Never again (I hope)

Holiday information

2010-10-23T20:37:00.001-07:00

Holiday Information

Upcoming Holidays – Veterans Day Thursday, November 11, 2010, Thanksgiving Thursday November 25, 2010, Christmas Saturday, December 25, 2010, and New Years Saturday, January 1, 2011.

The holidays schedule is in effect for three days as follows:

1. Veteran’s Day – Tuesday November 9, Wednesday November 10, and Thursday November 11, 2010.

Holiday Schedule must be posted on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.

2. Thanksgiving - Tuesday November 23, Wednesday November 24, and Thursday November 25, 2010.

Holiday Schedule must be posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010.

3. Christmas – Thursday December 23, 2010, Friday December 24, 2010, and Saturday, December 25, 2010.

Holiday Schedule for December 23 and 24, 2010 must be posted on Tuesday December 14, 2010.

Holiday Schedule for December 25, 2010 must be posted on Tuesday December 21, 2010.

Employees working their Christmas holiday will be paid 1 ½ times their regular pay;

4. New Years Day - Thursday December 30, 2010, Friday December 31, 2010, and Saturday, January 1, 2011.

Holiday Schedule for December 30 and 31, 2010 must be posted on Tuesday December 21, 2010.

Holiday Schedule for January 1, 2011 must be posted on Tuesday December 28, 2010.

New Post....

2010-10-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

I have been busy in Oklahoma going to school for the Postal Service learning how to fix the CIOSS.

I just had to put my 2 cents in about Larry Fuqua. I do not know who put the comment about Larry being such a good worker. Then they had to put in other names of ET's that have actually retired. When I saw that I thought of the Three Stooges and who was the ringleader of that.... Larry of course.

I am going to enjoy getting back in San Diego and seeing how far the new addition to MLS is going. When I had left it only had the concrete floor. Now I understand it has the walls up and supports for the roof in place.

Retirement.....

2010-09-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

This has been a long time in coming... Retirement for Larry Fuqua at the Midway Facility in San Diego. This was announced at our stand-up on Tour 1 last night prior to beginning work. The date of his actual retirement was stated to be September 19th.

Larry good luck to you in your endeavors away from the Postal Service.

EEOC Class Action Information for National Reassessment Program

2010-07-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

This link is the first place I learned that EEOC accepted the case as a class action. It has a list of the top ten complaints.

http://www.postalreporternews.net/2010/02/03/update-eeo-class-action-for-postal-employees-under/

This is a direct link to doing the survey. It is the web page for attorneys
http://www.nrpclassaction.com/

Here is the article from National.
http://apwu.org/news/webart/2010/10-068-nrp-100715.htm

And finally here is the newsgroup that has tons and tons of information. This link is for the discussion group about NRP, but there are alot of other subjects. There are now 65 pages in the one post about NRP, there is a lot of whining on both sides and stupid stuff. But a lot of informed people have put up good info on helping people do the right steps. It is sad to see so many being affected by this.
http://federalsoup.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16171&PN=1&title=natiOnal-reassessment-process

Long time....

2010-05-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Been sometime since I have been posting on this blog. Got busy with family and work. Did not have enough time in the day to do everything I would like to do. I will try now to keep this going and updated at least weekly.

Marion Williams

Happy Holidays.... (To all who are still working)

2009-12-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone.... I have been busy at work and at home this time of the year so I have not been posting anything. Right now I could post somethings about maintenance where I am working but I am not... why be so negative about what is going on at least during the holidays?

Right now the tree is up and house is decorated. I do have to admit only thing I did was get everything down out of storage. My wife and sons were the ones doing the actual decorating while I was at work that night. Such a nice thing to see when you get home from work twinkling in the dark.

Now a question to anyone still reading this... What should Santa bring all Postal Employees? Lump of coal... Pay Raise... Better management...More Mail... What?

Good Bye and Good Luck

2009-11-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am taking this moment to wish everyone who took the early out a sincere "Good bye and Good Luck". I knew many of the individuals who took this early out... They were in the clerk, mailhandler and maintenance crafts. All of you took a lot of experience with you along with many best wishes for your futures. All of you have closed a chapter in your life and now begin a new chapter. Hopefully this chapter will be the best part of your book of life.

Marion Williams

Ownership

2009-10-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

I would first like to start of with a basic definition of ownership from Random House College Dictionary:

Ownership (noun)

1. the state or fact of being an owner.
2. legal right of possession; proprietorship

Next here is the another definition of ownership as from www.businessdictionary.com:

1. Ultimate and exclusive right (conferred by a lawful claim or title, and subject to certain restrictions) to enjoy, occupy, possess, rent, sell (fully or partially), use, give away, or even destroy an item of property. Ownership may be 'corporeal' (title to a tangible object such as a house) or 'incorporeal' (title to an intangible something, such as a copyright, or a right to recover debt). Possession (as in tenancy) does not necessarily mean ownership because it does not automatically transfer title.

