December 2019 Newsletter

Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Volume 39 Number 448

December 2019

happy holidays! from all of us at branch 1111

proudly representing the over 3000 members in: alameda, albany, antioch, benicia, berkeley, brentwood, clayton, concord, crockett, danville , el cerrito, fairfield, fremont, lafayette, livermore, martinez, moraga, oakland, orinda, pinole, pittsburg, pleasanton, richmond, san leandro, san ramon, suisun city, union city, vallejo and walnut creek

Branch 1111 News

December 2019

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 retains 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

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

BRANCH 1111 NEWS STAFF

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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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, Branch Officers, or members of National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 1111

December 2019

Branch 1111 News

Newspaper Changes The newspaper editorial staff has switched positions.

Joshua Pearl has been named editor and John Jekabson will be assisting. We wish to thank John for his 33 years and counting, work on the newspaper. His hard work was instrumental in building the foundation of the paper. During his tenure the paper has won 24 prizes for outstanding editorial and photographic submissions. John was especially honored that during his stewardship, Branch 1111 News received 10 awards from the NALC in the Union Publication General Excellence category. Finally, he asks from this point forward that any and all complaints be directed to the new editor.

Benicia carrier Perla Dionisio visits the Branch office to attend the November retirement seminar

Overtime Exclusion Period Ending All members should be aware that the Holiday overtime exclusion period ends December 27, 2019.

2020 Scholarship Opportunities Have a high school graduating senior at home? Please see page 7 for information about our Branch 1111 Scholarship, available to the children of our members.

Our Condolences The husband of Orinda carrier Darchel Turner passed away. Walnut Creek carrier Willia J e C (see page 10) passed away last month. Finally, we received word that retired EEO Officer, Leonard Baldizan passed away recently. Our deepest sympathies go out all of their families, friends and coworkers.

Get well soon!

Alameda retiree Steve Yip is ready to help Santa

Alejandro Nunez of Lafayette is hospitalized currently.

We wish him a speedy recovery.

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU! The following carriers retired recently: Vanessa Brown of Berkeley, Johnny Hedges of Union City, James Jacob, Connie Kwan, Dat Nguyen, Edgardo Tablan, Glenn Law of Oakland, Jose Iniguez of Pleasanton and Vincent Laulhati of Rodeo-Hercules. We wish many years of leisure to all!

MDA Winners At the November meething the $75 Brookfield Uniforms prize was won by Andrew Callaghan and $81 MDA 50/50 raffle won by Michael Chavez.

Feeling Generous this Holiday Season?

Please consider donating to the Letter Carrier Political Fund. Call the Branch office for details.

Reminder: No December Branch Meeting The next Branch meeting will be held January 22, 2020.

Benicia s Wilfredo and Ellen Santos at the Branch Retirement Seminar

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Branch 1111 News

PRESIDEN S VIEW

2020 and Beyond

By Edward P. Fletcher, President

It was twenty years ago when the country was worried ab Y2K a d ib e ac he b a d computer system failures, data loss and/or security glitches. Of course, that did not materialize. Nevertheless, I remember ringing in the new ea a d da ci g P i ce ic , Tonight I am going to party like i 1999, which it was that night. Fast forward 20 years later and my dancing shoes are in the closet. I am now at home sitting on my couch watching the ball drop live from Times Square in New York. Now that we are on the threshold of 2020, it is time to reflect on 2019 and look forward to 2020.

Reflecting on 2019 In 2019, Branch 1111 has continued in its core beliefs of fighting to protect our rights negotiated under the National Agreement and providing the best representation to our members. This year we had two Full-time Officers who left their positions before the end of their terms, and we did not miss a bea . I a e d fb h f e FTO , i e Julie McCormick and brother Terrence Super. They stepped up to accept the challenge and are doing very well. As a Branch, we must continue to train new stewards, future Branch Officers and promote the agenda of the NALC. The Branch also took on and completed major project in 2019, which was replacing a 47year old roof that was dilapidated. I would like to thank the roofing committee who did the research and worked hard for many months on this project.

