Category: Editor’s Message

(This article was first reported in the September 2017, Local Newsletter)
Written by: Tony Rodriguez Editor of AWPU, SJAL #0526

It is unfortunate that we (APWU-SJAL#0526), along with the rest of the nation, are facing this attack on our jobs. Many of you (the members) tend to forget that you are the Union and we (the stewards and Executive Board) are the ones you put in charge to defend your employee contractual rights. As Union members, you should know your contract and LMOU to know that this tactic of management attacking our jobs is totally wrong. This is to help you understand. By not knowing or keeping up with the information that has been sent out and/or posted, you have subjected yourselves to telling rumor(s). By not attending General Meetings, you have not heard what actions that have been taken thus far or knowing how to stay informed in between meetings. This is not encouraging and it only creates stress, confusion and uncertainty.

Union member participation has drastically suffered. How is it that the Executive Board has created ways of having discounted ticketed events for members and there’s barely enough tickets sold at the special price?? Members have forgotten what a Union is. Members have become complacent. The overall attitude of dues paying members, are as if the stewards and Executive Board members are the Union. With the current participation and the “will to know” from you the members, it seems as though the stand is totally being left up to us the stewards and Executive Board members. This should not be like this.

No, I am not speaking as a person who has been an employee for USPS for 10 or more years. I’ve only been a USPS employee for 4 1/2 years. I am speaking as a Union member who knows and understands the purpose of the Union.

PSEs… YES you too are the Union!! You have rights but you too have a responsibility to stay informed and be in the know. It seems that there’s confusion and discouragement amongst you. Just as there was the National fight during contract negotiations for a better lifestyle for the PSE, we, (the stewards and Executive Board members) have not forgotten what was arbitrated in your favor: conversions!

Understand, the attack on jobs is nothing more than a mere action to delay the inevitable. Giving you an understanding from the PSE level, this is about patience.

“But how much patience am I to endure?”, you may ask…

You may be feeling uncertain about the position you have being a PSE. If you have not been through an APWU orientation within the last six (6) months, here’s a brief recap.

Get familiar & READ the contract. Download it from our local website at: https://apwusjal0526.org

• It’s located under the menu link: APWU-SJAL: CBA, JCIM, JCAM and LMOUs
• Read Articles: 1, 3, 14, 15, 16, 17 and the PSE MOU located in the Appendix

Check out the National website at: http://www.apwu.org

To join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sj.arealocal.0526

If you have any questions and you’re within your 90-days probationary period, email: Tony – trodriguez.apwu@gmail.com

These are the “rules of the game”. This is what you need to know to have a strong foundation and understanding of your rights and managements rights.

As a Union member, whether you’re a full-time regular or PSE, being informed and knowing your contract is paramount. Don’t give management the edge by staying uninformed and separated. That – is – what – they – want! Again, on all fronts we (the stewards and the Executive Board members) have and are continuously fighting all local issues. Have patience because we will prevail. It just takes some time to get the desired results.

It’s never too late! Now is the time to turn this around, get informed and get involved. We WILL win this! As a Union, just like the fight against the Staples situation, it’s time that we all make a stand against management attacking our jobs.

Our new website and Facebook account has been up and running since May 5, 2017. You were notified, via the last newsletter, that they were fully launched specifically to inform you of all the news surrounding all events both locally and nationally. It is hard to believe that all the information about management’s current attack on our jobs is not important to you. Now is the time for solidarity! Get informed! Stay involved!