Area 2 Report

What Does the Union Do For You?

Recently I was made aware that there are city carriers that have not joined the NALC because they feel as though the NALC doesn’t really do anything for individual carriers and that they do not need their assistance. I’m going to share with you a bit of information in an effort to stress the importance of having a strong union and encouraging you to commit and support your union.

Unions are about a simple proposition: by joining together, working women and men gain strength in numbers so they can have a voice at work about things that they care about. They negotiate a contract with their employer for things like a fair and safe workplace, better wages, a secure retirement and family friendly policies such as paid sick leave and scheduling hours. Unions help bring workers out of poverty and into the middle class.

Collective bargaining is the process in which working people through their unions; negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment, including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies and serves as a way to solve work place problems. The right to collective bargaining is essential so that working men and women have the strength to improve their living standards, provide for their families and build a strong middle class.

Many employers violate these fundamental rights because they value their profits more than their workers.

Donna Brazile a CNN contributor states the following in reference to unions.” Unions have long been part of our nation’s history, fighting for better pay, safer working condition, health care and retirement benefits, education and civic participation.

“Unions have brought diverse voices together and their struggles have elevated the working conditions, the standard of living and the recognition of not just their members, but of all of those who labor.”

Unions aren’t a “thing of the past.” They’re a vital part of our social fabric and economic future. Did you know that union letter carriers save lives all the time by alerting officials when an elderly person hasn’t collected their mail from the mailbox?

Unions are just folks—people who come together to improve their lives and their workplaces, because there’s strength in numbers.

Union membership actually raises living and working standards for all working men and women—union and non-union. Working together, union members and their community allies also make up a powerful lobby for the common good. They’ve helped secure for us all the eight hour day, job safety laws, overtime pay, Medicare and Social Security, civil rights protection, fair treatment for women and much more. Maybe the most important contribution of unions has to do with basic dignity. One of the core tenets of unionism is that all work has dignity. All workers deserve respect and all the people who perform it deserve respect.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was greatly in support of unions voiced the following:

“The labor movement was the principle force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old age pensions, government relief for the destitute, and above all new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life. The captains of industry did not lead this transformation, they resisted it until they were overcome.

“When in the Thirties the wave of union organizations crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society.

“Civilization began to grow in the economic life of man and a decent life with a sense of security and dignity became a reality rather than a distant dream. It is a mark of our intellectual backwardness that these monumental achievements of labor are still only dimly seen, and in all too many circles the term ‘Union’ is still synonymous with self-seeking power hunger racketeering, and cynical coercion.

“Because you persisted in your quest for a better life, you brought new horizons to the whole nation. Industry after industry was compelled to civilize its practices and in so doing benefited themselves along with you. The new unions became social institutions, which stabilized the nation, fortified it and thrust it up to undreamed of levels of production.

“Union recognition means real bargaining. Union means strength, and recognition means the employer’s acknowledgement of that strength and the two means the opportunity to fight for future gain with united and multiplied power.”

The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. The labor movement led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured and retired.

So the next time you think about canceling your union membership or if you’re not a union member and you’re hesitant about joining the union, please remember this “Solidarity is one of the key principles in keeping a union strong. United we bargain; Divided We Beg (SEIU Health Care Workers Union Local 250).” This is very important because “You matter,” “I matter” and the “Union matters” —because together we’re Powerful”.

Let's Get Involved With Customer Connect

As letter carriers we see firsthand how businesses mail and ship. Many businesses are just plain unaware that we offer a better quality, more economical service. Customer Connect engages city carriers to help identify small businesses that could benefit by increasing their use of postal services.

Through Customer Connect carrier referrals are provided to sales representatives, who then meet with customers to better understand their needs and recommend the right solutions. Customer Connect continues to increase in revenue and participation. Customer Connect is one of several sales outreach programs available to postal employees.

The NALC is committed to Customer Connect to protect and enhance our jobs and, at the same time, improve wages, benefits and the stability of the Postal Service.

North Carolina, meet Wayne Bell. Wayne Bell is the Customer Connect Coordinator for the Durham Installation. Bell and the East Durham city carriers were awarded a breakfast, a pin, and a Million Dollar candy bar by Greensboro District Manager Russell Gardner for having the highest amount of leads for Customer Connect in that quarter.

