The Mail Handler: Winter 2011

The Quarterly Publication of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union

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Winter 2011

Contents 3 5 6

President’s Report

Read National President John Hegarty’s “State of the Union” analysis of where the NPMHU and its members stand in the face of the opportunities and challenges of 2011.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

National Secretary-Treasurer Mark Gardner shares his thoughts on the chilly political and legislative environment in Washington, DC.

NPMHU Call for Proposals

As announced in the February issue of the Mail Handler UPDATE, the NPMHU is asking for your suggestions in the development of proposals for our labor agreement during the upcoming 2011 collective bargaining with the USPS.

The Quarterly Publication of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union

The Mail Handler Big Chill in Washington

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Arbitration Advocacy Training 10 Mail Handler representatives gathered in Washington, DC in December to sharpen their skills and ability to represent their members whose grievances reach the final step of the grievance procedure -- arbitration.

NPMHU PAC 13 Thanks to you, the Union’s Political

Action Committee fund is growing. See the list of 2010 contributors and consider signing up for a reasonable contribution every pay period.

Handlers Across 18 Mail the Country

See pictures of various NPMHU meetings and functions across the nation.

Legislative Update

Read this review to learn more about the reorganization of Congress and legislation that may affect mail handlers and their families.

Winter 2011

On the Cover: The cover picture of a snowy Capitol reminds us that it will take the strenuous, concerted efforts of Mail Handlers and our fellow postal union members to thaw the political and legislative freeze which threatens our hard earned benefits.

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PReSIDent’S REPORT

State of the Union National Postal Mail Handlers Union

National Executive Board John F. Hegarty National President Mark A. Gardner Secretary-Treasurer Jefferson C. Peppers III Vice President Central Region Samuel C. D’Ambrosio Vice President Eastern Region Paul Hogrogian Vice President Northeastern Region Bruce Z. Miller Vice President Southern Region Rudy Santos Vice President Western Region The Mail Handler, ISSN:1098-5689, is published quarterly by the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, 1101 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mail Handler, 1101 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036 Copyright 2011: National Postal Mail Handlers Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Mail Handler is published for the members of our union. For additional copies please send $2.00 to: National Postal Mail Handlers Union—National Headquarters, 1101 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036, (202) 833-9095

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

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Dear Members, Now that President Obama has delivered his “State of the Union” address, it’s my turn.

The state of the NPMHU depends on many different factors. In some ways, we are doing well, and, in other areas, there is cause for great concern. Let me elaborate.

As we all know, due mostly to the prolonged recession, mail volume has been way down.

With the economy showing some encouraging signs of growth, we can only hope that some of the lost volume will now return to the Postal Service. We are hopeful that when that happens, many of the problems created by this downturn will be resolved.

As a result of this lost mail volume, our membership, and indeed the ranks of all of the postal crafts has continued to decline through attrition. Again, if things pick back up, we can remain hopeful that the reduction in the number of career employees has now bottomed out (but don’t hold your breath).

Along with attrition, mail handlers (and again, this is happening in all crafts) have been negatively affected by having their jobs abolished, their tours and hours changed, and in some cases they have been excessed out of their home Installation to a more distant work location. While we realize how disruptive this can be, if management is acting in accordance with Article 12, it is extremely difficult for the Union to meet its burden of proof when challenging these actions. In some situations, the National Office’s Article 12 Task Force has been successful in settling these issues outside of the grievance procedure. We are working

JOHN F. HEGARTY, National President

with the 37 Local Unions, on a case by case basis, to try to alleviate any hardships on the affected mail handlers.

The Postal Service allegedly “lost” over 8.5 billion dollars last year, but that’s not the real story. It’s a bit complicated, but, in a nutshell, most of that “loss” (approximately 8 billion) was caused by accounting methods related to the CSRS and FERS pension payments, and a charge from the U.S. Department of Labor for workers compensation costs due to a change in interest rates. If the overfunding of the CSRS and FERS monies that USPS has already paid were applied to the health care pre-funding requirement that was established by the 2006 PAEA, the USPS actually would have made a profit in 2 of the last 3 years.

To make matters even more complicated, we now have many of our elected representatives (Senators and Representatives) going on the offensive against all federal and postal employees. We need to fight back vigorously to protect our interests. Please refer to the separate Articles in this issue for detailed information.

With all of this going on, both the National Union and the Local Unions have planned ahead, and are still offering top-notch representation under difficult circumstances. All necessary grievances continue to be filed when

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management violates our National Agreement or the governing rules and regulations.

As previously reported, we just received the last wage increase under the terms of our five-year collective bargaining agreement, and, depending on inflation, two more COLA payments are scheduled for March and September of 2011.

Looking forward, the National Office is preparing for a difficult round of bargaining in the Fall of 2011, but we are ready, willing, and able to fight the good fight. Contract proposals are being solicited from all Union members, so that your voice will be heard during the upcoming negotiations. As we have done in prior rounds of bargaining, your proposals will be considered by a “Field Negotiating Committee” that I have appointed. They will be meeting here in Washington during the second week of April to start that process. Their recommendations will then be considered by the National Negotiating team, which is expected to start meeting with the Postal Service in late summer. We intend to keep you posted, on an on-going basis during bargaining, with special bulletin board post-

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ings. Please stay tuned for developments. On the Legislative front, we still have many friends in Congress despite the few naysayers who seem to be attacking us. We are planning for our bi-annual Legislative Conference here in Washington, DC in May, when mail handlers will descend en masse to Capitol Hill to communicate our message to the powers that be.

So, as you can see, the “State of the Union” in early 2011 is a mixed bag. It’s not all calm waters and easy sailing, but in challenges lie opportunities, and we intend to explore all opportunities in the coming year to represent mail handlers, and to ensure the long-term success of our craft, and of our Union, for you, the members Fraternally

“To make matters even more complicated, we now have many of our elected representatives (Senators and Representatives) going on the offensive against all federal and postal employees.

We need to fight back vigorously to protect our interests.”

John F. Hegarty National President

Winter 2011

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Secretary-treaSurer’S RepoRt

the

Big chill

While the weather this winter has been unusually brutal over wide swaths of our country, the political and legislative environment in Washington, DC has made for a particularly chilly landscape here in our nation’s capital.

With the Obama administration entering the second half of its four year term, with the House of Representatives lurching farther to the right as a result of the November elections, with the Democrats hanging on in the Senate by the slimmest of margins, and with every politician, pundit, and constituency group in the country focused on the 2012 Presidential and Congressional elections, the partisan vitriol has reached epic proportions. And it seems to worsen with each passing day.

For the past two years, the Obama administration has been attempting to steer legislation and direct policy to pull our economy out of its recession, to help raise the standard of living of all Americans, and to find or create real jobs for the millions among our otherwise productive citizens who are out of work. But with the constant squabbling both among and within our political parties,

“ i am an optimist and, as such, i remain hopeful that political civility will soon find it’s way back into our public discourse. ”

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

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and with a political win-at-all-costs mentality permeating Washington, these monumental tasks are made even more difficult. Unfortunately, our countr y’s polarized political culture continues to worsen. In this environment where the politics of obstruction rules, where daily polls on just about everything influence decisions at every level of our government, and where extremist political pundits and other “experts” work round-theclock to stir the political cauldron, it is amazing that anything gets accomplished in Washington.

As an elected leader of the NPMHU, I am cognizant of a few realities. First, I know that our membership is comprised of hard-working citizens, whose employment as unionized Mail Handlers has allowed them the real opportunity to pursue the American Dream: that is, to work at a secure job with work rule, seniority, and safety protections; to make a decent wage with protections against rising inflation; to have access to quality, affordable health care; to count on a pension at the conclusion of a lengthy career; and to be part of the greater good by contributing to the success of an employer that continues to provide an invaluable service to each and every business and individual in the countr y.