The reason I am bringing this up is that my supervisor Jamie Tan and Maintenance Manager Gary Hill have been telling me that I a MPE have "ownership" of the DBCS's that I have been maintaining on Tour 3 at MLS P&DC. I completely disagree with both of them. I have told them that the Postal Service is the owner of the machines. That I only maintain and repair them.

Here is a good analogy for everyone. Most everyone owns or has owned a vehicle at sometime in their life. Now part of being an owner of that vehicle is taking care of the maintenance of that vehicle. As the owner, you do the scheduling on when you would like the maintenance to be done on your vehicle and who you want to do the maintenance of that vehicle. Now myself as a MPE, I feel that I am "NOT" the owner since I do not actually own any of this postal equipment nor do I schedule when the work is to be done or who is to do the work on this postal equipment.

So, since my supervisor Jamie Tan is the individual that schedules when the work is to be done and who is to do the maintenance work on the postal equipment. Would this not make him the default owner of this equipment?

America, Why I love her

2009-10-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

I found this video on the net that I would like to share with you. It is something I think that will make us all step back and think about this country we live in.

http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm

Open Letter to MLS P&DC Acting Plant Manager Larry Belair

2009-09-25T09:52:00.001-07:00

Below is a letter that I sent to our Plant Manager Larry Belair. As of this time I have not received any written response to this letter. But, I did try to ask Mr. Belair via his new electronic discussion board which was the best way to contact him for a response either by his electronic discussion board or via a certified letter. When I read his response to my question on the discussion board I felt that he had not answered the question that I had asked him.

9 Sept 2009

Mr. Belair,

Thank you for the town hall style meeting that took place at MLS P&DC just a short time ago. I think that it helped some individuals make up their minds whether they were going to take this early out incentive that USPS is currently offering to the APWU and NPMHU. You also pointed out that the Postal Service is in a crisis and that all of us should be doing our part in maintaining costs.

I would like to bring to you attention that your Maintenance Department was in the process of excessing five Tour 2 ET's to Tour 1. However, due to the agreement between the USPS, APWU, and NPMHU all excessing was supposedly put on hold until at least October 9, 2009 for this early out incentive. Therefore, your Maintenance Department at MLS P&DC is now going to detail these same five employees to Tour 1 at MLS P&DC to be able to go around the agreement between the USPS and APWU. In addition, you spoke of how the Postal Service should be trying to save money. Then I am curious why we would be detailing these five individuals and going to pay them out-of-schedule pay to work on Tour 1. These five ET's are being told that it is due to needs of the service for them to move to Tour 1. Nevertheless, if that was so why has not your Maintenance Department filled the empty ET Level 10 positions on Tour 1. Instead, they have withheld these positions. I admit that I am not privy to what is going on in our Maintenance Department at the higher levels. I am seeing this from my perspective as a MPE Level 9.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Marion Williams

New Information concerning Early Outs

2009-09-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am passing on some information that I received via my email concerning the early outs. Please read and pass it along.

Thanks....

With Sept. 25 Deadline Approaching, Union Advises Employees Interested in Incentive APWU Web News Article #114-09, Sept. 22, 2009

With an important deadline approaching, APWU officials have been in frequent contact with postal management to resolve questions arising from the $15,000 incentive negotiated by the union for employees who retire or separate, President William Burrus has announced.

“Because of delays in receiving the packages that are needed to complete the application process, many employees are concerned that they may miss the opportunity to receive the incentive,” he said. Therefore, the union advises:

* Employees who have expressed interest in the incentive but have not yet received a package should get confirmation that they contacted Human Resources Shared Services (HRSS) by Sept. 25. Confirmation/reference numbers will serve as verification that employees expressed interest before the Sept. 25 deadline.

If you received a confirmation/reference number, keep a record of it. It is
not necessary to contact Shared Services again. If you did not receive or record a confirmation/reference number, contact HRSS before Sept. 25 and obtain a confirmation/reference number.

* Employees who are eligible for Optional Retirement and have received the packages should comply with the instructions. Retirement counseling will be scheduled; the retirement application will be due after counseling (unless counseling is declined).

* Employees who are eligible for Voluntary Early Retirement should have received a package containing an Early Out Incentive Option Offer Letter, an Acknowledgment of Irrevocability of Early Retirement Decision, an Application for Immediate Retirement, and other information. VER applicants must indicate their intent to participate in the incentive program by Sept. 25, 2009.

There are three methods to contact HRSS to indicate interest in the incentive:

* Call Human Resources Shared Services at 877-477-3273, and select Option 5
* Visit LiteBlue via the Internet at https://liteblue.usps.gov/wps/myportal/retirement
* Send a fax to Human Resources Shared Services at 651-994-3547.

YouTube posting about Postal Excessing

2009-09-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this link and would like everyone to go and look at it. Then pass it onto their friends. I enjoyed it and I think you will also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVxBYY8GyWo

Your Rights: Weingarten, Garrity, Kalkines

2009-09-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

What Are Weingarten Rights?

