| FROM THE OFFICE OF CLERK CRAFT PRESIDENT BOB KEOUGH |
| Click on "Bids" for the Current Clerical Bid Cycle & "Results" when available. |
SECOND QUARTER BOSTONIAN ISSUE 2010
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
The 39th Annual Massachusetts and 1st Annual New England States Convention took place April 30th - May 2nd. Many national officers were in attendance, including General President Bill Burrus, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell, Clerk Craft Director Jim McCarthy, Human Relations Director Sue Carney, and Legislative Assistant Director Steve Albanese. New England National Business Agents Steve Lukosus, Frank Rigiero and Tom O’Brien hosted workshops. The workshops took place April 30th and were well attended. I attended the IOD/NRP workshop taught by Sue Carney.
National officers addressed the delegates on Saturday. Each took questions. An important item talked about was five day delivery. There is no doubt that five day delivery would be disastrous for us. Not only would it mean the loss of many more clerk jobs, I believe it would be the beginning of the end for the Postal Service. Our competitors will have no problem delivering mail on Saturday. It won’t be long before the Postal Service will be looking to eliminate another day of delivery. The monopoly would be over. Our livelihoods are at stake.
We need our Congressmen and Senators to support six day delivery. Please take time to find out what you can do. A great place to start is the legislative page on the national website at www.apwu.org. You can also find more information on our local’s website at bostonmetroapwu.com.
A resolution submitted by the Boston Metro was debated and approved by the delegates. It now moves forward to the National Convention which will be held this August in Detroit. I am confident that this resolution will be adopted by the delegates there as well. This resolution will require that the restrictive language in Article 37, Section 3, be removed. Current language severely limits part-time employees’ choices. Part-time employees find it very, very difficult to return to full-time. Seniority should and must be the sole determining factor for awarding bids. I am proud to have authored the resolution. As a member of the Clerk Craft Committee for the upcoming national convention, I will ensure that this issue is addressed. I am committed to this issue. We will work tirelessly to see that this resolution is passed and negotiated into our contract.
Locally, chronic short-staffing has reached the breaking point in many offices. Many clerks are forced to work long hours without taking a break. Some don’t take a lunch. It’s getting harder and harder to get a day off. Management dumps more and more work on us. One problem that is growing is boxline scans. Since there is not enough manpower to get the job done on time, often boxline scans are done, but the mail has NOT been thrown. Mail is not getting up on time, yet scans show the mail as up. We have supervisors doing the scan daily, as the mail is still sitting in tubs. The boxline scan should not be done until all DPS and First Class is done. Supervisors should not be doing these scans. The boxline clerk should do it only after the mail is up. I have addressed this issue with the Postmaster numerous times.
Instructions to scan box mail upon its completion have been issued. It is not OK to scan it done if it is not done. Here is a portion of a management email regarding scans. It is in response to a phone call from me. It is from an area manager. "I spoke to … after receiving a call from Bob Keough and I explained and instructed … that the Box line is not to be scanned until the mail is up with the understanding that we would consider that the mail is up when the DPS and 1st class is up. This is same instruction I gave to all my managers…".
If your supervisor is performing scans or you are being instructed to scan in spite of the fact that the mail is not done, please contact the union hall. Management justifies staffing cuts through numbers. Most times the numbers are skewered. False box scans, false all-up scans, mystery shopper scores give the impression that everything is OK. The truth is lines are out the doors, box mail is not getting up. Clerks are pulled from the window to get the mail up. Most offices are short-staffed. R&P clerks are misused and supervisors are doing our work. Grievances are up.
If something isn’t right in your office, call your steward and file a grievance. We must protect our work and jobs. Management has not slowed down one bit. They have been busy trying to eliminate positions. Staffing packages continue to pour into this office. Massive impacts at NWB, Braintree, and Cambridge are the latest. An average of five staffing packages a week show up, most involving abolishments and excessings. Window clerks are stressed out and overworked, I know, but please do not give management an inch, cut corners or do them any favors. It only hurts us in the long run.
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FIRST QUARTER ISSUE 2010
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
Current bidding restrictions make it difficult for part-time employees to bid back to full-time. Many of our part-time employees are frustrated and in some cases, months of bidding are required before they are successful in securing a full-time bid. I get many questions about this issue. I will answer some of them below in an effort to aid part-time employees in the bidding process.
Article 37 of our National Agreement covers clerks bidding. I won’t recite it here, but what it says is this: part-time employees can bid on Newly Established full-time jobs when and ONLY if they are currently qualified AND were previously full-time in the installation. A newly established position is defined as a duty assignment that did not exist previously, or a vacant position where the work schedule and/or the skill requirements has changed. (The changes would need to be significant enough to have caused an abolishment if the position was occupied.) To be considered currently qualified an employee must either be currently working an assignment requiring the same qualification or have worked an assignment requiring the same qualification within the past 2 years. (5 years for window clerk). Installation is the Boston 021-022 area. Because many SSDA positions are posted with scheme, many SSDA qualified part-time employees are ineligible because they are not qualified on the scheme.
Part-time employees cannot bid vacant full-time assignments.
Part-time employees can bid residual full-time positions without restriction. However, full-time residual positions are posted for bid to part-time employees after the assignment of unassigned employees. Residual positions can also be held under the provisions of Article 12. What this means is that there has not been any residual jobs posted in quite some time in Boston. Currently approximately 20 full-time residual positions are being held under Article 12. Jobs held under Article 12 are offered to employees excessed from the surrounding area. Excessing is happening in nearly every local in New England.
Because the computerized bidding system does not have the ability to determine whether an employee is eligible or not, the system defaults to ineligible any time a part-time employee bids a full-time position, even when the part-time employee is eligible. So when a part-time employee bids a full-time job for which they are fully qualified, they get an "ineligible" message. This is corrected by Local Services, and they will be awarded the position if they are senior bidder.
The Boston Metro has more part-time clerks than any other local in the country with over 200. I believe that bidding restrictions should and must be removed. Your local is drafting proposals which will be submitted to the national APWU insisting that this restrictive language be negotiated out of the National Agreement. This is an important issue; we will continue to fight for PTR rights.
