Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Volume 41 Number 468
August 2021
Robert Rutter 1941-2021 We are saddened to announce the passing of a key founder of Branch 1111 and our first President
Branch 1111 News
August 2021
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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-Hercules, 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, Mary Phelps, Terrence Super, Keith Massey, Jacob Morgan, Jimmie Braden Jr. 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
August 2021
Branch 1111 News
NOMINATIONS AT NEXT BRANCH MEETING In-person Branch meetings will resume at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 24. But members will also be able to be present by “virtual.” means. An important item on the agenda will be the nominations for the upcoming election of all Branch officers for the next two years. All nominated candidates for office must be present at the meeting or signify in writing their willingness to serve if elected. Nominations for delegates to the State and National conventions will also be held. The election will be conducted by secret mail ballots in September, with the results announced at the October 26, 2021 General Membership meeting.
Branch 1111 founding member Dixie Copeland after whom our Richmond Branch office building is named. As Cal State District Officer, he was instrumental in encouraging the consolidation of the various East Bay Branches into what is now the Greater East Bay Branch 1111.
The Branch Turns 40 This month our Branch turns 40. In 1981, ten independent Bay Area Letter Carrier branches joined together to form Greater East Bay Branch 1111. At first we were called the “Brentwood Branch,” after the first city to ratify the merger. However, that proved short lived as there is another Brentwood near Los Angeles, and National Letter Carrier Officials suggested “Richmond” would serve as a better identity for the branch. Since then the Branch has expanded to 30 cities. (More details about the founding of our union are on page 10)
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU! The following carriers retired recently: Pedro Yonocruz of Pittsburg, Lilibeth Pato and Mario Rodriguez of Antioch, Michel McIntyre and Enrique Hernandez of Concord, Paul Skinner of Walnut Creek, Stephen Harris and Victoryn De Paola of San Ramon, Kiet Huynh of Oakland, Victor Wong, Ramon Estepa and Harpreet Kohli of Fremont. We wish many years of leisure to all.
In Sympathy
Branch 1111 was informed that retiree Richard Augusta of Antioch passed away in June, 2021. He was 81. Our condolences to his family, co-workers and friends.
Antioch carrier Mario Rodriguez joins the Last Punch Bunch after 23 years of service. We wish you all the best.
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August 2021
Our EverChanging Reality By Edward P. Fletcher, President
Last month, I wrote about us continuing to evolve in a “Post Pandemic World.” This month, we find ourselves still in the midst of the battle as new variants emerge. On July 16, 2021, the Postal Service issued a “Revised Face Covering Policy” in line with the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA, at that time. In short, only those USPS employees that have not been “fully vaccinated” were directed to wear masks, except where required by Federal, State, local, tribal, or territory laws, rules, and regulations, including business and workplace guidance. The reality is that shortly after this policy was issued, things changed. Alameda and Contra Costa County Health Orders All of the cities that we represent in Branch 1111 fall under the jurisdiction of the following Counties in the State of California: Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano. Our Branch office is located in the City of Richmond, which is part of Contra Costa County. On August 02, 2021, the health Officer of Contra Costa County issued an order regarding face coverings that stated, “all persons regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated against a COVID-19 vaccine or not fully vaccinated, shall wear face coverings over their nose and mouth in all indoor public settings in the County. For the purpose of this Order, public settings include but are not limited to business offices, retail stores, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meeting rooms…etc.” On August 3, 2021, the County of Alameda issued a similar order which stated, “This Order requires all individuals within the County of Alameda County to wear face coverings when indoors in the workplace and public setting…etc.” As far as Solano County, the Public Health Officer is “strongly recommending” community members to wear face coverings while in public to reduce the release of infectious COVID-19 particles in the air.
