It's the busiest time of year for mailing, and everyone's patience is wearing thin. To help us move things along at the Post Office and to get you in and out quickly, to keep the line moving, and to help us serve you better, here are a few guidelines:
1. Don't request "snail mail". Snails are dormant this time of year.
2. Don't request "slow boat to China". We do not outsource our jobs to China.
3. Don't ask for "regular mail". All our mail gets plenty of fiber. None of it is irregular.
4. Don't ask to get something overseas "as quickly as possible" and then exclaim "no no no!" when you hear the price for Global Express Guaranteed.
5. Don't try to haggle with the clerk. If the clerk tells you that an item will cost $8.05 to mail, for example, then it's going to cost $8.05. Clerks and individual Post Offices don't arbitrarily set prices. We can't give you "a better deal". You are free to check out a local private mailing facility; they charge a hefty surcharge on anything you send through them.
6. Don't ask for "Pony Express". The financial condition of the postal service has made it impossible for us to maintain our herd of ponies. Congressman Darrell Issa came out and shot them all. Damn shame. There were some fine ponies.
7. Don't tell me that you don't want "any of those Muslim stamps" or "any of those black stamps". I don't have any tolerance for bigots.
8. Don't ask me to tape up your package or to give you free tape. I'm not allowed to do that. I will be happy to sell you some packing tape, but we can't give away what we sell. If you have seen another clerk somewhere tape up your package, it's not because I'm a hard nosed bitch but because that clerk is doing something they shouldn't.
9. Don't complain about the length of the line. If you would like to be in a shorter line, get everyone in the line to move one giant step closer to the person in front of them. This will significantly decrease the length of the line.
10. Don't stand in the lobby complaining. No one likes waiting in line or filling out forms. Make the best of your time. Start a singalong in the lobby with your fellow customers, or perhaps a rousing game of Duck Duck Goose.
Thank you for using the US Postal Service. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwanzaa, Blessed holidays!
In solidarity,
Maria
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Union Plus Benefits
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Friday, November 30, 2012
Don't Let It Get You Down
It's hard to believe that this is the last day of the month of November... Christmas is just a few short weeks away, and all of us postal workers are working like mad to deliver the old holiday cheer to our customers. Cranky coworkers, long hours, heavy mail volumes, less than competent management, and angry customers can make it more than challenging to maintain a positive attitude at this time of year.
Try and find a few moments each day to do something just for you... breathe, meditate, try some yoga. Better still, if you have a day off, or if you have a few free hours, go to a spa, get a manicure or a massage, take a walk, call a good friend and go out for coffee. Do whatever it takes to be good to yourself!
The questions from customers, the pressure from management, the increased workloads are weighing on all of us. Don't let them weigh you down.
In solidarity,
Maria
Helpful link from United Healthcare:
https://pages.unitedhealthcare-hmhb.com/page.aspx?qs=5c591a8916642e7303219c6fcb9d6578aa8652f8633cfa68235041380300f418bb3f0cc7289f6ca4f2aeb259cc2c636d6de1f16bb833f5804e74a75aa96a7844b15916d7093431758cda0978176ba82cef3daf0c6f9c438b33002de0321321d0
Try and find a few moments each day to do something just for you... breathe, meditate, try some yoga. Better still, if you have a day off, or if you have a few free hours, go to a spa, get a manicure or a massage, take a walk, call a good friend and go out for coffee. Do whatever it takes to be good to yourself!
The questions from customers, the pressure from management, the increased workloads are weighing on all of us. Don't let them weigh you down.
In solidarity,
Maria
Helpful link from United Healthcare:
https://pages.unitedhealthcare-hmhb.com/page.aspx?qs=5c591a8916642e7303219c6fcb9d6578aa8652f8633cfa68235041380300f418bb3f0cc7289f6ca4f2aeb259cc2c636d6de1f16bb833f5804e74a75aa96a7844b15916d7093431758cda0978176ba82cef3daf0c6f9c438b33002de0321321d0
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Fall Seminar 2012
I recently had the opportunity to attend WAPWU's Fall Seminar, which was held in Everett, WA, this year. Once again, we received terrific training, and there were national as well as state officers present. Without fail, our state manages to provide union members with the most comprehensive training possible. I'm very appreciative of that, and I encourage everyone who is able to attend our State Convention in May or Steward's College in July to make the effort to be there. It's well worth your while.
The election is finally over and President Obama is back in office. He may not be the perfect President, but he's certainly a better choice for the Postal Service, organized labor, and working families. Time will tell what happens with the USPS and legislation in Washington DC in the coming year, but I know all of us will be watching with great interest.
