| BOSTON METRO A.P.W.U.
LOCAL 100
BOSTONIAN ARTICLES |
PRESIDENT'S REPORT JUNE 2008
I want to sincerely thank every brother and sister who voted to re-elect me as your General President. I will devote all of my energy and dedication to protect and serve the entire membership these coming years.
The battle with management as to what casuals can do in work assignments is raging. Casuals cannot work in any job that requires financial accountability, i.e. the Window, the Registry Cage, etc. They cannot work jobs that require a deferment period and/or testing.
As is the norm, the United States Postal Service has now challenged our position, and we have initiated a Step 4 grievance. While this fight continues we, the American Postal Workers Union, lose in the interim because we must grieve every violation "until the cows come home". This serves to weaken our Collective Bargaining Agreement, and management loves it.
As the membership is aware, we are also fighting the report time in P&D. The U. S. Postal Service agreed with the A.P.W.U. position at the signing of the contract that casuals would be precluded from working between the hours of 5:00AM to 12:00PM Noon. As soon as the contract was signed, management decided that casuals on tour-1 who work beyond 5:00AM were exempt. Oh really!!!
Brothers and sisters, this type of union busting is at the national level, and the local leadership throughout America is left to fight the daily battle with management. The Lord only knows when these disputes will be resolved. Until they are, locals are forced to daily grieve all violations; and in the interim the membership is upset that contract enforcement is an ongoing fight.
What can we do to have the employer enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement?
WITHHOLD OUR LABOR! THAT’S WHAT WE CAN DO!
If every brother and sister exercised his and her right to file a grievance when one manifests itself, which is every second, we can give them (management) a huge wake-up call. See your steward off the floor - on a union operation - write that statement - on the clock. The trouble is only a small percent is doing just that.
Withholding your labor by seeing your steward is protected by Federal Law as you engage in a protected activity. If we choose to turn a blind eye to all the b.s. going on in our industry, they will win - - plain and simple.
Please help A.P.W.U. in obtaining our agenda by not participating in the V.O.E. Survey.
Give the union statements when requested to uphold the National Agreement.
Please don’t break or swing with scabs. Don’t give them information we give to you who pays the bills around here.
Please work within the guidelines of your job - shortcuts mean eventual loss of jobs.
Don’t do your job and someone else’s who was recently excessed from your worksite. You can only do your job well, not yours and others. That’s management’s design – more work – less people; and it’s working.
Please let us collectively take our heads out of the sand; for if we don’t, when we finally do, there may not be a U. S. Postal Service.
Our M.V.S. craft continues to fight for every job, especially our drivers, who are under the microscope for privatization. There is yet to be relief from carrying registered mail. Despite our protests, management is slow to finally find a way to pick up this mail with a security firm. M.V.S. craft president, Bill Weaver, and myself are making our issues known to the Inspection Service and Labor Relations. HCRs are the thumb in the eye of our M.V.S. craft.
Coupled with contracting out mechanics’ work and the everyday issues our drivers face, you can see A.P.W.U. is keeping a watchful eye to ensure M.V.S. remains strong and most assuredly safe as can be.
I would say the interaction between M.V.S. drivers and clerks in stations and branches is getting much better as we look to protect all of us in A.P.W.U.
Our maintenance craft also is battling management daily. A hue and cry from all of the local is there aren’t enough custodians to keep al the restrooms clean. Our custodians are doing yeoman work to ensure we all have a clean facility to come to. Offices that have contract cleaners are where we suffer, no doubt. Please fill out that 1767 when you encounter less than clean restrooms, etc.
I recently signed the new 10/4 Memo for the fleet mechanics, which is now only for six months a year due to management’s concern of financial feasibility to keep it up and running twelve months a year.
All in all, A.P.W.U. will keep up the fight for everyone in our great union in all crafts as we are truly one entity, not three crafts defined by our job description.
The National Reassessment Program Phase II is almost upon us. Incoming Director Industrial Relations, Paul Kilduff, and I are meeting with management at the Regional level prior to any letters going out to our membership. We will meet with every brother and sister who is being targeted with this NRP process.
Now do we believe what A.P.W.U. has been espousing for years. The employer could not care less about any of us or our families as they try to end careers of brothers and sisters whose only mistake was to be injured at work. A.P.W.U. in Boston is doing every thing imaginable to protect everyone involved.
In closing, I will continue to do the very best job possible representing everyone. Just in case you don’t have it, here is my cell phone number – (which you pay for) – 617-721-5834.
The full time officers and all officers and stewards in our local will dedicate themselves to working hard pursuing our agenda in all three crafts every day.
I hope that the brothers and sisters who did not vote for me and those brothers and sisters aligned with me will see that we are worthy of your support these coming years as we navigate through what, no doubt, will be rough seas in our ever-changing industry.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE BATTLE
Until we rid the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) of right wing zealots, unions in America will never get our just due. I, along with other officers, have been filing numerous charges against the employer only to have them force us to go through the grievance/arbitration procedure. If at the end of the procedure we are not satisfied, then we can go back to the Board.
Here’s the problem, brothers and sisters, management denies, resolves, denies, resolves, etc., so the instant issue never gets to arbitration. Despite hundreds of protests, the NLRB will never cite the United States Postal Service. American Postal Workers Union, however, will not stop filing charge after charge until the NLRB starts taking their jobs seriously.
There isn’t any secret that the Department of Labor is in bed with the White House as they emasculate unions throughout America. By keeping control of Congress and taking back the White House, we can turn the tide at the NLRB and the Department of Labor and finally get our union contracts to be adhered to. Contract compliance is a "must", or else the National Agreement is superfluous.
