When the Election Is Over, We Are Still Branch 6000

Brothers and Sisters,

As an officer of Branch 6000 and someone who has spent many years representing letter carriers, I believe one of the most important rights we have as union members is the right to disagree.

We can question national leadership. We can question branch leadership. We can challenge decisions, demand accountability and support the candidates we believe will best represent letter carriers.

That is union democracy.

What concerns me is when disagreement becomes personal—when members or officers are attacked, insulted or dismissed simply because they do not support the same candidate or slate.

I have seen some of that division within our own Branch 6000 surrounding this national election.

To my fellow members who support the Concerned Letter Carriers: I respect your right to support CLC and its candidates. I simply ask that the same respect be extended to members who question them or support someone else.

Questioning CLC does not make someone anti-union. Questioning James Henry does not make someone anti-reform. And supporting another candidate does not mean someone doesn't care about letter carriers.

Let's Talk About “The Establishment”

One term used repeatedly during this campaign is “establishment.” CLC itself has characterized an opposing ticket as the “Rhine Establishment Slate.”

But what exactly does “establishment” mean?

James Henry is the current NALC Vice President. Nicole Rhine is the current Secretary-Treasurer. Michael Caref serves as a National Business Agent and member of the Executive Council. Lew Drass previously served as NALC Vice President. Chris Jackson is the current Director of City Delivery.

In other words, all four candidates for NALC president and one for Director of City Delivery have significant experience within the leadership structure of our national union.

That is not criticism. Experience matters.

But if we are going to use the word “establishment,” then we should define what it means and apply that definition consistently—not simply use it as a label for people with whom we disagree.

I would rather talk about records.

What has each candidate accomplished? What decisions have they participated in? What would they change? What are their plans for wages, Table 2, COLAs, the grievance backlog, contract enforcement, workplace dignity and steward support?

CLC has raised issues that deserve serious discussion. But CLC candidates should also be questioned about their records, decisions and proposals. The same applies to every candidate running for national office.

Accountability cannot mean questioning only the people we oppose. It must include the people we support.

Respect Must Work Both Ways

We spend our careers demanding that management treat letter carriers with dignity and respect. We fight harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Those principles should apply inside our union too.

We cannot demand respect from management while personally attacking fellow union members because they support a different candidate. We cannot preach solidarity while treating disagreement as disloyalty.

And that standard applies to everyone—CLC supporters, supporters of other candidates, Branch 6000 officers and me.

If you disagree with Branch 6000 leadership, challenge us. Ask questions. Attend meetings. Hold us accountable. That is your right as a member.

But I also want every CLC supporter in Branch 6000 to understand something.

If management violates your contractual rights tomorrow, I represent you.

If you face unjust discipline, I represent you.

I don't need to know how you voted, and your choice for NALC president will never determine the representation you receive from me.

That is what unionism means to me.

Think for Yourself

There are four candidates for NALC president. Research them. Examine their records. Compare their proposals. Ask difficult questions. Do the same for candidates seeking every other national office.

Don't accept something simply because a campaign, podcast, Facebook post or Branch officer says it.

Think for yourself.

Then cast your ballot according to your own judgment.

Because when this election is over, we will still be Branch 6000.

Management will still be management. We will still have grievances to process, contractual violations to fight and letter carriers who need representation.

And the member who voted differently from you will still be your union brother or sister.

National officers change. Branch officers change. Campaigns and slates come and go.

The union belongs to the membership.

Support your candidate. Question mine. Challenge your officers. Hold all of us accountable.

But don't allow a union election to convince you that the member standing beside you is the enemy.

We don't have to agree with one another to stand together.

That is solidarity. 

Correction to last LIMB Leader Article, “Registering for ECOMP”, 5. Under Select Duty Station, select RETAIL AND DELIVERY NEW YORK 2, 160 DURYEA RD, MELVILLE, NY 11747 not Headquarters Field Unit New York 2, 160 Duryea Rd, Melville, NY 117147.