The holidays are upon us and volumes have already been increasing even in our small office. Management may be trying to get away with performing bargaining unit work; keep an eye on them, and note any time they spend doing bargaining unit work. It's your job and your hours that you're protecting. Your union can't represent you if you aren't willing to be part of the process.
In solidarity,
Maria
The election is finally over and President Obama is back in office. He may not be the perfect President, but he's certainly a better choice for the Postal Service, organized labor, and working families. Time will tell what happens with the USPS and legislation in Washington DC in the coming year, but I know all of us will be watching with great interest.
The holidays are upon us and volumes have already been increasing even in our small office. Management may be trying to get away with performing bargaining unit work; keep an eye on them, and note any time they spend doing bargaining unit work. It's your job and your hours that you're protecting. Your union can't represent you if you aren't willing to be part of the process.
In solidarity,
Maria
Monday, October 15, 2012
A Congressionally Created Crisis
Congress - not the internet or the recession - has ruined postal finances to the brink of causing postal closures, service slowdowns and inconvenience to customers.
A 2006 law mandates that the US Postal Service transfer $5.5 billion annuallyinto the federal budget, supposedly to "pre-fund" retiree health benefits for the next 75 years. Nearly 10% of the postal budget annually goes to a fund for future retirees, some of whom haven't even been born.
The House has failed to even consider bills that would undo the law that has drained close to $22 billion and nearly bankrupted the Post Office.
In addition, the US Postal Service is not allowed to touch over $10 billion in pension overfunding without the ok from Congress. The House, again, has failed to act.
A non-partisan journal, the Federal Times, editorialized: "The House's failure to act is disgraceful. Through their inaction, Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Governmental Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., are demonstrating contempt for the Postal Service and a lack of respect for the law and for the obligation of their own institution."
We need to elect candidates who will support the USPS. Our next representatives can ask House leadership to schedule a vote to restore postal financial recovery and preserve service.
Friday, October 12, 2012
A Bunch of Hot Air
Out of literally several hundred calls to union members in this county and the county immediately south of us, how many people do you think volunteered to work a two hour shift at a phone bank for the labor friendly candidates in our local and state races? One. A retired 75 year old gentleman who is on his second bout of lung cancer.
How have we as a nation and as union members become so apathetic? It's astonishing that people will preach from their bully pulpits behind their computers, saying that President Obama is the most "ungodly and antichristian" president this country has ever seen. If their convictions, however strongly I disagree with them, is so strong, then why not do something more than spout off on Facebook about politics. And what does the President's faith have to do with his ability to lead our nation anyway?
I know that President Obama is not the perfect president. I know he isn't my savior or the savior of this nation. I feel strongly that he is, however, the best choice we have for president. I believe it strongly enough that I am spending my time, my energy, my money and my efforts to see that he and other labor friendly candidates are elected. Yes, I post political things on my Facebook page, yes, I have signs in my yard, yes, I wear buttons and tshirts. But I do a lot more. So do many other people I know. Yet by and large people tend to be apathetic about being active.
I don't want to hear another word about politics or the candidates from anyone who isn't willing to put their time, energy, money, or efforts into seeing their candidates elected. If someone isn't willing to act on their convictions, then they must not believe very strongly in their convictions, and their words are only so much hot air.
How have we as a nation and as union members become so apathetic? It's astonishing that people will preach from their bully pulpits behind their computers, saying that President Obama is the most "ungodly and antichristian" president this country has ever seen. If their convictions, however strongly I disagree with them, is so strong, then why not do something more than spout off on Facebook about politics. And what does the President's faith have to do with his ability to lead our nation anyway?
I know that President Obama is not the perfect president. I know he isn't my savior or the savior of this nation. I feel strongly that he is, however, the best choice we have for president. I believe it strongly enough that I am spending my time, my energy, my money and my efforts to see that he and other labor friendly candidates are elected. Yes, I post political things on my Facebook page, yes, I have signs in my yard, yes, I wear buttons and tshirts. But I do a lot more. So do many other people I know. Yet by and large people tend to be apathetic about being active.
I don't want to hear another word about politics or the candidates from anyone who isn't willing to put their time, energy, money, or efforts into seeing their candidates elected. If someone isn't willing to act on their convictions, then they must not believe very strongly in their convictions, and their words are only so much hot air.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
You Can Take That To The Bank
Have you ever volunteered at a phone bank? If you haven't, let me encourage you to try it, even if it's only once. Although once you try it, I doubt you won't want to do it again.
It's quite easy, and although there are hangups and people who disagree with you, you get the chance to speak with people you'd never speak to otherwise. The phone calls are brief, you don't ask for anyone's money, and you have the opportunity to educate undecided voters.
Imagine having a voice in this country, a voice as powerful as any of the super PACs or lobbyists in Washington DC? I know that each of us on our own can't possibly garner that sort of influence. But as a collective, we certainly can!
