Rallying Support for Fran and Ann Friel After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Hey APWU family,

This is Tony Rodriguez, your editor for the South Jersey Area Local. I’m reaching out to ask for your help in supporting two longtime members of our union family —Fran and Ann Friel— who’ve been hit hard by Hurricanes Helene  and Milton down in Florida. These storms devastated their home and left them with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Hurricane Helene flooded their house with several feet of water, destroying almost everything they owned. Before they even had a chance to regroup, Hurricane Milton followed, adding insult to injury. These back-to-back disasters have left Fran and Ann in an incredibly tough spot.

As many of you know, Fran Friel is no stranger to the APWU. He served for years as the PA Postal Workers Union State President and started his journey at the Philly BMC Local before moving on to become an officer with the Lehigh Valley Area Local (LVAL). His wife, Ann Friel, was also an active rep with the LVAL. They’ve both dedicated years to supporting postal workers like us.

Now it’s our turn to step up for them.

I’m asking everyone in our South Jersey Area Local to consider donating to the GoFundMe that’s been set up to help Fran and Ann rebuild their lives. 100% of the funds will go directly to helping them cover their immediate needs—rebuilding their home, replacing lost possessions, and paying for temporary housing while they get back on their feet.

Even if you can’t contribute financially, sharing the GoFundMe link with your networks will go a long way. We’ve always been a strong, united community, and now is a time when we can show what that really means.

**Donate here**: GoFundMe: Support Fran & Ann Friel’s Hurricanes Recovery

A Message from Vince Tarducci, APWU:
“As many of you may have known, Fran Friel was a long time APWU representative, including the PA Postal Workers Union State President. He started out of the Philly BMC Local serving on the Local EB and became an officer for the Lehigh Valley Area Local (LVAL). His wife Ann was also a member of the LVAL representing the members of the local for many years.

I know many have already donated, but in the event you missed previous requests, this is another opportunity. Two back-to-back hurricanes are difficult to have to deal with but their resiliency and many family and friend support, they will get through this.
Thanks”

 

Thank you to everyone who has already donated, and to those who will. Together, we can help Fran and Ann rebuild after these devastating storms. Let’s stand united for two members who’ve always had our backs.

In Solidarity,
Tony Rodriguez
Editor, APWU South Jersey Area Local

 

A More Perfect Union

The United States Postal Service is undergoing a 10-year plan to modernize its processing and delivery network, including the establishment of Regional Processing and Distribution Centers (RPDCs) and the repurposing of some facilities. This plan has already led to changes in mail processing and delivery efficiency, such as the establishment of the Atlanta RPDC region with a new facility in Palmetto and the repurposing of four Local Processing Centers (LPCs). However, these changes also bring challenges for employees represented by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), including shifts in job roles, work locations, and schedules. The APWU is committed to protecting its members’ interests throughout this transformation, ensuring transparent communication, enforcing the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), initiating grievances when necessary, and advocating for fair treatment.

Here’s an excellent 14 min. video by “A More Perfect Union” explaining how Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is destroying the postal service.

Newest OIG Report On Hiring Practices

A bit of history… When a potential employee applies for a position in USPS, they should read the job description. But for the longest time, USPS should perform job interviews by the hiring office or facility. In either case, NONE OF THIS TAKES PLACE.

HOT!!! JUST IN!!!

Originally written by our Director of Associate Offices, Mike Wright.
Attached is the latest report from the OIG regarding the hiring practices by the Postal Service and how they could improve retention of new hires. Some of the highlights of the report are:

  • Additionally, management interviewed at 20 of 21 (95 percent) facilities stated they would like to be able to include specific position requirements in the job postings.
  • During FY 2021 through FY 2023, overall employee turnover increased from 56 percent to 57 percent, respectively
  • 18 percent of new hires did not show up for orientation or report for their first day of work
  • …three of five (60 percent) districts conducted informal meet and-greet discussions with the applicant as a good practice once he or she accepted the position. Facility management stated this helped employees become more aware of the reality of the job and workroom floor and gives them a final opportunity to accept or decline the job.
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