Moving Forward in 2025
January 15, 2025Leg/Pol Director Judy Beard noted that while the 2024 elections brought change, we also saw wins on the state level.
magazineLegislative and PoliticalJudy Beard
With the 2024 elections behind us, we are now moving forward into our 2025 legislative agenda. While the results of the election are sure to bring major changes to the U.S. government, our commitment to advocate for our members and their families remains unchanged. We must continue to stay vigilant of attacks against working-class families. Proposals, such as imposing high tariffs that would raise consumer prices, reducing Social Security and Medicare benefits, raising the retirement age, and threats to both federal and union jobs, are all on our radar. Our fight has always been a collective one. This year, we must fight harder than ever before to protect and expand our rights.
Getting to know your elected officials is the first step toward making positive changes to federal and state law. If a bill exists that aligns with your ideas, ask for the support of your elected officials. If it does not yet exist, ask them to draft a bill. As a constituent, you have the right and power to ask your elected officials to fight for your interests.
The Makeup of Congress
Following the 2024 elections, Republicans maintained control of the House of Representatives and won control of the Senate, as well as the presidency. There are 220 Republican seats and 215 Democratic seats in the House of Representatives, and 53 Republican seats and 47 Democratic seats (including the independents who caucus with the Democrats) in the Senate. These results mean that Republicans and Democrats may need to work together to pass legislation. In the Senate, the filibuster means that 60 votes are needed to pass certain bills, which would require Democratic votes. We hope that these margins result in both parties working together to benefit the American people.
Legislative Priorities in the 119th Congress
The new 119th Congress began on Jan. 3, 2025. Two of the APWU’s most important legislative priorities this year are the Federal Retirement Fairness Act and the Shipping Equity Act. While these bills have not yet been reintroduced, we are currently working with potential lead congressional sponsors of each to ensure their reintroduction.
The Federal Retirement Fairness Act, if signed into law, would provide career employees the opportunity to make up contributions to their retirement benefits for the time they worked as a temporary postal employee. Currently, postal workers who begin their postal career as temporary employees (non-career employees such as postal support employees (PSEs), transitional employees, and casuals) are not allowed to make contributions to their retirement benefits until they become career employees. The goal of this bill is to allow employees to retire on time, with their full, hard-earned retirement benefits.
The Shipping Equity Act, if signed into law, would remove the current restriction on the Postal Service shipping beer, alcohol, and wine directly to consumers, and level the playing field between the Postal Service and private carriers. It’s time we lift this ban and enable the public Postal Service to realize the opportunity to increase revenue and expand on demanded services.
Ballot Measure Wins in 2024
While many federal races may not have gone as we had hoped, there were some notable wins at the state level. Currently, 26 states and the District of Columbia allow for citizen-initiated ballot measures. This means that voters, not state politicians, can decide if a law should be repealed or if an amendment should be made to their state constitution.
In 2024, seven states protected or strengthened the right to reproductive freedom, two states increased their state’s minimum wage, and two states expanded voting rights. These results clearly show that Americans from across the country support a variety of issues that better the lives of postal workers and their families. ■
Moving Forward in 20250
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Unsung Heroes
January 15, 2025Support Services Director Arrion Brown highlights the hard work of the Support Services Division during peak workload periods throughout the year.
magazineSupport Services DivisionArrion Brown
Happy New Year APWU family! I hope you and your family had a peaceful and joyous time celebrating the holiday season and are ready to start the year defending and growing our union.
The holiday season is a time for enjoyment, but it is also a time of hard work for bargaining-unit employees of the APWU. This time of year is the peak season for mail and parcel volume, which creates more work hours for the Clerk, Motor Vehicle Service, and Maintenance crafts. The sisters and brothers in these crafts sacrifice time away from home and their families to fulfill the postal mission of providing the nation with reliable, affordable universal mail service. I want to thank them for the work they do and let them know they are appreciated.
