Keep the blog alive or not.. that is the question....

Some of you have voiced that you want this blog to stay around. Well, is anyone of you willing to take it over from me? If so you know how to contact me by email.

Craft Employees who think Rules are not for them

How many of us out there work around someone who does not think the Post Office rules or regulations are something that they need to pay attention or follow?

Well, let me start off today with an easy one. I will pick on Maintenance again since they so often do not feel the need to follow the rules like all of us other employees. Just a few days ago, I brought up about how Maintenance Managers/Supervisors/204b's feel they "need" their own private entrance into MLS P&DC that has no security or control on it. Well, there is at least one craft employee that feels the same way. This employee is a support clerk in Maintenance for Tour 3. This employee's name is Veronica Phung. I would like for everyone to think back to when the last time this person actually walked into or out of the employee's entrance like all the other craft employee's. Why should she be any different than any other craft employee? Is it because she believes that this rule is one that does not pertain to her? Or is it maybe because of her relationship with Charles Sweet?

What do you think?

Now let me hear from all of you about employee's you work with that think that rules do not pertain to them. Or is she the only one like this in all of San Diego area?

Bitching time.....

Before I do shut this blog down.. I still have a few things to get off my chest. So I will start with this one today... In a few more days I will continue getting things off my chest.


Even with the excess notices being given out to clerks and mailhandlers I still notice a lot of them let the supervisors continue to do craftwork instead of just supervising. Do these individuals think that this supervisor actually cares about them? Or just that the mail is gotten out of there quicker? Majority of these craftworkers do not remind me of jellyfish... no backbone to stand up and tell the supervisor to leave the mail alone and to let the shop stewards know about it.

Countdown to no more Blog

Over the course of time, beginning with the original blogger who had this sight and till now. Each of us have tried to do something to call attention to things we have considered wrong and in need of correction. So, I feel that it is finally time to lay this blog to rest as of 30 December 2008.

So to all of you who supported this blog from the start when Tricky Wicky was our Local's President through the changes that are occurring now throughout the post office. I, "Thank each of you", for your input no matter whether or not I agreed with it.

May each of us in our own unique way try to change things to make it better for ourselves and others around us.

Mom197

Thanksgiving

I do not know where to begin or to end... I just know that I have many things to be thankful for in my life. Yes, there have been places where I have felt that life could not get any worse. But, looking back over my life, my work, and my country. I feel proud and thankful for what has come my way.

Happy Thanksgiving to all....

Something to be "Thankful" for

Good morning, I apologize for not keeping much information about what is going on in our Union nowadays. I only hear about what is going on via my fellow employees. Their moans and groans about what is wrong in our Union and in the Postal Service. From what I gather so far a lot of folks are wondering just what our Union has been doing for us during this period that we are in now. People talk about being excessed, having to change tours due to jobs being abolished or consolidated, decreased mail volume and many other items that effect our lives.

Well I have thinking about it quite a bit. Yes, I consider myself fortunate to work for the Postal Service and to have our Union working to make this a better job. I could picture our job it we did not have the Union and their representatives working to our benefit. The majority of us would not be as well off as we are now. In this majority of individuals I include anyone who is a craft employee and most of EAS employees. The reason I include the EAS employees is that whenever the craft employees are getting their raises and benefits increased so are the EAS employees many of which belong to NAPS. The Postal Service if it could would love to get rid of the majority of its employees if it could. Because like any business the employees are a major cash drain. Instead of paying employees the wages and benefits that we recieve now. The Postal Service would love to employ individuals who would make only mininum wage with no or minimal benefits.

Look around you... how many jobs do you know of can give you up to 26 paid days of vacation time each year. This does not include the holidays that you are off either. Or would you rather work for someplace like Mervyns, Circuit City, or even Linen & Things or similar stores? You think we have it bad working in our respective areas well the stores I named above the employees have it a lot worse than either you or I. Care to change places with anyone who works there? I think I will stay where I am at and continue to strive to make our Union and the Postal Service something that all of us can be proud of.