Branch 1111 News
3) The Branch strongly requests that all members who attend the in-person meetings are to be fully vaccinated, which is obtained 2 weeks after your last shot; 4) It is strongly recommend that unvaccinated members, or anyone that is unable to attend the in-person meetings, are to utilize the “Virtual Branch Meeting” option that is available to all; 5) Hand sanitizers will be available for use at the Branch meetings. Planning for 2022 This October, the Branch will hold its annual Budget Meeting for 2022, as we do every year. We will review our 2021 budget vs actual reports, expenditures, the funds needed for Branch events, payroll, bills, stewards training, conventions and restricted fund account balances. Although there were wage increases with the passage of the 2019-2023 National Agreement, the Branch had to also absorb those expenditures. Nevertheless, we are strong and look forward to a brighter future in 2022. As always, we will continue to meet our fiduciary responsibilities while providing the best representation to our members regardless of our ever-changing realities. Robert B. Rutter The Branch was saddened to hear that former Branch President Robert B. Rutter passed away on July 19, 2021. He was the first President of Branch 1111 after the 1981 merger. Robert is an icon in this Branch. He was extremely knowledgeable and a great orator who fought tirelessly for our members. Our Branch 1111 meeting Hall was named in his honor. He will be missed.
COVID-19, 20 and 21 Safety Protocols Once again, we are asking that all members who attend the August 24, 2021 Branch meeting, and any meetings thereafter, are to fully cooperate in unionism and abide by all Branch 1111 Safety Protocols to ensure the safety and health of all of us, and our families: 1) Masks are to be worn by all members at the Branch meetings; 2) Temperature readings maybe be taken of those who attend the meetings; 4
President Ed Fletcher views historic Postal display at the Sacramento USPS District Office. He drove a similar vehicle during his carrier career.
August 2021
For Whom the Bell Tolls? By Jose Ochoa, Executive Vice President
WORKPLACE ISSUES Enforcing heat safety rules Here are some resources for enforcement of heat safety rules. Background: On July 24, 2012, Brother John Watzlawick, an Independence, MO, letter carrier, lost his life as a direct result of heat illness. An extensive investigation was conducted by OSHA and the office of Region 5 National Business Agent Dan Pittman. On Dec. 12, 2012, OSHA issued a citation (Inspection #538158) labeled as "Willful" (click here for a copy). USPS challenged the citation. A trial was scheduled before Judge Peggy Ball of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission in February of 2014. A decision was issued by Judge Ball on Sept. 10, 2014 (copy of decision). In May of 2015, the Postal Service and NALC bargained the “Heat Abatement Program” for the Independence, MO post office (M-01860). Carriers have asked a number of questions about M-01860 and its application outside the Independence post office. Please see this July 2, 2015, document for NALC's official position on the relevance of M-01860 outside of Independence (copy of letter). Heat safety training material OSHA has prepared a 41-page “All in One Heat Guide” that you can download by clicking here. The first page of the guide advises as follows: OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in hot environments. Nonetheless, under the OSH Act, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace, including heat-related hazards. This guide helps employers and worksite supervisors prepare and implement hot weather plans. It explains how to use the heat index to determine when extra precautions are needed at a worksite to protect workers from environmental contributions to heat-related illness. Workers performing strenuous activity, workers using heavy or non-breathable protective clothing, and workers who are new to an outdoor job need additional precautions beyond those warranted by heat index alone. In addition to the above training material provided by OSHA, the USPS has issued a number of instructions as follows: In May of 2014, the USPS distributed a Mandatory Stand-up Talk for Supervisors, which required that they train themselves on heat safety, train their employees, monitor the weather, acclimate employees to the heat and have a plan in place to respond to the needs of employees during heat advisories. On May, 8, 2015, the USPS issued a Mandatory Safety Talk titled “Beat the Heat, Stay Cool.”.
