS and NALC are, everything (the dangers and pitfalls) about working as a letter carrier, f the effects of the global pandemic have Itaught us anything, it is the importance of the rights/benefits of a CCA and the multitude saving and investing for the future. The Federal of rights/benefits you acquire when you turn Reserve reported that before the pandemic, regular. The important decisions a carrier makes nearly 4 in 10 households did not have the cash are so much more effective when they are edu- Above: Apopka, FL Br. 5192 member Faith cated, knowledgeable ones. on hand to cover an unexpected $400 expense. E. Robinson lost her life to lung cancer. By last October, more than half of all workers Lee Taylor, Branch 2611 in the U.S. were reporting reduced hours, lower Below: Bergen County Merged, NJ Br. 425 pay, a layoff or other hits to their employment remembers retiree Andrew Badami, who situation. A third of all Americans had taken a died after more than 65 years as a mem- Southeast Pennsylvania Merged loan or an early withdrawal from a retirement ber. any thanks to President Les Dillman. He is plan. Many workers were caught off guard and Mthe first to never want the attention placed showed the weakness in their safety net. on him for doing the job that he was elected to As employees of the USPS and members of do. But I feel that life must be put in perspec- NALC, we skirted the layoff effects that affected tive. This unprecedented time has caused all of many Americans. In fact, we were one of the few us union leaders to become “jugglers.” companies that continued to work and even We all have strengths and weaknesses. But thrive in the throes of the pandemic. But that one of Les’s strengths is his ability to handle luck should serve to remind all of us of the im- many problems concurrently. First, we had/ portance of saving for the future. have the pandemic. Les had to ingest all the For all employees of the Postal Service, and daily memorandums and rules pertaining to especially the new hires, it is imperative to COVID-19. Then, there were daily teleconferenc- contribute as much as possible to your Thrift es at night to get everyone on the same page Savings Plan. The Postal Service matches up (both union telecons and management telecons to 5 percent of your basic salary, which is free separately). On top of that, there were daily money, but that shouldn’t be your only contribu- calls from human resources to notify us of which tion to your TSP. Most economists agree that if to brabble and wrangle on about workplace mi- offices had positive tests and the protocols that you intend to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in re- nutia can work wonders. would follow (cleaning of the office, next-day of- tire, you should invest 40 percent of your earned As a shop steward, I had much too much fice stand-up talks). income in a federally secured retirement plan. on my plate to ever want to busy myself with Another strength of Les is his patience when That requires leading a frugal lifestyle, and with other people’s job performance—except when taking calls from the membership. He has a handling grievances—so I would eliminate the keen ability to reassure the members while be- a spouse and children, nearly impossible. But ing straightforward with them. you should make every effort to invest as much steward as a probable culprit. Choose not to lis- ten to the rumor mill. Choose to use a pen and Fast-forward and our building encounters as possible in your TSP account, and the best problems. The hot water heater goes, and wa- way to do that is with payroll deduction. What paper whenever management wants to impart some salacious gossip about another worker. ter is “everywhere.” We suffer damage. Next, you don’t see, you don’t miss, and that trans- our roof goes. This results in damage to the lates to a comfortable retirement. Ask them to repeat it, slowly. Jot it all down, whatever it is they want to pass along—then extent of almost $40,000. But thank God that Tom Schulte, Branch 343 pass it along to your shop steward. There are our branch has insurance. The next picture is always two sides to every story. Choose wisely. Les calling us and doing business from his truck Choose solidarity! as the building is gutted for rehabilitation. But Seattle, Washington his “juggling” skills had already been strength- Don Nokes, Branch 79 ened. Thank you, Les. We are lucky to have you. olidarity: It didn’t take me long to figure Now take that same premise and thank every Sout who had my back and who was trying shop steward and executive board member who to stick a shiv in it. Listening to liars is a hot- Silver Spring, Maryland sees the big picture. We came into this job with bed for hypocrisy, bad for democracy and ter- great union leadership. And now we moved for- rible for workplace camaraderie. My basic rule recently had a phone conversation with a fellow carrier. Earlier, he had dropped off a ward stronger and more prepared only because was not to let the rumor mill be my information I of this great union. pipeline. You make your own judgment here, CA-17 to his supervisor concerning a work injury #BeCarefulWhatYouTakeForGranted but you have to ask yourself—how many people that sidelined him the past month. He was sur- have access to everyone on the workroom floor? prised by a prompt call informing him that he Eric Jackson, Branch 725 Who has all this extra-extra time on their hands, was due to report to work the next day. He had access to job performance data, and a hidden not bothered to analyze the CA-17 to see that agenda which is served by spreading misinfor- he was cleared for duty with a 10-pound lifting Springfield, Ohio mation? Opportunity and motive—that’s how restriction. While speaking with him, I discov- ostmaster (PM): I’m not approving your 3996 crimes are solved. ered that he had not been paid Continuation Pfor an hour-and-a-half overtime. You get 30 Carriers need to ask themselves: Who most of Pay (COP) even though it was requested on minutes. benefits from spreading unwarranted half- his injury claim; his annual and sick leave was Me: I can’t get it done in 30 minutes. What do truths concerning job performance, route size, used instead. This carrier has been regular for a you want me to do? sick leave usage, attendance, and other need- couple of years now, so I was surprised when he PM: Deliver your route.

