Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sinking the Postal Service
Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at 7:00 pm I will be speaking to the Fidalgo Democrats at the Anacortes Library in Anacortes, WA, regarding the attempts by various members of Congress to dismantle and privatize the Postal Service. I hope you will join me. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a question and answer period.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Political Bookkeeping Tricks
Two months into the new fiscal year, despite warnings of doom and gloom, the US Postal Service is actually showing a slight profit- at least until you apply the political bookkeeping tricks required by the 2006 PAEA law.
Through the end of November the USPS had operating expenses of $11.3 billion, and revenue of $11.6 billion, resulting in an operating profit of $237 million. This despite a 3.6% decline in first class mail volume. Standard mail volume was also down 3.3% for the month of November, but year to date it’s still up by 6.4%. That number likely reflects the large number of political mailings in October that evaporated in November.
The USPS numbers show a sharp increase in shipping volume, but that’s mainly due to the reclassification of mail types. The bottom line shows overall mail volume in November was down 3.4% for the month, while it’s still up by 2.2% for the year to date.
As has been the case for the last few years, unfortunately, the slightly positive results are completely wiped out by a bookkeeping debit entry of almost a billion dollars for “future retiree health benefits”. The USPS hasn’t actually paid the Treasury that amount, and never will, but it’s required under PAEA to carry the charge on its books, allowing politicians on both sides of the aisle to wag their fingers at the supposedly “bankrupt” USPS. Like the “fiscal cliff” and the “debt ceiling” “crises”, the postal service’s immediate financial problems are entirely artificial, created by politicians to advance their political agendas.
Given how difficult it seems to be for Congress to avoid the artificial train wrecks it has already created for the economy, it doesn’t seem likely that it will be able to do much for the postal service beyond naming more post offices and installing more of those clever little countdown clocks on Congressional web sites.
Monday, June 3, 2013
"I was faced more with apathy than opposition." - Adrian Cronauer
Last Saturday, June 1, 2013, I had the privilege of marching in Lynden's 104th annual Farmer's Day parade. I walked with the Whatcom County Democrats. There were a number of retired union members from many different unions, and there were the farm workers there showing solidarity as well.
I was the lone postal worker in the contingent.
I do understand that many of us work Saturdays, and many cannot physically participate. Marching in a small town parade may not sound like it means a whole lot, especially in the grand scheme of things, but it's one of countless ways to raise awareness regarding the importance of unions and the issues that matter to us as union members. So for those who have Saturdays off, or who are able bodied, why was there no turnout?
There has been a lot of talk about GMO's in our foods recently. In fact, in November, there will be a ballot measure regarding labeling of foods containing GMO's. A GMO is a genetically modified organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish and mammals. GMO's are the source of genetically modified foods. They are banned in some 30 countries around the world, restricting our ability to trade with them, and they are not required to be labeled here in the US, giving consumers a choice between foods that do or do not contain GMO's.
What does that have to do with unions? Plenty. If you are leary of GMO's in your food, then buy locally grown, locally produced foods, which are less likely to contain them. Buying local is always great for the community, and it's a way of supporting our union brothers and sisters in the UFW (United Farm Workers).
This is just a single example of how vital to the infrastructure of our country unions are.
I encourage you to get out there at any possible opportunity you can to support labor friendly causes and to participate in labor friendly events, particularly APWU events.
I found myself very disappointed that not a single other postal worker turned out to show solidarity in this parade. The weather was beautiful and there were thousands of spectators lining the streets. I couldn't help but wonder why there is such low participation in union activities. During the Labor Neighbor Campaign, when so much was at stake for the USPS, there were only three postal workers in Washington state who participated. None of the postal workers I personally contacted could spare even two hours to phone bank or pass out flyers.
The individuals with whom I marched were informed as to the nature of the problems facing the postal service, but many people in the public, and many people employed by the USPS simply don't know what's going on and how tenuous a position the USPS is maintaining. This tight rope we are walking won't hold forever, and without union participation, our jobs and even our pensions are at stake.
On October 1, 2012, because of congressional inaction, the USPS defaulted on a $5.6 billion pre-payment for future retiree health benefits. It was the second such default in two months; the Postal Service missed a $5.5 billion payment in August of 2012. Overall the postal service expected a $15 billion deficit and a projected shortfall of $238 billion over the next ten years. No other government agency or private business is required to make such payments. The USPS has asked Congress to drop the requirement, to no avail.
But then last month, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced that he would start dipping into two government employee retirement funds to buy more time before he US Treasury is faced with the prospect of defaulting.