Our Support Services craft experiences peak season in a way different than the other crafts. While mail volume dictates an increase in work and work hours for the other crafts, the nature of work for each of our Support Services groups determines when we experience increased work volumes and hours. These occurrences can be seasonal or sporadic throughout the year. I would like to show appreciation for the hard work our craft does throughout the year by recognizing the situations that lead to an increased workload in Support Services.
The Information Technology and Accounting Service Center (IT/AS) bargaining unit have increased demands based on numerous scenarios. For the IT developers and programmers, deployment cycles of different applications and programs determine when there is an increase in workload. The cycles involve completing programming code, testing, and launching. These cycles happen at various times throughout the year, depending on the business needs of the Postal Service, to make updates or changes to the IT infrastructure.
The Accounting Services group has increased workloads based on various cutoff dates for financial information. Our finance employees experience cutoff dates in September each year based on the fiscal year information needs of the Postal Service. Payroll employees have an increased demand at the end of each year due to processing cutoff dates for information that allows for postal employees’ W-2 tax forms to be updated and created.
The private-sector mail-haul drivers experience peak season at the same time as the other crafts due to increases in mail volume. The over-the-road drivers may have more unscheduled layovers that prevent them from returning home at the conclusion of their shift. These drivers work under Hours-of-Service driving regulations and must complete their driving within a certain amount of time before a mandatory 10-hour break.
The Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) group experiences increased demand based on the section they work in. The Benefits and Phones sections have a high demand during Open Enrollment Season for health benefits due to employee changes in healthcare plans and questions related to those changes. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) section has increased demand in January due to employees submitting FMLA documents for recertification.
The Occupational Health Nurses (OHNs) have an increased work demand each year from January through March due to moving seasonal employees’ medical fi les from a folder of active employees to another folder for inactive employees. With the increase of seasonal employees during peak season, the OHNs have more fi les to transfer to the inactive folder at the beginning of each year.
The Material Support craft employees of the Western Area Supply Center experience an increased workload over the summer months. The Supply Center warehouses parts and supplies for postal machinery throughout the country. There is an increase in the need for machinery parts due to breakdown and malfunctions in the summertime that creates a larger workload for these employees.
Whether increased workloads are seasonal, monthly, or sporadic, we want to recognize the additional work that our Support Services workers do for the Postal Service.
Unsung Heroes0
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Updates on Scanner, Geotab Device Notifications
January 15, 2025MVS Director Michael Foster provides updates on the Postal Vehicle Service Scanners and the new Geotab GPS units for Postal Service vehicles.
magazineMVS DivisionMichael O. Foster
In the last issue, we reported that the Postal Service had notified the APWU about several changes and additions to Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) scanners. One of these changes is that they intend to add a feature for a Notice 76-T checklist, like the Notice 76 checklist performed by letter carriers on delivery vehicles each morning, prior to leaving the office for their routes. PVS operators should perform these inspections. During their vehicle inspections, prior to the operation of the trucks, it is important that the scanners and the PS Form 4533 allow enough time for the Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-trip and post-trip inspection.
Geotab
The Postal Service issued a contract for telematics integration of all Postal Service vehicles. The Geotab device is a GPS unit that logs location, speed, and vehicle condition information.
The data retention for Geotab is only three months. This information could be useful and helpful to the APWU in research and investigation, so a delay in requesting this information could make it difficult to obtain. This also could be helpful when we suspect that the Postal Service has edited the Surface Visibility logs for the scanners or has instructed the operators to input inaccurate information, such as arrival and departure times.
The MVS Division has received many calls and inquiries regarding the proper use of Geotab data in discipline, mainly regarding speeding from location to location. When the Postal Service notified the APWU about the pilot program for Geotab Telematics, we had many questions for the Postal Service, including “Will this information be used to issue discipline?” Their response was much like the 2017 Step 4 settlement (USPS# Q10V-4Q-C 16466169/APWU# HQTV 20160275) on scanners that said the data would not be the sole source of evidence.
Any discipline would be in accordance with Article 16 and management must carry out an investigation (see below). The Postal Service takes the position that employees jamming devices would be subject to discipline.
7. Could the telematics data information be utilized for discipline? Could this information be the sole source of discipline?
