Results of picketing

Transcription

1 July/August 2008 Award-winning newspaper Vol. XXXVIII, No.4 Results of picketing Two San Francisco locations are targets We have marched in two picket lines in San Francisco protesting abusive management. The first was on May 2, 2008 at Bryant Street Annex and the second at Pacific Carrier Annex (PCA) on June 20. This is a report on the events and the aftermath. We deliver abuse for you is the unintentional message as this picketer passes a postal vehicle during the demonstration outside PCA on June 20, By Lili Beaumont, President Photo by Billie Eyeball Vote to picket Bryant Street After unsuccessful attempts by the union officers and stewards to meet with management to raise awareness of the conduct problems of one supervisor and resolve them, The union and management jointly surveyed the carriers about their complaints. it was moved and unanimously passed at the April branch meeting to picket Bryant Street Annex in San Francisco. The purpose of this event was to allow the carriers working there to express their discontent and frustrations with how they were being mistreated by their supervisor Ron Malig. Support from everywhere Collectively, on May 2nd, carriers from all over the branch joined the picket to show support for their fellow union brothers and sisters. Over a hundred people showed up. Carriers from PCA, where Ron Malig was a supervisor before moving to Bryant Street Annex, joined the picket sympathizing with the carriers in station C because We had made many attempts at PCA to fix the problems. they too were subjected to his conduct when he managed them at PCA. Ron Malig had a pattern of behavior that he exhibited at PCA and again at Bryant Street Annex. Despite grievance resolutions to cease and desist, his conduct problems continued. National business agent involved Soon after the picket, our national business agent, Manny Peralta, engaged management to join him in surveying the carriers that worked under Ron Malig to find out specifically what their complaints, issues, concerns, and experiences were regarding Ron Malig and (continued on page 3)

2 Page THE VOICE July/August 2008 Branch 214 notes Welcome the following new stewards: Carl Bryant (Steiner); Matthew Ressio (Rincon South); Sidney Wong (Diamond Heights); Rudy Rimando (Station E). Audrey Davis has been appointed as the chief steward for PCA. Steward vacancies: There are steward vacancies in the following offices: Daly City, San Leandro South, Golden Gate, Station J, Novato, Station P, and Pine Street. Anyone interested in serving as a steward should contact Ray at the Union office. Those interested must be a member in good standing and not served in any supervisory capacity or applied for a supervisor position within the last two years. Transitional employees are welcome to apply. Contract COLA: $1,498 The next regular cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) under the National Agreement will be $1,498 annually, based on the Consumer Price Index for July. The COLA, effective the pay period beginning August 30 (pay date September 19), is the third of eight COLAs included in the contract.the new COLA is equivalent to 72 cents per hour, or $57.60 per pay period. Seeking new chairperson for Retiree s Committee The retiree s committee is seeking a new chairperson Branch Officers Lili Beaumont President Ray Fong Executive Vice-President Bill Thornton Vice-President Karen Schuler Secretary-Treasurer Karen Eshabarr Field Director Carol Maggio Assistant Secretary Treasurer Charles Gonzalez Sergeant-at-Arms Franklin Woo NALC Health Benefits Leonard Cruz Safety and Health Cathy Simonson EEO Officer Mike Callahan MBA representative Kim Truong Director of Organization Roberta Bojo Trustee June Buccat Trustee Sheila Gardner Trustee Voice Staff Ivars Lauersons Editor Edwina Wu Associate Editor Gerry Lee Graphics Permission is given to trade union and labor publications to copy or reproduce any article contained in this publication, providing appropriate credit is given. Permission to others must be granted in writing by the Voice Editor or Branch President. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own, and not necessarily those of Branch 214. If possible, all articles and letters to the editor should be submitted on disk in a standard word processing program with a hard copy included. Articles typewritten or written may also be submitted. GOLDEN GATE BRANCH 2310 Mason St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA Phone: (415) WEB page: Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday B R A N C H N O T E S Branch 214 Officers go to lockup for Muscular Dystrophy Association President Lili Beaumont, Secretary-Treasurer Karen Schuler, and Field Director Karen Eshabarr are going to a staged lock up on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Burlingame. The Officers have agreed to go behind bars for MDA. Bail is set at sending 2 kids to MDA summer Camp, which is $1600. We need the help of our membership to spring us outta MDA jail. Your donations to MDA will stay here locally to support our local Bay Area families. Please send cash or checks payable to MDA or donate online. It s so easy! We also need volunteers to help from 9:00 AM 11:00 AM on September 1, 2008 to help with the Jerry Lewis Telethon. If you don t want to be on television there are other tasks to do in Accounting, Commissary, Mailroom, Registration (7:00 AM) and Security. So far to date we have collected $ 707 from soda sales and the auctions at 6:45 PM on Branch Meetings nights. We would like to thank all of you who have participated in the auctions and to those who have so generously donated the items for the auction. Karen Schuler to lead the retirees. Long-time chairperson Bob Murray recently resigned from the position for personal reasons. Any retiree interested should contact Lili at the Union office. Celebration of Life Branch 1427 will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Branch President Jim Stankovich on Sunday, September 7, 2008 between the hours of 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the South Bay Labor Council Hall, 2125 Canoas Garden Avenue, San Jose, CA Jim tragically passed away at the National Convention in Boston. Those who knew Jim and those who didn t are welcome to attend. Jim was formerly the San Francisco District NALC designee for the Dispute Resolution Process. Branch 214 Reno Trip Herb Mitchell has organized the Annual Columbus Day Reno Trip scheduled for October 12 and 13, Price of $87.00 per person double occupancy or $ single, includes overnight stay at the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, round trip bus ride and cash/food/free play coupons. First come, first serve, so get your check in early, made out to Branch 214. (continued on page 3) T.V. 214 Schedule SAN FRANCISCO, AT&T Cable Channel 29: Every third Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. September 21, 2008; October 19, 2008; November 16, 2008

