DMAL/APWU Election Committee Report
by Deanna Tesone, Chairperson
At the membership meeting on Saturday, January 27, 2007, nominations were held for all elected offices of the local. The following eligible candidates will be on the ballot:
Sample Ballot:
All Ballots:
* President:
Gary L. Scott
Dave Villalva
*Executive Vice-President:
John A. Ancona
Steve Claeson
Sonda Goss
Ric Lopez
*Director of Industrial Relations:
Paul Pearman
Bobby J. Rollins
Maintenance Craft Ballots only:
*Director of the Maintenance Craft:
James H. Elliott
Miguel Salazar
Tino Valle
Clerk Craft Ballots only:
*Director of the Clerk Craft:
Jackie Fleming
Bonnie A. Hollomon
Brian Thomason
All Ballots:
*Human Relations Director:
Al Barker
Phil Desautels
Sandy M. Garcia
Carolyn Molock-Shipp
Clerk Craft Ballots only:
*Assistant Clerk Craft Director
Christine (Chris) Arellano
Dave Coker
Lawanda Davis
All Ballots:
*Assistant Director of Industrial Relations:
Mark R. Kirby
Muriel Ponder
Kathryn (Kathy) Prusak
*Automatic Delegate to the APWU National Convention.
The following member was nominated for office, but declared ineligible by the Election Committee because he did not meet the union meeting attendance requirements of the DMAL Constitution and Bylaws, Article XI, Section 8.
Not eligible as candidate for Trustee, Maintenance Craft: Jesse Montoya
According to the DMAL Constitution and Bylaws, Article XI, Section 4(f), unopposed candidates shall be declared elected. The following candidates were the only members who accepted the nomination for their respective offices and are hereby declared elected by the Election Committee:
*Director of the MVS Craft: | Robert Helmig |
*Recording Secretary: | Gail E. Kirby |
Trustee of Clerk Craft: | Tim W. Gillette |
Trustee of Motor Vehicle Craft: | Tim L. Feuerstein |
* Automatic Delegate to the APWU National Convention)
The American Arbitration Association is conducting the election under the supervision of the Election Committee. Ballots will be mailed by March 1, 2007 and must be returned by 9:00 AM March 22, 2007 in order to be valid. Any member who has not received a ballot in the mail by March 6, 2007, or any member who needs a duplicate ballot may contact the American Arbitration Association at 303-831-0823 to request a duplicate. Any problems or questions should be brought to the attention of the Election Committee immediately, so that any necessary corrective action may be taken. Election protests should also be brought to the attention of the Election Committee immediately. The Election Committee may be reached at 303-365-1524 ext. 337, or by mail at the DMAL headquarters; 15677 E. 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80011.
New Election Committee Appointments
by Dennis Enderson, President
At the January 27, 2007 union meeting, two members of the previously appointed Denver Metro Area Local APWU Election Committee were nominated as candidates and have subsequently accepted their nominations. In accordance with the Local’s Constitution and Bylaws, no sitting officer and no officer candidate is eligible to serve on the Election Committee. Therefore, Steve Claeson and Muriel Ponder will no longer serve on the committee. Because the Election Committee must be comprised of at least five members, it was necessary to appoint two new individuals. I have asked Greg Hanson and Rudy Apodaca to serve on the committee, and both have graciously accepted. Also, the Denver Metro APWU Executive Board has unanimously approved both appointments. Many thanks go to Greg and Rudy for stepping up and agreeing to serve on this important committee.
Union Meeting Reminder
by Dennis Enderson
The next regular Denver Metro Area Local APWU membership meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at the union office located at 15677 E. 17th Ave. in Aurora. At this very important meeting, all candidates for office will be afforded an option to address the membership about their candidacy for up to five minutes, Candidate speeches will be timed and regulated by the Election Committee. Don’t miss your chance to see union democracy in action and hear from your future leaders!
Special Mountaineer on the Way
by Dennis Enderson, President
The next issue of the Mountaineer will contain campaign articles authored by candidates in the upcoming local election, along with any paid ads submitted by candidates and/or their supporters. This is a special election only issue, and will not contain normal officer and other articles. This issue will arrive in your mailbox sometime between mid to late February. Please watch for your copy of the next Mountaineer so you can make an informed decision when the time comes!
