Some Takeaways From the NALC’s National Convention

Hello, Brothers and Sisters, I hope everyone had a great summer and kept cool and safe.

How about that National Convention? There was so much motivation and solidarity! There were over 8,000 delegates who traveled to Los Angeles to learn the latest news on the issues involving our jobs.

For those who were not able to go, I hope that those that did have shared the information taught and heard. President Rolando put out a lot of information that needs to be shared with all of our brothers and sisters.

President Rolando stated to all that, “Every union is like a family. Families often have disagreements. We may disagree with each other from time to time, but we are one. We are a family. We are a union. We are the NALC.”

He went on to say, “While the NALC has real adversaries in postal management, in Congress and in the media, “you have no enemies in here.” This was a great opening.

Between resolutions, updates, readings and awards throughout the week, there were many great speakers. My favorite and probably a lot of other delegates’ favorite was Brother Cecil Roberts of the United Mine Workers of America. He spoke with sincerity and with passion; and he spoke the truth.

Brother Roberts told the delegates that they provide a crucial service to his union’s members when we deliver medicine to those who live in places far out in the country and who aren’t able to pick up medicines themselves. Brother Roberts declared his union’s solidarity with the NALC and stated we will fight together.

As he jumped up and down on stage and spoke with enthusiasm, he advised us to leave the convention with this spirit moving us forward with a desire to build a stronger union.

As I worked the legislative booth, I was proud to see so many North Carolina union officials representing our state.

Speaking of legislation and the upcoming elections, President Rolando stated to the delegates that regardless of everyone’s choice of political party, the NALC backs the candidates who support letter carriers, the USPS and workers’ rights. For this reason, the Executive Council voted in July to endorse Hillary Clinton to serve as the next president of the United States.

President Rolando stated Clinton’s has a great history of supporting a “strong USPS and collective-bargaining rights for postal employees.” President Rolando said, “She was among the first in the Senate to support legislation prohibiting the contracting out of letter carrier jobs to low-wage private contractors.”

Clinton also has supported six-day mail delivery and has maintained support for federal workers. President Rolando went on to say this endorsement was not hard to make, in fact, Trump made it easy because he did not answer or even react to the NALC’s candidate questionnaire.

Here is more history on Hillary Clinton and letter carriers, which dates back more than 20 years that President Rolando refreshed us on:

Clinton invited NALC President Vincent Sombrotto to the White House in 1993 to discuss health care.
As a senator, Clinton was among the first to sponsor a bill to ban the Postal Service’s practice of contracting out letter carrier jobs to low-wage, non-union workers.
In 2009, she helped mobilize support for a Senate bill supporting the right of employees to form unions.
This summer, she and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) came together to support a postal plank in the Democratic National Committee’s platform.

Clinton told the NALC that she was much honored to receive our endorsement. She stated we are a big reason most Americans rank the Postal Service the most trusted government agency. She went on to state that letter carriers have strengthened the fight for unions and the middle class and added that she did not know what the country would do without letter carriers.

Representative Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) stated, “Postal reform cannot sacrifice employees or the people who built the system. Postal reform doesn’t happen on the backs of the workers.”

On that note and as I have stated in the past, it is time to hit the ground running and work hard to put Hillary Clinton in office for our jobs and our future.

Finally, I want to congratulate Richard Thayer on his THREE awards he won for articles he has written for the North Carolina Letter Carrier over the past two years. Keep up the great work, Richard!!

Two Very Important Issues

Hello Brothers and Sisters. I hope all is well for everyone. I want to thank all those who sent their regards to me when I was not feeling well. My family and I deeply appreciated it.

There are two important issues coming up this year; a new contract and the elections.

First, the negotiating teams of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service has convened in a downtown Washington, DC, hotel to open a final week of collective bargaining prior to the expiration of the 2011-2016 National Agreement this Friday, May 20, at midnight.

President Rolando set the agenda for the week on Monday with full undivided and intense attention to the goal of reaching a contract addressing the wages, benefits and working conditions for America’s 205,000 active city letter carriers. During this time Postal Service Vice President for Labor Relations Doug Tulino, attested to USPS’ dedication to the same goal.

President Rolando stated by law, there will be no work stoppage or interruption of operations. And our existing labor contract will remain in effect until a new contract is either negotiated or arbitrated and both sides are firmly committed to the same end product: A full and fair contract, fully and fairly reached, for America’s most trusted workers.

Second, the 2016 election in November. As a NALC members, our voices are important on Capitol Hill but without the right candidates we cannot protect our jobs or our future. As I stated in the last article, this year we will be busy dealing with the upcoming elections, working to elect members of Congress who support NALC priorities.

There has never been a more important time to participate in the NALC’s political process. The Letter Carrier Political Fund is our political action committee (PAC) that helps pro-labor, pro-letter carriers’ candidates get elected so they can go to Washington to support and protect letter carrier jobs. As President Rolando stated, “Congress has so much power to affect our lives and future because the federal government is our employer.”

I know I am repeating myself but we deserve the right support, the support that will protect our future. Remember, the NALC is not partisan and neither is our fight. Again, I encourage all NALC members to know and understand the process and how to get involved. If anyone has any questions, feel free to call me.

Brothers and sisters, 2016 is going to be a busy year and I cannot do it without your help. That’s why political activism is absolutely essential. Rebranding the PAC, formerly known as the Committee on Letter Carrier Political Education (COLCPE), is part of a larger effort to continue building the union’s political influence.

As your President, I am again asking you to begin networking with your fellow letter carriers, family, friends and community. I am asking you to mobilize and to educate your members on the NALC’s legislative agenda. While we all know the activity happens in DC, our work in North Carolina is essential to achieving our national success.

Brothers and sisters, I again call on those who can help me get out our legislative agenda. I know it is my responsibility to educate you on the NALC’s legislative agenda but it can’t end with me. Brothers and sisters, you must be willing to pass on the word and guide your members, family and friends toward the right direction to help keep our future secured.

The power of a union is strength in numbers. Supporting the Letter Carrier Political Fund is one of the best ways to support and protect your career. Remember Congress could in one vote make drastic changes to the Postal Service, or labor laws, that could bring us instant cuts in pay or benefits, or even put many of us out of work.

Working together and helping each other will help us succeed and protect the letter carriers’ common cause. Participation among active and retired members in the fund has grown over the years, with a noticeable rise in contributions beginning in 2007. Supporting the Letter Carrier Political Fund is one of the best ways to support your career by protecting collective-bargaining rights and a strong Postal Service. Remember, the stakes have never been higher and we all need to do our part to support the Letter Carrier Political Fund.

Remember, when you support the LETTER CARRIER Political Fund, you help deliver OUR message to Washington. Thanks Again, Brothers and Sisters, for your support and help.

—-

“The labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.” —-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

NALC’s Primary Political Objective

A strong Postal Service that provides quality and universal service to all Americans is our everyday goal. As a NALC members, our voices are important on Capitol Hill but without the right candidates we cannot protect our jobs or our future. As always, our careers and livelihood are grossly controlled by government policies and legislation.

This year we will be busy dealing with the upcoming elections, working to elect members of Congress who support NALC priorities. This is the primary objective of the NALC’s political affairs operation.

What is the Letter Carrier Political Fund?

A non-partisan PAC established for the purpose of electing qualified candidates who support letter carriers and who are committed to maintaining a strong and innovative Postal Service.
Federal PACs raise and distribute campaign funds to candidates seeking federal office.
PACs allow corporations, associations and labor unions to raise money for political purposes by soliciting voluntary contributions from individuals to help advance common policy interests.
PAC money is strictly regulated by the Federal Election Commission.
It is used to support endorsed candidates by helping to defray campaign cost.

The NALC is not partisan and neither is our fight. Our struggle is for letter carrier jobs and we deserve support for that struggle from all political parties. We encourage all NALC members to know and understand the process and how to get involved.

We also know the NALC works to educate letter carriers about the candidates and the issues to help ensure that when we cast votes, we are making informed decisions. Just as you guide your carriers on the workroom floor, the NALC legislative goals must navigate the political process, working to elect candidates who will protect us and promote our issues.

Brothers and sisters, 2016 is going to be a busy year and I cannot do it without your help. That’s why political activism is absolutely essential and one of the best ways for us to promote the good and combat the bad in Washington, DC, is to get behind the right candidates. Rebranding the PAC, formerly known as the Committee on Letter Carrier Political Education (COLCPE), is part of a larger effort to continue building the union’s political influence.

