Greater East Bay Branch 1111 News

G Grre e a atte err E E a asst t B B a a y y B Brra a n n c c h h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 N N e e w wss

HONORING THEIR FALLEN BROTHER

Moraga Carriers accept a

award, delayed by the pandemic, from NALC Director of Safety and Health, Manny Peralta, for Tito Brantley who passed

training

Rotating Schedule

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 Jose Ochoa, Executive Vice President Narciso Paderanga, First Vice President Francisco Cabrera, Second Vice President Mary Abante, Third Vice President Terrence Super, Fourth Vice President John Ferreira, Secretary Treasurer Mary Phelps, Asst. Sec Treasurer Jeff Valentine, Sgt at Arms Jacob Morgan, Insurance Officer Rickie Cox, Trustee Ray Garcia, 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 Hercules, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Suisun City, Union City, Vallejo, Walnut Creek

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Chris Calica, Elizabeth Corriea, Marisela Fletcher, Irene Liljedahl, Shana Lum, 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, Mary Abante, Liz Corriea, Ron Jones, Francisco Cabrera, Mary Phelps, Terrence Super, 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

NO MORE HYBRID MEETINGS

The Tuesday, October 25, Branch meeting will only be in person Face masks will be required inside the meeting hall.

As of this time there will be no more hybrid meetings. If the safety concerns regarding COVID 19 changes, the membership will be updated.

NALC ELECTION DEADLINE

All NALC ballots must be received by 5pm Friday, October 21. If you want a say in how your Union is to be governed, exercise your civic duty, and make sure to get your ballot into the mail as soon as possible.

UPDATE ON NALC HURRICANE RELIEF

The NALC Disaster Relief Foundation (DRF) has sprung into action to help union members affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. NALC officers and staff have been in contact with branches in Puerto Rico, Florida, and South Carolina assessing needs and providing aid. Dozens of emergency grants have already been wired to members who have lost homes, vehicles, and other property in the worst hit parts of Puerto Rico and Florida. A delegation from the DRF will soon visit Florida to deliver donated letter carrier uniforms and other vital supplies from DRF stockpiles in our Atlanta area facility.

The national union has made a sizable financial contribution to the AFL CIO’s disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico to help with the island’s recovery. Branches wishing to make donations can find information here

RETIREMENT SEMINAR

The Branch 1111 retirement seminar was a big success attended by nearly 40 carriers, including some from other District 2 branches. The detailed and informative seminar was led by Sacramento Branch 133 member Frank Bishop.

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU

The following letter carriers retired recently: Jimmy Deng of Walnut Creek; Martin Jimenez of Berkeley; and Bozica Micanovic of Concord. We wish many years of leisure to all.

50/50 MDA RAFFLE WINNERS

Here are the lucky MDA winners drawn last month: A’s tickets and memorabilia were won by; Ron Jones, Eileen Brown, Chris Calica, Frances Rodriguez, and Terrence Super. The 50/50 pot of $42.50 went to Frances Rodriguez.

Come try your luck at the next Branch meeting.

After 20 years of combined service Concord’s Rick Moreno celebrates his retirement

National Safety and Health Officer Manny Peralta gives an informative presentation at last month’s Branch meeting

Berkeley DDU carrier Fred Clark receives an award for 55 years of service

POSTAL HEADQUARTER’S GREATEST FAILURES

By Edward P. Fletcher, President

From “Wikipedia” United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service, is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the U.S., including its insular areas and associated states It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the U.S. Constitution.

The USPS, as of 2021, has 516,636 career employees and 136,531 non career employees.[6] The USPS traces its roots to 1775 during the Second Continental Congress, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General; he also served a similar position for the colonies of the Kingdom of Great Britain.[7] The Post Office Department was created in 1792 with the passage of the Postal Service Act. It was elevated to a Cabinet level department in 1872, and was transformed by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 into the U.S. Postal Service as an independent agency.[8] Since the early 1980s, many direct tax subsidies to the USPS (with the exception of subsidies for costs associated with disabled and overseas voters) have been reduced or eliminated.[9]

The USPS has a monopoly on "letter" delivery within the U.S. and operates under a universal service obligation (USO), both of which are defined across a broad set of legal mandates, which obligate it to provide uniform price and quality across the entirety of its service area. [10] The Post Office has exclusive access[11] to letter boxes marked "U.S. Mail" and personal letterboxes in the U.S., but has to compete against private package delivery services, such as United Parcel Service, FedEx, and Amazon [12]