Another certainty that I know, is that our membership also is comprised of people from all walks of life, a melting pot of individuals with different backgrounds, from different cultures, of different religions, and of course, bringing to the table differing political views. Your National Union leadership respects, in fact embraces, the diversity of people and views that make up our great union. With regard to those differing political opinions, what should clearly bind us together as brother and sister Mail Handlers is our collective desire to preserve and improve upon the hard-earned benefits that we all now enjoy, and which our current and future members should expect going forward.

The American electorate, as it often does during mid-term national elections, handed a major victory to the Republican party in November, resulting in a complete change of leadership in the House of Representatives -- from the Speaker of the House down to Republican control of each and every committee and subcommittee in that chamber. A major consequence of this leadership shift, as it relates to Mail Handler issues, is that the

Mark a. Gardner, Secretary-Treasurer

agenda and legislative initiatives important to a vibrant Postal Service, and to a postal and federal workforce, now is at the mercy of a Republican leadership which has clearly suggested, among other things, that federal and postal workers are overpaid, underworked, and are receiving overlygenerous fringe benefits. Obviously, nothing could be further from the truth. But these ideologues are not allowing the truth to get in the way of a misguided attack on our dedicated federal and postal civil servants.

I am an optimist and, as such, I remain hopeful that political civility will soon find its way back into our public discourse. But for the time being, I am asking all Mail Handlers, irrespective of background, culture, or political affiliation, to remain united in our collective efforts to actively support legislation that promotes a strong, fiscally vibrant Postal Service, and that protects the benefits for which the NPMHU and our sister postal and federal unions have struggled mightily to achieve over these many decades. Please watch your bulletin boards and visit the NPMHU online Legislative Center (easily accessible at www.npmhu.org) to learn more about what you can do to protect your job.

Thank you for your continued support of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

Fraternally,

Mark A. Gardner National Secretary-Treasurer The Mail Handler

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This article appeared in the February 2011 issue of Mail Handler UPDATE. The proposed change form – which is reproduced here for your convenience – was mailed with the February UPDATE to all Local Unions and all Local Union officers and stewards, and can be downloaded on the NPMHU website.

2011 NATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS ❯❯❯ OFFICIAL CALL FOR BARGAINING PROPOSALS ❯❯❯

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ith preparations underway for negotiations over the terms of the 2011 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the Postal Service, the National Office has issued its official call for bargaining proposals from all members and Local Unions.

To be fully considered prior to the onset of negotiations, proposals must be submitted by March 31, 2011. Although formal bargaining is not scheduled to begin until August or early September of this year, the Union’s Field Negotiating Committee will be meeting for a full week in April 2011 to review all submitted proposals and outline the changes in the National Agreement that should be proposed by the NPMHU. To be sure, planning for collective bargaining is a continuous process at the National Office, as the National Officers and representatives working in the Contract Administration Department routinely identify and collect proposals for improving the language currently found in the 2006 National Agreement. But an equally important aspect

of preparing for bargaining is the collection and review of proposals generated by mail handlers across the country. Thus, National President John Hegarty has issued this official call for bargaining proposals from the membership, the Local Unions, and other subordinate bodies of the NPMHU. If you have any proposals that you would like to have considered for the upcoming round of bargaining, now is the time to submit them to the National Office. Every proposal submitted will be fully analyzed by the NPMHU’s Field Negotiating Committee and the National Negotiations Team while the Union develops its opening bargaining proposals.

All proposals should set forth the Article, Section, Paragraph, and/or Page of the National Agreement that you are suggesting should be changed; the specific language you would like to see added to, or deleted from, the current National Agreement; and your specific reasons for suggesting the change. If you have supporting evidence or documentation that you believe

would support the change that you propose, please submit those materials to the National Office along with your proposals.

The National Office is asking that all proposals be submitted as soon as possible, but in no event later than March 31, 2011. The National Office also has issued a form that can be used to submit proposals. Copies of that form have been mailed to all Local Unions and all Local Union officers and stewards, and can be downloaded on the NPMHU website. And, a copy of that form is reproduced on the next page.

Once again, proposals from any member (or group of members) and any Local Unions or other subordinate body should be submitted to the National Office by March 31, 2011, using the following address: National Postal Mail Handlers Union 2011 Contract Negotiations 1101 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036

JDRF is the official charity that the NPMHU sponsors each year.

One of the ways we support JDRF is through its Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes.

JDRF sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump—each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation. Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.4 billion to diabetes research.

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is an annual event that draws people together in a healthy activity for a worthy cause, raising money to help find a cure for diabetes. If you would like to make a contribution, please make a check payable to JDRF and mail it to Martha Ring at NPMHU Headquarters.

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Winter 2011

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Reset Form Reset Form

National Postal Mail Union National Postal Mail Handlers Handlers Union National National2011 Postal MailNegotiations Handlers Union 2011 National Negotiations National Postal Mail Handlers Union 2011 National Negotiations Proposed change to the 2006 National Agreement Proposed change to the 2006 National Agreement

Reset Form Reset Form

2011 National Negotiations

Mail submissions to: Local Union: Proposed change to the 2006 National Agreement Local Union: National Postal Mail Handlers Union Proposed change to the 2006 National Agreement 2011 Contract Negotiations ArticleUnion: to be changed: Article Section Paragraph Page number Local Article to be changed: Article Section Paragraph Page number 1101 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036 Local Union: Proposed change/addition to language Article to be changed: Article Section Paragraph Page number

Proposed change/addition to language

Article to be changed: Article Section Paragraph Change to read as follows (Please underline actual changed orto added language): Proposed change/addition language Change to read as follows (Please underline actual changed or added language):

Page number

Proposed change/addition to language

Change to read as follows (Please underline actual changed or added language): Change to read as follows (Please underline actual changed or added language):

Reason for change: Reason for change: Reason for change: change: Reason for

Reason for change:

Name: Name:

Date: Date:

Please supply documentation, if available, which supports demonstrates the need for the proposed changes Name: Date: or Please supply documentation, if available, which supports or demonstrates the need for the proposed changes such as grievance or arbitration decisions, or other supporting documentations. such as grievance or arbitration decisions, or other supporting documentations.

Name: Date: Please supply documentation, if available, which supports or demonstrates need for the proposed changes Deadline for Submission is Marchthe 31, 2011 such as grievance or arbitration decisions, or other supporting documentations.

Please supply documentation, if available, which supports or demonstrates the need for the proposed changes such as grievance or arbitration decisions, or other supporting documentations.

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the 112th cONgreSS reOrgaNiZeS New and Returning Members Added to Postal Subcommittees USPS Financial Issues Remain at Top of Legislative Agenda

T

he 112th Congress has been substantially reorganized, primarily as the result of the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives, yet proposals related to the financial health of the U.S. Postal Service remain on center stage.

The Players As previously reported in the NPMHU’s monthly bulletins, the new Republican majority in the House has implemented major organizational changes. New Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has exercised his prerogatives to name new chairs for the committees and subcommittees of most importance to the NPMHU. Congressman Darrell E. Issa (R-CA) has been named as the Chair of the full House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Representative Issa has stated that the main focus of his full Committee will be investigating the Obama Administration and executive agencies to uncover alleged waste or malfeasance, although he also has noted that “preventing a fiscal meltdown” of the Postal Service is a critical component of his agenda.

In this regard, Issa realigned the subcommittees under his jurisdiction. One will be known as the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and Labor Policy. The new chair selected for this subcommittee is Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL). Ross is a newly-elected Member, who served in the Florida state legislature and was an attorney on labor matters for Disney before his election to Congress. He has expressed some support for the work the Postal 8

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Service does, but also has expressed misgivings about federal pay and benefits.

