July-August 2026 Issue

Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Volume 45 Number 506

July/August 2026

Good Times at the Branch Picnic

(From Right to Left) DANVILLE carriers Leonard Patel, Tyler Crouch, Shop Steward Justin Kaiserman,

Christina Soares, Cesar Vargas and his daughter Lupita enjoying the sun, tasty BBQ and the camaraderie of their fellow branch members at our annual picnic.

2026 NALC Convention, Los Angeles, August 3-7, Details see Page 7

Branch 1111 News

July/August 2026

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 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 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

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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

Contributors -- Ed Fletcher, Eddie Murphy, John Ferreira, Narciso Paderanga, Mary Abante, Jimmie Braden, Liz Corriea, Ron Jones, Shana Lum, Mary Phelps, 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

July/August 2026

Branch 1111 News

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU The following letter carriers have recently retired: Sullivan Smothers, Shuhua Lee, Gurbax Uppal of Oakland; Henry Flores and Kenneth Tyo of Richmond; Lwin Myo of Pleasanton; Roman Oracion of Vallejo; Kevin Mould of Livermore; Raymond Molinar Jr. of El Cerrito; and Conception Rillo of Walnut Creek. We wish them all many rewarding years of leisure.

MDA 50/50 DRAWING There are now more prizes to win through the Branch 1111 MDA 50/50 Drawing. We have San Francisco Giants tickets and also tickets to the Golden State Valkyries games.

Make sure to try your luck at the next meeting, and also help our MDA charity. These were the ticket winners at the June 7 Picnic: for Giants -- Judy Edwards, Paul Espanol Ron Jones; for Valkyries – Madeline Howie, Ruben Diaz, Leonard Patel, Jeff Valentine (twice), Judy Edwards, and Joaeph Donahue.

The cash prize of $140.00 went to Christle Choate.

The June meeting winners were: Rickie Cox, Ron Jones (twice), Eddie Murphy and cash prize of $72.50 to Ezekiel Bradley. Come try your luck at the next meeting.

Raymond Molinar Jr., El Cerrito retiree, is honored by his co-workers for his 41 years of service

CONTRACT UPDATE The NALC and The USPS will head to mediation after months of negotiations failed to produce an agreement. According to NALC President Brian Renfroe: “While good-faith bargaining with our counterparts from the Postal Service has brought progress in some areas, we have not yet reached agreement on terms that we believe properly reward NALC members for their hard work and value to the Postal Service. We are confident that both sides of the table will continue to productively engage throughout the 60-day mediation period mandated by law. We will do everything we can to reach agreement but are fully prepared to use the interest arbitration process if necessary to resolve any remaining differences after the 60-day mediation period.”

CAPITOL HILL UPDATE Absentee and Mail Voter Protection (Absentee MVP) Act (S. 4369) The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (H.R. 1065/S. 463), The Federal Retirement Fairness Act (H.R. 1522) The anti-privatization resolution (H.Res. 70/S.Res. 147) The Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Ramon Oracion, Vallejo retiree, celebrates his 39 years of service with his Federal Workers Act (H.R. 3170/ S. 3296 coworkers and FTO Jimmie Braden. Enjoy your freedom!

The Equal COLA Act (H.R. 491/S. 624) The USPS Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3011) Letter Carriers can visit nalc.org/action to ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor NALC’s priority bills.

(We at the Branch Newspaper wish to apologize for our mix-up in the last edition with the above retirees)

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Branch 1111 News

A Brother Who Will Fight for You and With You!

By Edward P. Fletcher, President

My brothers and sisters of NALC Branch 1111, I want to talk about generational leadership. In short, about those leaders who came out of the ranks of the NALC to stand and deliver for all Letter Carriers.

Of course, in my opinion, our greatest leader and National President was Vincent R. Sombrotto. He was a fearless leader who led the Postal Strike of 1970 that allowed us to bargain for our wages and benefits.

President Emeritus Vicent Sombrotto and all of those brave letter carriers, including from our own Branch, paved the roads that we walk on today. We would not have the same pay and benefits that we have today, 56 years later, if they did not put it all on the line and fight for all of us. It is my hope all Letters Carrier’s will realize how important our history is, learn from it and know that our fight is not over.

Our Brother James Henry I have known James Henry, who is our current National Vice President, for about 15 years. He is from California (Region 1) and is one of us. He honorably served our country in the US Marines. James is highly qualified and has done more arbitrations than any other NALC leader that I know. He has won numerous grievances for Branch 1111 via pre-arbitration settlements or arbitration decisions.

When he was a Reginal Administrative Assistant (RAA), he was assigned to work with me on grievances in our Branch. In fact, in 2013, James Henry and I worked on multiple conduct grievances filed in the city of Oakland.