The union’s political action committee is now called the Letter Carrier Political Fund. The Letter Carrier Political Fund is the new name National gave to our PAC to start a new era and start a renewed effort. With a new name comes a huge commitment to expand the political influence of letter carriers. There are many ways to be a part of the NALC’s network of legislative and political activities. Giving to the union’s Letter Carrier Political Fund is one of the simplest.

Why should I join NALC’s PAC, the Letter Carrier Political Fund?

The Letter Carrier Political Fund identifies and contributes to candidates who support issues important to letter carriers.
Joining the Political Fund provides letter carriers with the opportunity to build electoral and legislative power required to ensure decisions that impact their lives are made with their best interests in mind.
Only NALC members can contribute to the Political Fund.
Union dues are not used, and cannot be used, for political contributions.
Political Fund contributions are voluntary and can stop at any time. There is no open season.
We encourage Political Fund members to make suggestions for political contributions and to attend local fundraisers.
Political Fund members are encouraged to attend local events for members locally who support letter carrier legislative priorities.

These efforts are reinforced by building and using political capital to elect and re-elect those who stand by us. At our national headquarters, the Government and Political Affairs Department fights for you and me as members on Capitol Hill. They advance the best legislative proposals that strengthen our jobs and defend us from harmful proposals that try to eliminate jobs and slash service standards. Their primary objective for the political affairs department is to educate members of Congress and their staff on issues of critical importance to us and to ensure their support through the legislative process.

As your President, I am asking you to begin networking with your fellow letter carriers, family, friends and community. I am asking you to mobilize and to educate your members on the NALC’s legislative agenda. While the activity happens in DC, our work in North Carolina is essential to achieving national success.

Today, I call on those who can help me get out our legislative agenda. I know it is my responsibility to educate you on the NALC’s legislative agenda but it can’t end with me. You must be willing to pass on the word and guide your members, family and friends toward the right direction to help keep our future secured.

This revitalized Political Fund will help us better educate, engage and mobilize letter carriers about politics and our legislative agenda. We must help all letter carriers, including the many new carriers joining the NALC, understand how the union participates in politics and why it is so important for everyone to be involved.

I want to thank all our PAC contributors; we are building the means to stand up for all letter carriers in Washington, DC. If you are not now a contributor, please consider joining the effort. If you can give just a small amount, we could grow even stronger. The power of a

union is strength in numbers. Supporting the Letter Carrier Political Fund is one of the best ways to support and protect your career.

Remember, Congress could in one vote make drastic changes to the Postal Service, or labor law, that could bring us instant cuts in pay or benefits, or even put many of us out of work. We only succeed when we all work together, and helping each other is the most important stand we can take. You’re joining a long tradition of letter carriers working together for a common cause. This tradition dates back to 1889 and will continue for decades to come.

Participation among active and retired members in the fund has grown over the years, with a noticeable rise in contributions beginning in 2007. But there is still a large untapped potential for greater PAC participation, and letter carrier activists across the country are working to boost support for the Letter Carrier Political Fund by making sure that NALC members understand the importance of its work and how to give.

Supporting the Letter Carrier Political Fund is one of the best ways to support your career by protecting collective-bargaining rights and a strong Postal Service. President Rolando stated this election year the stakes have never been higher and we all need to do our part to support the Letter Carrier Political Fund.

We all know labor unions exist because there is strength in numbers. We also know one worker or one person alone cannot match the power of an employer or government, but thousands of us working and acting together can. When you support the LETTER CARRIER Political Fund, you deliver OUR message to Washington!

All Hands On Deck! 2016 To Be A Busy Year

For Letter Carrier Activists

I hope everyone is doing well and I want to wish all my brothers and sisters the happiest of holidays.

The Executive Board had a meeting in November to discuss the future of our state affiliation with the AFL-CIO. At our meeting, the Board voted to bring before our state delegates at our 2017 State Convention, our recommendation that we cut our affiliation with the AFL-CIO.

Our political views are similar, but we must pursue our own agenda in order to make sure our views and voices are heard in the future.

We must also look at the cost of the affiliation. The Executive Board feels the affiliation with the AFL-CIO costs too much and we must consider our future. The money we save can help push our own political agenda and help fund our CDLs so that they can become more active around the state.

The Board feels we have done so much for ourselves legislatively and that the constant rise in the AFL-CIO affiliation costs makes our affiliation inefficient.

Brothers and sisters, we are united in solidarity. Our agenda, like that of other unions, is to lift the middle class up and give them a voice.

The Government and Political Affairs Department of the NALC fights for us on Capitol Hill by advancing legislative proposals that strengthen letter carrier jobs and defends letter carriers from harmful proposals that seek to eliminate jobs and slash service standards. Their primary objective is educating members of Congress and their staff on issues of critical importance to letter carriers and ensuring their support through the legislative process.

To support our legislative agenda and goals, the NALC relies on political activity and targeted field efforts to ensure our strength on Capitol Hill. This helps us to achieve success and defend ourselves from the onslaught of attacks against us and our fellow letter carriers. While this activity happens in DC, our work in North Carolina is essential to achieving national success.

Brothers and sisters, 2016 is going to be a busy year. From pushing the House and Senate to do the right kind of postal reform, to electing our candidate for president, we need all hands on deck!

Congress is working on a lot of non-postal business lately, but it still needs to know the NALC’s priorities when it comes to promoting legislation that supports a strong Postal Service and its universal network of affordable service.

As NALC members, our voices are important on Capitol Hill. We must use our voices to talk with House and Senate lawmakers about the right kind of postal reform. With the right reforms we can stop seeing service cuts and instead focus on innovation. We can see a secure and healthy future with the right reforms.

With the good news of the Postal Service showing an annual operating profit for this past fiscal year, we can build on that growing momentum and move forward with constructive reform that all stakeholders can buy into, just as President Rolando has repeatedly stated.

We need YOU now more than ever before. Stand up and take your place. Get involved, attend meetings, volunteer, get engaged. We need all hands on deck!

I know we sometimes get discouraged and want to hang it up. Take a step back, take a break, and then get back in the game. The union is us. If you see something you don’t like, get involved and change it.

Legislation: An Important Part of Our Jobs and Our Future

Reflecting back on the State Convention, it seems everyone enjoyed the event and themselves. Bringing over one hundred people together from different parts of this great state of North Carolina to celebrate the event took a tremendous amount of work. I’d like to thank the State Board for all their help, and a special thanks to President Bill Wray and Branch 459. Bill and his member’s behind the scenes help was invaluable and the convention would not have been a success without them.

I would also like to thank the members for my re-election to President by acclamation. It has been an honor to serve you, the members, for the last eight years and I will continue to proudly represent the letter carriers of the great state of North Carolina for the next two years.

Now to move on. Legislation has become an important part of our jobs as union activists. Our jobs and our futures hinge upon good and bad legislation introduced by friends and foes of letter carriers. We as union activists need to take the bull by the horns and talk to each and every senator and representative in our districts. As President Rolando said, “NALC is committed to defending the standard of living of America’s letter carriers. But we are equally determined to save America’s Postal Service. We owe it to the American people to assure affordable universal service for decades to come. Together, we can make that a reality – with the Congress we have or the one we will elect in November. Either way, we will do everything we can to make Congress listen.”

Again, now is the time for all brothers and sisters of this great union to mobilize and let everyone know what’s at stake. Remember, what Congress gives, it can also take it away. The point is, even under the current situation, politicians have kept their hands off the USPS, but there are some that want to get their hands on it still.

Now is the time for us to pull together. During the rap session in Houston, NALC President Fredric Rolando announced the completion of efforts to renew and simplify the NALC political action committee (PAC), formerly known as the Committee on Letter Carrier Political education (COLCPE). The PAC’s new name—the Letter Carrier Political Fund—is the result of discussions that began at our 2014 national convention in Philadelphia.

This means we need to continue building the union’s political influence, and help amplify the collective voice of active and retired letter carriers so NALC can continue to deliver the union’s message to Washington. President Rolando stated, “Just as a shop steward guides letter carriers on the workroom floor, our rebranded PAC will help letter carriers navigate the political process as we work to get elected candidates who not only understand and value letter carriers, but who also will advocate for us in Congress.”

