We have been reporting for some time that the AFSM 100s at the Denver General Mail Facility are scheduled to be retrofitted with “Automatic Induction” and “Automatic Tray Handling” systems that would reduce and/or eliminate the need for manual loading and sweeping of these machines. Based on the best available information, it appears that the AI system may be installed sometime in the middle of 2006. It is unclear when the ATHS system will be installed, although there is a deployment schedule showing it arriving in 2006. These modifications will almost certainly result in significant staffing reductions in the AFSM 100 operation on all tours. We will most likely experience excessing and abolishing from these sections.

In an action that could have serious safety implications, the USPS has applied for an exemption from a Department of Transportation rule that limits the number of hours that drivers can spend at work. If the waiver is approved, Highway Contract Route (HCR) drivers would be permitted to drive more than 11 hours in a day and could be at work (driving and on standby) in excess of 14 hours. HCR drivers work for private mail-carriers under contract with the USPS. The request for the waiver may also be part of USPS efforts to reconfigure mail-processing operations. The change would give the Postal Service more flexibility in its consolidation efforts, allowing it to merge operations in plants that are even farther apart. In that case, an exemption from the hours-of-service rule would impact all APWU crafts.

The APWU has received notification from the USPS the following locations will be the subject of AMP studies:

At the regular meeting on Saturday, November 26, 2005, the membership voted unanimously to send three additional delegates to the 2006 APWU National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This vote was taken in accordance with the Denver Metro APWU’s Constitution and Bylaws. A delegate election will occur during the February 2006 membership meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Nominations for the delegate election will be accepted at the membership meeting on Saturday, January 28, 2006 beginning at 9:00 AM. There will be three general delegate slots available along with two Associate Office delegate positions. Candidates for Associate Office delegates must be actively employed in a Denver Metro APWU Associate Office. Candidates for General delegates may come from any office and any craft within the local’s jurisdiction. Please be sure to attend the February union meeting so you can participate in our delegate election!

A U.S. Appeals Court has granted a Postal Service petition for a rehearing in a landmark court decision that invalidated return-to-work requirements for employees with absences of more than 21 days. The appeals court action vacates the July 19, 2005, ruling that had been hailed as a major victory in the fight to preserve workers’ rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In accordance with the Goldberg Interest Arbitration Award a few years ago, all non-REC site Transitional Employees must be separated by no later than December 31, 2005. This “sunset” date is nearly upon us, and management has given notice that all Denver District TE’s will be separated by no later than Friday, December 23, 2005. Our hearts go out to these individuals, but the APWU never agreed with the creation of this category of employees, who do not enjoy career status. Fortunately, many former TE’s have taken the entrance examination and been hired as career employees. Unfortunately, we could not persuade management to hire our current TE’s in CFS as career clerks, even though there remains a demonstrated need for these employees in the future. This process of separating non-REC site TE’s represents the closing of an unfortunate chapter in the history of the Postal Service. The APWU hopes this chapter is never again reopened.

In the last bulletin I reported that two PTFS Clerks in the Golden office would soon be converted to Full Time Regular status. Recording Secretary Gail Kirby reports that Golden Steward Mark Kraut was instrumental in achieving this union victory. Many thanks go to Mark for his outstanding efforts on behalf of these employees!

We are now in the middle of open season to obtain or change your health plan. When deciding what plan to choose, please consider the APWU Health Plan. It offers a Consumer Driven Health Plan and High Option Plan. The costs are as listed below:

• Saturday, December 10, 2005 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Annual Denver Metro APWU Children’s Christmas Party at the union office for members only and their children ages 12 and under.
• December 13 & 14, 2005 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each night – Santa calls to the children of our members. Please contact the union office to request a form so we can coordinate these calls with Santa’s busy schedule! 
• Now until Christmas – Send a letter to Santa Claus and receive a personalized response letter to your child. Please send your Santa letters to the union office so we can forward them to his workshop at the North Pole. Make sure to include a return address so Santa can respond to your child.