Ross will have Rep. Justin Amash (MI) as his chief deputy or vice chair. Amash represents Grand Rapids, MI, and at 30 years of age is one of the youngest Members elected to the House.

Other Republicans named to the subcommittee are Jim Jordan (OH), Jason Chaffetz (UT), Connie Mack (FL), Tim Walberg (MI), and Trey Gowdy (SC).

The Democrats also have named their minority line-up. Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD) has been appointed by the Democrats to assume the role of ranking minority member on the full Committee, replacing Rep. Ed Towns (NY). Cummings has been on the panel for many years and has been very active in postal hearings and on postal legislation. At the subcommittee level, Rep. Steve Lynch (MA) will remain as the top Democrat. Lynch comes from a family populated with postal employees and, as former chair, knows the subject matter well. He will be joined by DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL) and Gerry Connolly (VA).

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and its two Subcommittees of most relevant to postal employees – the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia and the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security – remain largely the same, with Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) chairing the full Committee, Senators

Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Tom Carper (D-DE) chairing the Subcommittees, and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) serving as ranking minority member and taking the lead on most postal issues from the Republican side of the aisle.

Also on the Senate side, Republicans have named Senator Scott Brown (MA), who recently won a Special Election to fill Ted Kennedy’s seat, will be Senator Carper’s minority counterpart.

He will be joined by newly elected Republican Senators Ron Johnson (WI), John McCain (AZ) and Rob Portman (OH). Portman formerly was a Representative and has some familiarity with postal issues from that prior service.

The Issues In the Senate, Senators Tom Carper and Susan Collins are expected to reintroduce bills in the new Congress that are similar to the ones they introduced last year. Their bills are a mixed bag, in some cases aiding the USPS but in other provisions attacking collective bargaining and the benefits now enjoyed by federal and postal employees. The NPMHU will continue to work with both Senators to improve their bills. For inexplicable reasons, the Postal Service continues to lobby for a laundry-list of legislative changes, including changes to the collective bargaining process, reducing delivery to five days, and adding authority to close and consolidate facilities. Many of these provisions are toxic to various Members of Congress, and could prevent Congress from adopting much-needed financial relief for the Postal Service.

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) is working on a bill in the House. Representative Winter 2011

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Steve Lynch (D-MA) also may reintroduce his bill dealing with the onerous payments by the USPS to the already over-funded pension system. The NPMHU has supported Lynch’s bill in the past.

The main issue that needs to be addressed

by September 30, 2011 is the vast over-funding of the pension system by the USPS and the intolerable payments extracted from the USPS each year to pre-fund retiree health benefits.

Without those Congressionally mandated payments, the USPS would not have to resort to draconian cuts in services and changes in its facilities or workforce.

In this regard, the NPMHU has joined with the other unions and some management associations to press the White House to take action.

The text of the letter signed by all of these parties is on the NPMHU website. The letter asks President Obama to address the terribly unfair over-payments required of the USPS to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund. In

part, the letter points out that, “had it not been for these payments . . ., the Postal Service would have been profitable over the past four years.”

Furthermore, no other federal agency is required to make these payments, and the RHBF Fund already has more than forty billion dollars in it. As noted, the other postal unions joined the NPMHU in sending this letter.

Also of critical importance to mail handlers, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently introduced legislation aimed at cutting benefits for injured workers who collect workers’ compensation through the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). Her legislation affects both injured federal and postal workers. It would require that, when an injured employee reaches normal retirement age under Social Security, that employee would be forced to retire and would be placed in either the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS),

depending on which system provided coverage for that employee.

The NPMHU opposed this change when it first surfaced five years ago, and it was not adopted at that time. It is an onerous proposal that is aimed exclusively at federal or postal employees who were injured on the job and usually through no fault of their own. The changes proposed by Collins could result in some employees seeing a dramatic decline in their living standard when they reach retirement age. Fortunately, this legislation is in its initial stage, and once again the NPMHU will oppose the bill in its current form but will work with Senator Collins and other members of the Senate Committee to find alternative ways of protecting injured employees.

All mail handlers should pay careful attention to the evolving dynamics on Capitol Hill, as these issues wind their way through the legislative process.

112th Congress Committee Assignments AnnounCed House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (CA) and Ranking Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Elijah Cummings (MD) named their choices to lead the subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, the U.S. Postal Service, and Labor Policy.

Chairman Issa reached out to freshman Congressman Dennis Ross from the 12th Congressional District in Florida to chair the subcommittee; also on the majority side are Justin Amash (MI), Jim Jordan (OH), Jason Chaffetz (UT), Connie Mack (FL), Tim Wahlberg (MI) and Trey Gowdy (SC) On the Democratic side past Chairman Stephen Lynch (111TH) from the 9th Congressional District in Massachusetts changes roles and will now be the ranking member on the subcommittee in the 112th Congress. The Democrats went with experience to fill the rest of the slots on the subcommittee; naming former chairman Danny Davis (IL) to serve with Congressman Lynch, also named was Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA) and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton from the District of Columbia.

Here is the entire House Oversight and Government Reform Committee listed by political party:

rePublIcans Chairman Darrell Issa, California Dan Burton, Indiana John Mica, Florida Todd Platts, Pennsylvania Michael Turner, Ohio Patrick McHenry, North Carolina Jim Jordan, Ohio Jason Chaffetz, Utah Connie Mack, Florida Tim Walberg, Michigan James Lankford, Oklahoma

Ann Marie Buerkle, New York Paul Gosar, Arizona Raul Labrador, Idaho Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Scott DesJarlais, Tennessee Joe Walsh, Illinois Trey Gowdy, South Carolina Dennis Ross, Florida Frank Guinta, New Hampshire Blake Farenthold, Texas Michael Kelly, Pennsylvania Justin Amash, Michigan

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

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DemocraTs Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Maryland Edolphus Towns, New York Carolyn Maloney, New York Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington, DC Dennis Kucinich, Ohio John Tierney, Massachusetts William Clay, Missouri Stephen Lynch, Massachusetts James Cooper, Tennessee Gerald Connolly, Virginia Michael Quigley, Illinois Danny Davis, Illinois Bruce Braley, Iowa Peter Welch, Vermont John Yarmuth, Kentucky Christopher Murphy, Connecticut Jackie Speier, California

the Republicans, also served that same role in the 111th Congress.

The members of the subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security are listed in the article on page 8.

The rest of the members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are:

DemocraTs Carl Levin, Michigan Daniel Akaka, Hawaii Thomas Carper, Delaware Mark Pryor, Arkansas Mary Landrieu, Louisiana Claire McCaskill, Missouri Jon Tester, Montana Mark Begich, Alaska

senaTe

rePublIcans

Senator Harry Reid from Nevada, the Majority Leader, and Minority Leader Mitch Mc Connell from Kentucky recently announced their choices for the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee for the 112th Congress. The chairman of the committee will again be Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent from Connecticut. Susan Collins from Maine, the ranking member for

John McCain, Arizona Thomas Coburn, Oklahoma John Ensign, Nevada Rob Portman, Ohio Rand Paul, Kentucky Ron Johnson, Wisconsin

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TRAINING FOR ARBITRATION ADVOCATES

National President John Hegarty flanked by the NPMHU Arbitration Training staff makes his opening remarks kicking off the training session. (l-r) Northeast Vice President and Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian, Eastern Region Vice President and National Trainer Sam D’Ambrosio, Local 301 President Tim Dwyer, National President John Hegarty, Former Local 304 President James Bell, General Counsel Bruce Lerner

A

lmost one hundred mail handlers from Local Unions across the country gathered in Washington, DC on December 10 and 11 for comprehensive Arbitration Advocacy Training conducted by the National Office of the NPMHU. The training was organized and conducted by a panel of experienced NPMHU advocates, who shared their advice during the training, and also produced a comprehensive set of materials that are available to all advocates on the MAILS system.

