March 2020 Branch Newsletter

Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Volume 40 Number 451

March 2020

POSTAL STRIKE 50th ANIVERSARY

Headlines from 50 years ago show how letter carriers nationwide took to the streets, despite the threat to their livelihood, to fight for the rights we all benefit from today see pages 8 and 9

Coronavirus Update by President Fletcher: see page 4

Branch 1111 News

March 2020

NALC HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN SERVICE LINES General Claims Inquiries Hospital Precertification (Required) Prerecorded Benefits Information Prescription Customer Service Line

1-888- 636-NALC 1-800-622-6252 1-888-636-NALC 1-800-933-NALC

BRANCH PAPER DEADLINE The deadline for copy for Branch 1111 News is the 3rd of each month. News stories, articles, letters, drawings, or cartoons, as well as photographs -- either recent or historical -should be submitted to the Branch office. Short notices of personal or shop floor interest are especially welcome. The Editor and Assistant Editor retain the right to edit, delete, or reject articles and artwork for the good of the Branch.

BRANCH 1111 OFFICERS Edward P. Fletcher, President Jose Ochoa, Executive Vice President Narciso Paderanga, First Vice President Francisco Cabrera , Second Vice President Julie McCormick, Third Vice President Terrence Super, Fourth Vice President John Ferreira, Secretary-Treasurer Mary Phelps, Asst. Sec-Treasurer Keith Massey, Sgt-at-Arms Jacob Morgan, Insurance Officer Jose Corral, Trustee Jerry DePoe, Trustee Ron Jones, Trustee

Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Branch 1111 News is the official monthly publication of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Greater East Bay Branch 1111. Circulation 3,000 Offices Served:

Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Crockett, Danville, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Fremont, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Richmond, Rodeo, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Suisun City, Union City, Vallejo, Walnut Creek

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EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Christina Aviles, Elizabeth Corriea, Rickie Cox, Marisela Fletcher, Ray Garcia, Joshua Pearl, Frances Rodriguez-Swint

BRANCH 1111 OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday: 8 am to 5 pm 402 – 37th Street Richmond, Ca. 94805- 2134 510-237-5111, Fax 510-237-5181

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nalcbranch1111 WEBSITE: www.Branch1111.org Meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of the month except in December

BRANCH 1111 NEWS STAFF Editor - Joshua Pearl: joshpbranch1111@gmail.com

Assistant Editor – John Jekabson: jjbranch1111@gmail.com

Contributors -- Ed Fletcher, Jose Ochoa, John Ferreira, Narciso Paderanga, Julie McCormick, Liz Corriea, Ron Jones, Jerry DePoe, Francisco Cabrera, Julie McCormick, Mary Phelps, Terrence Super, Keith Massey, Jacob Morgan

Views expressed in Branch 1111 News do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, Assistant Editor, Branch Officers, or members of National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 1111

March` 2020

Branch 1111 News

Stewards’ Brunch Cancelled The March 22nd Stewards’ Brunch has been cancelled due to concerns about the Coronavirus. It has been tentatively rescheduled for this coming September.

Census Day April 1st The February meeting had guest speaker, Josh Anijar of the Contra Costa Labor Council educate members on the how the 2020 census helps our community and our future funding of services that we rely upon. You will receive a postcard on how to complete the survey online. Please do so as a complete Census count will strengthen and build a better California

Josh Anijar of the Contra Costa Labor Council informing members about the Census at the last meeting

Food Drive T-Shirts The order forms should be with your Shop Steward and orders are due March 23. Show your community spirit!

Condolences We are sad to report the death of Walnut Creek carrier Efren Catedrilla. He will be missed by his co-workers. Our condolences go out to his family and friends

June 28th Branch Picnic

We need a lot of volunteers to help set-up, cleanup, bring all necessary items to the park and help coordinate. People are needed to bring coolers, ice and canopies to and from the Union Hall and Kennedy Grove.

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!

50 year Gold Card members Samuel Green, Steven Oubichon and Zeke Bradley receive their pins and plaques.

The following carriers retired recently: Peter Chow of Berkeley, Manjit Kaur of Concord, Robert Paschal of Fremont, Sheila Walker of Livermore, Nancy Vasquez of Oakland, Manuel Figueroa of San Ramon and Norbert Moreno of Vallejo. We wish many years of leisure to all!