Not a Fortune 500 Company

The USPS is not a “Fortune 500 Company” nor was it ever intended to be one that is traded on the stock market where investors profits would be placed above the USPS’s obligations to provide “universal service” to our customers coast to coast. Nor should the Postal Service be handed over to the “Wolves of Wall Street” to be dismantled and portioned out to their cronies for corporate greed. Such actions would place the rising costs of mailing letters and parcels on the backs of hard working Americans depriving them of “uniform pricing” and “quality service.” That is why the unions and our customers have successfully opposed attempts to privatize the USPS. However, there is another wolf that resides inside the doors of the Postal Service.

DeJoy’s Ploys

Form the very beginning of his tenure as Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy’s actions have been questionable. For example, his actions to dismantle mail sorting machines, the removal of collection boxes, reducing service standards, to the allegations of him interfering with a “free and fair election” in 2020 are all problematic and disturbing for a PMG. But I am not here to rehash any of that “hot mess.” I am here to discuss USPS Headquarters latest and greatest epic failures:

1. City Carrier Assistants Although Arbitrator DAS’s January 10, 2013, Award established a non career CCA workforce with a 2 tier wage scale, it was the USPS that pushed for it. Since then, we have experienced high attrition rates and staffing shortages in many Postal Installations, especially in Northern California and areas with higher costs of living. What has the Postal Service done to fix this inequity? Very little to nothing. We must go back to an all career workforce for all and fix the letter carrier pay scale.

2. Chronic Understaffing I believe that the Postal Services staffing shortages can be traced back to the DAS Award, which reduced benefits and pay for new employees. Nevertheless, Mr. Logistics, as he claims, has not come up with any long terms plans to fix this problem. He has not negotiated any changes to new employee pay rates.

3. New Employee’s Pay Prior to the inception of CCA’s in 2013, new PTF’s were paid around $ 22.00 an hour. The first CCA’s were paid about $15.00 an hour, which is a $ 7.00 drop in pay. In October of 2022 and with an even higher cost of living, new CCA’s are paid $18.92 and PTF’s are paid $19.88 an hour. So, after 9 years the CCA’s pay only went up $3.92 and PTF’s pay has still not reached $ 22.00 an hour. Do you now see where the problem started? Yet, the USPS failed to rectify this epic disaster.

4. False Narratives Why does the USPS fail to correct their blunders? In short, they continue to believe their own false narratives and place the blame on everyone else, including the hard working Letter Carriers of the Postal Service classic denial.

5. Abusing Essential Workers What has been the Postal Services answer so far to the chronic understaffing? You guessed it. Continue to abuse and bully its “Essential Workers” by forcing mandatory overtime, cancelling SDO’s and issuing bogus discipline.

6. Qualify of Work Life Well, what has been the end result of management’s epic failures? Low employee morale, poor and diminishing quality work life for all Postal employees. That has led to less applicants, more resignations, and retirements. Yet, Postal Headquarters who controls everything, refuses to change or remove its horse blinders.

7. Service to Our Customers They have provided poor service, as well as no service at times and consistently late deliveries to our customers. How is that a business model for success? It’s not. Is the Postal Service’s end game of these epic disasters is to implode the USPS from within? If not, please remove your head from the sand. If so, well, then you need to go and be replaced by leaders who care about the USPS. Our customers deserve better.

Your Union Will Always Fight for You

Regardless of the right things that management refuses to do, or the wrong things that they do, your union will always fight for you. Remember that knowing your rights is half the battle The other half is standing up for your rights. I want to thank all of the hard working brothers and sisters of Branch 1111 for all of your strong will, hard work and dedication. Together, we are Branch 1111 strong!

Defenses to Discipline

By Francisco Cabrera, Second Vice President

Vince Sombrotto in the foreword to the original booklet entitled “Defenses to Discipline” stated and I’m paraphrasing, because I lost my only copy of this older version: “In theory there are only two categories of activities letter carriers engage in. Ones that can get them in trouble or disciplined, and other activities that they could never get in trouble for. For example, delivering their route in a timely manner or having satisfactory attendance. Nobody could reasonably get in trouble for doing these things.