December 2019 Si i a , I d ike ha k FTO : J e Och a, Narciso Paderanga, Francisco Cabrera, John Ferriera and Mary Phelps for their dedication and hard work. As well as Trustees Jose Corral, Jerry Depoe and Ron Jones and all of the Executive Council members. Lastly, it would not be possible without all of our Branch 1111 Chief Stewards and Shop Stewards who ked i e e i 2019 dea i g i h a age e a ide stepping and back sliding on issues. Thank you all!

What will 2020 Bring for Us? One thing that remains unchanged from year to year is the simple fact that the USPS still does not get it. That is, they can get more by complying with the contract and working with the union, instead of the status quo of continuous violations by working against, rather than with, us. Well, the NALC can hope for change, but more than likely the USPS will continue to ig e Ei ei defi i i f i a i b c i i g d he same thing over and over again expecting a different result.

Nevertheless, we will continue the fight and keep Branch 1111 strong.

Given that our Contract expired on September 20, 2019 and we are currently in the arbitration process, we should get a decision on a new contract before the end of the year.

Similarly, we can expect to get a national level decision he USPS a e i a i he , hich i he C solidated Case Initiative. For more information this issue, please read our Na i a Di ec f Ci De i e , Ch i Jack a ic e i the Postal Record. I am confident that the NALC will prevail on both of these national issues.

I would also like to personally thank the membership of Branch 1111 for allowing me the honor of serving our Branch in 2020 and beyond. By the end of my term of office in 20192021, I would have served as a full-time for twenty years with six of those years as your President.

Thank you, and Happy Holidays!

After 31 years on the job, Diane Miguel (with plaque), celebrates her retirement with her family and Concord co-workers

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December 2019

Dear Manager, Supervisor Here are My Thoughts for the Next Year

By Executive Vice President Jose Ochoa

If ou wouldn t like our wife, daughter or son to be treated the same wa ou deal with carriers. Don t do it! Or are you just a bully and an abusive coward?

Often, I hear managers attempting to justify their abusive, hostile behavior b suggesting I am just holding carriers accountable But when the union takes action to hold the same managers accountable for their unacceptable behavior, they whine like little crybabies. The Union doesn t have a vendetta, it has a contractual obligation to stop the behavior or have those individuals removed from supervising carriers.

The carriers job is very hard, sometimes 12 or more hours a day, mandated overtime, days off canceled, a mountain of parcels and the infamous PM supervisor waiting for you to return to the office. Only to ask why it took you so long to deliver the route?

Treat carriers with dignit and respect or ou ll be held accountable. Take that to the bank; -- that is after you finish whining.

Happy Holidays to you and loved ones!

Thank you for the privilege to allow me to serve you one more term and to those who attended the officer s installation.

Labor Quotes Wha d e lab a ? We a e ch lh e and less jails; more books and less arsenals; more learning and less vice; more leisure and less greed; more justice and less revenge; in fact, more of the opportunities to cultivate our better natures, to make manhood more noble, womanhood e bea if l a d childh d e ha a d b igh Reward our friends, punish our enemies!

-Samuel Gompers

The Parcels Are Arriving For The Holidays

By Berkeley Shop Steward Liz Corriea

As you know, it s that time of ear where parcels are increasing a lot, making it clear that the holidays have arrived.

You may even see more of our competitors; UPS, Amazon, and FedEx out there making more deliveries too. Many customers are doing on-line purchases vs avoiding crowed shopping malls.

We need to be vigilant out there, be aware of our surroundings when delivering our parcels, because there are thieves out there who are possibly watching all your moves, so

Branch 1111 News be cautious. Our parcels are coming in all different sizes from small and lightweight to way too large and heavy. You must size up your parcels and be safe when handling them as not to injure yourself. Be sure to ask for help when needed.