3 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page Beaumont (continued from page 1) their interactions with him. A representative from the postmaster s office joined Manny in the interviews. They spent two days talking to the carriers where Mr. Malig was a supervisor. Then they furnished respective reports to the San Francisco District Manager of their findings and recommendations on what to do about their findings. The union is each of us, not just five full-time officers. Suddenly, Ron Malig disappeared from supervising carriers at Bryant Street Annex station C. We got word from the business agent s office that he was moved to a detail at the San Francisco P&DC. Strength in taking a stand It is not known if Ron Malig will return to supervising carriers. But the focus should be on how effective this union can be if together we (all carriers) take a stand. The picket is only one example of taking a stand. In fact, I believe that after too many of them, their effectiveness is diminished. That is why usually in our union, picketing is the last resort after all other efforts have been made to fix a continuing problem with management. In this case, Ron Malig had been a problem supervisor at PCA before he moved to Bryant Street Annex, so we had a pre-existing history on his conduct as a supervisor. Vote to picket PCA The union had also made many attempts to find the root of and fix the union-management problems at PCA. Those attempts had failed too in the past. In fact, even after Ron Malig had left PCA, problems continued. So in May, again, the membership unanimously moved to picket PCA on June 20th. Again, it was well attended by carriers throughout the branch. Since then, a committee has been formed to closely examine and evaluate the carrier-management relationship problems at PCA to fix them. The management staff at PCA is working with this committee, and the theme of this committee seems to be accountability and professionalism in the work place. So far, the committee s work is still in progress. Being a witness Nevertheless, even more important than taking a stand by picketing a station, is taking a stand daily by sticking together on the workroom floor. By this I mean be a witness for a fellow co-worker who is being a victim of a supervisor s unprofessional conduct. Your statement as a witness to this type of incident has great impact on the outcome of the grievance. Also, be a witness for each other when the contract is being violated. The union automatically becomes stronger when carriers are watching each others backs because management can get away P R E S I D E N T with very little and will eventually end up paying in grievance settlements. Union is each of us The union is everyone working together to protect each other s rights, jobs, and benefits. As an individual working alone, acting alone, one is not as effective in making an impact on protecting other people if nobody wants to take a stand with that individual. But if many individuals act together, collectively, they become a force to be reckoned with so that management cannot get away with breaking the contract. In a nutshell, that is what the union is supposed to be about. Branch notes (continued from page 2) Correction to May/June Voice: page 19, Fong article, captioned under PTFs converted to full-time status. The correct form for managers to use when submitting requests for conversions should be the RAR-200, instead of the JB * * * NALC and other unions are working together in the Labor 2008 campaign to elect a President of the United States and Congressional representatives that will support and protect the interests of the middle class and working families. Branch 214 has pledged to help out by gathering volunteers who will donate one or two weekends of their time to go to the Reno/Sparks Nevada area to contact other union members and encourage them to get out and vote in the November Elections. The dates for these events will be October 5th (Sunday) and November 2nd. Buses will be chartered to take us to Reno. They will leave for Reno on Saturday afternoon or evening. The Labor 2008 event will take place on Sunday morning and everyone will return to the bay area on Sunday afternoon or evening after the event. There will be other similar events in the Roseville/Sparks, and Tracy/Stockton areas to help elect and re-elect Congressional representatives supportive of issues important to working families and especially important to letter carriers. If you are interested in joing us or have any questions, please contact Karen Schuler at the union office (415) * * * The December 7, 2008 (Sunday) slot for the retiree social meeting will be combined with the annual luncheon, which now takes place of the annual dinner. Full details in the next issue of The Voice. Tentatively, the event will be held at the Italian American Hall, 125 Russia Street, San Francisco, CA at 12:30 PM. A price is to be announced. * * * The union office is currently taking resumes from (continued on page 14)