I can never stress this too much, but to maintain our political leverage we need money. As President Rolando said, “This new and simpler name should go a long way toward boosting members’ awareness of it and its benefits.”

It’s time for us to stick together for our collective future, but at the same time we must do everything in our power to ensure that the honorable jobs we hold dear today are still around for future generations.

There are many ways to be a part of the NALC’s network of legislative and political activists, but becoming a member of the Letter Carrier Political Fund is just one of the simplest and the most rewarding ways. The Letter Carrier Political Fund will use the money it receives to contribute to candidates for federal office and undertake other political spending as permitted by law. Your contribution will remain in full force and effective until cancelled.

Just a reminder for all: contributions to the Letter Carrier Political Fund helps elect our friends to Congress and defeat those who oppose letter carrier’s needs and who want to privatize or totally kill the Postal Service. We must be ready to challenge and defeat any legislation that is harmful to the welfare of postal workers and the welfare of our future.

I implore and plead with each of you to sign up as an automatic contributor to the Letter Carrier Political Fund. As Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “The labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.”

But, all in all, I’m happy about the progress we have made and look forward to continuing to build upon our legislative efforts, our campaign efforts, and our political programs.

I just want to give everyone a heads up and ask you to get ready to work because it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but we will survive as we always do. But until then, we must work hard and work together. And even though the legislative part is important, as a branch president and a steward, I can’t stress this enough: your life, your livelihood, and your future are worth more than one can say, so please be smart and just follow all rules and regulations

It’s Been An Honor To Serve

First and foremost, I would like to thank the membership for allowing me to serve you for the past two years. Brothers and sisters, I am here to serve you as long as you want me to.

In accordance with the NALC National Constitution and the Constitution and By– Laws of the North Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers, I have fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of this office during the past two years and have had control over all state functions during the time. As your President I have attended the 2014 NALC Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the National Rap Session in Las Vegas, NV, and the Region 9 Rap Session at Atlanta, Ga. In addition, I have attended the North Carolina AFL-CIO convention and other state affiliated items.

It has been an honor for me to serve as your president of the North Carolina Association of Letter Carriers for the past two years. The past two years have been a busy, yet very pleasing experience. I have been able to keep North Carolina at the top with great help from my executive board and all of you. I have made every effort to insure that the political agenda for North Carolina was fulfilled.

We all know that the state agenda is solely political and North Carolina‘s political resources have grown and have exceeded all expectations. I have enjoyed the last two years and remain positive that our union has led us in the right direction and will continue to lead us down the right road to success and will protect our future.

In the past two years, the North Carolina State Association has remained financially sound. Our training and educational efforts are still well grounded and our legislative programs are solid and much respected.

Even though in Election 2014 we lost several friends, we now are working hard to earn the trust and friendship of the new NC congressmen and women. No challenge is too little or too big to ensure the survival of the Postal Service and our jobs.

Brothers and sisters, as we all know, we are still in the fight of our lives to save the Postal Service and the benefits that past leaders have negotiated for us. We all need to continue to expand our branch participation in COLCPE, E-activist, and 10 hour volunteers. Our political pact needs to be a major player on Capitol Hill. We must protect ourselves, and protect the middle class. We must organize all, and as my dad always preached to me, “United We Stand and Divided We Fall.”

Remember, brothers and sisters, we always need to be ready to do whatever is necessary to keep our jobs safe. With all our work and effort, I am confident that together we can keep our union strong and protect our future together.

There are so many people that I need to thank for being so helpful during the past two years, but there are too many to try to name. However, a special thanks to the Executive Board for their ongoing trust and valuable guidance and their commitment to the letter carriers of this great state.

Special thanks are always in order to my loving and supportive wife, Christina, she is my rock. Also thanks to my children: Montana, Mia and Tre. I am most grateful for their support, especially when my union activities preempt other plans.

Thank you, brothers and sisters, for allowing me to serve you as your state president. It has been an honor and privilege.

It is my pleasure to announce that I will be running again to be your state president. I promise I will continue to strengthen our political and legislative agenda for the state of North Carolina. And I will continue to work hard to protect the Postal Service and our jobs.

I want to end on this note, brothers and sisters: We must all work together and do our part in this struggle. Again, thanks for letting me serve as your president and I hope all have a great convention.

Building Relationships, Restoring the Postal Service

I hope this finds everyone happy and healthy! Another year is behind us and a new one has begun.

With the 2014 elections behind us we can look back and be proud of ourselves even though several of our candidates didn’t get elected. This loss was an influential one but not a potential disaster for union members and other middle class Americans. It just means a lot more work ahead.

Despite these losses, much has remained the same. This election was just another important milestone for us working people. We have to welcome those who were elected and build a relationship with them. Once we build that relationship, we need to explain to them the problems of the postal service and what is needed to protect its future and our jobs. We need to explain to them that America’s Postal Service is still under fire and explain to them what is needed to help resurrect it and move it into the future.

We need to remember that the Republicans obtained the House and Senate but nothing is impossible to overcome. Hard work and strong solidarity will help us get done what needs to get done; too much is at stake.

Remember, brothers and sisters, this is our future. I know I have said this many times, but nothing is set in stone and a stroke of a pen can still take it all away. Together, we will keep the Postal Service moving forward. But in order to do this we must work together.

USPS Has Operating Profit in 1st Quarter

On a good note, the Postal Service has had a $1.1 billion operating profit in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. This is up from the same period last year and two years ago.

The Postal Service’s cash balance grew to $7 billion on December 31, 2014, and has increased more than $2 billion from the same last year. So the overall revenue for the Postal Service increased by $767 million over the same period last year. Wow! This is a 4.3 percent increase.

However, not only did the revenue increase but so did the Postal Service’s mail and package volume. The Postal Service’s volume increased by 42.6 billion pieces. As you all know, we are seeing more mail and parcels. And that has me smiling from ear to ear. More volume means more routes, more employees, and job security.

CDRAAP Selection Period Begins

Speaking of more routes—everyone knows that we have started the selection period for the City Delivery Route Alternative Adjustment Process (CDRAAP) 2014-2015 in North Carolina. Several selection periods have begun and ended. Several PS Form 3999s are being done and adjustments are beginning. The process is not the easiest, however, it’s not the dreaded six-day count. I ask you to be patient and give it your fullest cooperation. If you have any questions, fell free to ask your chosen CDRAAP team members.

I want you to know that we, the CDRAAP team members, will be maintaining communications with local offices throughout the process. Remember, maintaining communication is necessary to obtain information that’s needed to evaluate and adjust routes and to make this process work smoothly.

Remember, under no circumstances will a route adjustment be implemented unless both the union and management route evaluation and adjustment team members have signed off on the adjustments. I’m hoping no issues arise, however, if an issue does arise, the parties have an Issue Resolution Process. The steps and time frames for elevating unresolved issues are as follows:

1. Route Evaluation and Adjustment Teams: Any issue that the team is unable to resolve will immediately be referred to the district lead team.

2. District Lead Teams: Any issues from the route evaluation and adjustment team that cannot be resolved by the district lead team will be referred to the area/regional team within two working days of receipt of the issue.

3. Area/Regional Teams: Any issues from the district lead teams that cannot be resolved by the area/regional team will be referred to the national oversight team within three working days of receipt of the issue.

4. National Oversight Team: The national oversight team will resolve any issues that cannot be resolved by an area/regional team within four working days of receipt of the issue.

If anyone needs to or wants to keep up with what is going on with the Postal Service and your national office, go to www.nalc.org.

COLCPE Gives a Voice to Carriers in Congress.

Also, a reminder, it’s most important to remember that all contributions to COLCPE help re-elect our friends to Congress and helps defeat those who oppose letter carriers.

COLCPE gives the NALC and all active and retired letter carriers a voice in Congress. We must be ready to challenge and defeat any legislation that is harmful to the welfare of postal workers and their families. I implore and plead with each of you: sign up as an automatic contributor to COLCPE.

Never forget the words of President Abraham Lincoln: “All that serves labor serves the nation. All that harms is treason. If a man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. There is no America without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other.”

Remember, our jobs are never safe and tomorrow is never guaranteed.

