Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News Volume 45 Number 505
May/June 2026
Schooling Kids on Delivering Mail
Fairfield Letter Carrier Paulo Rivera visited his daughter’s school on his day off to share the work we do. He explained the daily responsibilities of a postal carrier, how mail is sorted and delivered, and why reliable mail service is so important to kids
2026 Branch Picnic June 7th. Details see Page 14
Branch 1111 News
May/June 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
May/June 2026
Branch 1111 News
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU The following letter carriers have recently retired: Yu Chuan Chen of Civic Center Oakland; Gabriel Sacay Jr. of Pittsburg; Allan Sanchez of San Ramon; Michael Nealy of Berkeley; and Allen Sanchez of Pleasanton. We wish them all many rewarding years of leisure.
CONDOLENCES Our sympathy and condolences go out to the family, coworkers and friends of active Pittsburg carrier Bobby Medina who passed away last month. He will be missed by all. Condolences also go out to Pleasanton Shop Steward Deborah Yamawaki on the death of her father Clarance “Cal” Yee.
Raymond Molinar Jr., El Cerrito retiree, celebrates his 41 years of service with his family and friends on his last day
UNIFORM DONATIONS We appreciate the donation of uniforms to the Branch office for newly hired letter carriers. However, we do ask that they be clean, “gently used,” and pressed if possible. Please do this so our newest members will be even more thankful for your thoughtful gifts.
BY-LAW CHAGE APPROVED The By-Law change to Article 4 Section 4 for filing vacant Branch positions was passed unanimously at the April 28 meeting.
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 Valkyrie games. The Valkyries is 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. These were the winners at the April meeting: Paul Petersen, Gary Gomez, John Ferreira, Jeff Valentine, K. Isola, Rickie Cox, and Joshua Pearl. The winner of the April MDA cash prize of $107.50 was John Ferreira.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Mark your calendars for the rest of the year! Branch Picnic; El Sobrante, Sunday, June 7 NALC National Convention, Los Angelos; August 3-7 Retirees Dinner; Branch Office, Tuesday, August 25 Stewards Recognition Fete: Sunday, Sept 13, UC Berkeley
Raymond Molinar Jr., El Cerrito retiree, is honored for his 41 years of service by AST John Ferreira
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Branch 1111 News
Fighting the Good Fight! By Edward P. Fletcher, President
What is the issue? What happened? What are the true facts? What should or can we do? What is the right thing to do? What is the wrong thing to do? Are there any answers? Where can we find the solutions? Asking questions is the beginning point to any investigation and in assessing situations that rise up. For example, if you get a flat tire do you have a spare in the trunk or are you relying solely on AAA? Notably, there is no substitute for being well prepared. In short, always carry a spare tire and insurance.
Where Do We Stand? I wish I could tell you that everything is “peachy keen,” or “overly fantastic” or that there are “no issues.” But since we work for the U.S. Postal Service, we know that is not a “true fact.” Yes, the Postal Service finds itself financially challenged. Some could easily argue that the leaders of the USPS created its financial woes by failing to invest in the USPS infrastructure in order to grow the parcel business, rather than eliminating mail processing. Or one could argue that billions of dollars were wasted in the last 2-3 decades by the USPS investing in letter and flat sorting machines when mail volume was clearly declining. Instead of simply hiring more employees (which they control) or investing in new vehicles and postal products. As union representatives, we know for a fact that the USPS wasted millions of dollars on willful violations. We also know that the USPS has reached its borrowing limit without taking inflation into consideration. On April 9, 2026, due to a lack of action by Congress to raise the borrowing limit, the USPS recently suspended contributions to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to pay its bills. This is shameful and Congress must act now! The U.S. mailing industry, anchored by U.S. Postal Service, supports 7.4 % of the U.S. gross domestic product. We all need to stand and fight together to ensure the viability of America’s Postal Service, protect American jobs and the sanctity of the U.S. Mail!
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May/June 2026
What should be done? However, all is not lost! The answer to what we should do is what the union has been doing since it was first created in 1889, which is to “Fight the Good Fight.” We can start by continuing to provide the best service to our customers. America still supports its Letter Carriers and wants universal service to continue. The USPS needs to create new products and make investments to grow our parcel business. All carriers should give the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF) to support individuals who support us. Use the Postal Service and its products. Write, call and/or email your congressional representatives to back good Postal Legislation. Continue to request hard copy statements to be mailed. When buying a product to be mailed, request that it be sent through the USPS. Let your family and friends know that the Postal Service delivers to every address with the best value/price and supports union jobs in America. If Congress were to allow for a new investment strategy for USPS retiree health and pension funds, a fair recalculation of the agency’s Civil Service Retirement System pension obligations, and an increase in the agency’s borrowing authority, this pause in FERS contributions would not be necessary. It is time for Congress to act on these commonsense policy changes to protect our jobs, retirements, and the essential and reliable service we provide to every American – see the NALC website at nalc.org for more information and legislative updates and actions. My brothers and sisters, please take care of yourselves and your families. Please join us for food, fun and conversations at our Branch Picnic on June 7, 2026. I hope to see you there!
