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
Terrence Super, Second Vice President
Eddie Murphy, Third Vice President
April Patrick, Fourth Vice President
Mary Phelps, Secretary-Treasurer
John Ferreira, Asst. Sec-Treasurer
Lumus Russell IV, 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
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Elizabeth Corriea, Marisela Fletcher, Ruben Ramirez Stephen Robinson, Joshua Pearl, Ché Perez, Frances 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
Contributors -- Ed Fletcher, Eddie Murphy, John Ferreira, Narciso Paderanga, Mary Abante, Liz Corriea, Ron Jones, Shana Lum, Mary Phelps, Terrence Super, Jacob Morgan, April Patrick
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
NALC ENDORSES HARRIS-WALZ
The NALC has released the following statement: The nation’s 290,000 active and retired city letter carriers represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) are proud to announce our endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to serve as the next president and vice president of the United States.
As a local prosecutor, state attorney general, senator, and vice president, Kamala Harris is a proven supporter of working families, organized labor, and the Postal Service. As a senator, she was instrumental in advocating for essential relief for the Postal Service at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She served as vice president of the administration that signed the Postal Service Reform Act into law. She is a fierce defender of civil rights, voting rights, and our democratic system.
At NALC’s 73rd biennial convention recently held in Boston, nearly 5,500 delegates voted overwhelmingly to endorse and support the Harris-Walz campaign.
MDA RAFFLE WINNERS
The Branch 1111 MDA Raffle was held at the July meeting with the following winners: $100 to Rickie Cox, Angelica Uribe and Marisela Fletcher; the 18-person A’s suite was won by Araceli Farias and the 65” TV won by Tanya Nitesche. The campaign raised a total of $6,805.67 and MDA Coordinator Marisela Fletcher thanked everyone for their participation.
By-Law Change Approved
The Proposed By-Laws Change concerning Article 7 regarding elected and appointed officer positions in the Branch was read, discussed and approved at the August meeting.
RETIREMENT SEMINAR
A Retirement Seminar, hosted by the National Business Agent (NBA) will be held at the Branch in Richmond on Sunday, November 17, 2024, 10 am to 2 pm. If you plan to attend this informative session please RSVP before November 10th by contacting the Branch office.
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU
The following letter carriers retired recently: Michael Matonick of Berkeley; and Hsuen-Ping Fong of San Ramon We wish them many years of leisure.
Rodeo retiree Don Davis and wife Lorraine enjoy the Retiree Celebration at the August Branch meeting
Gary Gomez, Joe McHale and Mike Chavez together at the Retiree fete
Pleasanton retiree Harold Quan (holding plaque) celebrating his 37 years of service with his co-workers and FTO
The Supreme Body of the National Convention
By Edward P. Fletcher, President
On Monday, August 5, 2024, the “Supreme Body,” the members in attendance at the 2024 National Convention in Boston, voted to hear the appeals and charges against President Brian Renfroe. Prior to that vote, President Renfroe wrote a letter dated July 29, 2024, to the charging parties unilaterally denying them their right to appeal the decision(s) of the Executive Council to the National Convention. In the June 2024 NALC Postal Record on page 25, the Executive Council’s decisions on the charges were published. In addition, the Executive Council clearly stated that, “This decision of the Executive Council is subject to appeal to the National Convention in accordance with Article 10 of the NALC Constitution.” President Renfroe’s July 29, 2024, letter was obviously in conflict with the National Constitution. Given that, why did he write it? In short, I believe any attempt to deny any member their rights is wrong and selfserving.
Article 1.4 of the National Constitution
Article 1, Section # 4 of our NALC National Constitution states, “The National Convention shall be the supreme body to which final appeal shall be made on all matters emanating from Members, Branches and State Associations. There shall be no geographical limitations on the jurisdiction of the Union.” It was apparent to me, as well as many members, that on Monday both the “Voice” and “Division” votes to hear the charges in the 1st place passed. A teller vote was then called for, and it was confirmed. Regardless of where you stand on the charges against President Renfroe, any denial of a member’s constitutional rights would be anti-democratic and an injustice. President Renfroe’s July 29, 2024, letter was a clear violation of our Constitution, and the members overturned his unprecedented attempt to deny the charging parties their appeal rights. We must always uphold not only our contractual, but also our constitutional rights.
Is There Any Honor in Dishonor?