This is all part of the Republican grand design to destroy the Labor Movement in the United States of America! Fat Chance!
American workers - union and not union alike - will some day see union ranks grow to the prominence we had in the 1950s; and when we get back to that strength, then and only then will Americans be able to be part of the lost American Dream. Hopefully, the fat cat CEOs will begin losing weight!
GOD BLESS YOU AND THE U.S.A.!
FIGHT THE TYRANNY!
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
SUPPORT YOUR UNION!
THIS IS AMERICA!
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT FEBRUARY 2008
NEW YEAR BRINGS SAME COURSE OF PRIVATIZATION
As we enter into a New Year, I do so with much optimism, despite the undeniable fact that the employer has not changed their course of privatizing our industry. American Postal Workers Union is constantly monitoring their every move from headquarters. We can take comfort that our contract is renewed for four more years, which will allow us to build on our annuity and see our wages increase; however, we must keep our eye on the "chicken coup" if you will.
The Service is contracting out M.V.S., maintenance and clerk work at an alarming rate. To help stop this attack on career jobs, we have contacted our elected officials to help stop the onslaught of contracting out our work.
Ninth Congressional District Congressman Stephen Lynch has introduced a bill to force the United States Postal Service to negotiate with American Postal Workers Union when they propose to contract out M.V.S. work. Our M.V.S. craft is under attack in all corners of America.
The Mail Network Protection Act is a vital piece of legislation that must pass into law next year. A.P.W.U. is asking every brother and sister throughout America to contact their legislators to sign onto this historic legislation. We are fighting for our existence for now and future generations of A.P.W.U. members.
Let me switch gears and bring your attention to local issues that we as postal workers must do to thwart the every day b.s. you deal with on the workroom floor. There are a host of issues that we as workers can address to protect one and all.
3971s - more and more I am hearing that management is not returning these slips in any fashion that can be considered timely. Please don’t think the average supervisor is going to do all they can to grant you any type of leave; it’s just not in them. This reality always causes concern for the brother and sister who is requesting leave. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your 3971 request addressed by your boss. This will certainly lead to problems as management always says, "Oh, I denied that request - services required". Here in Boston, management has to respond within 48 hours after your request. Trouble is - they do not.
When you request leave, please follow up with management to ensure they comply with the contract time provisions. If they don’t, ask for a steward or call the hall.
We absolutely must fight the loss of our work in all crafts of A.P.W.U. There is plenty of work that is being done by other craft unions and management. This major fight will never go away. I ask that we remain vigilant and protect our future by fighting for our work. Complacency will be our undoing as the United States Postal Service rushes to do more with less.
Homeland Security issues remain the #1 safety issue in our industry today. If there is a hazmat concern in your work area, we must hold management "feet to the fire" and demand they follow the protocol every time - not just when it’s convenient.
Another concern for our membership is documenting our absences. At this juncture of our careers we should be mindful of what management wants for evidence of any absence, especially sick leave. Management, as you know, looks for any reason to deny us our leave and we can thwart their anti-employee action by ensuring your doctor gives enough information to allow you to get your leave unimpeded.
Please don’t give indefinite times for your absence. Instead, give a number of days and if you must exceed it, get to your doctor for another extension if need be. Example: you are out of work for one week and at the end of the week you will be re-evaluated by the doctor if they are not sure of your convalescence period. Management loves to deny us on sick leave, so by following the contract with doctor letterhead and notice of incapacitation and time of absence, management will be hard pressed to deny us our right to leave. I’m sure the above issues have been, no doubt, overstated but A.P.W.U. must continually advise our brothers and sisters our protections in the National Agreement and Local Agreement.
The battle rages on with understaffing non-stop. A.P.W.U. is giving our brother and sister window clerks information to help protect their jobs when the infamous "Function 4" rears its ugly head. Now we need everyone to utilize the information that is on our website.
Change - Change - Change seems to be the mantra today, whether it’s in politics or in our industry, we must do so to survive. Changing our culture on how we did our work is vital for our future. Please, brothers and sisters, utilize the tools we are giving everyone to safeguard your bid.
Zero Tolerance issues are not going away. If anything, they are becoming more and more frequent. Much of our concern is the window clerks who quite often are subjected to harassment from the public due to - you guessed it - understaffing. Never let any interaction with the public put your job in jeopardy. It’s a losing proposition as management almost always takes the public’s side over ours. No revelation here!
A.P.W.U. is forcing the Zero Tolerance issue for the almighty boss who seems to think they are above the law in these situations. Look how many people are treated by management with yelling, screaming, the demeaning way they talk to many. It does not stop.
There is a clear and disturbing pattern that exists when a post office employer is confronted with Zero Tolerance on alleged mis-appropriation of funds. We - the crafts - get fired! Management gets to go back to the craft, in some cases with issues that sure as hell are "removable" offenses for us. It’s been our sad reality throughout this industry forever.
American Postal Workers Union is using these double-standards whenever a brother or sister is thrust into a job-threatening scenario. Management will always treat their fair-headed boss better than you and I, no matter what. It’s how they live.
One only has to look at the GMF tour-1 management fools who slink throughout the building to show that these "wanna-be’s" are not held accountable unless I get them on the workroom floor and let the fur fly. ?????
There are dangerous supervisors in this local who will continue to wreak havoc against us and we must do so in kind, and that’s the union’s job to make sure we damn well do so - at all costs!