Branch 1111 News The May 28, 2015 Postal Bulletin 22416 and the July 23, 2015 Postal Bulletin 22420 include a heat safety message. In the event that a shop steward or branch officer wishes to investigate management action (or lack of action) related to a heat abatement program in your office, you may use this form to request information. Smartphone heat safety tool: NALC recommends that all letter carriers download OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool (an app for Android devices and iPhones) to their smartphones. The app includes a quick way to calculate the heat index and see appropriate protective measures that should be taken before someone gets hurt. Download Heat Safety Tool for smartphones here. Filing an OSHA complaint: In the event that you feel it necessary to file a complaint with OSHA over management’s failure to protect letter carriers in your office from the harm of extreme heat, click here to see your options on how to file. Anti-retaliation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act, at Section 11 (c), mandates that No person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding or because of the exercise by such employee on behalf of himself or others of any right afforded by this Act. If you believe that management has retaliated against you, you have the right to file a whistleblower complaint within the 30-day time limit provided for postal employees. All of the information necessary to file a whistleblower complaint can be found here. https://www.nalc.org/workplace-issues/resources Utilize the search feature to locate information for your specific issue. Sadly, our Branch has lost a pillar, a founder and first president, without him this branch wouldn’t exist. May you rest in peace brother Robert Rutter
Want to Save the Branch Some Money?
Tired of receiving your paper copy of the Branch newspaper? Two copies coming to your house? Prefer viewing it on our website? Good news! You can now opt out of a paper delivery and we’ll email you when the new electronic edition has been uploaded. Email joshpbranch1111@gmail.com or call the Branch at 510-237-5111 to make the switch and save some $ in printing costs for Branch 1111.
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Branch 1111 News
Medical Restrictions By Narciso Paderanga, IV, First Vice President
The M-01807, USPS Letter to Area Vice Presidents, March 19, 2012, Subject: Employee Medical Restrictions states that “When craft employees provide medical documentation indicating that they have a disability and cannot work more than eight hours, or that they require other accommodations that may impact their ability to deliver the mail in an efficient manner, this can be challenging for a manager with limited resources who is trying to move the mail. However, the answer is neither to work disabled employees outside of their restrictions, nor to discipline them for being unable to complete their route. Significant liability may result from those courses of action.” In addition, certain USPS handbooks and manuals require Management to place injured employees in an assignment that accommodates his or her medical restrictions. Therefore, if you have medical restrictions, you should follow them strictly. Do not let Management assign you any work that is outside or more than your specified restrictions. Management has always tried to push the limits. Unfortunately, there has been employees who allowed Management to do so. Each time Management attempts to work you beyond your medical restrictions, request to see your Steward or contact your Full-Time Officer immediately. Supervisors and Managers come and go. It is encouraged that you always keep a copy of your most recent medical restrictions. Each time you provide a new medical document, Management has the obligation to provide you with a new limited duty job offer consistent with your restriction. In the case of a medical restriction relevant to an offduty injury, you must request in writing for a temporary assignment to a light duty or other assignment addressed to the Postmaster. This request also must be supported by a medical statement from a licensed physician or by a medical statement from a licensed chiropractor stating, when possible, the anticipated duration. If possible, make sure your doctor clarifies that the restrictions you have are for “work only” or for work and home or for normal daily routine. To avoid having to deal with possible complications or adverse actions, simply refrain from violating your restrictions at all times. There have been numerous occasions when OIGs or Postal Inspectors have watched and video-taped injured employees at their place of residence or outside of work. Subsequently, the doctors and local management were notified and were shown their findings. 6
August 2021
If the Service determines a violation of your medical restrictions exists, it will likely issue a severe discipline or even a Notice of Removal. This is more common in situations where a carrier is placed completely off work or where restrictions are so severe that the carrier is unable to be provided with limited duty work, then is found to be doing things that violate his or her medical restrictions outside of work. We can easily make Management accountable for violating medical restrictions, however, it will be a challenge to defend a carrier who is proven to have violated his or her medical restrictions while on a totally temporary disability. Remembering Robert Rutter Former Branch 1111 President Robert Rutter was one of the best if not the best in dealing with issues relevant to limited and light duty. He was a master of defending our brothers and sisters from the USPS National Reassessment Process or NRP. But that’s not all. Robert was a great leader, a teacher, and a mentor. His knowledge of the National Agreement was extraordinary. There was a point in time when I believed all he cared about was his job at the Branch. I know that he will be greatly missed by not only our members but also by Postal Management whom he worked with in the past. Robert was well known and highly respected by the NALC at the local, regional and also at the National level as well as by the USPS throughout the District. I want to thank you for being a part in helping me get my career started with Branch 1111 and the NALC. Thank you for everything you did for Branch 1111 and all its members! May you rest in peace Brother.