On April 1st, General President Moe Lepore will resign his position. Moe is running for Organizing Director for the national APWU. This is the last Bostonian with Moe as president. I feel compelled to write a few words about my good friend Moe. I don’t think there is one person in this local who does not know Moe. I have always marveled at Moe’s passion, it does not waver, remarkable really. A lot of us remember him from the LSM days. I still recall a group of us new PTFs watching Moe, veins bulging, going toe-to-toe with management. The unity and pride we all felt was genuine. Those of you that were there know what I am talking about. Moe was something else! As a newly elected LSM steward, I was trained by Moe. I am grateful for that experience. Moe, along with Gino Bonacci, Scotty Miller, and Dave Chandler, made a powerful lineup. Moe has that same fire to this day. He literally has saved hundreds of jobs. Truly, every one of us are Moe’s brothers and sisters. I wish you well, Moe, in your endeavors and thank you for all your years.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
The last year has been a difficult one for the clerk craft here in Boston. We have had impacts in both the plants and our stations, including our AOs. Tour compressions, abolishments and excessings have reached every corner of our local. Our CFS unit is being closed, 20 clerks are being abolished. Most of our stations are short staffed due to years of staffing cuts. It’s been an upsetting time for many. I want to assure you that the union is doing everything possible to minimize these actions. We have been successful in eliminating many staffing cuts, and reducing many more. I mention this to put to rest the idea that your union is ok with any of these things. Moe, Paul, Bob and I spend the majority of our time rebutting cuts, reversions, abolishments and excessings.
Fortunately, long-standing negotiated agreements allow employees 2 bid cycles prior to being unassigned and also allow for in-section canvassing when abolishments occur. I will continue to do what it takes to stabilize the workplace. Keep in mind that it’s the Postal Service that decides to cut and abolish jobs. The union’s job is to protect jobs and minimize impacts. That’s just what our stewards and officers do every day and we will continue to do so.
Our membership is at an all time high of 96% organized. As times get tough, more people have made the choice to join the union. Management notices these things. If our local was weaker or less organized, I believe the Postal Service would be cutting deeper, or trying even more devious ways to attack our jobs. It’s heartening to see our local become stronger. We need our union now more than ever. It’s a testament to the good work of our hard working stewards and Area VPs.
The recent incentive agreement has led to many retirements. This obviously has created an opportunity for additional bids to be posted. We have entered into agreement with management to post a November bid cycle. Additionally, a second bid cycle took place November 4 - 11th. Successful bidders from this bid cycle will not be charged a successful bid. Management has posted roughly half of the positions vacated from our retiring brothers and sisters. I am expecting the Service to attempt to revert the remaining unposted bids. Grievances will be initiated as appropriate.
Approximately 18 new mail processing clerk positions will be posted over the next few months for the FSS machines at Northwest Boston. Retreat right issues on tour-3 need to be worked out prior to bids being posted. However, nine bids on tour-3 and nine on tour-1 will be filled. The first machine is expected to be running sometime in February. Given the Postal Service’s track record with the FSS, more delays can be expected. We continue to push management to create more positions, including expediter jobs.
Some good news to report. We have been notified that six of our offices have been removed from the closing list. They are: BC, MIT, Babson, Nonantum, Tufts, and Soldiers Field. Our local has been working hard on these closings. This hard work has paid off. There is no doubt in my mind that your union was responsible for keeping these offices open. I applaud all those who stepped up in this important fight, especially those clerks working in these offices. The struggle continues to have the remaining offices removed. Logan, B.U., and Faneuil Hall.
This Bostonian is the last issue of 2009 – a tough year for our craft; but without the efforts of our many stewards, Area Vice-Presidents and Executive Board, it undoubtedly would have been tougher. It’s been my honor to work alongside some very, very talented people. There are too many to name by name, but to all our hard working stewards, Thank You! I am proud and honored to hold the position of Clerk Craft President. I pledge to continue to work hard and fight to protect our craft.
Finally, the Holiday Season is here once again. To all of you and your families, I extend my very best wishes. Please remember to remember those serving, especially those away from family and those in harm’s way.
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SEPT/OCT 2009 BOSTONIAN
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
It was with great honor that I attended the laying of the wreath by our local at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Boston Metro members Jeff Baird, Bill Weaver, John Fraughton and Kevin Jones led the Boston delegation. I personally want to thank Kevin Jones and his wife, Elaine. I felt privileged to be there to share that day with them. Their son, Ryan, was killed in action in Iraq in 2007. Ryan’s commanding officer was in attendance. It was a truly moving experience and something I will never forget. One cannot walk those hallowed grounds without feeling a profound sense of respect and honor. I would also like to thank National APWU officers Jim McCarthy, Sue Carney, Steve Albanese, Cliff Guffey, and Greg and Karen See for attending.
As part of the incentive agreement, there is a moratorium on excessing through October 9th. This does not mean, however, that management has slowed down. I was recently notified that the CFS unit will be closed. The work will be transferred to Worcester. Management has not set a date at this time. I expect this move to take place before the end of the year. Meetings will be scheduled at the regional level over the next few months. Obviously there will be impacts to our mark-up clerks. I have met with all CFS clerks and will continue to do so as this develops.
As part of the Postal Services consolidation plan, nine offices in our local are under review for closure. They are: Logan, BU, BC, MIT, Soldiers Field, Nonantum, Faneuil Hall, Babson, and Tufts. Please contact your member of congress. Let them know the negative impacts these closings would have, especially to the elderly. The full time officers have been meeting with city, state and federal officials, contacting news organizations, leafleting, and meeting with neighborhood groups as part the fight to keep these offices open. Anyone interested in helping out, even just for a few hours, is welcome. Give the union hall a call.
Below is an article I came across on the Pittsburgh Area local’s web site. I found it to be informative and I am reprinting for the benefit of all window clerks.
The information we have presented on this page is something that every window clerk should take the time to review periodically. There is a host of good information on just about everything you would need to do your job correctly, safely, and in as stress-free an environment as possible. As always, let us know if we can add anything to the list.
Retail Rights and Wrongs
Dos and Don’ts
Do Not Take Shortcuts
Record Your Non-Revenue Transactions
Retail Equipment Problems
Uniforms
Training
Lobby Sweeps
Put Your Checkbook Away!
Reporting Shortages to the IRS
Security
Mystery Shopper
Compact Disk
If a Robbery Occurs . . .
DOS AND DON’TS
Regardless of whether you have individual financial accountability or have shared stock (segmentation) or work in a retail store:
1. Scan and enter every sale item, even a one-cent stamp, a first-class stamp, or a retail envelope. Input every item into your POS ONE, IRT, etc., because you never know whether that friendly customer is a Postal Inspector. Although you may make your adjustment later, the Postal Inspector doesn't know that. They will immediately suspect that something suspicious is going on. Is your job worth it? INPUT EVERYTHING!
2. Use your POS ONE cash drawer. If you don't, you may be suspected of manipulating funds.
3. Change. DO NOT make any change from your personal funds. Always go to your supervisor, T-6, or another clerk. Make the even exchange of money visible and return to your window immediately to place the money back into the drawer.