Let’s think about that for a minute and imagine everything we do every day. We all do things for which we could be issued discipline such as working 5 10 minutes overtime or answering a cell phone/text while driving. We’re not proud of it, but it’s a part of life. However, if we can make those activities fit into the second category by reasonably and credibly explaining away the alleged misconduct we are on solid footing.

We are on ever stronger footing when can credibly make a restrained accusation that management’s actions are to blame for the misunderstanding, and the carrier was a victim at the time of the alleged incident or incidents.

Do these defenses work? Most of the time they do.

Let’s start with the common attendance discipline. Most of the time management can easily prove the carrier was not at work when he was supposed to be. This would leave us only technical arguments.

But wait what if we could actually nip their accusation in the bud. Sow doubt in their case even before they make it.

This is where the “just cause” interview is so vital.

As stewards we must guide our people, we must take that just cause interview over. Question one will be what is your name, position, route, for how long, etc.…etc.…etc.…

I always direct the carrier to answer these questions with no hesitation, honesty and without any arguing about their validity.

When do I do this? During the pre just cause meeting. We must insist on 1) knowing exactly what the grievant is being charged with. 2) a pre meeting with the grievant. If either of these two things are not willingly offered or denied, we must warn management that we will stop the just cause interview at the crucial questions which reveal the specific nature of the accusation and force a pre meeting with the carrier. And I have done this hundreds of times.

Respectfully state: Well, Mr /Mrs supervisor, since you are just now telling us what this is about and I didn’t have a chance to speak with the carrier prior to the just cause interview, we will be stepping outside. Get up and starting walking out. No matter how much that supervisor rants and raves, remember you are the steward in a protected activity status You can’t get disciplined for failing to follow instructions while you are carrying out your Union duties So, walk out of that room confidently, call the carrier over and naturally they will follow your lead.

Now you can step out of earshot or maybe into another room and have the pre meeting. If the next question is also of a nature that you didn’t have an opportunity to prepare for, ask for another pre meeting and step out. Eventually management will

stop objecting to the pre meeting and will probably just hand you a copy of the questions to review with the carrier prior to starting the just cause interview.

The next good defense tactic since you enforced your Weingarten right and earned that pre meeting with the carrier is to assist them in answering the questions at the just cause interview. Management may say you are only a witness, you can’t answer for the carrier, you can’t talk…blah blah blah. But Weingarten clearly states you have the right to assist the carrier.

JCAM page 17 7:

In a Weingarten interview the employee has the right to a steward’s assistance not just a silent presence. The employer would violate the employee’s Weingarten rights if it refused to allow the representative to speak or tried to restrict the steward to the role of a passive observer.

So how can you assist a carrier in answering without being guilty of answering for them? I’m not saying you can’t answer for them if management lets you. But I will now teach you how to do this without being guilty of doing this. If the carrier obviously is getting stuck, forgetting, or beginning to say something incriminating. You can say hold on; I need to write everything down.

You can also ask for timeout/break whatever you want to call it This is also another opportunity to coach the carrier.

This is usually appreciated by management as they usually cannot write everything down fast enough. Next you can lead the carrier by saying well when we were outside talking before this interview, didn’t you say you had flu like symptoms; a medical emergency; child health issues; or any other mitigating circumstance. Just take the opportunity to put words in their mouth that they can easily regurgitate to management in their defense.

Once you finally end, and I mean finally, I’ve had “just cause” interviews that last 8 hours. Once you finally finish, inform the carrier they will probably receive discipline, and tell them sign and date it so we know the receipt date and contact you right away. You only have 14 days to file a grievance. Until next time. In Solidarity.

Francisco Cabrera at the NALC Convention in Chicago

Letter Carrier Political Fund Awareness Kick-Off

By Narciso Paderanga, IV, First Vice President

In March 2020, I wrote an article in our Branch newsletter about a challenge to make the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF) viral. Today, I am offering three cash prizes consisting of $100 each which will be given to a member via a live random drawing during the Branch meeting to be held on January 24, 2023. Here is how to enter:

• For those members who sign up to contribute every pay period to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, their names will be entered into a drawing.

• For those members who are currently donating and increase their contribution, their names will be entered into a drawing.