RESPONSE: As stated on the previous Fleet/APWU meeting on 05/04/2023, all discipline is handled at a local level based on local fact circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Although telematics data will not be a sole source for discipline, the data may be referenced as part of a larger body of facts.
Subcontracting Geotab Installation
Postal Service management continues to claim that any subcontracting of Geotab installation will be determined at the field level. This also means that the Local Fleet Management must give advanced notice of the subcontracting of the installation of the Geotab units, per Article 32.1 C. Many locations have received a form letter of “Due Consideration” that is identical to other Geotab installation notices throughout the country. In some locations, the fleet manager will even claim that USPS Headquarters told them they must subcontract the installation. If this is taking place in your location, you should perform a thorough Article 32.1C investigation and file a grievance if necessary (see below).
5. What time frame would the Article 32 notifications for the installation of the telematics device be given to the Local Union? Please provide copies of 32.1. C notifications by installation.
RESPONSE: As stated on the previous Fleet/APWU meeting on 05/04/2023, Article 32 notifications are managed at the local level. The decision to contract is at the VMF Managers discretion. VMF Managers were advised to provide Article 32 notification prior to the commencement of contracted work in accordance with Article 32.1.C. Telematics installation began in late January 2023.
If you have questions regarding the information usage from Geotab please see your steward. A copy of the USPS Geotab RFI response is also on the APWU website. ■
Updates on Scanner, Geotab Device Notifications0
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Postal Service Implements Eagle Clean (e4776) Pilot
January 15, 2025Maintenance Craft Director Idowu Balogun discusses the Eagle Clean (e4776) scanner pilot program and introduces the new Maintenance Division Central Region National Business Agent ‘C’ Stephanie Logan who took office after Curtis Walker’s retirement.
magazineMaintenance DivisionIdowu Balogun
The Postal Service formally notified the APWU on June 20, 2024, that they believed the Eagle Clean (e4776) pilot program was a success and they would begin implementing Eagle Clean across the country. The Postal Service’s reasoning behind the pilot program, which began July 1, 2023, was to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of completing and submitting the PS Form 4776 using a Mobile Delivery Device scanner (MDD).
The Maintenance Council met with the Postal Service on Nov. 8, 2024, to further discuss Eagle Clean, and learned that custodians using the MDD have several options after logging in, such as: begin tour, in and out to lunch, end tour, move to different operation numbers, move to travel operation, and training. In addition, it is possible to add more operational numbers when necessary (i.e. steward duty time). Custodians can select daily routes (routine tasks) and track the time spent performing those routes. They can also select work orders (periodic tasks) for tasks required on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Lastly, they can select ad-hoc tasks to track time spent performing work that is not necessarily contained within the custodial staffing package. For more information, see the Maintenance page.
Curtis Walker, Central Region National Business Agent ‘C’ Retires
Read More....2025 Nebraska State Convention
Room rate: $135/night. Deadline: March 7. Use code: American postal workers union convention. Registration fee: $120 before March 10; After $130. For questions, contact Matthew Cardwell at npwusec.tres@yahoo.com
April 4, 2025 – 8:45AM to April 5, 2025 – 5:45AMNorfolk Lodge and Suites4200 W Norfolk Ave,
Norfolk, NE 68701
LocalNoYes2025-01-15 00:00:002025 Nebraska State ConventionHotel Information
Norfolk Lodge and Suites
4200 W Norfolk Ave,
Norfolk, NE 68701
The room rate is $135/night if booked before March 7, 2025 under the American postal workers union convention.
Registration
The registration fee is $120 until March 10. After that, it will be $130 with the late fee. If there are questions, contact Matthew Cardwell at npwusec.tres@yahoo.com
10
In Demand Like Never Before: What Working People Are Doing This Week
In Demand Like Never Before: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here’s a look at the broad range of activities we’re engaged in this week.
