Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Volume 41 Number 461
January 2021
Rosemary Villegas 1952-2020
We are saddened to announce the death of long time Branch 1111 leader and dedicated activist Rosemary Villegas. She passed away on December 20, 2020. Sister Villegas will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Here she is pictured celebrating with her Piedmont coworkers after winning the 2019 MDA Grand raffle prize. For more about Rosemary’s contributions to Branch 1111 see page 4
Branch 1111 News
January 2021
NALC HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN SERVICE LINES General Claims Inquiries Hospital Precertification (Required) Prerecorded Benefits Information Prescription Customer Service Line
1-888- 636-NALC 1-800-622-6252 1-888-636-NALC 1-800-933-NALC
BRANCH PAPER DEADLINE The deadline for copy for Branch 1111 News is the 3rd of each month. News stories, articles, letters, drawings, or cartoons, as well as photographs -- either recent or historical -should be submitted to the Branch office. Short notices of personal or shop floor interest are especially welcome. The Editor and Assistant Editor retain the right to edit, delete, or reject articles and artwork for the good of the Branch.
BRANCH 1111 OFFICERS Edward P. Fletcher, President Jose Ochoa, Executive Vice President Narciso Paderanga, First Vice President Francisco Cabrera , Second Vice President Julie McCormick, Third Vice President Terrence Super, Fourth Vice President John Ferreira, Secretary-Treasurer Mary Phelps, Asst. Sec-Treasurer Keith Massey, Sgt-at-Arms Jacob Morgan, Insurance Officer Jose Corral, Trustee Jerry DePoe, Trustee Ron Jones, Trustee
Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Branch 1111 News is the official monthly publication of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Greater East Bay Branch 1111. Circulation 3,000 Offices Served:
Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Crockett, Danville, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Fremont, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Richmond, Rodeo, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Suisun City, Union City, Vallejo, Walnut Creek
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EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Christina Aviles, Elizabeth Corriea, Rickie Cox, Marisela Fletcher, Ray Garcia, Joshua Pearl, Frances Rodriguez-Swint
BRANCH 1111 OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday: 8 am to 5 pm 402 – 37th Street Richmond, Ca. 94805- 2134 510-237-5111, Fax 510-237-5181
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nalcbranch1111 WEBSITE: www.Branch1111.org Meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of the month except in December
BRANCH 1111 NEWS STAFF Editor - Joshua Pearl: joshpbranch1111@gmail.com Assistant Editor – John Jekabson: jjbranch1111@gmail.com Contributors -- Ed Fletcher, Jose Ochoa, John Ferreira, Narciso Paderanga, Julie McCormick, Liz Corriea, Ron Jones, Jerry DePoe, Francisco Cabrera, Julie McCormick, Mary Phelps, Terrence Super, Keith Massey, Jacob Morgan Views expressed in Branch 1111 News do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, Assistant Editor, Branch Officers, or members of National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 1111
January 2021
Branch 1111 News
Defenders of Democracy
Thanks to vote-by-mail, which provided tens of millions of Americans a safe way to vote in the middle of a pandemic, we just had the best turnout in a U.S. election in more than a century. When all the votes are counted, more than 160 million Americans will have cast their ballots—which means that twothirds of all eligible voters participated, a huge increase. The Postal Service and its employees rose to the occasion by safely and securely handling between 60 million and 70 million ballots this election season.
Hope for 2021
After all the dust settled on this crazy election season, America chose a pro-Union and pro-Post Office administration which will have the benefit of controlling both houses of Congress. Let’s hope some much need Postal Reform and an infusion of stimulus money will be coming our way in the near future.
Martinez carrier Dylan Porter resplendent in the holiday spirit
Tentative Contract Wage Increases and COLAs November 23, 2019 February 29, 2020 August 29, 2020 November 21, 2020 March, September, 2021 November 20, 2021 March, September, 2022 November !9, 2022 March 2023
1.1% (CCAs 2.1%) COLA (career) $166 COLA (career) $188 1.1% (CCAs 2.1%) COLA TBD 1.3% (CCAs 2.3%) COLA TBD 1.3% (CCAs 2.3%) COLA TBD
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!
