New and Improved DMAL Website
by Gary Scott, President
The DMAL recently revealed its new and improved website. Our new website system is the ultimate tool for our union to maintain the professional presence on the world wide web with up to the minute information and powerful membership communication tools. Our new web site will become a key part of your union’s day to day functions and a key way for the members to stay informed.
Some of the highlights of the new system are:
It is 100% union made by Unions-America.com, specifically for union organizations.
Complete content management, which will allow us to maintain all the content for the site, make changes as frequently as we need, add and remove pages, no HTML/Web design knowledge or programs needed, and no waiting for updates.
Some built-in functions include, message boards, online voting, member only resources, photo gallery, e-mail broadcasting to members and so much more.
Fully customizable look with our colors and logo, plus options for integrated custom graphic layouts.
Integrated member access with personalized access for each member to access member only features and keep their information up to date with the local.
Please visit us at
www@denverapwu.com and register to access the power and information only a click away. Interactive feedback would be appreciated as the site continues to improve and grow.
Smoking Again in MVS
by Robert Helmig, Director MVS Craft
This serves as a follow-up to a previous article I wrote on being allowed to smoke in postal vehicles while performing duties in the MVS Craft. In summary, in the late 1990’s, the NALC was successful in arbitration at the national level in securing the right for their members to smoke in postal vehicles as long as the drivers were alone. However, if the vehicle is carrying more than one person, then there should be no smoking in that vehicle unless everyone in the vehicle was a smoker.
Recently, a poll of MVS drivers revealed a majority of drivers not only were not smokers, but a number of them did not want to drive vehicles that smelled of tobacco. Smokers vs. non-smokers have always been a lose, lose proposition for the union since one group will always be unsatisfied. None the less, I have taken this issue on and we are working toward a solution that would better serve the membership. Management, George Kamisato, and I have agreed to try to minimize non-smokers exposure to trucks that have been smoked in. We are going to assign trucks to everybody. I will try to get this accomplished as soon as I can.
Just remember, this will only work if we all try and make it succeed. Dispatch clerks will have to go by the agreement, making sure the right truck is given out to the right driver. We will make efforts to keep the extra trucks separated as well, but there are no guarantees. A lot of time will have to be dedicated to this process, so be patient, and smokers, please be respectful of the non-smokers.
Medical Documentation for Absences of Three Days or Less
by Gary Scott, President
This is a reprint that appeared in an October 4, 2007, Union News Express.
It has come to my attention that management has been improperly requesting medical documentation for absences of three days or less. The union sent management a letter inquiring as to whether or not there is a disagreement on when medical documentation can be required for three days or less. A response received last week confirms no disagreement exists. There are only two circumstances under which supervisors may require medical documentation for absences of three days or less: 1.) When the employee is on restricted sick leave (pursuant to part 523.39 of the ELM), or 2.) when the supervisor deems documentation desirable for the protection of the interests of the Postal Service (part 513.361 of the ELM).
In summary, in the absence of an employee being on restricted sick leave pursuant to part 513.39 of the ELM, it is improper to require an employee to submit medical documentation for absences of three days or less involving abuse or excessive use of sick leave. Also, in the absence of an employee being on restricted sick leave pursuant to part 513.39 of the ELM, it is improper for management to deem documentation desirable for the protection of the interest of the Postal Service because of alleged abuse or excessive use of sick leave for absences of three days or less. In the GMF and other facilities using RMD/eRMS, the Postal Service’s Resource Management Database and its web based enterprise Resource Management System (eRMS), it is the APWU’s position that in the absence of an employee being on restricted sick leave pursuant to part 513. 39 of the ELM, it is improper to flag or enter the employee’s name into RMD/eRMS (or similar system of records) requiring an employee to submit medical documentation for absences of three days or less. If you believe your contractual rights have been violated please contact your steward or your craft director
The Political Season
by Tina Desautels, Political Director
The political season is really getting exciting. The National Executive Board has endorsed Barack Obama in the Democratic Primary. Locally, Joan Fitz-Gerald who is running for the Congressional seat vacated by Mark Udall in CD 2, has won the endorsement of the AFL-CIO and of our local. We have had several people volunteering on that campaign and we would love to have more.
This weekend, the State Postal Workers Union is having their convention. Joan and Betsy Markey, the candidate for CD 4, running against Marilyn Musgrave will be speaking to the delegates. These delegates represent APWU members from across the State.
I would like to urge everyone to get involved. Find out who your city council representatives are. If they know you, it is much easier to get their help when something that does affect you comes up. Find out who your State Senate and House Representatives are. These people work for you. They can’t do their job if we don’t do our job and let them know where we stand on the issues.
Lastly, VOTE!!! Sign up to vote by mail. You will avoid the lines at the polling place and you will have a paper ballot. If you need the application, please leave me a message on my voice mail at extension 437 and I will send one out to you. Have fun! This is the most amazing political season I can remember, get involved and you will have stories for your kids and grandkids about the great race in 2008! Thanks for listening.
Denver Staffing Changes Underway
by Gary Scott, President
As the world turns, so does proposed changes through out the installation. As reported earlier, the mail flow operation has been notified of changes/reductions on T-2, T-3 and now T-1 at both the GMF and the MPA. The word spread quickly and many members are rightfully concerned about when change will be knocking on their door.
Each week brings more disparaging news about mail volume. Just last week, the Colorado Springs GMF processed more mail in one day than the Denver GMF. That has not happened during my career! But those are the times we now live in. The SPBS T-2 bid regulars have received notification of BT change from 0700 to 1030. Management originally suggested a 12:00 noon BT, but backed off to the 3 ½ hour change to help us save incumbents in their job. The only other change I can report is still in the exploratory stages, but it is a probability that more mail flow jobs will be eliminated.