Actors’ Equity:Swings from around the country sent in their thoughts on various aspects of the work they do. Swipe through for some thoughts from #equityteamswing! pic.twitter.com/L7M89j0SjY— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 15, 2025AFGE:We say this time and time again. Federal workers do NOT engage in political work while on government time. That is explicitly prohibited by the Hatch Act and our union adheres to that law.Period.— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 15, 2025AFSCME:In 2024, cultural workers from coast to coast organized for a voice on the job or celebrated contract wins as members of @cwuafscme. Watch this video. https://t.co/pzN9t45iYK— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 14, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:If the Supreme Court overturns the ACA’s preventive care mandate, it will be harder for older Americans to get critical screenings and wellness visits. #ProtectOurCare https://t.co/XLgJ8hlvm4— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 14, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Congratulations to our bus mechanic apprenticeship graduates at Local 1070-Indianapolis, IN, and IndyGo. This is the ATU’s first bus mechanic apprenticeship program under the leadership of International President John Costa. The graduates included IndyGo’s first female bus…— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 14, 2025American Federation of Musicians:Check out DOL’s guest post on NEA’s blog spotlighting the Philadelphia Theatre Company, where AFM, Equity, and IATSE members have negotiated for pay & policies to promote sustainable careers… https://t.co/UxHivGnATD— AFM (@The_AFM) January 15, 2025American Federation of Teachers:A broken system hurts every patient & every family. In Oregon, physicians, RNs, & others are on strike to demand Providence address unsafe staffing levels in emergency rooms & unfair wages. Add your name & tell Providence to put #PatientsBeforeProfits. https://t.co/agwzDmffZl— AFT (@AFTunion) January 14, 2025American Postal Workers Union:“Postal workers proved once again that, when given the proper resources, you can sort and deliver mail promptly and efficiently – just as the law requires.” Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash calls on members to oppose any degradation of service. https://t.co/AAoKiiulvp— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) January 15, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:It’s been 16 years since US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the icy waters of New York’s Hudson River. The “Miracle on the Hudson” would not have been a miracle without everyone doing exactly what needed to be done at just the right moment. We are aviation’s first responders. pic.twitter.com/x3uTo3cBZJ— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 15, 2025Boilermakers:The winter issue of the #Boilermaker Reporter is on the way or in your mailbox now. 📫 Be sure to read your copy or find it online: https://t.co/k0xOziuYh0 pic.twitter.com/rZFry2COJI— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 14, 2025Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday everyone! This week, we have a video from our brothers over at BAC ADC of NJ Locals 4 & 5 and signatory contractor Baumgardner Finishings Company at Ocean County Vo-Tech School! Keep up the good work guys!#BestHandsInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/1ocP8bVS30— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 15, 2025Communications Workers of America:Physical and occupational therapists at Alternate Solutions Health Network (ASHN) in Northern Virginia – members of CWA Local 2252 – are holding a 1-day ULP strike. It is time for ASHN to bargain in good faith! pic.twitter.com/bBRmhu7tgQ— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 13, 2025Department for Professional Employees:We continue to stand with @IATSE members at the Atlantic Theater Company on strike because management refuses to negotiate a fair contract. https://t.co/ouSwIunuLw— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 14, 2025Electrical Workers:Electrical work is in demand like never before. Here’s how the #IBEW will win it. https://t.co/LB4ZxJLwXo pic.twitter.com/wFHy5muFBp— IBEW (@IBEW) January 14, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Our thoughts & prayers are with our Brothers & Sisters impacted by the California wildfires.If you are a member in need of assistance due to displacement or damage, please contact our International office for support.➡️ Contact us or share with a member in need:… pic.twitter.com/Yv9VWCYGC4— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 10, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🔥 The wildfires in South California have left countless families in need of urgent support. Together we can make a difference! Donate to the LCLAA Emergency Relief Fund to provide relief and resources to those affected. pic.twitter.com/kPDYjOFvVk— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 14, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:Voting in the first-ever Labor Grammys closes on January 17!https://t.co/BTCQb5gwFI pic.twitter.com/ksybcKCVUi— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 14, 2025Laborers:👏 Thank you to the thousands of LIUNA members who made your voices heard! Your letters to OSHA in support of heat safety standards are a step toward creating safer workplaces for all. Together, we’re raising the bar for worker protections and building a stronger future.