To get a full understanding of all charges filed against President Renfroe, one should read the “Weir Report.” His conduct, omissions and/or deceptive behavior was well documented in the report. It is shocking! Nevertheless, the appeals and the charges were discussed and voted on at the convention. President Renfroe stated in his defense of his omissions, conduct, and dereliction of duties that he is a recovering alcoholic. In regard to his conflicting testimony that was pointed out, he said “alcoholic’s lie.” Even though he claimed he had been “sober” for most of his time in the National office, I found his rationale to be deflective and misguided. He should have been honest with the membership from the very beginning. In my opinion, and although alcohol is a disease that needs treatment, inebriation brings out the character, or lack thereof of good character, that is already inside of the person. In short, liars, lie! There is no honor in dishonor at any level! In the end, the delegation of the 2024 Boston National Convention did
uphold the decision of the Executive Council that was published in the June 2024 NALC Postal Record
The Future is in Our Hands – Vote!
Have you heard that old saying, “the future is in our hands.” It is true. Although there are things that happen in our lives that are beyond our control, we still can make choices to better our lives. By using your right to vote as an American and a union member, you can make a difference. The voice of the people and union members is strong. We, the members of this great union must not waiver in our efforts not only to provide the best representation to our members, but also to elect the most “experienced, trustworthy, and reliable leaders.” We will “Rock the Vote” in 2026!
(above) President Ed Fletcher at the microphone asking for the appeals of National Officers to be heard (below) Ed with National Vice President James Henry and San Diego Branch 70 President Ricardo Guzman
The Emergency Placement Surge
By Narciso Paderanga, IV Executive Vice President
Brothers and sisters, as I write this month’s article, the big question is still yet to be answered. When are we going to have a contract? Although, the NALC President insists on having a contract “soon”, as he stated on his recent Labor Day video message, he has been saying “soon” since November of 2023. Just like you, I am left wondering. Wondering why this is taking longer than it ever has before? Wondering what is causing the undue delay, how far apart are the two parties in reaching an agreement? Rest assured, as soon as we have an update, we will do our best to provide you with the information.
On the local level, I’ve never had to deal with so many Emergency Placements, under Article 16.7 of the National Agreement, Notice of Removals, Notice of Suspensions, and other types of disciplines as I have this past month. There are some Emergency Placements in an off-duty status that are not warranted but there are some that may.
Article 16.7 states:
An employee may be immediately placed on an off-duty status (with-out pay) by the Employer, but remain on the rolls where the allegation involves intoxication (use of drugs or alcohol), pilferage, or failure to observe safety rules and regulations, or in cases where retaining the employee on duty may result in damage to U.S. Postal Service property, loss of mail or funds, or where the employee may be injurious to self or others.
We’ve had carriers being placed in an off-duty status because they are driving without a seatbelt on or leaving the engine running while they are not in the vehicle. We’ve had carriers placed in an off-duty status for the allegation of reporting to work intoxicated or become intoxicated while in the performance of duty. We’ve had carriers sent home for allegations against our carriers for creating a hostile work environment or where retaining the employee may result in loss of mail or funds or where the employee may be injurious to self or others.
Carriers should not be putting themselves in a situation where management has the opportunity to place them in an offduty status for any reason. While it’s easier to defend carriers for failure to observe safety rules and regulations, such as driving without a seatbelt It is harder for us to defend the allegations which involve intoxication, pilferage, or where retaining the employee will result in loss of mail or funds or where the employee may be injurious to others.
The consequences for carriers placed in an emergency placement or in an off-duty status are very serious. Carriers will not be able to use leave of any kind, and they will not receive any type of income until they are brought back to work. Sometimes, it may take months for a carrier to be returned. At times, it may be shorter. In the recent past, management had not been processing back payments in a timely manner. We’ve had to file grievance after grievance for non-compliance. Nonetheless, I highly recommend that carriers do not put themselves in such situations.
“Weigh the options carefully. Take time to analyze all possible outcomes before making a decision.”
Please work safely and professionally at all times and treat each other with dignity and respect.
In solidarity
Narciso at the Paul Revere Statue in Boston
Malcolm Watson of San Ramon enjoying a plate of BBQ at our Branch Picnic
Please Work S afely and Work Smart
By Terrence Lee Super, Second Vice President
I know the title of my article is a little cliché, but for those who have been with the Postal Service for a while, you would agree that no matter how cliché these words are, abiding by them will help you through these stressful times where the chronic understaffing in most of the offices we represent is really taking a toll on our Letter Carriers. It seems like we keep talking about the same issues. We will continue to push that on the District.