All Bargaining Unit Employees of the United States Postal Service have the right to be accompanied by a Union Representative to all interviews with management officials, in which the employee reasonably believes the interview might result in disciplinary action. (e.g. Investigative, Safety, Accident, Mystery Shopper)

The above right is guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act, reinforced by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1975 in NLRB v. J. Weingarten, and violation of that right has been found to be an Unfair Labor Practice.

Simply stated, your Weingarten Rights provide that you may request and management must provide a Union Representative to accompany you to all interviews that you believe might result in disciplinary action.

However, that right is not automatic. You must exercise your right by notifying management of your desire to have a Union Representative present during an interview. If the management official advises you that no disciplinary action will be initiated against you as a result of the interview, it is not necessary to provide a Union Representative.

Any questions concerning your Weingarten Rights or your rights during a management initiated interview process should be directed to your Chief Grievance Officer or by calling the Local's office for further details.

Your Rights During an OIG Investigation: Garrity and Kalkines

The Postal Service has been transitioning from Postal Inspector investigations to Special Agents in Charge of the Office of Inspector General investigations for over a year now. While Weingarten and Miranda Rights will still be afforded, Special Agents use Kalkine or Garrity warnings in interrogations that everyone should become familiar with.

Garrity Rights:

Protects the employee from having to choose between self incrimination and job forfeiture for failing to cooperate. The individual has the right to not be threatened with discharge in order for the OIG to secure incriminating evidence that would be used against them for arrest and prosecution. Miranda Rights would be applicable here.

Kalkines Rights:

If the individual is given immunity from criminal prosecution, the employee is required to cooperate in the investigation even if the information solicited could be used for discharging the employee.

Special Agents do not have the authority to grant immunity from criminal prosecution. However, if Special Agents provide the form "Administrative Warning: Duty to Cooperate" that means that the OIG has obtained such a waiver of prosecution.

** Your Key Right Is You Always Have The Right for a Union Representative To Be Present During An Interrogation. Even if the OIG / Postal Inspection Service says, "If you Cooperate, You Won't Go to Jail". This is to Scare You, Into Waiving Your Rights. The Union Does Have, The Capability of Helping Employees, While Being Interogated, Before You Get Yourself Into More Serious Trouble.

Off Topic and Off color....

2009-09-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

Friend of mine sent this to me... I have also seen it on the Web so I thought I would share it with you. Give me some feedback on this.

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."

San Diego Local 197 Picnic

2009-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Good morning, I went to the Local's picnic yesterday and had a very nice time. I saw some individuals that I have not seen in many years. I will say that the food was good and the weather was excellent. I only wish that more Union members and their families could have been there. Enjoyed just being there with my family and friends.

General Excessing Information

2009-09-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I came across some pretty good information that was posted on another locals website that was provided by Mike Gallagher, APWU Eastern Region Coordinator.

This concerns excessing of craft employees. The powerpoint presentation is quite good. I would recommend to all who are or might be getting excessed to watch it. The link to the page is listed below:

http://redbanklocal.com/excessing.html

Many thanks to the Red Bank Local in New Jersey for this information.

MLS Maintenance Tour Re-alignment

2009-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

This week began the new Maintenance work hours for the majority of maintenance craft employees at MLS P&DC which I list below using standard 24 hour time not postal times:

Tour 1 2200 till 0630
Tour 2 0600 till 1430
Tour 3 1400 till 2230

These times are for the majority of maintenance craft employees that work at MLS P&DC.

So now let us look at the exceptions that are not working these standard hours that the Management in Maintenance have kept:

There are employees that are working a 4/10 work week. This is a work week that has the employee working 10 hours each day for 4 days a week. This gives that employee 3 days off each week. I will list below the hours I believe to be correct for the tours I am aware of:

Tour 1 2200 till 0830
Tour 2 (hours worked are unknown to me can anyone give them to me?)
Tour 3 Noon till 2230 and 1300 till 2330

So looking at the above 4/10 workers I would have to ask why does Tour 3 have two different start times for their workers?

Now then we have some other maintenance craft employees that their hours were not changed. These employees are the MOS clerks in maintenance that are used in Tool and Parts. Why were not these employee's hours not realigned to match their maintenance workers that they support? Management thought that maintenance employees on the floor only needed a 30 minute overlap for any interaction between the tours. So why is it that Management did not do the same with the MOS clerks? Instead, of 30 minute overlap in some instances you are looking at 1 1/2 hours of overlap.Why is this? I could only guess at one of the reasons like not wanting to change any of the level 7 MOS clerks to correspond to the Tour 2 that they are currently on. It might just be inconvenient for some of them. Well this whole realignment for MLS maintenance tour hours has not been convenient for many individuals. So why should they be singled out for not being affected? Any ideas on this?