… pic.twitter.com/7ULeaCEHgz— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 15, 2025Machinists:This webinar will feature Q&A with an IAM member from Tempus AI, Rebecca Sellnow, who is a molecular technologist!Tune in to hear about how professional employees can get started with unionizing ⚙️💪 https://t.co/WxU7JOKsDr— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 14, 2025Metal Trades Department:U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has concluded that China uses unfair policies and practices to dominate the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. https://t.co/2SEWz6TeL9— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) January 13, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Mark your calendars 📅 for Saturday, May 10, 2025: The #StampOutHunger Food Drive is just around the corner! Letter carriers nationwide will collect donations to help restock local food banks. Together, we can help neighbors in need and make a difference! pic.twitter.com/ulePjTRF3n— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 14, 2025National Day Laborer Organizing Network:“Roberto Morales, another day laborer who volunteered his time in the Service Brigade said he felt very thankful and emotional to see the amount of volunteers.”https://t.co/goCmcUk2iz— NDLON (@NDLON) January 10, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:Thank you @harpersbazaarus for highlighting our ‘We Care: Domestic Workers Relief Fund’ providing emergency financial assistance, medical care, and supplies to domestic workers.https://t.co/jv9DktitKw— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 14, 2025National Nurses United:This week: Nurses will march nationwide in support of safe staffing and patient protections against #AI. In our National Day of Action, thousands of nurses will demand the hospital industry ensure patient safety amidst fast-growing A.I. https://t.co/1ci3hbMOe1— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 14, 2025NFL Players Association:Our hearts are with those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. pic.twitter.com/2qMysAdM69— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 10, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:NABTU’s partnership with @RowanUniversity is shaping the next generation of construction managers. Courses are entirely online, providing flexible, affordable, and accessible learning tailored to adult students’ schedules.https://t.co/tIBWGG1tuo— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 14, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Stand in solidarity with the staff of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, who are unionizing with OPEIU Local 98!Sign your name in support ➡️ https://t.co/ikqaPmu7g8 pic.twitter.com/yTZBaVIzJp— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 14, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:IUPAT members, we’d love to hear from you and spotlight current or past projects. Post in the comments, or send us a DM with the best pictures you have! pic.twitter.com/b3YjpeKbXP— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 15, 2025Plasterers and Cement Masons:“Registered Apprenticeships let young people & adults ‘earn & learn’, combining hands-on training with coursework—and they are paid to do it… The average apprenticeship grad earns $80,000 annually, far above the state’s median household income.” https://t.co/pYW6KoJxu8— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 13, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:”PASS told a Senate committee that the FAA is too slow to develop its technical workforce and is not moving fast enough to stay ahead of aging infrastructure.” @PASSprezdc Dave Spero on @FederalNewsNet Federal Drive w/Tom Temin #aviationsafety #federalemployees @publicservice— PASS (@PASSNational) January 8, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr! We’ll never forget all the times that MLK showed up for our union. Check out this scan of a 1991 RWDSU Record featuring the entire timeline of MLK’s relationship with the RWDSU.Learn more about RWDSU’s MLK history: https://t.co/ZyzWLJwyeC pic.twitter.com/nV5ywhSvnt— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 15, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:Just a reminder to never cross a picket line! Hope our @Culinary226 sisters and brothers at @VirginHotelsLV get the contract they deserve. #Solidarity #UnionStrong https://t.co/BeLv44R6xv— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 15, 2025SAG-AFTRA:WATCH NOW! SAG-AFTRA NED @DuncanCI and @sagaftraFOUND ED Cyd Wilson had a conversation about the Los Angeles wildfire resources available to #SagAftraMembers. Watch on Instagram!Part 1: https://t.co/5c0yxv8vZLPart 2: https://t.co/H4eHMh9UnbPart 3: https://t.co/lHfNTfyHue pic.twitter.com/rbAPSmMFVn— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 14, 2025Service Employees International Union:2M SEIU Members 🤝 13M AFL-CIO MembersSEIU just joined America’s biggest federation of labor unions, the @AFLCIO. Together, we’re taking on corporate union busters and changing the rules so every worker who wants a union can have one. Let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/KK0cKnSSYW— SEIU (@SEIU) January 9, 2025Solidarity Center:The Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia – FAWUL – is bargaining for better living & working conditions at Bridgestone’s Liberia rubber plantation ✊🏿 Stand in solidarity with our partners by signing their petition. 