Hey NALC Branch 17 Members!

Not sure if any of you have been told that the Postal Service is in a dire financial situation.  But this is being used to kind of threaten employees to do more for less in a sense.  All in all, I'm not sure about the USPS financial situation.  As letter carriers, we come to work to do our job - deliver all our mail and packages in a timely manner, be courteous to customers, help customers with their issues, deliver and scan(lol) all packages, and get home safe in the way we arrived at work.  We don't get bonuses, we don't get thank you's for doing a good job, in fact, we just get asked to do more and more for the same amount of time.  I don't know how to answer the question about the Postal Services finances.  I don't know what to say when threatened with this like it's my personal fault.  Like I said, we don't get bonuses.  We don't even get the awards that are supposed to be given.  There are several carriers that were supposed to receive their Million Mile award at the Scranton office last year, but it was passed over.  We are told what to do even if we know as carriers that management is violating the contract.  This creating a domino effect of filing grievances, therefore spending more money and escalating the financial situation, yet bonuses are still given out to management for the job they do???  Getting back to the point, as carriers we can only come to work, do our job efficiently, and go home.  The Postal Service is exactly that - a service. It is woven into the fabric of our nation and is something everyone relies on even if they complain about "snail mail" or that they "only get junk".  Most people still rely on seeing or knowing that their carrier comes everyday.  It is the one thing that has remained constant throughout the decades.  Yes, decades!!! Technically, centuries but the current USPS was established in 1971. So, stay strong members and keep doing the job you do!!  

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

May 9th is approaching!  The National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive!  NALC Food Drive is the largest single-day food drive in the country!  This helps people in the communities that we deliver to.  One in 5 Americans do not know where their next meal will come from.  This includes children, senior citizens, and veterans.  The NALC Food drive and it's partners help to replenish the food pantries in communities as they are low after the holiday donations start to dwindle.  Another reason why letter carriers are so important.  We may not get the credit and we do all the grunt work while, honestly, not being to happy about it.  BUT..... feel good at the end of this day on May 9th knowing that you are helping a lot of people in your community!  And hopefully it will be a nice day! 

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!!

*NALC Branch 17 Annual Clambake will be held on August 16th.  It will be $5 for members and $50 for non-members with $500 in cash prizes.  More info to follow on times and location.

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.