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Have anyone noticed!
Management is steady trying to rid themselves of Clerks. Out at the stations they have cut
assignments under this function 4 direction. This is a program where they monitor every step that clerks make at the
station; they have it down to the minute. That is why when we tell you (window clerks) take time ask the questions that
management wants you to. If they are not concerned about the lines don’t you worry about the line. Always and I
mean always hit that key, you know that none transaction key and keep on hitting it. Every time you answer a question
or give directions hit that key. The systems show how many customers you wait on and what time you wait on them. This
how they monitor how many clerk assignments they should have at each station. At one station the Lobby director kept
count of how many customers he assisted then had the window clerk enter it in the system.
This was the first I heard of this but what a great idea.
The more we can show the better.
At one station the manager told me they are under strict orders no
overtime for the clerks. He said that he can ask for 3 Clerks for overtime and always get the answer no, even though
he has no one to do the box or the distribution of the mail in the morning. The answer is no but he can ask for 5 carriers
knowing that he will get at least 3 without a question. So he works the carriers in the Clerk Craft. He knows
its wrong, as he stated I have to get the mail out and they won't give me clerks. If the Clerks don't file a grievance
then they get away with it and clerk assignments get abolished. You might think; well this does not concern
me, I have my bid. Well it does, it might not be your bid this time but who’s too say it won't be next time. Every time a carrier, mail handler, custodian, and management performs Clerk
assignment, it should concern you. Keep a log of who (that means names of the employees), what time they start and finish
and what they are doing. Work together with your fellow clerks to keep these records. It is not about
the money its about the jobs!!!
“Trying to save our jobs”
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A WOMAN'S'PLACE IS IN HER UNION!
The nation and our APWU celebrate
the accomplishments of women in society, within the union, at home and in the community. Women have come a long way from unequal
pay and discrimination, the right to vote, and the advantages of career choices and motherhood. We still have a long
way to go in the workplace regarding balancing our need to nurture our children and our need to work and provide a living
for our families. We need flexible work schedules that will enhance our roles as parents, that is why I am in favor of flex
schedules. I was a single mother working late nights.
"I'm Every Woman" is a fact.
Women today are handling so many duties in and out of the home. We must manage our time well and personally I have begun to
pray a lot. (smile) I recently attended a seminar sponsored by my church for Woman God Can Use. It focused on time management:
precious moments and personal time for yourself, and praying and meditating. I am all for this! I have a lot of things in
my life right now that I am responsible for handling and there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day. So I am learning
to delegate things to others. I am 'Writing a. to-do-list of things daily. I will have to learn to talk less and say no.
I have accepted the appointment
as Chief Steward on Tour 3. It seems that this is full cycle from where I started in the Dallas APWU as a steward on Tour
1. My experience with the union has been a positive one. I have become a stronger woman for having served in the union. The
steward is the backbone of this union. It is not a paid position, but it is an important one. The steward can make a member
feel good about his/her union just by the way they are treated in handling of a grievance. I hope that I can be a positive
factor that will inspire others to become involved in their union. I have held full-time positions and part-time positions
in Dallas Area Local. There is a need for members on committees and as convention delegates, and definitely stewards. Consider
getting involved it can only help you and strengthen the Union. Many of us that have been in the union
now for 25 years or more are retiring and it is now time for new "blood". Take advantage of the experience that we have before
we leave. I had the advantage of working with seasoned Union officers and stewards and I relished the camaraderie that we
had. We were well trained to handle most issues up to and including arbitration. I have a debt of gratitude for those officers
foresight that realized that the union is bigger than one person and that in order for it to stay strong we must train others
to carry the torch. I believe that there is no greater service that to help your fellow man.
One last point, I must stress
to you that you must exercise your Weingarten Rights and Miranda Rights when you are interviewed by Inspection Service or
Postal Police. You do not have to agree to a search. You do have rights. Ask for a union steward. Say nothing. If you are
placed off the clock and they fail to comply with the Weingarten Rights and Miranda Rights you will be paid for your time
off clock. Stay informed, stay involved.
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