Tulsa APWU Member's Forum

Tulsa AMP Proposal Summary

2012-02-10T12:45:00.000-06:00

Member Cash Drawing

2012-02-07T16:41:00.001-06:00

Must be present to win!

Meeting date changed

2012-02-07T16:39:00.001-06:00

February meeting will be on the 26th.

Tulsa World Letter to Editor

2012-01-28T11:25:00.000-06:00

An excellent recap of labor history.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=62&articleid=20120128_62_A22_FoxNew633191

Franked Reply

2012-01-21T11:06:00.001-06:00

Notice the envelope on top, reply was sent using congressional franking privileges.

Convention Delegates

2012-01-10T20:43:00.001-06:00

January Meeting

2012-01-10T20:41:00.001-06:00

Inhofe/Sullivan letter to the PMG

2011-12-14T13:09:00.000-06:00

December 13, 2011

Patrick R. Donahoe

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service

475 L'Enfant Plaza SW

Washington, D.C. 20260

Dear Postmaster General Donahoe:

We write to you today to express our concerns that the closure of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) may be short-sighted. According to the U.S. Postal Service's conclusion of the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study for the Tulsa P&DC, those results make your business case for closing our local facility. We fully understand that the Postal Service has tough choices to make in light of their financial situation, and we support them making the best business decisions to remain solvent and financially competitive in the 21st century, however, we are concerned that some of these choices may be in haste.

While we understand the USPS has agreed to delay the closing or consolidation of any Post Office or mail processing facility until May 15, 2012, we still have concerns with the decision to close Tulsa's facility. Of all the states facing P&DC consolidation, Oklahoma has the largest population at 3.7 million. The eastern part of the state is gaining recognition as a fast growing metropolitan area. Even Business Week recognized Tulsa as the 7th strongest metro economy in 2009, and it continues to grow and flourish while other municipal economies around the country struggle. When a state like Wyoming with a population of just about 563,000, less than the population of the Tulsa metropolitan area alone, has nine P&DCs to begin with and will have two at the end of the restructuring, we are skeptical of the reasons for shuttering a facility that has proven a vibrant business tool for a large metropolitan area.

There are realities about this facility and facts about the economic impact that may not have been taken into consideration for the study that concluded the facility should be closed. Many of our constituents in eastern Oklahoma are convinced that the closing of this facility would have dire economic consequences. We have seen the AMP data provided by the USPS, but it does not explain in enough detail the case for closure. If 573 jobs are to be moved out of Tulsa, our constituents, which includes postal employees, area businesses, and customers alike, want more details on how the USPS arrived at this conclusion.

Before any further action is taken in regard to the Tulsa P&DC, we ask for written responses to the following questions:

1. According to the USPS' own data, out of 487 P&DCs across the country, Tulsa's facility ranks at 12 in efficiency. In the Southwest region, Tulsa ranks at 6. How do your own efficiency rankings prove that one processing center in the state of Oklahoma would be a more cost-effective way of processing mail?

2. One of the most unclear aspects of the AMP study is the projected transportation costs. Many people in Eastern Oklahoma are having a hard time understanding how it is more efficient to truck mail that originates in Tulsa to Oklahoma City, and back to Tulsa for its destination. Can you provide documentation as to how you determined the $2,301,936 million in annual transportation costs stated in the Tulsa data? Can you provide the accompanying data that shows projected fuel costs, fleet maintenance schedules, and other materials that would better explain this total?

3. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report in May 2011 that found the USPS fleet of 210,000 vehicles is aging, seeing higher maintenance costs as a result, and needs new vehicles. It is estimated that it will cost $5.8 billion to replace the delivery vehicles alone. With this GAO report in mind, were the maintenance and replacement costs of the USPS fleet taken into account in the projected annual transportation cost of eliminating the Tulsa P&DC?

4. The 41,000 businesses in Northeast Oklahoma rely upon the expedient delivery of their products and materials via USPS. The Tulsa Metro Chamber suggests that closing this facility could cost Tulsa more than $60 million annually. Was an economic impact study done simultaneously to the AMP study or is one planned for the future?

5. Have you taken into account the projected economic growth of not only the northeastern part of the state, but the entire state of Oklahoma, and the potential costs that may bring in servicing a fast growing part of the state?

6. USPS data indicates that closing Tulsa's P&DC will save $11 million annually. What other cost-saving options were explored before it was decided to study this facility for closure?

7. Taking into account that one of the issues USPS is facing as it makes these cost-savings decisions is limitation by Congress. What can Congress do to give the USPS more flexibility that would prevent the closure of this facility?

We understand that reforming and restructuring the Postal Service requires tough choices and painful change. If a lack of flexibility is standing in the way of becoming competitive again, we want to work with you. However, a hasty, short-sighted decision to close a facility that has a proven track record of efficiency and a key location in a burgeoning area of the state could potentially set up a bigger problem for the Postal Service in the future. Decisions made by USPS in May of 2012 may directly impact hundreds of jobs and the livelihoods of our constituents—they need a clear answer as to why this closure makes sense, and we respectfully request that you provide that answer to us.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

_________________ _________________

John Sullivan James Inhofe
Member of Congress U.S. Senator

Customers supporting the P&DC

2011-12-13T20:47:00.001-06:00

Found in a collection box at the P&DC. Thank you, we appreciate it.

Closings delay

2011-12-13T14:57:00.002-06:00

Link Online News Archive »Did You Know? Archive »
NewsDate
LINK EXTRA
USPS DELAYS CLOSINGS AND CONSOLIDATIONS
USPS, in response to a request made by multiple U.S. Senators, has agreed to delay the closing or consolidation of any Post Office or mail processing facility until May 15, 2012.
The Postal Service will continue all necessary steps required for the review of these facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings.
USPS hopes this period will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal legislation. Given the Postal Service’s financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue.

Call for Postmaster General's firing.

2011-12-08T12:54:00.000-06:00

December Meeting

2011-12-05T19:33:00.001-06:00

Note the change from normal meeting date.

AMP STUDY, POSSIBLE PLANT CLOSURE, EXCESSING, AND WHAT HAPPENS NOW

2011-11-29T11:44:00.001-06:00

APWU Members:

AMP STUDY, POSSIBLE PLANT CLOSURE, EXCESSING, AND WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Our Local Union and it's members, assigned to the Tulsa Installation, are facing the biggest challenges in our workplace that we have ever faced. The AMP study is still in the process but it has reported there would be an 11 million dollar savings annually by closing the Tulsa P&DC.

Your Local Union Stewards and officers are looking at the likelihood of a full plant closure and what that will mean for us. Most importantly our Contract has a no-layoff clause.

We have already had some discussions with Oklahoma District and it appears there are enough vacancies in the state to place everyone in a job. However, it could mean that you may have to move

or go to another craft in order to continue to be employed with the Postal Service.

What do you do at this time? Sit tight and wait, but prepare yourself for a possible change in your Craft and installation. MVS employees will not be affected by the Plant closure.

What jobs will be available? Some clerk and Maintenance jobs will be left in Tulsa but we don't know how many. It is likely that only the Stations and a few jobs on the North dock (a handful of custodians, clerks, and mail-handlers) and the BMEU will remain. There will be a few clerk jobs that are less than 40 hours in the surrounding areas. There will be some Carrier jobs available in Tulsa and the surrounding areas. If you choose these, you will not have to relocate.

If you choose to relocate, as an impacted employee you will have the opportunity to transfer to any vacant position in your craft in the District or within 100 miles( that could include a vacant

position in another neighboring state as long as it is within 100 miles). Oklahoma City will need vacancies filled. Many will choose to go to Oklahoma City.

When do you have to do something? Once the decision to close the Plant is final, an Impact Statement will be sent out to the Unions. Once we receive the impact statement, the Tulsa Installation will be identified as an impacted office. Once we become an impacted office, every employee in the impacted office will have the opportunity to go to E-reassign on the computer and apply for vacancies anywhere within the District or within 100 miles (will include portions of other states).

If you select a vacancy in the same craft you will retain your seniority. If you change crafts your seniority will be one day junior to the junior regular in that craft. By volunteering to go to another installation or another craft you will not retain Retreat Rights to the Tulsa installation or get relocation

expenses for moving beyond 50 miles. If you are involuntarily excessed you will retain Retreat Rights and relocation benefits (if it is beyond 50 miles).