Wayne Bell is committed to the Customer Connect program and has information that he would like to share with the North Carolina Letter Carriers focusing on a few reasons why their involvement with Customer Connect is crucial to the survival of the Postal Service:

Hello, I would like to first thank the North Carolina State Association for allowing me the opportunity to share with you briefly why Customer Connect is so important to me, you, and the Postal Service. My major responsibility is to inspire fellow co-workers to find businesses and build customers for the Postal Service. This includes customers who ship packages, large and small amounts, through the Postal Service and to encourage other businesses to do the same. I find customers who have discontinued use of the Postal Service for their business and I talk with them to find out how we can win back their business.

We all have a role to play in our organization’s success. As the Postal Service is not tax-supported, finding new customers and expanding our relationships with current customers are vital. We have to continue to be competitive and snatch lost businesses back. If businesses continue to use the Postal Service for their shipping and mailing needs we will continue to maintain livable wages with benefits for generations to come. If you see an opportunity for a business, get their name and phone number and pass the information on to your station Customer Connect coordinator and they will handle it from there. Customer Connect uses our members, who are the most trusted of all federal employees.

Letter carriers know who mail items on their routes, and whom they can talk to about various USPS services offered so they can provide leads to USPS sales representatives.

The Postal Service has several services that they offer, such as Priority Mail Flat Rate with the slogan “If It Fits It Ships.” This product permits shipping in the country for a low flat rate in just two to three days. Priority Mail Express may be purchased for a fee and delivery may be available on Sundays and holidays.

Free package pickup is offered right from businesses. Using the track and confirm tool, customers can verify when their packages were delivered. Shipping boxes and envelopes are delivered to businesses at no charge.

There is also “Every Door Direct Mail” (EDDM) from the USPS, which is designed to reach every home, every address, every time. With EDDM customers can maximize their savings by reaching more customers and saving money on postage. Mailings can be created up to 30 days in advance of the mailing date, and retail customers can pay for it on line.

The future of Customer Connect requires every employee to get involved. I would like to challenge each and every carrier to become involved in Customer Connect because it generates revenue for the Postal Service. I believe that most carriers are not concerned about Customer Connect because they feel as though they are helping management. It is every employee’s responsibility to find ways to increase revenue for the Postal Service. I feel that Customer Connect, along with Amazon, is what keeps the Postal Service out of the red.

There are things that every employee can do to make a difference and help the Postal Service continue to be successful with Customer Connect. If every carrier would get at least one lead a month and one business a year to use the Postal Service to advertise their business, it would increase the Postal Services revenue tremendously.

Remember the future success of Customer Connect requires us to be diligent and to stay involved.

Lead, Inspire and Motivate

It’s our job as union leaders to set the bar for city carriers in which we must strive to inspire and motivate each and every one of them. Our habits and leadership skills will rub off on our members, therefore we must lead by example.

Leaders should always do what they say they are going to do in order to earn the respect of their peers. If you develop a reputation for following through on things that you say, it establishes you as a respected leader.

You are not going to have the answer for everything and that is perfectly fine. Let the carriers know that you will research their question and get back with them as soon as you have an answer for them. When you get their answer always follow through and get back with the carrier.

Leaders need to encourage members to grow in the union and operate outside of their comfort zone. If we do that we will encourage them to achieve excellence and not mediocrity.

A leader should always demonstrate knowledge. You could be the most motivating and inspiring person in the world, but if you lack knowledge you lack credibility and you will never be taken seriously as a leader if you aren’t credible. As a leader you have a large weight on your shoulders and the members depend on you.

A leader has to be accessible to their members. If they have a question or need advice, make sure that you make it easy for them to access you by giving them your phone numbers or e-mail address because we want to be influential leaders. Influential leaders create environments that are trusting, collaborative, opening and sharing. Effective leaders help carriers understand how their contribution fits into the broader vision of the union and inspires them to achieve the greater good for the NALC.

Inspiration is not mandatory, dictated or driven by authority. It is achieved by enlisting others, touching the hearts of others while engaging their brains through the influence of leadership.