West Grand Carrier Annex retiree Lorenzo Romabiles Jr. receives his plaque and check from FTO Narciso Padarenga acknowledging his 39 years of service. We wish you well on your next chapter.
August 2021
Robert Rutter By Francisco Cabrera, Second Vice President
Robert was a mentor to me in more than Union matters. He taught me many things, some of which you may not understand. For example; when he was a shop steward in his unit, he would go up to his supervisors first thing in the morning and tell him/her what they were doing wrong, and what he was going to do about it. Why? He said that way management would focus all their aggression and animosity on him “right off the bat”, thereby becoming the target of their aggression, alleviating the harassment of the other carriers. He said that’s what a steward is supposed to do. “Assumptions are the mother of all F#*ck Ups” Although comical and a bit brash, how true these words have proven to be over and over again in every aspect of life. Robert was a true unionist; he always had his Union brothers and sisters backs. Once against much opposition, he had my back, allowing me to work at the Branch when I was unjustly suspended and fired from the Postal Service due to my aggressive Union activity and a little grandstanding on my part. He called it “foolish bravado”. Even other officers of Branch 1111 opposed him in this due to the cost involved. He said “Unions help each other in times of need and that’s what I am going to do”. Robert is the reason I am now a Full-Time Officer, although this was never my goal. He helped me to qualify for the position, when he recommended to the National Business Agent that I be trained for the Step B Dispute Resolution Team. There are many other accomplishments and wonderful things Robert did for many people steeped in lore of kindness as he was. When negotiating resolutions for the carriers, he knew what he wanted and he knew how to get it, and I am proud to say in this respect his legacy lives on.
Unauthorized Overtime By: Berkeley Chief Steward Liz Corriea
So many carriers do not understand what it means when you have unauthorized overtime, -- do you? In the event you don't it's when you do overtime without permission. How do you get permission to do overtime? When you feel that you cannot complete your route within the allotted time, then you need to request PS Form 3996. The 3996 is self-explanatory, if you read on the back you should find a set of instructions to follow, unless Management gives you only a one-sided copy, then you won't find those instructions at all. It is your responsibility to complete this PS
Branch 1111 News Form 3996 to the best of your ability. Then you must submit it to your immediate supervisor for a response. Before you leave to the streets, hopefully your supervisor has informed you and given back your PS Form 3996 so that you will know whether you were approved for the overtime. If you do not hear from your supervisor, I would ask before leaving to the streets, so that you know what to do. If your supervisor doesn't give you instructions, and you leave to the streets before finding out if you were approved or disapproved, you should probably call back to get further instructions. Every office has a set of guidelines, you need to find out what your office has as their policy. Sometimes you might be challenged by Management about getting a PS Form 3996. Remember this, -- you cannot be denied Form 3996 if requested. However, Management does not have to approve your Form 3996. You may have to explain why you feel you need overtime. Management most likely will follow their DOIS program that may determine if you are undertime, therefore you can help elsewhere and so forth. In fact, I was recently challenged with it. I was told I had so much steward time and had enough time to complete my route. We'll the math did not match up, and I had to bring back mail. Of course, I called back first, filled out a PS Form 3996, and a PS Form 1571 for the mail brought back. There are many situations, if you are on a restriction, be sure not to violate it at all. Hopefully you will educate yourself on the proper way to fill out a Form 3996. Keep in mind if you go past the end of your tour, you should be authorized for that time. If not, then it's considered unauthorized unless you completed a 3996. Some offices, Management will lead you to do wrong, I have witnessed supervisors tell carriers to be back by 8:00. There is no PS 3996. The carrier has been given permission to do overtime without asking for it. Who's to say the next day Management may question you about it. Play it safe. If you need it, ask for it, by submitting a Form 3996, and if you are giving auxiliary assistance then there should always have a completed PS Form 3996. attached to the mail. Berkeley Blues I am pretty sure we are the leader of the most unorganized place to work. Why is that? Come visit and you will find out. We have the Berkeley Bullies working here, and our new supervisors are being trained to be a bully, like our leaders in Management. Our office is mismanaged, I am still waiting for that miracle to happen where overtime is onlyfor those carriers who are on the overtime list. That those carriers who wish not to be are able to spend time with their families or by themselves, enjoying the pleasures of life. At this point it's just a dream. I guess I like to dream BIG. "Knowledge is Power." 7
Branch 1111 News
August 2021 1111 will ever know and a true friend". Branch 1111 is successful in serving its membership mainly because of our first Branch President and the standards he set! Thank you Robert!