Let s give our customers the service the deserve, and it wouldn t hurt to do it with a smile. Being courteous and polite when we interact with our customers should always be considered. After all, during Holidays is when many of our customers shows us their appreciation.

A word of caution for the carriers in Berkeley. Our scanners are becoming a nuisance device. Management is sending ridiculous text messages, which usually don t apply to any certain someone, and putting out information about carriers for all to read, very stupid stuff. Especially when ou re on a driving route, ou have to pull over to respond, otherwise the scanner is constantly going off. Be careful of the messages being put out there. A carrier responded to the instruction that was put out there, and now is being disciplined for responding. However, it may be difficult to prove it. So for any instructions given, be sure you know who is giving the instruction, which you may want to validate by calling the supervisor.

THE BERKELEY BLUES We re still waiting for that a miracle to arrive, where overtime is only given to those carriers who choose to be on the overtime desired list. Where coming to work is pleasant, and ou don t have to worr about the hostile work environment that you have to face every day with certain members of management who are evil and non-concerning and are always putting some of our carriers under attack.

Sometimes, they work as a team to try to take a carrier down.

Instead of trying to build up a person, management is always putting you down. When was the last time someone in Berkeley received a Letter of Accommodation from management? They concentrate on discipline. For those carriers, who transferred out of Berkele , hurrah for ou.

Berkeley is still unorganized. This is clearly visible.

We ve been hurting for carriers for a long time. So far, not many carriers are choosing to come to Berkeley. In fact, management made an announcement about borrowing some other carriers outside of our district, WOW Unbelievable, this is what it took to get some carrier relief. I have some suggestions. Stop allowing some of the carriers to cross crafts by performing clerk work. Push back the starting time. After all, we are hitting into a crisis situation.

I am sure the carriers appreciate the help, which is better than no help at all. Hang in there Berkeley carriers, we must show solitary between all of us. I look forward to working with all of you and thank you all for your hard work.

Happy Holidays and see you all next year!

K ledge i P e .

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Branch 1111 News

Thank You

By Narciso Paderanga, IV, First Vice President

December 2019

A a A a, C a Chupacabra

By Francisco Cabrera, Second Vice President

On November 26, 2019, all Full-time Officers, Executive Council members and Trustees were installed by National Director of City Delivery Chris Jackson and Region 1 National Business Agent Bryant Almario for the upcoming two-year term. I want to take this opportunity to thank all Branch 1111 members for electing me once again as the First Vice President.

It has been a very challenging but also a very rewarding journey for me. I want to thank all the Stewards who have stepped up, battled, contributed their time and sacrificed in order to enforce your rights and benefits in accordance with the Contract. Only they know that the position they chose to take on is a thankless job at times. So please, take the time to tell your Steward how much you appreciate what they have done and what they are doing to make a difference in your stations.

I want to thank all the members who have helped and guided our brothers and sisters who are new to the Service. We all know that this job is not for everyone. When we unite with one another, we are definitely stronger!

It has been a year of ups and downs for some of us. I want to thank everyone for all your hard work in an environment where it may not be an easy place to work. If only we can all (labor and management alike) go back and absorb from Keith Frederick Massey (pictured), son of Civic Center Carrier Keith Massey, the joyful, carefree, happy and possitive attitude, maybe the years to come will be even better!

May you all have a happy and joyful holiday season!

A letter carrier attempting to provide excellent customer service scanned a pre-paid parcel for a customer. However, due o a lack of aining on he ne canne , he could not figure out what button to push on the scanner in order to accept the mail as prepaid. The customer then decided to take the mail back and mail it on his own.

Management decided to issue this letter carrier a Notice of Suspension. Why? Because the customer was none other than an NALC Union Officer. Was Management's simply trying to motivate the letter for customer service sake? No. They were obsessed with their cherished but misguided belief, that anti-Union animus trumps customer service.

