On September 6 & 7, Branch Secretary-Treasurer Diana Chavez and I attended a National NALC Rap Session in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Of the four classes available, I was able to attend two. The first class was “Intervention Task Force Workshop”. In association with the Dispute Resolution Process, our National Officers have been developing another system whereby the NALC and Postal Service--in keeping with their mutual oversight responsibilities--established a Task Force on Process Intervention to assist both Management and Union when the need arises. This need can arise at the District or Local area. It will include the DRP “B” Team. When indicators are triggered that intervention is needed, NBA and Area Labor relations are expected to research the problem(s) and initiate appropriate action. National signed an agreement that states “Interveners will work together to promote and maintain cooperative working relationship based on integrity, professionalism, and fairness at all levels of the organization.” It is a process that I will monitor closely and (if necessary) rely upon to resolve any work relation problems that arise in any office represented by our Branch.

The other class that I was able to attend was a City/Delivery Contract Administration Workshop. The Class involved discussions on route inspections, Article 12 Task Force, City/Rural Disputes, JCAM, and several other subjects. We were provided various National grievance and Step 4 Decisions, Memos of Understandings, and pre-arb decisions. The information that was shared, along with National Officer input greatly improved my understanding of the minor route adjustment process that our National Officers and USPS have agreed to extend.

The information I was provided with will allow for me to become more involved in minor route adjustments to insure Carrier rights are protected. The process, if implemented and administered properly, can allow for fair and proper route adjustments. It is not a unilateral process that is administered by Management. It is a process that is guided by the local parties, both Union and Management.

Given the fact that several safety measures are now being enforced by Management-- and those policies do impact delivery times; in my mind, it will be necessary to take these into account when evaluating route delivery times. We must note whether these vehicle safety measures were being enforced during the route’s last route inspections and during any subsequent evaluation period.On September 11, 2003, I received notice of impending full route count and inspections to commence on October 18, 2003 at Bakersfield’s South Station. Route count and Inspections will begin at Stockdale Station on October 25th; and, finally full route and inspection to start at East Station on November 1st.

It is very important that each Carrier put the utmost significance on implementing all the safety practices that management is demanding each Carrier perform.You must take the time necessary time to insure that these safety practices become a habit. It is also very important that you do not skip any part of your Union negotiated breaks or lunch. You must realize that, after your count and inspection, there will be an evaluation of your street time. Part of that evaluation is to take into consideration your street time during a six week assessment period compared to your street time of the actual count week. It is important that you be consistent, given your workload, during the week of count and inspection compared to the assessment period. This is why it is important that you take the time to perform all the safety measures that management requires. Do it now, and during your route inspection, and the necessary time will be included in your route time.

If you have further concerns or questions, be at the September 23rd General Meeting at your Union Office. We will discuss these and any other problems that you may have.

FRANK THOMASY

Branch 782 President