How do I retain Retreat Rights and relocation benefits? You wait until you are involuntary excessed. You only get relocation benefits if it is beyond 50 miles. Management will likely assign you

a position within 50 miles in the carrier craft to avoid paying relocation benefits. In addition the involuntary excessing will occur after others have volunteered and had first choice of vacant jobs within the District or within 100 miles( another state).

What are the rules concerning excessing? Article 12.5 Page 46 of the CBA : Reduction in the Number of Employees in an Installation Other Than by Attrition.

1. Shall determine by craft and occupational group the number of excess employees;

2. Shall to the extent possible, minimize the impact on regular work force employees by

separation of all PSE's.

3. NA (concerning PTF's)

4. Shall identify as excess the necessary number of junior full-time employees in the

salary level,craft, and occupational group affected on an installation-wide basis within

the installation: make reassignments of excess full-time employees who meet the

minimum qualifications for vacant assignments in other crafts in the same installation.

Article 12.5.b. Reassignments to other installations after making reassignment with the installation:

1. Involuntarily reassign such excess full-time employees starting with junior with their

seniority for duty assignments to vacancies in the same or lower level in the APWU

crafts in installation within 100 miles of the losing installation, or in more distant

installation if after consultation with the Union it is determined that it is necessary, the

Postal Service will designate such installations for the reassignment of excess full-time

employees.

2. Involuntarily reassign full-time employees for whom consultation did not provide for

placement under b.1 above in other crafts or occupational groups in which they meet

minimum qualifications at the same or lower level.

Article 12 contains more specific language on the finer details of excessing but I want the Members to know the basics.

Your Local Union will be committed to ensuring that if there is a Plant closure, that the placement and excessing of the Members of this Local will be done according to the Contract. I will share any information I have with you. Management is being very tight-lipped. If they know anything more than what we have been told they are not sharing it with us.

This impact will effect all of us. We can feel assured though that we cannot be layed off. If anyone has any questions or just wants to talk about this, please don't hesitate to call me. If I cannot be reached at the hall when you call, I will return your call. Feel free to call me any time.

Sincerely

Luther Franklin

President, APWU

Letter to Manager of Consumer and Industry Contact

2011-11-27T18:26:00.003-06:00

(Feel free to copy and/or modify this letter and send it under your name.)

Mike Burklin
2721 S 96th E Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74129-7023

Manager of Consumer and Industry Contact
Oklahoma District
4025 W. Reno Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9631

November 27, 2011

Dear Sir/Madam:

The Postal Service proposes to save money by transporting all the mail from the Tulsa Area, sort it in Oklahoma City, then transport it back to Tulsa for distribution and delivery. By the Postal Services own figures, this will ADD some $2 million annually in transportation costs, so the question becomes "How will this save money?". The USPS cites figures about increased efficiency from working the mail in a different time frame, saving night shift differential and overtime pay, but there is no mention of why these savings could not be implemented in the Tulsa Facility. In a nutshell, it finally boils down to sorting the mail with fewer people.

Question: Why can't the USPS just sort the mail with fewer people in Tulsa instead of taking all the jobs out of the Tulsa economy? Is this simply a ploy to force many of the employees to quit or retire, rather than disrupt their lives by moving to OKC. There is absolutely no inherent savings in consolidation of the plants. If all other considerations were the same, the same savings could be accomplished without consolidation, plus saving the expense of the additional $2 million transportation costs.

Mike Burklin
Tulsa USPS P&DC

Black Friday Rally

2011-11-22T22:37:00.001-06:00

Note: We will be on the 71st St. sidewalk, not the Best Buy area. There should be no handing out flyers or any interference with shoppers.

Public Meeting

2011-11-21T15:19:00.001-06:00

DSR Info

2011-11-20T20:11:00.001-06:00

Employee Fact Sheet

Discontinued Service Retirement

DEFINITION - Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) provides an immediate, possibly reduced, annuity for employees who are separated against their will. Under DSR, the key is the involuntary nature of the separation. Employees who are separated for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency are not eligible for a DSR.

The availability of DSR gives agencies a valuable tool to lessen the impact of an involuntary separation on a long-service employee. The final responsibility for determining whether a separation is involuntary for DSR purposes rests with the U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

http://www.apwu.org/dept/vp/vp-excessing-dsr-opm-ch44.pdf

Is the PO hiding something?

2011-11-16T21:48:00.002-06:00

At tonights "Town Hall" at the P&DC, I found nothing was put out that was not already published in the letters announcing the preliminary study results. I did find it curious that one of the Supervisors walked up to me while I was holding my phone and asked me if I was recording. He said recording was not allowed by the ELM manual. Later, I was told that Channel 2 news had not been allowed access to the meeting, and that the union representatives had to meet them off the property to tell of the meeting. It sure seems that there is not much interest in shedding sunshine on the process of destroying 500+ Tulsa jobs.

Mike Burklin
APWU member since 1984

Consolidation 2

2011-11-15T21:10:00.003-06:00

Consolidation 1

2011-11-15T21:09:00.003-06:00

November meeting

2011-11-08T22:21:00.001-06:00

National APWU Ad features Tulsa Employees

2011-11-07T13:36:00.002-06:00

Ad campaign from National features Military Veterans from Tulsa. Joseph Burklin, Calvin Kalishek, and Melvin Washington are among the veterans in this appeal to Congress to save our jobs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6sHCV1Qjwvo

Petition to Congress

2011-11-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

The APWU National is circulating a petition to be delivered to Congress to prevent Office Closures and Cutbacks. Information is available on the national site (APWU.org) or can be downloaded and printed from the Tulsa Local Site. The petition and accompanying flyer are available at:

http://tulsaapwu.org/petition.pdf
http://tulsaapwu.org/flyer.pdf

Changes for Boo Ha Ha

2011-10-26T23:07:00.001-05:00

Boo Ha Ha Parade Information

2011-10-26T20:06:00.003-05:00

From: Lisa Hardin [mailto:lisa.hardin@e2worldwide.com]
Subject: NEW BOO HA HA UPDATE: PLEASE READ!!

Brookside Business Association's BooHaHa!

VERY IMPORTANT
Boo Ha Ha Parade Info

Dear Stacy,

If you haven't done so yet, please read the below information for line-up time and placement! Due to lack of parking at the staging area, we need you to park on the North end of Peoria. We will have 2 Red Trolleys running from the BOK (3237 S. Peoria) parking lot to the St. Marys. PLEASE PARK ON THE NORTH END AND HOP ON THE SHUTTLE.

NOTE: The street that you enter The School of St. Mary's is 48th Place. See map below.

NOTE: The School of St. Mary's is on the East Side of Peoria and is best entered coming from Lewis. No one will be allowed to enter the parking lot from 49th Street.

NOTE:
You cannot throw candy or items from the vehicles! You must have walkers handing out candy along the parade route!

Thank you again for participating in the 2011 Boo Ha Ha Parade! Your parade line-up number is below. Please adhere to your time slot to help make the staging run smoothly and on time.

PARADE STAGING INFO

Due to construction, the parade staging will be taking place at St. Mary's School located East of Peoria at 1365 E. 49th Place. You will need to enter into the parking off of 48th Place. We will have volunteers there pointing you in the right direction. Please adhere to your arrival time, as we have them based on size and number of vehicles, participants.

Due to the size of the parade and the size of the parking lot, we will need every inch of the parking lot for staging. Therefore, you will NOT be able to park ANY vehicle (that is not part of your parade entry) in this lot before, during or after staging!!!!!

Due to the revised staging area you will need to make arrangements for someone to drop you off, car pool, etc. I cannot stress enough that there will be absolutely no parking in this lot, and really need your cooperation on this.

I recommend that you park on the North part of Peoria (33rd & 34th streets) at the end of the Parade Route (such as the BOK parking lot, neighborhoods, etc) and car pool to the staging site.

Parade Rules - Please READ!

1. For the safety of participants and patrons, throwing or distributing candy or any type of item from floats or vehicles is prohibited and violators may be banned from continuing in the parade. However, parade participants are allowed to walk alongside the crowd and hand out candy or other approved items but will not walk near other floats or vehicles.

2. All parade units must maintain a slow forward motion during the parade. No reverse direction moves at any time. Persons riding on vehicles or floats will not be allowed to get off or on the vehicle or float during the parade.

3. Persons will not be allowed to walk alongside other floats or vehicles. Every participant must be officially registered in the parade or they may be subject to removal from the venue area.

With the changes in the staging areas, we are going need your complete cooperation in order to make this line-up go smoothly and get everyone in the correct order. If you have questions, please call me at 918-960-8758.

