Union Meeting June 4, 2009
President Macey gave a State of the Union Address in which he spoke about improvements made such as paying down old loans carried over from previous administrations. Upcoming Steward training. How we’re facing our first audit since 2003. The problem of taxes on associate dues and the need to hire a lawyer for that. President Macey then talked about upcoming Union Functions such as the Clementon Park Family Fun Day and a possible fall dinner dance.
Treasurer Tony Branco gave a financial report, the facts of which can be viewed in the Union Office.
State Rep Rob Singleton told of upcoming Injury Comp Training for stewards.
Questions were fielded and general discussion followed. Food was consumed and a good time was had by all.
Minutes from 12/13/2008
Union Meeting Minutes 12/13/2008
Meeting began with a welcome from the Branch President, Doug Hilbert who wasted no time in introducing Local 308’s Treasurer, Tony Branco who gave a brief financial report. Brother Branco reported that although we are making some progress in reducing our operating costs Local 308 owes approximately 1 million dollars. We have retained the accounting firm of Bond Beebe at a cost of a $20,000 retainer to help us track our costs and eliminate this debt. We presently have about $66,000 in liquid funds, which for an organization of this size in much too little. They are also setting up a computerized accounting system to make it easier and less costly to file the yearly LM-2 report required by the NLRB. Other cost savings included, eliminating 35 AOL accounts and numerous cell phone accounts that the previous administration had recklessly lost control of.
Local 308 President John Macey sent his apologies for being unable to attend. President Macey was attending the Presidents Meeting but passed along this information. In addition to protecting the rights of all Mail Handlers President Macey is planning to maximize the number of Council Meetings. In the past this local had one Council Meeting per year. The Council Meeting is the only time all Branch Presidents of Local 308 have a chance to meet and discuss issued that may affect us all. President Macey feels that more frequent meetings, even if done as TeleComs will improve communications among the 12 branches of Local 308 and help us battle our common enemy. President Macey will post the minutes of the Executive Board Meeting as soon as they are approved. Please check the Local’s website, www.NPMHU308.org.
Early in 2009 we will be having a membership drive. A $25.00 bounty will be offered for anyone who signs up a new member. All members are encouraged to take a look in their personnel file, available on www.LiteBlue.com.
John Lilly, the Chief Associate Office Steward reported on Allentown DDC’s recent function 4. We have 7 Mail Handler Brothers in Allentown. Management wanted to revert 3 of those jobs but Brother Lilly was able to show their jobs necessity so we will not be losing and Mail Handler jobs at the DDC. Concerning an ongoing Easton grievance where two Mail Handlers were excessed Brother Lilly is close to closing the case. The two excessed positions will be re-implemented but it is not know at this time if they will be full time positions.
A general discussion followed. Noted points were; Potter said definitely no layoffs! Dan Reiss is detailed to Bethlehem Post Master. What’s happening in Phila? Rotten Supervisors are being transferred out. Will we get one? Lehigh Valley now has it own website. Click the link at www.npmhu308.org or go directly to www.lvnpmhu.weebly.com/
Three PTFs are supposed to be converted to FTRs soon after Christmas. We have been fighting for this since June. If it doesn’t happen labor charges will be filled and the grievance continued.
The USPS Labor Rep, Jack Schofield is retiring and will be replaced by Lyle Gaines. Mr. Gaines is a long time postal employee whose resume includes answering the phone when employees called in sick prior to the automated system we have now.
PAC Fund. Political Action Committee
Members are encouraged to contribute to the PAC via payroll deductions. Look on the bulletin boards for instructions.
Dues rollback will be discussed at future Council Meetings.
Steward Audra Dobyan asked if the Executive Board if pursuing criminal charges against the previous administration. The findings of the firm of Bond Beebe will determine if criminal charges will be filed and restitution sought.
The meeting ended with the drawing of a $ 25.00 Holiday Gift Certificate. Rich Zeh was the winner.
Thanks to all who attended and those who help plan a successful meeting. Please check the Website and Bulletin Boards for future meeting dates.
Happy Holidays to All
Doug Hilbert
Branch President