4. Too many "GL Adjustments", "Error Corrects", "No Sales", etc. This may give the appearance that funds are being manipulated. Avoid this when possible.
5. Input all credit/debit transactions into your POS ONE and IRT at the time of sale.
6. Do not retain more than $100 in your drawer. This is a violation of the F-1. Is your job worth not complying with Postal rules and regulations?
7. Error on PVIs: Fill out Form 3533 and submit it on the same day. Don't try to use it on your next transaction.
8. Receipts: Always give your customer their receipt. Do not input "postage affixed" to reuse a PVI or to place stamps on a package. Again, you may be suspected of manipulating funds.
9. Don't have IOUs in your stock for any reason.
10. Never hold checks for any reason.
11. Never use your own drawer to buy stamps, cash a check or buy a money order for any reason!
12. Be sensible, using a certain amount of caution with every transaction and task. Take the time you need to do the job correctly. Don't let management rush you and don't take any shortcuts. (See below) This is particularly important in light of the downsizing of window clerk jobs.
13. Don't ever talk to a Postal Inspector without Union representation... NEVER NEVER NEVER!
14. Always conduct yourself as though you are being observed. Chances are, you are being observed. Take reasonable care and follow all postal procedures. The use of shortcuts may lead to your postal career being cut short.
DO NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS
Shortcuts result in losses of money and JOBS!
- Carry out each task on the window as you were taught in window training.
- Make certain you witness the verification of monies you turn in and obtain a signed receipt.
- Utilize the appropriate terminal key when retrieving accountable mail or otherwise assisting customers in non-revenue transactions.
- Never accept stock while on window - take time to count!
- Never accept or swap stock without a Form 17.
- When retrieving a certified or registered item, you should log off (if using retail equipment) to "non-revenue" prior to leaving the window and lock your drawer.
- The Union can best protect you from discipline and paying for shortages if you help protect yourself by following proper procedure.
RECORD YOUR NON-REVENUE TRANSACTIONS
Save your jobs:
Management cuts staffing, in part, by measuring POS-ONE DOWNTIME. Unfortunately, not utilizing your Non-Revenue Transaction codes as instructed (probably because you don't have, or make, the time to) robs the office of vital window coverage.
Please help stop this vicious downward cycle by accurately recording Non-Revenue selections.
Of course it is equally essential that you timely return to the appropriate Transaction functions lest the entire period be recorded as downtime.
RETAIL EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS
You need to:
- Document all equipment failures by notifying your supervisor in writing and keep a copy.
- Include the date, time and type of equipment, i.e., POS terminal, IRT, calculator, etc. Make sure to detail the specific malfunction.
- For POS problems, call the HELP DESK so a ticket can be generated to document that a problem exists and a fix can be initiated.
HELP DESK Phone Number....1-800-877-7435 (1-800-USPS-HELP)
UNIFORMS
Requirements
Retail personnel at Post Offices whose official assignments at a retail counter are for a minimum of 4 hours daily for 5 days a week on a continuing basis, or for not less than 30 hours a week, are required to wear the prescribed uniform while performing their duties.
Employees who do not qualify for a uniform allowance under the criteria described above must wear the appropriate uniform for the position if it is provided to them outside of the uniform allowance program.
The uniform is required when a clerk is scheduled to work the retail window.
If you are forced by management to purchase clothing with personal funds to wear at the window-- please notify your steward and file a grievance to be reimbursed for your time and purchase! Make sure you save your receipt to document your purchase.
The official APWU position on uniforms is as follows:
"The Union did not agree to this. Any employee who is forced to buy shirts, ties, pants or skirts should file a grievance to be reimbursed for his/her time and expense!" [Assistant Clerk Director Tommy Thompson]
The language agreed to in "Operation Switchover Retail Uniform Do's and Don'ts," question 12, reads: "New retail employees who do not have uniforms are to wear their own white or light blue button-down shirts, navy blue tie (for men) or scarf (for women) and the alternative trousers (blue or gray) until items from the new lines are authorized for wear."
In other words, if employees own it, they should wear it. The language does not state that workers must buy the items. Furthermore, the language applies to new employees only.
The language of the ELM 932.11g in Postal Bulletin 22023 (5-4-00) is also clear: "Employees who do not qualify for a uniform allowance under the criteria described above must wear the appropriate uniform for the position if it is provided to them outside of the uniform allowance program.
TRAINING
Be Aware!
All window clerks receive 40 hours of training in a classroom environment before being scheduled for their qualifying examination. When the qualifying exam is successfully passed, the future associate is provided OJT by a certified Retail Coach.
The OJT should be completed in five consecutive days immediately following successful completion of the exam. In any case, the OJT must be completed within 14 calendar days. The 14-day time period does not include scheduled Annual Leave during the same time period.
If you feel are not being trained properly you should contact your steward immediately. Don't wait until after the fact to file a grievance.
LOBBY SWEEPS
Look Around...
Are supervisors doing lobby sweeps in your office? If they are and your office has over 100 bargaining unit employees it is a violation of Article 1.6A of the contract. Stations and branches are considered a part of the main facility so if there are over 100 total installation employees, 1.6A applies.
Lobby Sweeps involving retrieving hold mail, certifieds, registered, parcel post packages, etc. is distribution. Supervisors are prohibited from performing the core clerk function of distribution in 1.6A offices.
In offices of less than 100 bargaining unit employees Article 1.6B applies. It contains language allowing, "when the duties are included in the supervisor's portion" description for performance of bargaining unit work. Contact your union representative to see if you have a grievance in your size office.
PUT YOUR CHECKBOOK AWAY
Know that . . .
ALL demands for money must be put in writing. That demand for money should be in the form of a Letter of Demand. No demand for money should be given orally. The Letter of Demand must contain the employee's appeal rights in the grievance process.
A grievance must be filed within 14 days of receiving the Letter of Demand. Contact your union representative immediately if you are issued a Letter of Demand. Also, if the demand is grieved, the grievant does not have to pay the demand until the issue has reached a final resolution.
Even if the Letter of Demand reaches resolution in the grievance/arbitration process you may elect to continue under the Debt Collection Act. You would not pay the demand until the Debt Collection Act decision has been reached. If you have any questions on demands for money, contact your Union representative.
REPORTING WINDOW SHORTAGES TO THE IRS
Miscellaneous Deductions, Schedule A, Form 1040, Line 20:
When you get a Letter of Demand, did you know you can claim this off on your income taxes if you itemize your deductions? We're talking about Line 20 of Schedule A, Form 1040, since this repayment is considered a "loss." You also have three years in which to do this, if you want to file a 1040X, which is an Amended Return Form.