We met some days for 12 hours and as late as midnight reviewing files, writing interviews, drafting arguments and preparing the cases for arbitration. We won all the cases, which involved serious violations of the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace (JSOV), USPS Codes of Conduct (ELM 660) and M-39 Section 115.4 (mutual respect).

I saw firsthand James Henry’s dedication to fighting for all letter carrier’s rights. His work ethic, commitment and drive to fight like a lion was very impressive. He isn’t one of those leaders you call, and they just give you advice.

He got down in the foxholes and trenches and fought with us for all of our Branch 1111 members! That is rare!

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July/August 2026

I learned back then and testify now, that brother James Henry still is, “A Brother that will Fight for You and With You.”

We Need a Roaring Lion to Fight for Us! My brothers and sisters of Branch 1111, I have had the honor of representing you for more than 37-years in multiple positions, and more than 25-years as a Full-time Officer. So, please hear me when I say that brother James Henry is one of those “generational leaders” that will roar like a lion and protect his pride, us Letter Carriers.

He will fight with us! Please be advised that Branch 1111 previously approved a motion to endorse James Henry for NALC National President and endorsed the entire Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) slate for 2026.

I have met with Corey Walton, who is running for Executive Vice President, and when he is unleashed, he will fight like a beast for us. I also met with Kimetra Simpson-Lewis, who is running for Vice President, and is also highly qualified, as well as all of the CLC Candidates.

Our last contract wasn’t satisfactory. We rejected it and yet our National President agreed to the same contract a few weeks later. Unacceptable!

We need a new direction! We need stronger NALC leaders! We need brother James Henry and the CLC! So, please exercise your right to vote in the 2026 National Election and help us unleash the CLC Lions to protect our pride lands!

James Henry and Edward Fletcher ready for battle

July/August 2026

Running It into the Ground

By Narciso Paderanga IV, Executive Vice President

A few weeks ago, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley aggressively questioned the Postmaster General (PMG) about undelivered mail at a distribution center. The PMG was also asked about his reported 2025 bonus of approximately $300,000 despite the Postal Service's ongoing struggles with poor on-time delivery performance.

At the same time, reports continue to suggest that the USPS is facing a financial crisis and may be running out of cash.

Here is one example of what is happening at the local level that illustrates how poor management decisions can contribute to the Postal Service's financial problems.

Recently, I handled several grievances involving Emergency Placement under Article 16.7. Local management placed several letter carriers in an off-duty, non-pay status over allegations involving integrity scans, specifically claims that carriers improperly scanned parcels as "No Access."

The problem is that these allegations do not meet the criteria outlined in Article 16.7 for Emergency Placement.

Furthermore, management's actions were not immediate, which further undermined their justification. Management also claimed that the carriers' actions could result in the loss of mail or Postal Service funds. As a result, these employees were sent home without pay and suffered unnecessary financial hardship.

We challenged these actions through the grievance procedure, and the Step B decisions ruled in our favor. The Step B Team rescinded and removed each Notice of Emergency Placement and ordered that the grievants be made whole for all lost wages and benefits.

The result of management's poor decision-making was costly. The Postal Service was required to reimburse the affected carriers for all lost wages and benefits during the period they were improperly placed off duty. In addition, management incurred even greater costs by assigning other carriers to work overtime to cover the vacant routes.

As Branch 1111 Full-Time Officer Eddie Murphy often says, "Why pay less if you can pay more?"

That is exactly what happened here. By choosing to place these carriers on Emergency Placement over integrity scan allegations, local management created unnecessary expenses for the Postal Service. In my view, these actions—not the carriers' conduct—resulted in an avoidable loss of USPS funds.

Branch 1111 News

Those who directed front-line supervisors to issue these Emergency Placements should be held accountable for creating a situation that unnecessarily cost the Postal Service money. If management believes employees should be removed from the workplace without pay over unsupported allegations, perhaps those responsible for these costly decisions should consider what that experience feels like themselves.

As I finish writing this article, another carrier has been placed on Emergency Placement over integrity scan allegations, and another has remained in an off-duty status for more than two weeks.

We will continue to challenge these actions through the grievance process and elevate our concerns to higher levels of management until someone puts an end to these improper practices.

Piedmont carrier Maria Walker receives her 40-year pin and plaque from President Ed Fletcher. Flanking the two are Piedmont Shop Stewards Jacob Morgan and Elizabete Tavares

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Branch 1111 News

July/August 2026

Why do I need a copy?

Where is my copy?

By Mary Abante, First Vice President

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Carrier: Why was I paid annual leave when I requested sick leave? o Steward: May I see your copy of the PS 3971? o Carrier: I don’t have a copy.

Carrier: Why am I being brought in for a just cause interview for unauthorized overtime? o Steward: May I see your PS 3996 copy? o Carrier: I don’t have a copy.