Thank You and Farewell
by Dennis Enderson, President
I have served as an APWU official for twenty of my twenty-five years in the United States Postal Service. I served for three years as Treasurer of the Pensacola, Florida Area Local beginning in 1985. I became a steward in Denver shortly after I transferred here in 1987. I was elected to the newly created part-time officer position of Administrative Aide in early 1992, and was appointed to the full-time position of Local Business Agent later that year. I was elected as Executive Vice-President in 1995, and served in that position for three full terms until you saw fit to elect me as President three years ago in 2004. All told, I have served as a full-time officer for the past fifteen years. After much consideration over the past several months, I have decided that twenty years is enough. I am not a candidate in the upcoming officer election, and I will be returning to my Postal Service duty assignment when my term expires on Saturday, March 24, 2007. It would be impossible for me to thank all of the people with whom I have served over the years. So many of them have been so wonderful to work with, and fought with me in the trenches when it mattered so much. I am particularly pleased that so many individuals have stepped up to run for office. It is gratifying that such a large number of activists have the passion to want to lead us in the future. I wish all of the candidates good fortune in the election. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. May we always remember what a rare privilege it is to have a union in the work place. May we always appreciate and treasure the honor of serving our union. May we always remain dedicated to preserving the principles for which we stand.
Winter Slip and Fall Safety Tips
by Rick Romero, Denver Metro APWU Safety & Health Representative
It's near that time of season where slips and falls occur at an increasing number here on campus. Facilities Planning and Management's Grounds Services and Custodial Services Departments do a very good job of keeping the sidewalks and steps clear of snow and ice. However, there may be icy patches they may not have had a chance to get to before you've walked to your office, etc. The links below provide some good advice on being aware of your surroundings during the winter months and ways to prevent slips and falls.
How to Prevent It
v Wear the proper foot gear.
v Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
v Walk slowly and never run on icy ground.
v Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets.
v Use handrails from start to finish.
v Avoid carrying loads on stairways; or carry loads that you can see over.
v Keep you eyes on where you are going.
v Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
v Step - Don't jump from vehicles and equipment.
v Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and slippery materials.
When these helpful hints don't work, and you know you are going to slip, try to reduce your potential injury when falling by: Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backwards, rather than falling forward. Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall. Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.
Safe Winter Walking
Walking to and from parking lots and between buildings during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. We often forget how dangerous slipping and falling can be. The National Safety Council estimates that occupational falls cause more than 1500 deaths per year, along with approximately 300,000 injuries. No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from streets and sidewalks, employees will encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter. Each year numerous employees are injured from slips and falls. It is important to be continually aware of the dangers and to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces. Plan ahead; give yourself sufficient time and plan your route. Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice: rubber and neoprene composite. Avoid plastic and leather soles. Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support. Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous. Look ahead when you walk; a sidewalk completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction. When given no choice but to walk on ice, consider the following:
v Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
v Bend slightly, walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible.
v Be prepared to fall.
v If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip, and shoulder to avoid using your arms to protect against breakage.
v Bend your back and head forward so you won't slam your head on the pavement as your feet shoot out from under you.
v Finally, when entering buildings, remove snow and water from footwear to prevent creating wet slippery conditions indoors.
One category of accident on campus that frequently results in lost time and affects a considerable number of employees is slips, trips and falls. This subject is particularly important during the winter months when many exterior walking surfaces are wet and/or slippery. A few simple precautions can help reduce your chances of being injured from a slip and fall. Use floor mats to remove moisture from the soles of your shoes upon enter a building. Don't allow rain that has collected on your umbrella to be deposited on indoor walking surfaces. Avoid inclines and slippery walking surfaces if possible. Be aware of your footing and any potential slip, trip or fall hazard that may be present. Select appropriate footwear. Remember that no shoe sole material is perfect under all conditions. Shoes soles made of hard plastic or leather and high-heeled shoes are less than ideal, especially during wet weather. Report slip, trip and fall hazards. Use a handrail where available.
Snow Storm Grievances
by Paul Pearman, Director of Industrial Relations
Management has already paid Administrative Leave for all APWU represented crafts that reported to work on December 20, 2006 (Tour 2) and left work, Tour 3 on December 20, 2006 and Tours 1 and 2 on December 21, 2006 for the GMF, MPA, AMC and Denver Stations.
I have filed two grievances; one for each storm. Regarding the first grievance, the union believes that Tour 3 on 12/21/2006 and Tours 1 and 2 for 12/22/2006 be paid Administrative Leave. The second grievance is for Tour 3 on 12/28/2006 and Tours 1 and 2 on 12/29/2006 be paid Administrative Leave.
Your help is needed. We need statements from our members on both storms. If you have photos, and are willing to share them, please send them to the union hall through your stewards or e-mail them to me at:
dir@denverapwu.com.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 303-365-1524 ext. 13.
Yet Another PTF Conversion
by Tina Desautels, Field Coordinator
Thanks to Phil Desautels whose hard work has resulted in the conversion of the senior PTF, Janet Mason at the Erie Post Office. They now have two regular employees and one PTF employee.
/jd