Anyway, an example of what I’m talking about as it pertains to working safely/smarter and not harder is when management gives you too much mail to deliver. I know the initial response is to complain about all the extra mail you just have been given. But instead of possibly going off and/or getting loud on the workroom floor, just take the mail and tell them that you will do the best you can, but you will most likely be bringing mail back because it will put you over the prohibited 12 hours max in a service day (that is if you get a route and a half). Let me tell you why this is important to say this exactly the way I have it here.
First of all, you are telling management AHEAD of time that you’re not going to make it (don’t forget to turn in your PS Form 3996), and that you most likely will be bringing mail back. That’s going to help you towards the end of the day when you actually have to bring the mail back. Let me clarify though. We are not saying that you SHOULD bring the mail back, what we’re saying is that there are going to be times where you simply just can’t do it that day. Especially if you’re on your 6th day in a row working and have already put in 60 plus hours. Working these crazy hours on a weekly and/or monthly basis ends up becoming a safety issue, because you are not getting efficient rest which can easily put you in a situation where you WILL get injured or get into an accident because you’re not as alert due to lack of reasonable rest. Work smarter, not harder!
Second of all, our fellow carriers are NOT robots! Management can’t expect you to work these ridiculous hours. It’s extremely unreasonable. So, what you have to be able to do is not only know your rights, but not be afraid to respectfully enforce them. By doing this, you are putting into the practice of working smarter not harder. Why would you stress yourself out by angerly going back and forth with your supervisor? That within’ itself can drain the energy out of you. Now you are going out to your route already tired, frustrated, and angry! The energy you spend going at it with management can leave you discouraged and wanting to go home, so why put yourself through all of that. Work smarter, not harder!
Third of all, one of the reasons carriers get stressed out is because they don’t want to get in trouble by management
for not doing what they are instructed to do. Here’s the thing though, you are human being that you have family and other household responsibilities. I strongly doubt an Arbitrator would sustain a discipline that management issued because you reasonably refused to work these insane hours. I would be more than confident to fight that discipline if issued. Work smarter, not harder! We at Branch 1111 have your back when it comes to these issues, so please call us when these issues come up. Love you all, be safe out there!
My First National Convention
By April Patrick, Fourth Vice President
This year I had the privilege of attending the 73rd NALC Biennial Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Though there were some unpreventable delays in our arrival, we were met with friendly and welcoming Bostonians, whose hospitality would coax another trip to the city in the future.
The Convention itself was massive and quite a sight for a first timer such as myself. The representation from all over the Nation was both empowering and humbling. Regardless of our accents (or lack thereof), our color, ethnicity, State Cost of Living etc. we were all there together, in solidarity, to push for a better Contract for our membership.
Being a part of the “Supreme Body” was an amazing experience. Witnessing democracy at work during the session and standing up (at times literally) for what you believe is right, creates an invisible bond that makes you feel connected to something greater than yourself. There was an “open mic” during the session which allowed members to speak or ask questions about issues Whether to ask President Renfroe when the contract negotiations will conclude or extending an invitation to members to meet at a specific restaurant for fellowship.
Being counted in the vote, whether its Proposed Resolutions and/or Amendments, makes you feel a part of the progress and strengthening of our Union and Contract.
I also had the opportunity to attend the ‘Mail counts and Route Inspections’, ‘New Employee Retention and Mentor Program’ and ‘Encounters with OWCP’ along with other courses. All instructors were extremely knowledgeable, and the classes were both informative and helpful. I even had the pleasure of watching a skit where our very own Chris Calica played a convincing supervisor in the enactment of “Following a Grievance, Start to Finish”. His portrayal of carrier supervisor was great, and the entire performance was both entertaining and instructive.
After the daily sessions, I ventured out to try some seafood at the Wharf, enjoy afternoon tea at Silver Dove, and visit a few landmarks such as the Paul Revere statue I’d highly recommend that every member of Branch 1111 attends at least one Convention to experience how important your voice, and your vote is to our union.
Lunch Corner
by Elizabete Tavares, Piedmont Shop Steward
Stir Fried Noodles
Can be eaten cold or hot, these noodles are very popular at Piedmont Station.