The following carriers retired recently: Charles Fraijo of Berkeley, David Galiste, Gloria Gutierrez and Jon Pineda of Fairfield, Kuldip Sekhon of Fremont, Harvey Wong of Oakland, Ernesto Poblete of Pittsburg and Debra Habjan of Walnut Creek; We wish many years of leisure to all!
SCHOLARSHIP TIME Carriers with students about to graduate should be aware that there are various scholarships for which they can apply. One is our own Katherine Ellis Memorial Scholarship given to deserving scholars with a parent who is a member in good standing of Branch 1111. Applications must be in by February 28, 2021. Call John Ferreira of the Scholarship Committee at 510-237-5111 if you have any questions.
Martinez carrier Adrian Sepulveda punching out for the last time after 34 years of service.
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January 2021
What Will 2021 Bring By Edward P. Fletcher, President
We were all happy to see 2020 come to an end. We were faced with the worse global pandemic in 100 years. There were stay at home orders, a disturbingly divided United States of America, a Postal Service that continues to under staff Postal installations, and we delivered massive amounts of parcels. The Postal Service is in dire need of stimulus funds to pay for increased costs. It grossly overworked its employees to the brink of exhaustion. The new Postmaster General made questionable changes to postal operations just prior to the most heated election in our Nation’s history. Nevertheless, the importance of the Postal Service and its essential employees was recognized and appreciated by our nation. So, what’s next? 2021 Changes in Leadership With the electoral results of the 2020 Presidential Election, finalized by the Congress on January 6, 2021, we have a new President, Joseph Biden, and Vice-President, Kamala Harris. We also have two new Senators from the state of Georgia who have shifted the balance of power in the Senate to the Democrats. The ball is now in their court. It is my hope that the new Administration will act quickly to pass legislation that protects the Postal Service and its employees, provides much needed stimulus funds to the USPS, its citizens and small businesses. The union will be watching. I would be remiss if I did not say that the insurgent attack on the U.S. Capitol and our democracy was inexcusable and must never happen again. We all all Americans! Act like it! The Continuing Pandemic When the clock struck twelve midnight on December 31, 2020, the pandemic did not end or magically disappear. Unfortunately, we are still under the dark shadow of COVID19 and experiencing increases in infection and death rates with even more stay-at-home orders looming. Please take all precautions to protect yourself, your family and your fellow co-workers. Wear your masks. Observe social distancing and avoid all gatherings. It is also my hope that in 2021, the new vaccines will help defeat this horrible virus and that the new administration will immediately act to increase production and distribution. The Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) The FFCRA paid leave provisions were not extended in 2021.Thus, any unused leave from the 2021 FFCRA is forfeited. Given the fact that the Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs) were extended on December 14, 2020 through March 26, 2020, CCA employees could still use whatever leftover hours (up to 80 hours) from the MOU on Temporary Paid Leave for CCAs (M-01911) due to the MOU extensions. CCAs do not get another 80 hours for 2021. Given 4
Branch 1111 News it’s a new calendar year, Full-time Regulars and PTF’s can use 80 hours of Sick leave Dependent Care (SLDC) from the National Agreement. Please be advised that due to the continuing COVID-19 health crisis, all carriers are to stay home if they are sick, and call their doctors! The 2021 Vote on the Contract We are a democracy. So, please exercise your rights and vote on the new proposed National Agreement. It will be mailed out on January 10, 2021, and must be returned by February 16, 2021. As previously stated, all of the proposed provisions are listed in the December Postal Record. In solidarity, be safe and stay strong, knowing our efforts and resolve will not waiver.