In a letter to congressional leaders, Lew said that he would begin tapping the civil service retirement and disability fund, and the fund into which the postal service has paid billions of dollars to fund health benefits for future retirees, 75 years into the future!
Where is the public outcry? More baffling, where is the outrage of postal workers?
I urge you to get involved. The job you save could be your own.
In solidarity,
Maria Risener
"We may have found a cure for most evils; but we have found no remedy for the worst of them all, the apathy of human beings."
~Helen Keller
I was the lone postal worker in the contingent.
I do understand that many of us work Saturdays, and many cannot physically participate. Marching in a small town parade may not sound like it means a whole lot, especially in the grand scheme of things, but it's one of countless ways to raise awareness regarding the importance of unions and the issues that matter to us as union members. So for those who have Saturdays off, or who are able bodied, why was there no turnout?
There has been a lot of talk about GMO's in our foods recently. In fact, in November, there will be a ballot measure regarding labeling of foods containing GMO's. A GMO is a genetically modified organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish and mammals. GMO's are the source of genetically modified foods. They are banned in some 30 countries around the world, restricting our ability to trade with them, and they are not required to be labeled here in the US, giving consumers a choice between foods that do or do not contain GMO's.
What does that have to do with unions? Plenty. If you are leary of GMO's in your food, then buy locally grown, locally produced foods, which are less likely to contain them. Buying local is always great for the community, and it's a way of supporting our union brothers and sisters in the UFW (United Farm Workers).
This is just a single example of how vital to the infrastructure of our country unions are.
I encourage you to get out there at any possible opportunity you can to support labor friendly causes and to participate in labor friendly events, particularly APWU events.
I found myself very disappointed that not a single other postal worker turned out to show solidarity in this parade. The weather was beautiful and there were thousands of spectators lining the streets. I couldn't help but wonder why there is such low participation in union activities. During the Labor Neighbor Campaign, when so much was at stake for the USPS, there were only three postal workers in Washington state who participated. None of the postal workers I personally contacted could spare even two hours to phone bank or pass out flyers.
The individuals with whom I marched were informed as to the nature of the problems facing the postal service, but many people in the public, and many people employed by the USPS simply don't know what's going on and how tenuous a position the USPS is maintaining. This tight rope we are walking won't hold forever, and without union participation, our jobs and even our pensions are at stake.
On October 1, 2012, because of congressional inaction, the USPS defaulted on a $5.6 billion pre-payment for future retiree health benefits. It was the second such default in two months; the Postal Service missed a $5.5 billion payment in August of 2012. Overall the postal service expected a $15 billion deficit and a projected shortfall of $238 billion over the next ten years. No other government agency or private business is required to make such payments. The USPS has asked Congress to drop the requirement, to no avail.
But then last month, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced that he would start dipping into two government employee retirement funds to buy more time before he US Treasury is faced with the prospect of defaulting.
In a letter to congressional leaders, Lew said that he would begin tapping the civil service retirement and disability fund, and the fund into which the postal service has paid billions of dollars to fund health benefits for future retirees, 75 years into the future!
Where is the public outcry? More baffling, where is the outrage of postal workers?
I urge you to get involved. The job you save could be your own.
In solidarity,
Maria Risener
"We may have found a cure for most evils; but we have found no remedy for the worst of them all, the apathy of human beings."
~Helen Keller
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
We Need to Be Visible to the Public!
As you know, last fall I had the memorable experience of working with the AFL-CIO's Labor Neighbor program, in which many unions worked together to educate union members and their families about the union friendly candidates in both state and national elections. It was a lot of hard work, but it was important work. It is vital for the general public to see unions working together for the betterment of all. After all, a rising tide floats all boats.
Along those lines, I have two opportunities for us as union members and postal workers to shine.
The first is marching in the Lynden Farmer's Day Parade.
Every year, the town of Lynden, WA, celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Farmer's Day Parade. Various groups participate, and it's a big event in this small conservative town.
This year, the Big Tent Party will be marching in the Farmer's Day Parade. In politics, a big tent or catch-all party is a political party seeking to attract people with diverse viewpoints and thus appeal to more of the electorate. The big tent approach is opposed to single-issue litmus tests and ideological rigidity, conversely advocating multiple ideologies and views within a party.
I'll be marching with the Big Tent Party in my American Postal Workers Union t-shirt. ALL who identify with the idea of the big tent party are invited to join in. Marriage equality supporters, this means you. Union members and labor friendly folks, I invite you to join me. Nurses, transit workers, teachers, electricians, longshoremen, all of you!