4 Page THE VOICE July/August 2008 Working as a delegate National convention 2008 in Boston By Sheila Gardner, Trustee swimming, shuffle board, tennis, softball, bingo once a week, a 500 seat auditorium, r.v. parking, and many committees and groups, this is the place for you. You can visit and stay a week to see what it s all about. Call NALCREST now. Thank you, Branch 214, for allowing me to serve you even in my retirement. As always, it s an amazing experience to participate as a compensatory delegate and I am proud to be an American. At the convention, Senator Hillary Clinton spoke to us and endorsed Barack Obama for President. She is labor friendly and has admiration for all letter carriers. I got as close as 20 feet from the podium to see her. She s one of my heroes. Our national officers are awesome in conducting their usual business. There was a lot to do, even though the weather was a little stormy. Freedom Walk, a self-guided walking tour, After the convention work, we could sightsee a little. The NALC has its own retirement city in Florida. was as if you were walking backwards into history. The commercial duck tour was the ride to take, going to see the sights. Quack, quack was the refrain from the boat/bus and rain coats were provided for the sudden showers. The view from the top of the Prudential building was breathtaking. Boston is a beautiful city and one must visit. I did not get to visit Foxwood or Fenway Park, maybe next time. For those of you who have not heard of NALCREST and you re getting ready to retire, it s worth looking at. It s a retirement facility for retired letter carriers and their spouses; no children and no pets. If you like Florida and want to pay only $ a month for a one bedroom apartment with many amenities, such as its own post office, barber shop, beauty salon, market, library, laundromat, fitness room, restaurant, game room, sports, including O P I N I O N Sheila Gardner in a pensive moment at the NALC national convention in Boston. Hillary Cinton addressed the national convention of the NALC on Monday July 21, 2008 to thunderous suppurt. She was made an honorary delegate to the convention and introduced the resolution to support Barack Obama for President.

5 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page National convention Lobster bake and Boston cream pie By Herb Mitchell, Retiree I just returned from the biennial NALC convention in Boston, Massachusetts and am heading straight for the 24 hour fitness center to lose a lot of extra pounds. They were added courtesy of all the Boston lobster bake, New England clam chowder and Boston cream pie that we were forced to eat. Boston is a historic city with plenty of landmarks that chronicle the beginning of our country. Sen. Clinton enthusiastically endorsed Barack Obama. Senator Hillary Clinton speaks Our five day convention was all work. The first day was highlighted by the appearance of Senator Hillary Clinton who gave her support to Barack Obama for President of the United States. Since Sen. Clinton conceded the nomination to Barack Obama, I have heard reports and heard people say that they would not vote for Obama because they supported Clinton. Anyone who heard Hillary s speech at the convention should realize that she knows what a dangerous precedent that would be for the Democratic Party and the country. Not voting is not effective Remember that not voting for Barack, or not voting at all, is a vote for the Republican nominee, John McBush (oops), I mean John McCain. Women not voting for Obama because they supported Clinton, white people not voting for racial reasons, anti-gay or anti-abortion, and a number other reasons people might vote for McBush, Not voting at all is dangerous. came into office in The answer is obvious. The economy is in the tank, our sons and daughters are dying in Iraq, energy costs are draining our incomes, we re paying $4 a gallon for gas, Americans are losing their homes in the mortgage meltdown, unemployment is rising, and there is no relief Is the country better off after four years of Bush? in sight. Can the country stand four more years of Bush Republican policies? Think hard and vote I only ask that everyone vote. Think hard about why you vote one way or another, but please vote. The NALC will be very proactive to elect a President and a Congress that support our causes and those of working people nationwide. Do your part as well. Contribute to the NALC political action fund, COLCPE; become an NALC E-activist; and help get the vote out. ALERT, ALERT on a different matter The very, very last Columbus Day Reno bus trip is getting ready. Flyers should be posted in your stations, if not, contact the union office (415) for details. More ALERT, ALERT There will be another Day at the Races at the Golden Gate Fields Turf Club on Sunday, November 9, Let s have fun again. Thanks and Solidarity forever. McCain (sorry, can t tell them apart) is a very dangerous precedent that must be dealt with. Legacy by a President Former President Bill Clinton was recently asked about his legacy as a President, and he responded that he would ask only, was the country better off at the end of his term than when he came into office.every American should ask, is the country better off since President George Bush Herb Mitchell, foreground center, one of the Branch 214 delegates during the floor session of the NALC convention. O P I N I O N

