Frankly Speaking

October, 2003

Well, the changes are a'comin’.  And—as usual with all humans— we are resistant to change.  As our style of delivery had become a habit, it may have become a thoughtless process that over a period of time was easy. But, now, with the change in District, comes the Van Nuys District management “style” and priorities.

Other than our Postmaster and District nothing has changed. They are not invent ing new regulations for us to follow. They are only enforcing those things that were not enforced in the past. And, they are definitely “enforcers”!  We are simply back to the management style that is not tolerant, not caring, not patient, not understanding.

For those Carriers who have worked for the Postal Service twenty or so years, this management style is nothing new.  You new folks need to realize something.  In the past, discipline was the order of the day. During that period of time, grievance activity was four times what we have become to accept as “normal”... and once again the grievances are at that level. Due to your Stewards’ participation in daily operations, contractual grievances are still at a constant pace; however, disciplinary grievances have been of a steady increase.

For years, I have read Union newsletters from Branches in the Van Nuys District and have noted the problems and management/labor relations climate. I knew this change in Districts would be difficult at best for our Bakersfield Carriers. This type change usually means carrying mail will be more difficult resulting in more daily confrontations with management over delivery methods and street times.  We are simply back to the management style that is not tolerant, not caring, not patient, not understanding. 

The major problem I see is getting the street time necessary to adjust to the required and enforced safety measures. I’m sure that management is going to be resistant to agreeing that it takes more time.

But it does take more time!!

I doubt if any Carriers executed all these safe driving practices during the last count and inspection; however it must become a priority now. 

Do not - repeat - do not skip your breaks or lunch in order to have time for these safety tasks.  If these are not practices you performed during your last route count, notify management that you will need additional street time for these safety measures, as time was not allotted during the last count and inspection.  In instances like these, it is much better to defend a carrier who is accused of expanding street time than it is to develop a defense for the carrier accused of not observing a safety practice.

I know it takes more street time to conform with all the vehicle safety measures management is requiring. To curb the wheels, to lock the vehicle, to wear the shoulder harness, to take the satchel, to signal are all safety measure that we should have been performing all along takes time!.

In the past, supervisors were to have been performing street observations to make ensure Carriers were taking all these precautions.

Well, in the past few years, these procedures did not have the priority they now have. Management was more concerned with the almighty work hours. As long as their delivery hours were within budget, Carrier delivery practices were allowed. Now, delivery practices are a priority even if delivery hours are not within budget.

For those Carriers who have had poor delivery practices, the change is exceptionally hard. It will be a difficult change. It will take some time for them to develop the habits needed to make the required safety practices easy. The more you do them, the more they become a habit—and the easier they are to constantly do all the time.

The major problem I see is getting the street time necessary to adjust to the required and enforced safety measures.  I'm sure that management is going to be resistant to agreeing that it takes more time..

But it does take more time!!

I doubt if any carriers executed all these safe driving practices during the last count and inspection; however it must become a priority now.

Do not—repeat——-do not skip your breaks or lunch in order to have time for these safety tasks. If these are not practices you performed during your last route count, notify management that you will need additional street time for these safety measures, as time was not allotted during the last count and inspection.

In instances ‘like these, it is much better to defend a Carrier who is accused of expanding Street time than it is to develop a defense for the

Carrier accused of not observing a safety practice.

Take the time necessary to do all the safety measures!

You know they will be on the street watching you. Our Postmaster recently gave stand-ups at several Bakersfield Stations. He made it very clear how important safety is. It seems he has been pushing these safety practices for several months. Because he and several other upper management personnel had constantly observed Carriers violating safety regulations (door open in intersections and no seat beat when vehicle is in motion), he believed the Carriers and supervisor were not taking him seriously by make safety the priority it should be.

Van Nuys District mentality is that if you violate these safety regulations, you receive discipline. They believe discipline works. They believe discipline is the fastest and surest way of getting employees to conform.

As I have said in the past, some managers are “Bosses” and some are “people managers”. Some only know how to tell employees what to do and intimidate those who don’t obey. Others are people managers, leaders who are team builders, can get the desired results while treating employees with dignity and respect. . . “Professional Managers”.

Only time will tell which we have. So far, unprofessional demeanor (when addressing craft employees) has prevailed.

I’m sure we are in for many changes. Some may seem extremely petty, but all have potential consequences if not followed.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your Steward or call me. It seems my cell phone has become very busy lately.

Remember, it is only a job. “It is only a job.” It is a job that management supervises. They pay you by the hour to case and deliver mail. Take the time necessary to do it their way. If you fight the change, you only put additional stress on yourself...

Be at your next General Membership Meeting held at your Union Office building on October 28th. The items I have written about and several others will be discussed at this meeting. Be there!!!

Ultimately, remember the reminders made during my usual closing comments in my monthly “Frankly Speaking” message to you:

Be Safe.

Be Consistent.

Be Professional.

Be Proud

In Solidarity

FRANK THOMASY