My Time with President Rutter By Charles L. Thompson, retired former Executive Vice-President, Branch 1111, NALC
Remembering Robert Rutter By Jerry DePoe, President Emeritus
I have made many good friends since I started with the Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. Those who passed away have caused much sadness in my heart. Those who I was fortunate enough to work with as union representative hurt the most. Robert Rutter was an extremely emotional loss. Robert was the first President for Branch 1111. At that time I was learning about being a union representative. Robert was always available to offer advice. As a result, many Letter Carriers' jobs were improved because of Robert. As time went by and my Branch 4607 Union City, which I was fortunate to represent, voted to merge with Branch 1111. The Branch 1111 membership allowed me to represent them at the same time as Robert was an officer. Robert offered me daily advice and his knowledge paid off by me winning grievances which paid tons of money and other remedies. Many Letter Carriers won their jobs back and we shared drinks as we watched them retire. After I retired, Robert ran again for the position of Branch President. Of course, the membership awarded him with that position. Robert is the only Letter Carrier to hold the Presidency twice for Branch 1111. Those of us who were lucky enough to listen to Robert speak at classes or Branch meetings knew Robert never paid attention to the time on the clock. Many of us joked that if you asked Robert a question, he would begin his answer by telling you how to build a clock. Robert provided us with thousands of wonderful memories. When Robert retired, the membership voted to title our meeting site the "Robert Rutter Hall" and placed a plaque about the two doors to that hall. True friends are always available when you need them, whether to comfort, support, congratulate or just listen. Robert was indeed a true friend who always cared about letter carriers. I will always remember Robert as a true friend, and as the most intelligent Letter Carrier and Branch 1111 Full Time Officer our Union ever had or will have. This was the most difficult article I have ever written. In closing: "Robert was the best Union Representative Branch 8
On Tuesday July 20, 2021 I received word of the passing of Robert Rutter, the first President of NALC Branch 1111. It was quite a shock to receive such news even though I had not been in contact with Robert for many years following my retirement from union activities and my relocation to Las Vegas, Nevada. My time and association with Robert covered approximately 30 years, beginning at the time when he was President of the Oakland chapter of the NALC and I was the Shop Steward for Elmwood Station in Berkeley. I would observe Robert from a distance during training sessions sponsored by the Business Agents office and was impressed with the knowledge he showed of the National Agreement, postal handbooks, and the like. Our working relationship would come about after the 1981 merger that created Branch 1111 and Robert becoming our first Branch President. I recall how Robert, as Branch President, established a foundation and set a tone of excellence that propelled this branch forward. The NALC Branch 1111 that exists today came from that beginning. This Branch and its membership have benefited greatly from Robert's early leadership. During the course of our working relationship as Branch Officers, which was very strong, I recall fondly the two trips that he, Jerry DePoe, and myself had while traveling, by automobile, across t.he country First from Oakland to St Louis, Missouri and a few years later from Oakland to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to attend National Conventions. Robert was, without a doubt, instrumental in my becoming the Employee Involvement (E. I.) Officer for Branch 1111 and later becoming the Branch's first Field Representative. Both were full-time union positions. I am very sorry to learn of his passing and I send my deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife Caroline and family. The Branch has lost a true solder.
