Hey NALC Branch 17 Members!

So, how are you doing? It would be nice if we could say "Great!" and "things are getting better!", but we can only hope!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 4th.  Elections for our officers is being held at this meeting.  Voting will take place from 7pm to 8:30pm that night and voting needs to be done in person.  All positions except two are uncontested. President and Sargent At Arms are being voted upon.  Canidates for president are Lynn Lynott, our current president, and Erica Pugliese.  For Sargent At Arms we have Blake Carlton, current Sargent, and Tom DeLorenzo.  Please make an effort to come out and vote maybe even hang out and attend the meeting.

Another important reason to attend this monthly meeting besides voting and being informed of what's going on, is we will be discussing the upcoming Retiree/Christmas Party.  We would like more members to be able to attend.  Some options that will be discussed is maybe having it after Christmas, having it on a Sunday late afternoon before or after Christmas, where to have it... Come and voice your thoughts on this matter and maybe something else that might need answering.  This is the union and you - the members!

We want to welcome our 8 newest union members!  Good luck to you all on your new journey with the Postal Service.  Don't be afraid to ask questions to fellow carriers.  It'll be tough but hang in there!

There is some important information that needs to spread around.  Management does not inform the union if they issue discipline.  That being said, if you are issued discipline, PLEASE INFORM THE UNION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!  The union only has 14 days to file a grievance on your behalf after the discipline is issued.  Once this time expires, it will be harder to defend.  Technically, discipline should be handed out in person, but this is now not the case.  Some are getting priority or express mail at their home, some have it just left at their case, some have it handed to them without a steward present.  Everyone needs to be aware that if this happens, you need to inform the union.  In addition to this, be aware of signing any paperwork that is just a blank page.  If you sign a blank page, anything can be added to it after you sign it.  It would be like handing someone a blank check that you signed for them and they can fill in the amount they want.  Be smart! Be aware! Be informed!  Let the union know!!!

We have issues!!!lol  Undertime and being forced is a continuing practice.  You are in control of your route.  You know the time you need to be done on time, if you'll need assistance, or require additional time.  Fill out a 1571 if you are told to leave your third bundle behind, especially if you are then given an undertime pivot.  Fill out a 3996 for assistance or if you require more time.  Document everything!!!  It is so important to have this paperwork! It gives you a solid history of what you needed and why mail may have been left behind.  It may seem pointless because management has the right to manage whether its right or wrong.  Remember "I'll do my best" as your mantra.  If you do run into problems or are behind, call and inform management.  Let them make the call on what you should do. 

Open season is approaching.  This begins November 11th and closes December 13th.  If you want to make changes to your health care coverage or even switch plans, open season will be the time to do it.  FSA allotments can also be done during this time period as well.  FSA is a great way to have money taken out of your pay before taxes for upcoming medical expenses or it can also be used for child care.  Check out FSA on LiteBlue. 

 And for anyone interested, there still has been no results from the climate study done back in February! It has been inquired about with no answer in return.  Seems fishy!  Go figure!  Hummmmm.... what could have been SO wrong in the climate study!