Employees who claim the standard deduction cannot deduct these expenses.
To establish entitlement to the deduction, you must have proof of payment; proof of the amount and nature of the deduction; and proof of the obligation to make repayment. This includes a copy of both sides of the cancelled check by which reimbursement was made, a copy of the USPS notice demanding reimbursement of the shortage (your Letter of Demand), and a copy of Article 28 of the National Agreement. The USPS notice and the Agreement will demonstrate that the claimed deductions meet the "ordinary and necessary" requirement which Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes upon deductions incurred in connection with the production or collection of income.
Employees who itemize deductions on their federal income tax can claim deductions for job-related expenses, provided the total exceeds two percent of adjusted gross income. Only the portion of employee expenses that exceeds two percent of adjusted gross income is deductible. You can add your window shortage payments to other employee expenses to arrive at your total job-related expenses. Employee expenses include such things as union dues, uniforms, special work shoes or tools, and other job-related expenses for which you are not reimbursed by your employer.
IRS Publication 529, "Miscellaneous Deductions" contains information regarding job-related deductions.
NOTE: Window shortages for postal workers are not specifically mentioned under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) or regulations of the IRS, so IRS examiners may try to disallow the deduction. However, precedent for related types of deductions involving similar shortages (but not for postal workers) are found in two cases by the U.S. Tax Court (Marshall J. Hammons v. Comm., 12 TCM 1318 [1953] and Alvin Butchko v. Comm., 37 TCM 894 [1978]).
SECURITY
Keep in Mind . . .
The contract, in conjunction with postal manuals, requires the Postal Service to provide clerks with adequate security. Report any security problem in writing to management. You may use APWU's Report of Security Problem or Poor Financial Practice Form to report the problem. If you choose not to use APWU's form, put it in writing somehow. Retain a copy as proof.
Common security problems to look for include: a yearly lock and key check not being, done (this needs to be done to insure no ones' keys can open another's drawer or safe compartment); drawers not securing or locking on the counter line; retail equipment failures; duplicate key inventory envelope PS Form 3977 problems including the required 6-month check not being conducted; others having access to the envelope by it not being secured in a proper safe compartment, or tampering with the envelope; and password or code for retail equipment should only be known to the clerks themselves.
If you have questions on what constitutes a security or financial problem, contact your APWU representative.
MYSTERY SHOPPER
This is important:
The postal service has implemented the Mystery Shopper program throughout the country. This program is designed to improve customer service. The program is intended to have the clerks ask five (5) questions of the customer in order to provide the best service possible. It had been agreed with the postal service, that the Mystery Shopper program would not be utilized as a tool for discipline.
Since the postal service is not living up to their side of the agreement, window clerks are to ask these questions to avoid being disciplined. If window clerks are issued any form of discipline under the Mystery Shopper program, contact an APWU steward immediately.
COMPACT DISK
A low cost, informative program! The APWU Clerk Division has developed a Window Programs CD containing handbook and manual references as well as policies, and grievance and arbitration decisions helpful to window clerks.If you are interested in obtaining a copy (at a cost of $5.00 each), you may write the
APWU Order Department, 1300 L Street N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
OR you can order it online at the APWU Store. The direct link to the CD Page allows you to order Item #0172.
Any questions regarding your rights, grievances or contact issues should be directed to your local union or National Business Agent.
DON'T BE A HERO.
If a robbery occurs:
- Don't take any risks.
- No amount of money is worth your life.
- Remain calm and try not to provoke the robber.
- Contact the police when safe to do so.
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ATTENTION WINDOW CLERKS
* * * CUSTOMS FORMS * * *
Changes were implemented to the handling of PS Forms 2976 & 2976-A. This change will require the Retail Associates to type the information into the POS terminal. The Post Office will then send the information electronically to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency prior to the mail piece leaving the United States.
Please try to enter all information on a POS terminal – and not an ACE workstation, so we keep the time within the window operation. This is a clerical function and should be done by Retail Associates. Supervisors should not perform these duties.
If you experience any problems getting enough time to do your job properly, please ask to speak with your steward.
In Unity,
Bob Keough, Clerk Craft President
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JULY/AUGUST 2009 BOSTONIAN
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
As you probably know, the Postal Service is doing its very best to close many stations and branches. They are also making a push to switch to "5 day delivery". If they are successful, the impacts to the Clerk Craft could be devastating. It’s too early to tell if these changes will happen, but there is a good chance that at least one of them will take place. The Postal Service has not identified which offices they intend to close locally. However, they are presently studying the issue. Nothing comes easy when dealing with the Postal Service, nothing.
As the Postal Service continues to eliminate clerk jobs, to push the public away, to run the business into the ground, we must be prepared to fight. We have something at stake here – our jobs. Every one of us will be impacted, and I personally don’t believe it will be limited to abolishments or excessings. The status quo is gone. Every one of our hard earned benefits is under attack.
How would these changes affect you? Well, if your office is closed, then your position will be abolished. Too many abolishments and not enough positions and we could have clerks excessed from the Installation. In nearly every state clerks are being excessed, some up to 500 miles. That’s correct – 500 miles. In Dallas, for example, 140 clerks have been excessed both from the Installation and from the craft. Many have been excessed into the letter carrier craft. To make matters worse, the Postal Service has notified these folks they no longer have Layoff Protection. Some have been issued removals.
Switching to "5 day delivery" would have adverse impacts too. Many positions would be lost, and excessings would most likely occur. And don’t assume that it’s Saturday delivery they want to get rid of. It seems that every day brings more unsettling news.
We in Boston are not immune to these sorts of things. Twenty-seven of our Maintenance brothers and sisters have been notified that they will be excessed. Their letter states ‘up to 400 miles'. The decision to excess these people was made by another one of those mid-level managers with no clue. The Postal Service will not save one dime by excessing these 27 APWU members. The manager could care less about these people or their families. His only goal is to make himself look good. It’s sickening, I know, but this is the reality of the Service today.
The Clerk Craft in Boston has not been notified of any excessings from the Installation. However, as I stated earlier, "5 day delivery" and/or "office closings" would change that.
I don’t want to belabor a point, but I can’t stress enough the fact that an unprecedented attack on the Clerk Craft is underway. The Postal Service wants to cut your job. Should we sit back and wait to see what happens? Do we hope it just goes away or believe that they wouldn’t do that to us? Obviously NO!
Our local has launched a campaign to fight consolidation. However, we cannot rely solely on the usual core of activists. The stakes are too high. We invite each and every brother and sister to participate. A great place to start is by writing your legislators and asking for support. Let them know that closing offices will undermine service and efficiency.