President Rutter, May 1982
Branch 1111 News
August 2021
President Robert Rutter By Ron Jones, California State Association of Letter Carriers Vice President and Oakland Shop Steward
With great sadness, I extend my condolences to the family of Robert Rutter, the former president of this Branch. The California State Association of Letter Carriers offer theirs as well. Robert was my Branch President in Oakland before the formation of Branch 1111. The first thing I observed about Robert, as I was a young man just entering the Postal Service, was his loyalty and devotion to carriers and the NALC. I grew up in a union household and had a good understanding of what a union representative should be. Robert met that standard and surpassed it. Years later, I became a shop steward and worked with Robert, and I must say it was pure joy to watch him in action. His knowledge of postal policy, our National Agreement, and postal regulations was second to none. At time, I did not think it was humanly possible for someone to remember as much as Robert did, quoting the contract, regulations, and policy accurately, like it was second nature to him. It was no doubt that he loved the work he was doing, and it showed by his passion to protect carriers in their time of need. On behalf of the members of this Branch, both past and present, a debt of gratitude is owed to Robert for what he did to make Branch 1111 one of the best in California and the nation. It was an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with him over the years. May God bless Robert and his family in their time of sorrow.
President Rutter chairs a Branch meeting
With Chris Jackson at the 2011 State Convention
Robert Rutter was the first president of NALC Branch 1111. He served from July 1981 through June 1983. He also served as president from November 2009 through October 2013. March 2013 Save 6 Day Delivery speech by President Rutter
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Branch 1111 News
How Branch 1111 Was Formed By Matt Hurley, Berkeley retiree
In the middle to the late 1970s, MERGER was the name of the game for the NALC. Smaller branches were merging with larger branches across the nation. The promise of better representation was compelling to smaller struggling branches with limited personnel and/or funds. This was also appreciated at the national level of the NALC due to the economic gain in dealing with fewer offices but with no loss in membership. In 1978, the California State Association of Letter Carriers (CSALC) was set to reduce the number of State Officers. The counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, and Napa would henceforth be served by one State Officer instead of the five officers of earlier times. At that year’s CSALC Convention, Richmond and Berkeley branches led a movement to unite our District behind State Officer Dixie Copeland. In the caucus of our new district Verle Craven (Richmond) and Matt Hurley (Berkeley) sought to persuade the caucus that the bloodletting of five officers vying for one position endangered any notion of unity later; most of the newly drawn district was already in Copeland’s old district; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, so a unified vote puts the victor in a stronger position to work on our behalf. Robert Rutter (Oakland Branch President) stated that his delegation was bound to their branch resolution to vote for their three state officers Phil Wong, Roy Allen, and Betty Hicks. Hurley (Berkeley Branch President) suggested that in view of everything already stated, it was hoped that the three Oakland officers would withdraw from the election leaving Oakland free to vote for Copeland. So, for the sake of UNITY, they did withdraw their names from the ballot. Dave Fernandez, State officer from Fremont and Union City refused to withdraw his name and lost in a very, very lopsided election. After the cooperation at the Convention and returning to our local branches, we began the work of exploring merger possibilities. It was soon apparent that any mergers in our district would be a remote possibility at best. Most, if not all, of the individual branches within our area were in reasonably good shape and not in any dire straits that were PUSHING them to merge. The loss of identity and independence, the loss of their treasury and funds (i.e., convention fund for delegate compensation), fear of corruption, and fear that a larger branch might weaken the unity of their old branch, were some of the very real concerns expressed in explaining a hesitancy to merge. Often though it was simply a matter of pride. So early on we realized that accepting the bylaws and rules etc. of another branch was a stumbling block too tall to overcome. So, we switched gears to pursue "consolidation" rather than "merger". 10