Local elections are upon us and we urge every brother and sister in all crafts to vote this April. We also have the delegate vote upcoming for the National Convention in August. Please watch the bulletin boards for information on these important local issues coming up quite fast.
I will enter 2008 with optimism that American Postal Workers Union will represent every brother and sister with dignity and respect and always immediately, if at all possible! The membership will always have access to me via my cell and home phone number which you can easily get at the union office, or ask a co-worker.
In closing, our security at work is at the top of our agenda in 2008. Thank you for being ever vigilant in protecting yourself and the brother and sister alongside of you at the work site. Boston Metro will continue to hold management to the highest degree accountable.
When it comes to our security, whether it’s hazmat concerns or every day injuries at the job, etc., let’s hit the ground running as we work on our new National Agreement and the many good benefits we were able to secure through hard fought negotiations.
I promise to further our agenda in all crafts and ensure our membership has the best possible representation we can give. Our mission is to protect everyone in all areas of your job and assist you with any problems on and off the job, if you wish. Stay strong! A.P.W.U. is at your side as you navigate throughout the post office until you reach retirement, hopefully at your choosing, not theirs.
GOD BLESS YOU AND THE U.S.A.!
FIGHT THE TYRANNY!
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
SUPPORT YOUR UNION!
THIS IS AMERICA!
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT
DECEMBER 2007 BOSTONIAN
"A MIRACLE ON . . . ANY STREET, U.S.A."
My brothers and sisters, preparing to write this year’s Christmas article has been a bit of a struggle for me. As usual, my life is quite hectic - both personally and professionally. The personal side has been a bit overwhelming due to the many friends and co-workers who have passed since last Christmas.
As has been stated before, the thought of lamenting the injustice and all the ills of the universe and its inhabitants will not be tolerated here today. Not much to jump onto tables and shout on high about, but as you long suffering readers of my articles know, no Post Office stuff - - just good Christmas thoughts (and thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings).
OK, please, once again I implore you to take a respite from your arduous schedule even if only for a few moments, and put down your trials and tribulations that permeate our daily existence. This time of year has a feel all its own, don’t you think? We really can’t point to one tangible deed or exhibition, however the atmosphere is almost electric. So with this spirit in mind I was struck with a thought as I pondered where I’m at at age 60. There are events that are not discernible in practical terms by any stretch, yet appear to manifest throughout the year - - miracles, which is defined as follows, "a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is, therefore, considered to be the work of a divine agency".
All too often we (especially me) often use this word so much that we dull the actual meaning - not meaning to, but it happens. For example, "it’s a miracle we won the game", "If that person doesn’t get fired, it will be a miracle" - sound familiar?
Throughout recorded history many events of a divine nature, if you will, have manifested in one form or another. Christmas appears to me to be the time of the year whereby we witness these events more than any other time of the year. That’s no revelation, pardon the pun, aside from the trappings that come with the Christmas Season, it is a religious time for multitudes even though material things appear at the forefront.
Surely there have been events you and I have heard or read about, or hopefully witnessed, that defy logic and are deemed to be "miracles". Case in point, there is this window at Milton Hospital that certainly seems to depict the Virgin Mary. Flowers are left there almost every day. Perhaps coincidence. Now I know there are people trying to make a buck on such depictions like pictures of the Lord on a waffle, etc. That surely is a stretch as we often see these types of stories throughout America.
Please allow me to share a brief story I’m sure you may have heard about recently, and you decide for yourself. There is a part of the United States in the Midwest called Tornado Alley. Perhaps you have heard of this as this type of event is not isolated. As the story goes, this part of the U.S.A. was once again ravaged with tornado after tornado, sometimes hundreds hit in one day. Anyway, one of the ill fated towns that was hit with a devastating tornado is where this divine event took place.
A young mother was holding her two year old daughter in her arms as the tornado hit her home, blowing it away in a second. As this young mother is battered and literally blown out of her home as it collapses around her, her daughter is ripped from her arms - you know where I’m going with this, I’m sure. After this monster storm exits this town, leaving her home and neighborhood in shambles, this panic stricken young mother frantically searches for her baby - no doubt expecting the worst. Some hours later rescue workers searching through the rubble that was once a vibrant neighborhood, desperately looking for survivors in this carnage, found this cherub under cement and steel debris. She was alive and not injured - covered in mud.
Brothers and sisters, this baby is hurtled through the air amidst a tornado, mind you, and deposited beneath this brick and mortar, and unscathed minus a few bumps and bruises and covered in mud. It is my belief that the Lord protected this baby, perhaps with a Guardian Angel, from a horrific fate.
Now I ask, brothers and sisters, what other explanation is plausible? Think of everything and I bet you will draw the same conclusion. The point is there truly are divine forces at work on this mortal coil, and Christmas brings this to the forefront to me each Holiday Season. My belief, which I do not force upon anyone, is God performed this miracle. These events take many forms.
Perhaps our late great brother, Scott Miller, was here for such an event when he and brother John Ward literally brought our brother, mailhandler John Hoban, back to life when they administered CPR and used a defibrillator to start his heart again. Perhaps he and John were destined to perform a miracle. Remember, the EMTs said that without their heroic intervention, brother Hoban would never have made it. Miracles do exist - even in the United States Postal Service. And this type of miracle happens always. Had they delayed even for a couple of seconds, it would have been too late. Well, I guess the mysteries of life confound us all as we live the best possible life given to us.