60 The Postal Record May 2021 May 2021 Me: Yes, but when I can’t get it done, do you viously housed in neighborhood post offices. want me to bring the mail back, pull the mail Toledo, Ohio It will take an act of Congress before anything now, send me help, or call in? What are my in- adly, we marked one year since our last in- happens. structions? Sperson branch meeting. Depending on what As the daily forced overtime persists, our For- PM: We wouldn’t be having this conversation Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Health Department mal A process has come to a standstill. Griev- if you left when you were told to leave. What ances are stacked everywhere. It is going to take time were you told to leave? a monumental effort, if we are ever to catch up. Me: She didn’t tell me when to leave, she Things are starting to look up. Get your vac- gave me a projected leave time. cination and let’s get back to something that PM: What time was that? resembles normal. Me: I don’t know and don’t care. I leave when I’m done pulling down. Ray Bricker , Branch 100 PM: You go ask her right now when you were supposed to leave. I walk to the supervisors’ office, with the PM Westchester Merged, New York following right behind me, and ask the supervi- would like to thank and salute Fred Rolando, sor what my projected leave time was. I and our negotiating team, for a job well done Me: 8:25, but now I’m going to be even later in successfully negotiating a new national work- because of the time I’m wasting talking to you. Syracuse, NY Br. 134 carriers in the Liver- ing agreement. I can only imagine the challeng- PM: I’m the postmaster and I don’t waste pool, NY, post office delivering for Amazon es they met through these tough COVID times. Now it is our job to ensure trust and confi- time. You are a letter carrier and if I tell you to on Easter Sunday enjoyed a visit from a dence in our customers. The first thing I think of stand here for eight hours, you’ll stand here for special delivery agent. is pride in our jobs. We work for USPS, the best eight hours. mail delivery service in the world. We must be in Me: Do you want me to stand here for eight do about lifting restrictions on gatherings, we’re uniform, on time, exhibiting confidence in our hours? hopeful to be able to resume our monthly meet- service. Treat our customers with courtesy and PM takes my 3996 and writes “FINISH THE ings in the near future. We are tentatively begin- respect, and show them that we are the premier ROUTE” in big letters. ning to make plans for our Labor Day picnic. delivery service. PM: I hope you learned a lesson so we don’t The Postal Service has begun hiring more On recent Zoom sessions, I have heard Presi- do this again like we’re in the second grade. CCAs, but at a very slow pace. Better late than dent Rolando speak of mentoring new employ- I’m just an ignorant letter carrier, so I’m sure ees. That is exactly what is needed from our never. It will undoubtedly be a long time before veteran carriers today. We need stewards to I’ll be repeating second grade real soon. the hiring process alleviates any of the stress Branch meetings are the second Thursday of each introduce themselves and offer guidance to and exhaustion of the past year. This branch our new CCA workforce. Show them the right month in Room 221. Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Show up. went to management in the early fall of 2020 Listen. Ask questions. Knowledge is power. way to do things. Being fast is most often not and strongly suggested that the Postal Service the safest way to work. We need to address su- Brian Gourilis, Branch 45 hire 75 to 100 employees; the Postal Service pervisors who are intimidating and harassing. didn’t see the need. At present time, carriers We need to greatly improve our retention rates are being forced daily to work the maximum and training methods. More hands-on methods Syracuse, New York are required. Taking time and patience to get it overtime allowed and