We Must Work to Build New Relationships in Congress

I am proud of the efforts we had on the ground for the election this year. Obviously, it didn’t go the way we wanted but we will continue to fight on. Thank you for your help and your efforts in this year’s election.

Our NALC regional field coordinator, Megan Fitzgerald, says she will send us more hats/lanyards for those who volunteered at least three hours this election cycle. However, I want those of you who volunteered to tell me individually about your experiences and to share your ideas on where we should go from here as we begin planning for 2016.

As some of you have heard, PMG Patrick Donahoe has announced his retirement. I’m sure this makes your month a little more enjoyable.

Donahoe’s successor will be Megan Brennan, the Postal Service’s first female postmaster general. Unfortunately, those who know Brennan or know of her, are not overly optimistic about her future tenure as PMG since she holds the same policy values as Donahoe. So don’t expect to see much, if any, change under her leadership.

Here is President Rolando’s statement on Donahoe’s announced retirement and the USPS’s annual financial report:

We wish Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe well in the future, and we congratulate his replacement, Megan Brennan. We look forward to working with her. We hope that in addition to a new name, this change also involves a vision for the future that will enable the Postal Service to continue to adapt and to serve Americans and their businesses.

Today’s annual USPS financial report reinforces the point that the postal networks are thriving—profitable this year by $1.4 billion after what USPS called its best quarterly and annual performance in many years—and that dismantling the networks is precisely the wrong thing to do.

The USPS report shows that letter revenue rose as the economy improves, while package revenue skyrocketed by 9.1 percent, the biggest increase on record. That reflects growing online shopping, which makes the Internet a net positive for USPS—auguring well for the future.

Proposals that involve slowing the mail by closing processing plants, and degrading service by ending Saturday and door-to-door delivery or reducing post office hours, are nonsensical. Dismantling postal networks that have returned to profitability and that provide Americans

and their businesses with the world’s most efficient and affordable delivery service would hurt the public.

By driving away mail and revenue, a shrink-to-survive approach also would destroy an agency that is based in the Constitution and has an 80 percent positive rating from the public.

Lawmakers should strengthen the networks while addressing the onerous pre-funding of future retiree health benefits imposed by a lame-duck Congress in 2006. This burden, required of no other entity, is essentially the red ink, and addressing it would strengthen the Postal Service moving forward.

Today’s news, including the continued financial improvement, provides an opportunity to move forward with constructive reform that all stakeholders can buy into.

We have to work hard to get H. Res. 711 passed. This is a priority in our efforts for the lame duck session of Congress. We must get strong co-sponsorship on this resolution so they see the importance of carrying it over to the next Congress. We now have 66 co-sponsors on this resolution but we need more to have it passed. As soon as I get the update from our national legislative team, I will be following up with the local branch officers to discuss plans on how we can start approaching other members of Congress who are yet to sign on.

Moving forward, our legislative director made it very clear earlier this week that we must change the way things are done here in regard to political partisanship. Republicans are here to stay and we must start trying to bridge the gap with all of them. We have to start having relationships with as many members of Congress as possible if we wish to pass comprehensive reform. We must think about our jobs. It is not who is a Republican or who is a Democrat, it’s who will keep our jobs safe. This means we must make many new relationships and give attention to those members of Congress who we usually wrote off as non-supporters. We must learn to make a special effort in the future to work with those members of Congress.

In addition, we must have better communication locally so we can tell our representatives in Washington what is needed so they can act accordingly. So I challenge you to start brainstorming on how this can be achieved in the coming weeks.

But, all in all, I’m happy about the progress we have made and look forward to continuing to build upon our legislative efforts, our campaign efforts, and our political programs. I just want to give everyone a heads up and ask you to get ready to work because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. However, this too shall pass. But until then, we must work hard and work together.

I hope you have the Happiest of Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

NALC: A Proud History of Service, Solidarity and Progress

I hope everyone is having a great summer. I want to welcome back everyone from the city of brotherly love: Philadelphia. What a convention! This convention marked our union’s 125th anniversary. One-hundred and twenty-five years is an outstanding milestone. It makes a statement and that statement is that we’re strong, united and unstoppable. Even through the ups and downs our union has always pulled through.

We can be proud because not many institutions get to celebrate their 125th anniversary. This is a remarkable achievement and I urge all to learn and study our history because so much has changed since the NALC was founded in Milwaukee 125 years ago. The NALC has survived and worked through hard times and we all should be proud of this history. As President Rolando stated, “It is a proud history of service, solidarity and progress.”

Here we are in 2014 with the continuous fight to protect and save the Postal Service. We are well into the 2014 election cycle and in order for us to protect six-day mail delivery and further cuts to the Postal Service we must work hard to help the Democrats keep the majority in the Senate.

However, we must continue to keep bipartisan support for our bills and resolutions to preserve six-day delivery and fix the pre-funding requirement law that was passed in 2006 by the Bush administration. We all need to remember that it’s up to us to push to elect the right candidates who agree and are on board with our issues.

The NALC supports the following bills and resolutions: S.361, H.R.630, H.R.961, H.Res.30 and H.Res.711. These bills and resolutions will help preserve six-day delivery, help the postal financial situation and help stop and refund the pre-funding payments.

Again, we are now entering the 2014 election cycle and we need your help. As President Rolando stated at the National Convention, “The task before us is a daunting one because it involves a wide variety of fronts—political, legislative, managerial, commercial, not to mention the media and the public.”

President Rolando stated that the National Association of Letter Carriers is up to the task because our union is strong, unified and knows what’s at stake. And we have the facts on our side.

Brothers and sisters, we need your help. We are seeking volunteers and releases throughout North Carolina to work phone banks, walk neighborhoods, and other political involvement to help support letter carrier-friendly candidates. I need everyone to stay informed and the only way this can happen is by joining e-Activist, signing up for COLCPE (only $5 a pay period), being part of Carrier Corps, and reading your Postal Record.

I want to end by saying that all carriers need to make the time and effort to participate, volunteer and help with your union. This, too, will keep you informed. I can’t stress this enough: your life and your livelihood is worth more than one can explain, so please be smart and follow the rules and regulations that are within the Postal Service’s handbooks and manuals (JCAM, LMOU, ELM, etc) and keep your future and your life safe.

NALC In Alliance With Other Postal Unions Opposing 2015 Budget Proposal

I hope my brothers and sisters are doing well. This year has proven to be a very busy one so far. Between primary elections, branch situations and home life, sometimes I don’t know if I’m coming or going, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

President Rolando joined the other three presidents of the postal employee unions (APWU, NRLCA and NPMHU) and wrote a letter to House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) to share all our views on President Obama’s budget proposals for 2015. The letter is below and is for those who have no computer or any type of electronic devices to keep up with the latest news that our national president is putting out.

Dear Mr. Issa and Mr. Cummings:

We write to share our views on the hearing held on on April 8, 2014 on the President’s proposals in the FY 2015 budget regarding the U.S. Postal Service. We write on behalf of nearly 500,000 postal employees who live and work in every Congressional District in America and who belong to our unions. We respectfully request that this letter be included in the record of the hearing.

We strongly oppose major elements of the Administration’s proposed reforms as outdated and counterproductive to the goal of strengthening the Postal Service for the 21st Century. The USPS has strongly recovered over the past 18 months as the economy has bounced back and the e-commerce boom has gathered pace. In the absence of the pre-funding burden, the Service was profitable in 2013. Reducing deliveries and slashing the quality of service never made sense as a business strategy. Market research conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for USPS found that service cuts (ending Sat. service, etc.) would cause mail volume to fall by 7.7% and reduce revenue by nearly $5.3 billion—that is, by more than it would reduce costs. Now that the USPS is recovering and has eliminated some 75,000 career jobs since 2011, slashing service further makes even less sense. It would discourage businesses from partnering with the Postal Service.

Simply re-amortizing the disastrous retiree health pre-funding mandate that was enacted in 2006, and which accounts for more than 80% of the Postal Service’s losses since 2007, is totally unacceptable. “Kicking the can down the road” is not a solution to the Postal Service’s most pressing financial problem. The payments are unaffordable now; they will be unaffordable two years from now. The USPS has already set aside more than $50 billion for decades of future retiree health benefits. It’s time to repeal the pre-funding burden that no other private or public enterprise in America faces (without taxpayer appropriations) or dramatically reduce the cost of that burden by enacting other reforms.