Now then let us look at what is called

Numbers Speak up

2009-09-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

USPS EMPLOYEE STATISTICS FROM 2000 - 2008

2000 2008 -/+ Percentage

USPS Headquarters 2279 2892 +21%

USPS Field Support 5566 4429 -20%

Inspection Service (Field) 4190 2890 -31%

Inspector General 664 1159 +42%

USPS HEADQUARTERS TOTALS 12699 11370 -10.50%

Postmasters (Installation Heads) 26121 25250 -3%

Supervisors / Managers 38797 31787 -18%

USPS SUPERVISORY TOTALS 64918 57037 -12.14%

Tech Personal 9959 8010 -20%

Clerks 281956 194773 -31%

Nurses 191 134 -30%

Mail Handlers 60851 55812 -8%

City Carriers 241079 211661 -12%

Motor Vehicle 9347 8558 -5%

Rural Carriers 57111 68900 +17%

Maintenance 42284 40248 -5%

Vehicle Maintenance 5546 5419 -2%

USPS CAREER CRAFT 708324 593515 -16.21%
EMPLOYEES TOTALS

I am letting the numbers speak for themselves. If the Career Craft employees numbers are down a total of -16.21% then why is not the Headquarters and Supervisory numbers not down at a similar percentage? Is not their numbers based on the number of craft employees?

Information for anyone

2009-08-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

I would like to be able to give individuals ways of looking up new and interesting items that can be found on the web. So I will provide some links and information for all individuals to use as they see fit.

One of the first ones that I like to use is http://php.app.com/usps/search.ph p look up basic salary information concerning any USPS employee from Postmaster General Potter down to the lowest custodian.

Another sight I like to use is Zabasearch to help you locate individuals and addresses. If that one does not give you enough information you can also use Zillow to look up about individual homes. On Zillow you can find out when the house was built, square footage of the home, and even the parcel number of the home for the county it is in.

For all of you San Diego people there is another website that is fun for you to look up information on yourself, friends and neighbors. That website is run by the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector. All you need is either an address and zipcode or the parcel number to look up information about who owns what property, pays the taxes, and how much the county thinks the property is worth.

I do hope that these tools I have shown you can provide you with many hours of entertainment or information that you may need.

Pictures I have found to be funny

2009-08-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

I have found over time a few pictures I would like to share with you that I have found to be funny. I freely admit to taking a little bit of artistic license to them before sharing them with you. I look forward to hearing comments concerning these pictures. They are here for humor and to bring smiles to people.

I tried seeing your point of view.

But, I couldn't get my head that far up my ass.

I believe this one picture speaks for it's self.

So do either of these two pictures remind any of you of people you have worked for or currently working with now?

Responses being brought forward so all may read.

2009-08-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

I would like to bring these two post forward to the current posting that I have so that I can try to answer them or any of the other readers of this blog. I think I actually touched a nerve finally with a few individuals.
So I would like to share this with all of you.

On Thursday, July 9, 2009 I did this posting concerning "Personalization of your work area in the Postal Service" and on 14 August I got these two responses to this posting that I am showing below.

Anonymous on August 14, 2009 8:14 PM said...

Seriously, do you have nothing better to do? If you are so fed up with management, why are you not active in becoming one? I know why. Because it takes "Huevos", discipline,character,integrity,unbiased to the bigger picture of earning a pay check without feeling entitled to stickers,because you work for the goverment.

Welcome to the real world, in which managers call the shots. I do not work for the Govt,but I can assure you that nobody denies your patriotism. Though, your believe that pics, stickers ,posters, etc.,make you a better employee, you are sadly mistaken.

Yes. Managers are entitled to decor their space, since it is obvious they have earned their stripes baby sitting all of you entitled govt. workers.

cal vet on August 14, 2009 8:29 PM said ...

It sounds like these Managers, (Lee Miller, Dave Decker, Ray Meanor,Gary Hill)are the leaders because they have proven them selfs in numerous times defending our rights, and freedom.
So how dare you, question their integrity.

Information concerning RMSS

2009-08-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

I just came across this information on www.21cpw.com ran by Randy Zelznick and Frank Wilson in the Maintenance Business area. I felt would be of interest to many of you so I am going to post links back to www.21cpw.com for you to read for yourself.

http://www.21cpw.com/maint.html 21CPW.com Maintenance Business

http://www.21cpw.com/RMSS%20scoring.pdf RMSS Scoring Resolved

http://www.21cpw.com/RMSS%20Q&A.pdf RMSS Questions and Answers

I also thank Frank and Randy for keeping up a very informative website that many individuals read.

"Band of Brothers"

2009-08-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

Nationwide Memorial Service

One of the "Band of Brothers" soldiers died on June 17, 2009.

We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.

I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

"A nation without heroes is nothing."
Roberto Clemente

Authored by Mark Pfeifer

Note: This e-mail has been making the rounds of the Internet and has been tagged as having been authored by several different persons. The actual author is Mark Pfeifer.

Continuing Congratulations (or not)

2009-07-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

I would like to extend my congratulations to our fine Maintenance Management team that is currently headed by Lee Miller (directed behind the scenes by Charles Sweet)for their unswerving bullheadedness and blind loyalty to the inane ideas that show lack of forethought and inspiration.