August 2021 A “consolidation” meant two or more branches would unite to form a new branch with its own new bylaws. Having chosen a “consolidation” as the means to unification and moving forward, we had to create new bylaws. Originally, we had several of the local branch presidents involved but it rapidly narrowed down to state officer Dixie Copeland, President Verle Craven (Richmond), President Robert Rutter (Oakland), and President Matt Hurley (Berkeley). We wanted the best bylaws possible and hopefully, if we did it right, then we would have eliminated any needs for constant revision. We collected several sets of bylaws from the most successful branches in California. These were read, digested, discussed, and then picked over keeping anything we liked for our new bylaws, plus our own ideas (e.g., area stewards), and discarding the rest. That process took many nights of meetings and a lot of time to complete. Our new proposed bylaws were submitted to National NALC for approval and then we began the process of selling our creation, -- a new consolidated branch -- to every large and small branch in our new district. The next couple of months were spent with the four of us going to numerous branch meetings, explaining everything, and answering all questions. Frequent concerns raised by the listeners were primarily financially motivated. • "What would become of the various funds in the treasuries of each branch?" • "What would the union dues become, would all new branches pay the same dues or their old dues?” • “How much money would be brought into the new branch by those joining the consolidation? • "Where would branch meetings be held?" • "Where would our office/offices be located?" In anticipation of consolidation, every branch was free to choose how it would proceed. Some threw parties to spend their funds rather than just transferring all funds to the new branch. Berkeley voted to raise their union dues to the prevailing highest rate in the proposed consolidation area. If Berkeley voted “no” on the consolidation, at least we would be in a much stronger financial position. We did not spend our funds but gave everything to the new branch. I believe Richmond spent some of their funds on a party, but also as the seed money to eventually buy our own building. Finally, all branches (representing over 30 towns and cities) voted “yes” or “no” to joining our new consolidated branch. When the dust settled, ten former branches voted YES. They were: Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Brentwood, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Martinez, and Moraga In honor of the first branch to vote YES, Brentwood was originally named as our designated city. Since Branch 1100 in Southern California exemplified the finest of the NALC, I requested that our branch be numbered "Branch 1111" in the belief we would someday be even bigger and better than the best of that day. Since the consolidation of the first 10 branches, we have now grown to 30 cities and are certainly widely respected and praised for our many successes and achievements.
August 2021
The Postal Service needs to Make a Decision, and Quickly! By: Terrence Lee Super, Fourth Vice President
For the last 15 or more years the attrition rate for CCAs and more currently PTFs have been at a horrific 50 to 60%, meaning more than half of the CCAs and PTFs who get hired quit within a couple of months, sometimes sooner! I touched on this in my last article, but if the Postal Service doesn’t start addressing as to why this is happening (even though the Union already knows), the attrition rate could reach up to 70 to 80%. This would be detrimental to the service of our customers and to the USPS in general because there will literally be NO ONE to deliver the mail. Carriers with 30 years or more are retiring and there are not enough people being hired to fill those spots! You all know me by now, I don’t just like to vent or complain about certain things without reasonable solutions, which I and all my fellow Officers will bring to the District’s attention when we have our quarterly meeting. One of the things I feel needs to be addressed first is the number of days in a row CCAs/PTFs should be worked, pretty much every CCA/PTF that I tried to keep from quitting says that they are being worked 13+ hours a day and 9 to 10 days straight without a day off and that they can’t do it anymore. Also, being treated with dignity and respect has somehow gone out the window. These new Supervisor’s and 204bs (who at one time have been carriers themselves) are treating the new CCAs/PTFs like they are NOT human beings. They are not machines that work all day, every day without getting tired. It is absolutely unreasonable to think that they are! So, the District must address the number of days and hours these new hires are working. So, what about the high seniority carriers, the ones that have 20 or more years in, and who are tired of being mandated overtime every day. They have expressed to me that their bodies can’t take the long hours anymore? Therefore, a lot of the senior carriers are retiring sooner than they originally wanted to. This is detrimental as well because they know their routes better than the new people. Hence, mail is taking longer to deliver because the seasoned carriers are retiring, and the new people are still in the learning phase, and they’re being overworked. This is nothing new as you all know, but until these vital things are addressed, this will cause the USPS to continue to spiral out of control!