Christmas is a time for miracles, brothers and sisters, make no mistake about it. It inspires me to be a better man and Christian because there is hope for us all no matter how dire circumstances seem to be in all corners of this veil of tears. Who knows, you certainly may be a miracle to someone for a deed you have performed.
During your life I would guess that you or someone you know has experienced divine intervention (angels are everywhere). How do we explain the unexplainable? It comes down to faith, doesn’t it? Please don’t tell me that David Copperfield or Chris Angel can pull this stuff off. In my heart of hearts these miracles are signs from God that there is a lot going on - much more than we mere mortals can comprehend.
The state of the World today makes me think we need divine intervention more than ever as we continue to make a cesspool of our planet and the never ending man’s inhumanity to man. Good always outweighs evil. That is why in my belief we will get through these trying times and thank the Lord Christmas is upon us.
I harken back to a dark day in America’s history - September 11, 2001. As the destruction of the World Trade Center unfolded in seconds, two distinct happenings took place that defy human logic. The first is the stairway that remained intact as the remnants of these towers lay in ruins all around this small structure of maybe 15 steps. Huddled there were a few pedestrians and a couple of heroic firefighters unscathed. I’m sure you saw those pictures. Luck, I don’t think so, millions of tons of steel and concrete crashed down upon them and they were spared.
The second and most prophetic are the steel beams that were found shaped like a cross. I went to this site during the Christmas Season of ’01 and believe me, brothers and sisters, it was to me awe-inspiring and lifted my faith more than ever in my life. The cross is still there. This, I truly believe, was a sign from the Lord. Sure, many can say coincidence, etc.; I choose, as many like me, to believe it’s much more. These are miracles. Amidst this unbelievable horror arose many stories of heroics, yet these two stories will forever remain as something not explainable to our consciousness.
I bet if you look back in your life there is some event that can’t be explained in human terms that may surely be a divine event. At least, I hope so.
Hopefully we can heal one another and try to give fellowship to one and all. After all, every one of us has it in us. Can’t wait for Christmas Eve (magic time)! May every brother and sister enjoy this Christmas Season and good health, no matter how you celebrate this season. Well, I hope I lifted your spirits a bit - gotta go now! Trying to quit smoking. If I do, it will be a miracle!
GOD BLESS YOU AND THE U.S.A.!
FIGHT THE TYRANNY!
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
SUPPORT YOUR UNION!
THIS IS AMERICA!
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| ARTICLES FROM PAST ISSUES . . . |
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
OCTOBER 2007 BOSTONIAN
NO JUSTICE - NO PEACE !
My brothers and sisters, please sit for a few moments and let me talk to you of a plight our union has faced since our birth in 1971. Please let me preface these following remarks by stating since the genesis of the Labor Movement, the oft used phrase of "A fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay" has resonated throughout all industries in America.
American Postal Workers Union began negotiating provisions designed to allow postal workers to use leave when we are not at work. Obviously this was to ensure pay continuity for us and our families, and enhance our quality of life, i.e. vacations and daily annual leave. The leave provision that has been the source of upheaval and frustration to all of us in the United States Postal Service is our right to use sick leave - - leave that you earn. It’s not given to us; you must work to earn your sick leave. That being the case, American Postal Workers Union is always fighting the employer 24/7 to ensure a brother or sister receives timely sick leave in the paycheck.
Many supervisors and managers often decide they know better than your doctor when you call in for - "god forbid - SICK LEAVE!" and you submit evidence. They will think of everything under the sun to deny us paid sick leave. When we are sick and can’t work, this sick leave is provided to augment your salary bi-weekly. Now here is where the damage begins against us and our families and, believe me, quite often it is financially crippling. Management knows that a loss of even one day’s pay can hurt our family, yet they just don’t care, do they?
Most of these management clowns did not wait for the ink to dry in the JCIM before they threw it in the garbage, along with any common sense or respect for A.P.W.U.
Let’s take a look at an average family. In today’s society, no doubt, both parents have to work to keep a roof over the family’s head and food on the table. OK, so one day you call in for sick leave. Your boss will immediately do one of two things: tell you to get evidence, or approve that day. Now don’t hold your breath because the latter almost never happens. Even though the idiot supervisor can easily accept your word of being ill and approve the sick leave, they almost always want medical evidence - not easily done, and they know that. It’s designed to take pay from our check. What also makes me crazy is often when we do go to the doctor, they find some inane way to question and deny the doctor’s note.
Let us now switch to a scene in which you are now home and you have your paycheck minus your one day sick leave, approximately $150, let’s say. As any normal pay day, you would go over your finances and what bills to pay as you ensure every penny is accounted for as you put food on the table, pay the rent, heat your home, and a myriad of other financial responsibilities you address every other week. But wait, you are missing that $150, and here is the outrage. That $150 is absolutely needed for your budget this week, yet it’s not there and what the hell do you do now? Many of us don’t have the luxury of having savings as you live from check to check. Sound familiar?
I’ll tell you what happens. Sadly, you go without something, maybe a car payment or other bill, but alas the struggle is there. Management doesn’t suffer, but the union family sure as hell does, and the boss knows that. It’s our punishment for daring to get sick and not go to work. The hell with your right to sick leave pay. Therein lies the union busting b.s. !
Now, multiply this by two days - or three or four even, or a week or weeks. You can see how families suffer from the dirty hands of the employer. Too bad you can’t pay the doctor, or put the heat or the lights on. To the Post Office, that’s life! This damage can be overwhelming!