The officers, stewards, and advocates who were able to attend the training sessions also heard from Arbitrator Lawrence Holden, who has served on postal arbitration panels for many years, and therefore could give thoughtful and useful advice about how to be an effective advocate when presenting cases in regional postal arbitrations.

The training focused on issues that typically arise in both contract interpretation and disciplinary arbitration hearings at the Regional level under Article 15 of the National Agreement, with an emphasis on the practical aspects of being an effective advocate. Before the trainers turned to covering the comprehensive list of topics in detail, participants were given valuable general advice, including the importance of finding your own style in presenting a case; the fact that there is no right or wrong way to do most things and every advocate may do things somewhat differently (for example, some advocates give an opening statement orally, while others write it out and both read it and give it to the Arbitrator); the importance of researching the arbitrator who will be hearing the case, both by reading relevant decisions previously issued by that arbitrator and by talk-

ing to other Union advocates who have participated in hearings with that arbitrator to find out how the arbitrator runs a hearing; the value added by researching the Postal Service representatives, including trying to talk with other advocates who know them to find out how they act in a hearing and whether there are issues the representatives always try to raise; and understanding the procedures used in your own District. The participants also were cautioned about making promises or creating false expectations in their dealings with grievants, as every advocate loses some cases that the Union should win, and wins some that the Union should lose.

The trainers then provided information and guidance on virtually every aspect of an arbitration hearing, in order to help participants be as prepared as possible in representing our members and enforcing our

contract. The most important message that could be taken from all of the presentations was that, at every stage of the arbitration process, there is no substitute for preparation.

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE! Among the topics covered were the language of Article 15; how to put a case together; how to frame issues; how to organize arguments and select and prepare witnesses; how to meet the burden of proving appropriate remedies; settlements, stipulations, site visits, and sequestration of witnesses. The trainers also discussed important procedural issues such as arbitrability, bifurcation, which side bears the burden of proof, and the circumstances under which new arguments and new evidence can (or cannot) be presented.

In addition, the training covered the nuts and bolts of the skills essential to presentation of a case, including how to make effective opening and

NPMHU local leaders participating in the Arbitration Advocacy training.

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(l-r)Former Local 304 President James Bell and General Counsel Bruce R. Lerner

National President John Hegarty makes a point during the training.

Local 305 Shop Steward Lamar Grigsby

Eastern Region Vice President and National Trainer Sam D’Ambrosio

closing statements; how to prepare and conduct direct and cross-examination; how to properly introduce exhibits and other evidence; the use of objections to contest management evidence; the presentation of rebuttal evidence; and the submission of post-hearing briefs.

The training was geared to advocates at every level of arbitration experience, and rather than simply state rules or principles, it provided very specific “how-tos” in each area.

For example, on the topic of direct examination, participants were told what kinds of questions to prepare; how to structure the direct exami-

Local 313 President Julio Figueroa addressing the trainers

Northeastern Vice President and Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian

nation so that the arbitrator will clearly understand the testimony; the importance of having the witness describe the facts in his or her own words (not sounding scripted); examples of questions used in starting the direct examination to put the witness at ease; the kinds of questions that are permissible and those that are not, with examples of each; how (and how not) to phrase questions; and whether to address weaknesses with the witness during direct testimony if you anticipate the Postal Service advocate will raise those weaknesses on cross-examination. This same, very

Local 298 Shop Steward Jeff Easedale

practical, step-by-step approach was followed in all of the presentations.

Participants were able to come away with a real-life understanding of how to arbitrate a case.

To further assist Union advocates, and as part of the Arbitration Advocacy Reference Manual that was distributed to participants at the training session, the trainers provided samples, from actual cases presented by NMPHU advocates, of various aspects of arbitration. These included sample statements of the issue; sample stipulations; sample opening statements; sample direct examinations; sample cross-exami-

Local 334 Treasurer Kent Holliday

nations; sample closing statements; and sample post-hearing briefs.

These materials reinforced the information provided in the verbal and written presentations.

For probably the first time in arbitration training, a full presentation was devoted to issues of “remedy.” This was important because the Postal Service increasingly is instructing its advocates to devote a substantial amount of time – at the hearing and in posthearing briefs – to trying to limit or eliminate any potential remedy that would cost the Postal Service money. Especially in high-liability continued on page 12

Central Region Vice President and Local 306 President Jefferson C. Peppers III

Local 306 Branch President Bill Rodriguez

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National CAD Manager Bill Flynn interacting with NPMHU local leaders during the training

Arbitrator Larry Holden was a special guest presenter at the training.

➤➤

Local 321 President Michael Hora

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TRAINING FOR ARBITRATION ADVOCATES (CONT.) cases, Postal Service advocates routinely claim the Union is requesting a remedy even though no “harm” to members of the bargaining unit has been proven. Participants in the training were familiarized with common Postal Service arguments designed to avoid liability: employees would get a “windfall”; employees would be “unjustly enriched”; or, as a last resort, that the Postal Service does not have the money to pay for the remedy the Union seeks.

The presentation explained the need to be prepared to combat such arguments, and what kinds of information and claims can be made, in both discharge and contract cases.

Participants were given information they should have in order to be able to present a convincing case on remedy, and the presentation even directed them to helpful arbitration decisions. The training was geared to ensure that once the Union wins a case, employees will get the full remedy to which they are entitled.

To provide continuing assistance to advocates, the National Office prepared a Manual that contains all of the presentations made at the training session. The Manual is a tremendously valuable resource for all advocates. In addition to the presentations and sample arbitration materials, inside the front cover of each Manual there is a disc that contains all of the materials in the Manual PLUS dozens of arbitration decisions, (The Manual, and all of the materials on the disc, are now available on the NPMHU web site in the MAILS system.) If an advocate expects that an issue will come up in an arbitration, he or she can look up the subject on the disc and print out the relevant decisions. (The arbitration decisions also should be on MAILS.) As a further training tool, the participants at the training session were given a copy of the second edition of an excellent reference book called “How to Prepare and

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Present a Labor Arbitration Case: Strategy and Tactics for Advocates”

by Charles S. Loughran, a noted arbitrator and mediator.

Finally, a highlight of the training session was a presentation by Arbitrator Lawrence Holden. Based on his extensive experience on postal arbitration panels, he praised the quality of representation that the NPMHU provides to its members.

Arbitrator Holden also offered specific, valuable advice about “dos and don’ts” in arbitration – what is helpful and persuasive to arbitrators, and what takes away from the strength of your case. He used instructive anecdotes to illustrate some of his points, and willingly answered questions from the mail handlers who gathered for the training.

The committee of advocates who conducted the training included Bill Flynn, National Contract Administration Manager; Sam D’Ambrosio, Eastern Regional Vice President; Paul Hogrogian, Local 300 Local President and Northeastern Regional Vice President; Tim Dwyer, Local 301 Local President; and James Bell, former Local 304 Local President. Taken together, these advocates have participated in hundreds of arbitration hearings, and therefore were able to give different perspectives on the host of issues addressed by the training.

Mail handlers attending the training also shared stories and advice based on their own prior experiences, so the training was filled with useful information concerning arbitration strategy and tactics, as well as the nuts and bolts for effectively presenting a case.

The training was a great success.

All NPMHU advocates are encouraged to use the Manual that was prepared and distributed for the training, and since then has been circulated to all Local Union officers. It should be a terrific resource for many years to come.

Local 329 President John R. Macon

Local leaders engaged in the day’s training session

Western Region Vice President and Local 320 President Rudy Santos

Some local leaders in attendance at the afternoon session

The afternoon session allowed for a very engaging open session between the trainers and local leaders.