Like right now all indications are that they are planning to move the 5 junior ET's from Tour 2 MLS P&DC to Tour 1 MLS P&DC. Why should management be doing this? What reason do they have for it? The current maintenance window for the AFCS's is for Tour 2 to do the work. So with 5 fewer ET's available on Tour 2 to do maintenance work on the AFSM, TACS, Merlin, AFCS, DIOSS, DBCS's, and CIOSS how will this affect the other ET's on Tour 2? What will the ET's that are going to be moved to Tour 1 be working on? Will it be the AFSM or doing area assurance on the automation letter sorting machines at MLS? Who knows what management has in store for them?

So my condolence's go out to the five ET's who management is looking at moving to Tour 1 that I have listed below:

1. Espiritu
2. James
3. Abalos
4. Abraham
5. Hoang

If I have made any errors on this posting please either contact me at MLS or leave a correction on the blog.

Congratulations......

2009-07-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to start this off with "Congratulations" to a few maintenance employees. First to Nilo, who is going from Tour 3 MLS to Tour 2 MLS. I wish him the best of luck working on the 100's on Tour 2. Myself and others will miss him when it comes time to play cards on breaks. Next, like to "Welcome" Bruce from Tour 1 to Tour 3 at MLS and to Bernie who is going to take over his Bruce's old job on Tour 1. I look forward to working with him on Tour 3.

Now I would like to add some questions that I hope someone can answer. Who or when will Maintenance Management promote to fill in the position that Bernie vacated on Tour 1? If no one is on the Promotion Register that is willing to accept this position what is going to happen to this position?

Anyone have any answers to these two questions?

Personalization of your work area in the Postal Service

2009-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

What does everyone think of about individuals personalizing their personal workspace on postal property? Like some of the examples that I will provide:

1. Lee Miller's office with his golf memorabilia and his other personal items.
2. Charger and Zena cutouts on the MLS plant floor by the printshop.
3. Supervisor's desk on the workroom floor with family pictures and flowers.
4. Mules on workroom floor with stickers and flag's on them.

So what is wrong with maintenance personal having family pictures, American Flags, or other items on their toolboxes? Are we not all Postal employees? Why is there such a disparate treatment between the employees? I do not care if the Postal employees are managers, supervisors, or craft employees. "All Postal employees" should be treated when it comes to personalizing their personal workspace. All of us work inside or on Postal property so the same rules should apply to all employees on personalization of their workspace. Not for Management to capriciously and randomly enforce their views on employees.

New Owner of Blog

2009-07-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just recently took this over. Little about me, I work at MLS on T-3 as a MPE. I look forward to trying my hand at this. I do not know how long I will have it. But, that I will do my best to keep it going and interesting. I hope that others out there will also add content to this and make it even better.

Let the fun begin....

Marion Williams

Time for a change

2009-06-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here in the near future I will no longer be working on this blog. I am going to pass this onto some other individual who would like to take this over. I am looking at within the next two weeks. Any takers?

Mail Handlers???

2009-06-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Recently it came to my attention that some more mail handlers from Tour 3 are looking at having their jobs excessed over in the ATU and robot cutting area. So, how will the clerks be receiving their mail over on the DBCS's? Will it be now by the pallet? Or will more clerks be excessed from Tour 3 and have to move to Tour 1 or become PTR clerks? Has anyone heard about what is going on?

I would love to hear about what is going on out at the different stations around the city and county of San Diego. Don't be shy about letting everyone know how things are going both good and bad.

New EL-304 Maintenance Selection System dated June 2009

2009-06-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you are interested in the new version of the EL-304 Maintenance Selection System. So I took the time to find it and upload it for anyone to download. It can be found at the URL listed below:

http://www.adrive.com/public/d9c858854bc0f24d4de1bba4e3dbc3c8be20288695b88c1bd8fa482a71a89fa2.html

Six Boys And Thirteen Hands... (A Story to think about)

2009-06-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Each year I am hired to go to Washington , DC , with the eighth grade class from Clinton, WI where I grew up, to videotape their trip .. I greatly enjoy visiting our nation's capitol, and each year I take some special memories back with me. This fall's trip was especially memorable. On the last night of our trip, we stopped at the Iwo Jima memorial. This memorial is the largest bronze statue in the world and depicts one of the most famous photographs in history -- that of the six brave soldiers raising the American Flag at the top of a rocky hill on the island of Iwo Jima , Japan , during WW II. Over one hundred students and chaperones piled off the buses and headed towards the memorial.. I noticed a solitary figure at the base of the statue, and as I got closer he asked, 'Where are you guys from?' I told him that we were from Wisconsin. 'Hey, I'm a cheese head, too! Come gather around, Cheese heads, and I will tell you a story.' (James Bradley just happened to be in Washington, DC, to speak at the memorial the following day. He was there that night to say good night to his dad, who had passed away. He was just about to leave when he saw the buses pull up. I videotaped him as he spoke to us, and received his permission to share what he said from my videotape. It is one thing to tour the incredible monuments filled with history in Washington , DC , but it is quite another to get the kind of insight we received that night.) When all had gathered around, he reverently began to speak. (Here are his words that night.)