By the time the union resolves this dispute, usually by grieving it, the loss has taken its toll that week. ????? Taking food from the table is - I’ll say it loudly - UN-AMERICAN and ANTI-FAMILY for sure. I realize the membership becomes frustrated due to this indefensible reality we are subjected to. This company - the United States Postal Service - just will not negotiate as they are mandated because we can’t strike them.
After 30 years in Boston as a unionist, I say they must pay for this and, damn it, pay they will! As you know, I have pulled our local from all programs except MERT. As long as I am the local president, management will not have a day’s peace in any craft. Not one day! They will not receive any quarter from this local, and we will show them labor strife within the Law. When given the opportunity we will hurt their agenda to the utmost. No more VPP Safety crap - no more EAP - no more labor/management of any comport until A.P.W.U. is respected and our contract adhered to for every brother and sister - not just some.
Grievance activity and withholding our labor under the N.L.R.A. (National Labor Relations Act) by seeing the union 24/7 off the floor; O.S.H.A. will be called always, and Unfair Labor Charges will abound. They want an "in your face union", they now have it. I will ensure that every road they travel is a long dark one - in every venue. We will not allow these fools on the hill to further damage the National Agreement without exacting a heavy price.
I expect all 100-plus stewards and officers to heed the call of their union before it’s too late. This great union was born from militancy and we have lost our way somehow. They won’t negotiate; we say NO JUSTICE - NO PEACE ! Not just words, my brothers and sisters, I promise.
Who the hell do they think they are to put our families in such circumstances because we were sick? I ask how many supervisors have suffered such a fate? Exactly! Will we allow them to demonstrate that their families are more important than ours? Not in this lifetime or any other!
How about the everyday disgusting reality of union sisters often being reduced to tears by some "tough guy" manager or supervisor. I have received phone calls from irate husbands and fathers and brothers due to their wife, daughter or sister coming home a nervous wreck after being subjected to some wise ass supervisor humiliating and degrading remarks to the sister, and it doesn’t stop.
Many of these men want to exact justice to these idiots with a punch in the mouth, etc. Management has been told by me of these sordid incidents and it still goes on. I have often asked the powers that be how the hell would they react if their wife, sister or mother were treated as such, and always they say it should not go on, but they won’t stop it. I say - if it happens - fire that turkey!
That is one reason why when I am confronted with this scenario I go off and I mean I go off! Are we to be treated like this by the employer and then in a calm manner have dialogue with the tough guy? No, I’d rather come strong as their husband, father or brother surely would. Do you believe, brothers and sisters, that this actually goes on in this industry? Yes, and it happens every day. We will get back that sister’s dignity at all costs. Let management call the cops on me. Been there. Done that. What a sad commentary on this ever volatile industry. American Postal Workers Union must use all of our strength to stop the insanity and, damn it, we will.
The continued attack on our rights to FMLA is a constant battle for us - not only here in Boston, but throughout America - in this industry. You would think we are filling out paperwork to take the bar exam. Sadly in our local there was a case whereby one of our brothers was stricken with cancer. As he fights to save his life, the former FMLA Coordinator did everything in her power to delay, deny and harass this brother in his filing for protection. Let me say again, the brother is fighting for his life and harassed daily as management tried to deny him his rights. That tears it, brothers and sisters. That’s as low as you can get, yet it goes on and on.
The inherent danger that exists in this present atmosphere is management’s demonstration that we can’t enforce our own contract and that, brothers and sisters, will not be tolerated in any fashion. I see this everywhere - not just in Boston. It’s the grand design to divorce our membership from A.P.W.U. This union busting tactic will be stamped out by the militant posture exhibited by the union on all fronts. This has already begun. I recognize this often brazen assault on this great union for what it is. The U.S.P.S. regime must know who the heck they are dealing with in every venue.
At this time of our careers I am imploring every member to step up and assist your union as we navigate through the minefields that is the workroom floor. Take an active part as many co-workers are now doing. It will feel good knowing you are protecting your job and craft jobs in the future. You are the union and I know you realize this to be true.
All we have is one another, make no mistake about that! The lines of demarcation are clear. Only A.P.W.U. stands in the way of the dismantling of the United States Postal Service we used to know. It is my obligation as the president to some day leave A.P.W.U. just as strong as when I became president, even stronger - in every way. So, there it is in a nutshell, my brothers and sisters. No matter what obstacles are put in our way, nothing will stop A.P.W.U. from our mission and agenda - no matter what!
Our union is the vehicle that allows us to maintain our dignity and financial security for us and our families, as well as peace of mind, at the end of the day. To our chagrin, the employer must be force-fed the ideals of unionism and what is right for the working men and women in this great country, and A.P.W.U. will never forget where we come from as we face these daunting challenges ahead. We are from the workroom floor, we are YOU - and you are US. SOLIDARITY FOREVER!
Well, this is the tip of the iceberg insofar as union busting goes as exhibited by management. Where the hell are our elected officials in Washington on these matters because all of labor is in such fights as we postal workers are, except there’s one thing that separates us from almost every other industry. You saved us all in October 2001 - just after the 9/11 attack. Not anyone except the Police, Fire and EMTs can say that. And that, my brothers and sisters, is some awesome company to keep!
GOD BLESS YOU AND THE U.S.A.!
FIGHT THE TYRANNY!
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
SUPPORT YOUR UNION!
THIS IS AMERICA!
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT
AUGUST 2007 BOSTONIAN
Every Day in Every Way
Brothers and Sisters, a heartfelt "Thank You" from your union for your exhibition of solidarity for A.P.W.U. for your non-participation in the recent U.S.P.S. endeavor - "town meetings".
