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‘Change Is a Constant’

(This article first appeared in the January/February 2008 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

It is normal for most people to resist change. But there is a constant in life: Change. The postal workplace is no different. We all have seen the changes to our assignments and our jobs on the floor.

Here are some of the changes we will face this year:

Postal Transformation

The Postal Service is beginning the second half of its Strategic Transformation Plan for 2006-2010. The Transformation Plan (first presented in 2002) has caused major disruptions in the lives of postal workers, and the USPS is not done yet. Reassessments, realignment, and downsizing are going to continue, and are likely to get worse.

At a recent gathering in Texas, USPS managers discussing the immediate future of the agency were asked to rate the top ways to improve their operations, and what did they come up with? The same ol’ stuff — clamp down on sick-leave usage and more flexibility using casuals.

Article 10.2 of the Joint Contract Interpretation Manual (JCIM) presents a series of restrictions on management’s attendance-control policies, while Article 10.5 outlines employee rights on sick-leave application, authorization, medical certification, extended absences, restricted sick leave, advance sick leave, minimum leave charges, LWOP, and FMLA. Take the time to read and apply the JCIM.

The 2006-2010 National Agreement places new restrictions on the usage of casuals and management will have to be closely monitored to ensure that it is not violating the Collective Bargaining Agreement. (Casual reports can be reviewed on the IR page link to “USPS Reports.”)

Local Changes

With all the changes being imposed by USPS headquarters, management in local offices no doubt will try to make unilateral changes to past practices. These types of changes are restricted by Article 5 of the JCIM. Valid past practices are clear and consistent; they have a demonstrable pattern of repetition and longevity; and there is knowledge and acceptance of their existence.

The JCIM also outlines a legitimate manner in which a past practice can be changed. The arrival of a new postmaster or supervisor is not, in itself, sufficient justification to change or terminate a binding past practice.

We must stand up for our rights and ensure we apply every legitimate method to defend those rights. If we do not do this, change will swallow us whole!

On The Political Front

One place that change is certain is at the White House, whose occupant will change after the 2008 election. Whichever party occupies that house on Pennsylvania Avenue, there will be a change that will affect the country as a whole and postal workers in particular.

The president, of course, has great influence over the policies and practices of federal agencies. And although the USPS is a quasi-government agency, the president can create commissions, issue executive orders, and find other ways to influence the outcome of postal legislation.

As working people, we need someone in the White House who will look out not just for corporate America. So each one of us must get involved in the next election. Visit the Legislative Department’s Web pages for details on the Hatch Act. We can — and should — get into the political process, for this is the future we have a direct hand in.

Internal Affairs

Our union does not exist in a vacuum. The APWU has elected leaders, but the true voice of the employees comes from your involvement in the organization’s internal affairs. In 2008, we will hold our 19th biennial national convention. The destiny and future path of the APWU is governed by the delegates to this convention. You have a stronger say in your future by introducing resolutions to be debated and acted upon.

Members must take part in their locals to help develop these resolutions and meet the deadlines set by the national APWU. Our union democracy works only if you make it work. In this process you have the future in your hands!

Eastern Regional Coordinator Jim Burke, whom we all love and will miss, has retired and left the region in the capable hands of long-time NBA Mike Gallagher, who now serves on the National Executive Board. The NEB serves the interests of the entire membership and is accessible to each APWU member through their respective regional coordinator. Brothers Omar Gonzalez and William Sullivan, and Sister Sharyn Stone and I wish Jim a blessed retirement and welcome Brother Gallagher.

 

 

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