Leaders need to welcome new carriers (CCAs) and encourage them to roll up their sleeves and get involved. If they feel like they are a part of the future of the NALC, it will inspire them to become more involved in the union. As the NALC moves forward we will need City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) to step up as leaders. We must give every CCA the ability to move into leadership roles by empowering them with contract knowledge, training and support because they are the future of the NALC.

Let’s support our current leaders while training and motivating our future leaders so that we ensure that the NALC continues to be as strong and as united as we are now.

Control Holiday Stress

The holiday season is rapidly approaching which can cause individuals to get so busy that they forget to take time out to take care of themselves, which can cause stress in your life. Stress can ruin your holidays and damage your health.

Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support from others can help ward off stress. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like it was last year.

As families change and grow, tradition and rituals often change as well. Choose the ones you can hold on to and be open to creating new ones. Try to accept family members, co-workers and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Strive to be more understanding when co-workers get upset or distressed when something goes awry because they may be feeling the effects of holiday stress also.

Respond to people with kindness and compassion. It’s so easy to write those words, however, it’s a lot more difficult to practice them, I know.

The rule of thumb is to give people the benefit of the doubt, at least during the holidays. It’s really about you and how you choose to respond to conflict in the workplace.

We should never allow ourselves to be stepped on, however, sometimes walking away from difficult situations speaks volumes. The holiday season and particularly the New Year, is a great opportunity to take a look at life and relationships with a new perspective.

We are all responsible for our own happiness. Remember, we either choose to be happy or not to be happy. Try not to allow your circumstances to make that choice for you. The people in your lives that you love dearly should only add to your happiness but never should they be the sole reason for it.

Brothers and sisters, we need to love ourselves unconditionally. Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect, it means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.

Remember to stay safe and take time out of your busy holiday schedules to take care of yourselves.

Until the next time, I sincerely wish you and yours a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.

City Carrier Assistants: Our Future Depends On You

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Natalie Davis. I am Executive Vice President of Branch 382 in Durham, a member of the Greensboro District Advisory Committee, and I am a REACT Representative for the Greensboro District CDRAAP Team. I would like to thank the members of Area 2 for allowing me an opportunity to represent you as a member of the North Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers’ Executive Board.

Enough about me. I would like to talk to CCAs concerning a misconception that some of you have concerning the NALC. It has been brought to my attention that there are CCAs who do not trust the Union when it comes to things that affect their jobs. Every CCA that has that mind set is treading on dangerous waters.

I spoke with a CCA who was originally a TE that has recently been converted to a Full Time Regular tell me that the Union has treated CCAs poorly because they cut their salary when they changed them from TEs to CCAs. The carrier continued on to say that CCAs had to carry bumps and routes that Regular Carriers did not want to carry, especially park and loop routes.

She added that now that the Postal Service has the Amazon contract, CCAs have to work on Sundays because the Regular Carriers will not work and that it is not fair.

I told that carrier what I would like to share with everyone: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

First of all, I challenge you to read your contract and learn your contractual rights. The contract, known as the National Agreement, is the law of the workplace for letter carriers. It guarantees your wages, hours and working conditions.

“Working conditions” covers a wide range of job related topics such as seniority, promotions, and job security.

If you know your contract, you’re not going to get as frustrated when you face adversities while working for the Postal Service.

I challenge you to research the NALC’s history. This will show you how hard the NALC has worked for City Letter Carriers, including members and non-members alike.

TE carriers had no pathway into career status and could be released at the end of their yearly contract. CCAs are the next Career Letter Carriers, therefore management cannot just terminate them after their five day break. TE carriers did not have the contractual right to opt for a hold-down on a vacant route; however, CCAs do have that right. CCAs also have the contractual right to be 204bs if that’s your cup of tea.

I would like to emphasize that if you have a problem with management and you feel that your shop steward is not handling the problem don’t just talk about it on the workroom floor, come to your branch meetings and voice your opinion. However, you should also be willing to provide suggestions.

Follow instructions given to you by management unless it jeopardizes your safety. Remember that a violation has not occurred until you do whatever was instructed for you to do. If you do not follow instructions given to you by management, I can guarantee you that more than likely discipline will be issued to you.

