December 2003

Well, it is that time of year again. A time to be with Family and Friends. A time to share and feel the joy of the Holidays. It is a time to set aside the stresses and demands of your job and realize the true importance of Family and Friends.

I have worked with or represented most of you throughout out my 30 plus years with the Postal Service and say this with the utmost sincerity—Have the best Christmas ever and the Happiest New Year ever!!!

I would really like to have this be my entire Article for this month; however, we are now in the Van Nuys District... Three of our Bakersfield Station have just under gone full Route Count and Inspections. We are now in the stage of route consultations. This stage is where management is obligated to discuss, with the carrier, their individual route count. Most of the discussions will center around the routes street time.

In the evaluations of the routes street time, two factors are taken into consideration. One is the average street time of the actual route count and the other is a random eight week evaluation period of the demonstrated route street time. It is the second street time evaluation that causes the most problems, called the “eight-week analysis". The eight-week analysis consists of reviewing street times that a route uses during one week the seven months prior to the route count. Management must exclude the months of June, July, and August from the evaluation. The eighth week is that week directly after the week of inspection.

In all three stations checked, the eight-week analysis indicates a much lower street time. Naturally, management is selecting the eight- week analysis time stating that time better represents the carriers ability to carry the route.

During the consultation, management has the obligation to seek the carriers input. It is at this time that the carrier must argue which Street time best represents the time necessary for the carrier to carry their route on the street, the “eight-week analysis” Street time or actual Street time during the route count. It is very important for the carrier to justify why they feel their selected Street time is more representative of the time necessary for them to carry their route.

An example is the newly enforced safety measures. Also, there is now the added circular, “penny saver”. These are two major factors that have caused an increase in street times that would not show in the “eight-week analysis”.

Van Nuys District has denied the Union participation in the route adjustments. It is their right. There is no contractual obligation for them to do so. I was told our input could be done through the grievance process...If that is management’s wish, it will come true.

However, it will be most disruptive to carriers in those stations where route are adjusted using management’s chosen street times. The Union will file grievances on behalf of those carriers whose routes are believed to be improperly adjusted; however the process may take some time. I don’t believe that management will wait to implement route adjustments, so carriers will struggle with overburdened routes and unsympathetic managers.

The grievance process will be the only redress available. If we are not successful with grievances, the only option is to request special route count and inspections.  Make sure that you qualify!

It is very important that each carrier make sure that all time utilized on their route be properly recorded. Make sure you fill out P0 Form 3996 (request for help) and P0 Form 1571 (mail or work not done).

Given the situation that we are in.. I would request a copy of each form submitted.

During this route examination period, it is very important that all carriers unite and provide all information necessary to fight for fair and reasonable route adjustments.

As management is selecting the “eight-week analysis” street time, each office needs to make a comprehensive list of those factors they believe have contributed to their now extended street times. Each office needs to justify their claimed street times. In most instances the same factors will apply to all routes.

If you or your office needs my assistance, call the Union Office or my cell and I will do what I can to help. Remember, It is your route I am writing about, but it is you that has to carry it. Only, through a united effort can we hope to be successful.

On an entirely different subject. I would like to note my personal care for those Union members that are involved in Lockout or Strike for the grocery clerks. As those that receive this newsletter are Union members, it is extremely important that you support those other Union member’s picket lines.

Groceries can be bought at several other stores that do not have picket lines. As a member of a Union that negotiates carrier wages and benefits, I would hope for the support of all other Labor Unions when it came to a challenge of your benefits or wages. I can’t imagine any letter carrier wanting to give up any of their hourly wage or pay more for their health benefits to lower the cost of a postage stamp.

Support those on the picket lines, don’t cross a picket line. More information appears on page 9 of the news letter.

Our next General Membership Meeting will be on December 16th at YOUR Union Office Building. After the meeting we will have a Pot Luck. The Branch is providing a turkey and you are asked to bring a side dish. Please refer to Mark Ramirez’s list of dishes already being provided and try and being something else, PLEASE !!!!

Let me close with my usual advice to each one of you:

Be Consistent (in the work you do: your performance) Be Safe (follow all the safety regulations)

Be Professional (provide a quality service for your patrons)

Be Proud (of the work you do-——you are a Letter Carrier!)

FRANK THOMASY