Goals of this grassroots movement will be, among other things, exposing the negative effects of consolidation, building a community coalition, reaching out to elected officials and generating favorable press coverage. Please call the hall if you are willing to help in this most important fight.
After many delays it appears that the FSS machines may finally arrive at NWB. Installation of the first machine is expected to begin in late July and be in service in September. Exact dates have not been determined as of this writing. Several MPC bids are expected to be posted in the July bid cycle. I will be meeting with management to discuss bids, schedules, sections etc… We are determined to negotiate as many good MPC and expeditor positions as can be attained.
It was my pleasure to watch John Uccello and George Tarquinio be honored for their many years of union activism recently. Both of these guys have been "fighting the fight" for a long time. I have learned a lot from them over the years and still rely upon them today. With their unsurpassed contractual knowledge and ability to get things done, both John and George are remarkable unionists. Both are gentlemen and are always willing to share their time, talents and experience. The Boston Metro is fortunate to have them. Each has served this local, in one capacity or another, for over 30 years! Congrats John and George!
Lastly, I think that it’s important that we take pride in our union. There is no question in my mind that our local, Boston Metro Local 100, is the finest local in the country. We have what is regarded nationally as a superb Local Agreement. We are highly organized. Actually we are the most organized local, for our size, in the country at 94%. It’s no coincidence that we have four Boston Metro members holding National APWU positions . . . Jim McCarthy, Steve Albanese, Steve Lukosus, and Richard Boutwell. Impressive to say the least! It speaks to Boston’s excellence. Take pride in your union, be proud of your local!
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JUNE 2009 BOSTONIAN
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
As we move towards the summer months and better weather, I hope everyone still has plenty of leave and has a great vacation. God knows it’s nice to get a break from the insanity that is the Post Office. This month I wanted to try to provide some information that many of us know and many may not.
RELIEF & POOL CLERKS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
· The hours and N/S days on the posted bid refer to the R&P clerk’s "home base" schedule, and only applies when not covering a full-time absence.
· R&P clerks’ schedules change to mirror the hours and N/S days of the position they are covering.
· R&P clerks must be notified the Wednesday prior to the beginning of the service week when their schedule will be changed to cover an absence.
If they do not receive this notification and their hours are changed, R&P clerks are entitled to be paid at the overtime rate for those hours worked which are outside his/her normal, regularly scheduled work week.
· When there is an absence to be covered by an R&P clerk, R&P clerks that are not covering a position at that time are asked by seniority if they want to cover that position, and forced by juniority.
· When an R&P clerk is sent to a new station assignment and has signed the OTDL in their home base, he/she will go to the bottom of the OTDL for purposes of rotation.
· R&P clerks are a separate section for leave, holiday scheduling and overtime in their home base.
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LIVE BIDDER:
When a clerk is awarded a bid and wants to remain a "live bidder" for a position they wanted on a previous bid cycle, you must notify management in writing within ten (10) days that you want to remain a live bidder on one or more assignments.
The notice to management must include the job number and the posting number of that bid cycle.
Failure to notify within ten (10) days will cancel such other bids.
At the present time, send this notification to Personnel, U.S.P.S., 25 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02205.
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For successful bidders:
TRAINING
Any employee designated "PENDING QUAL" must contact the Training Unit at the following numbers - within 10 days of the award notification - in order to arrange a training schedule, or the bid will be forfeited in accordance with Article 37 of the National Agreement.
(617)-654-5650 - for Schemes/Skills, or
(617)-654-5638 - for Sales & Service Assoc. Training or Lead Sales & Service Assoc. Training
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CLERICAL BIDDING INFORMATION:
Telephone and/or Computer bidding is mandatory for all clerks who work in the General Mail Facility or the Northwest Boston Facility. Your Employee Identification Number (EIN) and Personal Identification Number (PIN)* are required for telephone bidding. Your EIN can be found on your check stub.
Hours of availability: System is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.
TELEPHONE BIDDING NUMBERS:
1-877-477-3273 - OPTION 2
or
1-800-520-0625 (TDD)
Employees who work in stations/branches other than Fort Point or the Waltham Carrier Annex, may use Form 1717-A. Include your EIN, the exact Position Number, and list bids consecutively in the order you wish to bid them. Unsigned bids will not be processed.
Withdrawals must be done prior to the closing (hour and date) of posting. Bids submitted on Form 1717-A must be withdrawn in writing and must be date stamped.
Bids submitted by phone and/or computer - may be withdrawn in writing, by computer, or by phone.
Mailed bids should be addressed to:
Complement Mgmt Unit (MLD)
Local Services
P. O. Box 553310
Boston, MA 02205-3310
Lastly, you can find Form 1717-A, bids and bid results on the Clerk page at www.bostonmetroapwu.com as well as other issues facing our craft.
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APRIL 2009 BOSTONIAN
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
I was going to talk about this later in my article but the more I think about it, I believe that this has to be the thrust of this month’s article. On March 5th, Boston Management issued an email to its supervisors and managers. I will quote the final line of this email – "Please plan to short staff the window towards the end of the month to familiarize the customers with APC usage and benefit".
Now we all know that our windows are short staffed, but for the first time the Postal Service has put it in writing. This instruction provoked an immediate response. We have demanded that it be rescinded immediately. This will not be tolerated. Abuse of our window clerks is on the rise. Verbal abuse and, unfortunately, physical abuse is now a very real concern. Further short staffing our windows exposes our brothers and sisters to even more anger from the public.
There are a lot of reasons why this is unacceptable, not the least of which is the dishonesty of it all. We provide a service - period. The public needs to know about the Postal Service’s misguided efforts to short staffing our windows. They need to know that they can expect to wait longer in line. The Postal Service has sent letters to our elected officials notifying them of retail office hour reductions in their districts/cities. In this letter they state "The Postal Service has a long history of providing quality service to our customers and we certainly want to continue in that tradition". Nowhere in this letter do they talk about purposely short staffing windows.
President Lepore has responded to this by contacting each of these officials, providing them with a copy of this instruction, and letting them know the reality of the Postal Service’s plan. We continue to address this in different forums and will not let it stand. We will hold them accountable.
I don’t think it’s too hard to figure out why the Postal Service is suffering. This kind of leadership is exactly why the USPS is in financial troubles. Since my last article, we have received many staffing proposals from management. Minimizing impacts to clerks continues to be my main focus. Despite the fact that many times we are successful in stopping job cuts and or minimizing changes, too many clerks, both full and part time, are being hurt.