Day 2 of the training session featured further discussions on NPMHU arbitration advocacy.

(l-r) Local 313 Vice President Michael Pazos, Local 313 President Julio Figueroa, Local 313 SEBM Carlos Alicea

Winter 2011

2/22/11 5:31 PM

NPMHU PAC

2010 CoNTRibUToRS The National Postal Mail Handlers Union Political Action Committee (NPMHU PAC) contributes to campaigns of candidates for and incumbents of Congress who repeatedly demonstrate “concern for working people and for [the] aims and objectives of the NPMHU and the entire trade union movement.� The PAC is non-partisan in its operations, and, by federal law, is financed completely through voluntary contributions from members and groups who subscribe to the objectives of the Mail Handlers PAC. Your Union needs your active involvement in contributing to the Political Action Committee to assist candidates who will work to protect the wages and benefits of all Mail Handlers.

Our PAC membership is small but growing larger. Below is a list of the 2010 contributors to the NPMHU Political Action Committee. It is an honor roll of members who have contributed to the growing political power of your Union.

PA C C o N T R i b U T i o N S F o R 2 0 1 0 Membership Level: MEMBERS contributed at least $26 last year Local 297 297 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 302 302 302 302 303 303 303 303 303

Name Edwin W. Bland Jr. Marssille D. Ridley Eldalyn U. Yadao Antonio Barretto Lucille A. Beckford Bernice T. Buckhanon Mark S. Chandler Richard L. Fuller Vincent J. Gigantino Abby Jacob Marcenia Y. Johnson Osvaldo Rodriguez Trevor S. Stuart David M. Summerville Charsesa L. Tevenal Harold M. Walker Philip J. Devlin Jr. Joseph P. Fallis E. D. Kimball C. J. Marrero Lawrence Varga James C. Carlson Dwight E. Parker Peter S. Pile Kimberly R. Rojas Van F. Cunningham Terry R. Hatley Antonio A. Ignacio Ray Paniagua Manuel C. Quicho

Local 303 304 305 305 305 305 305 306 306 307 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 310 310 311 311 311 311 311

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Name Dwight Whitney James A. Clark Jr. Dunleigh Y. Cardin Gordon W. Elliott Jacqueline Esposito Lamar L. Grigsby Robert A. Slayton Dock H. Brown III Richard L. Coleman Jerry L. Pollard F. L. Orzech Jr. O. T. Sas Richard A. Andressi Brenda L. Eschrich Michael J. Knapik Stephen R. Martin Gregory A. Murzynski Justin D. Petrie Terry L. Rogan Donald C. Slate Jr. Jerry Smith Jr. James R. Williams Steven W. Young Thomasina A. Parks Kenneth Watson Marty Aguero Byron E. Bennett Shannon E. Brooks Alexander Cavazos Dana L. Davenprt

Local 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 312 312 312 312 312 312 312 312 312 314 315 315 316 316 317

Name Shudana D. Duncan Terry A. Ford Marlene L. Hebert Harry D. Kimbrough Sonya Y. Kirkpatrick Joel E. MacDonald Kenneth B. McFarland Abdul Muhammad Shelia Omauzo Michael S. Porter Sharon M. Prelow-Allen Charles D. Sizemore Roger G. Smith Albert Traylor Otis White Alfred P. Babin Jr. Troy L. Davis Troy N. Gallet Richard E. Jenkins Patrice Jinkens Terry T. LeBan Gary S. Moore Kevin W. Perry Derryon R. Thompson Douglas D. Adkins Jon D. Claney Steven J. Kahler Marcy Sturgeon Brian K. Yang James W. Steber

Local 318 318 320 320 320 321 321 321 321 323 323 324 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 334 334 334

Name Civi M. Burgess Santo Romano Debra A. Browning Alex Cervantes Robert M. Tallent Michael D. Blackburn Patrick J. Bond Roberto E. Salazar K. M. Scott Robert J. Leininger Gary C. Tollefsrud Frank S. Suriani Derek J. Schnetzer James A. Murdock Charles E. Reynolds Ernest H. Barnett Ezequiel A. Moreno Robert J. Greenwell L. A. Aldridge Linda S. King Angela M. Klier-Young Mary E. Mason Brian S. Sandberg Candace L. Smith Bernard A. Taylor Kent D. Holliday Michael T. Howell Anthony D. Shell

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Membership Level: SPONSORS contributed at least $52 last year Local 297 297 299 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 302 302 302 303 303 303 303

Name Joseph C. Denner Darrell D. Meakins Henry B. Kukona III Spencer M. Elfenbaum Michael K. Jacobus Matthew J. McDonald Steve M. Morrow Gilbert S. Stevens Jr. Craig L. Adams Mark P. Buckley Paul A. Bureau William W. Creamer Jr. Scott D. Curtis R Figueroa Thomas M. Hackett Randy C. Oliver Donald T. Pilatsky Keith E. Vincent Anthony R. Coleman Don K. Peer Liberty Velasco David E. Castillo Richard J. Castro Sarah A. Freed Robert L. Smith

Local 303 303 304 304 305 305 305 305 305 306 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309

Name Phillip L. Tyson Javier A. Valencia Grag L. Wake Sr. Darvis G. Wanton Randell P. Coffman Sr. Donald W. Diggs Kenneth A. Hayes E. R. Sawyer Jr. Brenda T. Vass Timothy A. McKenna Virginia E. Charles Sandra L. Dudley Stephanie L. Geter Keith W. Johnston Jeanette M. Lanza Louis J. Morrone Jr. Robert D. Singleton F. P. Campbell James A. Colling Gary S. Gove Edward J. Hamlin Douglas S. Heyden Sr. Marcus A. Iwanitzki R. P. Law Wayne A. Morris

Local 309 309 310 310 311 311 311 311 312 312 314 315 315 316 316 316 318 318 318 318 320 320 321 321 321

Name Charles A. Wentworth Joseph C. Zelenenki Adrien G. Rameau Gary B. Reid Larry D. Gibson Linda Lewis Gerald R. Quam Ronald B. Shepard Vanessa H. Emery Stephen L. Taylor Shawn C. Patrick David M. Joyce James J. Kline D. E. Grether Terry A. Sluciak Howard W. Wells Robert C. Borges Ben H. Martin Ronald L. Radin Bruce M. Themis Shawn C. Garey Donald L. Thompson Brian Capra Louis A. Crew Michael J. McCarty

Local 321 323 324 324 325 327 327 327 327 327 329 329 331 331 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 334

Name Dannis J. Thomas T. J. Swerdlick Michael C. Brown Joe D. Impson Tarus L. Esco-Cole Larry D. Burk Tim P. Grilz Brock A. Isakson Derek C. Mullenberg Michael J. Pickett Ben J. Edwards Samuel M. Owens Jr. William R. Curtis Martin J. Lucero Robert J. Allen Adam D. Anderson Marvin R. Bennett Lance S. Brown John K. Gallagher David M. Henninger Kenny A. Hepker M. A. Hernandez-Gomez J. W. Reese M. A. Rolniak Sheldon D. Adams

Name Robert A. Glycenfer Michael V. Mohan S. B. Newman Garry L. Simmons William H. Smith James E. Tucker Robert E. Albright Jr. James J. Ditchfield Timothy T. Dubois Paul R. Forshey Bruce W. Hall Brian J. Hurd Raymond G. Morrison Christopher M. Rine Miguel A. Santiago Jr. Troas N. Boyd Keith R. Charlton Michael A. Dickhute Charles J. Franklin Jr. Antonio Smith Rodney Tyus Jack R. Bell Jr. Horace Dixon Jr. Daniel Elizondo Larry Guerrero Brian R. Hilpp Bridget P. Lightbourne Paul C. Pineda Alice A. Bingham Ray Brown III Anthony D. Davis Katherine J. Defoe