ROSEMARY VILLEGAS 1952-2020 GONE TOO SOON
Sister Rosemary Villegas was a fixture at our Branch functions, always present to give a helping hand. At the Stewards’ Brunch she was at the door greeting all the guests and helping to organize the seating. At the Branch Picnic, she would help organize the games and giving out prizes for the children. She was lively and enjoyable to everyone in attendance. Sister Villegas worked at the Post Office for 35 years. She was selected to be on the Branch 1111 Executive Council in 1988 and served there until 2016. She also served as a Steward at Oakland Airport station. She was always selected as Branch Delegate for both National and State Conventions. She was an attentive delegate and made special care to help when the United Farm Workers Union gave a presentation. She often volunteered to work at the UFW information table. She will be missed by her co-workers, friends and especially by her family. She leaves behind two daughters and their spouses, three grandchildren and her beloved fur-babies Sid and Princessa. Our condolences to the family.
January 2020
2021 is Here By Jose Ochoa, Executive Vice President
2021 is here! Let’s make it much better; Covid-19 is very real we need to be safer and look out for each other. By now, most of us know someone who was infected by Covid-19. We’ve read about the thousands of deaths and millions suffering from it. Even if you are one of those individuals that doesn’t believe, we respect your right. However, you don’t have the right to endanger others and their families. In case you are wondering, nobody likes wearing a face mask! You Stewards, Full Time Officers and Safety Captains will be very vigilant that Management enforces postal and CDC policies. There is nobody and I mean nobody, shall be allowed to be on the workroom floor or near another carrier/employee without a face covering. Please contact your steward or call the union office to report any violations and we will forward the information to the district or higher, if need be. This year is predicted to be more lethal than 2020. Once again, if you are feeling any Covid-19 symptoms stay home! Contact your doctor and follow instructions. Do not put you fellow carriers and families at risk! Management has to let you know if anyone got infected with Covid-19 in your office. If Management is sending you to another office that has also been infected, and you live with older parents or relatives, someone with a pre-existing condition, you have to make your own decision about taking the risk. Management’s priority is to move the mail, not about you! Well during the holidays, with many of our fellow carriers out due to Covid-19, right when we were overwhelmed with parcels, and working more than 12 hours with days off cancelled, Management had the audacity to start issuing discipline for expanding street time. Are you f….g kidding me? Specifically, most of that discipline was issued by someone sitting in an office or car, looking at Facebook for hours or clocking in and immediately leaving to go get coffee. How is that for hypocrisy? How can they look at themselves in the mirror and have no shame? Take care, together we will survive this pandemic that has forever changed our lives.
Branch 1111 News
What Now? By Narciso Paderanga, IV, First Vice President
After a hectic and unprecedented year, what do we have to look forward to now? The pandemic is still here, but there’s some hope due to the limited availability of the vaccines. There’s also greater hope due to the new President of the United States taking office on Inauguration Day. More importantly, a tentative contract has been reached by the NALC and the USPS which is subject to ratification by the members of the NALC. While the amount work in our own stations might decline, carriers are still being mandated to work more than what they signed up for. Article 8s are repeatedly being violated in most stations because of inappropriate Management actions of sending carriers out to other stations with clear disregard to the employees’ safety. Not only that Article 8s and the Letter Carrier Paragraph are violated, but there are MOUs at the national level that are being ignored by Management on a daily basis. The National Parties agreed that Temporary Assignments to Other Post Offices will not be in effect for the duration of M-01915 which means “to minimize the possibility of exposure to the coronavirus or the possibility of unknowingly spreading the coronavirus to a larger portion of the workforce by working in multiple facilities, to the extent possible all city letter carriers will work in their employing facility.” But Management does not even care. In fact, there has been situations where Management does not tell the employees who are being mandated and sent to other offices, the reason for them being sent out is understaffing in that particular office due to COVID. Due to management’s careless actions and disregard of employees’ well-being, some employees have decided to voluntarily terminate their employment. An employee stated, it was very stressful. She was scared for her safety, management was very unprepared, and even though she tried to refuse being sent out to other offices due to COVID concerns and while being on an opt in her own station, she was still forced to go against her will on numerous occasions. The amount of grievances will be increasing due to these blatant violations. In fact, the in the month of December 2020, positive cases of COVID related illnesses in our district alone have tripled in numbers. However, the only number that Management is concerned about is their own numbers. Year after year, your Union pushes Management to hire more people before the peak season starts. Somehow, that idea just keeps going in one ear and out the other. It doesn’t appear that management has not, nor will it learn that staffing has been the main issue for a very long time yet, it fails to address it. Let us all hope for a better year with the new contract and new administration at Capitol Hill. In solidarity.