Wouldn't training for the letter carrier have been more effective, than to throw baseless accusations at him through disciplinary action? Were they baseless? Absolutely! How do we know? Another management official rescinded the discipline. You would think that would be the end of it.

But no. Senior management came down hard on that supervisor who had bargained in good faith, removing him from his supervisory duties.

Cannibalism involves consuming your own species for your survival. It is a common ecological interaction in the animal kingdom and has been recorded in more than 1500 species. Cannibalism features in the folklore and legends of many cultures and is most often attributed to evil characters or as extreme retribution for some wrongdoing.

In this case, we could say senior management cannibalized one of their own, in order for their sense of antiUnion extremism to survive this crushing blow. So we can add one more to the list of some 1500 documented species.

You see somebody with big ideas and little sense, planned to use this discipline as anti-Union propaganda, throwing it in the face of he le e ca ie a o a Look ha o Union did o o . As you continue to carry the Postal Service through this labor intensive Holiday mailing season, remember the gratitude of the American public that you serve, the Union that represents you and of your family that cherishes you.

T a . Y a e e L feb d f e P a Se ce

Letter Carriers bringing Holiday joy and spirit to the public for over 200 years. This photo from 1945.

Photo by Keith Massey (Sgt. at Arms)

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December 2019

Be Safe and Aware of your Surroundings

By Terrence Lee Super, Fourth Vice President

Our fellow Brothers and Sisters as you know the time has come o I ho ld a , he ime ha al ead a i ed hen he volume of packages has skyrocketed. All of you are working from 5:00 in the morning, at times until 10:00 at night, and sometimes even later in bigger offices. I know a lot of you are exhausted and overworked, but please know that WE as office kno ha o e going h o gh and e a e no oblivious to the situation. This is a very tough job and a lot of people don app eciate what YOU as Letter Carriers do for the comm ni . I m he e o ell o , ha e lo e and app ecia e what all of you are doing out there. It is a thankless job, but we are here to thank and tell you that all of you are doing an excellent job. We appreciate all you do to get that mail and all those packages to us even though the outside elements are against you. We know that the Post Office needs to hire more carriers and we as a Union are working diligently to get as many people hired as possible. Please hang in there all of you. If you can get through these next three weeks, you can get through ANYTHING! With that being said, a lot of you are absolutely exhausted and need a day or two off to recuperate, but management mandates you every day. Also, for the carriers that just started he job a e an ing o q i beca e i oo m ch, and we as a union understand. But there are ways to get a day or two off if you are so exhausted that you can barely stand! What happens is that it becomes a safety issue. For example, if management is instructing you to go back out after you finish your own assignment, which may have taken 12 plus hours to complete, and yet management wants you to do more. After telling management how tired you are from working 12 to 13 hours a day for 14 days straight, THAT becomes a Safety issue.

Because what happens is that your reflexes are delayed, and i mo e diffic l o ee (e peciall if i da k). Also being exhausted makes you more prone to injury. It could even compromise your immune system, and in this cold weather ha no good!

Brothers and Sisters please be aware of your surroundings! When it is dark outside, make sure that you are a a e of ha going on a o nd o . Tha mean no ha ing your earbuds on while you are driving or when you are walking.

You want to make sure you can hear footsteps behind you or possibly, a dog running up behind you. Whatever the case may be, we at Branch 1111 want you to able to go home to your families every night, safe and sound. So please friends, be safe out there.

Wounded Warriors Leave Any carrier wanting to use WWL must obtain their DD214 and verification from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Branch 1111 News Also, if Vet carriers look at their NALC App (Veteran s section) it will instruct you on how to file a claim for a serviceconnected injury that has been aggravated while employed by the Postal Service.

NALC BRANCH 1111 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

injury that has been aggravated while employed by the postal service.

Applications are being accepted for the Branch 1111 Katherine Ellis Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must submit the form provided below no later than February 28, 2020 Eligibility requirements: 1) The applicant must be a member of the graduating class of 2019-2020 2) The applicant must be so or daughter or legally adopted child/ stepchild of a member in good standing with Branch 1111.

