Branch Items
74 The Postal Record August 2024 Unfortunately, in many offices there is a daily battle with management to enforce the basic right to dignity and respect. Even more unfortunately, we are occasionally confronted with the problem of convincing our members to treat each other with dignity and respect in the workplace. That is a challenge that I’m sure many union representatives have been faced with. I would encourage all members to practice what we preach and treat others as we would like to be treated. A ll employees of the United States Postal Service have a right to be treated with dig- nity and respect. That fact should be a matter of common sense, but it is also guaranteed un- der the M-39, Section 115.4, which reads: “The National Agreement sets out the basic rules and rights governing management and em- ployees in their dealings with each other, but it is the front-line manager who controls man- agement’s attempt to maintain an atmosphere between employer and employee which as- sures mutual respect for each other’s rights and responsibilities.” Stay safe out there, and remember: Knowl- edge is power! Adriane Shanklin, Branch 14 Monterey, California T he phrase “a long, hot summer” has new meaning for me. Since I relocated to the Central Valley, triple-digits were once a fig- ment of my imagination, now a reality. Make sure you stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Protect your health to maintain your wealth. It seems as though Monterey will have three fewer routes now. Sadly, PTFs will have to wait a little longer to make regular. I can certainly relate to that, as I spent a third of my career as a PTF. Everyone looks forward to becoming regu- lar, having a permanent assignment and know- ing which day you’ll be off, plus up-fronting your leave is always nice. It’s a new world, for sure. If you’re disappointed in the outcome of the inspection, you might want to review how you carry your route and read the M-41 . That manual teaches you all the “rules” and guides you through your career. Only you can decide if that’s important or not. It’s available online at the NALC website and there is probably an ancient copy in your route book. If you haven’t thought about becoming more actively involved in the union, think about it. It’s your future at stake. There are always op- portunities to learn. Training is offered at various times, and the “old timers” are always ready to offer some great advice. It seems the PTFs might be working more than 11 and a half hours (12 with lunch). The most you are supposed to work is 11 and a half in any given day. If you are getting close to that limit, make sure you call in to find out what management wants you to do. If you go over, tell your steward. Exercise your contractual rights; you might like it. United we bargain; divided we beg. Patty Cramer, Branch 1310 New Jersey Merged
made myself a cup of coffee as I look out my window at a sunny day! My fellow carriers are working through a tough heat wave right now with the feel like temps being above 100 degrees. I picked the right week to be on vacation. We have a nice ocean breeze to keep us comfortable. Life is shorter than you think. What you thought could wait till tomorrow is now yesterday, and that’s gone. I really love my job and my co- workers. I’ve worked with some for 30 years, and I want to thank the ones who trained me to be the professional that I am: Don Felice, Nancy Sergant, Jack Moran (RIP), Jamie Majes- ki, Bill Walsh (RIP), Dan Damato, Rick Every and so many more. Ya helped me survive 30 years. And to the newbies: Listen to us older guys and gals, and you came make it, too. It’s a great job to make a honest living and take care of your family. So now I’m getting ready to enjoy some breakfast with family and the beautiful Jersey Shore. Luckily, I don’t get to hear, “Hot enough for you, mailman?” Stay cool and drink plenty of water! Seek shade when you are overheat- ing. Your life is worth more than the mail. Go Phillies! Joel Stimmler, Branch 542 North Florida B ranch 53 offers training mostly for shop stewards, but members can also attend. The training is held on the first Thursday of ev- ery month at the union hall or by Zoom. Since the area the branch serves is so spread out, this offers the opportunity for members who live more than an hour away to be able to attend. If you are interested, the training starts at 6:30 p.m., and if you want to use Zoom, contact the office so you can be sent an invitation. This training covers various top- ics and is conducted by branch officers. Since our area is widespread, there is a pos- sibility of using Zoom for regular branch meet- ings; that way those who don’t get off until 7:30 can still make the meeting on Zoom at a local location and still get credit for attending. In order for this to happen, bylaws would have to be changed and a method to ensure atten- dance would be required. It is something to think about to be fair to those members who would like to attend state trainings and con- ventions. Branch 53 is sending 23 delegates to the national convention in Boston. Some going for the first time are in for an experience. Dele- gates, please take the time to write about your experience in our branch newsletter. Have a great convention! On a personal note to a couple of friends in other branches: When you call another officer in another branch on the phone, at least don’t let them hear you snoring during the call! You know who you are! Bob Henning, Branch 53 Northeastern New York B ranch 358 hosted its annual golf tourna- ment in June for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It was an emotional day. Our goodwill ambassador, Derek Murphy, passed away in May. Derek has been our inspiration for more than 20 years. He passed on after a lifelong battle with Duchenne muscular dystro- phy. He was an inspiration for all of Branch 358.
That mantra should apply outside of the workplace as well. We are, thankfully, a demo- cratic union in which our members have the right to disagree and express their opinions without retribution. Free speech is a cherished right in this country and should be protected at all costs. As members of a union, joined to- gether in solidarity for the advancement of our collective interests, we should express our dif- fering views with our brothers and sisters with dignity and respect. I would hope that to be the case in personal exchanges, in writing, and on social media. As I look forward to our national convention in Boston, I would encourage and hope that respectful exchanges on the convention floor will be honored as the rule. We should expect no less of each other. Michael J. O’Neill, Branch 38 New Orleans, Louisiana W e have been busying ourselves for the upcoming convention in Boston. A few things to deal with, namely hurricanes, heat, and flooding rains. Hope everyone had a great Independence Day, Juneteenth and whatever holiday you observe. We have a lot to look forward to with upcoming elections, local and state, as well as national. Be cognizant and vigilant, always aware of circumstances and ready to react. Please be mindful of attending regular union meetings; not only attending but participating! You have the power to control the narrative on the platform or agenda. Your voice matters. Contrary to popular opinion, you can have a positive effect on what comes out of a meet- ing, whether positive or negative. Always be the best union member that you can be. Shop steward, trustee, vice president or president, or any office you wish to serve. The choice is to- tally yours. Be happy in your servitude. What- ever you decide, it’s your decision and right. We will have many decisions to make at up- coming convention. We will be privy to much information that will be shared. There is much to see and do in Beantown! Do take advantage of opportunities to partake of the cuisine and the culture of one of America’s historic cities. There is plenty to see and do in Boston. Give to LCPF. Support the union’s charity (MDA). Do the very best you can at whatever your lot is! If a delegate, union member, officer or steward, be the very best you can be! Yours in unionism— Marshall Wayne Smith, Branch 124 Norristown, Pennsylvania G ood morning, my brothers and sisters of the NALC. I was gonna start off this article with, “Say hello to your new route,” ’cause I heard one of my fellow senior carriers say it. He was trying to impart his years of experi- ence to a junior carrier, and they are still run- ning the routes. It’s gonna take them tryin’ to deliver a 1,000-stop route in eight hours to see their unprofessional ways. By then it’s too late. Sooooo…but I digress. I’m now sitting in a hotel in beautiful Avalon, NJ, on vacation. Just
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