December Penalty OT
“Exclusion Period” Set
by Dennis Enderson, President
In accordance with Article 8.4 of the National Collective Bargaining Agreement, the inclusive dates wherein penalty overtime will not apply are December 2, 2006 through December 29, 2006. In addition the normal overtime “caps” of no more than 12 hours of work in a day and no more than 60 hours of work in a service week for volunteers are also relaxed in December.
Unencumbered Regulars – Beware
by Dennis Enderson, President
“Unencumbered” regular employees who do not currently occupy a duty assignment need to be aware that they are subject to involuntary assignment to appropriate residual vacancies at any time. In most offices, vacant duty assignments (bid jobs) are posted for bids no less frequently than once per month. Employees who have lost their duty assignments for any reason (excessing and abolishing, reposting, etc.) need to carefully review such postings and submit bids to acquire new duty assignments as quickly as possible. “Residual” duty assignments are created when vacancies receive no bids or remain vacant when no bidders successfully qualify. The contract allows management to assign unencumbered regular employees to such residual vacancies. While unencumbered employees serving as 204B’s would normally be excluded from such assignments, nothing prohibits management from terminating these employees’ higher level details to facilitate this process. The Denver Metro APWU fully supports this concept because it honors the broader principles of seniority within each craft. Please contact your steward or an officer with any questions about your seniority bidding rights and/or the process of involuntary assignments.
Contract Talks Take a Discouraging Turn
Burrus Update #16-06,Nov. 3, 2006
As I reported in Update #15-2006 (Oct. 30, 2006), contract negotiations were proceeding as expected, with the union submitting proposals intended to improve the conditions of postal employees, and the USPS offering proposals that would degrade employee rights and benefits.
The Postal Service’s negative proposals were anticipated, and did not differ drastically from those presented in previous negotiations. As discussions transpired, we held guarded expectations that a final agreement could be reached on or before November 20th, the date the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires. Unfortunately our hopes came crashing down at the negotiating session held October 31st, when management presented a series of proposals that, if adopted, would drastically demean postal employment. The subjects included:
- Elimination of no-layoff protection
- Increased use of casuals
- Expansion of part-time employment
- Elimination of local negotiations
- Modification of holiday scheduling and pay
- Expansion of work and/or time standards
The union’s response is straightforward: These proposals are dead on arrival.
The USPS decision to submit such outrageous suggestions can only hinder negotiations. Clearly, management knows the union would never entertain such regressive proposals.
What message is the Postal Service sending by introducing these proposals? Perhaps management has no real interest in reaching a negotiated agreement. If, on the other hand, this is merely a bargaining tactic, postal negotiators should rethink their strategy and work to get back on track by considering how we can move forward together toward a positive conclusion.
Membership News
by Yu Lan Mullinax, Denver GMF T1 Steward
Frank M. Androde, father of Rachel Belmudez, passed away on October 4, 2006. Mr. Androde is survived by five children, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Frank was raised and spent his entire life in Lamar, Colorado. He was well known and respected in the community. Frank’s love for kids and sports led to him coaching the neighborhood baseball team. Frank will be missed by Rachel and her family plus all the neighborhood kids he coached over the years.
Congratulations to first time grandmother Laura Gomez and the proud parents. Aowyn Garcia arrived on October 20, 2006. She’s 19 inches long and weighs 6 pounds and 12 ounces. Aowyn has been keeping her grandmother on her toes. Grandma hasn’t been getting much sleep since Aowyn’s birth.
Tips: Preventing
Common Raking Related Injuries
by Rick Romero, Denver Metro APWU Safety & Health Coordinator
For so many in the United States, the invigorating and colorful days of autumn bring the inevitable chore of raking up the leaves. Yet what may seem like just another routine off job around the house is really a vigorous aerobic workout that involves prolonged repetitive motion, twisting, bending, lifting and carrying. Due to the physically strenuous nature of the work, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reminds those charged with the task to take proper safety measures to avoid injury. “Raking leaves is tough exercise and if not done properly can lead to painful musculoskeletal injury,” said Alexander D. Blevens, MD, orthopedic surgeon and member, AAOS. “You want to protect your bones, they’re the only ones you’ve got—so remember to actually do all the things you’ve heard over the years ‘bend from the knees, lift only what you can comfortably carry, don’t wrench or twist yourself, and don’t overdo it – it’s as simple as that.