Sincerely,

Lisa Hardin

President

e2 Worldwide, Inc.

Parade Line-up & Time of arriva
Arrival Time Line-up # Business Name
12:15 PM 1 GuRuStu Group
12:15 PM 1 EMSA
12:15 PM 1 Tulsa County Sheriff
12:15 PM 1 Turn Tulsa Pink
12:15 PM 1 Shavers Racing
12:15 PM 1 Green Country Roller Girls
12:15 PM 1 Karen Keith
12:15 PM 1 Tulsa Dog Walk
12:15 PM 2 Lab Rescue OK
12:15 PM 3 Tulsa Parrott Head Club
12:35 4 Up with Trees
12:35 5 Retro Rocket Bike
12:35 6 Anderson Pipe Band
12:35 7 Maaco
12:35 8 Dutton Travel
12:35 9 Tulsa State Fair
12:35 10 Myers-Duren
12:35 11 Junkman
12:35 12 Tulsa Derby Brigade
12:35 13 Hornsby
1:00 PM 14 Happy Birthday Tumi
1:00 PM 15 NSU Sassy Hawks
1:00 PM 16 G.I. Wishes
1:00 PM 17 Brookside Library
1:00 PM 17 Lacy Jammers Drill Team
1:00 PM 18 Wright Elementary Girl Scouts
1:00 PM 19 Birkes Construction
1:00 PM 20 Crower 1956 Fire Truck
1:00 PM 21 Nathan Hale High School and Alumni Association
1:00 PM 22 Rocket Lube & Wash
1:00 PM 23 Camp Fire
1:00 PM 24 Central Magnet Arts Car
1:15 PM 25 Akdar Shriners
1:15 PM 26 Volt
1:15 PM 27 Speck-Taculars Square Dance Club
1:30 PM 28 Oklahoma Dance Academey
1:15 PM 29 Blue Star Mothers - Oklahoma Chapter 1
1:15 PM 30 Occupy Tulsa
1:15 PM 31 Tulsa SPCA Auxilary
1:15 PM 32 Bounce Party
1:15 PM 33 Whole Foods Market
1:15 PM 34 Brookside Lions Cloub
1:15 PM 35 Tie Dyes of Tulsa
1:15 PM 36 Tulsa Global Alliance
1:45 PM 37 Sand Springs BMX
1:45 PM 38 Park PTA
1:45 PM 39 Furniture Medic
1:45 PM 40 Huffy the Clown
1:45 PM 41 Fun Bus
1:45 PM 42 Tulsa Transit
1:45 PM 43 City Church
1:45 PM 44 American Postal Workers
1:45 PM 45 Tulsa Gold and Gems
1:45 PM 46 A2Z Limo
1:45 PM 47 The Met
1:45 PM 47 Junkman

Flu shots at the P&DC

2011-10-25T22:32:00.001-05:00

September Minutes

2011-10-25T19:21:00.001-05:00

TULSA AREA LOCAL 1348
APWU GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING September 18, 2011

Luther Franklin - President - Present
Susan Wells - Vice President – Present
Tracy Cudjo - Secretary/Treasurer –Present
Ralph Charles - Clerk Craft Director - Present
JL Talley - Mechanization Vice President - Present
Scott McPherson - Maintenance Craft Director - Present
Elaine Longstreth - Motor Vehicle Craft Director - Present
Cynthia McNeilance - Editor - Present

The meeting was opened with a prayer, pledge and roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS:

Discussion of Plant closure.

Disscussion of Meeting at Plant.

Reading of E-Board Minutes and Motions, Second of Motion and Motion Passed.

Reading of August 2011 minutes.

Correction requested by Cynthia McNeilance of August 2011 minutes to provide information of Committee formed for petition to support HR1351 and committee members named.

Committee members are: Charley Mose, Ellen Diamond, Cynthia McNeilance, Brian Keith, Julie Forrester, Barbara Faran, Loretta Hackman, Cheryl McPherson, Tony Harris, Dave Carver and Luther Franklin.

Membership will receive mailing regarding Petition Drive at Congressman John Sullivan’s Office, Tuesday, September 27th between 4:00-5:30 PM, at office address 5727 S Lewis to rally support of bill HR1351.

Motion to accept with correction, Second of Motion and Motion Passed.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

None
OPEN FLOOR:

Discussion of Bill HR1351 and present Post Office condition and how to save the post office.

Discussion with Speaker Paul Evans, State President, Oklahoma Postal Workers Union who
was present and lead discussion on Tulsa Plant Closure and other offices such as Woodward, McAlester, and Poteau. Oklahoma City is shutting down and consolidating stations and branches and moving carriers. Information is provided to the Union 60 days prior. Information regarding closings is expected March 2-12. There was discussion of the 6.9 billion over payment, that 8,500 mid-level management jobs will be eliminated nationwide. Regarding e-reassign is not advised, with e-reassign seniority is affected. Discussion of 20-hrs a day needed to run DBCS.

Nomination for AFL-CIO – Stacy Boyd. No other nominations.

Motion made to pay any entry fee into the Boo-Hoo Parade not to exceed $500.00.
Second to Motion and Motion Passed.

$ Drawing – James Collins name was drawn.

Motion to adjourn, Second to Motion, and Motion Passed.

Respectfully,

Luther Franklin, President
Tulsa Area Local APWU

Boo HaHa

2011-10-24T22:21:00.004-05:00

BOO HAHA PARADE
Save America’s Postal Service

Saturday 10/ 29/2011 at 2:00 pm

## Note Change: Parade participants report at 1:45 pm
## See update post for new parking/arrival info.

Parade runs about 1 ½ mile

Dress in Save America’s Postal Service T-Shirts or Tattered Old Uniform, wear zombie make-up

Additional information on Facebook or Tulsa APWU web site
Bring the family and come join us!

From the Save the Tulsa P&DC Facebook

2011-10-17T19:42:00.000-05:00

Facebook: On Oct. 22, we will have a table at "Down on Main Street" event at Webster High School. The organizers were nice enough to waive our fees, and want us to come out with petitions and talk to the West Tulsa residents about keeping the West Tulsa Post Office open. They will have the "66 on Route 66" bike ride that morning with a 5 mile fun ride open to all ages. There will be food vendors, a kiddie rodeo, and activities for kids. And, The Red Dirt Rangers will be playing in the afternoon, so it sounds like there's something for everyone. Put your "Save America's Postal Service" t-shirt on and come join us!!

FMLA address

2011-10-16T18:46:00.001-05:00

Protest/Rally Rights

2011-10-07T12:11:00.001-05:00

Brothers and Sisters:

The subject of the applicability of ELM 667.12 has come up due to what may have been a District Manager’s misinterpretation of the language meant for NAPS.

Because these matters are of public concern, there is no dispute with the USPS at this level that postal workers have the right, protected by the First Amendment, to publicly oppose the closure or consolidation of postal facilities, including the reduction of postal services. Likewise, they have the right to oppose legislation that would affect their collectively bargained rights and benefits. These rights are protected by the Constitution and the National Labor Relations Act.

There is no reason for APWU represented employees to be concerned about any negative consequences of their lawful participation in Union supported rallies and campaigns regarding legislation, closings, consolidations, degradation of service, etc.

If anyone is aware of any action by a postal manager that would suppress or punish the exercise of these rights, contact my office immediately.

Please disseminate this information to your respective locals immediately.