President Ed Fletcher addressing the Katherine Ellis Scholarship Winners at the May Branch Meeting
May/June 2026
Branch 1111 News
REMEMBERING THE DAILY REQUIREMENTS By Liz Corriea, Berkeley Chief Steward
There should be a flow chart in every office to follow your daily routines, and it should also be listed in your binder book that is under your case, along with your M-41. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with daily chaos that might be happening in your office, so you may occasionally forget the important daily requirements. For example, if you needed a PS Form 3996, when we are of the opinion that you need overtime. When you ask for a PS Form 3996, a supervisor should never tell you, just call back and speak to the late supervisor. That’s not an acceptable response, and should be grieved, or at least inform your shop steward immediately, so that he/she can rectify the situation. If not resolved, then your shop steward should file a grievance. Just remember to submit your PS Form 3996, when you need to work overtime. E.A.P (EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM) Just a few words for those of you who are unfamiliar with E.A.P. (Employee Assistance Program) I wanted to share with you this program is available for all employees 24/7 days a week. If you’re in need of assistance with dealing with any type of problem such as depression, anxiety, grief, loss of family members, and much, much more, you are able to reach out to them, as they are the resources that connect you with the help you need. Just Make the Call 1-800-EAP4-you. THE BERKELEY BLUES NEW! Berkeley Post Office at the moment of this writing is under route inspections. By the time this article is printed hopefully all the examiners will have left. It’s been total chaos here. I know some other offices have had their share of craziness, and the loss of many routes, due to these inspections. The union’s position is to make sure these route inspections are done appropriately and fairly. However, I am already hearing about some unruly and bossy examiners. Of course, the union has to get the full details on how their DOI (Day of Inspection) went. Maybe not all examiners were bad, but some were. Not surprising! Hopefully those Berkeley carriers remember to take notes on how their experience was with their examiners, because everything matters so that the route inspections were done properly. I am sure some of you Berkeley carriers may have been nervous on the day of your inspections, because of having this army of examiners trying to control you. But as long as letter carriers put safety first as their priority, then hopefully the rest of the route inspection went well. “Knowledge is Power.
What are Office Standards? By Mary Abante, First Vice President
Office Time What are casing standards? What are 18 and 8? Can I be disciplined for not meeting standards? Two of the many factors management is required to use to calculate “standard office” time is found in the handbook Management of Delivery Services (M-39). The “standard” is casing 18 letters per minute and 8 flats per minute. This socalled standard is also used during a route inspection. The office time allowance for a route is established as the lesser of the carrier’s average office time during the inspection period, or the average standard office time. Standard office time is based on the totality of letter carrier’s office performance. It may not be broken down into subcomponents. For example, by determining only how long it takes a letter carrier to case a known number of letters. Even when conducting a special one-day mail count under the provisions of M-39 Section 141.2, management must use and complete a Form 1838-C. Simple failure to meet office standards is never just cause for discipline. M-39 141.2 Special Office Mail Counts “When management desires to determine the efficiency of a carrier in the office, a count of mail may be made. The carrier must be given one day’s advance notification of this special count. Use PS Form 1838-C to record count and time items concerned. The carrier must be advised of the result of the office mail count.” On September 3, 1976, a (MOU) Memorandum of Understanding modified the M-39 to highlight this point. Section 242.332 states: “No carrier shall be disciplined for failure to meet standards, except in cases of unsatisfactory effort which must be based on documented, unacceptable conduct that led to the carrier’s failure to meet standards.” On July 11, 1977, Step 4 settlement, NC-Nat-6811 (M-00386) states: “Management may not change or impose discipline upon a carrier merely for failing to meet the 18 and 8 casing standards. Any such charge is insufficient.” The Memorandum of Understanding, September 3, 1976, asserts the only proper charge for disciplining a carrier for this topic is “unsatisfactory effort.” So, as long as you do the best you can and do not engage in “unacceptable conduct,” you shouldn’t worry about being disciplined for failure to make casing standards. 5
Branch 1111 News
May/June 2026
BRANCH 1111 PICNIC KENNEDY GROVE REGIONAL RECREATION AREA FRENCHMAN’S CURVE PICNIC AREA SUNDAY, JUNE 7 6531 SAN PABLO DAM ROAD, EL SOBRANTE $5 REGIONAL PARKS PARKING FEE
PICNIC HOURS 10:00 UNTIL 4:00 LUNCH CATERED BY BACK FORTY BBQ 12:00-1:00 BEER, WATER, SODA, AND OTHER DRINKS PROVIDED LOTS OF FUN FOR ALL BUT PLEASE BRANCH MEMBERS AND IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY
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May/June 2026
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF FMLA By Shana Lum, San Ramon Shop Steward
Branch 1111 News
with my Postmaster about future plans and put everything in writing, without revealing too much about his situation. Specifics are between you and their doctor. Management cannot override or make a medical decision over your loved ones’ doctors. Speak with your shop steward or Full Time Officer about your options and file a grievance if Management is declining your time off requests without a valid reason. I’m grateful I was able to spend what time my father had left, and I was able to care for him, as needed. I also thank Branch 1111 and my FTO, Jimmie Braden, for their support during this very difficult time. Please utilize the tools we have available at USPS, NALC, and EAP, as they’re meant to help you help those you love. In loving memory of my father, I stand united with you all and will continue fighting to be the voice of the membership. (We at the Branch newspaper wish to express our deepest sympathies for Shana and her family at this time),
Chief Shop Steward of San Ramon and Dublin, Shana Lum, with her father, Lawrence Lum, at the Golden Gate Bridge in SF 2025
My Father, Lawrence Lum, was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Our family held funeral services recently due to losing him as a result from war related injuries and sickness. He didn’t work for the Postal Service; however, he was an avid Union supporter, encouraged me to join the Union and become a Shop Steward. He was the kind of man who stood up for what he believed in, even if it meant he was the only one standing. He instilled several qualities in me, including a fighting mentality, and the will to be the voice of others. As many of you know, I can be a very private person, however, I must reach out to the membership. If my story helps just one of you, then my father would be proud. Spending time with loved ones when they’re sick or in their last years or moments is something you don’t want to miss. How can you ensure this when Management has the power to approve or decline your requests? There are a few answers to this. First of all, Management does not have the power. FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) is a type of leave that can be taken all at once or intermittently. It is up to 12 weeks unpaid, or paid, if you have a leave balance. Your position as a carrier cannot be taken from you while you’re caring for a loved one. Your health benefits continue during the leave. You also have the option of switching your days off with a PS Form 3189, and as long as you do this in advance, there should be no reason for denial. Switching days off was an option I used when my other family members could not take my father to his doctor’s appointments. I took advantage of my long weekends to spend with him. I would schedule sick leave, in advance, to provide travel and care for my father. I also communicated
Advertisers Wanted! The Branch 1111 Newspaper is looking for some new businesses to advertise in our paper. Do you know of any businesses that could benefit our members? Any services that would be interested in reaching our over 3000 members? Please have them contact Joshua Pearl at joshtpearl@gmail.com or phone 510.282.4130. I will provide them with our rates and policies. Help support our efforts to keep publishing this paper for you, our informed readers! 7
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JOHN ZAMORA
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NALC Branch 1111
LIABILITIES & EQUITY Total Liabilities Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Balance Sheet As of April 30, 2026
ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts 100 - Petty Cash -17.72 126 PPCU-50 189,151.15 Mechanics Bank Accounts 153,832.92 PPCU-Acct 50 35,763.30 Citibank CD 101,129.71 United Bank Accounts 358,885.74 Total Bank Accounts 838,795.10 Total Current Other Assets -2,270.56 Total Current Assets 836,524.54 189 - 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 $1,158,949.37
$13,860.49 $1,145,088.88 $1,158,949.37
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Krista Beals, Vallejo Shop Steward, working hard while filling in for a Full-Time Officer at the Branch Office
2026 Katherine Ellis Scholarship Winners
MIT bound Aasish Dangol with his father, El Cerrito carrier Sanjay Dangol, Alleghany State bound Kyle Fan with his mother, Lafayette carrier Le Wei Jiang, and U.C. Davis bound Firmin Lee with his father, Piedmont carrier Man Lee. Not Pictured winner Cayden Salcedo, son of Concord carrier Josephine Salcedo. Eash received $1,000. Best of luck to all of our impressive recipients. 11
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
Nathan Turner Alfredo Aguirre Vanya Lloyd Rafik Chafai Eric Witherspoon Narinder Kaur Brian Salsky Julio Espinosa Hannah Hiseh Anna Berlin Rhaniel Cunanan Alexandria Ogir Rhaniel Cunanan Sunand Nanawa Zachary Piccoli Edward Aurea Dorian Virrueta Chak Wong Evan Champion Liu Jiaming Sean O’Sullivan Chi-Ho Kuo Sukhdeep Bhangoo William Snell Jeffrey Cash Ava Johnson Daniela Naranjo Erica Williams Steve McLaughlin Shayli Charles Ryan Jaeger Luis Abea Ciana Leehang Donnie Lemus Bryan Lira Tajanae Davenport Ralph Ocasio Thuan Hoang Kassandra Andrade Warunee Hansen
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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, May 26th and Tuesday, June 23rd.