To all of the CCAs who are Union members and active in the NALC, I SALUTE YOU. I challenge you to encourage and educate the CCAs who are not active in the Union. CCAs, you are the future letter carriers for the U.S. Postal Service and YOU are the future leaders of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Thankful to Have Served

Jamaal Mattocks

During my tenure as Area Two Representative, I have attended the National Convention, the National and Regional Rap Sessions, and all State training seminars. I've been called on by several offices in Area Two and am proud to have been of assistance.

I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve as Area Two Representative and to be a member of the State Association Executive Board. Since our last convention, I've represented North Carolina at the NALC's Leadership Academy and attended Arbitration Advocate training. The skills I've learned will allow me to continue to help North Carolina carriers in whatever capacity the State Association deems necessary.

During the next two years our carriers and stewards will continue to face challenges from a stubborn management team and a not so friendly national legislative agenda. The coming years will require greater determination and participation than in previous years, but I'm positive Area Two is up to the challenge.

It's been a privilege to serve as your Area Two Representative, and I look forward to serving the State Association for years to come.

The Leadership Academy and Recognizing One’s Passion

Jamaal Mattocks

If all goes well, by the time this article goes to print, I’ll join the handful of NC alumni of the NALC’s prestigious Leadership Academy. It’s been a great honor to represent my branch, the North Carolina State Association, and Region 9 in this capacity.

The Academy has exposed me to a world of possibilities afforded by the NALC – some of which I was completely unaware of. No other union has anything to rival the Academy, and it’s no wonder the NALC is one of the strongest and most respected unions in the country.

The most frequent response I’ve heard from prospective applicants is, “I don’t think I’m ready.” Many shy away from applying because they feel they have to be a president or vice-president in their branch, or they think they have to be a super steward to merit consideration. Sure those things help build your resume, but they’re not prerequisites; several students in my class have never been branch officers or stewards. Their postal employment ranges from six years to more than 25 years. The common denominator for my classmates is the one resume-builder that eclipses all – passion.

When it comes to passion for labor issues, I’ve met no one in the state that compares to Richard Koritz from Greensboro, but there are others in our state association whose passion I really envy. There’s Tim Rorie, President of the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council from the Charlotte Area. There’s Debbie Matyga of Greensboro whose passion seems limitless. There’s Bill Heidt of New Bern, and if you’ve ever talked to Bill, you know he loves the NALC and New Bern Bears football.

Passion is expressed in various ways. Maybe it’s the branch member who has new suggestions at every branch meeting, trying to make your branch the best it can be. Maybe it’s the member that takes leave so they can attend every labor rally on the schedule. Sometimes it’s a member who doesn’t say much publicly, but is always working behind the scenes, or is the first to volunteer. Once in a while you’ll find a member who does all these things and more.

Leaders in this union must recognize that passion, sometimes raw passion, and begin to mentor those members by giving them additional responsibilities, by requesting their input on important decisions, and by preparing them for local leadership roles.

If you love the NALC, you’re ready. Don’t let another application period pass without applying. Only two applicants are accepted from each region for a class, so don’t be dismayed if you’re not accepted the first, second, or third time – keep applying. Your branch and your state association need you to step up as a leader.

Don’t be the last one to realize your own potential and what you have to offer the NALC. You may be quite surprised at what the NALC has to offer you.

The Academy’s NC alumni is not meant to be an exclusive group, it’s meant to be a start. It’s my hope to have new members every year. But that won’t happen until you understand you’ve always been ready to be a leader. The next time you’re approached about applying for the Academy say, “I’m ready!”

The Good Old Days

Carriers frequently reminisce about the good old day: no scanners, early start times, no accounting for every second on the clock, and management would input your end tour when you finished early. No one seemed to care what you did as long as you delivered all the mail and got back on time.

My first delivery unit was a self-managed operation where there was no supervisor; the carriers managed themselves. No one breathing down your neck, no PDI’s, no discipline. Carriers held each other accountable and everyone pulled their own weight. Imagine a world where management got out of the way and let those who actually do the work determine how best to do it. The good old days.

As inviting as that sounds, now try to imagine the “Dark Ages” preceding the good old days. Carriers experienced decades of horror before Vince Sombroto led the historic strike of 1970. While 1970 may seem like a lifetime ago, the impact of the strike will be felt for lifetimes to come. To draw a perspective timeline, this devilishly handsome photo of myself was taken the same year of the strike. Definitely a lifetime ago!