MDA Winners Pairs of Oakland A’s tickets for upcoming games won by Narcisio Paderanga, Ron Jones, John Ferreira, Liz Corriea and Jeff Valentine. The 50-50 drawing of $75.00 was won by Narcisio Padarenga.

Berkeley DDU carrier Peter Chow punching out for the final time

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Branch 1111 News

PRESIDENT’S VIEW

Life Happens in a Split Second

By Edward P. Fletcher, President

On occasions, time moves ever so slowly, especially when we want to get off of work early and/or attend a special event in our lives. Yet, on other occasions time moves too quickly, and we must make split second decisions that can affect us for the rest of our lives. It is in that very split second of time that we must make the best possible decision. What can we do to ensure that we make the right decisions? How can we help others make good decisions? What is the best way to get our message out to protect the safety and health of our families and coworkers?

Safety Must Never Be a Dog & Pony Show Have you ever watched the Westminster dog competitions where every breed is competing for “best in show?” Sure, all of those dogs prance around like they are top dogs. Have you ever watched a concert or show where the music was really good only to find that singer was lip syncing like the R & B duo Milli Vanilli? Or, maybe you watched management at a local safety talk just mundanely going through the motions. Well if you have, then you know what it is like when employers prance around and portray safety as important, but the reality of what they do does not match their hollow catchy slogans or their company’s commitment to safety. In short, no one should ever parade safety around like a dog and pony show. Nor should anyone continue to do the same old safety song and dance without being truly committed to the cause? It won’t work.

Good Safety Can Never be Disguised It has been said that a person cannot disguise their true intentions, because they will eventually come out. So, how do we know who really cares about safety from the jump? You know not by their words, but by their actions or lack thereof.

Every leader who speaks about safety must, “Say What They Mean, and Mean What They Say.” Saying that you put safety first, means just that when followed by actions. It doesn’t mean that we make judgements sitting in a chair or at a desk. For example, when a carrier calls from the street to report a hazard or unsafe condition, you don’t in a split second decide to risk the carrier’s safety by predetermining that there is no hazard.

That is dangerous. You must investigate and abate every possible unsafe condition or hazard. Or, if you like slogans, “Move You’re A** When it Comes to Safety.”

Practicing Safety Requires Self-Discipline?

The safety and health of every human being whether they are a family member, a co-worker or a passerby all matters.

Both good and bad decisions are made in that same split second.

We all must take the time to do things right. Practicing safety on a daily basis requires both awareness and self-discipline. Put on your seat belt every time your vehicle is in motion. That 4

March 2020 split-second decision may save your life if someone runs the light at the intersection that you are crossing. In another split second when you choose not to report and/or investigate any unsafe condition because you don’t have time; it may cost you or someone you were supposed to protect; being injured, losing precious time on this earth and/or with their families. We all want to come home at the end of the day. Just do the right thing!

Even if it takes more time. Your safety is worth it!

TO: The Membership of Branch 1111 REF: Protecting Our Safety & Health DATE: March 10, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am writing you this letter regarding the unprecedented safety and health issues that we face in the world today, in the United States and in the Bay Area, which is our backyard.

Unfortunately, that safety and health threat is the Coronavirus or Covid-19. That is why we cancelled our Shop Stewards’ Brunch on March 22, 2020, hopefully to be rescheduled.

It is extremely important that all citizens do everything humanly possible to stop the spread of this virus and follow the precautionary/preventative advice and direction of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Such as frequently washing our hands for 20 seconds; using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces; covering your cough or sneeze with tissue and throwing it away; coughing into your elbow; staying home when you are sick; and seeing your doctor. For more information go to www.cdc.gov/COVID19.

So far, the USPS has been proactive and has issued Newsbreaks and mandatory standup talks on the Coronavirus or Covid-19. The union also requested from the Bay Valley District that all facilities & bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis, without failure. And, all bathrooms should be properly stocked with soap, paper towels and working hand dyers. Hand sanitizers, gloves and N95 masks (also for fire season) should also be available to all employees in order to combat this rogue new virus.