Congress should either implement the recommendations of the Postal Regulatory Commission’s independent audit of the postal CSRS account or adopt FEHBP reforms that will reduce postal retiree health benefit costs. Any reform that fails to address the pre-funding burden will doom the Postal Service to endless cycles of service and job cuts that will destroy this national treasure.

The administration’s proposal to allow the Postal Service to eliminate Saturday delivery was not developed after an independent analysis—it was driven by misleading data presented by the Postal Service to the PRC and accepted as part of the Cantor-Biden budget talks in 2011

aimed at reducing the budget deficit. It has shown up in every administration budget since then. Given that the Postal Service receives no taxpayer subsidy, we have always rejected service cuts aimed at improving deficit measured on a unified basis.

Rather than slashing services in a way that will drive business away, it’s time for sensible, targeted reforms that will free the Postal Service to innovate and grow. These reforms should include a permanent fix to the pre-funding burden as suggested above, the fair calculation of postal pension surpluses, suitable pricing reforms and new freedom to offer services through our existing networks to meet unmet public needs.

Sincerely,

(Signed by President Rolando; Mark Dimondstein, APWU; John Hegarty, Mail Handlers; Jeanette Dwyer, Rural Carriers)

President Rolando is urging the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to vote “no” on phasing out door

delivery because so many Americans rely on this service and many of these Americans are our elderly and disabled customers.

President Rolando stated that rather than addressing the main reason, the unreasonable financial mandates that Congress imposed, the committee is again trying to consider a bill that calls for unnecessary and counter-productive service reductions.

President Rolando is stressing to the OGR that on May 21, they should take into account the Postal Service’s recent recovery and reject the Secure Delivery for America Act. President Rolando wants us all to do our part to preserve our futures and call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, ask to be connected to your House member, then let your representative know you oppose the Secure Delivery for America Act.

With this bill, the Postal Service is disregarding our invaluable last-mile network which makes no sense, nor does it make business sense to sever the revenue-generating connection between letter carriers and their business customers. Without this personal contact, such leads cannot be developed.

As always, I want you to know that your national, state and local leaders are committed to working with both parties in Congress to discuss real reform that will strengthen the Postal Service to meet the needs of the 21st century.

Brothers and sisters, I hope you have a great summer! I want you all to be safe and smart out on your routes and within your installations. I can’t stress this enough: your life and your livelihood are worth more than one can say, so please be smart and just follow the rules and regulations that are within the Handbooks and Manuals (JCAM, LMOU, ELM, etc.) and keep your life and your future secure.

Working To Have Our Voices Heard

Hello sisters and brothers, I hope every letter carrier in our beautiful state of North Carolina is doing well.

On February 6, 2014, NALC President Fredric Rolando issued the following statement on the Senate committee’s action on S. 1486:

“If the full Senate considers postal legislation, it should be in the form of a manager’s amendment that focuses on solutions to the real issues facing the Postal Service—pre-funding, pricing, new products and pension surpluses.

“Unnecessary and damaging attacks on the Postal Service’s vital networks and its employees—such as those unfortunately included in S. 1486—would only send the USPS on a downward trajectory.

“In restoring financial stability to the USPS, it is critical to remember this fact: The Postal Service is now running an operating profit—$623 million last year and $1.1 billion projected by USPS for this year—and so it makes no sense to degrade the networks and employees responsible for this profit. The congressional mandate to pre-fund future retiree health benefits, required of no other business or agency, accounts for 100 percent of the red ink.

“Paving the way for eliminating six-day delivery and door-to-door service would hurt millions of residents and small businesses as well as the Postal Service itself, because it would slow service, drive mail out of the system and reduce the earned revenue that funds USPS.

“The postal turnaround is being driven by an improving economy and by online shopping that has sent package revenues to record highs. Lawmakers should not stop the resulting postal comeback in its tracks by needlessly degrading the networks and reducing the services that are making the USPS operationally profitable. That is the fatal flaw in S. 1486.”

Rolando also stated on February 7, 2014: “Today’s Postal Service figures for the first quarter of 2014 are highly encouraging and show why the postal network must be maintained and strengthened, not degraded.

“The announced operating profit of $765 million for the first quarter is dramatic in itself—and it continues the operating profitability that began last year.

"The Postal Service’s unmatched networks and outstanding employees have made these striking results possible. And these trends augur well for the future, because they reflect the opportunities increasingly presented by the Internet and by an improving economy. Package revenues resulting from online shopping rose by more than 14 percent this quarter—more than offsetting the small decline in letter revenue.

“This quarter's $765 million operating profit compares with the $100 million from the first quarter of 2013—another sign of improving postal finances.

“In light of these results, lawmakers should strengthen the postal network while addressing the remaining problem: the congressional mandate to pre-fund future retiree benefits, required of no other public or private entity in the country. Degrading the network and reducing services to the public and businesses would jeopardize the postal turnaround.”

It may seem that I keep repeating myself but the issues I am talking about will always be important and we can never give too much attention to it. As I have stressed before we are in a fight for our livelihood. Now is the time we all must work overtime to have our voices heard. We all need to remember without Congress’s help the Postal Service is not going to change the way they do things.

I want all to remember if the anti-labor representatives in Washington have their way, our health benefits, retirement benefits, and way of life in general, will be reduced. Our numbers are our strength. We must take advantage of that strength, and we must do so united as one. If each member does a little, we cannot be beaten.

Our goal is to inform our membership of the struggles before us, and how they can help to make a difference. Some may wish to become an e-Activist and others may want to contact Congressional Representatives regarding issues related to the Postal Service and letter carriers. I want all to remember there will be ample opportunity for everyone who wishes to volunteer. It is up to us to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and defeat any legislation that is detrimental to letter carriers. Although anti-labor candidates may have the money and support of big business, we have the most valuable asset: dedicated people.

It is most important to remember that all contributions to COLCPE help elect our friends to Congress and defeat those who oppose letter carriers and want to privatize or totally kill the Postal Service. We must be ready to challenge and defeat any legislation that is harmful to the welfare of postal workers and the welfare of our future. I implore and plead with each of you to sign up as an automatic contributor to COLCPE. Our jobs are on the line. But together, we all will prevail.

Martin Luther King, Jr stated, “The labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.”

I look forward to seeing everyone in Durham for the spring seminar in March. Here is the information for all:

NC ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS

SPRING TRAINING

March 28 – 29, 2014

The Millennium Hotel

2800 Campus Walk Avenue

Durham NC 27705

1-800-633-5379

$89.00 per night plus tax (13.5%)

Carriers Must Be Ready To Mobilize When the Need Arises

Hello, brothers and sisters. I hope this finds everyone doing well. What a busy month it has been. I have been on the road racking up a lot of miles with my work and family.

As the threat of five-day delivery fades, we must still be on our toes. We must still be able to respond on short notice.

A few years ago PMG Donahoe stated, “One thing I have to emphasize...is that nothing can be implemented without Congress changing current law and the president signing the legislation to permit that change. That’s important to understand. I know some of you may be under the impression that this can just be done by management. It can’t. It needs Congressional approval to make the change.”

This statement further specifies what I and other union officials have been saying: only an act of Congress can close the Postal Service on Saturday. That is why we are still fighting and trying to get as many senators and congressmen/women on our side.

And as we all know, our National Executive Board is always pushing back harder and faster than ever because we are strongly committed to six-day service. The National Executive Board has let Congress know how they feel and where they stand. President Rolando stated previously, “I do not believe that weakening our commitment of six-day service to the public will enhance the long-term position of the Postal Service as a critical element in our nation’s economic infrastructure. In view of the January report released by the Postal Inspector General that showed that the USPS was overcharged by $75 billion for postal pension costs, Congress instead should take immediate steps to correct the error.

“If Congress takes such action, the Postal Service will have the financial breathing room needed to develop a more successful plan,” Rolando added. “The NALC stands ready to join in discussions with other principal stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for the long-term viability of the Postal Service and continued high-quality service to the American people.”

Carriers all over North Carolina must get on the phone and make their voices heard. You must call your congressman or congresswoman and tell them to sign on to S. 316. This bill was drafted by Senator Bernie Sanders and currently has 30 co-sponsors. The Sanders bill would strengthen the Postal Service, not dismantle it.