We continue to use every tool available to fight each and every one of these actions. Generally the process works something like this. Proposals are received from management – in different forms, but generally via form As. I will then contact the steward and Area Vice-President of the affected section(s). We will discuss the proposal and formulate strategies to combat it. These proposals can contain various negative impacts, including abolishments, excessings, consecutive NS day loss, and schedule changes. Each one is different just as the makeup of every one of our sections is unique. Function 4 reports, audits, and other reports are examined.
A meeting will take place between the APWU and the Postal Service; they are contractually required to meet with us. We have had a good deal of success at these meetings, due in large part to the hard work and knowledge of our stewards and Area Vice-Presidents. I realize too, however, that despite this our craft continues to be the target of the Postal Service in its misguided efforts to save money.
Our craft continues to bear the brunt of job cuts. Other crafts are being impacted, but none as deep or severely as the Clerk Craft. At this time, I do not expect these actions to stop or even slow down. I was, however, encouraged recently when the Postal Service announced that they would be eliminating over 1400 management positions. Our national President, Bill Burrus, has responded to this announcement with the following: "The APWU takes no pleasure in the reduction of management positions, but I have repeatedly warned management that the affect of declining mail volume cannot be focused exclusively on craft employees.
Over recent years, tens of thousands of craft jobs have been abolished, while the number of management positions has remained unchanged. Employees simply will not accept one-sided complement reductions." About time I say.
As of this writing, the following proposals have been received by this office. I have yet to meet on these. They are: Brookline, Somerville, Central Sq, Porter Sq., Needham, Braintree, Milk Street, Ramp Clerks, and Jamaica Plan. A function 4 is pending at the IMC. I will make every attempt to talk with employees from these offices to discuss any impacts that may occur. The full time officers met with the Postal Service to discuss jurisdiction and staffing issues regarding the FSS machines. Some preliminary numbers were discussed, but more needs to be worked out.
Mail processing positions will be posted as these machines near acceptance dates. However, as most of you probably know, FSS deployments have been delayed due to software problems. We have been not been provided with any new firm deployment dates. I will keep you informed as more becomes available. I am committed to negotiating as many FSS mail processing and expeditor positions as possible.
The problems with Shared Services continue. Paul Kilduff and I have been in discussions locally to correct these continuous problems. The monthly bid posting has been a source of many of these mistakes. We will continue to push management to get its act together and get it right. The clerk bid posting comes out of Shared Services in North Carolina and is put together by people that know nothing of our Local Contract. Where once over twenty clerks worked, there are now only two management employees working in Local Services. More proof that clerks do it better.
Some of our offices have had a reduction in retail hours. These offices will be closing earlier every day. There will be some employees in these offices that will have their schedules changed. At this time I do not expect that there will be any abolishments or excessings. I will end by again thanking our stewards and VPs for their hard work. If not for the dedication of stewards like Ray Augusta and Linda Cheevers, my job would certainly be a lot more difficult. I would also like to thank every clerk that has joined the fight to save our jobs and protecting our work.
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CLERK CRAFT
VACATION SIGN-UP PERIOD
The following Local Agreement language in the Clerk Craft speaks to the vacation sign-up chart. Every year there are problems with this provision solely due to management not doing their job. If your manager is not complying with this provision of Article 10, please contact your steward or the union hall as soon as possible. This vacation sign-up chart must be posted in your section during the first service week in May. No ifs, ands or buts. If we don’t force the supervisor or manager in your office to do their job, chaos can set in.
THIS YEAR MEMORIAL DAY IS MONDAY, MAY 25.
THE CHOICE VACATION PERIOD IS
MAY 23 - SEPTEMBER 25, 2009.
Remember - - this is your vacation. Don’t let your boss screw it up!
A. The choice vacation period for the clerk craft shall be eighteen (18) consecutive weeks starting with the last service week in May that contains Memorial Day.
B. Selection and award of choice vacation shall be determined by craft seniority, by tour, section, and occupational code. Sections for leave purposes are those outlined in Article 12, section D and E.
C. In the clerk craft, fourteen percent (14%) per week of the clerk craft complement of each occupational code within the section, by tour, by seniority, shall be allowed off each week during the choice vacation period.
The same procedures will apply to part-time regular clerks within their own bid sections; however, their seniority will not be combined with full-time and part-time flexible clerks for vacation purposes. Part-time regular clerks will be figured separately. When computing the percentage, any fraction .25 and over will be carried over to the next full number.
G. Allocation of vacations in the choice vacation period shall be through the use of sign-up vacation charts, following the procedure outlined in C. above. Sign-up for choice vacation will begin on March 15 and terminate on April 15. The vacation charts will be posted in their respective sections during the first service week in May.
During the two (2) week period immediately after the charts are posted, any open vacation weeks may be requested by clerks in the section in increments of five (5) consecutive work days and may be granted, by seniority. If a clerk leaves a section for any reason after the vacation chart has been posted, approving his/her vacation period, the clerk will retain the approved vacation. However, this does not create an open vacation period within that section.
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CLERK CRAFT REPORT
JAN/FEB 2009
This month I would like to begin my article by talking about a recent tragic event that took place at the Codman Square Post office. Early on Monday, December 1st, window clerks Janet Gateley and Tom Keady were working the window when chaos erupted. Gunshots rang out and people scrambled. Just outside the front entrance lay a young man who had just been shot.
Tom and Janet jumped into action. They immediately called 911 and ran to give aid. Aside from providing emotional support, both employees did everything they could to help this young man. Sadly he did not make it.
I am writing this because we believe that Janet and Tom should be commended and honored for their actions that day. They both showed great courage. Their heroic efforts to save this young boy’s life and to comfort him are, in my mind, extraordinary. Despite the unhappy ending, we want to publicly acknowledge and salute Janet and Tom for their selfless actions that day. Both employees have been nominated for the Annual Scott Miller Rescuer’s Award, and they certainly are deserving.
Quite understandably both Janet and Tom were shaken up that day. After the incident, both went home early. When they returned to work, they were told they must use their own leave! We have asked the Postal Service to do the right thing and give them Admin. pay for the remainder of their shift. They have repeatedly refused to do so. We are talking about 4 hours each here!! Further, the Postal Service, to this day, has not acknowledged Janet or Tom. No visits from the area manager, from the postmaster, nothing. The Postmaster has stated that if he pays Tom and Janet Admin., he would have to do it for everyone. Mr. Postmaster, how many clerks have held a young man’s head in their hands as he passed away?
Our local has paid Janet and Tom for the leave that they used that day. We will continue to demand the Postal Service do the right thing. Many members have called or emailed the hall nominating them for the Scott Miller Award. We honor Janet and Tom for their actions that sad day.