Mike Morris
Mike Morris
Director, Industrial Relations
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
1300 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-842-4273 - Office
202-371-0992 - Fax

Gary Kloepfer
Assistant Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO

Idle Sioux City postal workers to earn millions | The Des Moines Register | DesMoinesRegister.com

2011-10-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

Idle Sioux City postal workers to earn millions The Des Moines Register DesMoinesRegister.com

Tott pointed out another quirk in the contract: In previous years, there were no limitations on how far the Postal Service could relocate employees if it closed facilities. The new contract contains a 50-mile limit from the processing plant in Sioux City. So if a job becomes available in farther-flung areas, those employees would not be forced to take the job, Tott said

Jobs Rally Friday

2011-10-04T20:09:00.001-05:00

Occupy Tulsa

2011-09-29T11:05:00.001-05:00

From: Daniel Lee <occupytulsa2011@gmail.com>
To: luther.franklin1@yahoo.com; seneca19@cox.net; apwuorganizer@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 7:17 AM
Subject: Solidarity with Occupy Tulsa

Hi, my name is Daniel Lee, organizer for Occupy Tulsa, a local movement formed in support of our brothers and sisters in the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York. Since starting up on Facebook on September 23rd ( http://www.facebook.com/OccupyTulsa ), we have grown to over 700 strong, the majority of which live locally. We are dedicated to sending a clear message to the corporations which are subverting the democratic process and killing the economy with their greed that we the people will not take their exploitation any longer. We are committed to nonviolent direct action, and would like to invite the APWU Local 1348 to stand with us in solidarity. We support your efforts to prevent the closure of the mail processing center, and postal workers in general. We've had some interviews http://www.krmg.com/news/news/can-group-really-occupy-tulsa/nDxNH/#comments, and the response to our efforts has been incredible, drawing people from all across the political spectrum.
We are holding our first General Assembly and Planning Meeting on Saturday, October 1, 2011, at 10am in Newblock Park here in Tulsa. Information about it can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/event.php?eid=270664912963970
Occupy Tulsa would like to invite you all to join with us in solidarity against corporate greed and the exploitation of the American people.

Thank you.

Daniel Lee

October Meeting

2011-09-28T19:53:00.001-05:00

Poster for Rally

2011-09-27T22:55:00.001-05:00

Poster by Kelly Carey for Tuesday's Rally.

PSE Maintenance Employees

2011-09-13T17:46:00.001-05:00

It remains the APWU position that PSEs in Maintenance can only be hired into residual custodial duty assignments. That dispute is being processed. In the meantime, please ensure the response to the question on registers is disseminated to Local Maintenance representatives in your area.

Gary Kloepfer
Assistant Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO

Who does this remind you of?

2011-09-12T19:39:00.001-05:00

September Meeting

2011-09-09T19:58:00.001-05:00

Liz Send-off

2011-09-09T18:43:00.001-05:00

Friday, September 16

Jon Stewart on the Post Office Crisis

2011-09-08T17:12:00.001-05:00

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-september-7-2011/postbusters

OIG plan

2011-08-29T21:56:00.002-05:00

Members may have heard about the Office of the Inspector Generals plan for the future mail processing system. You can see the document here:

http://tulsaapwu.org/oigplan.pdf

Forwarded by Luther Franklin

2011-08-11T11:29:00.002-05:00

All,

Yesterday I got several calls from the Central Plains district. The information relayed to me was that the District Manager informed his management team that the Postal Service intends to reduce mail processing facilities to 176. (There are currently 508).

I have received additional calls today.

First, the Postal Service HAS told the union of these plans. Second, they do not have authorization from the PRC to do it yet. Third, there is no list of potential offices being provided yet.

What we DO know is that unless each of us contacts our representatives about signing onto HR 1351, we could be looking at even worse news. If we can not get this bill passed, Issa’s union busting bill could go through.

If you are having trouble with some of the provisions of the new contract, try waiting until the Issa bill is passed. At this point I am trying to scare you. If Issa’s bill passes, there will most likely be NO contract and NO union.

It is imperative that we get with our members of Congress during this recess period and tell them that we want them to sign onto HR 1351 so that the Postal Service will remain a viable service. Otherwise, we are looking at them making it attractive enough for the highest bidder. The holdup in the past has always been the rural areas. But they are taking care of that right now with the 3500 offices up for closure.

The writing is on the wall here people. Get your folks motivated to make calls, send emails or visit their representatives or kiss their paychecks goodbye. I have 9 years before I am eligible to retire. I would like to have the Post Office around long enough for me to get there. What about you?

Christine Pruitt

National Business Agent, Clerk Division

Opposing Opinion

2011-04-04T17:33:00.002-05:00

The following is a letter from the Northeast Massachusetts Local opposing the tentative contract. This is made available for the member's information and does not represent the opinion of the Tulsa Area Local. http://tulsaapwu.org/voteno.pdf

Tentative Agreement Available Online

2011-03-22T12:49:00.000-05:00

Members only:

Tentative Agreement Available Online

Tulsa scheduled for Briefing on Tentative Agreement

2011-03-18T16:16:00.001-05:00

Scheduled for March 26, Additional information as it becomes available.

Briefings on the Tentative Agreement

Added March 21, 2011:

APWU has reached a tentative APWU/USPS Collective Bargaining 2010-2014 Contract. The APWU Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee has voted unanimously on March 16, 2011, to ratify the contract. Ballots will be sent out in April to the APWU rank and file members for ratification.

A series of Round Robins will be held over the next two weeks. For OKLAHOMA & TEXAS , the date is MARCH, 26 2011 from 2pm -7pm Tulsa, OK You may attend in person, or by webinar. Space is limited for the Webinar, so if you know you will not be able to attend in Tulsa, reserve your Webinar seat now using the following link:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/151578113

For those of you attending in person the hotel information is as follows:

Hilton Tulsa Southern Hills

7902 South Lewis Ave., Tulsa OK, 74136

Phone: 918-492-5000

The “Round Robin is for everyone, National, Local/State officers and members to give them a first-hand look at the contract.” Make your plans to be there if possible.

Princella Vogel

Southern Region Coordinator

November 2010 Meeting Minutes

2011-03-01T19:28:00.001-06:00

Tulsa Area Local 1348
General Membership Meeting
November 21, 2010

President: Luther Franklin – Present
Vice President: Susan Wells – Present
Sec/Treas: Tracy Cudjo – Present
Mech. Dir: J. L. Talley – Present
Clerk Craft Dir: Ralph Charles – Excused
Maint. Dir: Scott McPherson – Present
MVS Dir: Elaine Longstreth – Excused
Editor: Cynthia McNeilance – Excused

Meeting was called to order at 3:14 PM. It was opened with a prayer and pledge.

OFFICER REPORTS

Luther reported on the contract negotiations.

The October General Membership Meeting minutes were read. David Tevebaugh made a motion to accept the minutes as read. It was seconded and it was passed.

The Executive Board recommendations were read:
1. Motion was made to bring in Paul Delaine (National Representative who recommends an audit be done when changing Treasurers) to do an audit covering January 1, 2010 thru December 31, 2010. Not to exceed $3000.00.
2. Motion made to move the January 16, 2011 meeting to January 9, 2011.
3. Motion was made to replace the Secretary/Treasure’s computer, not to exceed $600.00.
David Tevebaugh made a motion to accept the E-Board recommendations as read. Motion was seconded and passed

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Christmas Party Committee stated that they will decorate the Hall for the Christmas party after the meeting adjourns.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

There was discussion of denial of Steward Time for Stewards

There was discussion of Postmasters doing bargaining unit work.

Cheryl McPherson’s name was drawn for the VOE Surveys that were turned in to the Tulsa Areal Local. She was present and will get $1 for every survey that was turned in.

Mindy Moore’s name was drawn for the Member Drawing of $825.00. Mindy was not present.

The E-Board was polled and the December 19, 2010 meeting will be moved to December 5, 2010 at 12:00 PM. (The E-Board will meet at 11:00am on Dec 5th).

A motion was made to adjourn. It was properly seconded and passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracy Cudjo
Secretary/Treasurer
Tulsa Area Local 1348

October 2010 Minutes

2011-03-01T19:26:00.001-06:00

Tulsa Area Local 1348

General Membership Meeting
October 17, 2010
President: Luther Franklin - Present
Vice President: Susan Wells - Present
Sec/Treas: Tracy Cudjo - Present
Mech. Dir: J. L. Talley - Present
Clerk Craft Dir: Ralph Charles - Present
Maint. Dir: Scott McPherson - Excused
MVS Dir: Elaine Longstreth - Excused
Editor: Cynthia McNeilance - Present

Meeting was called to order. It was opened with a prayer and pledge.

Susan Wells made a motion to change the order of business to allow Judge Carl Funderburk to speak to the membership. He is running for re-election. He pointed out that he has been on the bench in the districts of Tulsa and Pawnee.

OFFICER REPORTS

Cynthia McNeilance: The Drum Major is due out next week.

Luther Franklin: Talked about the Labor-Management Meetings
1. Wait time in line – 3:1 ration (for every 3 customers 1 employee)
2. Cutting window jobs
Rita stated that management said they can work the mail and nothing can be done about it.
Luther stated that issue will be brought up at the next Labor-Management Meeting. He stressed that members must speak up and write statements to let the Union know what is going on.

Luther read the September minutes. Dave Tevebaugh seconded and it was passed.

E-BOARD REPORTS

None

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was discussion about fans on the workroom floor.