Local 315 315 315 315 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 318 318 318 318 318 320 320 320 320 320 320 321 321 321 321 321

Name Stacie K. Garten Colin M. Moore Kevin A. Parsons Gregory W. Stark G. Branch Leon P. Herrera Roger A. Hogue David K. Hudson Gary W. Kalich Tim E. Knight R. F. Kring John R. Libert Johnny L. McKissick Brian D. Mickavicz J. D. Nabors Salvatore P. Schillaci David L. Dean Dina D. Flores-Staniec Gary S. Jones Thomas M. Staniec Joyce R. Weber David Cano Darren A. Dankert Mike Durant Bernard Gonzalez Jorge Hernandez Edmond J. Skowronski Phillip Armendarez D. R. Hermosillo Mark W. Lofthouse Andrew M. Lovato Jeffrey K. Morgan

Membership Level: ACTIVISTS contributed at least $100 last year Local 297 297 297 299 299 299 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 302 302 14

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Name Daniel J. Appelhanz David M. Kovac Marie E. Williams Jason H. Adachi Larry M. Chun Kathy A. Hanson Douglas C. Hoomalu Ray Bermudez Joseph L. Blanco Joseph F. Labargo Dawn M. Licata Alfred J. Lombardi Lucy Lombardo Joseph A. Palau Andrew P. Piacente Eric H. Richard Jeffrey L. Anderson John M. Bessette William A. Butler John M. Ensko Jr. John E. Fetherston Robert J. Fisher Joseph P. Fitzgerald Robert M. Goggin Frederick S. Hickey Allen R. Lecours Marci K. Letourneau William G. Loynds III Daniel W. St Marie John M. Such Charles C. Blalock Helen M. Cerda

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Local 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 303 303 303 303 303 303 303 304 304 305 305 305 305 305 305 306 306 307 307 307 308 308 308 308

Name Enedina Chavez-Williams Dean A. DeLuna Kimberly A. Garcia Marcia M. Guaman Tim S. Hammond Elizabeth A. Karolyi Fernando Matta Paula M. Ward Linda D. Beckton Charles A. Burks Martha J. Felix Daniel A. Ortega Eric B. Schneider Vida S. Sloan John A. Stewart Thomas Davis III Daniel Scott David G. Cocke Jeffery D. Delph T. J. McAdam Michael Rose Byron B. Scott Jr. Douglas E. Tanner George E. Cantrell Michael H. McKinney Ellen E. Carpenter Virginia R. Szugyi Rita K. Tripp Steven M. Bahrle Paul C. Beutel Alex V. Fedorov Jeanne Gladilina

Local 308 308 308 308 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 310 310 310 310 310 310 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 312 314 314 315

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Membership Level: ACTIVISTS contributed at least $100 last year Local

Name

Local

Name

Local

Name

Local

Name

321 321 321 321 321 321 321 322 323 323 323

Ricardo J. Olivares Carl J. Pacileo Lloyd E. Pugh William R. Scroggin Kim P. Snyder Ter i L. Szuch-Jerram Fred D. Taylor Samuel C. D’Ambrosio Dean M. Abatte Michael R. Straiton Keith C. Unterseher

324 324 327 328 328 329 329 331 331 333 333

Stephen Ikley Brenda S. McKibben Michael J. Clark Arlan D. Smedsrud P. J. Yetter John R. Macon John S. Stroman Daniel K. Barnaby Lloyd C. Johnson J. L. Anucik C. L. Bargman

333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333

Craig S. Bindrum David W. Freeman Tammy L. Guy C. J. Hildreth Brian D. King Gregory F. Knuth Dennis A. Lockridge Charles J. Loftus J. L. Marean Monica Mathews Vern G. Millsap

333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333

Francis N. Montgomery Jeffrey D. Mount Benjamin R. Nicks Leo L. Oye T. A. Perrigo Pam S. Schlamp Dwaynise E. Schoep Michael S. Smith D. M. Stacey Activist

Name Jeffrey G. Heintzleman Lisa M. McDonell Joyce A. Miskell Timothy R. Morath Robert C. Phillips Reginald A. Coleman Stacey L. Gillespie Robert S. McDaniel Dorothy L. Roberson Lynetrice E. Wilkins Eileen K. Mills William M. Sitzes Raul R. Enriquez Jr. James E. McGrory Lauren I. White Irene M. Lowery Gregory A. McGovern Gene D. Rezac Chris Rios Mark N. Sagatu Monica J. Taylor John A. Warhol James P. Rosso Theresa M. Corcoran Anthony J. Francisco Edward H. Flagg

Local 321 321 321 322 322 323 323 325 325 328 328 329 332 332 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 Nat’l Nat’l

Name Andrew Jimenez Sr. Edward E. Oliver J. L. Rose James H. Lubbert Timothy A. Parker Kathleen J. Schultz Douglas C. Vitek Joey L. Breland Earnest E. Wallace Robert D. Hanson Larry A. Karsten Julius Z. Takacs Jr. Woodrow D. Hendrickson Robert G. McFall Donald L. Bailey Jr. Eric E. Cory Kyle R. Hanks Randy L. Krueger Duane L. Peterson William C. Reed Mark R. Sanders David C. Sapp G. J. Savala Michael F. Schwartz Robin S. Daniels Noah Giebel

Local 307 307 308 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 310 310 310 310 310

Name James L. Haggarty Jeffrey D. Velfling Mark Adamchak Edward T. Gallagher John R. Macey Alex M. Catello Keith J. Earll Gregg A. Hubbard Mark A. Nitkiewicz David E. Wilkin Pervous A. Badilishamwalimu Jr. Beverly C. Batts Willie B. Burks Harold C. Burley Eddie C. Byirt

Membership Level: LEADERS contributed at least $250 last year Local 297 297 297 297 297 297 297 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301

Name Chris D. Bentley Derek D. Bryant Stephen K. Dempewolf Van A. Greathouse Donald L. Hardwick Jr. Dennis L. Joyce William J. Staab Jr. Calvin H. Takae Robert D. Blum Richard Couvertier George J. Cuff Wilfredo Delgado Stanley A. Howard Thomas J. Hynes III Daniel N. Martinelli Thomas Murata Thomas D. Reid Irene Sanchez Andre M. Spence Donald W. Utz Jr. Evan Gately Michael S. Guilfoyle James A. Hartsell Geoff Henderson Charles A. Masterson II C. M. Olesen

Local 301 301 301 302 302 302 303 304 304 304 304 304 305 305 305 305 306 306 306 308 308 308 308 308 309 309

Name Thomas S. Placzek Ronald R. Revoir Wayne F. Therrien Juanita M. Contreras Kent A. Dlugokenski George A. Ramos Juan O. Torres Julie A. Allen Kenneth W. Altman Randy Bowden Barry L. Painter Dianne Williams Kevin L. Fletcher Charles R. Manago Robert A. Ricketts Amber R. Slater Gerald R. Banks Belinda Jackson Manuel Lazu Audra J. Dobyan John A. Gibson Douglas E. Moats Michael E. Rembelinsky Mildred K. Wagner Daniel J. Cornish John A. Esterdahl

Local 309 309 309 309 309 310 310 310 310 310 311 314 315 315 315 316 316 316 316 316 316 316 319 320 320 321

Membership Level: AMBASSADORS contributed at least $500 last year Local 297 297 297 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301