It has been reported to me that several SDO’s in the plant are mentioning more draconian changes to come. I do talk to the Plant Manager whenever those reports come in because I’ve learned in this environment, rumors sometime lead to truth. What I’ve been told, is that plans are being discussed as contingency plans and some of what you may hear out there are worst case scenarios. If you hear something you think needs clarifying or discrediting, don’t hesitate to contact your steward and we will get the best information we can to you.
In addition to staffing changes, management is reviewing postal policies that that may need changing or elimination in their view. Management is currently reviewing an agreement with the DMAL regarding the utilization of LWOP for bid annual periods when an employee had exhausted their annual leave balance. Due to budgetary constraints including staffing issues and the emphasis on employee availability, management is reviewing their ability to continue this policy. We will be meeting and engaging in good faith bargaining that will hopefully serve the membership’s needs.
Still anticipated are changes in the Downtown Station. The last communication I had with MSMCO Julie Shafer, there are to be no abolishments and a number of reposting of jobs (change of SDO’s) in that station. As soon as we hear more, I will report.
Moe Biller Scholarship Deadline - Close of Business May 31, 2008
by Sonda Goss, Executive Vice-President
Each year, the Scholarship Committee selects the winners of this prestigious award from the many essays that they receive. The scholarship award consists of up to five cash awards of at least $500. In order to be eligible to receive this award, the applicant must be a member in good standing for at least one year or a spouse or child of the aforementioned member. They must also provide evidence that he/she is currently attending college or other post-secondary educational program, or has been accepted to attend one of these during the upcoming fall term. The essay accompanied by each application will consist of no more than 1,000 words, covering a specific topic selected by the applicant that pertains to the general subject of how organized labor has affected working conditions in the United States. For applications and more detailed entry information, please contact Rita or Jean at the DMAL union hall at 303-365-1524.
May Membership Meeting Date Changed
by Sonda Goss, Executive Vice-President
At the April Membership Meeting, because of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, a motion was passed to change this month’s meeting to 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 17th. The business conducted at these meetings affects all of you, so mark your calendars and plan to attend. As always at our Saturday meetings, breakfast will be served.
2008 DMAL Audit Performed
by Sonda Goss, Executive Vice-President
On April 10th and 11th the DMAL Trustees (Frankie Gonzales – MVS, Tim Gillette – Clerk, and Joseph McCoy – Maintenance) conducted the annual audit of all the financial books, records and property, as set forth in Article 7, Section 13 of the DMAL Constitution & By-Laws. The Trustees found that the books and records were in order. A copy of their report will be printed in the upcoming Mountaineer. I would like to thank the trustees for their thoroughness and attention to detail. They did a great job.
Problems Calling in for FMLA Leave
by Brian Thomason, Clerk Craft Director
It has come to our attention that there are some people having difficulty in calling into the IVR system and requesting FMLA. It seems since the merger of the two postal computer systems, ERMS (Employee Resource Management System), there are problems when requesting FMLA. It seems that the IVR system rejects the employees FMLA number and sends out a new FMLA packet for the employee to fill out as if they are requesting an FMLA absence for a new condition. The FMLA office is catching these mistakes and sending out a letter to the employee asking them to call the FMLA office. If the employee will follow up with the FMLA office this can be corrected and any future requests for FMLA with an approved case number will be annotated correctly at the time of the call-in.
Thank You
by Gary Scott, President
Recently, my family and I were out of town attending funeral services for my wife’s (Cheree) grandmother in Chicago. It really warmed my heart to be in presence of friends immediately after receiving the news and the words of sympathy and support from all of you really touched our hearts. On behalf of my family, I wish to express sincere appreciation to all who called or left words of encouragement. Upon our return to Colorado, ‘forever stamps’ were received in the mail and someone knew just what was needed, and thank you very much!
Requesting a Steward for Due Process or Discussions
By Brian Thomason, Clerk Craft Director
When you are called into a meeting with management and a steward is not present, it is your responsibility to request management to provide you with a steward. St this point the meeting should stop immediately until management secures a steward for you. Do not answer ant questions until a steward is present. If management fails to get you a steward when requested, the union will pursue grievances vigorously every time and up to arbitration if necessary and declare their actions procedurally defective!
It has come to the attention of the union that management in Customer Service (Denver Stations and CFS) is requiring the clerks to schedule their steward to be present at an Informal Discussion or Due Process meeting. The union’s position of this issue is clear. It is management’s responsibility to schedule a meeting with the steward to be present, not the clerks. This instruction is coming from Labor Relations Representative Dave Sims to his Attendance Control Supervisors. Our local has a long standing past practice of many years of management requesting and scheduling a steward to be present at these meetings. It simply makes no sense to ask a clerk to schedule a meeting between their steward and supervisor for which the end result is going to be discipline. That’s like asking the horse thief to schedule the time and place with the sheriff to walk to the “hangin’ tree’ for their hangin’!
Constitution and By-Laws Amendment Deadline
by Sonda Goss, Executive Vice-President
Per the DMAL Constitution and By-Laws, Article 16.1 proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee for their recommendation on or before August 10th. The Constitution and By-Laws of the DMAL make up the basic structure and governing rules of our local. The first reading of the proposed amendments will be at the September Membership Meeting. The proposed amendments shall be acted upon after the second reading at the October meeting. You may access the 2008 Constitution and By-Laws either on line at www.denverapwu.com or by calling the union hall at 303-365-1524.
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