Carrier: Why am I getting into trouble for bringing mail back to the office? o Steward: I need to see a copy of your PS 1571. o Carrier: I wasn’t given a copy.

These are just a few examples of the importance of receiving your copy. Yes, you need to get a copy!

ELM 513.342 (Employee Labor Manuel) in part: The supervisor is responsible for approving or disapproving requests for sick leave by signing PS Form 3971, a copy of which is given to the employee.

Handbook M-39 Section 122.33 reads: The employee, upon request, will be provided a PS Form 3996, Carrier – Auxiliary Control, after the supervisor has been verbally informed as to the reason for the request. The employee shall not be denied the form, and, upon request, a duplicate of the completed form will be provided the employee.

Article 41.3G of the National Agreement: The Employer will advise a carrier who has properly submitted a Carrier Auxiliary Control Form 3996 of the disposition of the request promptly after review of the circumstances at the time. Upon request, a duplicate copy of the completed Form 3996 and Form 1571, Report of Undelivered Mail, etc., will be provided the carrier.

It is suggested that you write “REQUEST COPY” on the forms to emphasize that you WANT a copy! If you request a copy and do not receive it, inform your Steward. It is a violation as written above.

Documentation is protection. Occasionally management has misplaced the original document. Yikes! Then it becomes a matter of your word against theirs. Don’t take a chance, if you can’t afford to lose, don’t gamble.

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“When a thing has been said and well, have no scruple.

Take it and copy it.” ― Anatole France

ARE YOU BEING SAFE WHILE DELIVERING YOUR MAIL?

By Berkeley Chief Steward, Liz Corriea

It’s easy to be distracted while delivering your mail. For instance, those of you that might have a walking route, you constantly have to be aware of your surroundings. In fact, everyone should always be aware of their surroundings. There is so much to look out for, especially when you are just walking.

Making sure that you watch what you’re walking into, as not to trip over anything that might be in your way.

Loose dogs can be a big problem if they are wandering around, and you’re trying to deliver, you have to constantly be sure to avoid them whenever possible, although sometimes you can’t. So, when you can’t, we’ve been told not to run from the dog or dogs, this is when you may want to use your satchel to protect yourself by putting the satchel between you and the dog.

Hopefully, this will stop the dog from attacking you. If bitten be sure to immediately report it to your supervisor, and to get checked out by a doctor.

Not all dog attacks are the same, some are more serious than others, and management should be having standups as to what to do and should be able to answer any questions you may have.

Outside of that, constantly be aware of your surroundings, as accidents will happen.

BERKELEY BLUES NEW! My fellow co-workers, we’ve been attacked with changes to our routes, and some of us losing our routes due to the current route adjustments. I am sure it’s going to be a nightmare for a while. There are more changes coming your way. In the meantime, if you need overtime, please do not forget to ask for a PS Form 3996. Do not let management tell you to call back and speak to the PM supervisor. This is improper, if you know you need overtime, you are to ask for a PS Form 3996.

You cannot be denied a PS Form 3996. If you are denied notify the shop steward immediately if possible. Of course, management can deny your overtime, that’s when you call back.

This is a temporary change for now, so try and do the right thing daily, by using the PS Form 3996 when needed, and by using a PS Form 1571 if you’re asked to curtail mail. I would request a copy of these forms whenever this happens. This is in event of another possible route adjustment, if it is needed. I would even get a copy of the PS Form 3996 if you’re getting auxiliary assistance.

Hang in there, brothers and sisters, don’t forget to take your breaks and lunches, and always practice safety.

“Knowledge is Power.”

July/August 2026

Branch 1111 News

DELEGATES GET READY FOR LOS ANGELES CONVENTION BRANCH 1111 DELEGATES The NALC National Convention will take place in Los Angeles, August 3 – 7. As always Branch 1111 is sending Delegates who are leaders and activists in our union.

The convention comes at a pivotal time for the Postal Service, as the current politics focuses not only on our Contract negotiations, but also on mail-in ballots and other real or imagined conspiracies questioning voting integrity.

Delegates will also see spirited differences between branches backing rival candidates in the scheduled nomination of officers for all the top National NALC posts.

Branch 1111 compensates delegates who meet the eligibility rules in attending union meetings. To be compensated a member has to attend 80% of the union meetings between conventions. Once they are sent to the Convention, they have to attend all sessions and also take several educational classes to know how best to guide and help other letter carriers. This time our delegation is smaller than usual – only 17 sent by the Branch, plus 4 compensated in other ways.

The following are compensated Branch 1111 Delegates to the National NALC Convention in Los Angeles which will takes place August 3rd to the 7th: Rickie Cox, Liz Corriea, Joshua Pearl, Ed Fletcher, Marisela Fletcher, Lynn Miller, Petra Ortega, Mary Phelps, Francisco Cabrera, Jacob Morgan, Narcisco Paderanga, Irene Hernandez, Paul Petersen, John Jekabson, Edward Murphy, Jeff Valentine, and Maria Taveras.