If you are sick you should promptly seek medical advice or care, and stay home. We must not panic, nor should we make any allegations about another person’s health. Together, we can all make a difference to protect our own safety at home and in the workplace.

In Safety & Solidarity, Edward P. Fletcher President Branch 1111

March 2020

Take the Coronavirus Seriously!

By Jose Ochoa, Executive Vice President

When you are on your route picking up mail, you don’t know if the person who dropped their outgoing mail in the mailbox is already infected with the virus. So please wear latex gloves, don’t reach for anything to eat without first sanitizing or washing your hands. It is not only your health that is at stake, but that of your family and co-workers all of whom depend on you taking the necessary precautions.

Let’s not pretend that this is not going to potentially happen to you or anyone you love, it is real and we have to deal with it as such immediately.

At work, demand hand sanitizers and soap in the bathrooms. Call the Branch if either of these are missing or not readily available in your office.

Google the symptoms of the virus, so that you can understand what to do if you feel ill. If you are in doubt, do not come to work! Call your health professional and proceed as directed. The Union will protect you from any retaliation by management.

We at Branch 1111 are in constant communication with the NALC headquarters regarding this issue and will keep you informed about what is going on.

Today, March 11, 2020, we are meeting with the District to further discuss preventative actions and ways to deal with this virus with a future that is still unknown and unpredictable at this time.

Alamo Steward Jonathan Quintos hard at work protecting his carriers

NO JUSTICE FOR BERKELEY

By Berkeley Shop Steward Liz Corriea

Berkeley has experienced some awful treatment from someone in management, but for a few weeks it’s been pleasant.

Due to the fact that this individual has been absent from work and is now laying low. I am wondering if they did a Return to Work on this person. After all, what’s good for the carriers must

Branch 1111 News be good for management too. Especially when their attendance is probably no better than the carriers, yet you get harassed for yours.

Wouldn’t it be nice if management exercised some of the guidelines set forth in many of the handbooks and manuals on how to treat people? One particular handbook, the M-39 which is a management handbook, states in section 115.4, Maintain Mutual Respect Atmosphere: The National Agreement sets out the basic rules and rights governing management and employees in their dealings with each other, but it is the Front-Line Manager who controls management’s attempt to maintain an atmosphere between employer and employee which assures mutual respect for each other’s rights and responsibilities.

Berkeley has seen their share of bad supervisors and Postmasters coming through over the years. Again, we are back where we started from. There are many situations in the Postal Service that I myself don’t understand. First of all, we have an agreement, The Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace in which paragraph 5 specifically states: We also affirm that every employee at every level of the Postal Service should be treated at all times with dignity, respect and fairness. The need for the USPS to serve the public efficiently and productively and the need for all employees to be committed to giving a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, does not justify actions that are abusive or intolerant. “Making the numbers” is not an excuse for the abuse of anyone. Those who do not treat others with dignity and respect will not be rewarded or promoted. Those whose unacceptable behavior continues will be removed from their positions.

I don’t know about you guys, but sometimes I think that this is working against us. Berkeley has experienced some bad supervisors and we have seen them get promoted and moved on to other cities. Most recently, we were given back one of those bad persons. To me this is very wrong. So far I don’t see much improvement in Berkeley. It is still unorganized. I believe it begins with good leadership, which we don’t have.

We still have a supervisor who has done things that are dishonest. Carriers would have been fired for that type of dishonesty, but let’s just sweep it under the rug for management. After all, we are going to promote this person.

What is the Postal Service thinking? Unbelievable! To me it’s a crime. Does the Postal Service really care about protecting all of its’ employees at all times?

I encourage all of you to read the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace, and I would encourage you to read up on the aftermath of the Royal Oak Tragedy, from which this statement came. This was a sad day in the Postal Service, and I hope no more tragedies like that will ever occur again.

If bullying and mistreating carriers continues, we are opening the doors for who knows what. Report any bullying, whether it is you experiencing it, or someone you witness being bullied or harassed. We must band together when it comes to protecting one another from being mistreated, bullied or harassed by management. There is always hope that the Postal Service will recognize that there are bad employees in management who should not be promoted.