Get involved, make your voice heard, and stand up for what you believe is right. It's great to cast a vote, in fact, it's a hard won right for many many people. I'm convinced, however, that voting and spouting off to friends and posting things on Facebook just aren't enough. If you have strong convictions in this election, I implore you to get involved!
Wear t-shirts and buttons. Display yard signs. Phone bank. Attend rallies. Participate in walks. Get people registered to vote. The more active you become, the more you feel like you've accomplished. Every vote counts, and every voice between now and Election Day counts.
Stand up, speak out, and get involved!
If you need ideas or connections to get started, please contact me and I will hook you up.
In solidarity,
Maria
It's quite easy, and although there are hangups and people who disagree with you, you get the chance to speak with people you'd never speak to otherwise. The phone calls are brief, you don't ask for anyone's money, and you have the opportunity to educate undecided voters.
Imagine having a voice in this country, a voice as powerful as any of the super PACs or lobbyists in Washington DC? I know that each of us on our own can't possibly garner that sort of influence. But as a collective, we certainly can!
Get involved, make your voice heard, and stand up for what you believe is right. It's great to cast a vote, in fact, it's a hard won right for many many people. I'm convinced, however, that voting and spouting off to friends and posting things on Facebook just aren't enough. If you have strong convictions in this election, I implore you to get involved!
Wear t-shirts and buttons. Display yard signs. Phone bank. Attend rallies. Participate in walks. Get people registered to vote. The more active you become, the more you feel like you've accomplished. Every vote counts, and every voice between now and Election Day counts.
Stand up, speak out, and get involved!
If you need ideas or connections to get started, please contact me and I will hook you up.
In solidarity,
Maria
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Republican Party Platform
I found it quite interesting that during all the coverage of the Republican National Convention, there was really very little attention to the party's platform.
I have been doing some phone banking with the Washington State Labor Council and I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of so many union members! They seem to be as oblivious to the GOP's platform as the media coverage was of the RNC.
Make no mistake, brothers and sisters, the GOP wants to bust all unions, and to privatize the USPS. They are out to destroy your job. Their platform clearly states that the USPS pension system is "seriously underfunded" and proposes a "great role for private enterprise". They consider the USPS a relic from the past, like the Pony Express, and don't recognize it for what it really is: a vital part of the country's economy and infrastructure.
This is a falsehood. The pension system most certainly is not underfunded, and Democrats and Republicans alike agree on this.
When I phone bank, we call only union households, and I am baffled at the number of them that angrily tell me that they are voting Republican all the way, in spite of the fact that they wish to pass a national right to work law, which would drastically weaken unions.
It is our responsibility to be educated and to vote for labor-friendly candidates who will work for, not against, unions.
I encourage you to volunteer at rallies, walks, and phone banks to help ensure that labor-friendly candidates are elected.
Your job is at stake this November!
I have been doing some phone banking with the Washington State Labor Council and I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of so many union members! They seem to be as oblivious to the GOP's platform as the media coverage was of the RNC.
Make no mistake, brothers and sisters, the GOP wants to bust all unions, and to privatize the USPS. They are out to destroy your job. Their platform clearly states that the USPS pension system is "seriously underfunded" and proposes a "great role for private enterprise". They consider the USPS a relic from the past, like the Pony Express, and don't recognize it for what it really is: a vital part of the country's economy and infrastructure.
This is a falsehood. The pension system most certainly is not underfunded, and Democrats and Republicans alike agree on this.
When I phone bank, we call only union households, and I am baffled at the number of them that angrily tell me that they are voting Republican all the way, in spite of the fact that they wish to pass a national right to work law, which would drastically weaken unions.
It is our responsibility to be educated and to vote for labor-friendly candidates who will work for, not against, unions.
I encourage you to volunteer at rallies, walks, and phone banks to help ensure that labor-friendly candidates are elected.
Your job is at stake this November!
Monday, September 10, 2012
My Day Job vs. My Passion
For over sixteen years now I've been throwing parcels, sorting flats, distributing accountables, boxing mail, working the window, dispatching the mail, clearing carriers, and other assorted tasks in my job as a clerk for the US Postal Service. It's a good job that pays me a living wage and affords me good benefits. For the most part, I love my co-workers, and my facility is less than a mile from my home.
I've met wonderful people through my job, customers who have shared their lives with me outside the Post Office. I've gone to see one customer's brand new baby goats. I went to another one's home to see her newest baby horses. I've helped another plan a wedding and I've had lunch with others. One customer brought her brand new rescue dog in to visit me at work. I could go on and on. Sure, there are customers and coworkers who sometimes get on my last nerve, but the good ones outnumber the more unpleasant ones.