Obama or McCain... Today the choice is made

Myself, I am tired of what is going on with this political race. I look forward to having it over and moving on. But, when it comes to my job and the Postal Service I look forward to still many changes that are happening now and in the future. Some of these I may not like or even understand why they are happening. As an Union member, I will continue to follow the contract as well as I can and hold management where I work accountable for there actions/inactions.

What will you do?

Tired of Obama/McCain.....

I do not know about any of you out there. But, I am tired of different individuals who keep harping about either Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin. Why do not some of you individuals who have something to say talk about what is going on here locally at the stations or either of the plants that will effect you or your coworkers? At one time, I thought that this could be used for all of us to talk on this blog about what is going on around the county that is affecting our jobs. But, currently that is not happening. Shall we try to get it back to what goes on here locally?

Thanks

MOM

Getting if off my chest

I am right now feeling like getting a few things off my chest. I think I will begin with saying "Good luck to all who are going up to Morena Facility. I wish you all the best." Boy, that was an easy one... felt pretty good also.

Now time to pick on the mailhandlers... I hear that Bob Monzon won again... by only maybe 10 votes this time. I do wander if there was a recount to verify his winning. Other than see him walk around on the floor periodically I have not seen him do any work for I to long. Also talking about mailhandlers... look at the ones on the LCTS they all appear to be hard working. So why does everyone tell me about how Carmen, Peter, Cristina and Jack (last 2 are 204b's) are doing labeling, scanning, loading and moving equipment? Do not the mailhandlers care enough about their jobs to tell these supervisors and supervisor wannabe's to leave the mail alone? Or is it that they do not care enough.... Then there is Bob and Dwight why have they not talked with these supervisors and 204b's or hit them with enough paper to bury them in paperwork vice doing craft work.

Now onto the clerks.... What is going to happen to the clerks on Tour 2 who work on the 100's? From all rumours and indications appears that all of them are going to be starting either much later in the day like noon... or very late at night. Does this mean that the junior clerks who left earlier are actually in a better position since they have bids and these senior clerks maybe left as unassigned regulars?

What is it that makes you upset? Care to air it out?

AIG Bailout

I'm against the $85,000,000, 000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000, 000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,0 00 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free.

So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.

That sends $25,500,000, 000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.

A husband and wife has $595,000 .00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.

Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads

Put away money for college - it'll be there

Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.

Buy a new car - create jobs

Invest in the market - capital drives growth

Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves

Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth le t's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it.

Sell off its parts.

Let American General go back to being American General.

Sell off the real estate.

Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion

We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC .

And remember, The Family plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Kindest personal regards,

A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic.

PS: Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it's good for a laugh

Where is the Post Office going?

Looking around at the economy and then looking around at the Postal Facility I am working at I see that the mail volume in first class has declined a lot since I first started working for the Post Office. Even our bread and butter mail the BBM (also known by many at home as "junk mail") has fallen off some. So now USPS is offering the VERA to just about anyone who wants to take it. Well, I do not know about most of you who maybe looking at taking the early out. But, if your not ready for it I would look long and hard at it. Only thing the Postal Service is offering you is a chance to leave before you might be ready to do so. If you do leave are you going to be able to live in the style you are accustomed to be living. Or will you be looking for anohter job either part-time or full-time which does not have the medical, dental, or other benefits that some of us have taken for granted for many years.

Now about McCain and Obama.... In my opinion the jury is still out on which one would make the best person to lead this Nation for the next four years. Right, now neither individual is a "perfect" choice. So, that leaves it up to you and me to choose what is commonly called "the lesser of two evils" to lead this Nation. Who will it be? I will keep doing my research, listening to other individuals, and weigh this choice with care. In November, I will decide who I will vote for.

Postal Nepotism Link that did not work

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30327373@N07/sets/72157607181055970/show/with/2839829941/

Question for the Former Owner/Blogger of APWUDictatorship

To: Former Owner/Blogger of APWUDictatorship

I first would like to let you know that I am a former reader of yours. I believe that myself and others that were reading the blog during the time of Ricky Cornholie appreciated the dedication and work you put into the blog.

Something else that I enjoyed during your time with the blog was the story you told that appeared to be a parable that was very close to what was happening to our Local during that time.