Any questions about the scholarship should be referred to John Ferreira of the Scholarship Committee at: 510-237-5111

(Please print clearly) Date______________ Please send instructions as to how I can compete for the Scholarship Award.

I will be a senior in the year 2019-2020 I am the child of (active) (retired) or (deceased) member ___________________________________ (name) My Name is ____________________________________________ My Home Address is ____________________________________________ _________________________ My Social Security Number is ______-____-______ Signature of NALC Parent______________________ Office/Station of Parent Member _______________________ Branch Official _______________________ NALC Pa en Social Sec i N mbe ______-__________ Title______________ Date ______________

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Branch 1111 News

December 2019

2020-2021 Officer Installation November 26, 2019

Dinner provided before the installation

National NALC officer Chris Jackson welcomed

by Trustee Jose Corral

FTO Terrence Super welcomes Field Rep Brian Almario

Officers lined up to swear oath Chris and Brian getting ready to install 8

December 2019

Branch 1111 News

Full Time Officers listen as oath is read

New Executive Council member Joshua Pearl congratulated

by Francisco Cabrera and Julie McCormick

New Council member Frances Rodriguez-Swint welcomed by Jose Ochoa

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Branch 1111 News

Celebration of William “Joe Cox

By Julie McCormick, Third Vice President

On October 16, 2019 our NALC and letter carrier family suffered a great loss with the passing of William “Joe Cox from the Walnut Creek Post Office. I was fortunate enough to attend a service for Joe on November 9 th which was held in Martinez. Although I did not personally know Joe, I learned a lot about him. He was a dedicated family man, a Marine Corps veteran, a lover of sports and coaching, and like all of you reading this, a devoted letter carrier.

The Martinez community center where this service took place was filled with Joe s family, his amazing wife Julie, his children, grandchildren, friends, brothers and sisters (both familial and postal alike) and postal customers. Although his passing was sudden, the atmosphere of the room was filled with positivity and a sense of community. Joe s barber and his pastor led the ceremony, speaking eloquently about Joe and the life lessons he left behind. This was followed by his daughter who exuded strength and perseverance through this dark time, traits she attributed to her father. One thing was unmistakable throughout this room, Joe was beyond loved and severely missed.

After Joe s family spoke, friends and co-workers of Joe were invited to speak. The room was filled with customers of Joe, who maintained his route in Walnut Creek for nearly thirty years. Customers of Joe were both young and old. One of the first to speak was a young man, no older than 16, who knew Joe ever since he was three years old. Joe watched him and his siblings grow up. This young man recalled Joe always stopping by to check on how he was doing, how he was doing in sports and in school. The young man stated he looked forward to seeing Joe every day and he thanked Joe for going above and beyond for him throughout his life.

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December 2019

Another customer of Joe s spoke, an older gentleman, who reminisced about conversations he and Joe had. Joe always asked him how his kids were (who were grown and out of the house).

They spoke about sports and Joe even brought his dog treats. His dog could not wait to see Joe on a daily basis, this was as much of a highlight for the dog as it was for Joe every day. A few other customers of Joe spoke very highly of him, saying he was the best mailman they have ever had, and they would miss him dearly. There was no denying the impact Joe had on, not only the lives of his friends and family, but also his postal customers. The common theme throughout everyone who spoke was this was just the way Joe was and the impact he had on everyone he encountered.

Carriers like Joe are what makes the Postal Service great.

These are the stories that makes the Postal Service the third most trusted public agency (with first and second being police officers and fire fighters). Stories like these shows how significant the impact of being a letter carrier is in uniting a community. It is unfortunate stories like these are ones that often get lost among everything else we hear about the Postal Service. Stories like this is what the Postal Service in Washington DC seem to forget when they threaten to go to five-day delivery or take away retirement benefits (among everything else). Stories like these are often forgotten among local management when carriers are constantly pushed and pressured to make management s unrealistic “numbers and delivery times. Stories like this should never go unnoticed and should be celebrated. As a letter carrier, even though we may think a simple “hello or asking someone “how are you doing has little to no impact, never underestimate the everlasting impression you can leave upon people. You are appreciated and it does not go unnoticed.