S.316 and H.R. 630, both titled “The Postal Service Protection Act,” are the only pieces of legislation that include all the key provisions necessary to return the Postal Service to financial health in both the short and long terms, while preserving its vital networks, high quality service standards and solid middle-class jobs. This will provide the following:

Eliminating the future retiree health benefit pre-funding requirement.
· Returning CSRS and FERS overpayments to the Postal Service.
· Protecting six-day mail delivery.
· Establishing new revenue for the Postal Service.
· Preventing the closure of rural post offices.
· Protecting mail-processing facilities.

S.316 and H.R.630 provide reasonable, fair and responsible ways to address the Postal Service and its immediate and long-term health and viability. The NALC urges members of Congress to stand up for preserving this vital government service by co-sponsoring S.316 and H.R.630 today.

On the other hand, we must let our congressmen/women and senators know that the NALC urges opposition to the Postal Reform Act of 2013. S.1486, introduced by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) in the Senate, is not the answer. This bill is a failure all around. This bill sets the Postal Service on a direct path to failure. It falls far short of what is needed and is much worse than the deeply flawed bill that passed the Senate during the 112th Congress. S.1486 would slowly dismantle the Postal Service’s invaluable retail, mail processing and last-mile delivery networks, which are crucial for the booming e-commerce sector, while maintaining a misguided mandate to pre-fund retiree health benefit costs decades in advance. This is the last thing Congress should do.

Below is how National is running the Legislative and Political Action Department. We must begin to do the same here in North Carolina.

· Advocates for letter carriers on Capitol Hill.
· Lobbies Congress to help letter carriers and the Postal Service.
· Coordinates NALC’s grassroots political action program.
· Mobilizes and educates NALC members about our legislative agenda.

As I stated before, it is time that all letter carriers pitch in. It is time to boost our effort and get all letter carriers involved in COLCPE. This is the political action fund of the NALC. Now is the time when we need all active letter carriers to give $5 a pay period and retirees are to give $5 a month. I promise, you won't miss it. This is a necessity to ensure our jobs, benefits and future.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any of my executive board members.

Christina and I hope everyone has the Happiest of Holidays!

The Fight of Our Lives

I hope this finds everyone doing well. I would like to thank you my brothers and sisters for continuing to trust in me. It has been an honor for me to serve as your President of the North Carolina Association of Letter Carriers.

For the past two years I have been busy and I don’t foresee the next two years slowing down any. However, it has been a pleasing experience. The executive board and I have been able to keep North Carolina at the top and we will continue to make every effort to insure that the political agenda for North Carolina will be fulfilled. With the North Carolina’s 10 hour volunteers list growing and our e-Activist list increasing, I know everyone is ready to help in moments notice.

Brothers and sisters, I must preach this to you again: we are in the fight of our lives to save the Postal Service and the benefits that our past leaders have negotiated for us. We all need to continue to expand our branch participation in COLCPE, e-Activist and 10-hour volunteers. Our political pact needs to be a major player on Capitol Hill. We must protect ourselves and protect the middle-class.

I know that we have many brothers and sisters out there that are not hooked up to technology and need to know the latest news on the Postal Service’s financial crisis. Here is a statement from President Rolando about the Postal Service’s report for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2013:

“The Postal Service’s latest quarterly report makes clear that its finances are rebounding strongly as the U.S. economy improves.

“Although it reported a loss of $740 million, the agency would have reported a profit of $660 million absent the $1.4 billion payment it was charged for pre-funding future retiree health benefits—a bill no other company or agency in the country is required to pay. Operating revenue is up 3.6 percent compared to the same period last year.

“The good operating picture was fueled by a sharp 8.8 percent rise in package delivery revenue from online orders, which offset the effect of on-line bill-paying, as well as by workers’ compensation interest adjustments.

“The sharp improvement over 2012 reflects the fact that the opportunities offered by the Internet (delivering goods ordered online) increasingly are offsetting Internet challenges (online bill-paying), which augurs well for the future.

“All of the Postal Service red ink for the entire year to date stems from an external political factor: the 2006 congressional mandate to pre-fund future retiree health benefits, which no other entity in the country is required to do.

“Given this, it makes no sense to degrade service or dismantle a network that is performing well and that provides Americans and businesses with the world’s most affordable delivery network. The congressional priority should be to address the actual source of red ink: the $5.5 billion annual pre-funding albatross that is hampering the Postal Service. This mandate is not only onerous, it is unnecessary, because the Postal Service already has put aside sufficient money to meet the needs of future retirees for decades to come. Few, if any, companies can say the same.

“The path to profitability is clear: Address the pre-funding fiasco and give the Postal Service the freedom to innovate and grow in the digital era. Do not eliminate Saturday delivery, which would raise costs for small businesses open weekends, and do not force people to traipse around their neighborhood looking for cluster boxes. Such steps would inconvenience the public and would destroy the Postal Service by driving mail—and revenue—out of the system.

“The latest financial results should finally convince Congress to deliver a postal reform plan that eliminates pre-funding, strengthens and protects the existing Postal Service network; provides a more business-oriented governance structure; and frees the Postal Service to meet evolving customer needs in the digital era. Unfortunately, the advancing House legislation and the recently introduced Senate bill fail to achieve these goals.”

So, to sum it up, the Postal Service would have made money this year if we did not have the burden of paying the pre-funding. So, this is why we’re hoping that Congress will actively work to promote postal reform that will create jobs and innovation, not more job cuts and reduced service for the American people.

I pledge to work hard to keep everyone up to date and alert concerning the development of the bills dealing with the Postal Service. However, anyone who wants to keep up on their own may do so by going to www.nalc.org and www.nclettercarrier.com

I would like to praise Richard Thayer for all of his excellent work as our editor. He has kept the newspaper and the website in excellent shape. Richard is a miracle worker and keeps me on my toes, especially with my articles and their timeliness. Again, thanks Richard, for your hard work and dedication.

I just want to praise Richard Thayer for all of his excellent work. He has kept the newspaper and the website in excellent shape. Richard is a miracle worker and keeps me on my toes, especially with my articles and their timeliness. Again, thanks Richard, for your hard work and dedication.

Just a labor quote to end on: “Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised wages, shortened hours, and provided supplemental benefits. Through collective bargaining and grievance procedures, they have brought justice and democracy to the shop floor.” — John F. Kennedy

Gearing Up For Action: March 24 and Beyond

First, and most important, I want to reach out the Sombrotto family and let them know that they are in the thoughts and prayer of all the members of the NCALC. As everyone knows, on January 10, 2013 we lost the greatest person in the history of the National Association of Letter Carriers and one of the most significant U.S. labor leaders of recent decades: NALC President Emeritus Vincent R. Sombrotto, 1923-2013. He was a letter carrier at Grand Central Station in New York City, and our 16th president of NALC between 1978 and 2002. Sombrotto became an official member of NALC in 1947 and played part in the U.S. postal strike of 1970 which paved the way for all the benefits we have today. Thank you, Brother Sombrotto, we owe you for our past, present and future. You may be gone but I promise you, you will never be forgotten.

Second, on Jan. 10, a three-person board of arbitrators issued a final and binding award that sets the terms of a four-and-a-half-year collective-bargaining agreement.

A few highlights of the contract, which covers the period from November 20, 2011 to May 20, 2016:

Wage provisions: No two-tier pay scale; Three general wage increases and seven COLAs awarded.
Workforce structure: New non-career category with career path replaces TEs; All PTFs converted for the life of the contract; job security: Ban on sub-contracting continued, strengthened.
Health benefits: Task force offers alternative to cost shift pattern.
Local bargaining and other notable MOUs: The period for negotiating new Local Memoranda of Understanding has been set by the new contract from Apr. 1-30, 2013.

In addition, there were more than a dozen new MOUs awarded in this contract (Article 8, 15, City Delivery, Route Evaluation and ect.) and eight existing MOUs were updated.

The new national agreement removes the temporary employee (TE) classification and creates a new job called the city carrier assistant (CCA); President Rolando stated we must organize these workers who now have a direct career track thanks to the arbitration decision because they are truly the future of our union.

Brothers and sisters, we must organize every carrier in the state of North Carolina. The more members we have the stronger we will be, giving us the ability to overcome anything.