Knowledge is Power 5

Branch 1111 News

Letter Carrier Political Fund Challenge

By Narciso Paderanga, IV, First Vice President

From the “Ice Bucket” to “Kiki”, from “Momo” to “Bean Boozled,” whether the challenge is fun, dangerous and illegal or it’s simply for charity, there are so many challenges which have gone viral nationwide. There is a challenge I am putting out there for you. The “Letter Carrier Political Fund Challenge”.

It is very simple. I challenge you to donate at least One Dollar ($1) to Five Dollars ($5) every pay period to the Letter Carrier Political Fund. The Union cannot legally use membership dues towards political activities. This fund is needed to support political candidates or members in Congress who will support the NALC in its fight to ensure the USPS is viable. It takes votes and money to place members of Congress in Capitol Hill that would directly affect letter carriers and the USPS. Further information can be found on the NALC’s website; https://www.nalc.org/government-affairs/legislative-activities and as follows in part: As a member of the NALC, there are several easy ways to give to the Letter Carrier Political Fund: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Payroll deduction: Contribute automatically, using PostalEase (either online or by phone) to set up an allotment deduction from your USPS paycheck.

Direct bank withdrawal: You can authorize the fund to withdraw a monthly electronic contribution directly from your personal checking account Annuity deduction: Retired letter carriers can elect to give monthly via an automatic deduction from your monthly annuity.

Family Member Contribution: How immediate family members of NALC members contribute to the Letter Carrier Political Fund using Electronic Fund Transfer or by making a One-Time contribution.

One-Time Letter Carrier Political Fund Contributions: This form should be used to identify names and members making one-time contributions.

“The NALC’s Department of Legislative and Political Affairs engages members of Congress on issues affecting letter carriers and the U.S. Postal Service by lobbying on Capitol Hill. It also monitors state and federal legislative activities and helps to elect candidates who bring strong voices for letter carriers to Washington, regardless of political party. In addition to NALC’s daily lobbying, our grassroots network of activists helps to advance the policies most important to letter carriers.”

“The Letter Carrier Political Fund is a non-partisan political action committee (PAC) established for the purpose of electing qualified candidates who support letter carriers and 6

March 2020 who are committed to maintaining a strong and innovative U.S. Postal Service.”

“Each year, NALC fights to fend off attacks in Congress that threaten letter carriers’ collective-bargaining rights, retirement benefits and livelihood. We’ve been successful so far, and we want to continue helping to elect House and Senate candidates who will protect us, promote our issues and deliver our message to Washington.”

“Since union dues can’t be used to support candidates for political office, NALC relies 100 percent on member contributions to the LCPF, which in turn helps us support those on Capitol Hill who defend the issues that matter most to us.

Our PAC brings together in Washington strong letter carrier advocates—from all political parties—who are dedicated to helping to defend a strong USPS that provides universal, innovative and affordable service.”

If every single member of the NALC donated $1 to the PAC, approximately $277,000 per pay period would be a very significant amount to make a difference in our fight in Congress.

They say “the pen is mightier than a sword”. That is because with a stroke of a pen, Congress can take it all away!

Let’s have a say on who should be in Congress making decisions regarding our livelihood.

I have been contributing to the PAC since the start and have increased my donation by more than double my original donation. I believe I can sacrifice a $5 coffee or two in a pay period in order to support the action that makes every effort to ensure that I would still have a career to support my family both until the day of my retirement and throughout my retirement years. Without my career and the benefits within, I would not be able to afford a $5 coffee, let alone to support my family.

By donating and educating our brothers and sisters, YOU can help make the Letter Carrier Political Fund Challenge go viral.

Oakland Civic Center carrier Nancy Velasquez celebrates her retirement with Branch 1111 FTOs

Branch 1111 News Third of Three Parts

YEARS AGO AND NOT SO FAR AWAY…..

By Julie McCormick, Third Vice President

Where we last left off my three-part series of the Great Postal Strike was at the beginning of World War II. Letter carriers were joining the armed forces to further serve their country, as well as helping out with the war effort with the delivery of ration books, GI mail, etc.

With letter carriers joining the war effort, this left vacancies to hire temporary carriers, however, with the wages being so low, it was difficult keeping replacement carriers, and the regular letter carriers of a particular installation ended up absorbing all the duties of their fellow carriers’ vacant assignments during the War. NALC President Bill Doherty led the movement for a temporary $300 salary increase per year during WWII. This salary campaign achieved its success in 1943. However, it was only effective until mid-1945, still not really solving the struggle for permanent salary increases for city letter carriers. Although subsequently, letter carriers had a number of successful pay victories leading into the 1950s.

