A New Year Brings Uncertainty
First, I hope that you all have a good holiday season. Nothing is more important than your family and your health.
As the title states, with the new year comes much uncertainty. Uncertainty surrounds us now. Whether it is in global politics or right here at home. You need to keep your head spinning like a top to keep up with the daily barrage of negativity that the social and legacy media throw out every day. It is depressing and hard to take in every day. No room to breathe, no time to adjust and no time to make sense of it all.
As for the USPS, changes are coming hard and fast. This year could be a make-or-break year for us. Amazon has just posted that they are severing ties with the USPS after almost 3 decades of partnership. We lose this business at a time we just recently announced another 9-billion-dollar loss. Many have complained about having to deliver Amazon over the years and the rules to do so, but we made billions over the years doing so. On top of that you all made thousands in overtime pay to complete that mission. The USPS has also just announced a new partnership with UPS to deliver last mile packages and parcels. This will not fill the cavity of losing Amazon but will help a little. It was announced that with Amazon pulling out, it is estimated that it may impact the jobs of 100,000 people. Some of it will probably fall on Letter Carriers with consolidation of routes and assignments. It will affect every craft as the USPS tries to find its footing. Just remember, we have a job to do and contractual protection for much of what we do. Make sure you take the proper time to check your vehicles, take your breaks, 5-minute personal time and your wash-up before hitting to the street if you have that in your local agreements. If you are working off the clock – STOP! You are an employee and get paid to work. Article 41 clearly states that management will neither allow nor permit any employee to work off the clock. I am instructing my stewards to file grievances against management when they allow carriers to work off the clock. Their ignorance is no excuse. Ask that those carriers be paid at the proper overtime rate for time spent in that capacity. Also ask that management fully comply with the contractual language. That is the only way to stop this stupidity. Working off the clock runs from getting your scanner, moving and/or casing mail, going through your DPS, parcels, loading parcels and mail in your vehicles, etc.
There has been an epidemic of carriers leaving their vehicles running when they get out of their seats. Over 30 carrier have been caught doing so in the past month, with each one having their driving privileges suspended and, in most cases, also being put on Emergency Placement. You should all know that you can NEVER leave your vehicle running when you get out of your seat. And yes, that includes getting up and moving to the back of the vehicle to get a tray or parcel. I need to impress the severity of the infraction if you do so. At some point you will be fired. That will be a reality. Why would you jeopardize your livelihood and security over something so simple? So, I implore you all to SHUT THE TRUCK OFF and take the keys every time you get out.
The NALC will be having an election for National Officers later this year. Nominations will be at the NALC Convention in Los Angeles, CA. Ballots are to be mailed out to the members shortly thereafter. I believe in the democratic process and elections are good for the health of the organization. I suggest you pay attention to the all that is going to come out so you can make an educated decision. Just remember, whoever is running, they all have an agenda. They want to be elected. They will all say whatever they believe will convince you to vote for them. People in these positions have a lot to say and make empty promises. They accuse each other of making bad decisions and improper actions to cloud and muddy the waters. It will be up to you to decide what is right or wrong and which way to vote. There will be a lot of white noise that you must sift through . There will be lot riding on this upcoming election so stay in tune and do not believe everything you hear. Remember, elections have consequences. Just educate yourselves to make sure you make the decision that you believe is right for you and the organization.
The Branch has just received notice of 9 new offices that will be going through the inspection process. Those offices have been notified. I am working with the district to do a similar process as we did in the Fall. I believe that is the best option for all of the members. We will keep you abreast of the proceedings.
Remember, you come to work each morning healthy, you need to go home to your families they same way. Work safely and smartly by running and cutting corners.
