Greater East Bay Branch 1111
Branch officers sworn in by State President Emeritus, John Beaumont and RAA Allan Rios at the November Branch Meeting
NALC HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN SERVICE LINES
General Claims Inquiries
1-888- 636-NALC
Hospital Precertification (Required) 1-800-622-6252
Prerecorded Benefits Information 1-888-636-NALC
Prescription Customer Service Line 1-800-933-NALC
BRANCH PAPER DEADLINE
The deadline for copy for Branch 1111 News is the 5th 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
Narciso Paderanga, Executive Vice President
Mary Abante, First Vice President
Eddie Murphy, Second Vice President
April Patrick, Third Vice President
Jimmie Braden Jr, Fourth Vice President
Mary Phelps, Secretary-Treasurer
John Ferreira, Asst. Sec-Treasurer
Jose L Corral, Sgt-at-Arms
Jacob Morgan, Insurance Officer
Rickie Cox, Trustee Ron Jones, Trustee
Jeffrey Valentine, Trustee
Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Elizabeth Corriea, Marisela Fletcher, Irene Hernandez Joshua Pearl, Ché Perez, Frances Swint, Ka Moon Yi
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
Branch 1111 News is the official bimonthly 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
Contributors -- Ed Fletcher, Eddie Murphy, John Ferreira, Narciso Paderanga, Mary Abante, Jimmie Braden, Liz Corriea, Ron Jones, Shana Lum, Mary Phelps, Ariel Uribe, Jacob Morgan, April Patrick, Elizabete Tavares,
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
The following letter carriers have recently retired: You of Oakland; and Karamjit We wish them all many years of rewarding leisure.
IN MEMORIUM
We are saddened to announce the death of Branch 1111 member and active Richmond carrier Joey Kazarian. Our sympathies and condolences go out to his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be missed by all.
MDA 50/50 DRAWING
Branch Officer Eddie Murphy was the sole winner at the November meeting. The lottery prize was $72.50. Starting in February there will also be tickets to win. We will have San Francisco Giants tickets, and later in spring, tickets to the Golden State Valkyrie games. They are the exciting women’s basketball team making a big splash on the Bay Area sports scene. Make sure to try your luck at the next meeting, and also help our MDA charity.
COLA SET FOR MARCH
The Cost of Living (COLA) increase under our current Contract is due to be added to our paychecks in March. The amount will be determined at the end of January The current NALC-USPS Contract expires in May and negotiations for a new contract will begin soon. Hopefully the new agreement will be more favorable to the carrier craft.
LETTER CARRIER POLITICAL FUND
The LCPF is our line of defense against those who wish to dismantle the Post Office or take away our benefits. Get involved. Call the Branch to sign up and contribute.
New Vallejo member Nicole Wilkinson is all smiles as she attends her first Branch meeting
Oakland carrier Charles Lewis in his vintage uniform as he is honored at the Branch meeting for his 60 years of membership
What Will the New Year Bring?
By Edward P. Fletcher, President
As we tossed out our old 2025 calendars, there are lingering questions that remain. What will the USPS do in 2026? Will they finally recognize the importance of protecting the safety and health of all Letter Carriers? Will they put more resources and money into going out into the field for marketing USPS products, rather than waiting on businesses to approach them? Will they continue to improperly over adjust routes, or will they agree to a new Joint Route Inspection Process. Will they finally realize that working with the unions, negotiating in good faith and honoring our collective bargaining agreement is far better than ignoring it, and continued non-compliance.
The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (H.R. 1065/ S. 463) 119th Congress
Since the inception of the nation’s post office 250 years ago, letter carriers have delivered to every community on every street in the United States without being the targets of violence. In recent years, that has changed. Between 2019 and 2023 (the most recent data available), the number of serious crimes against postal employees nearly doubled. In 2023, postal inspectors opened 1,367 cases 542 assaults, 628 robberies and 197 burglaries against postal employees in almost 500 metropolitan areas. Tragically, five letter carriers have been murdered while dutifully doing their jobs since 2022. An increase in robberies which have increased an astonishing sevenfold is the primary driver for the overall increase in severe crime cases over the period, according to U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) data. Due to the solitary nature of their work and the sensitive equipment they carry, city letter carriers are the target in 90 percent of these robberies. More than two-thirds of these attacks involve a firearm or other weapon. Unfortunately, nearly every day, we learn of other instances of letter carriers being assaulted, robbed, and even murdered while delivering mail and essentials – see NALC Fact Sheet on nalc.org
Tragically and since being introduced on February 6, 2025, Congress has not moved this important Bill forward. It is my understanding that there are approximately 159 Cosponsors, but it takes 218 to move it to the floor for a vote. In 2026, every Letter Carrier across this great Nation needs to contact their congressional representatives in the House and Senate to see if he/she is a Co-sponsor on H.R. 1065 and S. 463. If not, write them and asked to sign on! In my opinion, the USPS, the USPIS, local and Federal Law enforcement and the judicial system itself (not enough prosecutions) have not done enough to protect our letters carriers. In speaking with authorities, they allude to not having enough resources. They must find the resources! We must push to get H.R. 1065 and S. 643 passed in 2026!