the Postal Service still done right. or more than a year now, the majority of us struggles to deliver the mail. have been coming to the office working side Local branches need to find time and meth- F On top of a drastic shortage of carriers and ods to reach our members, to keep them in- by side, wearing our masks, washing our hands, clerks, the processing plant in Detroit, MI, in keeping our distance and probably a host of formed and aware of all reorganizational plans other measures to stay safe. It is a shame that another postal district and another state, just and our roles in carrying out efficient mail de- our leadership is not doing the same thing. received the lowest score for making delivery livery. Many proposed changes are coming— From Headquarters to the district level, postal standards in the nation! Toledo City Council trucks, scanners, reduction of districts, and management is failing this organization. We sent another letter to USPS pleading that the To- probably route adjustments. Our branch wel- ledo processing plant be reactivated. The postal comes new ideas and strategies and our new need to hold them accountable if we want any carriers. Let us stay strong and together. Contin- future. We should be looking for ways to get spokesperson said there are no plans to reopen ue to wear masks and follow social-distancing things done instead of finding excuses not to the Toledo plant. guidelines. do things. Our younger members, who make up Not only are the machines gone, the plant Yours in unionism— more than half of us now, need to be taught the is now home to carriers from five stations pre- basics of service. Ask your new members if they Rich Montesarchio, Branch 693 know what the sanctity of the mail means. If we don’t protect our brand now, it will be gone for- ever. That goes for our postal institution as well as our union. Parcel growth has been ignored by the Postal COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment Service, weak excuses are being given for not conducting inspections, and special inspec- tt Following the release of the March the Federal Employees Retirement tions and the routes continue to be out of ad- consumer price index (CPI), the System (FERS), which are based on justment. Grievance activity is at an all-time fourth cost-of-living adjustment the CPI’s increase between the third high, along with backlogged B-team decisions (COLA) under the 2019-2023 National (which just end up getting impassed) and then quarter of 2020 and third quarter of backlogged arbitration schedules as well. It is Agreement is projected to be $562 2021, is 2.2 percent and will be final- time for everyone to get back to work. We have annually. This COLA is based on the ized with the publication of the Sep- ongoing delayed OWCP issues, delayed bids, change in the CPI from the base index tember 2021 CPI in October 2021. ineffective labor relations and the worst hir- month to July 2021, with the previous six ing process in my 27 years. With retention still COLAs subtracted. The third COLA will tt The 2022 projected COLA under the around 50 percent, we need to lead by example. be effective Feb. 27, 2021, the second Federal Employees’ Compensation Show up and do your job every day with the pro- Act (FECA) is 1.9 percent following the fessionalism that the American public deserves full pay period following the release of and expects. Have you been taking “shortcuts,” the January 2021 CPI. All three COLAs release of the March CPI. This COLA skipping your lunch and breaks, stop, drop, and will be paid retroactively to their con- is based on the change in the CPI be- run with your parcels? Then you are contributing tractual effective dates. tween December 2020 and December to the problem. For all of those of us who have 2021. been showing up day in and day out, thank you! tt The 2022 projected COLAs for the Civil Tom Dlugolenski, Branch 134 Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Visit nalc.org for the latest updates.