Appointment of Jesse Donaldson Letter carriers and the NALC were feeling pleased with their recent victories and were determined to continue their winning streak into 1950. However, the appointment of Jesse Donaldson as Postmaster General in 1947 would start an over twenty-year downhill slide which led to the Postal Strike of 1970. On April 18, 1950, Congress and the Bureau of the Budget initiated significant cuts to the Postal Service’s funds, eventually placing Donaldson in a position where he could not operate the Postal Service. Donaldson had no interest in consulting with the postal unions, instead he accepted the reductions and had the objective to save the Postal Service over 80 million dollars. This eventually led to Donaldson issuing an order which still affects us carriers to this day. He reduced residential mail deliveries to once a day, reduced business mail delivery to twice per day, and cut other services such as street collections, parcel post deliveries, and window collection.

The NALC fought vigorously to restore the service provided by carriers that the public was accustomed to prior to Donaldson. Throughout the decade, the effects of the longer routes, heavier mail loads, and deplorable work conditions took its toll on our letter carriers. These conditions were affecting the health and morale of carriers, resulting in higher disability rates, deaths and early retirement. Despite carriers

March 2020 and NALCs efforts to restore the service and working standards, Congress was not interested in what letter carriers had to say.

The Eisenhower Era With the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, the NALC was very pleased. He had promised letter carriers, at their National Convention, prior to his election that he would make sure to listen to Union President Doherty if there were any issues arising which were damaging to the Postal Service and its letter carriers. However, Eisenhower did not fulfill this promise. Eisenhower appointed Arthur Summerfield as Postmaster General in 1952. Summerfield was not interested in the needs and working conditions of Postal Service employees and his goal was for the Postal Service to be profitable, which entailed keeping wages as low as possible.

The NALC and Summerfield went to battle over letter carrier pay increases. The NALC was eventually successful in getting a fair postal pay bill in front of Congress, which passed by a landslide majority but was eventually vetoed by Eisenhower. This would be foreshadowing Eisenhower’s future actions. He vetoed four postal pay raises as president.

When the 1960s rolled around, letter carriers were struggling to make ends meet. If you can imagine, letter carriers during this time worked two jobs while the other spouse worked as well to support their families. Letter carriers could not even qualify for a FHA home loan and many carriers qualified for public assistance. Carriers during the 1960s started to question the no-strike provisions in the LloydLaFollette Act which was enacted in 1912 and contained nostrike provisions for federal employees.

The Kennedy Years John Kennedy was elected president in 1960. At this point, the labor-management relations at the Post Office were at a low point. Letter carriers had virtually no rights and protections. The NALC had no representational rights on the workroom floor, and there was no collective bargaining agreement. The NALC had no choice but to subject their battles to the legislative process. President Kennedy in 1962 issued Executive Order 10988 which replaced the LloydLaFollette act of 1912. This executive order established an employee-management cooperation program and recognized the role of labor unions in the representation of its employees.

The key to this executive order gave the NALC the authority to protect its members on the workroom floor and to negotiate a national level contract. Bargaining for a contract, however, could not include wages, hours, and fringe benefits.

There was a loophole postal management exploited as a result of Executive Order 10988, there was no mechanism which compelled the Postal Service to reach an agreement. In other words, postal management retained the final decisionmaking authority on everything. If there was an arbitration decision, they were seen as advisory but not binding. The Postal Service could claim “emergency situation” to weasel their way out of prior commitments and agreements. There was a severe imbalance of power which sets the stage for the 1970 postal strike. But these issues honed the NALC bargaining skills in preparation of the 1970 strike.

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Branch 1111 News

The Johnson Years After Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson became President of the United States. With the Vietnam War and increased inflations, letter carriers’ salaries were not on par with the cost of living rising due to this inflation.

When President Johnson was a senator, he had never voted against letter carriers. So to letter carriers and the NALCs’ surprise, President Johnson gave government employees two options regarding pay, a measly 3.6% increase or nothing at all. This increase still did not compare to those workers in the private sector and still did not compensate for the increasing inflation.