Name Nathaniel R. Campbell Jr. John Savala II Angela M. Savala-Joyce Barry L. Edmonds Peter H. Bilotta Charles E. Hanley Paul V. Hogrogian Thomas P. Mullahey Charles O. Price Thomas Ruther Steven Schiff Kevin P. Tabarus Robert J. Broxton Richard B. Collins Terrence J. Donahue

Local 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 302 302 302

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Name Timothy M. Dwyer William J. Flynn Jr. Kevin H. Germino John F. Hegarty Shawn C. Holt Robert P. Losi Rene A. Morissette John C. Olesen Neil P. Ryan Raymond M. Sokolowski Sean M. Sweeney Joseph A. Wythe Edward J. Alcantar Ernest J. Grijalva Dorothy J. Henderson

Local 302 302 302 303 304 304 304 304 304 305 306 306 306 306 306

Name Vernon R. Long Richard Siu Lynan L. Washington Richard J. Pop James P. Bell Gary W. Kavanaugh Clyde E. Patterson Gary M. Stern Fred D. Topping Thomas J. Branch Jr. Joseph E. Boston Ronald L. Cobren Jr. June Harris Jefferson C. Peppers III David A. Stenson

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Membership Level: AMBASSADORS contributed at least $500 last year Local 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310

Name George Coubertier Vic Davis Anthony D. Dowell Winson Driver Lisa D. Greer Algier L. Johnson Allen Jones Michael E. Jones Robert W. Larmore Jr. Nolan V. McClendon Bruce Z. Miller Marvin A. Parker Chawanda E. Parson Reginald J. Riggins Samuel L. Rodgers Joseph D. Sanders Cynthia A. Smith

Local 310 310 310 310 310 311 311 313 314 315 315 316 316 316 316 316 316

Name Quinntella K. Smith Albert G. Statewright Carlton D. Stephens John Stockdale Eugene Wesley Jr. Dallas H. Jones Jr. Michael F. Panarelli Julio A. Figueroa Yvette M. Luster Jerry L. Alexander David P. Jarvis Chris A. Abrams Pago O. Afualo Lee F. Cocks Leo G. Ebio Richard L. Fulcher Patrick H. McClear

Local 316 316 316 318 318 320 320 320 320 320 320 320 321 321 321 321 321

Name Deborah A. Retter Don J. Sneesby Alvie E. Yancey Mark A. Gardner Nicholas G. Mosezar Arnoldo C. Balderrama Robert F. Fournier Laurie A. Hernandez Susanna L. Paniagua Madelyn E. Puricelli Felipe M. Ruiz Rodolfo J. Santos Donald R. Gonzales Cindy L. Hoehl-Rinker Michael J. Hora John M. Meding Zack J. Mischo

Local 321 321 321 321 322 322 323 323 323 324 327 327 331 333 333 333 Nat’l

Name Claude L. Ridley David E. Ross Oscar L. Santillano Errol A. Wilson Michael McIntyre John F. Szewczyk Cecilia C. Clouse John M. Gariepy Jeffrey H. Larsen John R. Whitby Mark A. Addington Ronnell E. Smith Michael L. Foster Diane K. Roll Jason J. Vick David L. Wignall Kenneth Nickels

YoU Too CAN bECoME AN NPMHU PoLiTiCAL ACTiViST There is a quick way for Mail Handlers to contribute to the NPMHU PAC. Simply call in to the PostalEASE system, or visit the PostalEASE option on the web at www.liteblue.usps.gov. Follow the instructions printed on page 17 of this magazine. Your PAC contribution will be made directly from your bi-weekly postal payroll. You also have the option of sending in a personal check or authorizing a credit card contribution. Your contributions will also be entered in to the incentive award program that entitles you to an award based on your contribution level. There are five distinct PAC membership levels and awards. Awards are distributed based on membership level and will be mailed after the end of the year. Awards will vary year to year.

NoTiCE CoNCERNiNG CoNTRibUTioNS: Contributions to the Mail Handlers PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for purposes of federal income taxes. In addition, federal law requires that the Mail Handlers PAC report to the Federal Election Commission the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contributions in any calendar year total in excess of $200. Please also note that the Mail Handlers PAC has political purposes, and that all members have the right to refuse to contribute, and the right to revoke their authorization for any continuing contributions, without any reprisal. (cut here and return to NPMHU PAC)

PAC contribution by personal check, money order, or credit card: You can contribute directly to the Mail Handlers PAC by filling out the following information and mailing it to the P.O. Box listed below. Please enclose your check or money order, or provide authorization to charge your credit card.

Here is my contribution of (please circle one): $26 (Member) $52 (Sponsor) $100 (Activist) $250 (Leader) $500 (Ambassador) other amount __________.

Name:____________________________________________

_____VISA

Address __________________________________________

Acct. #_________________________________________

City _____________________ State ______ Zip _________

Expiration Date: _______________ Please charge my credit card as indicated above.

MAIL TO: Mail Handlers PAC P.O . Box 65171 Washington, DC 20035 16

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62645_Magazine.indd 16

_____MasterCard

Signature:______________________________________ If necessary, you may FAX your credit card authorization to: 202.785.9860 Winter 2011

2/22/11 5:31 PM

You also can make your PAC contribution by bi-weekly salary allotment through PostalEASE (access by phone or on the web): PostalEASE bY TELEPHoNE: Dial 1-877-4PS-EASE — (877-477-3273) and follow the prompt for the Employee Services Main Menu.

When prompted Press #1 for PostalEASE When prompted, enter your eight-digit USPS employee identification number.

When prompted again, enter your USPS PIN number. (This is the same as the PIN number you use for telephone bidding and/or other payroll allotments.)

When Prompted, Choose Option #2 (to select payroll allotments) Then Choose Option #1 (to select allotments) When prompted Press #2 to continue When prompted Press #3 to add the allotment When prompted for the routing number enter 054001220 When prompted for the account number enter the following : 11260001 __ __ __ - __ __ - __ __ __ __ (the last nine digits of your account number is your social security number—this information will allow us to identify you as the PAC contributor).

Press #1 if correct When prompted Press #1 for “checking” When prompted, input the bi-weekly dollar amount of your PAC allotment.

Press #1 if correct When prompted Press #1 to process You will be provided a confirmation number as well as the start date for the salary allotment.

For your records: Record the confirmation number __________________ Record the start date of the salary allotment _____________ Press #1 to repeat or Press #9 to end call

PostalEASE on the WEb: To initiate your bi-weekly PAC contribution on the web, simply go to www.liteblue.usps.gov Enter your eight-digit USPS Employee ID Number and your USPS PIN Follow the link to PostalEASE—you will again be asked to enter your Employee ID Number and USPS PIN Follow the link for PAYROLL- Allotments/NTB Continue to the ALLOTMENTS section Your ROUTING TRANSIT NUMBER is: 054001220 Your ACCOUNT # will be: 11260001 __ __ __ - __ __ - __ __ __ __ (the last nine digits of your account number is your social security number—this information will allow us to identify you as the PAC contributor).

For ACCOUNT TYPE—please select “CHECKING” When prompted, please input the AMOUNT that you would like to contribute to the PAC each pay period.