6 Page THE VOICE July/August 2008 Save your sick leave Equality for FERS employees may be on the horizon link: call/show/4937. The bill has now moved to the Senate. The Senate bill sponsored by Senator Edward Kennedy, D-MA, does not contain the FERS sick leave provision unfortunately. The bill will probably have to go to a House-Senate conference to decide its fate if the Senate passes their version of the bill. The NALC has worked closely with friends on Capitol Hill to make sure that letter carriers who have FERS receive this benefit. NALC is encouraging all letter carriers across the country to contact their Senators to support the FERS provision in the Senate Bill (SB 625). Additional benefits of the bill are provisions that automatically enroll new Federal employees in the Thrift Savings Plan G Fund and a Roth 401(k) option for any Thrift Savings Plan participant. By Carol Maggio, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) employees might have some relief for unused sick leave to credit towards their retirement under a bill (HR 1108) passed by the US House of Representatives. This FERS relief was added as a provision of a bill called the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This bill would be similar to the benefit that CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) employees receive. The bill was introduced by Representative James Moran, D-VA, who has been a long-time proponent in seeking fairness for FERS employees. In the bill, seventy-five percent of sick leave credits towards annuities for those retiring within the first three years of the enactment of the bill, and then full credit for those retiring after three years. The current system, which allows FERS employees to use the sick leave before they retire and lose it upon retirement, has created an increase in the costs of training replacement employees and has hurt the overall productivity in that federal job. A previous proposal in the bill would have paid a lump sum to employees upon retiring for unused sick leave up to $10,000. The bill as now worded is now more generous to the FERS employees. The bill passed by a margin of You can find out how your representative voted by using the following A bill tries to give FERS employees credit for unused sick leave. Carol Maggio, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, Branch 214, at the podium as Chair of the Credentials Committee at the NALC national convention in Boston. In San Francisco she attended Paul Revere Elementary School. The shadow image behind her is of revolutionary hero Paul Revere. As President Bill Young looks on, seated left, Credentials Chair Carol Maggio, at podium, introduces members of the committee. A S S I S T A N T S E C R E T A R Y - T R E A S U R E R

7 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page Fate of a resolution Notes from the convention By Vicki Sawicki, Retired Letter Carrier The following resolution was passed by Branch 214 and submitted to the national convention. The resolutions committee recommended a NO vote. Since this was my resolution, I wondered how the resolutions committee would render a decision. I actually thought the committee would recommend a YES VOTE. Boy, was I wrong. Stop intimidating letter carriers WHEREAS; The USPS is systematically privatizing the Postal Service piecemeal; and WHEREAS: In Postal Management s drive to privatize, The resolutions committee recommended a no vote on my resolution. management is intimidating letter carriers using DOIS as battering ram to speed up carriers, creating a hostile and unsafe environment; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the NALC call on all branches to launch a campaign to stop the privatization and abusive management style. This campaign must include but is not limited to informational pickets, a round table discussion with letter carriers calling in with suggestions, and demands made to Congress for an independent public hearing to investigate our concerns. This resolution came to the floor on Thursday. I was ready to speak and there were a number of others from across the country ready. The following is part of my speech. Victoria Sawicki, proud member of Br.214, San Francisco for 34 years and counting... I spoke to the delegates to persuade them to vote for the resolution. became clear that the key elements in the video 1. Picketing- making the public aware 2. Carriers speaking out 3. Soliciting help from congress are exactly the same elements in the resolve of this resolution. Our concern is that although we recognize that out sourcing is a major concern, if we save our jobs by defeating out sourcing but we lose the respect and professionalism of our jobs, then what good is that??? The battle rages on. The passion we have to fight out sourcing must equally be applied to our fight against abuse and harassment. I urge you brothers and sisters to overturn the committee s recommendation and VOTE NO. and VOTE NO AGAINST HARASSMENT. Thank you. After a couple of others spoke, this resolution was not accepted by the convention. Since the vote was close, we had a division, which means we had to stand and it was obvious we did not have a majority. Many carriers were shocked and appalled. In a recent decision by arbitrator Bernice L Fields, Ms. Fields states, making the numbers is not an excuse for the abuse of anyone. Further along in her decision, she actually uses the C word COMPASSION. She states Compassion is fully consistent with firm decision making. YES.YES. YES. The battle rages on. But tomorrow as you enter the Postal Service doors, hold your head high. Don t allow anyone for any reason to strip you of your dignity and respect. I stand before you, my brothers and sisters on behalf of Maria, Ming, Al... and countless others who are crying out for help. This resolution was submitted because of the overall upset carriers are experiencing on a daily basis. The general atmosphere is deteriorating rapidly and we carriers, hard working carriers, are being stripped of our dignity. This is simply NOT OK. After viewing the excellent video on out sourcing, it Vicki Sawicki at the microphone speaking to the convention delegates in support of her resolution. O P I N I O N