There was discussion about the Smoke Hole being closed.

NEW BUSINESS

There was a question asking if we are maxed out on casuals, because five new ones were hired. Luther said that management’s intentions are that casuals will be kept at 11% or close to it.

There was discussion about overtime rotation.

There was discussion about the Christmas party this year. It was decided by the members present that it will be on Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Hall.

David Tevebaugh made a motion not to exceed $750.00 on the Christmas party. Cynthia McNeilance seconded and the motion passed.

There was discussion about contract negotiations.

There was discussion about the WEIS Hotline.

Rhonda Miller’s name was drawn for the Member Drawing of $800.00. Rhonda was not present so the Member Drawing will be for $825.00 at the November meeting.

A motion was made to adjourn. It was properly seconded and passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracy Cudjo
Secretary/Treasurer
Tulsa Area Local 1348

President Guffey on the Wisconsin Workers

2011-02-27T13:06:00.000-06:00

administrative leave for snow storm

2011-02-17T12:00:00.000-06:00

Designated for information/comments on the snow storm

2011-02-01T12:05:00.001-06:00

Article 38 – Transportation of Mail by Custodians

2011-01-24T11:41:00.001-06:00

Transportation of Mail by CustodiansMonday, January 24, 2011 6:40 AM
From: "Laborchief@aol.com" Add sender to ContactsTo: gkloepfer@apwu.orgMessage contains attachments1 File (467KB)H06T-4H-C-09241417.pdfMAINTENANCE@WORK

Article 38 – Transportation of Mail by Custodians

This is a summary of Regular Panel Arbitrator Leroy R. Bartman in case H06T-4H-C 09241417 regarding the Postal Service’s decision to transport mail between two postal facilities. The arbitrator sustained the Union’s grievance; he directed the Postal Service to cease and desist from continuing its practice of utilizing the two assigned custodians from transporting mail to other Gulf Coastal facilities. He remanded back to the parties the "make whole" aspects of the remedy so that the parties could determine Clerk Craft and/or other eligible qualified employee(s) who were denied the hours worked by the two custodians for the period of fourteen (14) days prior to the grievance filing until the award is implemented.

The Union contended the Postal Service violated the National Agreement when it used lower level employees to perform assignments and duties inconsistent with their respective job descriptions. It was the Union's position that the Service violated the boundaries of occupational groups and crafts established by the clear and precise requirements of the standard job descriptions. To be specific, the Union argued that at the Moss Point MS Post Office Management has two custodians scheduled on a regular daily basis two (2) hours each day to transport missent mail to other postal facilities. Management has paid the two employees the higher level Clerk PS-6 wages to transport the mail. The Union argues that the MS-47 custodial staffing for the Moss Point office requires in excess of two custodians. By requiring the two employees to spend two (2) hours each and every day, the Service clearly is in violation of MS-47 standard of 2.09 custodians approved for the Moss Point facility. The Union requested that the Postal Service be required to meet the Maintenance Series Handbook (MS-47), Housekeeping Postal Facilities staffing at Moss Point. The Union asked that the Service cease and desist in assigning the two maintenance employees the daily duty of transporting mail and that the "make whole" language of the JCIM be applied at the appropriate overtime rate to the available and qualified clerks who would have been scheduled to transport the mail that was wrongly delivered by the custodians. It is further requested that the two custodians be awarded, at the overtime rate, two hours pay for custodial work not being performed.

The arbitrator properly sustained the Union’s grievance; in so doing he stated:

The Arbitrator has read all of the numerous case citations submitted by the parties. The overwhelming consensus of the awards are that the Postal Service "cannot" (emphasis added), without following the required steps of analysis as outlined in the MS-47, unilaterally alter the number of custodial staff assigned to the postal facility. In this case, Management essentially and factually reduced the required 2.09 custodians, as determined by the PS Form 4852, to a lesser amount by using the custodial staff to perform the clerk craft and duty of delivering for two hours per day missent mail. The overwhelming evidence supports the Union's position that the Moss Point facility's custodial staff have been performing on a regular (emphasis added) basis two (2) hours of clerk craft duties. Nowhere in the custodial job description does one find any reference to duties that could conceivably be misconstrued to include clerk craft duties. In paying the Moss Point custodians two (2) hours of PS Level 6 pay on a regular daily basis, Management recognized that it violated the MS-47 and PS Form 4852 standards of custodial staffing. The Union has met its burden of proof that the Service violated the National Agreement, Article 19, by reference the MS-47 Handbook when it regularly scheduled the two custodial employees assigned to Moss Point to Craft Clerk duties. The use of the custodians for two hours each day to deliver missent mail to other Gulf Coast postal facilities was in direct violation of part 116 of the MS-47 Handbook.

Gary Kloepfer
Assistant Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO

January Minutes

2011-01-20T16:46:00.000-06:00

State Delegates Election

2011-01-16T18:43:00.000-06:00

February Monthly Meeting

2011-01-16T18:41:00.000-06:00

January Meeting

2010-12-15T14:15:00.000-06:00

Christmas Party

2010-11-23T13:20:00.000-06:00

Tilt

2010-11-22T15:54:00.000-06:00

USPS Wage, Benefit Proposal: An Insult to Postal Workers

2010-11-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

USPS Wage, Benefit Proposal: An Insult to Postal Workers

Oklahoma AFL-CIO Endorsements

2010-10-28T13:49:00.000-05:00

OPWU Governor Endorsement

2010-10-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Latest Drum Major

2010-10-23T20:35:00.002-05:00

The most recent Drum Major is available online at:

http://TulsaApwu.org/DrumMajor/DM_JulAugSep2010.zip

The Smoking Lamp is going out!

2010-10-11T18:01:00.001-05:00

From the Plant Lobby:

Stewards List

2010-10-10T18:50:00.001-05:00

This is the most recent list of Stewards for the Tulsa Area Local

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0BwT3HBLwNNTjNGJmODgyNTAtNDFiYi00ZDE4LWE0OWMtZGNhZWZjMzhkM2Ni&hl=en

2011 State Convention

2010-10-07T16:26:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma Postal Workers Union
State convention
Hosted by the Ardmore Local
April 1ST & 2ND 2011
Ardmore, Oklahoma
Lake Murray State Park
Thursday, March 31st 2011 will be a full training day on small office issues and Wos
Start planning now to attend

For any questions or concerns contact:
Paul e. Evans opwu state President

September Minutes

2010-10-07T16:21:00.001-05:00

Tulsa Area Local 1348 General Membership Meeting September 19, 2010
President: Luther Franklin - Present
Vice President: Susan Wells - Present
Sec/Treas: Tracy Cudjo - Present
Mech. Dir: J. L. Talley - Excused
Clerk Craft Dir: Ralph Charles - Excused
Maint. Dir: Scott McPherson - Present
MVS Dir: Elaine Longstreth - Excused
Editor: Cynthia McNeilance - Present

Meeting was called to order at 3:13 pm.

OFFICER REPORTS

Luther announced that Secretary/Treasurer Elaine Longstreth had resigned and Tracy Cudjo was selected by Luther and approved by the E-Board as the new Secretary/Treasurer. Tony Helvy was selected and approved for the Trustee position vacated by Vinita Haley. Alice Crandall was selected and approved for the Trustee position vacated by Tracy Cudjo. Elaine Longstreth was selected and approved for the MVS Director position vacated by Ken Boyd.

Luther spoke on the WEIC meeting which is held monthly.

Luther spoke about how Management was upset at the last Labor-Management Meeting that the Union is holding cash drawings for all the VOE Surveys not filled out. He then spoke about a letter that Postmasters received from the National League of Postmasters in 2009, urging all Postmasters not to fill out the VOE Surveys.

Cynthia McNeilance informed everyone that the deadline for articles for the Drum Major is October 3, 2010.

Luther read the August 2010 meeting minutes. Cynthia made a motion to accept the minutes as read and Susan Wells seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Cynthia read the recommendations from the E-Board. The E-Board recommended that Tracy Cudjo be sent to Quicken Books and Secretary/Treasurer training in Washington DC on November 1-5, 2010 at the per diem rate to include travel and leave without pay. They also recommended that two tickets to the NEOCLC Labor Banquets be purchased to send two people to the banquet. Tracy Cudjo made a motion to accept the recommendations as read and it was seconded by Susan Wells. The motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was discussion about the use of casuals in the workplace.

There was talk about contacting Paula Jones for Window Service Training.