After this wage increase, the post office issued numerous cost cutting policies, including curtailing overtime for experienced carriers, increasing the use of temporary employees. These cuts lead to abuses of letter carriers by postal service management, affecting morale and work conditions. By 1967, the employee turnover rate was about 26 percent, with many carriers leaving to find work in the private sector.

The NALC and the Postal Service went into contract negotiations from late 1967-1968, attempting to address these perpetuating issues with the treatment of letter carriers. The Postal Service was not interested in the union’s proposals to improve the work environment and an attitude of “take it or leave it”. Amongst themselves, carriers were starting to get angry at the Postal Service over the disparity in wages, treatment on the job and their lack of power. A growing “militancy” amongst letter carriers was starting to evolve.

With this uptick in letter carriers’ and the NALC’s frustration, the Postal Service issued a strike contingency plan in 1968.

With Richard Nixon’s election as President in 1969, things just got worse.

Along Came Nixon Nixon offered carriers many empty promises just like Eisenhower. Nixon issued an executive order in mid-1969 increasing letter carriers wages by 4.1 percent, however, this wage increase did not combat the inflation which was running at over 5 percent. Carriers were struggling to make ends meet.

Carriers grew impatient and started protesting outside of their respective offices. This led to most carriers from the Bronx New York Post Office calling out sick on Monday July 1, 9

March 2020 1969. The very next day these carriers (and clerks who participated) were all suspended.

Empty promises and compromises towards Letter Carriers by President Nixon incensed letter carriers, Letter Carriers of Branch 36 in New York set out to strike throughout Manhattan and the Bronx. Starting the strike on March 17, 1970. News of the strike spread like wildfire across the nation, with multiple NALC Branches, including our own, participating in the strike. President Emeritus Jerry DePoe of Branch 1111 reflects when his Union City office went on strike, they were blocking the driveway of the Union City Post Office.

On March 18, the Nixon administration began an attempt to crackdown on the postal workers revolt. Nixon sent in the National Guard to try to get the mail delivered, but quickly found out how ill equipped the military was to take on the job of a letter carrier. Undelivered mail began piling up at offices across the country. With the promise of an agreement to be reached by the union and the president that met nearly ever demand of letter carriers and clerks, strikers started returning to their jobs. This resulted in both current and retroactive pay wages for letter carriers, but most importantly this strike led to the Postal Reorganization Act which became law. Letter carriers finally achieved full collective bargaining rights over wages, hours and working conditions with their employer.

These strikes forever changed the dynamic of the Postal Service and the union, but this was just the beginning.

I would like to end this three-part series with a point President Emeritus Jerry DePoe and 1970 postal striker stated to me when I was researching this article. It was the letter carriers, who had been carriers for years and years before the strike, who put their job, their retirement, their livelihoods on the line to strike in 1970. These are the carriers who were willing to do whatever it took to ensure collective bargaining, and not collective begging, was the future for letter carriers. I am sure I could write another three-part series on everything that happened after the postal strike, but I’ll give you all a break.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the letter carriers, and especially the ones who are a part of Branch 1111 and participated in the 1970 Postal Strike. It is crucial to know the past struggles of letter carriers to ensure this never happens again. Today, as a direct result of the 1970 strike, the NALC and its members are part of the strongest labor union which exists today. But again, none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the selflessness of all of the participants of the Great 1970 Postal Strike.

March 2020

Just (Unjust) Cause Interview

me.

Who authorized you to work such and such hours of time?

I was told to finish but it would be unauthorized. I follow instruction and delivered all mail without accident or injury.

By Francisco Cabrera, Second Vice President

What’s all this?

Mail.

Why didn't you come back by 6pm?

Supervisor told me to finish it Why didn't you scan at 4430 Whipple or scan such-andsuch parcel?

I did.

Why did you file a claim?

Because I am covered under the FECA for on the job injuries.

After this charming prelude conversation, usually a just cause (just cuz) interview is scheduled. Are you afraid of just cause interviews?

Hopefully the following example of questions and answers will help you answer without incriminating yourself which is usually the interrogators sole purpose. (Ideas on how you can answer without incriminating yourself are in bold).

