Adapting to Change
Adapting to change might be words that we are all coming to grips with because of COVID-19. The past 14 months have seen many workers in the private sector work from home. Unfortunately, letter carriers did not have that option. The letter carrier mantra “Neither rain, nor snow, no gloom of night shall stay these couriers (carriers) from their appointed rounds” had new and dangerous meaning in this age of the pandemic.
Since the end of February 2020 and beginning in March of 2020, many things changed with our daily lives. Children not going to school, elimination of social gatherings, wearing of masks, isolation of the sick and many other aspects of “normal” daily living were disrupted or curtailed. The enormous loss of lives of many of our fellow citizens (over half a million) was also disheartening and sad.
After almost 15 months of fear and frustration, there does, however, appear to be a “ray” of hope that daily routines will return to normal. Businesses are reopening to masses of people, and restaurants are allowing more people to venture out, the entertainment industry also appears to be having a renaissance as well as sporting events.
Vaccinations are increasing (now 12-15 year old children are eligible) but at a slower rate and it is questionable that we will reach “herd” immunity. Although we may get very close! The return to warmer weather may also provide some additional relief.
We all are hoping for the best while praying that the worst is over. Please continue to wear “masks” while working in your post office and please try to social distance when working inside when possible. Finally, if you have been delaying your vaccination (unless it is because of medical reasons), what are you waiting for. We are all in this together. This should not be a question of taking sides. We are All on the same side when it comes to our safety and our health for our Families and ourselves.
To the Members: Please be advised that there have been “new” changes made to the Executive Board and other NALC positions based on the resignation of Jim Jongebloed. In accordance with By-Laws, I am permitted to fill vacancies when they occur. At the end of December 2020, Tom Kelly retired from his Treasurer position, I appointed Charles Smith to fill that vacancy (Treasurer). As a result of Charlie’s appointment, I appointed Jim Jongebloed to fill his position (Area Rep. OWCP-Rep.). For the past 5 months, I thought Jim was doing an excellent job and learning a variety of new duties (OWCP) and “new letter carrier” employee orientation.
Unfortunately, Jim came to me several weeks ago to advise that he was resigning from the Area Rep. position for personal reasons and the current demands of the job. I want to thank Jim for his service to the membership.
I will now be appointing Joseph Morelli to fill the Area Rep. OWCP position. Joe is a very talented and skillful union rep. and has served in numerous union positions and committees throughout his career. He was also the current “lead” NALC B Team grievance Rep. for the LI District. I believe that the knowledge and experience that he has gained in the B Team position will serve the members well.
To fill Joe’s position as the former Director of City Delivery/ Safety I will be appointing current Editor, Patricia McDermott. I am confident that Patty will rise to the occasion with this “new” position and the duties of training the members on route evaluations and future leaders of the Branch.
Patty’s appointment will leave the Editor position vacant and I have asked Jim Jongebloed, who was the former Branch Editor, if he would be available to perform those duties to publish a monthly paper of 8 issues per year. Jim has gladly accepted the position and he will become the “new” Branch Editor in July.
Finally, Branch Trustee Sean Killeen was recently appointed by NALC National Business Agent Larry Cirelli to the Joint NALC-USPS LI District B team to fill the vacancy created by Joseph Morelli’s promotion to Branch 6000 AREA Rep. position. Best wishes and Good Luck to you Sean in your new role as an NALC Problem solver.
My title of this article is called “Adapting to Change.” Life is changing all around us every minute of the day; we need to pay attention to those changes! Yours for the Union.