The Muskogee Area Local 007 will hold a fish fry and family picnic on October 2, 2010 at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee. Everyone is invited.

There was discussion about retreat rights for the 1000 flat sorter.

A retired member asked if the question of whether retirees will be allowed to come to the Plant for parties was brought up in the Labor-Management Meeting. Luther said it will be addressed at the next meeting.

Cynthia made a motion to suspend regular order of business to let Seneca Scott (running for State Legislature) speak. Susan seconded motion and it passed. Cynthia introduced Seneca Scott. He spoke on the Main Street Program, mom and pop stores, the House wanting more community involvement when closing Post Office Stations.

Marsha Coyle spoke on HR 6487 and the need for members to get involved and contact their legislators concerning Postal issues.

NEW BUSINESS

None

OPEN FLOOR

Evelyn Buttram’s name was drawn for the $775.00 pot. She was not present so at the next meeting the drawing will be for $800.00.

A motion was made to adjourn. It was properly seconded and passed.

Sincerely,

Tracy Cudjo
Secretary/Treasurer
Tulsa Area Local 1348

Al D'Amato Goes Postal, Lets the Curse Words Fly!

2010-09-20T12:46:00.000-05:00

Al D'Amato Goes Postal, Lets the Curse Words Fly!

August Minutes

2010-09-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

Tulsa Area Local 1348 General Membership Meeting, August 15, 2010

President: Luther Franklin, Present
Sec/Treas: Elaine Longstreth, Excused
Vice President: Susan Wells, Present
Clerk Craft Dir: Ralph Charles, Excused
Mech. Dir: J. L. Talley, Presen
t MVS Dir: Ken Boyd, Excused
Maint. Dir: Scott McPherson, Present
Editor: Cynthia McNeilance, Present
Trustees: Tracy Cudjo, Loretta Hackman, Present

Meeting was called to order by Luther Franklin at 3:00; prayer and flag salute led by Luther.
Luther reported on the July Labor-Management meeting. Mgmt has yet to submit any items for the agenda. The Union had 5 people present, and we are allowed 6. Luther would like a pool of people to draw from. The Labor-Mgmt meeting minutes should be posted at all facilities
Luther read the minutes of the previous meeting. Dave Tevebaugh made a motion to accept, Cynthia McNeilance seconded. Motion passed.
There were no committed reports.

New Business
Susan Wells made a motion to staff the NEOCLC fair booth on Friday, Oct. 8th at a cost not to exceed $200, from 4:00 to 10:00pm. Motion seconded by Cynthia McNeilance. Motion passed. Vinita Haley volunteered to help. Anyone interested should contact Susan Wells or Cynthia McNeilance.

There was discussion on clerk retirees not being allowed on the facilities for retiree parties when the carriers are allowed on the premises.
Julie Forrester brought up discussion on the vending machines. Vending machines have been removed from Sheridan and West Tulsa stations. Vending at the plant is also inadequate. Do we have any recourse?

Safety Hazard reports should be filled out if you find unclean or unsafe conditions. Maintenance custodial staffing is severely understaffed, and you have a right to a clean and safe workplace.
Julie Forrester inquired about setting up WOS training by Paula Jones. Dave Tevebaugh made a motion for Luther to contact Paula Jones and set up training, paying round trip mileage for Paula Jones, provide a pizza lunch, and provide a $25 door prize for attendees. Seconded by Julie Forrester. Passed.

There was discussion on the VOE Surveys. A motion was made that the Local hold a drawing of the VOE surveys turned in to the Local, for all APWU represented employees, to be drawn at the November meeting, for $1 per survey, not to exceed $100. Attendance at the meeting is not required to win. Motion was properly seconded and passed.

Tracy Cudjo brought up discussion about unruly customers and Zero Tolerance. Does it apply to the customers and how are we to deal with them?

Cynthia McNeilance requested that reestablishing the Window Pool be added to the agenda of the Labor-Mgmt meeting since mgmt. keeps cutting window positions, and stations are understaffed.
Harold Hoobler’s name was drawn in the attendance drawing for $750, he was not present. September meeting will be worth $775.

Motion to adjourn, passed. Meeting adjourned at 4:45pm.
Submitted by Cynthia McNeilance

Changes to the Executive Board

2010-09-07T21:51:00.001-05:00

The Executive Board now consists of the following:

President: Luther Franklin
Vice Pres: Susan Wells
Sec/Treas: Tracy Cudjo (NEW)
Mech VP: JL Talley
Clerk Craft Dir: Ralph Charles
Maint Craft Dir: Scott McPherson
Motor Veh Craft Dir: Elaine Longstreth (NEW)
Editor: Cynthia McNeilance

Trustees: (Since Tracy Cudjo was appointed Secretary/Treasurer, she resigned as Trustee)

Alice Crandall (NEW)
Loretta Hackman
Tony Helvy (NEW)

Labor Day and the rewards of hard work | Tulsa World

2010-09-05T17:31:00.000-05:00

Labor Day and the rewards of hard work | Tulsa World: "Labor Day and the rewards of hard work

By RUBEN NAVARRETTE Washington Post Writers Group
Published: 9/4/2010 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 9/4/2010 6:48 AM

SAN DIEGO - Just in time for Labor Day, a reader critical of my views on immigration sends along some career advice.

'You really need to find another line of work,' he wrote. 'You are not worth a (expletive) at what you are doing now. I hear they need strawberry pickers.'"

Vote in Wichita Poll, show your union support!

2010-09-05T17:26:00.000-05:00

Why are people against unions? | Top Stories | Wichita Eagle: "Why are people against unions?
Comments (86) Recommend (3)
BY DAN VOORHIS
The Wichita Eagle
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of labor unions?
Favorable Unfavorable

Favorable
50% (367 votes)
Unfavorable
50% (373 votes)
Total Votes: 740

Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
You can thank the labor unions for getting Monday off.
But these days, many Kansans aren't very appreciative of organized labor."

September Meeting

2010-08-31T00:42:00.000-05:00

VOE Survey

2010-08-31T00:41:00.000-05:00

July Meeting Minutes

2010-08-26T18:44:00.000-05:00

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES 07/18/10

President - Luther Franklin, Present
Vice-President - Susan Wells, Excused
Mech VP - JL Talley, Present
Clerk Director - Ralph Charles, Present
Maint Director - Scott McPherson, Present
MVS Director - Ken Boyd, Excused
Editor - Cynthia McNeilance, Present
Secr/Treasurer - Elaine Longstreth, Excused

Luther read the May minutes since there was no quorum and meeting in June. Marsha made a motion to accept the minutes as read, seconded, and passed.

Officer Reports:
Luther discussed the PO desiring to use MVS drivers for clerk duties during slow periods and even wanting to modify their schedules to match operational needs. At this point, Luther is just listening to their ideas.

Luther spoke on the disparate treatment regarding zero tolerance. He spoke on the difference in treatment by management depending on the offender being a craft employee or management.

Cynthia informed everyone that articles for the Drum Major were due on July 15th and she had only three articles to date and if anyone had something for her, to turn it in.

Scott read the E-board recommendations.
1. A motion that those attending the National Convention would be compensated for the additional expenses and paid at the per diem rate for training before or after the convention not to exceed the already approved amount of $2,000.
2. A motion was made to pay one half of the expenses not to exceed $200 for a golf team at the United Way, Labor Council tournament in August 2010.

Marty made a motion to accept the E-board recommendations and it was properly seconded, it passed.

No Committee reports

No Unfinished Business

New Business

Cynthia made a motion to send the Vice-President to the National Convention in the place of the President if the President could not attend, at a cost not to exceed $2,000. The motion was seconded by Marty, and it passed.

Open Floor:

Marsha Coyle said thanks to Ralph Charles and other stewards for their assistance.
Marsha also thanked the membership for upping their contributions to COPA and how it works to save our jobs.

Cynthia made a motion for the Local to endorse the Leadership Team with the exception of the Regional Coordinator. For Regional Coordinator, the Local should endorse Tony McKinnon, from North Carolina. Motion was seconded and passed.

Luther mentioned that next Tuesday, Labor Management meeting is scheduled at the Hall. He talked about these meetings are required under the LMOU.

Luther was asked about the removal of the FSM1000s. He said he was unaware but would check into it.

David Reece’s name was drawn for the $725 pot. He was not present, so it will be $750 next month.

Motion to adjourn, properly seconded and passed.

