Oct. 25th Anthrax Teleconference a Success

Burrus Updates #57, Oct. 26, 2001

The October 25 teleconference was a huge success. Approximately 500 sites were connected, and thousands of local leaders and employees had the opportunity to hear the present status of the anthrax situation and to ask questions. The reception was positive, and I have committed to conducting a similar teleconference once per week. The next teleconference will be held on Friday, November 2, 2001 at 1:15 PM Eastern Time. Any local wishing to participate should contact their state president to be connected.

The relationship between the union and management in the efforts to provide secure and safe conditions for employees has met its first test and has survived. Information was received that Morgan Station in New York had been tested as positive for anthrax by the CDC, and local management determined to vacate the floor where the contamination existed and reassign the employees to other locations within the building. I discussed the issue with the postmaster general and conveyed that APWU-represented employees would not work in any building found to be contaminated with anthrax. After serious discussions, it was agreed that the employees would be advised of the possible exposure and it would be left to the employees to decide if they would continue to work in the building.

There will be occasions when testing will reveal trace contamination which does not pose a serious threat to employees, but the question of trace or serious must be left to the discretion of the employees. The American Postal Workers Union insists that any building found to be infected with anthrax must be vacated, with the exception of those employees who voluntarily continue working in the facility. The national union will enforce this action. Any local experiencing conflicting local orders should contact Corey Thompson at 202-842-4273. This number should be used only in those circumstances where anthrax is confirmed in a facility and local management refuses to vacate.

Any other deviation from the rules that have been published on the APWU web site should be forwarded through the local president, Business Agent and Regional Coordinator for resolution. This does not involve detailed reports, but a simple telephone call outlining the specific facts. It is my intent to resolve every issue within a 24-hour period.

There are media reports that selected government employees will be vaccinated for anthrax, and a study will be undertaken to determine risk. The medical community recommends that vaccinations for large groups of employees be avoided because of the risks involved. Until the study is completed, postal employees will not and should not be subjected to the experiment. If it is concluded that vaccinations will be effective and not harmful to postal employees, we will pursue that option.

Bill Burrus
Executive Vice President

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