Branch 1111 News Despite all of this, I am extremely optimistic about the future of the USPS. If both parties (USPS/NALC) can find common ground and make decisions that will fix these above issues without compromising our Contract, we will thrive. We can also get the staffing we need, so that everyone will be able to work reasonable hours and have days off to rest and recuperate, which is not a lot to ask if you think about it. But in order to do that, the USPS needs to make a decision on what they should do………sorry, what they HAVE to do! As always, stay safe, stay positive and we will get through this.
Developing Our Leaders for the Future By: Julie McCormick Third Vice President
The Postal Service and the Letter Carrier demographic are changing. Currently, the majority of all active Letter Carriers were previously CCAs. Carriers who are eligible to retire are retiring and these vacant positions are being filled with the next generation of letter carriers. All of us have a duty as letter carriers and union representatives to develop the future of the Postal Service and the NALC. Here are some steps you can take to fulfill your duty to help in the development in the future of the USPS and NALC. Empower those around you. You can do this by encouraging new employees to attend union meetings, sharing tips and tricks you have learned as a carrier and/or steward. If someone is doing something wrong, explain to them why it is wrong and show them the right way, take time, and have patience. If we share knowledge and empower everyone around us, we are stronger as a whole. Acknowledge and appreciate people. Did your T6 finish all your Advo while you were off? If so, thank them! Did another carrier drop off a package for you that may have been missed? Thank them! Give people credit and recognition for the awesome things they do. Something simple like just saying, “thank you” or telling someone you appreciate them and something they did will instill motivation and sense of a job well done. We all know Management isn’t great at this but there is no reason we can’t acknowledge and appreciate people. Lastly, inspire others. You can do this by encouraging a culture of gratitude, which circles back to acknowledging and appreciating people. We all know in some offices that the Postal Service doesn’t necessarily foster a culture of gratitude. But again, that does not mean we as Letter Carriers, Stewards, and Union Representatives have to follow the same path. When people are inspired and appreciated, this leads to increased productivity and morale. We have the power to set the example for the future. 11
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August 2021
August 2021
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August 2021
August 2021
NALC Branch 1111 Balance Sheet As of July 31, 2021 ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts 100 - Petty Cash 213.96 126 PPCU-50 166,290.77 Mechanics Bank Accounts 252,021.23 PPCU-Acct 70 25,629.21 United Bank Accounts 229,296,90 Total Bank Accounts $703,272.73 Other Current Assets Total Current Other Assets $0.00 Total Current Assets $703,272.73 Fixed Assets 189 - Accumulated Depreciation -142,194.57 190 - 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 $ 404,014.56 TOTAL ASSETS $1,107,287.29
Branch 1111 News LIABILITIES & EQUITY Total Liabilities Net Revenue 3900 Unrestricted Net Assets Equity
10,736.78 -41,765.29 1,138,315.80 $1,096,550.51
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$1,107,287.29
Newly appointed Martinez Steward Danish Imam ready to meet on his first grievance!
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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 Katherina Heiny Miguel Juarez Stephanie Pira Connor Hidy Talitha Coleman Britani Orange Lenilyn Rodriguez Ahmed Bafakih Ramraj Baral Kim Chiang Evangelina Caldwell Norberto Garcia Jaskaran Kaur
Alameda Antioch Berkeley Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fremont Fremont Fremont Livermore Livermore Livermore
Sukhdeep Kaur Silva Martinez Loera Christopher Tran Warren Wergeles Imoni Johnson Jordan Wong Joshua Gallagher Tamika Sockell Melissa Alves Dorothy Watts Justin Chard Vera Maschion Reeva Maniago Boguang Zang
Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Martinez Oakland Pleasanton Richmond Richmond Richmond Rodeo-Hercules Union City Vallejo Walnut Creek
Congratulations to Benicia Million Mile Carrier Lorna Lualhati (center)
celebrating her achievement with her co-workers.
On August 24 the Branch will hold an in-person as well as a Virtual Zoom Meeting. Nominations for all Branch Offices will take place. This meeting is counted as official. Call the Branch Office at 510-237-5111 if you’re interested in taking part.