The strike will be forever remembered for gaining full collective bargaining rights, but did you know that it was only eight years prior that the NALC won the right to represent its workforce? During the “Dark Ages,” carriers’ fates were subject to management’s whims and carriers had no right to representation.

Take a mental note of the carriers in your unit. How many would still be employed if management had the final word? Would you still be employed? I certainly wouldn’t have made the cut. My early career was littered with sick leave abuse, a 7-day suspension for an AWOL charge, and several instances of insubordination—I even slapped a customer during my first year of employment. Who knew that innocent little boy in the picture would grow up to do that?

I owe my career to union representation. So, becoming a union steward and union activist, and having automatic contributions for COLCPE is only a small down payment in return for union representation. I would’ve missed out on all the “good old days” had it not been for a steward convincing management to give me second, third and fourth chances.

A steward’s job can be a thankless one, and carriers can be extremely critical of even the best stewards. My early trials gave me a special appreciation for those stewards who sacrifice their time and efforts without expectation of reward.

Thank a steward today. Trust me, it’s not something they’ll often hear.

North Carolina, Meet Bindu Thomas

North Carolina, meet Bindu Thomas. There’s enough energy and passion in her tiny frame as anyone I know. She’s like a “tiny tornado,” and pound for pound, she’s the undisputed champ.

I didn’t always feel that way. She and I have had some epic battles in the past, and no one in my branch has given me more fits than Bindu. She won’t settle for a simple contract answer to her questions—she has to know why the contract is interpreted a particular way, whose idea it was to insert specific language in the contract, and who she needs to talk to in order to get it “fixed.” As her steward, I always wind up on the hook when she’s not happy.

When we disagree about the contract, she lures me into her case where there’s no escape, then unleashes a barrage of verbal combinations that leaves me hanging on the ropes (FYI: Bindu can string together more words in 90 seconds than most people can in half an hour!). She doesn’t stop when the bell sounds, and she doesn’t recognize the three knock-down rule.

In Bindu’s world, there’s no throwing in the towel, you can’t be saved by the bell, and head-butting is legal. Give no consideration that I’m at least a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier, because she certainly doesn’t! Even if I have all the right answers and logic on my side, it doesn’t matter.

No carrier can frustrate me like Bindu.

Notwithstanding our battles, we’ve always leaned heavily on each other. I call Bindu first when I need help in my unit, and she knows I’m there for her unconditionally. When I’m away from my unit for days or weeks, and sometimes months, she handles our leave calendar, sells raffle tickets for MDA, updates me on issues in the unit, and of course still finds time to remind me that she disagrees with something in our contract.

Bindu knows the number of every LLV in the unit, knows everyone’s non-scheduled days, and can almost recite from memory everyone who has scheduled leave in any given month.

We don’t battle like we used to about contract issues, and she even lets me mildly scold her from time to time.

After I amassed an unimpressive 0-10 record tangling with Bindu, she forced me to view our skirmishes in an entirely different light. Although no one has ever frustrated me more, she made me see that we share the same passions, her passion was just packaged differently than mine. If I hadn’t been so stubborn, I could’ve long before realized she’s exactly the carrier I’d been waiting for: A carrier that cares as much for others as she does for herself, a carrier that’s not afraid to take a stand for her beliefs, and a carrier who genuinely wants to learn all there is to know about her rights.

She’s always been a treasure, I just couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I’ve been spoiled having a co-worker like Bindu, and I don’t want to be without a co-worker like her again.

Bindu, this article is to tell you how much I value what you do for me and how much I appreciate you. I would’ve told you in person, but everyone in the unit knows I can’t get a word in when we’re having our “discussions.” I need you to always be the tiny tornado you are, and I’m fortunate to have you by my side.

I’m even more fortunate that you’re not a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier!

What Have You Done For the Union Lately?

I spoke with a dissatisfied carrier recently; her grievance was withdrawn because it was more of a gripe than a contract violation. Her first response was, “I don’t know why I’m still in the union; the union ain’t done nothing for me.” She was puzzled when I asked what had she done for the union? She said, “I ain’t done nothing for the union. That’s what I pay you for!”

I asked about her involvement in events that affect her career and livelihood.