8 Page 8 THE VOICE July/August 2008 NALC CONVENTION Kathy McConnell, former Branch 214 Trustee, on podium at national convention in Boston, (to right in photo of person with raised hand), as part of the Distribution Committee delivering their report to the convention. The Chair of the Committee, Jill Lemons, Branch 4006, Canoga Park, CA, seen on the screen, is delivering the report and introducing the members. VOICE wins awards The Voice won two awards in the Branch Publications competition for The results were announced by Sean McCormally, Managing Editor of the Postal Record at the Communications Workshop on July 21, 2008 at the 66th Biennial Convention of the NALC held in Boston, MA July Our Branch 214 newspaper won Honorable Mention for General Excellence among large branches of 501 plus members. The top prize went to Branch 34 s Clan of Boston, with second place to South Florida Letter Carrier, Branch 1071, and third place to Mound City Carrier, St. Louis, Branch 343. The judges noted that The Voice has a wellestablished structure and masthead on the cover page. Looks clean and organized. Consistent use of headers and footers helps orient the reader. Good in-depth review of issues important to the members. Our writers and cartoonists provide us with excellent material for each issue. And the staff at DC Typography, particularly Frank Brayton and Bruce Purdy, add the polished touch to the layout and photographs. We also won a First Award for Best Editorial or Column with an article by Juliette Chen, our former Associate Editor, Dealing with bullies, which appeared in the September/October 2006 issue. This article included dramatic before and after photos of the author s hair loss due to stress on the job. The judges lavished praise on this story of a strong woman who stands up for herself. They conclude, Chen writes with a beautiful style and makes the right word choices again and again. We concur with the compliments. U N I O N B U S I N E S S

9 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page BOSTON 2008 Karen Eshabarr, Field Director (second from left), on podium at NALC convention as part of the President s Report Committee, with Chair Mike Barry, Branch 52, Central CA Coast, delivering their report. She was one of three Branch 214 members who served on committees at Boston convention. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Alberto Faustino (TE-San Rafael) Branch 214 Meetings Branch meetings, 7:00 P.M. September 3, 2008 October 1, 2008 November 5, 2008 Hector Martinez (EPC) Mark Pasibe (TE-180) Ki Siphanthong (TE-Pine) ILWU Hall, 400 North Point, SF ILWU Hall, 400 North Point, SF ILWU Hall, 400 North Point, SF Steward meetings, 4:30 P.M. September 3, 2008 Union Office, 2310 Mason St., SF October 1, 2008 Union Office, 2310 Mason St., SF November 5, 2008 Union Office, 2310 Mason St., SF Retiree social meeting, 12:30 P.M. October 6, Del Monte Ave., South SF December 7, 2008 to be announced, see page 3 February 2, Del Monte Ave., South SF IN MEMORIAM Pascal Grant Cynthia Haines Henry Lee UNION MADE HAVERT HILL Retired Member Greater East Bay Branch 1111 Weinbrenner Rocky Shoes Brookfield s Newest Representative Serving Branch 214 (510) PARTRIDGE DR. (510) HERCULES, CA U N I O N B U S I N E S S

10 Page 10 THE VOICE July/August 2008 MAKING A STATEMENT Audrey Davis, shop steward Pacific Carrier Annex, (PCA), San Francisco, with bullhorn, leading chants at picket line on June 20, Inside the picket line at Pacific Carrier Annex San Francisco, where picketers walked in full view of Friday afternoon traffic along busy 19th Avenue. Photo by Leland Chune Photo by Billie Eyeball The picket line stretched along the cross-town thoroughfare of 19th Avenue outside of PCA on a Friday afternoon, with many commuters able to see and hear the picketers. Afternoon shadows lengthen as picketing went on for three hours to protest abusive management at Pacific Carrier Annex, San Francisco. About 80 carriers and supporters were involved in the public protest. Photo by Leland Chune Photo by Billie Eyeball U N I O N A C T I V I T I E S