On to other matters, we continue to receive staffing proposals from management, from both the plants and from our stations. Many of these include job cuts. The days of in-office Function 4 audits are over, replaced by desk-top audits. Information from stations is accessed through computers, and staffing is based on these reports. Most of our offices have had some type of impact. We continue to fight to minimize impacts to our members.
Our national union has filed grievances regarding the elimination, a/k/a compression, of entire tours. Tour-3 NWB and Tour-2 GMF have been impacted in our local. Unfair labor charges have also been filed with the Labor Board. Locally we have demanded that all casuals be separated. Management has agreed. We will address any back filling grievances should the need arise.
Lastly, I will be meeting with management over the next few weeks to discuss the staffing of the FSS machines at NWB. I will keep the membership informed as details become available. We will fight to establish as many decent mail processing positions as possible. Call me at the union hall if you have any questions about this or anything else.
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NOV/DEC 2008
As the holiday season draws near, I would like to take this occasion to extend to you and your family my best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season. Please too, remember our young sons and daughters serving our great country, particularly those in harm’s way. The sooner they return home the better.
By now, I am sure that everyone has heard or seen something about the changes coming to our craft. It’s no secret the USPS has been on a campaign to eliminate MPC positions. Printed below is the directive from USPS headquarters the APWU obtained.
Subject: RPG Two Tour Initiative
Importance: High
"Plant Managers,
On this week’s MOS telecom it was stated that the two-tour initiative to "close the GAP" must be given top priority. The entire nation is expected to move to a 2-tour operation, while still protecting service.
Given the continued workload decline and recent RPG scenarios, the NYMA agrees with moving towards a 2-tour operation because of the economics of scale that it would provide. The first step in this process is moving to a 2 8-hour tour automation operation (AFSM and APPS/SPBS operations to follow). For the month of October, the weekly RPG model (AVG heavy weekday): ensure that you have contingency machines for your operation so that service is protected: ensure that your PM schedule for all machines can be supported by your maintenance staff October 10th — Present your overall staffing impact to clerk craft and EAS (net reduction in employees) October 17th---
Present your new bid package for clerk, maintenance and EAS October 24th---Present your overall implementation plan, including timeline and transition plan.
We are working towards an early January 2009 implementation date. Each week we will be providing suggestions and tools on how to effectively develop your plan."
As a result of this, our local was notified on November 11 that management intends to abolish and excess all Tour-3 MPC positions at NWB and to abolish and excess 25 positions from Tour-2 in the GMF. As of this writing we are in the process of meeting on these proposals. Here in Boston, our local has negotiated an agreement which allows employees two bid cycles prior to being abolished. Therefore, at this point, the effective date of these actions will January 31, 2009. Meetings with all affected employees take place each step of the way.
I personally believe that these are deliberate attacks on some of more senior members. Cutting the jobs of senior people, sending senior employees home through the reassessment process, and shutting down the Express Mail administrative office are, in my view, attempts by management to force retirements. We have heard the constant reports of how much money the service is losing, yet management drives away business on a daily basis. Yes, mail is down, but that’s not the reason the Postal Service is losing money.
We have supervisors telling people wanting passports and pictures to come later or another day. Supervisors are desperate to get boxline mail up, even to the point of sending potential customers away. The Postal Service is moving ahead with costly FSS deployments despite OIG recommendations to the contrary. Additionally, the Postal Service pays out millions and millions of dollars in grievance settlements with the APWU and the other unions each year. Huge mailing discounts are given to mailing houses and big business. So to me, their crying about losing revenue is a joke. They are top heavy with managers, supervisors and countless other management types.
I suggest that they begin by cutting these positions and, oh yeah, GET RID OF THE CASUALS! The Postal Service needs to clean its own house! But typically, management’s solution will be to cut the positions of the hard working men and women that move the mail, that service the public, the people that show up every day despite oppressive conditions. They will rush to cut clerk positions. There will be upheaval and disruptions to many of us over the next few months. This is nothing new to our craft. We have been through this many times now. Our craft will get through this too. The APWU will ensure that management adheres to all their contractual obligations. Impacts to employees will be minimized as much as possible.
Now more than ever, we cannot allow or tolerate any supervisor or manager to do our work. We must not allow them to violate our contract in any way. There is no contractually acceptable reason that would allow a supervisor to perform clerk work. Please call the hall if you witness this. These type grievances are important whenever management proposes to cut a position in a section. So please, let’s protect our work and jobs.
I would like to personally thank our stewards, chief stewards, and Area VPs for their hard work. I am constantly amazed at their tireless efforts and good work. It is a pleasure to work with all you. Our brothers and sisters that have stepped up are the reason that the Boston Local has always been recognized nationally as being one of the best. "2008" is no exception. Thank you all.
Happy Holidays to all,
Bob
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Sept/Oct 2008
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
I would like to talk about the loss of window positions in our stations and what can be done to combat these cuts. Though the plants are being impacted, I want to focus on window jobs. By now, every window clerk in every station has been impacted by Function 4 audits. The Postal Service has cut deep. I believe that providing quality service to the public has long lost its importance to the Postal Service. Long lines are getting longer, box line mail does not get up on time, morning callers, who pay a lot of money for that service, are not getting what they pay for.
Recently, in Roxbury I saw hamper after hamper full of mail. This mail had been sitting for over 2 weeks. I was shocked to see that much of it was medical prescriptions, political mailings and first class mail. This is not unique to Roxbury. The APWU will not remain silent on these issues. We have initiated contact with both local and state representatives. We would like them to understand why their constituents are waiting in long lines. Why they are not receiving their medications on time. Why service has deteriorated, and who is responsible. We have also been in contact with local newspapers. You will be hearing more about this in coming days. Moe, Paul, Bob and I are committed to doing whatever it takes to escalate the pressure on the Postal Service.
By the time this reaches you, we will have held a ‘window clerk meeting’ at the Teachers Union Hall on September 21st. One of the APWU’s leading authorities on window positions, an expert on preserving retail jobs, will be presenting a seminar on this subject. It is time for our union to adopt new techniques and strategies to save our window positions. This meeting is intended to not only talk about window issues, but also to give window clerks the tools to help in the fight to preserve our retail positions. I believe that with such a gathering of our window clerks some great ideas will be exchanged on this important matter. It should be a great success.
Management has been very creative in finding new ways not to call overtime. Most recently, they have been ordering clerks to take two hour lunches. Please keep in mind – you are not required to do this. They continue to offer less than 8 hours of NS day overtime. Part-time hours are being extended. R&P clerks are being used as though they are PTFs. Then to beat all, we have managers and supervisors doing our work. Please, if these things are happening in your office, call the union hall and let us know. We will see that it is addressed. Most of the violations result in grievances that pay money to you as the remedy. We cannot allow management to get away with violating the contract, while they cut our jobs.