When was the last time she’d attended a union meeting? It’s only one evening a month. Had she ever written or called her Senator or Congressional Representative to help preserve six-day delivery? How about the last time she’d attended a rally? Had she ever volunteered for or attended union sponsored MDA events? The answer was the same: NO, NO, NO, and NO. That’s why we elected you!

There are a handful of carriers like this in every branch, and they’d rather leave all the union stuff to someone else – until they have no other option, until they get into trouble they could have avoided had they attended a union meeting covering contractual protections. Now they want the best steward in town. Now they call you twice a day and once a night to tell you one more thing they forgot to tell you the last six times they called.

When their discipline gets rescinded, they stop calling. The next week, they’re wondering why they’re still in the union ‘cause the union ain’t done nothing for them.

Those who have been helped the most are often those who do the least because it’s not their job. Those who complain the most often participate the least because it’s easier to play the victim than get involved.

Sister Bobbi Green of Branch 3126 of Royal Oak, Michigan put everything in perspective when she wrote this excerpt about what the union has done for us:

“Look at the jobs that are available right now. Make a list of the jobs that are equivalent to our wage scale. Now call the companies and check on the medical benefits available. After dropping those companies that do not meet or exceed our medical benefits, compare their retirement plans to ours. Now eliminate those companies that are unable to meet or exceed our retirement plans. Investigate whether or not employees receive paid sick or annual leave and how many hours per year are offered. Now ask if seniority is considered in job opportunities within the company.

“Continue the comparison for job security and education level required. Once you do that, find out how many will provide you with a clothing allowance and a vehicle to drive. Just for fun, see if any of the companies will allow a transfer nationwide.

“Remember to see if such transfers will mean a reduction in pay. Finally, see if the companies left have a union to negotiate raises, protect your job and represent you when things go wrong.”

Still think the union hasn’t done anything for you? Your membership entitles you to more than representation. You’re entitled to raise your hand the next time volunteers are needed, the next time the branch needs a steward, the next time a committee is formed. You’re entitled to join the struggle to preserve the rights so many fought so hard to win.

So, the question remains, what have you done for the union lately?

Steward's Training: Investing In Your Future As A Letter Carrier

After every training seminar, I’m inevitably asked about my free vacation courtesy of the union. Sure, I enjoy myself at the day’s end after training is complete, but these training seminars are for a very specific purpose—to protect our membership. Invariably, we learn something that transforms our perspective on our role as enforcers of the National Agreement and the various handbooks, manuals and memoranda incorporated into the National Agreement.

Paying your union dues should afford you the best protection possible and the training seminars offered by our NBA’s office and State Association are invaluable toward that end. It is not enough to simply garner a new perspective on filing grievances or a new perspective on protecting the membership. What is learned must be put into action. The information brought back to the local offices is used to train stewards on how to file grievances on a particular contract provision.

As an Area Representative, my task incorporates working with stewards throughout my area of responsibility to ensure the same winning strategies used in one installation are incorporated into another. This ensures continuity and success when stewards across the state are using the same proven arguments and strategies.

It is critical stewards receive ongoing training to adapt to the Postal Service’s ever increasing policy implementations and changes. This is especially true at the local levels where many of the local policies circumvent or violate our National Agreement. It is just as critical to filter the new information to the membership because they represent our first line of defense. The members’ roles are to recognize contractual violations and report them to the stewards, who in turn use their training to right the wrong.

At our most recent training in Atlanta, we learned an absolute “game changer” that already has had a significant effect on the way management schedules—more than any other strategy or grievance used before. This “game changer” that has been largely overlooked in the past, has already been incorporated into the way local branches protect our membership. My branch has seen immediate success, and this is monumental to my members considering we’re on a pace to settle almost a half-a-million dollars of grievances this year. A great deal of credit goes to the training seminars.

I am developing a network of stewards across the state that I will work with in an effort to replicate the success my branch has achieved. I will certainly intensify those efforts across Area Two in the coming months. This would be an extension of the training received at the Regional and State levels where we learn contract provisions, how they must be applied, the best arguments to employ in grievances and tips on preparing grievances for an appeal to Step B.

A paid vacation? Absolutely not. Training is an investment, an investment that pays dividends year after year for the membership.

Together we will build a stronger NALC for the local branches, for Area Two and for the State Association.

Our strength lies in our commitment.