I would like now to ask you if you would post the chapters that you had posted before on your blog of the APWUDictatorship here for all to read again. Plus, I also ask if you would complete the story and let all of us see how the story ends.

I look forward hearing from you

Thank you, MOM197

After the APWU Convention.. What happens?

Since our officers and representatives have returned back from the Convention at Las Vegas I would hope that they will impart some of what they have learned very soon to the general membership. Either thru our local's newsletter, our local's website at http://sandiegoapwu197.org , or even this minor website. I do not actually care how this information is given to the membership. I just hope that is it soon.

Thanks

PS.... Did that actually happen to Evonn and Noel? If so when is it effective?

APWU National Convention begins Saturday

Well beginning today and tomorrow a lot of our stewards and officers will be heading to Las Vegas for the APWU National Convention that will be starting on Saturday. I am asking that anyone who is going up there please take a few minutes during your time up there and enlighten all of us down here in the San Diego area what is going on up there.

Good luck to all of you and have a great time.

Bonita????????

Well.. I asked earlier how Tom Wood was doing. So now I would like to ask how mmmmmm so hard to say this... Our former(thank God) President Ricky Cornelius is doing?

Since this being the month of August with the convention in Las Vegas shortly. Soon he will get to hear his name being read up there in Vegas if he dares to show up to accept what the National will have to say about him about those charges that were denied at our local. Being found guilty and then having his cronies in the membership then vote to not uphold the findings of our own board.

What will the National have to say? Can anyone take video of that moment?

Simple question ... difficult answer?

I am happy to see that there are still a few people looking at this blog. I do apologize for not keeping it updated as much as I should have. I have been busy with some personal and work-related items that have kept me away from the blog.

Right now I would like to "Thank Roger" for bringing up our locals website and to anyone who has given Roger any assistance.

So.... just a simple question for everyone.....

How do you think Tom Wood is doing?

What does the "future" hold?

What does the future hold for all of us here in the post office? Would anyone care to take a "WAG" (Wild Assed Guess) at it?

Well I will try to take a shot at it. Do not know how accurate this prediction will be.

1. I will take a guess that the Tour Steward Program will "hopefully" come back in some form by the end of August.

2. USPS will not get enough volunteers(IE...idiots" on the "EOP" (Early Out Program) without out offering some form of financial incentive.

3. Supervisors maybe asked to step down back into craft by Bertolina if they continue to do craft work instead of supervising their craft workers.

4. More jobs within the Post Office will become PTR jobs both in the clerk and mailhander jobs due to decreasing mail volume within the postal service.

Anyone out there care to add to this or to debate the merits of my predictions?

Complaints?????

Yes, I have complaints... and also I believe that others have complaints either against our Union or Management. I admit I do not know everything about what is going on either at MLS, Midway or at any of the stations. But, if I hear of something that I believe is not correct or about something that is not being done I will try to bring it to your attention.

What I would like to do is hear from anyone out at the stations on how things are going out there in the "real world". Plus, I also like to hear from others at MLS or Midway from all the Tours since there are many changes either taking place or on the horizon. Since I have seen all the Tours at MLS losing all their casuals and MDO's and supervisors talking about changing that will be coming shortly.

So, for the next week or so I am going to turn this blog over to you. I am going to leave this completely unmoderated. I only ask your discretion on posting of personal information of other individuals.

Thanks,

MOM197

What has Tom Wood done?

It’s been almost two months since Tom Wood has been elected to the position of president.

What has he done?

1. Saved the ten-four program for maintenance.
2. Mmmmm what else??? Has Jim Roland doing some type of work for the Union.

What has Tom Wood not done?

1. NOT posted a new stewards roster- the one posted still shows Clark Moody as a Tour One steward and Francisco B. as a Tour Two steward (both of these individuals are in maintenance). Do you think this will cause problems with grievances????

2. NOT posted a station steward list. (while Tom has posted a notice on the Carmel Mountain Union office door naming some chief stewards he has failed to post anything on ANY other bulletin boards) THE MEMBERS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHO IS THEIR STEWARD!


3. NOT had Ricky’s name removed from the joint statement on safety posted on the bulletin board near the men’s locker room.