Respectfully,

Scott McPherson

Training : Disability Retirement

2010-08-19T14:26:00.000-05:00

Senate Panel votes on 6 Day delivery

2010-07-29T13:33:00.000-05:00

Nation Briefs Tulsa World: "Senate panel votes to keep six-day mail delivery
WASHINGTON — A congressional panel voted Wednesday to make sure Americans keep getting mail six days a week.

The action by a Senate Appropriations subcommittee would prevent the U.S. Postal Service from scrapping Saturday delivery, a proposal Postmaster General John E. Potter made earlier this year."

DOL Safety complaint

2010-07-16T09:27:00.002-05:00

"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's solicitor today filed a complaint against the U.S. Postal Service for electrical work safety violations. The complaint, which asks the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to order USPS to correct electrical violations at 350 facilities, marks the first time the department has sought enterprise-wide relief as a remedy."

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=17943

June Meeting Minutes

2010-07-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

No meeting was held in June due to a lack of quorum.

May Meeting Minute

2010-07-12T15:54:00.001-05:00

Executive Board Meeting May 16, 2010

Executive Board meeting brought to order by Luther Franklin.

Present
Luther Franklin - President
Susan Wells - Vice-President
JL Talley - Mechanization Vice-President
Ralph Charles - Clerk Craft Director
S McPherson - Maintenance Craft Director
C McNeilance - Editor
Excused
E Longstreth - Secretary/Treasurer
Ken Boyd - MVS Director

There will be a Labor-Management meeting on May 25, 2010 with the Postmaster and the Plant Manager.

Charley Mose will attend the quarterly Safety/Health Meeting with Mike Lee at the Plant on May 19th.

Scott McPherson made a motion that we endorse Terry Martinez for Maintenance NBA B in the Southern Region. The motion was seconded by Susan Wells.

The Local MOU negotiations will begin 60 days after we get a new contract.

A motion was made to send Susan Wells to the AFL-CIO Cope Convention in Oklahoma City, cost not to exceed $300. Motion was passed.

Information was passed out by Christine “Chris” Pruitt, who is running for NBA of the Clerk Craft. Nine years ago she ran against Leon Tatum for the NBA position.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn.

Respectfully,

Cynthia McNeilance

APWU GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MAY 16, 2010

The APWU General Membership meeting was brought to order at 3:07 p.m.

Executive Board
President – Luther Franklin - Present
Vice President – Susan Wells - Present
Secretary/Treasurer – Elaine Longstreth - Excused
Clerk Craft Director – Ralph Charles - Present
Mechanization Vice President – JL Talley - Present
Maintenance Craft Director - Scott McPherson - Present
Motor Vehicle Craft Director – Ken Boyd - Excused
Editor – Cynthia McNeilance - Present

Trustees
Tracy Cudjo – Present
Loretta Hackman – Present
Vinita Haley – Present

Cynthia McNeilance reported that the paper, The Drum Major, will be out on Monday, May 17, 2010.

Luther Franklin gave a report on FMLA. He pointed out that frequency and duration of absences raise the red flag for FMLA. Use form WH380.

Luther spoke on the quarterly joint Health and Safety Committee Meeting on May 19th. Charlie Mose will represent the Union at that meeting.

Luther has requested monthly Labor-Management meetings with the Postmaster and Plant Manager. The first meeting will be on May 25th at 10:00 AM. We are allowed six Union representatives at the meetings.

Cynthia McNeilance made a motion to transpose the Order of Business to allow Christine “Chris” Pruitt to speak. Motion was seconded by Susan Wells.

Christine “Chris” Pruitt spoke on her candidacy for NBA and handed out some literature.

Luther read the March minutes. Motion was made to accept them as amended by Cynthia McNeilance. Motion was seconded by David Tevebaugh.

Executive Board recommendations were read. David Tevebaugh made a motion to accept the recommendations and Charlie Mose seconded the motion. These were the recommendations:
- Endorse Terry Martinez for Maintenance NBA B of the Southern Region
- Send Susan Wells to AFL-CIO COPE Convention in OKC in June. Cost not to exceed $300.
Recommendations were passed.

Luther spoke about the Tulsa Shock night with ½ price tickets. The game is on May 29th.

Open Floor

There was a discussion on the 5 day work week and legislative issues.

Marsha Coyle spoke on COPA. She pointed out that less than 10 members from the Tulsa Local donate to COPA. She urged everyone to use Postal Ease to contribute to COPA.

Kelly Nissen’s name was drawn in the membership drawing for $700.00. Since Kelly Nissen was not present, the drawing in June will be for $725.00.

A motion was made by Cynthia McNeilance to adjourn the meeting at 4:10 PM.

Respectfully,

Cynthia McNeilance

April Meeting Minutes

2010-07-12T15:51:00.001-05:00

APWU EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING APRIL 18, 2010

President – Luther Franklin - Present
Vice President – Susan Wells - Present
Secretary/Treasurer – Elaine Longstreth - Present
Clerk Craft Director – Ralph Charles - Excused
Mechanization Vice President – JL Talley - Present
Maintenance Craft Director – Scott McPherson - Present
Motor Vehicle Craft Director – Ken Boyd - Excused
Editor – Cynthia McNeilance - Present

Luther said he will check into the cost of printing 550 copies of the Drum Major with Collins Printing. Collins Printing is a Union shop.

Guest speaker Phil Thomas from Omaha, Nebraska will be running for NBA. Phil will hand out his campaign material. His web site is listed on his material. Luther asked, if elected, where will his office be? Phil said that his office will be in Oklahoma City.

The Tri-State Convention will be held June 16-19, 2010 at the Hilton in Tulsa. Cynthia brought up that we need to re-establish the Convention Committee since Terri (Bullis) is unable to assist with it.

Respectfully,

Elaine Longstreth

APWU GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES APRIL 18, 2010

President – Luther Franklin - Present
Vice President – Susan Wells - Present
Secretary/Treasurer – Elaine Longstreth - Present
Clerk Craft Director – Ralph Charles - Excused
Mechanization Vice President – JL Talley - Present
Maintenance Craft Director – Scott McPherson - Present
Motor Vehicle Craft Director – Ken Boyd - Excused
Editor – Cynthia McNeilance – Present

Luther made a motion to transpose the order of business to allow Phil Thomas to speak.
Cynthia McNeilance seconded the motion and it passed.

Phil Thomas is from Omaha, Nebraska and is running for National Business Agent. He handed out his campaign material.

No committee reports.

The General Membership Meeting Minutes from April 21, 2010 were read. A motion was made to accept them as read. Motion seconded by Charley Mose. Motion passed.

No unfinished business.

No new business.

Open Floor:

Luther made a motion to accept the recommendation to endorse Phil Thomas for the office of NBA. Motion was seconded by Marsha Coyle. Motion passed.

Tom Maier spoke about the upcoming contract negotiations. September 1, 2010 is the opening day for the negotiations. William Burris is retiring, but will participate in the contract negotiations. Tom said he would like to see good members to start getting involved in the Union as we have many officers and NBA’s who will be retiring in the next couple of terms.

Luther asked for volunteers for the Tri-State Committee. The volunteers are: Vinita Haley, Marsha Coyle, Julie Forrester, Susan Wells, Cynthia McNeilance, David Carver, Gloria Brooks, Gail Stripling.

David Phillip’s name was drawn in the Membership Drawing, but he was not present. The Membership Drawing will be for $700 at the May Meeting.

Respectfully,

Elaine Longstreth

2010-07-04T16:07:00.000-05:00

AmericanFlags

Huh.

2010-06-30T19:12:00.000-05:00

Oldest US postal worker retires in Calif. at 95 - Yahoo! News:

"Oldest US postal worker retires in Calif. at 95

EmailPrintBy NARDINE SAAD, Associated Press Writer Nardine Saad, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 28 mins ago
REDLANDS, Calif. – It wasn't snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night that stopped Chester Arthur Reed from his appointed round. The mail handler just felt it was time to call it quits at age 95.
The fork lift operator retired Wednesday as the nation's oldest postal worker, ending a career without taking a single sick day. It's a feat he attributes to a healthy diet of watermelon, alkaline water and an onion sandwich with mayo every day.
'If everyone in the nation ate watermelons, they'd get rid of all the doctors,' Reed said."

