Drawing the Best out of Each Other:
In a global knowledgeable
membership, the source of highest value is the effective engagement of the whole person: body, heart, mind and spirit. Although
we may agree intellectually to the value created by unleashing the full potential of people, our practices may not reflect
that. We must break free from adversarial practices and policies.
A leader must process
the knowledge, and tools to unleash the highest talent and capability of people in order to achieve what is the most important
priorities.
Leaders unleash talent and capability by understanding and implementing
imperatives in a "whole person" way. These sequential imperatives build upon one another, but also simultaneously mean you
must constantly pay attention to all in order to sustain effectiveness. The imperatives are (l) Inspire Trust-to build credibility
as a leader so that people will trust you with their highest efforts. Trust is the core imperative of great leaders because
it affects their ability to do everything else. We must learn to build credibility, or trustworthiness as a function of your
character and competence. (2) Clarify Purpose-to define a clear and compelling purpose that people will want to offer their
best to achieve. (3)Unleash Talent-to develop a winning organization in which people's unique talents are leveraged against
clear performance expectations in a way that encourages responsibility and growth. Leaders should create a culture that unleashes
the highest talents and contributions of people. As the senior leader of
this local I have to always ask myself: How can I address complex issues in today' s labor environment without becoming embroiled
in escalating adversarial battles? With management and within the local politics? How do I fight changes in job security,
the work environment, pay and benefits and yet battle internal politic within? How do I fight Decentralization, Excessing,
Job Abolishments, Contracting Out work, Plant Consolidations and closings, but yet being attached from within with local politics
and avoiding making the wrong decision? Can you get the most for the membership and build strong relationships at the same
time?
Decentralization:
When a class of mail is decentralized, it is moved from being processed
at one central location to many. Most of the manual secondary mail has not been processed at the Processing and Distribution
Centers, but at the stations and branches. Because of the decentralization the Postal Service are sending in a Function 4
team. The Function 4 process is a postal service tool to reduce the number of jobs within those stations or post offices,
which was affected by decentralization of the mail.
"DO NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS" - Shortcuts result
in losses of money and JOBS! *Carry out each task
on the window as you were taught in window training.
*Make certain you witness the verification of monies you turn in and obtain a signed
receipt.
*Scan ten if you can! It is faster than hitting all those functions keys and it protects
your job by giving clerks proper transaction time credit.
*Utilize the
appropriate terminal key when leaving retail/window operations to perform other functions (2nd notices, distribution,
etc.). Be sure to punch into the proper operations number and go into stand by mode on the POS-One to get proper time credit.
*Never accept stock while
on window - take time to count!
*If you have individual
accountability, use PS Form 17 when accepting or giving stock. *When receiving a certified or registered item, you
should go into stand-by mode prior to leaving the window and lock your drawer.
The Union can best protect you from losing
your job, discipline and pay for shortages if you help protect
yourself by following proper procedures.
Members please record every non-revenue
transaction and enter it into the POS ONE system otherwise management will construe slow, or no activity time periods as dead
time - time you are not doing anything at the Window - so record each and every task you do to protect your job. Remember
the postal service Function 4 teams are to eliminate jobs, please be mindful of your duties and don't cut comers. Remember
Window Clerks that customer which is in front of you at that time is priority, not the line of customers that maybe out the
door.
Mystery Shopper
The Postal Service has a Mystery Shopper program
throughout the country. This program is designed to improve customer service. The Mystery Shopper program should not be utilized
as a tool for discipline. If you are issued any form of discipline under this program contact a steward. Remember, utilize
the Mystery Shopper program to maintain and add jobs, your job is the customer in front of you not the line, management is
trying to make due by being under staffed.
Non-Automated Transactions
The most unused key on the POS system is the
Non-Automated Transaction key. Many clerks are unaware of the Window Operation Survey (WOS) staffing studies and the implications
of such studies. Suffice it to say that retail clerks should use this key religiously.
In the early days of the POS system, no emphasis
was placed on accounting for "dead time" at the window. Now, however, whenever you grab hold of mail, find a customer a Change
of Address order, get an unnumbered parcel from the shelf, or even give directions: Press the key. Someone needs a tax form?
Press the key.
In the WOS era, management has the ability to
run a report on your workday to come up with a calculated determination of "dead time". You need to be able to show that you
are
actually working. Failure to use the Non-Auto key could lead to an impact on the staffing
level at your station. You could be contributing to excessing from your section, whether it's you or a co-worker.
The main reason I have wrote this long discussion
about the retail clerks within the stations (customer service) is because a FUNCTION 4
Review is being peljormed within the stations within the next couple of months. The FUNCTION 4 process is a postal service tool to reduce the number of jobs within those stations or post offices. So,
please do not take short cuts and hit the proper operations regardless 0/ the duties
peljorming.
Custodial Employees to Share in Long-Awaited Remedy-Union
Wins $48 Million Settlement in MS-47 Handbook
Grievance. The APWU and the Postal Service have finalized a $48 million payout to "remedy" the USPS violation of staffing
procedures for custodial employees. The settlement will be in the form of lump-sum payments of $2,700 to more than 17,000
employees occupying custodial positions, with payments to be made by April 18, 2008.
The settlement is the culmination of a November
16, 2006, arbitration victory in which Shyam Das ordered the USPS to rescind Handbook MS-47, Housekeeping Postal Facilities,
issued in 2001, and to reinstate the 1983 version. The 2001 handbook had revised custodial staffing procedures. I will attempt
to mail a copy of the resolution to all custodial members.
Larry's Corner: John 13:34-35
I want to exhort or encourage to continue to
work together in love and unity. I believe one of the reasons that we have been blessed by God to make the progress that we
have is due largely to the fact of our unity and fellowship one with another. Let us keep up this kind of love for God and
for one another.
Larry Crawford President E-Mail: bigdapwu@aol.com