Branch 1111 News How much overtime did you request in the morning?

I requested a PS form 3996 but none was provided to

of?

Do you have anything else to add that I may not be aware

NO!

Please write me a statement about how the accident/injury happened.

NO!

Please explain how the injury/accident happened on such and such date?

Please review the CA1(for injuries)/Form 91 (for vehicle accidents) it explains what happened.

Hopefully the above gives you some guidance on how to answer at “Just Cuz” interviews.

“Be Careful when you follow the masses, sometimes the M is silent.”

And please never talk to Management or OIG or Postal Inspectors without a Union representative!!!!

It is not your job to arrange the meeting with your Union representative, it is Management's!!!

Are you aware of (Postal Rule or regulation)?

I haven't been trained on that.

Is it true you received such and such corrective action on such and such date?

I don't think that was issued for just cause.

Are you aware of your responsibility to be regular in attendance?

I don't know what regular in attendance means. I can't come to work if I am incapacitated due to illness or injury or need to care for my family member.

(FYI Sick leave dependent care only covers spouse; parents; parents-in-law; children; brothers; sisters; grandparents; grandchildren; step parents; step children; foster parents; foster children; guardianship relationships; same sex and opposite sex domestic partners; and spouses or domestic partners of the aforementioned)

Civic Center carrier Sullivan Smothers delivers 13th Street in downtown Oakland

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October 2019

Branch 1111 News

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Branch 1111 News

March 2020

Are you filling out your PS Form 3996?

By Terrence Lee Super, Fourth Vice President

Our dear brothers and sisters, -- I know a lot of you hate doing this, -- but are you filling out your 3996s forms and handing them to management? If not, it is extremely vital that you do so because one of the hot button issues right now is unauthorized overtime!

Management seems to think that you should be casing all that political mail and loading up your vehicle with all those parcels and still pressuring you to get back within 8 hours!

That’s highly unreasonable of course, and we know better.

We as carriers know that delivering mail isn’t easy, especially when management is heavy on your back telling you to hurry up. But guess what? That 3996 is a protection from all that. If you know for a fact that you’re not going to make it within 8 hours, put the reason why on that 3996 and hand it to management for approval or disapproval.

The reasons may vary from heavy parcel volume or high letter/flats mail volume such as political mail which we know is growing every day. Management will always try and deny the extra time you need but don’t argue with them, just repeat that you need the time and tell them that you will not make it within the 8 hours. Ask them what they want you to do.

Always put it back on management to make the decision whether they want to approve the extra time or not. Always request a copy once they approve or disapprove the time, but remember you can’t take it upon yourself to decide to do the overtime, hence they will try to discipline you for unauthorized overtime.

Remembering this very important responsibility as a carrier will keep you out of trouble and make it easy for us to defend you if management tries to discipline you for taking too much time on your route.

To all of our seasoned Letter Carrier brothers and sisters please educate the new ones who are coming in about this vital step because it is they who management tries to discipline first. And because they don’t know any better, at times management might succeed. Please help them realize how important this document is and teach them how to fill it out.

I’ve gotten many of my fellow carriers’ discipline for unauthorized overtime thrown out simply because this document was filled out correctly and HANDED to the supervisor, not PLACED on the desk while the supervisor was walking the floor or busy with another carrier. To some this reminder may seem superfluous but there is a reason why we as Full Time Officers can’t stress this enough. Because you would not believe how many carriers have gotten in trouble for unauthorized overtime. Form 3996 will protect you from that, so please make sure you and your fellow carriers are filling it out and HANDING it to management.

As always, we love our members and we go all out to protect you!

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FTO Terrance Super presents new Livermore Seward Teresa Rodriguez her badge

LETTER TO EDITOR

More Shop Steward Attendance Needed First I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Michael A Chavez. I am a retired letter carrier from El Sobrante—94803.

I joined the NALC in March 1984. I became a shop steward with Charles Thompson as my mentor.

After years of dealing with the management skills of 204B’s, supervisors and station managers, I realized most of them had no skills at all. That’s an ongoing drama that still continues for the over 3,000 carriers of Branch 1111.