Rest easy Joe. Thank you for your service to our country and for being the very definition of what makes the Postal Service great.

Have a happy and safe Holidays!

December 2019

Branch 1111 News

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December 2019

From the Branch Re iree Commi ee

By Jerry DePoe, President Emeritus

The Retiree's Committee met on November 14, 2019 at 11:00 in the Union Hall. We spent a little more than one hour during the meeting.

Based on advice from an extremely important and intelligent representative, our longtime dear friend Brother John Beaumont, we discussed the possibility of having a retiree event. A summary of our first discussion is as follows.

Having a retiree's event is mainly to celebrate those who remain as members of the NALC after retiring from the USPS. Our committee appreciates all those who remain as a duespaying member. The dues for a retiree is $2.00 a month or $24.00 a year, until such time as your membership reaches 50 years. The $2.00 per month is then reduced to zero. The retiree is then awarded her/his Gold Card. Of course, as a retiree, you keep all the same rights in the NALC that you had as an active member. A retiree event might include a light lunch as well as a speaker from National NALC Headquarters and/or a California State Officer. S/he may talk about political issues facing all retirees plus options retirees might use in responding to those issues.

Also, we might have one or more representatives discuss the importance of the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF), especially given the political issues surrounding attempts to take away present day benefits/rights (i.e., reducing retirement benefits and/or increasing your present day contribution rates to the CSRS or FERS). Please keep in mind there will never be any pressure on anyone to contribute to the LCPF. There could be information shared about the Postal Service Financial Improvement Act of 2019 (H.R. 2553) introduced by representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA), a bill introduced to improve investments to the retiree health benefits fund.

There are several very important issues to be discussed with retirees, so those choices need further discussion.

In an effort to gain as many opinions as possible and at the lowest cost, we respectfully request you voice your vote to have or not have a "Retiree Event.� Please telephone the Branch office (510-237-5111) and let us know your opinion. Whoever you speak to will leave us a written message. If you don't mind, please leave your name and phone number in case we want to contact you. For example; Will you attend? Will you help with small but important jobs? Do you need transportation? Note, it's more important to call us to express your opinion of having this event than it is for you to merely leave us your name and phone number. Always remember, the Retiree Committee works in solidarity, not pressure.

Other than the retiree event, we discussed the possibly of sending a postcard message to retirees. The card would be used to get your opinion on several issues.

Questions such as: Do you want us to continue providing Retiree information?

Branch 1111 News

Would you volunteer for phone banking?

Would you participate in NALC legal informational picketing?

Are you available to call your Congressperson or Senator?

Would you like us to stop mailing you retiree information?

If we spend money on the postcards, we could gain your voice. This type of information could assist the Retiree Committee with ideas how to best represent you. I suppose it would also provide postal revenue to help keep active letter carriers working as well.

The Committee discussed other methods of communication with our entire membership.

Clearly, some of the active letter carriers are presently thinking about retirement in the near future. If Shop Stewards posted (on the NALC bulletin boards) notices from our committee, a potential retiree may read information which triggers their interest in joining or helping our committee. Further, such information could help potential retirees understand the issues they will be facing.

Our committees' thoughts may not always help and certainly other retirees may have ideas. In fact, despite the fact that you may not be close to retirement, but you have an idea.

Please don't hesitate to call the branch office and leave your idea and the committee will gladly discuss your idea(s). Also, please leave your name and phone number so we can get back to you with questions or to thank you for your idea.

Finally, we had another meeting (which included coffee and sandwiches) that we considered as a productive meeting.