11 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page 11 Photo courtesy Erich Stern Excerpts from a letter Thoughts after retiring By Erich Stern, Retiree Steiner Station, San Francisco Been at Steiner Station SFO only since 1971, at Mission and 7th a year before. Well, I met you (the editor) at Steiner many, many years ago. Douglas Alonzo was supervisor then. He mentioned that you, not he, had the body for jogging; you did it after work, across the Golden Gate Bridge and wanted me to jog with you! Well, at my age and a heart murmur that rejected me from the army (1943) I was lucky to make it mostly carrying mail 8 to 10 hours or more. The Egyptian Consulate Oh yes, my first three years was the projects, that same route got shifted to the Japan Center. Eventually, it was the gold coast, Erich Stern in front of his Getty, Ellison, Mrs. Haas, case at Steiner Station, etc., the last three Broadway blocks. And also, the San Francisco. Egyptian Consulate. Imagine, 7 years with a Jewish mailman! Neither side capitulated! Saturdays, the Consulate was closed, but they wanted their personal mail. Sometimes no one opened the door a gate was in front, too. Eventually, I had a route in Pacific Heights, 2200 Sacramento and up to Laguna, etc. Well, I saw enough with doing OT on just about every block of zone To some people the mailman is part of the family (to single, older persons.) Some apartment house managers were helpful, some neutral, some outright nasty. Now we see the whole picture I finished one year at U.C. Berkeley, 1948, in preagriculture. Being homebound now, I have lots of time for TV, reading and thinking. My interest is in Sociology and Economics I remember still back from U.C. that in the long run we are all dead, and internal debt does not Photo courtesy Erich Stern O P I N I O N matter, we owe it to ourselves. Listening to all the economic problems we are facing: recession, unemployment, work outsourced, lower or higher corporate profits, repossession of houses and cars, etc., and comparing it to what I see on the Travel Channel, is an eye-opener. The so-called primitive societies, like Eskimos, Amazon Indians, Amish, etc., don t have these problems. In contact with industrial societies they do get infected with consumerism. And they also learn about total warfare from movies and hearsay. I would call these social or balanced societies. All are haves no The so-called primitive societies don t have these problems. not haves being exploited by predatory credit compares, money for exchange only. I lived with the Choco Indians in Panama (1960) for two weeks. I also became familiar with South America, working as a deckhand walked on a Sunday along the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, etc. Well, whatever comes hope that neither management nor trade (can t remember the right word) will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs government, monopoly and union. (Ed. note. Erich Stern wrote his reminiscences in response to a request by fellow retiree, Lynda Beigel. Other retirees are welcome to share their thoughts with readers.) mailḣttp://spenceburton.com On Saturdays, the Egyptian Consulate wanted only their personal This post office in Wheeler Springs, CA advertises itself as the smallest post office in the U.S.

12 Page 12 THE VOICE July/August 2008 Six Presidents Six Presidents of Branch 214 attended the NALC national convention in Boston, Ma, July 21-25, At a momentary break in convention business, they pose for a photo at the Convention Center. From left, Spence F. Burton ( ), Richard Becker ( ), current President Lili Beaumont (2006- present), Tony Gallardo ( ), Ray Fong ( ), and Roland Garshol ( ). The Freedom Walk in Boston, Massachusetts. Editor Ivars Lauersons confers with Branch 1681 delegate Renee Eberhardt about workroom problems and bullying in Wyoming. U N I O N A C T I V I T I E S Photo by Martha Raup Photo courtesy Branch 1681 delegation

