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NEWSLETTER OF THE NJI&BMC BRANCH OF LOCAL 300 “LETS TURN IT AROUND” VOLUME 17, NO.16 80 COUNTY ROAD J.C.N.J 07097 NOVEMBER 20, 2001 (201) 653-1767, IN HOUSE 5082, 5083 GRADY R. FITZGERALD, BRANCH PRESIDENT FAX NUMBER (201) 714-4869
CONTRACT UPDATE!!! Well it has been one year since the contract has expired. We have missed both the March 2001 and the September 2001 Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) both of which were very high. As reported in previous Mail Handler Voices, the National Postal Mail Handler Union has yet to begin the arbitration process. Essentially we are in a holding pattern. The Postal Service is currently engaged in binding arbitration with the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). They are also negotiating with the Letter Carriers. We have been told by our National Officers that once the APWU arbitration case is over, depending on the outcome of that process, we will either seek to “me too” their agreement or enter into arbitration in an attempt to build on what they received and seek to close the gap. Many of us are worried about this approach including this writer. The reasons for the concerns are as follows: First of all, by choosing to wait, it will now be up to the arbitrator to decide whether or not any possible wage increase, plus the two COLA’s we missed will be made retroactive. Clearly, the Postal Service will be making strong arguments against any retroactive payments and they will undoubtedly cite their eroding economic situation. Many recall that several years ago in an APWU case, the arbitrator awarded a lump sum award in place of making the raise retroactive. Secondly, is that by allowing the APWU to go first you have to consider the fact that automation and mechanization has resulted in the loss of thousands of Clerk craft jobs across the country. With this in mind, if the Postal Service, were to offer any sort of job security, in place of a wage increase they just might bite. Thirdly, the economic condition of the Postal Service continues to erode mostly due to the downturn of the US economy, giving them an even stronger argument against any significant wage increase or any retroactive payment. On our side we have the unfortunate recent events that may have won public support for Postal Workers. There is also, the three-cent postage increase that should provide the Postal Service with a significant windfall. Additionally, there are a lot of ifs, out there. No one knows where the economy is going. You can say that our contract is totally up in the air and no one can say what will happen. Historically the economic condition of the Postal Service has been fairly predictable. That is certainly not the case this go around. Our future has never been more uncertain. We can only wait and hope for the best. I wish I could give you a more definitive answer, unfortunately I don’t believe that anyone can. Our National President Billy Quinn often uses baseball quotes when he speaks and he has frequently stated that you can’t hit a homerun while you are standing in the batters box. So you have to wonder why he made the decision, to not step up to the plate. President Quinn is a very intelligent person and he has done a lot to bring our National Union up to speed with the other Postal Unions. I hope that he has an ace up his sleeve. I guess we’ll soon find out.
SECAUCUS RD. EXIT UPDATE I have written to the plant Manager on this issue several weeks ago and I have met with him last week. He has assured me that he is addressing the issue. He informed me that the Postal Inspection Service and the Postal Police both had security issues with opening this gate at the end of several tours. He has told me that he has ordered additional security fences to be installed along with additional security cameras and when this is done in approximately six weeks the issue will be resolved.
FROSTBITE FALLS NJI-BMC STYLE For over eight yrs the Union has been complaining to no avail, about the lack of adequate heat, in the expanded part of the high volume docks or as we call it the Middle high volume. The current system there is totally inadequate. Last week I met with members of maintenance and took them down to the area and pointed out several suggestions. I have once again been assured that prompt action will be taken to alleviate the cold conditions. Again we are showing our patience and we hope that management will do the right thing. POSTAL WORKERS LOOKING OUT FOR OUR OWN!! With the recent tragedies, of September 11th, 2001. We saw how both the NYC Police and Fire Departments came to the aid of their fallen comrades by creating funds to help their families and provide for the economic well being of their children and spouses. We also saw many other funds that were started to benefit the families of many of the other victims. We admire these efforts and many of us have made individual contributions. In addition our National Union has made a contribution and our Local Executive has also voted to make a contribution. It was the correct thing to do. Recently one of our members here, Mail Handler Joe Costigan came to me with the idea of creating a fund to benefit the families of the Postal Workers who died as a result of anthrax being mailed thru the mail. I though that it was a great suggestion and last week I met with Local 300 President Larry Adams and asked if a fund could be set up to benefit the families of our fallen comrades. He agreed that it was a good idea and promised to look into the possibility. We should take care of our own just as those other labor organizations have taken care of their own. Until we hear more from Larry, we have buttons on sale for one dollar. You can get them from either the Mail Handlers Union office or from the APWU office. 911 excerpt and button picture here
NJI-BMC BRANCH CHRISTMAS PARTY We are having our First Annual Branch Christmas Party on Saturday night December 15, 2001 at the Mackenzie Post in Bayonne, N.J. The party will be from 7:00pm-12:00am. This is a time for all of us to get together and loosen up a little and forget about the stress of the recent months. We have secured a great deal. A choice of dinners, including prime rib and chicken cordon blue and five hours of open bar, DJ Karl will provide the tunes. All, for a mere $25 for Union members and associate members. Non-members the cost will be $35.00 Ticket sales are limited to 300 so get your tickets fast!!! For more details and a list of ticket sellers see the flyer on the next page. Come out and join us for an evening of fun and relaxation. The dress code will be casual. Any groups wanting a table should get their tickets quickly and provide a list of who will be at your table. Those who wait until the last minute to purchase tickets, may not get a choice of dinner. So don’t wait!
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