May 2021 May 2021 The Postal Record 61 You can order NALC products at nalc.org/store Auxiliary Update

National Auxiliary News and updates Board from the officers

Cynthia Martinez Crystal Bragg Linda Davis Pam Fore Vice President Secretary Asst. Secretary Treasurer Cythensis Lang President From the Auxiliary Board Aux. #82 Louise Crow Texas Aux. #82 Maxine Lowe Aux. #16 Virginia Holmes reetings, union brothers and sisters. This Aux. #82 Thelma Moody Aux. #16 Mary Ann Tyler month, we celebrate 116 years of partner- Aux. #177 Reba Bryant G Aux. #28 Shirley Cook ship with NALC. Aux. #177 Peggy Burnett The following is a list of 50-year members of Aux. #177 Marie Ice Aux. #28 Wauldine Felder the National Auxiliary, as well as the years of Aux. #245 Joan Spero Aux. #28 Vivian Hill service of your national board members. Aux. #351 Marilyn Boetz Aux. #28 Peggy Morris The NALCA Board Aux. #351 Irene Nelson Aux. #90 Ann Koerth NALCA 50-year members Aux. #351 Wenona Woodson Aux. #111 Judy Arldt Kentucky Aux. #111 Peggy Roberts California Aux. #470 Peggy Zeil Aux. #123 Rosalie Miller Aux. #361 Jeanette Meyer Aux. #391 Marjorie Harper Aux. #1814 Peggy Jones Maryland Aux. #1814 Kay Marcy Aux. #47 Mamie Foster Aux. #1974 Myrtle Bartosh Aux. #47 Lillian Rau Aux. #2557 Dolores Luedke Colorado Aux. #79 Barbara Shepard Michigan Virginia Aux. #1274 Carol Haskins Aux. #444 Pat Agy Aux. #1200 Judith Drew Aux. #1274 Rose Ann Holka Aux. #444 Corrine Anders Aux. #1513 Gladys Fitts Aux. #444 Dorothy Kohtz Minnesota Aux. #444 Edith Pottenger Aux. #100 Jessie Dezie Washington Aux. #444 Esther Yamaguchi Aux. #100 Therese McRae Aux. #99 Linda Heib Florida Aux. #758 Geraldine Mueller Aux. #99 Evelyn McCafferty Aux. #181 Joyce Keller Aux. #758 Helen Reedy Aux. #99 Frances Bonaker Aux. #758 Carol Yauch Aux. #2621 Naomi Kesling Aux. #202 Jean Bock Aux. #987 Isabelle Wenner Illinois Aux. #202 Terry Norris Aux. #21 JoAnn Flesch Missouri Aux. #202 Lois Peterson Aux. # 106 Melinda Stansbury Aux. #21 Patsy Mester Aux. #202 Bea Reda Aux. #313 Delores Butler Nebraska Aux. #308 Bob James Aux. #313 Judy Carter Aux. #78 Laura Beth Turner Aux. #739 Maxine Dill Aux. #78 Barbara Walsh Wisconsin Aux. #739 Sue Patrick Aux. #85 Joyce Klamm Aux. #144 Alvira Budda Aux. #739 Connie Rehg Aux. #739 Jeanette Thouvenot New Mexico Aux. #144 Lynn Jester Aux. #739 Pat Wright Aux. #698 Gertrude Boyer Aux. #413 Pat Destache Aux. #698 Cordie Cuellar Aux. #413 Marilyn Deviley Iowa Aux. #129 Alice Hebbel North Carolina Aux. #413 Peggy Flaten Aux. #129 Evelyn Keller Aux. #624 Jean Garner Aux. #413 Ione Heupal Aux. #129 Marlene Long Aux. #1868 Ernestine Dawkins Aux. #413 Mona Jahnke Aux. #129 Marilyn Sersig Aux. #1868 Betty Howell Aux. #413 Carol Nooyen Aux. #1868 Julian LeVander Aux. #129 Elaine Verdon Aux. #413 Jackie Roffers Aux. #193 Betty Abernathy Aux. #1868 Peggy Smith-Reske Aux. #829 Barbara Melby Pam Fore, Treasurer Aux. #193 Patricia Halferty 3618 Hileman Drive S. Oklahoma Aux. #829 Patricia Novak Aux. #193 Kathy Miller Aux. #141 Janice Jones Lakeland, FL 33810 Aux. #193 Vera Peters Aux. #829 Virginia Rehberg 863-853-2113 Aux. #1248 Helen Burchfield [email protected] Aux. #193 Corrine Sentelik Aux. #193 Edith Travajiakis Oregon National Auxiliary Board members Aux. #213 Mickey O’Conner Aux. #1 Milnee Elmers Cythensis Lang of AL Aux. #2517—31 years Aux. #213 Peggy Walsh Aux. #367 Beverly Hugdahl Cynthia Martinez of AZ Aux. #377—30 years Aux. #213 Erma Williamson Aux. #367 Sharon Rowlett Crystal Bragg of IL Aux. #153—24 years Kansas South Dakota Linda Davis of WA Aux. #194—8 years Aux. #82 Gertrude Calderwood Aux. #256 Jean Ashoft Pamela Fore of FL Aux. #2621—10 years