Proactive Marketing vs Waiting for the Paint to Dry
I have been in the Postal Service for nearly 41 years. For the most part and in the beginning, the USPS waited for businesses to mail products on their own. That was not so smart. About 21 years ago (2004), the USPS came up with, “If it fits, it ships” priority flat rate boxes, which later evolved into more flat rate box sizes. I believe that was one of their better marketing ideas. Around the same time, the USPS came out with “Customer Connect” (2003), which was a fairly good idea. However, it failed because the USPS did not dedicate enough resources, marketing agents, and time for letter carriers to get the leads. The huge problem I see is that the USPS has not come up with anything solid since then. Okay, the last mile was helpful, but it might not be sustainable or be too reliant on other businesses. Let me make it simple. The USPS needs to invest more resources in reaching out to all mailers to see who they are shipping with; what they are paying for their products; and what they need to come over to the USPS. They should go into the communities and set up in- person business meetings with the larger mailers.
Route Inspections and Adjustments
In 2025, the CA-2 District conducted unilateral Route Inspections and Adjustments in Branch 1111, as well as other offices in the district. I reviewed all the Branch 1111 offices that were inspected and adjusted. In short, management purposely overburdened the routes in all offices they conducted route inspections and adjustments in violation of the National Agreement, Chapter 2 of the M-39 and Chapter 9 of the M-41 that deal with route inspections and adjustments. Management failed to comply with the M-39 Section 242.122, which states, “The proper adjustment of carrier routes means an equitable and feasible division of the work among all of the carrier routes assigned to the office. All regular routes should consist of as nearly 8 hours daily work as possible.” Due to management’s egregious noncompliance with the route inspection and adjustment provisions of the contract, the union filed grievances to correct the overburdening of letter carriers’ routes/assignments. When all is said and done, I believe management will be found in violation, routes added back, and money/resources wasted. I do believe that the USPS and NALC need to come up with a new and better Joint Route Inspection Process. Nevertheless, management is still required to maintain all routes as close as possible to 8 hours daily.
The Importance of Working with the Union
I have said it many times before. It is the union that protects and enforces your rights in the workplace. It is the Union that lobbies Congress to pass legislation to protect the Postal Service, and our jobs. It is the Union that files grievances because management chooses to openly violate the National Agreement. Unfortunately, management will probably continue to ignore their contractual obligations. But, be not dismayed my brothers and sisters. Fortunately, you have your union to enforce your rights in the workplace.
Beware! Route Inspections Are Coming
By Narciso Paderanga, Executive Vice President
First, I want to wish all of our brothers and sisters a Happy New Year! I hope each and every one of you had a nice holiday season. What’s new for this year or what should we expect? Well, although, they’ve started last year, they will continue to revisit and evaluate routes in numerous different installations. Scheduled for route evaluations and inspections so far this year are Oakland Civic Center, Danville, Walnut Creek, Concord and Berkeley Post Offices in no particular order. Route inspections are nothing new and the M-39 Handbook, Management of Delivery Services, requires the routes to be maintained in reasonable adjustment throughout the year.
It is important that you perform your duties on a daily basis as enumerated in the M-41 Handbook, City Delivery Carriers Duties and Responsibilities. This is to ensure that when the routes in your office are evaluated, you will get a fair and reasonable evaluation. As carriers, you want to make it easier on yourselves out on the street, or to be more efficient. However, that may not be beneficial for you, but rather detrimental. There are rules and regulations from the M-39 Handbook that management must abide by when conducting evaluations.
For example, when you choose to case DPS or third bundles in the office without management’s permission or knowledge (to make it easier on the street), which is not allowed by the way, you are in essence extending your office time. Just know that office time is determined by standard or actual time. By rule, Management may only consider the actual time if it’s less than the standard time. When you make it easier on the street, you are shortening the time it takes you deliver, and therefore, your numbers become skewed and the numbers will show that your routes are less than what they actually are or should be.