In addition these members will attend with different compensation; Chris Calica, Laura Calica, Colleen Bartlett and Ron Jones.

The Convention promises to be exciting and spirited as this is an election year, and most of the top National NALC positions are being contested.

Scenes from previous NALC National Conventions

President Fred Rolando Anaheim 2010

Branch delegates in Chicago 2022

Solidarity cheer Boston 2002

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Branch 1111 News

July/August 2026

BRANCH 1111 PICNIC FUN! June 7, 2026 Kennedy Grove, El Sobrante

SCENES of Branch 1111 members and their families as they relax and enjoy the sunshine, food, games, and friendship at our annual Branch Summer Picnic at Kennedy Grove in El Sobrante. If you missed the festivities this time, be sure to attend this fun event next year. All Branch Members and their immediate family are welcome to attend.

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An informative article about what happens at the NALC Convention from the Assistant-Secretary Treasurer

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Branch 1111 News

JOHN ZAMORA

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Branch 1111 News

July/August 2026

NALC Branch 1111 RAFFLE Muscular Dystrophy Association GRAND Prize: $ 500 Costco Gift Card 2nd Prize: $ 250 Costco Gift Card 3rd to 7th Prize: $100 Cash Tickets: Branch Office, Shop Stewards or Full-Time Officers Drawing: Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Steward’s Recognition Event (Winners need not be present to win)

DONATION $10 PER TICKET

(Ticket stub can be used as your proof of donation) *NOTE: All Money & Ticket Stubs (do not remove staples from the stubs) must be turned into the Branch Office by September 08, 2026.

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July/August 2026

Branch 1111 News

NALC Branch 1111

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Total Liabilities Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Balance Sheet As of June 30, 2026

ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts 100 - Petty Cash 64.03 126 PPCU-50 189,198.30 Mechanics Bank Accounts 153,832.92 PPCU-Acct 50 35,772.21 Citibank CD 101,469.26 United Bank Accounts 448426.93 Total Bank Accounts 930,782.76 Total Current Other Assets 0.00 Total Current Assets 930,782.76 189 - Accumulated Depreciation -171,634.57 190 - 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 $ 322,424.83 TOTAL ASSETS $1,253,207.59

$412.88 $1,252,794.71 $1,253,207.59

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Andrew Fischer, Pittsburg and Justin Ten Eyck, Oakland West Grand all smiles after stopping by the Branch to pick up some of the many donated uniforms.

SAYING GOODBYE TO TWO RETIREES WHO DID A LOT TO MAKE THE POST OFFICE A BETTER PLACE TO WORK

(left) Oakland West Grand Carrier extraordinaire Jimmy Dao retires after 28 years surrounded by his family, former colleagues, and Shop Steward Ron Jones (right) Oakland Civic Center Retiree and always active with the Branch, Sullivan Smothers, holds up his plaque after 45 years of service.

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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

Liang Liang Wu Janyah Britton-Reese Markee Hill Reza Ghorashi Jharan Finch Brittney Shaw Brian Wilvert Corina Llavanes Saif Suffozai Omar Reyes Ana Ceteno Wali Grant James Moy Scarlett Vera Antigonne Anderson Marvin Capati Daniel Duran Helen Wong Dennis Baughn Dana Constance Scott Fleming Vanessa Mancuso Kevin Rivera Mario Rodriguez Pada Veneziano Justin Phifer Justin Taylor Justin Ten Eyck Avril Hahn Owen Flynn III Martha Shim Raymond Garcia Andrew Fischer Artrice Bodden Brianna Scott Raymar Mutia Jorge Gomez Hector Gonzalez

Alameda Alameda Benicia Brentwood Danville El Cerrito El Cerrito El Cerrito Fairfield Moraga Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Pinole Pittsburg Pittsburg Pleasanton Pleasanton Pleasanton Richmond Richmond

Hiroyuki Shibata Jacob Montes De Oca Humberto Sanchez Kundan Singh Ying Ying Xue Oswald Diaz Cassandra Butler-Lacy Isaak Madrigal Devaughn McBride Danial Graham Emmit Fink Sarai Brown Jerel Tuason Ronald Asilum Anup Nakarmi Mohammad Waqas Adam Aquino Cortez Gustavo David Price Sarai Brown Nikiletti Toki James Smith

Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Richmond Rodeo Rodeo-Hercules Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo

2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Mark your calendars!

NALC National Convention, Los Angelos; August 3-7 Retirees Dinner; Branch Office, Tuesday, August 25 Stewards Recognition Fete: Sunday, Sept 13, UC Berkeley

Branch Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm at the Branch Office The next Branch Meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 28th and Tuesday, August 25th.