• For those members who are currently donating (including those who recently signed up) and who sign up a new member to contribute to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, their names will be entered into a drawing. (For each member you sign up, you will get 1 entry; the more members you sign up, the more chances you will get.)

• Each member can only win one cash prize of $100.

• Proof of enrollment must be verified by Branch 1111 prior to the drawing.

What is the Letter Carrier Political Fund?

“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 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 DC 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.

What the LCPF has done? The LCPF contributed to the efforts over the last 12 years that resulted in this bipartisan legislation, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076), turning into law. This law repeals the pre funding mandate and sets the Postal Service on a more sustainable and stable financial footing. This law also guarantees that the mail will continue to be delivered six days a week.

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

2. Direct bank withdrawal: You can authorize the fund to withdraw a monthly electronic contribution directly from your personal checking account

3. Annuity deduction: Retired letter carriers can elect to give monthly via an automatic deduction from your monthly annuity.

4. 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.

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

Or you can call the Branch 1111 office at 510 237 5111 to help you get started. We are also looking for a LCPF coordinator for the Branch. Call the Branch if interested in the position.

By making a contribution to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, you are doing so voluntarily with the understanding that your contribution is not a condition of membership in the National Association of Letter Carriers or of employment by the Postal Service, nor is it part of union dues. You have a right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal. The Letter Carrier Political Fund will use the money it receives to contribute to candidates for federal office and undertake other political spending as permitted by law. Your selection shall remain in full force and effect until canceled. Contributions to the Letter Carrier Political Fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Federal law prohibits the Letter Carrier Political Fund from soliciting contributions from individuals who are not NALC members, executive and administrative staff or their families. Any contribution received from such an individual will be refunded to that contributor. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per calendar year. Any guideline amount is merely a suggestion, and an individual is free to contribute more or less than the guideline suggests and the union will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount of his or her contribution or decision not to contribute.

2022 Endorsements

The California State Association of Letter Carriers has endorsed the following United States House of Representative candidates (by Congressional District) for election:

CD

CD

Jared Huffman CD 4 Mike Thompson

Doris Matsui CD 8 John Garamendi

Josh Harder CD 10 Mark DeSaulnier

Nancy Pelosi, CD 12 Barbara Lee

Adam Gray CD14 Eric Swallwell

CD

Kevin Mullin CD

Ro Khanna

Jimmy Panetta

Anna Eshoo

Zoe Lofgren

Be sure you are registered to vote in the all important November 8 election.

RECALLING THE CONVENTION

By Berkeley Chief Steward Liz Corriea

I would like to thank my union brothers and sisters for sending me to the National Convention in Chicago. It was my first time being in Chicago The weather was pretty hot, but not unbearable. Especially since we were indoors most of the time taking classes and attending convention sessions.

There was a display of an old postal vehicle that was once used in some places to deliver mail. There was also a display of the future postal vehicle. Unfortunately, who knows when they will be provided to us for delivery. I could actually stand up easily in this vehicle. It has a lot of features that are not available in our current LLVs. I can’t say for sure that this new vehicle will be perfect for the winding narrow streets of the Berkeley hills. On the positive note, it has air conditioning, back up rear viewing, radio, plus more features that we don’t have currently in our LLVs.

E.A.P. (EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)

The one class that I enjoyed attending the most was the EAP class. It was saddening to learn that since the pandemic took place, we have lost over 200 brothers and sisters due to suicide. That’s a large loss of life, someone’s loved one.

I am pleased to announce that we now have a new consultant for California District 2. Her name is Nureen Ahmad and she is located in the west side of Sacramento. She is willing to have a stand up for any station where she might be needed, as long as the proper channels make the requests to do so. She informed me that there will be a second consultant who will be working part time and should be located closer to us.

No matter what, you should be able to reach someone when you call 1 800 EAP 4 YOU. JUST MAKE THE CALL, if you need to. EAP is here for you 24/7 days a week. The Website EAP4YOU.com offers a wealth of information, tools and resources available any time and professionals are ready to take your call at 800 327 4968 (800 EAP 4YOU) or TTY: 877 492 7341.

Mental illness is no longer a hidden secret, and it is more commonly known. You just have to reach out for any help that you may need. EAP just doesn’t deal with mental illness alone, whatever you may be experiencing, you just need to make the call.

BERKELEY BLUES NEWS!

