The Changing of the Guard
The term “changing of the guard” was originally used to refer to the event when the guards of Buckingham Palace (in England) would change so that guards would replace them to take a different shift.
Every day we look around us and see change. The weather changes and so does the news. Even we change with the passage of time no matter how slowly it may occur. The Pandemic of the mutating COVID virus and its variants which does not seem to want to go away also has changed and could change in the future.
Presently, what I am referring to with the use of the term “changing of the guard” pertains to our Union. At the recent National Convention that was held this August in Chicago, the nominations for National Officers for elections was held. To the surprise of many, including myself, current National President Fredric Rolando chose not to seek re-election. This in my opinion, is what is the real meaning of “changing of the guard.”
In effect, a “new” National President will be elected to serve the membership for 4 years beginning in December of 2022. The “changing of the guard” is basically a time in which “new” people are replacing other people in positions of importance. President Rolando has served this membership for many years. He became National President in August of 2009. The end of his term this year in December means that he served this membership as President for 13 years.
With “New” leadership there will almost certainly be changes. I believe that this will occur no matter who “wins.” The only concern that letter carriers should have is that the “New” leaders will continue to make progress to improve your wages and benefits and working conditions.
The “new” leaders must also be political activists because so much of the future of the Postal Service, in my opinion, will rely on Congressional involvement and the passage of supportive legislation. What Congress gives they can also take away. The right leader in the White House will also have a positive effect. The wrong leader a negative effect on the Postal Service.
“New” NALC leaders will also be responsible for keeping our membership together. Too many of our “new” employees do not stay with this job. That issue should be of paramount importance to the “new” leaders.
If we have a constant “turnover” of “new” employees because of “negative” working conditions, wages and benefits we as an organization will also have difficulties in keeping our Union viable.
Our future rests with the “new” employees and our “new” leaders will have to secure their loyalties and involvement with both the Union and the Postal Service. A revolving door of “new” employees will not strengthen our organization. It will undermine it.
New leaders hopefully will have “new” ideas and provide direction for the “new’ employees. In the opinion of this writer, CCA positions(non-career) should be abolished and replaced only with “all career” positions.
We should also avoid the term “part-time” employees. Every letter carrier should know that they are guaranteed a living wage with benefits that includes a 5 day a week, 8 hour day (40 hours). This in my opinion, will encourage “new” employees to make a career with the Postal Service.
Finally, as concerns “change” and being “new,” the NALC contract expires in May of 2023. Negotiations normally commence 3 months before the contract expires. That will be the end of February 2023. Again, 2023 will be a “new” year with a “changed” contract.
We must all be prepared for the “change” in leadership, but we must also “thank” President Rolando for his many years of service in maintaining and improving our wages and working conditions. God Bless You President Rolando! Good Luck and Good Health to your Future adventures!
Yours for the Union!