Prep time 5 minutes active time 15 Minutes
Ingredients
450g of Noodles (cooked) (roughly 1 pound)
3 tbsp of Soy Sauce
2.5 tbsp of Dark Soy Sauce
2 tbsp of Sugar
2 tbsp of Sesame Oil
4 tbsp of Water or Vegetable Stock
6 cloves of Garlic (sliced)
3 stalks of Green Onion (cut into 2-inch pieces)
1-3 Red Chili (chopped)
1.5 cups of Bean Sprouts
1) In a bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and sugar till combined.
Cook noodles as per instruction, drain and set aside.
2) In a pan, drizzle in oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add garlic, the white part of green onion, and chopped red chili. Sauté together for 2-3 minutes
Add in the noodles and pour in the sauce; mix so all the noodles are coated.
Turn the heat to high, add in bean sprouts, sauté on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the rest of the green onion, sauté on high heat for 1-2 minutes.
Side note:
Depending on the noodle you are using, there are different instructions to prepare:
Chow Mein: blanch the noodles in hot water for 2-3 minutes, rinse with cold water and drain. Frozen udon: pour hot water over the udon to separate, drain and set aside.
Pre-cooked Shanghai noodles: You don’t have to do anything; however, if not, follow the exact instructions as chow mein.
You can add any cooked protein of your choice
BE SAFE ALL THE TIME
By Berkeley Chief Steward, Liz Corriea
Our everyday life is consumed with so many activities, that we may forget to practice safety, and try to take shortcuts. There’s no problem with a shortcut just as long as you put safety first. Lately we have been hit on and off with a heatwave. You must take precautions and keep hydrated as much as possible. Hopefully they are giving stand-ups at work about this issue, as the heat can affect all of us differently. Only you know what you're feeling inside and can listen to what your body is telling you. The LLVs can get very hot inside on these heatwave days. I don't know if any of these LLVs have air conditioning. I used to carry a thermostat so I would know the exact temperature inside my LLV. What I discovered is. that on heatwave days, the LLV can be 10 degrees and sometimes higher than that what is outside the vehicle. So, each of you that drives one of these fantastic vehicles be prepared for a sauna wave on those horrible heatwave days.
BERKELEY BLUES NEW!
There are always so many issues going on in Berkeley. So many grievances that keep the Shop Steward busy. In fact, some of the supervisors are leaving Berkeley, so far one recently has left, and another one is on her way out She will be gone by the time this information gets out. WOW!
As you may know we've been receiving lots of PTFs, which is great. Unfortunately, they are corning into an office that is unorganized, and has been for some time. That hasn't changed much, I am still waiting for that miracle to happen. Perhaps until our leadership changes and then maybe we can expect this miracle to take place. In the meantime, all our PTFs will have to try and make sense of their assigned duties.
I would like to address the issues that we are having in Berkeley One supervisor is requesting statements from our co-workers against each other Why would any carrier write a statement to help management to do us wrong. This is disgusting to me Especially knowing that in one of these cases, the carrier who wrote a statement, then receives a letter of warning. How can anybody trust management? If anything, we need to protect each other from management. There may be issues between each other, but that doesn't always require a statement for management, so be careful of what management is asking you to do.
Management sometimes is placing favorites, you do this for me, and I will give you what you want. The sugar deals are always not worth it, and your co-workers may see what's going on most of the time. I would not engage in this type of activity However, you must follow the instruction given by your supervisor as long as it doesn't interfere with being unsafe or any restriction you may have.
"Knowledge is Power."
BRANCH 1111
Kennedy Grove, El Sobrante
July 14, 2024
Branch Delegates at the 73rd National NALC Convention in Boston
(clockwise from top left)
Secretary Treasurer Mary Phelps at the microphone
Former California State President John Beaumont talking to Josh, Ed, and Narciso
Ron Jones and Rickie Cox sitting together during the proceedings
Oakland Civic Center carrier Sullivan Smothers reading up on the issues
A large group of our delegates after enjoying some delicious Boston Seafood
FTO Terrence Super having a word with National Vice President James Henry
1111
$27,156.53
$1,119,600.93
$1,146,757.46
Martinez carriers Dylan Porter, Dan Imam, Coles Harper, Michael Hewiston
Branch 1111 Convention delegates on their way to a group dinner in Boston’s Chinatown
Fairfield carrier Donna Richard’s grandson Elisio Ramos dressed as a letter carrier