All of us realize how important the entire membership (active or retired) are to each other. From the beginning of the NALC in 1899 to the Great Strike of 1970 (resulting in our first contract) and through to 2019, the NALC has experienced many victories. To everyone's credit, not one of our victories was solely because of one NALC member! Although some might debate how great President Emeritus Vincent R. Sombrotto was for the NALC, all victories were as a result of our solidarity.

Please help us, so we can better help you.

Here's hoping more retirees join us at our next meeting scheduled for January 9, 2020 beginning at 11:00 in the meeting hall at the Dixie Copeland Building located at 402 37th Street in Richmond 94805. The meeting will last approximately one hour and light refreshments will be served.

-- In Solidarity, your Branch 1111 Retiree Committee: Michael Chavez, Jose Corral, Jerry DePoe, David Luong, Joe McHale, Ken Moore, Celso Pacheo, Antonio Ramirez and Archie Threats

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December 2019

Branch 1111 News

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December 2019

From the Branch Re iree Commi ee

By Jerry DePoe, President Emeritus

The Retiree's Committee met on November 14, 2019 at 11:00 in the Union Hall. We spent a little more than one hour during the meeting.

Based on advice from an extremely important and intelligent representative, our longtime dear friend Brother John Beaumont, we discussed the possibility of having a retiree event. A summary of our first discussion is as follows.

Having a retiree's event is mainly to celebrate those who remain as members of the NALC after retiring from the USPS. Our committee appreciates all those who remain as a duespaying member. The dues for a retiree is $2.00 a month or $24.00 a year, until such time as your membership reaches 50 years. The $2.00 per month is then reduced to zero. The retiree is then awarded her/his Gold Card. Of course, as a retiree, you keep all the same rights in the NALC that you had as an active member. A retiree event might include a light lunch as well as a speaker from National NALC Headquarters and/or a California State Officer. S/he may talk about political issues facing all retirees plus options retirees might use in responding to those issues.

Also, we might have one or more representatives discuss the importance of the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF), especially given the political issues surrounding attempts to take away present day benefits/rights (i.e., reducing retirement benefits and/or increasing your present day contribution rates to the CSRS or FERS). Please keep in mind there will never be any pressure on anyone to contribute to the LCPF. There could be information shared about the Postal Service Financial Improvement Act of 2019 (H.R. 2553) introduced by representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA), a bill introduced to improve investments to the retiree health benefits fund.

There are several very important issues to be discussed with retirees, so those choices need further discussion.

In an effort to gain as many opinions as possible and at the lowest cost, we respectfully request you voice your vote to have or not have a "Retiree Event.� Please telephone the Branch office (510-237-5111) and let us know your opinion. Whoever you speak to will leave us a written message. If you don't mind, please leave your name and phone number in case we want to contact you. For example; Will you attend? Will you help with small but important jobs? Do you need transportation? Note, it's more important to call us to express your opinion of having this event than it is for you to merely leave us your name and phone number. Always remember, the Retiree Committee works in solidarity, not pressure.

Other than the retiree event, we discussed the possibly of sending a postcard message to retirees. The card would be used to get your opinion on several issues.

Questions such as: Do you want us to continue providing Retiree information?

Branch 1111 News

Would you volunteer for phone banking?

Would you participate in NALC legal informational picketing?

Are you available to call your Congressperson or Senator?

Would you like us to stop mailing you retiree information?

If we spend money on the postcards, we could gain your voice. This type of information could assist the Retiree Committee with ideas how to best represent you. I suppose it would also provide postal revenue to help keep active letter carriers working as well.

The Committee discussed other methods of communication with our entire membership.

Clearly, some of the active letter carriers are presently thinking about retirement in the near future. If Shop Stewards posted (on the NALC bulletin boards) notices from our committee, a potential retiree may read information which triggers their interest in joining or helping our committee. Further, such information could help potential retirees understand the issues they will be facing.