May 2021 The Postal Record 63

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Mutual Exchanges

CA: Stockton (5/04) to Sparks/Reno, swap due to family reasons. Trinh, 303- FL or surrounding areas. Regular carri- CO or surrounding suburbs. Carry in NV or surrounding area. Stockton is 594-3814. ers only. Large office with lots of over- beautiful Newport, RI. Enjoy the island located in the San Joaquin Valley. It is CT: New Haven (1/88) to Vero Beach, time, if wanted. Northside of Chicago. 15 life! High on the seniority list with a date centrally located: 2.5 hours to Tahoe, Sebastian, Melbourne, Fort Pierce, minutes from downtown. Great routes. of 2016. Friendly place to be. OT avail- 1.25 hours to San Francisco and 1.5 FL areas. An exchange with me lets Tanny, 773-742-1197 (text or call) or able if desired. Brandon, 401-318-4366 hours to Napa Valley. Lots of OT avail- you keep all of your seniority. Eleven [email protected]. (text or call). able. Monica, 209-327-8375 (text) or different stations and suburbs in bid- NV: Las Vegas (5/18) to Raleigh, NC TN: Kingsport (12/19) to Suncoast [email protected]. ding cluster. Overtime available. On the or surrounding areas. Regular carriers District, FL. Large office with plenty of CA: Studio City (1/95) to North Las coast. Home of Yale University. Short only. No state tax. Large bidding area. OT. Good work environment with great Vegas/Henderson, NV. Great office drive to NYC, Boston and Providence, For family reasons. John, 970-405-9193 union/management rapport. Robert, with nice routes. OT if desired. Moving RI. Andrew, 203-500-5505. or [email protected]. 423-617-4327 or [email protected]. to be with spouse who resides there. FL: Fort Lauderdale (6/93) to Lynch- NY: Oakdale (5/99) to Apex, NC or WA: Bellingham (11/09) to Lakeland, Richard, 323-630-9446 or lakersaiz@ burg, VA; Michigan City, IN or sur- surrounding areas. Regular city car- FL or surrounding areas. Two bidding gmail.com. rounding areas. Large office with OT. riers only. Good office and area with stations. Four seasons; a nature lover’s CO: Denver (5/05) to Orlando, FL or John, 561-329-0944 or jetorres01@ OT, if desired. Omar, 516-524-0179 dream. Lots of lakes for fishing. Lots surrounding areas. More than 20 bid- yahoo.com. or [email protected]. of hiking and biking trails. Plenty of OT ding stations available in the metro and FL: Seminole (10/14) to Sebring/Avon OR: Portland (1/14) to Eugene/ available. Regulars only. Kelly, 360-371- surrounding areas. Small to large offic- Park, FL area. 15 minutes from beach- Springfield, OR. Regular carriers only. 5848. es to choose from. More than 300 days es, awesome office, awesome people. Great station; I am an eight-hour car- WA: Seattle (3/07) to Lewiston, ID. of sunshine, with all four seasons pres- Friendly. Lots to love out here. Lots of rier but OT is available. Moving to be Regulars only. Large station with three ent. Regulars only. Friendly people and OT. Judy, 863-273-4087 or gidget6868@ closer to family. Allegra, 503-358- zones. OT if desired. Lots of bidding a strong union. A growing and thriving yahoo.com. 6980 or [email protected]. stations. Mild weather all year. Billie Jo, city. Plenty of OT available. Looking to IL: Chicago (9/93) to Fort Lauderdale, RI: Newport (8/16) to Denver/Boulder, 206-617-9295 (text). How to place a Mutual Exchange ad The cost of Mutual Exchange ads is $15 for up will be returned. Note: Specific route information or mention of to 30 words and $25 for 31-50 words per month. Include your name, address and branch num- three-way transfers will not be published, nor Ads must be received by the 5th of the month ber. Ads must be received in the same format any wording that offers cash or property to fa- preceding the month in which the ad will appear, and wording as they will appear in the maga- cilitate an exchange. Mutual exchanges must e.g., May’s deadline is for the June publication. zine. Begin each ad with your state abbreviation, be approved by both postmasters involved. Mail ad with check (payable to NALC) to: Mutual city and seniority date. Seniority of carriers involved shall be governed Exchange Ads, Postal Record, 100 Indiana Ave. Ads should be typed in upper/lower case (or, by Article 41, Sec. 2E of the National Agree- NW, Washington, DC 20001-2144. if this is not possible, printed clearly) on a full ment. Carriers may not exchange assignments, Ads are published for NALC members only. A sheet of 8.5 x 11” paper. Make certain the nu- since vacated positions must be posted for branch officer or steward must endorse the ad to merals 0 (zero) and 1 (one) can be distinguished bids in accordance with local and national certify membership. Ads without endorsements from the letters O and l in e-mail addresses. agreements.

64 The Postal Record May 2021 social media Join the conversation! Follow NALC HQ’s social media accounts to get the latest letter carrier news and updates straight from the source. Follow our pages; interact with us by liking, commenting and sharing content and encourage others to do the same. For suggestions and photo/video submissions, please use [email protected]. Help your NALC family affected by natural disasters The NALC Disaster Relief Foundation provides hands-on relief for carriers affected by natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornados. It receives donations to be used to assist regular NALC members affected by natural disasters. NALC response teams throughout the country are activated to go to disaster locations and offer assis- tance to NALC members and their families who live in the same household. Basic supplies, including uniforms and food, are available for those who need assistance. Financial support may be available depending on the availability of funding and qualifying criterias. Any regu- lar member of NALC who has faced hardship as a result of a natural disaster will be able to apply for assistance. Go to the App Store or Google Play and search Make a donation by sending a for “NALC Member App” to install for free check or money order to: NALC Disaster Relief Foundation 100 Indiana Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001-2144 The foundation is a 501(c)(3). Your contribution to the NALC Disaster Relief Foundation may be eligible for a tax deduction. It is recommended you seek further advice from your tax advisor.

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