Third, three days before the Las Vegas Rap on Feb. 9 in Las Vegas, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe stated that starting in August, the USPS no longer would deliver mail on Saturdays and go to 5 day delivery even though Saturday mail delivery is both the law of the land and the will of Congress.

As we know, the postmaster general had a press conference with the media and gave little advance warning to the employees, mailers and businesses that depend on the Postal Service. President Rolando learned of the plan from a telephone call from Donahoe less than 24 hours before the planned announcement, weeks if not months after the radical decision was made.

Rolando said, “I told him that we considered his move a direct attack on the nation’s letter carriers, the Postal Service’s customers, the American people and the Congress of the United States” and “I also told him that the NALC would direct its lawyers to take the most aggressive legal action possible to stop this plan.”

President Rolando stated in front of 1,400 brothers and sisters that the NALC will spare no expense and use every available resource to mobilize our grassroots activists, lobby our legislators in Congress and seek every media avenue available to us to get the job done. However, he emphasized that we, the leaders and the members, must work together to fight back if we are to succeed.

Finally, what is our game plan? To hold a day of action on Sunday, March 24, to mobilize public support for Saturday delivery service through North Carolina. President Rolando stated that this day of action will allow us the opportunity to remind our representatives in Washington to maintain the six-day mail delivery language in the continuing budget resolution, expected to be renewed by Congress on March 27.

This gathering will be about the cost of losing Saturday mail delivery and how it would affect the people and the communities of North Carolina. Brothers and Sisters, on this day I encourage you to gather your friends, family, co-workers and the community at specified post offices that will be able to attract major media. Major signage is approved and T-shirts that reflect the feelings of our North Carolina citizenry will be available. Carriers should not wear their uniforms.

Brothers and sisters, the time is now and if you haven’t helped in the pass I beg you to go to your leader and ask how you can help. The way we will win this war is by banding together. Solidarity, brothers and sisters, solidarity!!

Just a reminder, the 21st annual national NALC Food Drive is Saturday, May 11.

We Must All Work Together, Our Future Depends On It

Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy!! Soon we will have another year behind us and a new one beginning.

With the 2012 election behind us we can look back and remember history was made again. This election was another important milestone for us working people.

As you all know, President Obama’s win was a triumph for working people. Working families across the country celebrate this re-election and breathe a sigh of relief that our country will be moving FORWARD. We all know that nothing about the last four years has been easy. Big thanks goes out to hundreds of NALC volunteers who fanned out across the country working tirelessly to make phone calls and knock on doors to get out the vote for this victory.

This win was an influential victory that averted a potential disaster for union members and other middle-class Americans. Despite these wins, however, much remains the same. Republicans retained a large majority in the House of Representatives, and the Democratic majority in the Senate will not be big enough to overcome partisan obstructionism.

President Rolando made it clear that the NALC’s work has just begun and that the election provides an opportunity for progress but guarantees nothing. He also stated that the results of many legislative races promise to improve our prospects on postal issues.

We must work together and urge lawmakers to begin from the beginning. We must have them focus on repairing the damage caused by the 2006 congressional mandate that required the Postal Service to pre-fund future retiree health benefits. We all know fixing this problem won’t solve all the Postal Service's problems, but it’s a start, a smart start.

Again as President Rolando stated, we must urge lawmakers to set aside ideology and myths and look at the facts. With the results of many legislative races, the postal issues and our future look promising for improvement.

We must spread the word to the public. The Postal Service uses no taxpayer money and it offers the world’s most affordable delivery service. Our universal network offers priceless benefits, including safeguarding homeland security in the event of a biological attack, under the Cities’ Readiness Initiative.

Our service provides protection to the elderly and disabled, under the Carrier Alert program, and links this vast nation and unifies individual communities. It helps feed the growing number of hungry Americans, with letter carriers annually conducting the nation’s largest single-day food drive.

These efforts are boosted by the fact that one-quarter of letter carriers are military veterans, who view their jobs as a continuation of their service to the nation. That’s right, the continuation of their service to the nation.

We must all work together and help the Postal Service to devise a business plan that addresses the serious challenges it faces while also recognizing opportunities. Brothers and sisters, this is our future. I know I have said this many of times, but nothing is set in stone and a stroke of a pen can take it all away. Together we will save the Postal Service-- OUR JOBS-- as long as we work together.

Brothers and Sisters, I wish all a prosperous new year.

November Elections Critical for Our Survival

I hope everyone is doing well and staying cool during these summer months. By this time the National Convention has come and gone. Just to remind those who didn’t attend the convention, it is for the membership to voice their concerns, discuss our National Agreement, and most importantly, to take care of the business of our great Union.

I believe our greatest challenge will take place this coming November. If we are not successful in putting into office legislators who will support the continued existence of the Postal Service and retain the hard-earned benefits of postal employees, the future of our members looks bleak.

I am reminding all letter carriers and their families to make sure they are registered to vote. This election could very well be the most important one of our postal careers. All carriers need to vote for candidates that support our union and protect our jobs. With that in mind, I would like to remind you of the changes to several congressional districts that could jeopardize several of our friends that have always been there for letter carriers.

Here is a list of carrier friendly candidates that need our help to be re-elected:

1st—Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D).

3rd—Rep. Walter Jones (R).

4th—Rep. David Price (D).

7th—Rep. Mike McIntyre (D).

8th—Rep. Larry Kissell (D).

11th—Heath Shuler (D)-(Running in Shuler’s spot, Hayden Rodger, Shuler’s chief-of-staff).

12th—Rep. Melvin L. Watt (D).

13th—Rep. Brad Miller (D)-(The congressman is not running again).

I want all to remember that if the anti-labor representatives in Washington have their way, our health benefits, retirement benefits and way of life in general will be reduced. Our numbers are our strength. We must take advantage of that strength, and we must do so united as one. If each member does a little, we cannot be beaten.

Our goal is to inform our membership of the struggles before us and how they can help to make a difference. Some may wish to become an e-Activist and others may want to contact congressional representatives regarding issues related to the Postal Service and letter carriers.

I want all to remember there will be ample opportunity for everyone who wished to volunteer. It is up to us to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and defeat any legislation that is detrimental to letter carriers. Although anti-labor candidates may have the money and support of big business, we have the most valuable asset: dedicated people.

It is most important to remember that all contributions to COLCPE help re-elect our friends to Congress and defeat those who oppose letter carriers. COLCPE gives the NALC and all active and retired letter carriers a voice in Congress. We must be ready to challenge and defeat any legislation that is harmful to the welfare of postal workers and their families. I implore and plead with each of you to sign up as an automatic contributor to COLCPE. Our jobs are on the line. Together we can prevail.

I want all to read the following quotes. Sit back and imagine what our past was like, what our present is like and what our future may be like if we don’t stick together.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, as ‘right-to-work.’ It provides no ‘rights’ and no ‘work.’ Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining. We demand this fraud be stopped. Then join in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.”

Abraham Lincoln: “All that serves labor serves the nation. All that harms is treason. If a man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. There is no America without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other.”

Onward and Upward

Hope this finds everyone doing well. Given the current situation and environment, our focus must still be on the following: Legislation, media, interest arbitration, collective bargaining, the grievance/arbitration procedure, and our Union itself.

Brothers and sisters, I know we are all very disappointed that the Senate voted to approve S.1789. This is a terrible bill that will allow the USPS to cut 6 day delivery in 2 years if the postmaster general can prove it will save the service money. It also doesn’t come close to properly addressing the issues of overpayments and pre-funding.

Sen. Schumer got his amendment passed to protect door to door delivery, which we appreciate. However, we are very disturbed that Schumer, Gillbrand and almost all Democrats (NC-Kay Hagan) voted for the final bill. This after we had openly made our position clear that we had to have 6 day delivery and protection for our injured workers in order for us to support the bill.

However, we must remember that the Republicans in the Senate introduced many amendments that were defeated that would have made the bill much worse. They wanted 5 day delivery immediately, they wanted to get rid of collective bargaining, forced mandatory retirement, and the list goes on and on. Our allies prevented that from happening.

This is still a bad piece of legislation. However, now that S.1789 has been amended and passed through the Senate, there are several possibilities for what will happen next. We will keep you informed as the process moves (or doesn’t) forward and how we can still work together to either reform or stop this crucial legislation.

Our involvement in the media has resulted in positive news reports regarding the pre-funding issue. This is the direct result of educating the public through petitions and rallies. As President Rolando stated on nalc.org, this process is far from over.

