Hey NALC Branch 17 Members!

March... what can we expect but anything and everything kind of weather.  Right around the corner is vacation season AND hopefully stretches of nice weather.

Being that vacation season is approaching, remember that paperwork is important!!!  Fill out your 3971s!  Make sure to get your copies too!  Don't rely on or think that just handing one slip in is good enough.  Always have a paper trail.  It's actually not a bad idea to have a picture of a signed copy on your phone.  

Speaking of paperwork and 3971s, always fill them out in triplicate.  Yeah, it's a pain.   Doing this ensures that you did your part!  This is meant for all reasons that you are filling a 3971 out - vacation, sick leave, annual.  Always give a reason even if it's for your own "stress relief day".  I've used that reason myself!  Make sure you get your slips signed and a copy back when you hand them in.  So important!!!  Management has 72 hours to respond to your request.  Sometimes (a good majority of the time) they do not.  So, if your do not receive an answer, the day/time is yours.  Remember, you did your part by notifying them of your request. It is managements' part to give you an answer within that timely window.

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Along the lines of paperwork, there is FMLA paperwork.  FMLA is short for the Family Medical Leave Act.  If you or a family member is unfortunately having medical issues or maybe for family reasons and you have this paperwork filled out, you are covered for call offs or leave requests without fearing repercussions like being fired. To qualify, you must have worked for 12 months for your employer and have worked 1250+ hours.  You do need to get paperwork filled out by your doctor as well.  So, if a family member or you, yourself are having some things going on, cover yourself!  This will help with easing one worry as far as work is concerned.

The next bit of news is this..... no news on the Climate study done last February 2025!!!  Remember how I just said to do your part as far as your 3971s because you have your copy, well, all of this paperwork has still not been answered.  IDK  SMH

We have a couple important dates coming up to keep in mind.  Our annual day at the ballpark this year is on Sunday, June 14th.  The money for this event helps the MDA as a portion of it goes to this charity.  The admission is $20 for members and $50 for non-members.  This is in the party box on the second level on the right field line and includes food and drinks.  It is always a fun time with indoor and outdoor seating.  Make time, mark your calendar, try to attend!  Not just for helping the MDA which is a great cause, but to get together and enjoy time outside of work with your fellow union members.  See your steward as the date gets closer.  Hope to see you there!!

The other more important date is happening on May 10th.  The annual NALC Food Drive!  I know! I know!  We all love and hate the food drive.  That being said, the food drive is so important right now!  With climbing food prices, people not getting paid, and just overall it getting harder to make ends meet, the food drive helps so many in the communities we deliver in.  It's a hectic day but what we do as carriers by participating in the food drive goes a long way for many.

I forgot to mention this above, there are no results from the "lite" version of the climate study done either.  So, when I hear anything about the any of the results, you will as well.  It is always inquired about with no response.