In keeping with this solidarity I am requesting you do the same when it comes to the union busting initiative that is the "Voice of the Employee". American Postal Workers Union is and always will be the voice of our membership when dealing with all workroom floor issues with the Postal Service.
Despite all of these inept and carefully worded surveys, nothing has changed for the better on the workroom floor here in Boston or in any other local in America in this volatile industry. Sadly the membership continues to suffer for daily edicts by management designed to abrogate our rights under the national and local agreements. Everyone knows this; it’s not new! Each craft has their daily horror stories that can be told of the harassment and attempted subjugation.
Our mission is to be pro-active each waking moment in solidarity and in doing so, management and their misguided underlings will surely have a battle on their hands - - 24 / 7. A perfect example of who our enemies are in the postal hierarchy is clearly and dangerously demonstrated by one fool on the hill - - Jim Miller of the Board of Governors. There has been a wealth of information given to all postal employees on the dangers of Postal Reform. We as postal workers, and only us, have suffered the loss of the first three days of C.O.P. We only re-coup these days if our absence is fourteen days or longer. Nice touch!
The United States Postal Service supported Postal Reform fervently. Please allow me to give you a slice of Mr. Miller’s thoughts on the men and women who actually work in the United States Postal Service.
I had the opportunity to be in Washington, DC, to hear our General President, Bill Burrus, speak at the Congressional Committee on the United States Postal Service - the first such hearing in ten years. Before President Burrus spoke, we had to endure the muttering of postal management. Jim Miller - he of the Board of Governors, and no friend of labor - had the unmitigated gall to open his remarks by saying while in California he visited a post office and, you’re gonna love this, upon entering the post office, he was met by the postmaster who praised him for buying stamps, and then he heard a carrier complain of too much mail to deliver. He praises management and throws the working man under the bus.
As you can see, he makes no bones of what he thinks of labor. In my opinion he should be working in a job that is commensurable to his talent - that being a short-order cook.
The stock market is through the roof while the middle class fights to maintain basic needs for our family; and it’s getting harder all the time, as you know. The elite is widening the gap while we are thrown crumbs, and just how in the Lord’s name are the poor getting by? They aren’t! There is hope and it is within our grasp and it starts with the Free Choice Act. Let America decide if we want unions at the workplace - - not the CEO.
Fifty million Americans would join if given the chance, and the conservatives will stop at nothing to "86" this fight. Why should we actually enjoy true benefits. It will only come from big business, and we can’t have that, can we? How can they live on only fifteen million a year? We should be ashamed to even harbor the thought!
The time is ripe to take back America, and labor and only labor can do it for all of working America. I often think that most Americans feel as I do - that the inequities in life must be neutralized, but it comes from unification - hand in hand. The trillion-plus spent on the war could have been used to build schools, roads, bridges, help lower taxes on your home, feed and give health care to the poor and elderly who help build America, but sadly the American dream for them is their nightmare.
If we focused on putting more resources in fighting disease and poverty, that would be noble, wouldn’t it? The technology is there, but the money isn’t. It must be used for b.s. political agendas that we Americans don’t support, yet our voices are stilled. No, brothers and sisters, our voices are only stilled if we allow them to be and that’s not us. It’s not what our values are, so let us please unite to stop the train of injustice that runs through our America by standing up and being counted. It costs nothing but tolerance and the good sense our parents gave us.
It appears that the ugly head of Zero Tolerance is becoming almost a daily occurrence in our local. This is a "no - win" situation for all concerned. The stressors at work play a large part with this reality. You can’t allow any issues at work to manifest into Zero Tolerance. Brother against brother and sister against sister only serves to weaken us. It does not matter who the aggressor is or who the victim is. Both will be put off the clock and thus begins the stress of your job being in absolute jeopardy, and for what? No matter the issue, it just isn’t worth it.
If and when this type of situation confronts you, please extricate yourself from the situation as soon as possible. Management has no problem putting our careers in doubt by hitting both parties off the clock. Long gone are the days when we roamed the floor and as union stewards we did all we could to push the envelope. I’m sure many recall the salad days on tour-3 in the GMF. Every night there was confrontations with management, and they were quite raucous. This can’t be done any more since the birth of Zero Tolerance - - especially when it’s craft vs. craft. To a degree A.P.W.U. is insulated, but there is no protection for the crafts. Too many good people have suffered due to a moment’s weakness. You should leave this industry on your terms - - not management’s. Nuff said!
We are entering into Phase II of the Reassessment Program. We will meet with management and when we obtain the list of affected brothers and sisters, I will send you a letter and advise you of your rights and what A.P.W.U. will be doing to protect you as best we can under law.
I will keep the membership apprised of this initiative. Suffice it to say, this is a dangerous program designed to put people onto OWCP rolls and out the door.
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A.P.W.U. must keep a close eye on change of schedules so we don’t see abuse, which only leads to adverse impacts to the brother and sister working alongside of you in a myriad of ways. Please ensure that if the need arises for a temporary change, stay in contact with your union as we must sign off on any schedule changes.
The new National Agreement has an awful lot of new language that we are assimilating every day. I will continue to give all officers and stewards all information necessary for us to ensure your rights are protected.
We are still battling a few union buster managers in our local with an aggressive attitude, especially on tour-1 in the GMF. I will not stop our fight to free us from subjugation at the hands of these idiots. Try as I might to control my temper with some of these fools, I just can’t. They must know the price they will pay for their daily transgressions against our brothers and sisters.