Recent statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that Americans suffered nearly 28,000 injuries from raking last year which required treatment in hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and clinics. The improper use of yard tools, combined with overextension and overexertion of muscles, can increase susceptibility to musculoskeletal injury. In an effort to minimize and prevent raking-related injuries, the AAOS offers the following tips:
Stretch. As with any physical activity, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise. It is also essential to stretch your muscles after raking to relieve tension.
Conduct a yard walk-through. Prior to raking, it is important to pick up any fallen branches, tree limbs or debris that may cause you to trip and fall.
Use a rake that feels comfortable for your height and strength. Avoid using a rake that is too short or long. Allow space between your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage. Wear gloves or use rakes with padded handles to help prevent blisters.
Pace yourself. Since raking is an aerobic activity, make sure to take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care, such as by calling 911.
See what you are raking. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for large rocks, low branches, tree stumps and uneven surfaces.
Vary movements when raking. To rake without strain, alternate your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist. Also, keep the leaf piles small, so you don’t strain your back while gathering.
Exercise care walking on wet leaves. Wet leaves can be very slippery so be careful when walking over them. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.
Avoid overfilling leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. You should be able to carry bags comfortably, so make sure they aren’t too heavy or large.
Do not throw the leaves over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that places undue stress on your back.
Bid Annual Process to Begin Soon
by Brian Thomason, Director Clerk Craft
I am now in the process of meeting with management on the Bid Annual Form for the 2007 leave year. The request form should be approved by early next week and will be distributed no later than December 1, 2006. I am meeting with management now in hopes of getting these forms out as soon as possible so that you will have ample opportunity to be thinking about your choices and submit the form back to your supervisor no later than December 18, 2006. Bid Annual Forms turned in after that date will not be considered nor approved per Article 4 of the LMOU.
POLO, ANYONE?
from www.postalreporter.com
Mark your calendar. On Nov. 18, the new retail polo shirt will become part of the official uniform for retail associates. Unless approved by local management, polo shirts must be tucked in and worn with authorized slacks, skirts or skorts. You won’t need a necktie with the new shirt, which can be layered under other authorized uniform clothing. Licensed uniform vendors are accepting orders now." According to online uniform vendors, Polo shirts will not be shipped until Nov. 18th.
Human Relations
by Phil Desautels, Director Human Relations
I would like to make a request, especially those of you in MVS. Frank (Gonzo) Gonzales had an operation and is expected to be out from work until sometime after Christmas. I spoke with him just after his operation. He thought he would be fine, financially. However, because of wrong advice from his supervisor, he has had a couple of short paychecks. This has led him to have a very hard time paying his bills. Gonzo is a very loyal union member of many years, and has helped many people with their issues over that time. He’s a giver. So, it’s time we helped him. If you can spare some extra cash, or donate some annual leave to him, that would be great. To get his address and/or the annual leave donation case number, please call me at 303-365-1524, ext. 339.
Members Approve Constitutional Changes
by Dennis Enderson, President
At the regular membership meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2006, the membership unanimously approved three changes to the Denver Metro Area Local APWU Constitution and By-Laws. These changes were as follows:
1. Re-title the officer position of “Administrative Aide” as the “Assistant Director of Industrial Relations. (This change takes effect immediately.)
2. Raise the salaries of the Maintenance and Motor Vehicle Craft Directors from $200 to $300 per month. (This change takes effect with the March 2007 Denver Metro APWU Officer Election.)
3. Create an elected officer position of “Human Relations Director” while eliminating the old elected officer position of “Executive Director”. (This change takes effect with the March 2007 Denver Metro APWU officer election.)
The local Constitution and By-Laws has been updated to reflect these changes. Copies are available to any member upon request, and may also be obtained on the local’s web page at
www.denverapwu.com.
VETERAN’S DAY PARADE
by Marcela M. Juarez Rivera, DMAL Union Member
The Denver Postmaster’s Diversity Team invites you to join them in this years veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 10 AM. The parade will assemble at Civic Center Park at 9 AM and then proceed via 14th Street to Court Place, then to 15th Street and Champa, then east to 17th Street, then south on Broadway to 13th Avenue. The reviewing stand will be at 14th Avenue and Broadway.
Please look for our large Postal Banners at the Civic Center Park assembly and join us in representing the Postal Service. War veterans, representatives of the US Armed Forces, scout troops, young Olympians and other Denver city officials will be thanking our military veterans for what they have done for our country. We know there are many Postal Service Veterans as well, and we want to honor you on this day and thank you for your contributions to this country and to the United States Postal Service. Parking meters will be free that morning for the duration of the parade. If you have ant questions, please call Marcela at 303-853-6528.
/rb
opeiu #5
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