🖋️ sign here https://t.co/o2xVtcGHlv#WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 12, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:Destructive wildfires in Southern California have destroyed the homes of at least three of our members. At least 30 Guild members have been directly impacted in evacuation zones along with 220 other CWA members: https://t.co/usJ1OsxYv5— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 13, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Workers worked so hard to put on their shows, but the unit of nearly 100 workers at the Atlantic Theater Company UNANIMOUSLY voted to authorize a strike because they deserve healthcare and a living wage!Segment featured on Fox 5, Good Day New York pic.twitter.com/QsXd5dRHGB— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 15, 2025Transport Workers Union:Onboard @GoBrightline workers have voted 2-1 to join the Transport Workers Union, overcoming opposition from management that urged a contingent of more than 100 employees not to organize. @SunSentinel https://t.co/7R56VGgKCj— TWU (@transportworker) January 15, 2025Transportation Trades Department:Once again, workers refuse to be silenced by corporate greed and union busting tactics. Congratulations to @transportworker and Brightline workers on this organizing victory! https://t.co/iG4MuvCXlu— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 14, 2025UAW:UAW National Ford and Sub-Council meetings are taking place this week in Chattanooga, TN. These meetings are an important opportunity for local and national leadership to come together and strategize for the coming year. pic.twitter.com/tKaiGE2Ms5— UAW (@UAW) January 15, 2025UNITE HERE:UNITE HERE leaders joined our siblings from across the labor movement in Las Vegas this week for CES and the #LITSummit.@SAGAFTRA @AFTunion @WeAreALPA @ATUComm @MachinistsUnion @IATSE @NationalNurses @RWDSU @TTDAFLCIO @transportworker pic.twitter.com/dPzyDebirq— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 10, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Recently, workers at The Convalarium of Dublin nursing home in OH, have officially joined UFCW Local 1059!The now members, reached out to the local after conversations revealed shared concerns about erratic scheduling & pay inaccuracies.➡️ https://t.co/hvJeh2KqKi pic.twitter.com/0dqzEXyziT— UFCW (@UFCW) January 14, 2025United Steelworkers:In 2024, we achieved significant victories for workers through Rapid Response, our grassroots education and action program addressing legislative issues that affect working families. Let’s take a moment to celebrate what we achieved together over the past year 👏. pic.twitter.com/x9NAmkvfhc— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 15, 2025Utility Workers:On an average day, Melissa Suarez of UWUA local 129 handles around 100 calls. Every call is different, which keeps things interesting. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/Asczmv1Y1N— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 15, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Nonfiction production workers at Lucky 8 have UNIONIZED with the WGAE! There’s no need for management to roll the dice, our demand is clear: voluntary recognition without delay or division. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/LU8XAicdpa— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 14, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/15/2025 – 10:01
Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program
The registration deadline for the first Human Rights Program of 2025 is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Find the call letter and registration instructions here. The IAM Human Rights Department is offering this course at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. This year’s schedule is as follows: Human Rights Program March
The post Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program appeared first on IAMAW.
Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program
The registration deadline for the first Human Rights Program of 2025 is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Find the call letter and registration instructions here. The IAM Human Rights Department is offering this course at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. This year’s schedule is as follows: Human Rights Program March
The post Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program appeared first on IAMAW.