Berkeley has been going through changes again. We currently have a new OIC (Officer In Charge). We are constantly losing carriers left and right. Most of the carriers have only been here for a few years. Some carriers don’t bother notifying the Postal Service that they have found a better job. It’s no wonder, with being overworked, management cancelling everyone’s day off, never seeing your families, what’s left? Holding on to this job for some may not be worth it, especially if you’re not spending valuable time with your family. This could even cause break ups, divorces etc

Hopefully we will get new hires soon because it’s exhausting having to do double duties while trying to keep a smile on your face. It’s a wonder that no one has lost their cool. Or have they and we just don’t know about it.

Hang in their brothers and sisters, in time it should get better.

Knowledge is Power!

We might be turning the tables soon

By Terrence Lee Super, Fourth Vice President

Hello, Branch 1111 members, last month I went on a little rant, which isn’t like me because I want to always be as positive and as optimistic as I possibly can. I apologize for that It’s just that I love my job and I feel that the people running the United States Postal Service are deliberately trying to sabotage it. How can an entity as big as the Postal Service continue to make bad decision after bad decision? The NALC has tried to get the USPS to listen to reason, but to no avail!

I don’t want to always bring negativity to our members, so I want to let all of you know that we might be turning the tables soon. California District 2 is giving the responsibility of hiring to each individual office. What that means is that each office can do their OWN hiring events and processing. Filling out the applications, and fingerprinting will be done at the office itself. For example, my Walnut Creek office just processed 26 CCAs with this program. If at least half of those CCAs get through, there would be a huge burden lifted off the carriers in the Walnut Creek installation. They have been carrying a route and a half every day for the last year, maybe more! I’ve seen this hiring process with my own eyes. Again, I was told that ALL offices can do these events EVERY week if they want. Please get this word out to everyone you know that needs a job.

If they stick with this program, I believe it could really turn things around. I’m not saying that it’s a fix all, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. The only other problem would be getting the extra vehicles to compensate for the possible fluctuating number of new hires coming in. Again, I’m trying to be positive and hope that the Postal Service, or at least this District can get things right, and quickly. Holiday season is right around the corner, and we don’t want to be stuck again understaffed.

Please let management know in your offices that they are able to do these hiring events, because as you know, nothing is communicated very well when it comes to information being disseminated between upper management and lower management. I know that probably 80% of the stations in our area DON’T know about this new hiring program.

As always, be safe out there and please stay positive, I know we can turn things around!

Why I was Asked to Become a Steward

By Eli Eave, Chief Steward Martinez

I’ve been a steward in the Martinez office for about twenty years now. One day before the sick call number was automated, I called my supervisor to tell her I was sick and couldn’t work. The supervisor responded, “you have bad attendance.” I knew I didn’t and was so angry I got myself to work and showed that supervisor my paystub with all my sick leave. I admit, I raised my voice to her, and the postmaster came out to see what was going on.

The Postmaster informed the supervisor I was one of his best carriers and my attendance was great and to leave me alone. I was also told by the Postmaster to go home and if I needed more time, to stay home. I was still sick so the following day I called in for two additional days. I’ve still have not received discipline for my attendance ever in my twenty eight years of service.

The carriers noticed how I stood up for myself and asked me to be their Steward. They wanted me to stand up for them too. I took the job and started learning the rules and regulations. As a steward you’re responsible to find answers for questions asked by carriers. Explain forms, verify hours worked and at times you’re their defense attorney.

As stewards we follow and enforce the Contract. Sometimes carriers don’t get the answers that they want and become frustrated and angry. That’s the hardest part of the job. However, many times I’ve corrected management by that same Contract They’re not happy either, especially when there is a monetary award.

Previously, Martinez has had brutal and callous managers. I wanted to quit a few times, but the carriers told me they needed me, and I stayed on. It’s important for me that all of us have a safe and healthy work environment. Not many jobs these days have a living wage and benefits with a pension. I’d like everybody to make the best of it, even in these times when we are understaffed.

As a union we are always looking for stewards or alternate stewards. In Martinez Dan Imam and I handle the many duties. We carry our routes, look out for the carriers, meet with management and do monthly training classes so we’re up on your rights, rules, and regulations.

When I leave work, I have a family like most other carriers. Our jobs, family, and friends are important. Carriers are important too and we always make time for what’s important.