Our committees' thoughts may not always help and certainly other retirees may have ideas. In fact, despite the fact that you may not be close to retirement, but you have an idea.

Please don't hesitate to call the branch office and leave your idea and the committee will gladly discuss your idea(s). Also, please leave your name and phone number so we can get back to you with questions or to thank you for your idea.

Finally, we had another meeting (which included coffee and sandwiches) that we considered as a productive meeting.

All of us realize how important the entire membership (active or retired) are to each other. From the beginning of the NALC in 1899 to the Great Strike of 1970 (resulting in our first contract) and through to 2019, the NALC has experienced many victories. To everyone's credit, not one of our victories was solely because of one NALC member! Although some might debate how great President Emeritus Vincent R. Sombrotto was for the NALC, all victories were as a result of our solidarity.

Please help us, so we can better help you.

Here's hoping more retirees join us at our next meeting scheduled for January 9, 2020 beginning at 11:00 in the meeting hall at the Dixie Copeland Building located at 402 37th Street in Richmond 94805. The meeting will last approximately one hour and light refreshments will be served.

-- In Solidarity, your Branch 1111 Retiree Committee: Michael Chavez, Jose Corral, Jerry DePoe, David Luong, Joe McHale, Ken Moore, Celso Pacheo, Antonio Ramirez and Archie Threats

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December 2019

Branch 1111 News

13

Branch 1111 News

December 2019

With more than 70 patients from the Letter Carrier Association, Dr. Cabayan has been putting his patients first for over 30 years. Well versed in the rules of the Department of Labor, Dr. Cabayan is able to offer his patients services which include surgeries, braces, medication and medical creams. We hope Cabayan Orthopedics is the practice you will trust to help you heal.

I highl ec e d D . Caba a . He listens to you and will ultimately do whatever it takes to try to heal you. He will actively seek the best option for the patient. I trust him implicitly and have advised my family to see his medical prac ice.

-Tony Crancer

D . Caba a ea a ie i a a , sincere manner, and he always makes sure you know why a treatment needs to be done and what options you have. I have sent many people to him, and I highl ec e d hi .

-Marie Rayner

Please visit our website for more patient testimonials.

CABAYANORTHOPEDICS.COM (510) 724-4586 Richmond Office: 2970 Hilltop Mall Road, Suite 200 Richmond, California 94806

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Pittsburg Office: 2260 Gladstone Drive, Suite 7 Pittsburg, California 94565

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 Nicholas Floyd Ebony Britton Hiltesha Gordon Maria Cabada Ram Jagtar Erika Barajas Demauriae Demus Mark Yanga Susan Kinoshita Megan Campagna Gurpreet Singh Emilio Virgil-Navarro Robert Balga Gary Hernandez Teeairah Haines Bhangal Jasvir Patrick Wo Kristine Melcher Adam Rebello Jasmine Taylor Krisser Alcain Xiaonan Wang Fnu Ankush Kumar Josiah Everson Hayoung Kim Pardeeo Sandhar David Padilla Aubrey Blalock Tiffany Brown Terrance Hand Sequoia Jones Wai Ma Sharon Maher Warren Mays Pauline Seto Scott Smith Dajah Trice Irina Najnik Demetra Angelo Felicia Kenny Brian Peterkin Julian McGee

Alameda Antioch Antioch Antioch Antioch Antioch Concord Crockett Danville Danville Danville El Cerrito El Cerrito Fairfield Fairfield Fremont Fremont Fremont Fremont Fremont Fremont Fremont Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Martinez Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland

Anthony Hamilton Roberto Rojas Gretchen Locke Tiffany Beverly Michael Carychao Jonathan Kerr Eric Cragin Ramanpreet Kaur Muhammad Shaikh Soloman Keaulii Terriece Cole Ken Kohl Sing Pritpal Lawrence Agustin

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Insurance Officer Jacob Morgan receiving a citation For Health Fair training from Branch President Ed Fletcher