13 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page 13 Impossible to work Blood from a turnip policy By Ivars Lauersons, Editor We need intervention at the national level to stop the daily harassment of carriers on the workroom floor. A new agreement must be hammered out to make the local postmasters adhere to all the written agreements that have been signed at the national level. The stress at the local level is extreme and as a union we may lose our credibility if we cannot stop this. Picketing two times We had two picket lines in San Francisco within a seven-week period protesting impossible working conditions for carriers. When carriers react, a 150 or so picketing in one case and about 80 in the second, conditions are essentially intolerable. And that also means that other stations that were not picketed have similar, stressful situations. And this is not confined to San Francisco. Reading any of our union newspapers, we see the same intolerable conditions described. At our national convention in Boston we heard about the same conditions, whether it was delegates from Wyoming or Pennsylvania. Or talking to the carrier delivering my old residence in New York City, he could have been talking about San Francisco. Unofficial tolerance of abuse must be stopped Carriers should not have to work under intolerable stress. Yet the national postal management has set out this policy to squeeze blood from a turnip, and the only response that will be effective is for our national union to get to the top in Washington, DC, and reverse this unofficial policy. We have not been able to do it at the local level, we have not been able to do it solely through the grievance procedure, and we have not been able to do it through the current intervention process. And our picketing, as noted elsewhere in this issue, has brought only limited results. Our national leadership believes, if the responses given Picketing is an extreme reaction to stress. during the convention in Boston were heard accurately, that all the tools are in place to counter the blood from turnip policy from the ground up. In answer to one question at a workshop, the DOIS memorandum was cited and we were told to use it to stop the daily harassment. Another answer was to use the 3996 process. These things are not working at the local level. (Even decisions O P I N I O N by arbitrators are ignored, as cited by Branch 20 in Massachusetts regarding the window of operations.) Not every carrier is an American Gladiator The national leadership expects every carrier on the workroom floor to be a contract warrior of the type that our shop stewards are. This is an unrealistic expectation. 200,000 plus carriers are not suddenly going to become militant. Most carriers want to come to work, do their job, and go home, not fight a daily battle with management. The contract alone is not enough at present. Shop We need an intervention at the national level. stewards are overwhelmed. Local management has a free hand in terrorizing the carriers with discipline run amok. Because the local stewards and unions cannot protect the carriers in the ways they were accustomed, the union is being blamed for the difficulties. Members want to drop out because they feel they are not being protected. It is time for national to act. If it must be in writing, then let s have a memo that reinforces the idea that making the numbers is not an excuse to harass carriers. Let Management ignores their contractual obligations. this policy be enforced by the postmasters, instead of being winked at. Our union has been strong in getting us good wages, COLA, and healthcare. Let us make the conditions on the workroom floor tolerable. Mike Moriarity, member Branch 36, New York City, delivers mail in Greenwich Village. He tells of the same pressures by postal management to speed up carrier work.

14 Page 14 THE VOICE July/August Convention Delegates, Boston Amort, Wendy Beaumont, John* Beaumont, Lili Becker, Richard Buccat, June Burton, Spence* Callahan, Mike Chune, Leland Cruz, Leonard Dang, T. Simon Eshabarr, Karen Fong, Ray Gallardo, Tony Gardner, Sheila Garshol, Roland Garshol, Susan Gerigk, Larry Gonzalez, Charles Hapa, Rico Jones, Arnold Lauersons, Ivars Mabalatan, David Maggio, Carol Branch notes (continued from page 3) McConnell, Kathy Mitchell, Herb Moore, Melvin Palattao, Val Pooler, Eldridge Raup, Martha Ressio, Matt** Rodriguez, Rafael Sawicki, Vicki Schuler, Karen Simonson, Cathy Sobalvarro, Eduardo SooHoo, Daniel Taylor, Andrew Thornton, Bill Truong, Kim Ubungen, Art Urtiaga, Dennis Welsh, Dave* Williamson, Mike Woo, Franklin *Non-compensated Delegates **Guest any individuals interested in becoming a future full-time officer. We use the term resume loosely. To indicate your interest, please submit to the Branch Office (c/o Lili Beaumont) your name, contact information, union activist background, grievance-arbitration procedure experience and accomplishments, and an essay about why you would like to become a full-time officer for NALC Branch 214. There is no deadline set yet for this application period. The union office is anticipating a vacancy in the full-time officer staff some time in 2009 because Executive Vice President Ray Fong announced he would be retiring then. * * * Two contributors to The Voice had their work reprinted by another branch publication. The Dispatch, Branch 67, Elizabeth, New Jersey, March 2008 used Ed Cuadra s cartoon from the Jan/Feb 2008 issue, which depicted a female supervisor stomping towards a carrier. From the same issue they used the article by Ivars Lauersons titled, Thoughts about not having to do it anymore Food drive totals Station Name ZIP Total LBS. General - No Station 9488 EPC North EPC South EPC VIMS EPS VIMS EPC Station E EPC Rincon West Pine Street Bryant Street Station C EPC VIMS Napoleon Station F Bryant Street Station G Steiner Parkside Napoleon Station J Golden Gate PCA Station P Sunset Marina Bayview Napoleon Parcel Post Napoleon West Portal Presidio Finance Office Diamond Heights Napoleon Stonestown North Beach Napoleon Visitation SAN FRANCISCO TOTAL Cash $300 Station Name ZIP Total LBS. San Leandro Daly City Redwood City Bel Tib Corte Madera Mill Valley Novato San Anselmo San Rafael Civic San Rafael Main Sausalito San Francisco REGIONAL TOTAL U N I O N A C T I V I T I E S