Postal workers, let's turn out in full force, too!
We'll be meeting at the corner of Front St. and 10th St. in Lynden at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Parade begins at 10:30 am. Wear your t-shirts and buttons, and bring your signs and banners if you have them.
After the parade, enjoy the open air market in downtown Lynden, half price admission to the Lynden Pioneer Museum, Whatcom County Safety Fair for kids, and more. See link for more info on the parade itself. If enough of us Postal Workers turn out, I'm glad to host a picnic at my home not far from the parade route.
Questions? Please contact me via FB or email, mariaelisa64@msn.com
http://lynden.org/
This year, the Big Tent Party will be marching in the Farmer's Day Parade. In politics, a big tent or catch-all party is a political party seeking to attract people with diverse viewpoints and thus appeal to more of the electorate. The big tent approach is opposed to single-issue litmus tests and ideological rigidity, conversely advocating multiple ideologies and views within a party.
I'll be marching with the Big Tent Party in my American Postal Workers Union t-shirt. ALL who identify with the idea of the big tent party are invited to join in. Marriage equality supporters, this means you. Union members and labor friendly folks, I invite you to join me. Nurses, transit workers, teachers, electricians, longshoremen, all of you!
Postal workers, let's turn out in full force, too!
We'll be meeting at the corner of Front St. and 10th St. in Lynden at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Parade begins at 10:30 am. Wear your t-shirts and buttons, and bring your signs and banners if you have them.
After the parade, enjoy the open air market in downtown Lynden, half price admission to the Lynden Pioneer Museum, Whatcom County Safety Fair for kids, and more. See link for more info on the parade itself. If enough of us Postal Workers turn out, I'm glad to host a picnic at my home not far from the parade route.
Questions? Please contact me via FB or email, mariaelisa64@msn.com
http://lynden.org/
The second opportunity I'd like to share with you comes from the Labor-Dem Work Group in Skagit County.
At the last Labor-Dem Work Group meeting, there was great enthusiasm for participating in the Skagit County Fair this year with a “Labor Tent.”
A consensus from the people who participated last year was that the Labor Tent was worth the effort: We had a visually vibrant presentation, lots of handouts, information, freebies, and many discussions with the fair attendees. We Need To Be Visible To The Public!
The Labor Tent has to be staffed from Wednesday, August 7 to August 10, 10 am to 10 pm so we need approximately 6 people each day to volunteer (2 people for 4 hours x 3 = 6 volunteers). We will also need people for set up on Tuesday and Take down Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Are you interested in participating in the Skagit County Fair?
We need to hear from you very soon to meet the application fees deadline: best to response by July 1!
Call Janet McKinney at 360-724-4913 or email at cedarwaxwings@gmail.com
We will set up a schedule for 3—4 hour shifts each day, so for 4 days we will need approximately 6 people per day.
All you need besides volunteers is Pro-Union, Pro-Worker Handouts, Posters, and Freebies.
Let me know soon whether your Union is interested in participating. If you are a union member, ask your union to participate and plan on volunteering.
In Solidarity,
Janet
Labor-Dem Work Group Coordinator
I encourage you to step up and get involved in your union.
"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Board of Governors
Thanks to one of the RCA's in my office for sharing these interesting facts with me:
Did a quick look and see that for the 9 Board of Governor positions 4 are Bush appointees (with well credentialed Republican pedigrees), 1 an Obama appointee and 4 seats are vacant. (Filibusters…?) The Board of Governors is who elects the PMG. They appointed Donahoe in Oct 2010.
I haven’t looked to see what other Boards they each may also sit on but look at their bio’s. http://about.usps.com/who-we-are/leadership/board-governors-bios.htm#p=1
This jumped out at me – Louis J. Giuliano is a “senior advisor to the Carlyle Group” “Mr. Louis J. Giuliano is an Operating Executive at The Carlyle Group. Mr. Giuliano focuses on buyouts in the aerospace, defense, automotive, transportation, and industrial sectors in United States. He advises the firm on investments in these sectors, helping improve portfolio company operations and mentoring portfolio company officials. He is a part of Corporate Private Equity segment within which he is focuses on Europe Buyout…”
(note LJ Giuliano with Carlyle, Thurgood Marshall Jr with Corrections Corporation of America – CCA is the world’s largest private prison corporation)
Thurgood Marshall JR’s Board connections
Mickey D. Barnett (Chairman) is a member of the Federalist Society (same group that Scalia, John Roberts, Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito belong to)
Ellen C. Williams has a private business “Capital Network” which does “government affairs and lobbying”. I want to look further into that….