Management’s intent is to eliminate routes and combine territories. They have done so in the past year. Management argues that caseable mail volume has dropped. While it may be true, it is not enough to justify the total number of routes they have eliminated. Because we don’t agree with the results of their evaluations, your stewards and officers of Branch 1111 have worked tirelessly to file grievances regarding their evaluations. In most instances, they’ve eliminated too many routes and created routes that were too long. Again, the intent of route evaluations and inspections is to make sure that routes are as close to eight hours as possible. However, their prior evaluations have failed to make them as close to eight hours as possible.
I urge you to take reasonable time to inspect your vehicle every morning as required, take both 10-minute breaks and your 30-minute lunch, do everything as you are supposed to and most importantly, work in a safe manner.
In solidarity, Narciso Paderanga, IV
Concord retiree Gigi Yeshewas receiving her plaque and award alongside her coworkers. Enjoy the freedom, Gigi!
WELCOME TO 2026
By Berkeley Chief Steward Liz Corriea
HAPPY NEW YEARS! to all my brothers and sisters of this great union. Hopefully it was a safe and prosperous evening when the date changed to January 1, 2026. As for myself, I passed out before midnight I just couldn't stay awake that night. I notice the Post Office is trying to eliminate overtime, by the hiring of lot more PTF's. This may be due to the fact that the mail volume has been reduced and so has Amazon. These are big changes that will affect all of us. A long time ago, I can remember when Bill Young was our National President, he had mentioned either at a RAP session or at a State Convention that we should not rely on overtime, but that we should be sure that our brother and sisters have enough work for eight hours and that the those who rely so much on the overtime, are pretty much looking out for themselves. As a union we should be looking out for each other.
BERKELEY BLUES NEWS
There is so much stuff that Berkeley carriers need to worry about, so the constant daily reminder you only have forty-five minutes in the office, is very annoying to hear. There are ongoing battles between management and carriers just over this issue. Be strong brothers and sisters. If you need more time in the office, let management know, and explain why that may be. This should not eliminate needing a PS 3996 for any overtime.
If you're going to need overtime, be sure to request a PS 3996. Don't let management tell you to just call back, that's never good. Always fill one out, you have a right to a PS 3996. This doesn't mean management will honor your request for overtime. If you get denied, be sure to call back and ask management if they are not going to send you help, do they want you to bring the mail back, or do they want you to continue to deliver the mail. Upon your return to the office, be sure to make corrections on your PS 3996. You should also always ask for a copy of your PS 3996
Another thing we must be aware of is that management is putting a lot of carriers on unauthorized overtime on PS 1017A or 10178. The night supervisor usually puts in the information about unauthorized overtime. If you have not submitted a PS 3996 or called back for overtime you needed and you do overtime without permission, then most likely you will be entered on the PS 1017. Management is supposed to talk to you about this situation of unauthorized overtime, and they are to notate that they did so, on this form. However, do they really do so? Protect yourself and do the right thing.
Oh, great news, Berkeley finally has a walk-in closet for the union office, whoopee! Unfortunately, everything we previously had no longer fits in this office. But the good news is that at least we can conduct private interviews.
Until next time, here's wishing you a Happy New Years again.
Knowledge is Power.
Proposed Branch 1111 By-Law Changes
Article 5 Section 8
Current Language:
Section 8 One Shop Steward shall be elected every two years from each station or section by the members thereof. In the event that a Shop Steward has not been elected within thirty (30) days after the Branch’s officers have been elected, or in the event of a vacancy, the President shall have the authority to fill any such vacancy. No person may be a candidate for the position of Shop Steward if he/she is in debt to the Branch. No person shall be appointed or elected as a Shop Steward who is in debt to the Branch. The President or another full-time officer of the Branch will request the Secretary Treasurer to certify that any candidate or appointee is not in debt to the Branch prior to any election or appointment. The President shall notify any person adversely affected by the application of this provision and give him/her an opportunity to pay the debt. The president shall suspend the application of this provision provided that the candidate or appointee makes a written promise to pay the debt in full within 180 days of the date of the promise. If the person is receiving Shop Steward’s pay, that pay will be applied to the debt. If the debt has not been paid at the end of six months, the person will be removed from the position of Shop Steward.