15 July/August 2008 THE VOICE Page 15 Approved Budget April 1, 2008 September 30, 2008 Spent Projected 10/1/07-4/1/08-3/31/08 9/30/08 Expense 1. Salaries, FT, PT, Stewards, Assignment Time: President s Salary (FERS) 30, , Executive Vice President s Salary (CSRS) 31, , Vice President s Salary (CSRS) 31, , Secretary-Treasurer s Salary (FERS) 30, , Field Director Salary (FERS) 30, , Asst. Secretary-Treasurer s Salary (CSRS) 13, , Health Benefits Representative Salary 1, , Sgt/Arms, MBA, EEO, S&H, Trustees, Dir of Org (8) 5, , Shop Steward Salary 32, , Assignment Time/Paid Time and Services (excl. Voice, Ed) 20, , Leave Replacement 9, , TOTAL 236, , Officer, Steward Expenses President s Expenses 1, , Executive Vice President s Expenses 1, , Vice President s Expenses 1, , Secretary-Treasurer s Expenses 1, , Field Director Expenses 1, , Asst. S/T Expenses Misc. Expenses (Other Officer & Stewards) Leave Reimbursement 2, Officer s Leave Fund (30% of potential liability) 1, TOTAL 9, , Taxes & Officer s Benefits Officer s Benefits 38, , Payroll Taxes 21, , Property Taxes 5, , TOTAL 66, , Building/Office Expense Architect/Tenant Improvements Building Maintenance & Repair 3, , Hall Rental/RWC Office 2, , Loan Payment/Mortgage 15, , Janitorial Service Office 2, , Office Utilities (Phone/Water) 4, , Printing 4, , Insurance (Disability/Business Liability/Bonding) 4, , Insurance (Representational Liability) 9, Maintenance (Security/Service Contracts/Serv-Maint) 5, , Computer Expenses 9, , Office Supplies/Equipment/ Office Expense 10, , Payroll Services 3, , TOTAL 69, , Building Corporation BC Architect - Base Building BC Construction Costs BC Elevator BC Garbage BC Insurance 3, BC Janitorial 1, , BC Office Expense BC Professional Fees BC Serv Maintenance B U D G E T BC Utilities (PG&E/Water/ Elevator Phone) 4, , TOTAL 11, , Fees & Dues Professional Fees 1, Affiliate Dues 5, , TOTAL 5, , Convention & Conferences Convention Fund 17, , Seminars & Conferences (HBR Seminar/ State Leadership Conf) 2, , Committee of President s Meeting/ National Rap Session - odd yrs 1, , TOTAL 21, , Education Training, Seminars 42, , Issue Education/Labor , Other: Books, Materials, NALC Supplies , TOTAL 42, , Communications Voice: Lost Time 3, , Expenses 12, , TV 214 TOTAL 16, , Entertainment Good of the Order/Other Refreshments 4, , Annual Dinner Honoring Retirees and Stewards 1, Recreation/Picnic 1, , TOTAL 6, , Representational Expenses Representational Expenses Contract / Picket Action / Legislative Action TOTAL 1, Other Retirement and Other Gifts 3, , New Member Services / Recruitment , Branch Elections 8, Food Drive , % Union Celebration ($4/person) Branch Items 3, Miscellaneous Bank Savings 14, TOTAL 13, , TOTALS 501, , Projected Income Spent Projected 10/1/07-4/1/08-3/31/08 9/30/08 # of Per Projected) Members Member Income) Active Members (13 pay 20.27) 1, ,797) Retired Members ) Interest Income 1,100) Miscellaneous Income 3,000) TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME: 522,748) Total Projected Expenses (522,748) Projected Surplus )

16 GOLDEN GATE BRANCH NO. 214 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS, AFL-CIO 2310 MASON ST., THIRD FLOOR SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Address service requested A Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE P A I D San Francisco, Calif. Permit No Branch 214 delegates to National Association of Letter Carriers 66th Biennial Convention, Boston, MA, July 21-25, Delegates not pictured are at other convention activities. For a complete list of delegates, see page 14. A L S O I N S I D E : Convention sights page 4 Convention politics page 5 FERS and sick leave page 6 One resolution s fate page7 Looking back page 11 National intervention call page 13 At the Boston convention a bust of President Emeritus Vince Sombrotto was unveiled. At the podium, from left, Vince Sombrotto, President Bill Young, and President Emeritus James Rademacher.