NALC Branch 887 Newsletter
July 2024
President Zach's Message
Dear Members,
Welcome to the July 2024 edition of our NALC newsletter. This issue includes important updates on our ongoing issues, upcoming events, and essential resources available to you. We appreciate your continued dedication and hard work.
The Importance of Participation
I would like to bring to everyone’s attention a few decisions that the union has received this year that drive the point home that we - together - are much stronger than we are apart.
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This decision was received after a series of interviews were conducted with a lot of you. We asked you if leave slips had been filled out off the clock previously, we asked you if you had ever had leave denied due to it being requested for separate weeks on the same slip, and we asked if you had been able to use the copy machine to get copies of these leave slips. Due to your participation, we were able to come away with this precedent-setting decision that protects our rights for the rest of Provo’s life! We need the statements, interviews, and information in order to appropriately do our jobs and take care of our carriers. Please let your fellow brothers and sisters know that participation with the union can only mean more rights defended for all of us!
4E 19N-4E-C 24268742
This decision was received after a series of text messages were sent to carriers asking if their vehicles were being maintained in a safe and sanitary, professional condition. As you can see, management in Provo will make the argument that only a select number of carriers participated in the interviews/statements/etc. This may not have affected the instant grievance as much, as the DRT still accepted our arguments with, as management put in their contentions, only 23% of the carriers, however, with more and more participation into the unions’ investigations, our arguments only get stronger and more resilient.
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Many carriers participated in the surveys handed out in both offices by Tom and myself, and additionally participated by way of text message to a few questions we sent out. This particular decision has been impassed, which means that the DRT could not come to a decision for us based on the arguments at Formal A & Step B, and that the case will be docketed for Arbitration (or we will receive a Pre-Arbitration decision at the least). This does not mean the case is lost, and it is actually an exciting time to bring up that, when a case goes to arbitration, any of the carriers who participated in the investigation of the grievance will be able to be called to the stand to further testify their arguments and stances in interest arbitration. Imagine how much stronger the unions’ cases will be if we have an overflowing of participation on the issues that are most important to us.
Remember, we have the louder voice if we use the weapons at our disposal - our pens, paper, and voices!
In solidarity,
Zachary Parrish
Steward Tom’s Message
Intervention Team
The intervention in Provo continues and is scheduled to continue beyond July. Management and the union have been meeting with a USPS Rep and an NALC Rep every two weeks. The amount of grievances, decisions and managerial issues are what brought them here, so we continue to be hopeful that some positive change eventually comes from these meetings.
Recent Step B Decisions
We continue to receive multiple Step B decisions weekly. One recent decision of note would include:
ODL
There are many rules that come with signing on the ODL list. As many of you already know there is the Work Assignment list, the ODL 12 hour and 10 list. You can only sign up on the list at the beginning of each quarter, but you can remove yourself from the list at any time. Once you remove yourself (in writing) you will be officially off the list within 24 hours and will be automatically put on the 8 hour list. Since we (the union) have been filing quarterly equitability grievances each quarter I feel like it is imperative to inform each of you that if you remove yourself before the quarter is over you will be ineligible to be included in the quarterly grievance. Which means, if you remain on the list for the entire quarter and you end up below the average overtime during the quarter, you will be entitled to either make up hours for the following quarter or a payout equivalent to the hours you could have worked.
CCA’s
Any CCA that is beyond the 90 day probationary period is automatically allowed union protection. So to any CCA’s out there, please understand that you do have rights and are allowed union protection. I have had a few questions in relation to what happens to a CCA when they encounter their break in service. Here is a short break down:
During the Break in Service:
Duration:
A break in service must be at least five days long. There is no maximum duration specified, but CCAs are typically rehired within a reasonable time frame if operational needs require their services again.
End of Term:
After completing a 360-day term, a CCA is required to have a break in service before being rehired for another term. This break is a minimum of five days but can be longer depending on the needs of the USPS.
Employment Status:
The CCA is not considered an active employee during the break in service. This means they are temporarily separated from their job at USPS and will not receive payment.
Health Insurance Coverage:
Health insurance coverage stops. CCAs enrolled in the USPS Health Benefits Plan lose their coverage during the break and need to re-enroll upon rehire, potentially facing a waiting period.
Other Benefits:
Other benefits tied to active employment, such as leave accrual, stop accumulating. The CCA will not accrue annual leave during the break.
Seniority and Pay:
Seniority does not accrue during the break in service. This can affect future opportunities for career conversion and route assignments.
Paychecks and any related compensation cease for the duration of the break.
Unemployment Benefits:
Depending on the length of the break and state regulations, CCAs may be eligible for unemployment benefits during the break in service.
Opting or Hold Downs:
A break in service for a City Carrier Assistant (CCA) does cancel a hold down. According to the NALC and USPS agreements, when a CCA has a break in service, their hold down is terminated, and they lose their rights to the assignment they were holding down. The break in service effectively ends the hold down assignment, and the position can be filled by another eligible employee.
After the Break in Service:
Rehire Process:
CCAs must go through the rehire process. While previous employment may be a positive factor, rehiring is not guaranteed.
Upon rehire, CCAs often need to complete necessary paperwork and possibly undergo a re-orientation.
Re-enrollment in Benefits:
CCAs must re-enroll in health benefits and other programs. There may be a waiting period before health insurance coverage resumes.
Seniority:
The break in service results in a loss of continuous seniority. When rehired, the CCA's seniority date resets, which can impact career progression and bidding for assignments.
Training and Orientation:
Depending on the length of the break, CCAs might need to undergo some level of retraining or re-orientation to ensure they are up to date with current policies and procedures.
Opting or Hold Downs:
If a CCA had an opt or hold down on a route, that CCA would need to put in a new opt or hold down after the break in service.
Training and Resources
Steward Training Workshops
We are excited to announce upcoming training for NALC stewards. These sessions will cover how to file a grievance, the grievance process, contract knowledge, and effective communication strategies. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details.
Health and Safety
Staying Safe on the Job
As we continue to navigate through challenging times, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure you are familiar with the physical demands of your duties and follow all safety protocols to prevent injuries. Here is a list of additional resources:
https://www.nalc.org/workplace-issues/safety-and-health/safety-and-health-resources
Branch Bylaws
We continue to ask for any member submission to any future changes to our Bylaws and we will present any changes for a vote in future union meetings. Please feel free to email Eugene with any suggestions: breakdown30@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Dave Johnson’s Retirement Party
Saturday July 13th @ 3:30-7pm - Union office The Startup Building Co-Working
Annual NALC 887 BBQ
August 17th @ Kiwanis Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/g4B87hdXjnqQseVq5
Payson Onion 5K/10K
Please join us for a run on Labor Day (09/02/2024)!
https://www.raceentry.com/payson-onion-days-5k10k/race-information
Contact Us
For any questions please feel free to call, text or email us. Email: nalcbranch887@gmail.com
You can also follow recent news and updates at the branch website: https://www.nalcbranch887.org
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