'My name is James Bradley and I'm from Antigo, Wisconsin . My dad is on that statue, and I just wrote a book called 'Flags of Our Fathers' which is #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list right now. It is the story of the six boys you see behind me. 'Six boys raised the flag. The first guy putting the pole in the ground is Harlon Block. Harlon was an all-state football player ... He enlisted in the Marine Corps with all the senior members of his football team. They were off to play another type of game. A game called 'War.' But it didn't turn out to be a game. Harlon, at the age of 21, died with his intestines in his hands. I don't say that to gross you out, I say that because there are people who stand in front of this statue and talk about the glory of war. You guys need to know that most of the boys in Iwo Jima were 17, 18, and 19 years old - and it was so hard that the ones who did make it home never even would talk to their families about it.

(He pointed to the statue) 'You see this next guy? That's Rene Gagnon from New Hampshire. If you took Rene's helmet off at the moment this photo was taken and looked in the webbing of that helmet, you would find a photograph... a photograph of his girlfriend. Rene put that in there for protection because he was scared. He was 18 years old. It was just boys who won the battle of Iwo Jima .. Boys. Not old men.

'The next guy here, the third guy in this tableau, was Sergeant Mike Strank.. Mike is my hero. He was the hero of all these guys.. They called him the 'old man' because he was so old. He was already 24. When Mike would motivate his boys in training camp, he didn't say, 'Let's go kill some Japanese' or 'Let's die for our country.' He knew he was talking to little boys. Instead he would say, 'You do what I say, and I'll get you home to your mothers.' Arizona Ira Hayes was one who walked off Iwo Jima .. He went into the White House with my dad. President Truman told him, 'You're a hero' He told reporters, 'How can I feel like a hero when 250 of my buddies hit the island with me and only 27 of us walked off alive?' So you take your class at school, 250 of you spending a year together having fun, doing everything together .. Then all 250 of you hit the beach, but only 27 of your classmates walk off alive. That was Ira Hayes He had images of horror in his mind. Ira Hayes carried the pain home with him and eventually died dead drunk, face down at the age of 32 (ten years after this picture was taken).

'The next guy, going around the statue, is Franklin Sousley from Hilltop, Kentucky . A fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. His best friend, who is now 70, told me, 'Yeah, you know, we took two cows up on the porch of the Hilltop General Store. Then we strung wire across the stairs so the cows couldn't get down. Then we fed them Epsom salts. Those cows crapped all night.' Yes, he was a fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. Franklin died on Iwo Jima at the age of 19. When the telegram came to tell his mother that he was dead, it went to the Hilltop General Store. A barefoot boy ran that telegram up to his mother's farm. The neighbors could hear her scream all night and into the morning. Those neighbors lived a quarter of a mile away.

'The next guy, as we continue to go around the statue, is my dad, John Bradley, from Antigo, Wisconsin , where I was raised. My dad lived until 1994, but he would never give interviews. When Walter Cronkite's producers or the New York Times would call, we were trained as little kids to say 'No, I'm sorry, sir, my dad's not here. He is in Canada fishing. No, there is no phone there, sir. No, we don't know when he is coming back.' My dad never fished or even went to Canada . Usually, he was sitting there right at the table eating his Campbell Soup. 'You see, like Ira Hayes, my dad didn't see himself as a hero.. Everyone thinks these guys are heroes, 'cause they are in a photo and on a monument. My dad knew better. He was a medic.. John Bradley from Wisconsin was a caregiver. In Iwo Jima he probably held over 200 boys as they died. And when boys died in Iwo Jima , they writhed and screamed, without any medication or help with the pain. 'When I was a little boy, my third grade teacher told me that my dad was a hero. When I went home and told my dad that, he looked at me and said, 'I want you always to remember that the heroes of Iwo Jima are the guys who did not come back. Did NOT come back.' 'So that's the story about six nice young boys. Three died on Iwo Jima , and three came back as national heroes. Overall, 7,000 boys died on Iwo Jima in the worst battle in the history of the Marine Corps. My voice is giving out, so I will end here. Thank you for your time.'

Suddenly, the monument wasn't just a big old piece of metal with a flag sticking out of the top. It came to life before our eyes with the heartfelt words of a son who did indeed have a father who was a hero.. Maybe not a hero for the reasons most people would believe, but a hero nonetheless. We need to remember that God created this vast and glorious world for us to live in, freely, but also at great sacrifice Let us never forget from the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terrorism and all the wars in-between that sacrifice was made for our freedom. Remember to pray praises for this great country of ours and also pray for those still in murderous unrest around the world.. STOP and thank God for being alive and being free at someone else's sacrifice. God Bless You and God Bless America ...

REMINDER: Everyday that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day. One thing I learned while on tour with my 8th grade students in DC that is not mentioned here is . . that if you look at the statue very closely and count the number of 'hands' raising the flag, there are 13. When the man who made the statue was asked why there were 13, he simply said the 13th hand was the hand of God. Great story - worth your time - worth every American's time

This one's for you.....

2009-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Roger this one is for you. Since, your toolbox had to be cleaned up and flags removed. Here is a pic of Emily's work area. Since the toolbox and also these cabinets in her area are USPS property why is it that you were made to clean up your postal property and she is not made to clean up the her postal property in her area? Disparate treatment between craft employees or is it more preferential treatment since she is only a maintenance clerk who is operating as a general secretary for our Maintenance Managers.