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Branch 1111 News
January 2021
One of our many Leaders that really cares about her Carriers By Terrence Lee Super, Fourth Vice President
One of the strongest Stewards we have in the District, Bonnie Taxera has stepped up again by earning her credentials as a Chief Shop Steward for Livermore. Veteran Chief Stewards will tell you in a second that not only is being a Chief one of the most difficult jobs, but it is a job that we Officers do not just hand out to anyone. One of the reasons is because the Chief takes on the bulk of the responsibilities when it comes to filing and appealing grievances, and writing the positions on cases that management does not want to agree on when they are forwarded to the Step B Team. When these cases are denied at the Formal Step A Level, the Chief has a HUGE responsibility to make sure that when responding all Union arguments are made and all of managements arguments are rebutted. If that is not done, the Union could lose that case! Again, this is not a responsibly we can afford to just give to anyone, and Bonnie has earned this great responsibility to represent her Carriers at this capacity. I am extremely proud of the work that she has done costing Livermore management close to $50,000 in grievance settlements in 2020 alone! Carriers do not see what goes into processing that many grievances and unfortunately some Carriers can be very unappreciative of that. Please take the time and thank ALL Stewards for the hard work they do because we have had REALLY GOOD Stewards quit because of how fellow carriers treated them after they had done so much for them. So again please be patient with your Stewards, and if something isn’t done IMMEDIATELY after you bring an issue to their attention give them a few days to investigate it and get back to you because believe me they are doing the best they can to get issues resolved. Thank you, Bonnie, for your perseverance, and your diligent work. Congratulations on being promoted as Livermore’s new Chief Shop Steward…………
Livermore Chief Shop Steward Bonnie Taxera
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Representing the carriers at the Livermore Post Office is a challenging but rewarding job. I am proud to represent such a dedicated and hardworking group of carriers. I am still learning new things every day here, and I really enjoy the challenge of writing positions at the Formal A level now. I hope going into this new year we will see a lot of positive changes at the USPS, and I hope to be a part of making that happen. -Bonnie Taxera
HAPPY NEW YEARS TO EVERYONE By Berkeley Chief Steward, Liz Corriea
Here is wishing all my brothers and sisters in Branch 1111 a Happy New Year. It’s amazing how time flies by. 2020 has come and gone, and what a year it was, with too much craziness all over the world. Let’s hope that 2021 brings some positive changes. Unfortunately COVID 19 is still with us, and maybe here for a while, so please practice safety at all times. Keep wearing your masks and washing your hands. Take whatever time is needed to clean your vehicle daily. You must look out for yourself, because the Post Office isn’t going to. We all are responsible for keeping each other safe, so do your part. Recently a member shared with me a story about a carrier in another city not wearing his mask. If this happened here, I would definitely report it. You can report it on a PS Form 1767. Once you fill it out, you hand it to a supervisor to get their signature and get your receipt immediately. Your supervisor should have a response for you by the end of your tour, possibly sooner. If not, then I would recommend reporting this kind of incident to your Shop Steward, so that a possible grievance can be initiated. Not wearing a mask should not be acceptable anywhere. Do not fear to report it. It is everybody’s duty to keep each other safe. Berkeley Blues Not much has been happening in Berkeley. As usual Berkeley is full of Contract violations. We Shop Stewards are busy constantly filing those grievances. Perhaps this year we’ll surpass last year’s numbers, it shouldn’t be hard to do. I keep waiting for a miracle to happen and wish Berkeley will one day be organized, WOW! Imagine that! Could that really happen? One never knows. I just don’t understand how Management does not follow the procedures that help run the Postal Service. There is a lot of work that has to been done to make that happen, and having the right people to run it, has yet to be seen. One thing that has improved, is the fact that we have more PTFs than we previously had. In fact some of our PTFs are being borrowed by other cities. How about that! So for those PTFs that are being told to report to other cities, you may want to find out why? Berkeley had suffered with shortages of carriers for so long, it is hard to envision how we now can afford to lend out the PTFs. It’s possible that more Contract violations are happening. With COVID around, it’s possible the Postal Service is being hit all over the place, and carriers are needed to help where there are drastic shortages. Be safe and keeping doing what’s right. Knowledge is Power!