Not alone…

By Jennifer Albon, Rodeo Steward

“Because brothers don’t let each other wander in the dark alone.” Jolene Perry

It’s that time of year again, house to house political mail, the parcels are increasing, and days are getting shorter while work hours are getting longer. As a carrier who has worked in a couple different offices in the past five years, I have noticed CCAs and PTFs who recently graduated from the “Carrier Academy” are not treated as well as they should be.

Remember when you became a carrier? Was it 10 weeks, 10 months or 10 years ago? At one time we were all the new guy or girl who received the same reality check that first week when delivering alone. It’s not as easy as it looks.

We have all had those days when we doubt our decisions. That first holiday season when we walked into the office and saw piles and piles of parcels stacked one on top of another and thought to ourselves, I’m never going home.

New carriers are unfamiliar with the vocabulary and forms we use. Where to place the different types of mail from the different routes they’ve carried, and abbreviations used. I can imagine it’s frustrating and overwhelming to be bounced around from one office to another and not know where everything belongs and then scolded or disciplined. It seems unfair, every office is different. We all have opinions about a new hire. What they did or didn’t do.

Most everybody including the new hires are on their last nerve with the additional hours and working their days off. When will carriers no longer be required to work long hours and or days off? By hiring and not retaining new employees, Management has clearly lost sight of the importance of training and developing their employees. Therefore, you’re mandated to carry the other half of that vacant route, and you are ordered to come in on Sunday because there’s nobody else.

Clearly, we need to invest our time and effort into the new CCA or PTF. We all started at the bottom and did our time. We have the experience that needs to be shared with the new employee. We started low on the payroll and went up step by step. You haven’t been laid off with the Post Office, it’s a secure job. When you retire, you’ll receive Social Security, a pension, and your Thrift Savings. You will have your medical benefits. This is a hard job but a secure one.

Share your wealth of knowledge, your experiences, be patient and kind with the new employees. By helping them you’re helping yourself. So why not treat them like the asset they are?

A Negotiation is a Strategic Conflict…

By Mary Abante, Third Vice President

A 204b, a supervisor and a postmaster are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.”

“Me first! Me first!” says the 204b. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Puff! He’s gone.

“Me next! Me next!” says the supervisor. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, and endless supply of my favorite drink and the love of my life.” Puff! She’s gone.

“OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the postmaster. The postmaster says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say. Trick or treat! Everyone have a Happy Halloween!

NALC Branch 1111 Balance Sheet

Run date

ASSETS

of

30,

Current Assets

Bank Accounts

Petty Cash 213.96

PPCU 50 166,373.94

Bank Accounts 205,016.06

Acct 70 25,642.03

Bank Accounts 319,794.98

Bank Accounts

Current Assets

Current Other Assets 40,778.48

Current Assets

Fixed Assets

Accumulated Depreciation 156,914.57

Accum Deprec Furn./Eq. 68,743.00

Accum Deprec Computer Eq. 11,561.00

Accum Deprec Copier 6,896.60

Accum Deprec Building/Improv 153,573.66

Accum Deprec Storage Shed 430.00

Accum Deprec Prior 61,391.17

Fixed Assets $ 389,294.56

ASSETS

1,147,114.01

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Total Liabilities

Revenue 33,517.91

Unrestricted Net Assets 1,112,884.12

Equity

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Piedmont carriers attend the Septembers Retiree Seminar together Wei Wen Kuan, Madeline Boyd, Joe Chu, Winnie Kwan, Alan Girard and Tonya Joseph,

WELCOME

Zachary Blume Benicia

Rebecca Fredenburg Benicia

Jerry Woods Benicia

Ras Mosiah Baruka Berkeley

Tanka Ghimire Berkeley

Attaran Mehdi El Cerrito

Jessica Curiel Fairfield

Joshua Corpus Fairfield

Joseph Cordova Fremont

Lisamarie Soto Fremont

Patrick Whipple Livermore

Justin Schwartz Moraga

Francisco Melara Oakland

Jerry Robinson Oakland

Griselda Villanueva Pittsburg

Shirley Padilla Pleasanton

John Baldwin Walnut Creek

After 35 and 1/2 years, Sandra Romo says Peace Out to the Post Office. The Fairfield Office has been way too quiet since she's been gone. We miss you

Photos by Ché Perez