New Language:
Section 8. One Shop Steward shall be elected every three years from each station or section by the members thereof. In the event that a Shop Steward has not been elected within thirty (30) days after the Branch’s officers have been elected, or in the event of a vacancy, the President shall have the authority to fill any such vacancy. No person may be a candidate for the position of Shop Steward if he/she is in debt to the Branch. No person shall be appointed or elected as a Shop Steward who is in debt to the Branch. The President or another full-time officer of the Branch will request the Secretary Treasurer to certify that any candidate or appointee is not in debt to the Branch prior to any election or appointment. The President shall notify any person adversely affected by the application of this provision and give him/her an opportunity to pay the debt. The president shall suspend the application of this provision provided that the candidate or appointee makes a written promise to pay the debt in full within 180 days of the date of the promise. If the person is receiving Shop Steward’s pay, that pay will be applied to the debt. If the debt has not been paid at the end of six months, the person will be removed from the position of Shop Steward.
The Importance of Daily Vehicle Inspection and Reporting Defects
By: April Patrick, Third Vice President
During the holiday rush some carriers may have forgone very important practices due to the daily service demands and fewer daylight working hours. Daily Vehicle Inspections and reporting defects are among the top duties that are skipped or rushed through, and this can have negative consequences if not consistently performed. We must get back on track.
Vehicle inspections
Letter carriers should ensure they inspect their delivery vehicle according to USPS Notice 76; Expanded Vehicle Safety Check every day before operating the vehicle. Vehicle inspections should be performed as soon as possible after clocking in to allow letter carriers to promptly report vehicle deficiencies to management.
You may have experienced days when you’ve reported to work, and a vehicle was not readily available or assigned to you at the time that you clocked in. It is imperative that as soon as you are assigned a vehicle for the day you perform a vehicle inspection. Not only does performing your daily vehicle inspection help to prevent unnecessary delays when you are ready to begin street deliveries, but it also ensures that you have a secure, fully operational and fully functional postal vehicle.
By conducting your vehicle inspection on a daily basis, you will notice any changes or differences, such as a tire losing pressure or tread, or a puddle of fluid under the front hood. At the first sign of these issues, you should immediately take action by submitting a vehicle repair tag (PS Form 4565).
The Vehicle Inspection and Reporting Defects requirements are found in Sections 832 and 842.1 of Handbook M-41, City Carriers Duties and Responsibilities. Which read:
832 Inspecting Vehicle
832.1 Inspect vehicle as described on Notice 76, Expanded Vehicle Safety Check (see exhibit 832.1) for deficiencies, body damage, or inoperable items. See section 842 for reporting defects.
842.1 Reporting Defects
Driver must (a) report all mechanical defects or failures and major body damage on Form 4565, Vehicle Repair Tag (see exhibit 842.1) as soon as noted, and (b) immediately turn in the completed form to a dispatcher or manager. Minor body damage can sometimes await repair until the next regular inspection and need not be reported more than once.
Fill out Form 4565 completely and submit it to your supervisor immediately The form also provides a space for your supervisor to sign to acknowledge your report, so that you may keep a copy for your records with your supervisor’s
signature. If your supervisor refuses to sign and give you your receipt, you should contact your shop steward or your branch officers and ask that a grievance be filed over your supervisor’s refusal to sign and provide you with your receipt. Take a picture of it on your smartphone, if necessary, but do not discard your proof. You or the union may need it in the future for further action.
Promptly reporting hazards and defects utilizing the appropriate forms can have a great impact when it comes to safety for the one operating the vehicle and those who share the road with you. Buddy up with another carrier to assist with checking lights and adjusting mirrors.
Once you are out on the street, you should notify your supervisor when you first become aware of a vehicle defect. Do not assume something is minor and do not operate a vehicle that is unsafe. Report it immediately, for your safety and to cover yourself.