January 2021
The Dead Cannot Deliver the Mail By Francisco Cabrera, Second Vice President
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the NALC and USPS negotiated Memorandum of Understanding M-1915, titled: “Temporary Workplace Changes to Promote Social Distancing.” It reads in relevant part: The parties agree that in postal installations with 100 or more work years of employment, to minimize the possibility of exposure to the Coronavirus or the possibility of unknowingly spreading the Coronavirus to a larger portion of the workforce by working in multiple facilities, to the extent possible all city letter carriers will work in their employing facility for the duration of this agreement. In addition, to the extent possible the Memorandum of Understanding RE: City Carrier Assistants – Temporary Assignments to other Post Offices will not be in effect for the duration of this agreement. In Postal Installations with less than l00 work years of employment, work in facilities other than the letter carrier’s employing facility should be limited to where they routinely worked prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now we have CCA, PTF and even regular carriers working outside of their employing office at record, never before seen levels. Some newly hired employees have hardly ever worked at their office of hire and have been working at another facility for weeks and even months straight. What was the purpose of this National Memorandum? Due to Management hiding positive hits, refusing to clean certain facilities and constantly parroting company mantra that NOBODY HAS CONTRACTED THE COVID-19 VIRUS FROM WORK…We now have over 70 reported positive hits in the Bay Valley District alone. (probably dozens more have gone unreported). It is more likely than not that this number is highly inaccurate though, as the Postal Service like any dictatorship, has consistently lied and covered up positive hits, as well as their inappropriate response to their cleaning and disinfecting requirements. Since the first OSHA complaint I filed, the Postal Service has improved in providing PPE, but their overall policy has not and will not ever change. The delivery of the mail is the only thing of importance to USPS management, not the safety and much less the health of its employees. So brothers and sisters what is to be done? Nobody can force you to go work in a facility where you feel unsafe. Let me repeat that, -- “Nobody can force you to go work in a facility where you feel unsafe.” This was addressed in the questions and answers titled “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQs March 2020” which the Postal Service provided to all employees and one of the questions on page 4 of this document stated: Q: I want to go home. I don't feel safe to work here now.
Branch 1111 News A: Employees who do not feel safe working the facility may be allowed to take emergency annual leave or leave without pay, to the extent feasible. The Postal Service will follow a liberal leave usage policy for employees. In addition, it is my position that you can refuse to work in other offices or facilities, in violation of the above memorandum based on safety. So again I ask, what was the purpose of the above memorandum if it wasn’t to be vigorously enforced at all levels of the USPS and the NALC? Locally however, we have received back several Step B Decisions which uphold the stated purpose of the above Memo, which was to “minimize the possibility of exposure to the Coronavirus or the possibility of unknowingly spreading the Coronavirus to a larger portion of the workforce”. Some decisions at the local level have even paid a monetary remedy to the carriers that have been forced to work in other facilities. Understanding that a popular stance may not always be the right one, and that the right stance will never be popular, I am committed to continue to support you brothers and sisters as we face the ravages of this pandemic together, both with my physical and virtual presence. In Solidarity with you!