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union at Alabama Chemical Plant
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union at Alabama Chemical Plant
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Production and maintenance workers at the Gaylord Chemical manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, voted last week to join the International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC), part of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).Workers at the plant—who make chemical compounds used in medical and industrial solvents and food additives—reached out to the union a few months ago to begin their organizing efforts. Their landslide election win is even more exciting in the context of Alabama’s “right to work” laws and vocally anti-union lawmakers.“I just want to thank the [ICWUC] for getting behind us and supporting us. As soon as we reached out to them, they were quick to respond,” one Gaylord Chemical worker stated.Jordan Easley, ICWUC’s national organizing coordinator, said of the campaign victory: “[Workers] excelled when it came to open support, public support, and the numbers reflected that. They got what they deserve. Obviously most employers don’t want a union, but I think [Gaylord Chemical] were stopped in their tracks. They are reminded that you need workers more than workers need you.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/15/2025 – 09:41
Updated Function Four Operation Numbers
January 15, 2025“Clerks should ensure that they are on the correct workhour operation. Standby codes are NOT work hours.” – Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks
magazineClerk Division Lamont Brooks
Actual vs. ‘Earned’ Complement
The APWU objects to the Postal Service using “Earned Hours” as opposed to actual “Work Hours” to determine staffing. The APWU asserts that this violates Article 37.3.A.1., which requires the Postal Service to use all available “work hours” for Clerk Craft assignments.
If we challenge the models or tools management uses, it should only be as a rebuttal to their position and should not be the main argument. We should not devote significant time to rebutting management’s staffing models and tools. Our main focus should be advancing our extremely strong Article 37.3.A.1. language, and referencing the three National Goldberg awards and two Step 4 settlements.
In its April 3, 2017, reply to Lamont Brooks, the Postal Service took the position that “earned hours” are simply “internal management tools” to provide data to local management and ensure compliance with the contract. They insist that earned hours should match work hours. That is why actual work hours are the controlling method to determine staffing. We must fight to adequately staff the window and mail processing. Delayed mail and long lines in the lobby are contrary to proper staffing. Lead Clerks should be assisting management to properly staff the offices.
The most important clock rings are as follows:
Begin Tour
Out to Lunch
In from Lunch
End Tour
Clerks should ensure that they are on the correct workhour operation. Standby codes are NOT work hours.
When clerks are not clocking on the proper operation it becomes a management excuse to reduce the complement. Operation 956 SOV is used for loaner hours. The Postal Service informed the Clerk Division that local management can add operation numbers that may be missing on an MDD/IO scanner.
We remain in discussions on Operation 352, which the parties negotiated at the national level for retail lobby assistance duties prior to reaching the window. Detailed descriptions of operation numbers are in the M-32 Handbook.
The updated list of Function Four Operation codes is as follows:
TAC140R2 – v4.002 – (09) National Authorized Operations
Operation
Operation Desc
CAG A-L (F1) Non-Supv LDC
CAG A-L (F1) Supv LDC
2280
Express mail delivery
4800
2000
2410
Allied distribution
4300
—-
3150
SDUS incoming parcels
4100
—-
3170
SDUS Sunday parcels
4100
—-
3180
Small DU sorters (SDUS) bundle
4100
—-
3190
Small DU sorters (SDUS) SCF
4100
—-
3530
Operational standby cust srv
4800
2000
3550
Window services
4500
—-
3570
Government services
4500
—-
5440
Cages serving carriers
4800
—-
5580
Office work & records-CS
4800
2000
6060
Institutional standby cust srv
4800
—-
6080
Stewards – Clerks – CS
4800
—-
6210
Travel customer service
4800
2000
6250
Stewards-mail handler-CS
4800
—-
6310
Meeting time-customer services
4800
2000
6370
Postage due/BRM/MRS/PRS
4200
—-
6670
CFS Miscellaneous Support
4900
—-
7420
Misc activity-Cust Serv
4800
2000
7690
Box section
4400
—-
7970
CFS manual forward/RTS Oper
4900
2000
9050
ADUS incoming parcels
4100
—-
9080
Auto DU Sorters (ADUS) bundle
4100
—-
9090
Auto DU sorters (ADUS) SCF
4100
—-
9100
ADUS Sunday parcels
4100
—-
9560
SOV activities
4700
—-
0770
Sunday parcel distribution
4300
2000
0850
CFS COA scanning
4900
—-
Updated Function Four Operation Numbers0
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