The lone Obama appointee, Dennis J. Toner was Biden’s Deputy Chief of Staff for 10 years and on Biden’s staff for 34 years.
The Nevada lawyer (Bilby?) sits on the Board of the Lucky Lady Corporation (it a casino company) http://jonathanwarren.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/bilbray.pdf
Ellen C Williams – chart of other board connections http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/relationship.asp?personId=54911683
James H Bilbray shares board affiliations with Safefreight Technology Ltd (read the full company overview and when USPS goes to real time scanning, I’ll bet money this is the company that gets the contract. It’s what Safefreight Tech does.)
“…The company’s products comprise SecurityGuard, a GPS tracking device that is vehicle mounted or cargo embedded, which allows to manage various transportation assets online; and Smartfleet, a Web-based fleet management software, which enables to manage vehicles and drivers…”
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The Gathering of the Thugs
It's that time of year again when we Washington State members of the American Postal Workers' Union converge on a city and hold our convention and spring seminar. We've got great speakers slated to speak, and the training is always beneficial.
Last year's convention was in Spokane; this year's will be on the west side of the state in Olympia. The Spokane local hosted a great event, and I'm sure the Olympia area folks will also do a fine job.
I'm hopeful that I'll be re-elected as your District One Representative so that I can continue furthering the cause of labor.
If you have any questions you think I could get answered at this meeting of the minds, please email me at mariaelisa64@msn.com, or text me at 360-201-2420.
Off I go to Olympia!
In solidarity,
Maria Risener
Last year's convention was in Spokane; this year's will be on the west side of the state in Olympia. The Spokane local hosted a great event, and I'm sure the Olympia area folks will also do a fine job.
I'm hopeful that I'll be re-elected as your District One Representative so that I can continue furthering the cause of labor.
If you have any questions you think I could get answered at this meeting of the minds, please email me at mariaelisa64@msn.com, or text me at 360-201-2420.
Off I go to Olympia!
In solidarity,
Maria Risener
Thursday, April 11, 2013
District One Meeting
Thank you to my brothers and sisters who attended this month's District One meeting of the WAPWU on Sunday, April 7, 2013. For those of you who were not able to attend, I'll give you a brief overview of the meeting:
District One meeting was held Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Lynden, WA, at the home of District One Rep Maria Risener.
Meeting began at 2:00 p.m. and adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
In attendance were:
Maria Risener, District One Rep, PTF Clerk, Lynden WA 98264
Cathryn Harrington, PSE, Mt Baker Station, Bellingham WA 98228
Gail Parbon, PTF Clerk, Custer, WA 98240
Devon Hoffman, FTR Clerk, Everson, WA 98247
Thomas Mayer, PTF Clerk, Pt. Roberts, WA 98281
Tom Devine, FTR Clerk, Shop Steward, Mt Baker Station, Bellingham, WA 98228
The meeting began with introductions and then I gave an overview of what's been going on in our state and in our district regarding the APWU. I discussed last year's state convention when I was named District Rep and I talked about the National Convention, going over some of the literature that was handed out in Los Angeles. I also talked about Steward's College and encouraged anyone interested to consider attending. I explained my participation in the AFL-CIO's Labor-Neighbor Program and how vital all unions are to working people. The floor was opened for questions, and some discussion was had about the 50 mile radius, converting PTF's to FTR's and PSE's to PTF's, and the recent Das award.
I opened the floor up for nominations for delegates to this year's WAPWU convention in May; I nominated Thomas Mayer, and Gail Parbon nominated Tom Devine.
Voting was by secret ballot; each nominee received three votes. Thomas Mayer then respectfully withdrew his name from consideration and expressed his hope to attend next year's convention.
As for information other than the District Meeting:
If you are in a Level 15 or 16 office your PM can only perform 25 hours of clerk work during the course of a week.
If you are in a Level 18 office your PM can only perform 15 hours of clerk work per week.
If you are in an office of a higher level then your PM or Supervisors CANNOT perform clerk work period except as outlined in 1.6A of the CBA.
I have a survey that WAPWU MAL’s can fill out on a daily basis and then mail or scan it in to me weekly. Also I can get access to POS WOS reports which can better pinpoint time on the window. I do need ACE user id’s to identify who is who as the POS WOS report only shows ACE user id’s, not individual names. If you are challenging management's time covering the window please give me the previously mentioned id’s.
There was a huge case won by the APWU recently. It's a MUST READ for anyone in a smaller office.
You can find it on the APWU website:
In Solidarity,
Maria Risener
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