Red Cross Blood Drive

2010-06-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

US POSTAL SERVICE
2132 S 91st E Ave
Tulsa, OK

June 8, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
June 9, 12:15 am - 4:00 am

Drum Major online

2010-05-30T13:25:00.001-05:00

The April,May,June 2010 issue of the Drum Major is available for download at:

http://tulsaapwu.org/DrumMajor/June2010.zip

APWU, WNBA, & BOK

2010-05-17T01:05:00.000-05:00

Convention Training Schedule

2010-05-11T12:25:00.003-05:00

Oklahoma Postal Workers Convention
Tri-State Training Seminar Class Schedule

Wednesday June 16th

9:00 till Noon
Steward Training by Tom Maier
MS-47 Class by Don Foley
Excessing by Leon Tatum

1:00 till 4:30
Steward Training by Tom Maier
Article 38 Class by Don Foley
Mystery Shopper by Leon Tatum

Thursday June 17th

9:00 till Noon
FMLA class by Phil Thomas
Function 4/WOS by Paula Jones
MVS training by DD Johnson

1:00 till 4:30
Changes in Article 37 by Chris Pruitt
Travel Issues by Leon Tatum
Contract Postal Units by Cliff Guffey

Friday June 18th
9:00 till Noon
Introduction of National Officers- Open Floor Forum with National Officers Q&A

Conventions begins at 1:30 PM on Friday June 18th
Banquet will be held Saturday night June 19th

APWU on youtube

2010-05-02T21:24:00.004-05:00

Here are two links to APWU produced videos on youtube of the history of the APWU. Thanks to Elaine Longstreth for finding these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFEIATW88bs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv-PxDvc0_g&feature=related

Selling back AL at retirement

2010-04-18T21:57:00.002-05:00

Upon retirement, APWU members can sell back up to the 440 hours of AL that is the maximum carry-over amount. They must take any AL over the 440 hour limit prior to retirement, or lose it.

Also, if there are any holidays that fall within the time that the AL sell back would cover, they will also be paid for the holiday as if they were on AL during this initial retirement period. From the ELM:

512.732 Entitlement Amounts
Separating employees may receive lump sum terminal leave payments as follows:

a.Nonbargaining Unit Employees. Nonbargaining unit employees may receive a lump sum leave payment for accumulated annual leave carried over from the previous year; accrued annual leave for the year in which they separate, including amounts over the carryover maximum; any unused donated leave; and for full–time and part-time regular employees, holidays that fall within the terminal leave period.
b.Bargaining Unit Employee. Bargaining unit employees may receive a lump sum leave payment:
1.If separating other than under the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), for accumulated annual leave carried over from the previous year; accrued annual leave for the year in which they separate, up to the carryover maximum for their bargaining unit (see 512.32); any unused donated leave; and for full–time and part-time regular employees, holidays that fall within the terminal leave period. Any part of the unused annual leave earned during the leave year of separation that is in excess of the maximum carryover amount is granted prior to separation rather than paid out in the form of a lump sum payment. No payment is made for unused leave that the employee would have been required to forfeit at the end of the leave year.
2.If separating under VERA, for accumulated annual leave carried over from the previous year; accrued annual leave for the year in which they separate, including amounts over the carryover maximum for their bargaining unit; any unused donated leave; and for full–time and part-time regular employees, holidays that fall within the terminal leave period.

Tulsa Convention Registration

2010-04-14T20:43:00.002-05:00

Attendees of the Tulsa Convention may use this link to the Hilton for room Registration and to obtain the special rates.

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/TULSHHF-APW-20100615/index.jhtml

Meeting Minutes

2010-03-29T19:38:00.002-05:00

The minutes for the January, February, and March Meetings are now available on the web page at:

http://tulsaapwu.org/Minutes.html

TriState / OPWU Convention

2010-03-19T21:13:00.000-05:00

The End Of 9-To-5: When Work Time Is Anytime : NPR

2010-03-16T21:26:00.000-05:00

The End Of 9-To-5: When Work Time Is Anytime : NPR: "'There's this belief that if you're at work, you're doing work — and people are not,' says co-creator Jody Thompson. She says 80 percent of companies' lost productivity is from 'presenteeism' — when someone is physically in the office but mentally somewhere else."

Luther Franklin Elected President

2010-03-06T16:18:00.001-06:00

Here are the Election results, Winners are in red. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all for supporting our union!!

President
Luther Franklin -135
Mike Hack -63
Marsha Coyle -42
________________________________________
Vice President
Susan Wells -120
Julie Forester -117
________________________________________
Secretary-Treasurer
David Edmonson -97
Elaine Longstreth-113
Rochelle Hare-26
_______________________________________
Editor
Cynthia McNeilance-162
Cynthia Brooks--67
_______________________________________
Trustee
Vinita Haley-143
Tracy Cudjo-153
Tony Helvy-130
Loretta Hackman-144

Jason Scott

2010-03-04T12:16:00.002-06:00

Deepest Condolences to the Family and Friends of Jason Scott, MVS driver, who passed away unexpectedly today.

Election - Candidate Statements

2010-02-23T11:05:00.003-06:00

The election issue of the Drum Major has been published. It is available here as a compressed (zip) PDF file.

http://www.tulsaapwu.org/DrumMajor/DrumMajorElect.zip

Sperry Merger

2010-02-13T10:13:00.000-06:00

February Meeting

2010-02-13T10:10:00.000-06:00

Election Information

2010-02-08T19:41:00.007-06:00

February 8, 2010

The Election Committee has determined the following candidates to be members in good standing and eligible to run for office.

CANDIDATES For the APWU

(Tulsa Area Local) Election of Officers

___________________________________________________

President

Luther Franklin -135

Mike Hack -63

Marsha Coyle -42

________________________________________

Vice President

Susan Wells -120

Julie Forester -117

________________________________________

Secretary-Treasurer

David Edmonson -97

Elaine Longstreth-113

Rochelle Hare-26

_______________________________________

Editor

Cynthia McNeilance-162

Cynthia Brooks--67

_______________________________________

Trustee

Vinita Haley-143

Tracy Cudjo-153

Tony Helvy-130

Loretta Hackman-144

__________________________________________

Officers that were elected by acclamation:

Clerk Craft Director - Ralph Charles

Maintenance Craft Director - Scott McPherson

Motor Vehicle Craft Director - Ken Boyd

Mechanization Vice President - J.L. Talley

___________________________________

The drawing to determine the order of name placement on the official Election Ballot will be held at the APWU Union Hall on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

Election Committee

Stacy Boyd, Chairperson

Darlene Holland

Jeffery Holland

For questions, please contact

Stacy Boyd at 918.521.5522

APWU Union Hall 918.834.9972

Casuals in Lieu of

2010-01-31T16:18:00.001-06:00

Article 7 – Hiring Casuals in Lieu of Career Bargaining Unit Employees

This is a summary of Regional Arbitrator Glenda M. August’s decision in case G06C-4G-C-08248741 regarding the Postal Service’s decision to hire a casual employee to replace an enlisted military employee. In this case a career postal employee enlisted in the Military. Management hired a casual employee to fill the career employee’s position after he announced he would be in the Army for a period of not less than four years.

The Union alleged that Article 7.1.B.1 was violated when a casual employee was hired in lieu of a career employee. According to the Union Article 7.1.B provided that casual employees could be hired for term limit of 360 calendar days, however four years was excessive. The Area guidelines could not be used to replace the mandate of Article 7; the Union further argued the trigger guidelines were implemented to be used as support when hiring short term workforce. According to the Union to hire a casual for a period of five years in the absence e of a career employee was not a proper use of supplement workforce. In support of its argument the Union cited the Das award (Q98C-4I-C-00100499) and the Downes Memorandum.

The arbitrator issued a cease and desist order and ordered the Postal Service to hire a career employee. In addition the arbitrator ordered the Postal Service to pay the clerk craft employees for those hours worked by the casual at the overtime rate.

The arbitrator properly noted in her award:

Management had a mandate t utilize casual employees for heavy loads of work or short terms as supplemental workforce. Where it was reasonable t believe that the employee would be away from his Postal employment at a minimum of five years, Management had no justification to assert that the hiring of a casual was within the guidelines of the National Agreement. Although Article 7 allowed Management to hire a casual for 360 days, the hiring of five to seven casuals to cover the military absence was not the intent of the authors of the National Agreement.

Weather & the Monthly Meeting

2010-01-28T16:07:00.002-06:00

The January Meeting WILL be held on Sunday, Jan. 31st as posted. Nomination of Officers will be made at the meeting. Please allow extra time for road conditions as required, but the meeting will take place at 3 PM as scheduled.