To process your PAC allotment, you will need to select the VALIDATE button, and to finalize the transaction, please select SUBMIT. Be sure to print out a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

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Mail Handlers Across the Country Local 334 Training

Local 327 Installation of Officers

(l-r) Local 320 President and Western Region Vice President Rudy Santos, Local 327 President Mark Addington, Branch President Billings Jeff Milton, SEBM Larry Burk, Local 327 Recording Secretary Derek Mullenberg, Local 327 Treasurer Mike Pickett, Local 327 Vice President Timothy Grilz

Local 306 Installation of Officers Top photo (l-r) Shop Steward Greenville Paul Jorgensen, Shop Steward Charleston Jorge Pena, Shop Steward Columbia Barbara Pridgen, National President John Hegarty, Eastern Region Vice President and National Trainer Sam D’Ambrosio, Local 334 Recording Secretary Tracei Ealey, SEBM Sheldon Adams, Local 334 President Michael Howell, Local 334 Vice President Andre Jenkins, Shop Steward Charleston Clyde Murray, Branch President Charleston Walter Smith, Shop Steward Greenville Brian Ranum, Branch President Columbia Herman Stevens, Local 334 Treasurer Kent Holliday, Branch President Florence Vincent West

Local 315 & 316 Joint Training Meeting

Back Row (l-r) Local 316 Treasurer Irene Lowery, Local 316 Branch President Everett P&DC Leon Herrera, Local 316 Vice President Don Sneesby, Local 315 President David Jarvis, Local 316 Recording Secretary John Warhol, Local 315 Vice President Bryan Easley, Local 315 Branch President Mount Hood DDC Colin Moore, Local 321 Vice President and National RI 399 Trainer Don Gonzales

Seated (l-r) Local 306 Vice President June Harris, Branch President J.T. Weeker ISC Carmela Catchings, Local 306 Recording Secretary Belinda Jackson, Branch President Carol Streams P&DC Agnes McMeans, Branch President Palatine P&DC Anita Hatcher, Branch President South Suburban P&DC Evamarie Acox-Bouie Standing (l-r) Branch President Peoria P&DC Steve Barber, Branch President Chicago NDC Deborah Gibbons, Branch President Cardiss Collins P&DC Tyrone Johnson, Branch President Milwaukee P&DC Bill Rodriguez, Local 306 Treasurer Joseph Boston, Branch President Madison P&DC John Castagna, Illinois SEBM Richard Coleman, National President John Hegarty, Branch President Fox Valley P&DC Mark Blough, Branch President Springfield P&DC Jeff Bridges, Branch President Irving Park RD P&DC Gerald Banks, Branch President Champaign P&DC Michael McKinney, Local 306 President and Central Region Vice President Jefferson C. Peppers III, Wisconsin SEBM Tim McKenna, Branch President Chicago Metro Surface Hub Mark Coleman, National Secretary-Treasurer Mark Gardner

Front Row (l-r) Local 316 President Pat McClear, Washington SEBM Leonard Ebio, Local 315 Branch President Seattle WA P&DC Gene Rezac, Western Region (Denver) Director David Ross

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Winter 2011

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Mail Handlers Across the Country Local 304 Installation of Officers

Local 301 GOTV Campaign in Nashua, NH L&DC

Standing (l-r) Branch President Cincinnati, Ohio MPO Paul Hines, Branch President South Bend, Indiana Barry Painter, Branch President Canton, Ohio Timothy Manning, Central Region Vice President and Local 306 President Jefferson C. Peppers III, Branch President Columbus, Ohio Mark Bayer, Branch President Lexington, Kentucky James B. Weddle, Branch President Cleveland, Ohio Otis Sturdivant, Branch President Dayton, Ohio Thomas Davis III, Indiana SEBM Rondal Pitcock, Local 304 Recording Secretary Gary W. Kavanaugh, Kentucky SEBM Harmon Lee Dixon, Local 304 Vice President William H. McLemore and Local 304 President Clyde E. Patterson.

(l-r) New Hampshire AFL-CIO Representative Michele Bardo, Manchester Mail Handler Dave McCloskey, Shop Steward Manchester Sharlene Labore, Local 301 President Tim Dwyer, National Legislative and Political Director Bob Losi, Shop Steward Nashua Paul Bureau, Branch President Nashua and New Hampshire SEBM Bob Fisher, National President John Hegarty, Shop Steward Manchester Mike McNealey

Local 301 Middlesex Branch meeting

Sitting (l-r) Ohio SEBM Andrea Maliszweski, Branch President Cincinnati, Ohio NDC Elizabeth Lyons, Branch President Toledo, Ohio Julie Allen, Branch President Indianapolis, Indiana Gregory Hill, Branch President Akron, Ohio Stanley Thomas and Local 304 Treasurer Gary M. Stern

Local 302 Installation of Officers Front Row (l-r) National Legislative and Political Director Bob Losi, Local 301 President Tim Dwyer, National President John Hegarty, (outgoing)Branch President M/E Bob Goggin, Shop Steward Chris Whelan, Shop Steward Pete Canuel.

Back Row (l-r) Past Branch President M/E Dan Flathers, Shop Steward Keith Adriani, Local 301 Treasurer Neil Ryan, Local 301 Vice President Bob Broxton, (incoming) Branch President M/E Sean Sweeney

Local 301 Installation of Officers (l-r) National President John Hegarty, Branch President Oakland Kim Rojas, Branch President Reno Jerry Todd, Local 302 Recording Secretary Juanita Contreras, Branch President Stockton Fernando Matta, Branch President San Francisco NDC Gregory Montes, Local 302 President Ernie Grijalva, Local 302 Treasurer and Branch President Sacramento Tony Coleman, Local 302 Vice President Ruben Martin, Branch President North Bay Dot Henderson, Branch President Fresno Melinda Simental, Branch President San Francisco Thomas (Tony) Mayes, Branch President San Jose Lenin Brito

Local 299 Installation of Officers

National President John Hegarty administering the Oath of Office to the newly-elected Council of Local 299 (HI): (l-r) National President John Hegarty, Local 299 Vice President Randy Ubaldo, Hawaii SEBM Deanna Parker, Local 299 Treasurer Jason Adachi, Branch President Jay Lucero, and Local 299 President Barry Edmonds. Not Pictured: Local 299 Vice President Eldayn Yadao

62645_Magazine.indd 19

(l-r) Branch President Hampden ME and Maine SEBM Jeff Anderson, Branch President Springfield MA Dan St. Marie, Branch President Manchester NH Scott Cutis, Branch President WRJ Bill Creamer, Connecticut SEBM Frank Del Toro, Branch President Hartford CT John Olesen, Branch President Scarboro ME Shawn Holt, Local 301 Treasurer Neil Ryan, Local 301 Recording Secretary Bob McKinney, Branch President Brockton MA Pat Salvucci, Local 301 Vice President Bob Broxton, Local 301 President Tim Dwyer, Massachusetts SEBM Tony Wythe, Branch President Middlesex-Essex Sean Sweeney, Branch President Central MA Dave West, New Hampshire SEBM Bob Fisher, Branch President Boston Marty Sullivan, Branch President Providence RI Jack Prarie, National President John Hegarty, Rhode Island SEBM Pat O’Rourke

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G

et an edge with education benefits from Union Plus that can help college dreams come true.

UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP • $150,000 in awards ranging from $500 to $4,000 are available annually to students attending college, trade or graduate schools.

• To apply, download an application at UnionPlus.org/Scholarship.

COLLEGE SAVING GRANT • $500 grant for union members who start a new 529 college savings plan for children under 12.

• For info and to apply visit UnionPlus.org/CollegeSavings.

COLLEGE PREP DISCOUNTS • Save 15-60% on college prep courses from The Princeton Review.

• Classroom, online and private tutoring for the SAT®, ACT®, GMAT®, LSAT®, GRE®, MCAT®.

• To enroll or learn more courses call 1-888-243-7737 from The Princeton or visit UnionPlus.org/ CollegePrep.

NLC SCHOLARSHIPS • Union Plus Scholarships for National Labor College degree programs.

• NLC offers unique online degree programs tailor-made for working men and women.

• To learn more about NLC programs call 1-888-427-8500 or visit NLC.edu.

EDUCATION REBATES • Use your Union Plus Credit Card to purchase from an educational institution and receive money back. Details at UnionPlus.org/ EdRebate

For details about all the education benefits available to union members, visit NPMHU 01/11

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