Hey, we have fought the best of them and we are still here while many were put out to pasture or transferred out of Boston.
Don’t be intimidated by those in power who say when you speak your mind on any issue and it is not in line with government, then we are un-American. How dare they! So you might say, but Moe, I’m a postal worker just getting by, how do I help cure all the ills of a society whose very fabric is coming apart in many areas. We can do so by standing next to your brothers and sisters as unionists at work and as our brothers’ keeper, this noble way of life permeates to our homes and neighbors and neighborhoods. We have all the tools. We know what is right in America, and what is wrong with her. We can’t afford to be on the sidelines, oh no, too many are doing just that. Ask a scab. They are pros at it!
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On a particularly sad note, the one year anniversary of Scott Miller’s death is upon us. It has been a tough year without our great and wonderful brother. Our local continues to put out information regarding the First Annual Scott Miller Rescuers Award, which is open to every brother and sister in American Postal Workers Union here in Boston and throughout America.
We miss our brother more than we can say. Not one day goes by without us thinking of Scott and how much we love and miss him. May God Bless every brother and sister who we have lost in the past year, and may God watch over their families each day.
Yours in Union Solidarity,
Moe Lepore
Please see the "Bulletin" page of this website for all the information regarding the First Annual Scott Miller Rescuers Award.
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JUNE 2007 BOSTONIAN
1st LT. RYAN PATRICK JONES
A TRUE AMERICAN HERO
It is with great sadness that I report the death of 1st Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones, who was killed in action in Iraq in early May. As many brothers and sisters here in Boston are aware, Lt. Jones is the son of Northwest Boston Tour-1 A.P.W.U. brother, Kevin Jones. This tragic loss and the suffering it has caused has hit home here in Boston Metro. Kevin and Elaine lost their only child on May 2, 2007.
Army 1st Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, #1 Infantry Division. Lt. Jones was killed while leading a mission, when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Iraq.
My brothers and sisters, I don’t have the words to express my grief for the Jones family, and I’m positive we all feel the same way. The harsh reality that is this Iraq War is, no doubt, the #1 issue on American minds today. I will most certainly not debate the validity of this War in this article. I will instead speak to the heroics of Lt. Jones and thousands of soldiers like him who have paid the ultimate price for their country.
Our country - - the strongest and best in the world - - is so by virtue of the American soldiers who have protected us since America was born, and it continues today. No matter where our soldiers are deployed throughout this chaotic planet, they serve America with distinction, without involving themselves in the politics of War.
For Lt. Jones and the hundreds of thousands of brave warriors who have passed on before this young man, I must say how honored and appreciative we Americans are for these true American heroes. Their selfless acts of daily heroism should make every last one of us realize how damn lucky we are to have such people amongst us back home.
We can only hope and pray that Kevin and Elaine Jones are able to find comfort and peace in the weeks and months and years ahead. To our chagrin, sometimes a tragedy of this magnitude is what it takes to bring home the ravages of War. You see, the media has desensitized War, what with all the film coverage and the like. To many it’s like a John Wayne War movie until someone we know is given the horrific news; then it’s much more personal. I guess that’s human nature, sad as this commentary is, in our World today.
Lt. Jones was laid to rest in his hometown of Westminster on a warm Spring morning. He was buried with full military honors. The townspeople lined the streets as the funeral procession proceeded to the cemetery. There were signs everywhere, many young children holding signs saying, "Lt. Jones, You are my hero". American flags were everywhere, as were the men and women from all branches of the Service.
Traveling to the cemetery from the Holy Spirit Church, one could feel the deep sense of sorrow that was in the air in this peaceful town in the country as they buried one of their own. Ryan was the recipient of five medals highlighted by the Bronze Star for bravery. His parents were given each medal individually at his gravesite.
First Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones gave up his life protecting his men in combat and died an American hero. All Americans can be proud there are young people such as Ryan who stand up to protect this great nation no matter what danger may lie ahead. Mrs. Jones laid her only child to rest on the eve of Mothers’ Day. Her strength and courage and that of Kevin’s was awe inspiring to everyone in attendance.
To Kevin and Elaine, we will never ever forget the supreme sacrifice your brave son has made for his God - Family and Country! We hope and pray this War ends soon so no more families have to suffer as this wonderful family now suffers.
I ask our brothers and sisters to pray for Lt. Jones and his family and for all the American heroes who allow us to live free only because of their unselfishness and heroism, which is on display 24 / 7 throughout the World.
In keeping Ryan in our prayers, we honor him and his Mom and Dad and family and friends. The Lord only knows when supreme sacrifices such as the life of Lt. Jones will be enough to rid the World of evil.
Rest in Peace, Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones. We owe you a debt we can never repay.
Yours in Union Solidarity,
Moe Lepore, General President
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Moe Lepore
IN MEMORIAM
SCOTT MILLER
"OUR BROTHER IN ARMS"
This life that we live is a mystery, to be sure. Our lives are filled with raw emotions - some good, some very bad, and each and every brother and sister has had to suffer tragedies in their life. When they do occur, we do our best to carry on. With the help of our families and friends, we are able to somehow carry on, but not without paying a heavy price as our heart and soul are weighed down with profound sadness and irretrievable loss. So it is with the sudden and horrific death of our "brother in arms", Scott Miller.