Notice the US Flag and family pictures.... If this is the policy is no personal items on USPS postal property then I would hope that it is completely enforced to include Sweet's office all the way down to the custodian lockers.

Rumor????? or Fact?????

2009-05-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am now looking into something I just heard about the other day. Maybe one of you fine upstanding individuals know more than myself and can correct me if I am wrong. I heard that Bertolina is going to be leaving us and going up around the San Fransisco area. That Jim Land will be taking his place for sometime till his replacement is here. Can anyone confirm or deny this rumor for me?

AutoPilot....

2009-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Seems that I have been neglecting this blog for awhile. Yes, I have... I completely admit it. Been taking the time to say good bye to friends who have been excessed from MLS and others who have become part-time regulars instead of having to relocate and move to other locations.

Also been trying to keep track of the comedy show that is going on in Maintenance. Especially since, Maintenance has taken 2 of operations finest(bullshit) into it. Talking with people from Maintenance I find it amusing that Gary Hill believes that he can run Maintenance like he has been running operations before. Has he not heard of the old adage "If it is not broke leave it alone".... I sincerely doubt that he has. Also, I see on Tour 2 that Veronica has stepped down from being a 204b due to not enough Support Clerks are available to do the work in Tool and Parts. I do give out a sincere support to Sandy Liss who is currently away due to illness. I wish her the best and for a speedy recovery.

Just a reminder for everyone... On Thursday, 21 May, there will be a General Membership meeting at the Local 197 in Mission Valley office at 6pm or 1800 to all you military types. Hope to see you all there... later

Goodbye... (I mean to the clerks being excessed)

2009-04-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well... I just thought I would wish the clerks who are being excessed a "Good bye and Good Luck" for the new positions they will be taking. Whether it is at a new station, new city, or even a new craft. But, I have heard that some have decided not to continue to be full-employees with USPS anymore. Instead, they have chosen to become Part Time Regulars (PTR) instead of having maybe to move to another city or maybe change crafts. Good luck to all of you who decided to become PTR's. I hope it was the best decision for you.

Now, has anyone heard when the mailhandlers are going to continue with their excessing? Drop a line here and let us know what is going on.

Talking about excessing.... Even management is finally feeling it a little... hahahahahaha Take for instance, Gary Hill from Tour 2 he is being excessed but he dont' seem to mind since he is being detailed over to Maintenance to as a Level 23 (currently Level 20) plus then he still gets to stay on at MLS P&DC.

Now I know some of you have seen little short redhead named Gretchen back on the workroom floor of MLS ove the past two weeks. Why? Was she not detailed up to Moreno Valley to be the Senior MDO for that plant? Maybe it was something that she either was not prepared for or incapable of doing properly. So she is now back at MLS.

Rant and Rave

2009-04-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I have updated this blog. Since then I have heard from the mailhandlers that Management has messed up when it come to doing the excessing. They got sent away to a couple of different areas and then they were brought back to where they started. This was actually a lucky thing for the clerks. Since it showed the shortcomings of the excessing when it is done improperly. This is going to cost USPS management more than they expected. So maybe less craft workers will be effected by the excessing due to the cost of moving employees.

Now I am curious about something.... How many of you out there know of or knew of Management being married to craft employees? How does this affect the employees around these individuals? I have not been around as long as many of you. So I would like to begin compiling a list of these individuals, where they are currently and how you think they affect the ones around them.

1. Gary Hill MDO T-2 MLS P&DC and Armi Hill Clerk T-1 MLS P&DC from what I have observed with both of them on separate tours there is not much impact on the employees around them.

2. Charles Sweet T-2 Maintenance Manager (supposedly detailed to Pacific Area but he still is running MLS P&DC and Midway Maintenance) and Veronica Phung (Sweet) T-2 Maintenance Support Clerk from what I have heard and observed there is a large impact on the employees around these individuals both on the craft and management side. For you never know when you speak up about something how soon it will get back to Charles either by Veronica when they go home or when she walks directly into Charles office to speak with him. Now it is even better with her again going to be a 204b in charge of Maintenance employees. Why is she in a 204b position when her husband is in charge of Maintenance. Oh, yes... someone will say that Lee Miller is actually in charge while Charles Sweet is up in Pacific Area. But, since when has Lee Miller had a thought of his own without asking Sweet's permission to blow his nose.

Never again (I hope): Information Overload????

2009-03-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

http://php.app.com/usps/search.php

Information Overload????

2009-03-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

To all of you who have tried to post where to go and find out about what any Postal employee's base salary and other information is concerning them. You can go to the below link :

http://php.app.com/usps/search.php

So... look up anyone you like by name or by job description or even by facility. Just have fun and spread the word.

Also I would like to extend my congratulation's to Jim Roland who is now our Vice President of our Local 197. Jim, or anyone else who can answer this question for me, When will Bill Tagart be back in his old job at MLS P&DC? Would you care to let us know please? Maybe you can ask Tom Wood when Tagart has to go back?