After numerous meetings with management regarding the consolidation of the Primary Unit in the GMF, we were successful in keeping 21 Primary positions on tour-3, and stopped an excessing from the tour. Employees will be impacted with schedule changes and, in some cases, NS day and section changes. All tour-3 employees will remain on the tour. I realize that these changes will cause some angst. Initially management proposed to eliminate the entire tour-3 Primary, and excess many from the tour. Nearly every GMF employee on both tours 1 and 3 would have been impacted. Our goal and contractual obligation was to reduce impacts to employees.
There will be some impacts to tour-1. The Primary section will gain some jobs; however there will be some BT changes in that section. By the time this reaches your home, we will have met and talked with all Primary employees on tour-1 and tour-3.
The APWU National Convention was held August 18-22 in Las Vegas. Our delegation did a fantastic job representing our local. I was proud to see the unity and enthusiasm of the entire delegation. I was fortunate to have been appointed to be a member of the Clerk Craft Committee by President Moe Lepore and National Clerk Craft Director Jim McCarthy.
Our committee met prior to the convention to consider and then make recommendations to the entire convention on the many clerk craft resolutions. Among them: expanding bidding rights for PTRs and easing bidding restrictions between Full-Time and Part-Time. Both resolutions were brought forward to the body by our committee with a recommendation of concurrence. The body passed both. I am hopeful this language will be incorporated into our next contract.
Resolutions urging the National to negotiate stronger excessing and abolishment protections were also passed at the convention. Post convention workshops were well attended by many in our delegation. The skills learned there will help them in the daily battles with management. I thank each and every member of our delegation for their hard work. It was a productive week.
I will end this by saying something about the recent slew of IMC satellite staffing packages. The author of these packages, a line supervisor with no real experience on staffing issues and a history of being difficult, put together staffing proposals for each of the IMC satellites. From the beginning each proposal has been a disaster. What is more upsetting is that her superiors actually approved them. These staffing changes accomplish nothing more than negative impacts to our brothers and sisters in these stations. Service to the public will suffer as well.
We have challenged these actions by this incompetent in the grievance procedure. Her refusal to entertain alternatives and failure to provide us with any reasonable or logical basis for the cuts are just two of many objections to this fiasco. Area Vice President Ray Bell has worked tirelessly to combat these illogical packages. The 4th floor has not seen a staffing package that they just don’t love, especially if jobs are cut. This is evidenced by their approval of these cuts. Those of you in these stations, please, watch your back around this supervisor. I am hard pressed to recall anyone in management more anti-employee, though I doubt I am telling you anything you don’t know already.
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JULY/AUGUST 2008 BOSTONIAN
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
Let me begin by once again thanking those who supported me in my bid to seek office. I will work hard to earn the trust you have placed in me. I am proud and excited to be working alongside such talented officers. Together we have been aggressively meeting every issue, big or small, head-on. We have put management on notice that we will do whatever is necessary to protect APWU members.
The constant onslaught of staffing cuts, excessings and other issues have made my first month in office a busy, busy time. I have come to realize that most of the time I will not be the bearer of good news. I can deal with that, however it won’t be a one-way street. Management will be receiving more than their share of bad news too. Moe, Paul, Bob and I have aggressively responded to every attack on our craft. The gloves are off, so to speak.
The working conditions of our window clerks have deteriorated. Constant staffing cuts have left nearly every station short-handed. Many times a window clerk finds him or herself completely alone in a station. Long lines, angry customers and chronic short-staffing have made the window clerk’s job very stressful. Management plays games with overtime calls, or calls none.
The misuse of Relief & Pool clerks is also a growing problem. I believe that more Relief & Pool positions are needed. We have made several proposals to the Postal Service that would do just that. The managers who hoard Relief & Pool clerks and do not cover vacancies have added to short-staffing problems. Relief & Pool clerks should be covering full-time positions – not part-time. Please, if you’re a Relief & Pool clerk and you’re not being notified timely, or are being improperly assigned, see your steward to grieve the issue. It’s important that we grieve each and every violation – whether it’s a supervisor working the lobby, or a manager telling you that only six hours overtime will be offered on your N/S day. Do not allow management to violate your rights! Do not do these clowns any favors.
They cut jobs and demand those left behind pick up the slack. I say, "don’t do it!". You are contractually obligated to give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. That’s it! Nothing more. Supervisors are encouraging clerks to cut corners to save time. They know that the only way to do more with less is to cut corners. Please do not agree to do this. Cutting corners means more Function 4s and more jobs lost. The Postal Service lost sight of the fact that they are a service. The only cares these days are their budgets and mystery shopper scores. We have supervisors telling frustrated customers that the problem is window clerks calling in sick.
The list of problems grows, but enough is enough. No longer will our window clerks take the full brunt of the public’s frustration with poor service. Those responsible, from the Postmaster to Area Managers, will not be let off the hook any longer. I am asking that window clerks facing long lines, angry customers, or any unsafe condition, contact this office or email us through our website at bostonmetroapwu.com. We will respond. I assure you that the public will know exactly who is responsible and who to complain to for the poor service.
Recently we were notified of potential impacts due to the deployment of FSS machines. Management has identified seventy-one (71) full time clerks to be excessed from the Installation (021 - 022). No date has been set, however FSS machines are scheduled to be deployed beginning in March 2009. I am confident that by that time we will have been able to greatly reduce the impact. I will keep you informed as this develops.
It’s been a chaotic busy month. Battling the many staffing issues is no easy matter. I want to give special thanks to Bobby White, Ray Bell, John Uccello, Barry Holland and Bob Waterhouse. These guys are formidable and have made my job easier. They have stepped up and I am thankful for their willingness to help.
Bob Keough, Clerk Craft President
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May/June 2008
CLERK CRAFT REPORT
I would like to start my first Bostonian article by saying "Thank You" to everyone who supported and voted for me in our local election. I am truly honored to be the Clerk Craft President. I look forward to serving the membership over the next three years.
As the staffing packages, excessings, and reversions pour into my office, I and the other full time officers pledge that each and every one will be challenged. I look forward to forming a retail committee to help in the fight against these actions. There is much work to be done. As part of my job, I will make every effort to talk with every clerk who is impacted by Function 4 Audits, staffing cuts, or any other negative action.
I plan to be as accessible to the membership as possible. I can be reached at the union hall @ (617)-423-2798, or on my cell phone (if I’m not in the office) @ (617)-721-5831. Call me if you have any questions or concerns.
I am looking forward to getting the job done.
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