Friday evening, August 25, 2006, I was at home having just had dinner, when I received the worst possible news. Our Chief Steward on tour-3 in the GMF, Bob Keough, called me and upon hearing his voice, I knew something was wrong - - very wrong. Bob’s voice cracked as he told me the devastating news that our union brother and very close friend, Scott Miller, had passed away suddenly.
Upon hearing this horrible news, I became upset as I tried to come to grips with what Bobby had just said. I remember thinking that this just could not be true - not Scotty Miller - no way! My God, he was but 46 years old.
I know everyone in our local is offering their sincerest condolences and sympathies to Scott’s family, especially to his great father, Jack, and his young son, Mathew.
The brothers and sisters who work in the Flat Section, where Scott was the steward, are heartbroken as they truly loved Scott as a brother. The outpouring of love for Scott was overwhelming in this section and throughout the entire local.
Our local has suffered a tragic loss of one of our own once again. Anyone who knew our brother, and there area great many in our union, knew Scott was as dedicated and passionate a man as anyone in the American Postal Workers Union ever was or ever will be!
I’m finding it quite difficult and hard to believe I’m writing about this heartbreak. After all, Scott was a wonderful union brother and very close friend. This is a stunning shock for all of us who knew and loved Scott Miller.
The day before Scott passed away, he attended our Executive Board meeting at the hall and worked his tour-3 shift that evening. There weren’t any signs of health concerns for Scott. He was as strong as a rock.
Scott’s young son, Mathew, was his life. Mathew meant everything to him. Scotty often took him to various union functions. Our annual Childrens Christmas Party was attended by Scott and Mathew since his son was an infant.
To my chagrin, I personally know what Mathew is going through, and what he will be confronted with in the future since his awesome Dad was taken from him while in the prime of his life. Mathew’s wonderful Mom, Denise, will ensure that he is comforted and protected as he grows up, of that there is no doubt.
As our brother, Jeff Baird, said to Mathew at Scott’s home the day we buried Scott, he should always remember that he has hundreds of "aunts and uncles" in the American Postal Workers Union who will always be there for him. Jeff reminded Mathew that his Dad was a hero to many of us. This brought a modest smile from our young brother. Scott Miller was a kind and loving father whose #1 concern in his life was Mathew.
Several weeks ago, Scott and I were talking about how proud Mathew was of him when he, along with brother John Ward and the assistance of the MERT, saved our mailhandler union brother John Hoban’s life in the GMF. Scott was so happy that he was in a position to help save our union brother.
Life, as we all know too well, can be cruel as "tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone". I guess what weighs on us all quite heavily is that there wasn’t anyone with Scott at his moment of life and death to save him. The Lord knows, his Dad and family and friends would have moved Heaven and Earth to save Scott if we could.
Scott’s chances for survival would no doubt have been significantly higher had he been stricken at work, solely due to the MERT which we all know he was one of its leaders. This isn’t right, no matter what is said. Many of us must rely on our faith as we try to understand why our brother is no longer with his family and friends.
We first met Scott in the mid-1980s. Any one of his friends would tell you that he was as sharp as anyone. His expertise in contract matters was impressive, especially with FMLA. Scott protected countless members in all areas of our contract, whether it was in arbitration or on the workroom floor, and did so with class and integrity always. His knowledge of FMLA was unmatched as was his love for his family and friends and A.P.W.U.
Scott was also a brother’s brother, who you could count on at work and in private life. At this year’s National Convention, Scott was very active and excited with the prospect of getting the RI-399 fight to the forefront of the Convention. Scott spoke in front of thousands of clerks on this issue. He was the co-author of this resolution, along with steward and officer, David Chandler. The national union’s stance on this issue has changed dramatically due in large part to Scott’s contribution to A.P.W.U.
Whenever I needed an important issue to be addressed in the grievance procedure that affected hundreds, if not thousands of members, I often went to Scott, knowing he would put forth a tremendous effort; but that was our Scott Miller.
Scott was quite often the calming influence in our local. He always seemed to mediate disputes with his art of seeing both sides of every issue. He was a gentleman’s gentleman. All of us who loved Scott are forced to carry on without him in our lives, which will be a monumental task.
Many brothers and sisters reading this story have Scott to thank for his dedication to protect them and their families. I write this story as one of many who is nursing a broken heart as we deal with the sudden departure of Brother Miller from this "Veil of Tears". I know I’m rambling a bit trying to put to writing cogent thoughts. The truth be told, our local will never be the same. Scott’s family and friends were dealt the cruelest blow of all.
No longer will I have the luxury of calling my brother with a concern that I know will be handled with the utmost integrity for his union. That infectious smile he wore every day will linger on in my mind’s eye forever. His union brothers who worked with Scott on tour-3 are completely at a loss. Seeing these brothers breaking down this week is a sign of how much this great brother was loved by his boys.
In closing, Scott Miller left his mark here on Earth as a guy you couldn’t help but gravitate to due to his kindness and fun loving spirit. I know his long time brothers in the American Postal Workers Union don’t corner the market on this heartache, however we were as close as brothers could be. His legacy will be that of a kind and loving man whose intelligence and class that guided many will live on within our hearts for time immemorial.
Scott’s crowning achievment in this life was not as a unionist in America - not by a long shot. Anyone privileged to know him will say in unison. He was first a great son and a loving father to Mathew and an anchor for his wonderful family. This gentle soul will no doubt receive top priority as he enters the Gates of Heaven, and I’m sure he will be wearing an A.P.W.U. shirt and a smile bigger than the Boston GMF, where he left his mark after twenty years of protecting his brothers and sisters.
Rest in Peace, Scott. We love you!
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