4. NOT had any new shop stewards classes to train all stewards.


5. NOT got the Tour Steward program returned.

6. NOT got the Union web site up and running. (Is the web master being paid?)

Attend your Union meetings and demand answers!

Tour One Meeting with Plant Manager

I heard that last night Tour One at MLS P&DC had it's "Town Hall Meeting" with the plant manager John P. Bertolina. Also, I heard that our own Vice President Tagart was in early walking around prior to the meeting. Unfortunately, I was not able to go there last night. So, I am asking anyone of you out there to give myself and anyone else unable to attend this meeting some feedback on what took place and your own thoughts on this matter. Plus over the course of the next few days Tour Two and Three will have their own "Town Hall Meetings". Then next week will be Midway's turn for having "Town Hall Meetings".

I look forward to hearing from all of you. Please let everyone know what you think and feel about these meetings with the Plant Manager John P. Bertolina.

Union Member asking for help?

I have a Union member from another local asking for help. I freely admit to not knowing everything there is about our own local and also what goes on at the national level of the APWU.

Here is the basics of what I have been told. I am withholding the names of individuals and also of the local involved. Please feel free to give constructive and meaningful answers.

I would sincerely appreciate any guidance or suggestions you can send my way. We have a shop steward in place that is constantly running to management turning in union employees for every small transgression. We need protection from our SHOP STEWARD!!

Several years ago, a number of clerks signed a letter to try and have this steward removed from office. The "then" president said he could not do it. We have recently approached the latest president to try again and he said he would look into it. This steward has made the comment "You will never remove me from office unless I resign" Once again, I appreciate any help.Any suggestions?

Now is there anyone out there who has a idea what this individual or individuasl can do or might be able to do?

the Potpourri

I just received my Potpourri on Wednesday. It was very nice to actually to have some relevant information being given out. I am in full agreement with our local officers and trustees that we now must work together to leave behind the legacy/disaster that Rick Cornelius left for our local to recover from.

So to all Union members talk to our officers and trustee's to let them know what you think our local needs.

Also remember, that management is trying to downsize right now. Look around you, take a look at the casuals that are working currently. Very soon, neither the clerks or mailhandlers are going to have anymore casuals working. Why is this? Look around you to the mail volume that our plants are processing. To many times our supervisors are asking who wants to take annual leave right away. Protect your jobs.... Do NOT let a supervisor or 204B do your work. Let them supervise you while you are doing your job. But, most of all do not let them do you work.

Contact your shop steward so something can be done about it. Remember, that if they are doing your job... how soon will it be before they try to eliminate your job or abolish it?

June 2008... One month has passed....

Like I have put for a title "June 2008... One month has passed...." it has just barely been one month since Tom Wood took over. I do not know about most of you but I have noticed a change in the way things are being done. Some of them I do not like and others are much better than when we had Cornelius.

One thing, I feel is that right now we need to get our steward program back up and running so that those individuals can help our members who are in need of our help. I mean the full Tour Steward program. Before Cornelius took over this program gave us stewards that were very well trained and also had earned the respect for management. Then over the course of the last 3 years the program was subverted and abused by many wannabe stewards. I look forward to hopefully having trained stewards back again on each of the tours to help out our members at all times and our scabs also

Yes, and I did use the word "scabs" differentiate between an Union member and a non-union member. Because I believe it is not fair that the Union members should have to pay extra dues just to support the non union members. But, as mandated by federal law we cannot discriminate towards non union members... But, it does not mean I have to like it.

Holding onto Memories

When I saw that this name "apwudictatorship" was available I decided to take over the name as a remembrance to what happened to our APWU Local 197 when our President was Ricky Cornelius. Since I was not ready to post I just decided to let it sit here on the net. Well, looks like I have upset some of our folks out there in the world.

Someone decided to try to shut me down accusing this blog to be a spam blog or something that needed to be restricted. Well... Because of this action I plan on adding to this blog at least once a week.

Anyone if they like can email me if they want to provide an article to post on this blog. I just ask that if be written to give information to all our locals postal employees.

I can be reached at mom197@live.com

PS.... To all who believe me to have been a part of the MOM Team. I was not ever a part of any team. I was just an individual that decided to cause confusion to the MOM Team.

Thanks