William Shaw, Richmond McVittie,, happy to be at the clock for the last time
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Branch 1111 News
Additional Benefits of Union Membership By Julie McCormick Third Vice President
Beyond being a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and all the benefits that come with the NALC membership such as OWCP representation, etc. Your union membership goes far beyond the NALC. www.unionplus.org has a list of benefits for labor union members across the country. Some of the highlights include a free college benefit! In partnership with the AFSCME, the union plus free college benefit makes it possible for you and your family members to earn an associate degree completely online for free! There is also a bachelors degree program if you are eligible to earn your BA for free as well. This bachelors degree program is in partnership with Central State University! There are also home and auto buying programs for union members! If you are in the market to buy a house or a new car, these are definitely options you want to check out. One
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January 2021
mortgage option is the Union Plus mortgage company which is a union owned company that offers many loan options and competitive rates with conventional, FHA, and VA loans. You can also be eligible to receive gift cards for closing for purchasing or refinancing and also an additional gift. The Union Plus program also offers many shopping and retail discounts such as discounted cell phone and internet plans, retail shopping discounts, car rental, hotels, movie tickets, restaurants, etc! You work hard for your money as a letter carrier and union member, why not ensure you are receiving the best discounts and rates you are entitled to through union membership? This is just a snapshot at some of the benefits outside of the NALC of being a union member. There are no additional fees for signing up through the Union Plus website, there are no hidden costs, nothing! Your membership goes far beyond just being a letter carrier.
January 2021
Branch 1111 News
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Branch 1111 News
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January 2021
Branch 1111 News
NALC Branch 1111 Balance Sheet As of December 30, 2020 ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts 100 - Petty Cash 213.96 126 PPCU-50 116,234.04 Mechanics Bank Accounts 143,376.28 PPCU-Acct 70 25,619.59 United Bank Accounts 375,414.00 Total Bank Accounts $660,857.87 Other Current Assets Total Current Other Assets $848,804.56 Total Current Assets $1,509,662.43 Fixed Assets 189 - Accumulated Depreciation -127,446.57 190 - Accum Deprec - Furn./Eq. -68,743.00 191 - Accum Deprec - Computer Eq. -11,561.00 192 - Accum Deprec - Copier -6,896.60 193 - Accum Deprec - Building/Improv-153,573.66 197 - Accum Deprec - Storage Shed -430.00 198 - Accum Deprec – Prior -61,391.17 Total Fixed Assets $- 430,042.00 TOTAL ASSETS $1,079,620.43
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January 2021 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Total Liabilities Net Revenue 3900 Unrestricted Net Assets Equity
15,783.17 86,754.01 977,083.25 $1,063,837.26
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$1079,620.43
Pittsburg's Anthony Jackson proudly displays his "2020 Letter Carrier Survival Kit" and a parcel on his last day before transferring to Modesto. Branch 1111 wishes him good luck!
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CONCORD CA Permit 1
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS GREATER EAST BAY BRANCH 1111 402 –37TH STREET RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA 94805- 2134 (510) 237-5111
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
John Brickley Hose Espinoza Silas Ziglar Akaisha Lloyd Alan So Syed Mohsin Manuela Quezada Vanessa Mazurek Ronald Barker Jaron Chong Jordan Hall Christian Obregon Mhelmher Adao Houcher Hamza Stephanie Gross Almae Joachim Sarmila Dahal Alan Gallardo Alexander Aguiar Diwakar Baniya Gianni Benecchi Andrew Bracker Allison Harger Abraham Ibarra Ezekiel Miller Huy Miou Melvin Julian Lumus Russell IV Salmazteca Alvarez Ram Giri Calvin Phetsoumphou Luis Vega Rodriguez Jazzmyne Ariza Jose Bellorin Lucia Quinonez Adrian Rojas Christopher Mendoza
Alameda Alameda Antioch Berkeley Concord Concord Concord Danville Danville Fremont Fremont Fremont Fremont Lafayette Livermore Martinez Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Rodeo
Shirley Tierney Quynh Le Renee Keller Llaguno Fernando Jocelyn Rivera Janice Robins Rohit Khanna
Suisun City Suisun City Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Walnut Creek
Concord Carrier Steve Robinson retiring after 32+ years of service including the last 10 on the Dispute Resolution Team. Branch 1111 wishes him well on his transition from tension to pension!
On January 26, the Branch will hold a virtual Informational Meeting. Call the Branch Office at 510-237-5111 if you’re interested in taking part.