Thanks,

MOM

Who will be the new "Vice President"

2009-03-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well on the 2oth of March which is tomorrow all of us will find out who our Vice President of our Local will be to lead us into the future. I know that I voted for the one that I believed best would be for our Local from the three candidates listed below alphabetically:

1. Jim Roland
2. Bill Tagart
3. Gwen Wills

Whichever one of these individuals is elected I pray and hope that they and all of us can put the past behind us as we look and go forward into the future. Our Local and us depend on them to do so.

Thanks,

Mom197

Election Time...

2009-03-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well.. it is that time again to vote for who we would like to be our Vice President of our APWU Local 197.

1.Why are we going through this special election for our Vice President of our APWU Local 197?

2. Who is paying for this special election? National APWU or our Local 197?

3. Who is the better person to fill this position? Tagart? Roland? or Wills?

So before you vote think about the above questions before you submit your ballot. Chose wisely for this is going to be affecting you and me for the next 2 1/2 yrs. During this time, our National Contract will be negotiated and our Locals Memorandum of Understanding will be redone. How you vote will affect all of us in the Local.

I cannot state any better than this... "CHOOSE WISELY"

Town Hall Meeting

2009-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

On 18th February at MLS P&DC will be the next Town Hall Meeting given by the MLS Plant Manager John Bertolina. So far what I have heard is that Tour 3's meeting will be at 5pm on the 18th of February.

So what will be told to all the employees at the plant? That things are getting tough and we all must work together to lower our costs. Or will he also talk about the excessing of clerks and mailhandlers. But, let's not forget that with less craft employees that EAS employees will be scampering for jobs or they will be excessed also.

I know ask your help to talk to other employees and to post here if there is going to be more meetings for the other tours at Midway and MLS P&DC. Plus what is going on at the stations?? Are they going to be given Town Hall Meetings by the San Diego Area Manager or his staff? So they can be properly informed of what is going on within their craft and work area.

Communication between each of us is important so that we can respond quickly and efficently to whatever management has planned. As long as Management goes by the contract I have no problems with them. But, let all of us be vigilant and aware that Management will do what it takes even if it goes against the contract to protect themselves.

RE-RUN ELECTION NOTICE

2009-02-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

RE-RUN ELECTION NOTICE

FOR VICE PRESIDENT ONLY

APWU SAN DIEGO AREA LOCAL 197

A secret ballot election for the office of Vice President will be conducted by mail. Ballots for this election are being mailed to members on February 27, 2009. Any eligible member who has not received a ballot in the mail at home by March 6, 2009 or any member who spoils a ballot may request a new ballot by contacting the Election Chairperson Judy Curtis at (619) 905-2126. A duplicate ballot will be mailed by the following business day. If you request and return two (2) ballots, only the replacement ballot will be counted.

Ballots will be picked up on March 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the following location:

PO Box 2355
El Cajon CA 92021

Ballots will be counted directly after they are picked up on March 20, 2009 at the following location:

APWU San Diego Area Local 197
Union Hall
3737 Camino Del Rio
Suite 200
San Diego CA 92108

**Important Facts to Remember**

Nominations will not be re-opened.

The election includes only the office of the Vice President.

The candidates on the ballot will be the only ones running for Vice President.
Write-in votes shall not be valid, counted or considered.

IMPORTANT: Mail your ballot in sufficient time for it to be received at the following
address no later than 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2009:

PO Box 2355
El Cajon CA 92021

Interesting Information....

2009-01-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

I also have heard about Tricky Ricky Cornholieo leaving our Union. Why is he leaving it now? Is it because he did not really want to be a member or was it only for the power trip? So I thought he was going to stay in and "help" other members? Well, in my opinion it is no loss to this Local since he screwed it up during his 3 yrs in office.

Also, I have hear that soon our Local will have to have a special election for the Vice President position. Something about how Will Tagart abused his position as a Chief Shop Steward while campaigning for his office. Any ideas on how long it will take to have this election and get the results back?

NEW YEAR... Old or New Problems.... Solutions??

2009-01-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Well.. I have taken a nice long break away from the computer since my last posting. Now that the new year of 2009 is here I am back ready to begin anew.

This coming year will see several problems carry over from the last year and will have new problems arise that will affect each and everyone of us. Some of these problems will be due to the economy and the fallout of our National problems. Others will be due to Postal mismanagement or just plain stupidity of our coworkers.

But, no matter what each of our unique problems that each of us face just remember that others have had to face these problems also and somehow all of us will find our own solutions that work for us. Look around and do not be afraid to ask others for help... be it a friend , coworker, or even management at your place of work(Yes, sometimes they can help)..... But, just remember that you are never alone... Others will help you if you are willing to help yourself.

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

2008-12-26T20:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

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.....

2008-12-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

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.....

2008-10-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

Question for the Former Owner/Blogger of APWUDictatorship

2008-09-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-08-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

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????????

2008-08-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

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?????

2008-06-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-06-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-11T05:26:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-06-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-06-02T11:08:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

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