If you report a vehicle defect, and your supervisor keeps the vehicle in service by assigning the defective vehicle to an unsuspecting new employee, you should reach out to your shop steward or branch officers to initiate a grievance. If you know that a defective vehicle or piece of equipment was reported but not taken out of service, you also should submit a 1767 and bring your concern to the union immediately. Continue to stay safe and look out for one another this new year!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Joshua Pono Alameda
Vinh Chu Alameda
Edna Rivera Alameda
Cooper Simpkins Alameda
Miriam Sluis Alameda
Aniyah Wilson Alameda
David Withrington Alameda
Beverlyn Craig Alameda
Oscar Hernandez-Mata Alameda
Jerrica Morales Antioch
Miia Williams Antioch
Bruce Cochran Berkeley
Darius Coleman Berkeley
Averil Lough Berkeley
Armondo Orosco Berkeley
Steven McClain Berkeley
Robert Dagherty Berkeley
Christopher Garcia Berkeley
Shauna Huang Berkeley
Sean Mooney Berkeley
Subash KC Berkeley
Anjan Acharya Berkeley
Anna Anguiano Berkeley
Gabrielle Ayesh Brentwood
Christian Leon Brentwood
Vanya Lloyd Brentwood
Sayed Sadaat Concord
Xavier Woods Concord
Brian Goszulak Concord
Marvin Montgomery Concord
Brianni Blue El Cerrito
Plamen Nikolov El Cerrito
Sivale Basford Fairfield
Deanna Berumen-Moon Fairfield
Monica Love Fairfield
Tyisha Taplin Fairfied
Eric Pina Fairfied
Tirunelveli Jayalakshmi Fremont
Rosulo Donida Fremont
Manwinder Maan Fremont
Minn Shein Fremont
Nino Gonzales Lafayete
Wayne Lem Lafayete
Almae Joachim Lafayette
Evette Anderson Lafayette
Cody Sauceda Lafayette
Neil Jaranilla Livermore
Benjamin Smith Martinez
Sadro-Din Shahid Moraga
Zachary Moore Moraga
Chan Khuth Oakland
Nitika Joshi Oakland
Matthew Skibo Oakland
Ly Tran Oakland
Prentiss Johnson Oakland
Andrew Matheny Pinole
Mendoza Bervis Pinole
Rikaya McFadden Pittsburg
Bahati Pickens Pittsburg
Christian Wegner Pittsburg
Zai Yang Pittsburg
David Azar Pittsburg
Frederico Santos Tomas Pittsburg
Roxanne Urias Pleasanton
Tabitha Villicana Pleasanton
Marlon Castillo Pleasanton
Logan Medecki Pleasanton
Lashay Campbell Pleasanton
Jaime Lepe Richmond
Skyler Goins Richmond
David Ortega Richmond
Lester Flores Richmond
Stephen Kangethe Richmond
Louis Thelemaque Richmond
Alexander Vargas Richmond
Damber Basnet Richmond
Jasmine Swayze Rodeo
Justin Baker Rodeo
Isabel Lizarde Rodeo-Hercules
Armando Alcantara Planco San Ramon
Khari Alvarez San Ramon
Yee Ching San Ramon
Paul Crandell San Ramon
Elizabeth Bates San Ramon
Paul Mora San Ramon
Keshawn Wilson Suisun City
Yang Fu Union City
Logan Magansay Union City
Yue Wu Union City
Lendo Woodson Vallejo
Ebony Hamilton Vallejo
Zechariah Stewart Vallejo
Alan Zara Zua Vallejo
Antony Jefferson Vallejo
Adam Fuimano Vallejo
Joseph Dela Cruz Vallejo
Lavon Blackledge Walnut Creek
Latasha Coleman Walnut Creek
Alex Amaral Walnut Creek
Gary Kimble III Walnut Creek
JOHN ZAMORA
The Branch honored Union City’s Curtis Flores at the November meeting for his 20 plus years as Shop Steward
NALC BRANCH 1111 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Applications are being accepted for the Branch 1111 Katherine Ellis Memorial Scholarship Applicants must submit the form provided below no later than February 28, 2026
Eligibility requirements:
1) The applicant must be a member of the graduating class of 2025-2026
2) The applicant must be son 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 2025-2026 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 Parent’s Social Security Number______- -______ Title______________ Date______________
Figure 1Jack Roy out of Clayton receives award for saving UPS driver
carriers Dylan Porter, Dan Imam, Coles Harper, Michael Hewiston and Jin Li
Baljinder Dhaliw
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS
GREATER EAST BAY BRANCH 1111
402 –37TH STREET
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA 94805- 2134
(510) 237-5111 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CONCORD CA Permit 1
Michael Saaf, new Berkeley PTF is thankful to pick up some “slightly used” Postal uniform items at the Branch 1111 office. All new members are welcome to use this service provided by the union
Branch 1111 meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Branch Office. The next Branch meeting will be Tuesday, January 27th and Tuesday, February 24th
Martinez Carriers Ed Leftwich, Michael Hewitson, and Dylan Porter go all out on their 2025 Christmas cheer. Kudos!
Berkeley Elmwood carrier Jeffrey Jayan loads up his satchels as he prepares to do a swing