At the Branch meeting on February 25, 2020, there was barely a quorum. That’s not a sign of strength in numbers or solidarity. A point to prove. How many Shop Stewards will attend the Brunch versus how many regularly attend our monthly meeting. I realize the long hours of a carrier’s day.

For example, they work in Concord and their hours make it difficult to attend the monthly meetings so far way in Richmond. Maybe, we could find a more central location to hold the meetings every month?

Not enough Shop Stewards in attendance at said monthly meeting. How can they keep those 3,000 carriers on the same page with issues that take place each and every day. Shop Stewards take all the heat from management in every grievance situation. Shop Stewards are paid for their work as stewards. It should be required that all stewards attend 6-8 meetings a year.

I always told all the carriers when dealing with management’s negative attitude toward carriers that there’s more of us than there is of them. Strength in numbers and solidarity go hand-in-hand.

-- Michael A. Chavez

A thank you to Francisco Cabrera “Once a Shop Steward, always a Shop Steward”

Branch 1111 News

March 2020

Martinez Million Mile Carriers Award Ceremony (From left to right)

Mario Sanchez, Mario Ureta, Adrian Sepulveda, Bill Quiros, Ed Alvarez, Maria Speris.

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March 2020

Branch 1111 News

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Branch 1111 News

March 2020

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 highly recommend Dr. Cabayan. 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 practice.”

-Tony Crancer

“Dr. Cabayan treats patients in a warm, 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 highly recommend him.”

-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

Branch 1111 News

March 2020

NALC Branch 1111 Balance Sheet As of February 29, 2020

ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts 100 - Petty Cash 126 PPCU-50 Mechanics Bank Accounts PPCU-Acct 70 United Bank Accounts Total Bank Accounts

17,592.30 -88,809.63 993,147.38 $902,337.75

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$919,930.05

128.30 65,321.05 147,017.18 25,610.02 197,035.53 $485,977.49

Other Current Assets Total Current Other Assets $848,804.56 Total Current Assets $1,334,782.05 Fixed Assets 189 - Accumulated Depreciation -112,256.57 190 - 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 $- 414,852.00 TOTAL ASSETS $919,930.05

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LIABILITIES & EQUITY Total Liabilities Net Revenue 3900 Unrestricted Net Assets Equity

First VP Narciso Paderanga and President Ed Fletcher congratulate Oakland Laurel carrier Jose Luevano for his Million Mile Safe Driving Award

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

Yici Chen Wilson Chu Joe Hickingbottom Huang Hui Juan Yan Dong Ion Kelly Samuel Pantoja Carlos Lopez Ruby Bailey Stefanie Cruser Mateo Elliot Siok Goh Terrance Hands Edgar Kuc John Renteria Bianca Salazar Neil Bhatia Jose Bustos Justin Kaiserman Laina Alcantara Luisito Ellson Satwinder Grewal Zachary Marsden Phouvieng Sengmany Dillion Teeter Ciara Burton-Guthery Nicole Brooks Zarah Francisco Timothy Evans Jason Agustin Daniel Berrun Natnael Dessie Samson So Nitacki Stallings Carlos Tavares Gallardo Villalobos Rodolfo Lopez-Cuevas Alberto Symon Sheensadé Thomas Kayawna Langley Panday Arvind Pierre Warren

Alameda Alameda Alameda Alameda Alamo Antioch Antioch Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Berkeley Concord Danville Danville Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Martinez Martinez Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Pinole Pittsburg Pittsburg

Cameron Taylor Eric Rulna James Bravante Kyoo Han Upendra Karki Laine Matt Andrea Moore Zhi Xiao Maria Alvaro Ashonny Woodron Samantha Porter Fahm Saelee Jihai Wu Bernabe Bridnes Hong Jiang Corona Cecilia Lawrence Womack Clementino Marcha Christian Astarita Joe Cruz Andrew Rigney Brian Balestrieri

Pittsburg Pittsburg Pleasanton Pleasanton Rodeo-Hercules San Ramon San Ramon San Ramon Suisun City Suisun City Suisun City Suisun City Union City Union City Union City Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Walnut Creek

Important 2020 Dates to Remember: State Convention Food Drive Branch Picnic National Convention Retiree’s Night

April 30-May 2 May 9 June 28 August 17-21 August 25

Next Branch Meeting March 24th 7:00 pm