With 2012 being an election year, we must lobby labor-friendly candidates already in office and replace the ones that aren’t with ones who are understanding and compassionate to the labor cause (to letter carriers). This is a job that will require all of us to come together as one.

The USPS business model must be one of growth by utilizing our exceptional and extraordinary delivery network. The USPS, however, has no business plan, no reasoning, and their only solution is to downsize and eliminate jobs. We must do whatever it takes to accomplish our goal: saving the United States Postal Service. But most of all, we must work to save our JOBS and our futures.

We need to persuade politicians to see our point of view. Politicians want to be reelected and look for support the same way we do. We need support in saving the Postal Service. There are still opportunities to save it, and to save our jobs. In order to do that, we need to be more active in the political process through e-Activist, Carrier Corps and COLCPE.

COLCPE contributors are needed NOW more than ever. However, as of April 2012, only 376 letter carriers across North Carolina were participating in automatic deductions. This equals to only 9.96 percent. I know we can do much better than this, but it’s up to all of us to educate, inspire and encourage those members who aren’t giving to COLCPE.

Our jobs are on the line and the number of our friends in Congress has greatly decreased. We can’t afford to sit idly by and think that someone else will fix this for us. We will not be successful if only 9.96 percent of us are involved.

When President Rolando calls to have carriers released, I’ll be choosing the most energetic, brightest and most dedicated people in the state to organize and get out the vote.

Our very livelihoods depends on each one of us becoming politically active.

NALC: Defending America’s Standard of Living

I hope everyone is doing well. Many things have happened to my family and me in the last few months, so I apologize for the short narrative in advance.

Having entered into the New Year, not much change has been seen. Everyone is aware that we have not agreed on a new contract since the Postal Service declined to extend collective bargaining negotiations with us.

This automatically sends our issues to a mediator for 60 days of mediation. From what I’ve been told, our national officers had offered many solid ideas and proposals to move this company forward, however, the Postal Service wouldn’t budge.

President Rolando stated that negotiations had been ground-breaking, professional and productive and have been conducted at the highest level with steady progress being made in negotiations right up to the last deadline.

We have been informed by our national officers that all members should pay little or no attention to the internet and the misinformation and rumors that are being spread. When we hear something from President Rolando, then we will know the outcome and the truth.

I’m sure our national president will continue to try and convince the Postal Service to do the right thing and listen to what we are saying. Only time will tell.

As President Rolando said, “NALC is committed to defending the standard of living of America’s letter carriers. But we are equally determined to save America’s Postal Service. We owe it to the American people to assure affordable universal service for decades to come. Together, we can make that a reality—with the Congress we have or the one we will elect in November. Either way, we will do everything we can to make Congress listen.”

Now is the time for all brothers and sisters of this great union to mobilize and let everyone know what it is that’s at stake, and how the postal service and some of those in Congress are trying to totally dismantle universal mail service to our customers. Be sure to follow the latest developments at nalc.org.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers for my mother and family.

See everyone in March for the spring seminar.

Fighting For Our Future

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? On that note, I will just reiterate what President Rolando has put out on the NALC website.

HR 2309, a bill introduced in the House, would, among other things, end direct mail delivery for 90 percent of homes and businesses that now receive doorstep delivery. President Rolando stated: “If HR 2309 becomes law, virtually all residents and business owners would lose the door-to-door delivery they have long relied on.”

That’s why the NALC has undertaken an extensive grassroots campaign to inform Americans and those organizations that would be most affected by HR 2309. HR 2309 is a proposal in Congress which would end door-to-door mailbox delivery service for 90 percent of American households and businesses.

HR 2309, a bill that’s now headed for a vote in the full house of Representatives, calls for the dismantling of the U.S. Postal Service, one of America’s oldest and most beloved institutions.

The USPS has served this nation for more than 235 years, as provided by the U.S. Constitution.

If enacted, HR 2309 would:

End Saturday mail delivery service, hurting small businesses, rural customers, the elderly and those who rely on the mail for medicine delivery.

Radically downsize the USPS, destroying 200,000 jobs and threatening the centerpiece of a $1.3 trillion mailing industry that employs 7.5 million private-sector workers.

Force the closure of thousands of post offices, eliminating the heart of many American communities and slowing mail service.

Fail to address the true cause of the Postal Service’s financial woes—the 2006 Congressional mandate to pre-fund future retiree health benefits, a burden faced by no other agency or firm.

Tell Congress not to destroy the USPS, or your future. All of us need to contact our representatives and ask them to vote against HR 2309. Our future depends on it; spread the word.

On a good note, a majority of representatives have signed on to cosponsor HR 1351. But, Brothers and Sisters, our fight to “Save America’s Postal Service” is far from over and we must keep up the momentum. It’s time for us to put on our boxing gloves and start swinging. And we mustn’t stop until our opponent is knocked out.

Take this message back to the American people (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) and let’s show Congress that the public stands with us on saving Saturday delivery. Six-day delivery is crucial to the health of the USPS. If we don’t save the Postal Service, who will?

Brothers and Sisters, we’re in the fight of our lives. There are many bills for us and against us. Educate yourself (www.nalc.org) and those around you. With everyone’s help, we can continue to deliver for America six days a week and preserve the United States Postal Service, and your job.

You can start by becoming an e-Activist, contributing to COLCPE and by signing up for Carrier Corps.

It’s Time to Stick Together for Our Collective Future

I hope this finds everyone doing well. I just want to praise Richard Thayer for all of his excellent work. He has kept the newsletter and the website in excellent shape.

The rumor of 5-day delivery is swarming around all the post offices. This rumor refuses to go away and spreads faster than melted butter. Brothers and sisters, your help is needed and we must work hard to ensure that we save 6-day delivery. “5-day is the wrong way”!

Letter carriers must stand tall and together; we must help build back the American middle-class.

Again I will ask you to join me and help save our jobs. One of the best ways to help is through the Carrier Corps. Any member can join the Carrier Corps if they pledge 10 hours or more to promote the NALC legislative agenda or support a political campaign.

I also ask you to give to COLCPE $5.00 a pay period. That’s only $130 a year and I promise you won’t miss it, especially when it helps with keeping your job. Our union has worked hard for what we’ve accomplished and we should be proud. Our struggles are far from over.

Members can also submit their e-mail address to the e-Activist Network. Letter carriers on the list receive timely updates on pressing legislative issues.

Within our great state we have approximately 3700 letter carriers and going into most post office parking lots you will see a variety of awesome-looking modern vehicles with every option imaginable. You can also hear your fellow brothers and sisters speak of their wonderful homes. How do you think carriers pay for these things? Our jobs!

Your job allows you and your family to have such great possessions. These wouldn’t be possible if we worked at another job, or if our hours were cut. Being part of the middle-class, making a decent living wage is what we all have become accustomed to.

We have good paying jobs when compared to other jobs in this state and around the country. Where else can you get retirement, health benefits and a decent wage doing something similar to what we do? Good luck trying to find anything else like it.

How many letter carriers do you know who were laid off or fired due to the devastated economy? None! An important reason for this is our contractual protections.

But our contract, like other benefits of employment that we enjoy, can be taken from us with the stroke of a pen. What Congress gives, it can also take away. The point is, even under the current economic situation now facing the country, politicians have kept their hands off the USPS. However, we now have many unfriendly members of Congress that are sticking their noses where they don’t belong.

Now is the time for us to pull together. We must call on those who have supported us in the past and remind them of their support each time a bill comes up that will affect our hours, wages and working conditions.

I can never stress this too much, but to maintain our political leverage we need money. And because we can’t use union dues for political activities, we have to rely on COLCPE. Our COLCPE funds need to be sufficient to support candidates or elected officials who will continue to look out for our interests and those of the USPS. If you don’t contribute to COLCPE, it’s a good indication that you must not care much about what happens to your job, your health, your home, or your family.

It’s time for us to stick together for our collective future.

As President Fred Rolando has said, “WE ARE ONE is more than a slogan and diversity is a strength.” We should all have faith in our democracy and hope that this craziness won’t last forever.

But at the same time, we must do everything in our power to ensure that our honorable work we hold dear to our hearts will survive for future generations.

The North Carolina Letter Carrier

The President's Corner Cliff Davidson, Jr.