I suppose I can consider myself lucky to have such a job, particularly in the recent years of tough economic times in our country. But no matter how much I appreciate my job, it's not my passion. I'm passionate about a number of causes, such as animal rescue, marriage equality, and organized labor.
It's only been in this last year that I have begun to figure out a way to mingle my job and my passion, and that's been through involvement in the American Postal Workers' Union, AFL-CIO. I was certified as a steward early in 2012, and then installed as a district representative in April. It's been challenging, exciting, frustrating, rewarding, overwhelming, fun and intense. I learn more every week, and my enthusiasm for my union grows all the time.
I'm getting involved in the Washington State Labor Relations Council Workers' Voice program, from now through the oh so critical election on November 7, 2012.
I urge you to get involved with the election as well. Wear a t-shirt or a button (not at work though, there's that pesky little thing called the Hatch Act), attend a rally, put a sign in your yard, volunteer at a phone bank, be part of informational pickets, talk to your family, friends and neighbors. Educate yourself and educate others about the issues that matter to all of us.
The USPS is at a critical juncture. Regardless of the other issues that are spiraling around us, we as postal workers must focus on saving our jobs. Whatever your feelings on abortion or guns or marriage equality, those are all things that aren't going away, regardless of who is elected. But if Romney is elected, the Postal Service as we know it will disappear, and it won't take long. The unions will be busted, service will be cut further and further, privatization will become a reality, and our jobs will all be on the line.
While we can't all make a living doing what we are passionate about, we can certainly engage in activities about which we feel passionate. Our jobs enable us to do that. Our jobs are the source of our income. Without the job, it's quite difficult to become involved in the causes that incite us to action. Without the job, there is no union.
Whatever your passion, whether it be organized labor, the environment, politics, animals, poverty, homelessness, marriage equality, education, or something else, please educate yourself on where the candidates stand on the issues that matter most to you, both the causes you feel passionately about, and your job.
Don't underestimate the importance of the results of this election. Get educated, and vote!
In solidarity,
Maria
PS - Is there a topic you'd like to see discussed here? Please share it with me and we can get the dialogue going.
I've met wonderful people through my job, customers who have shared their lives with me outside the Post Office. I've gone to see one customer's brand new baby goats. I went to another one's home to see her newest baby horses. I've helped another plan a wedding and I've had lunch with others. One customer brought her brand new rescue dog in to visit me at work. I could go on and on. Sure, there are customers and coworkers who sometimes get on my last nerve, but the good ones outnumber the more unpleasant ones.
I suppose I can consider myself lucky to have such a job, particularly in the recent years of tough economic times in our country. But no matter how much I appreciate my job, it's not my passion. I'm passionate about a number of causes, such as animal rescue, marriage equality, and organized labor.
It's only been in this last year that I have begun to figure out a way to mingle my job and my passion, and that's been through involvement in the American Postal Workers' Union, AFL-CIO. I was certified as a steward early in 2012, and then installed as a district representative in April. It's been challenging, exciting, frustrating, rewarding, overwhelming, fun and intense. I learn more every week, and my enthusiasm for my union grows all the time.
I'm getting involved in the Washington State Labor Relations Council Workers' Voice program, from now through the oh so critical election on November 7, 2012.
I urge you to get involved with the election as well. Wear a t-shirt or a button (not at work though, there's that pesky little thing called the Hatch Act), attend a rally, put a sign in your yard, volunteer at a phone bank, be part of informational pickets, talk to your family, friends and neighbors. Educate yourself and educate others about the issues that matter to all of us.
The USPS is at a critical juncture. Regardless of the other issues that are spiraling around us, we as postal workers must focus on saving our jobs. Whatever your feelings on abortion or guns or marriage equality, those are all things that aren't going away, regardless of who is elected. But if Romney is elected, the Postal Service as we know it will disappear, and it won't take long. The unions will be busted, service will be cut further and further, privatization will become a reality, and our jobs will all be on the line.
While we can't all make a living doing what we are passionate about, we can certainly engage in activities about which we feel passionate. Our jobs enable us to do that. Our jobs are the source of our income. Without the job, it's quite difficult to become involved in the causes that incite us to action. Without the job, there is no union.
Whatever your passion, whether it be organized labor, the environment, politics, animals, poverty, homelessness, marriage equality, education, or something else, please educate yourself on where the candidates stand on the issues that matter most to you, both the causes you feel passionately about, and your job.
Don't underestimate the importance of the results of this election. Get educated, and vote!
In solidarity,
Maria
PS - Is there a topic you'd like to see discussed here? Please share it with me and we can get the dialogue going.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Knowledge is Power
With Labor Day behind us and the kids back in school, summer is definitely winding down and the fall is upon us. I hope all of you have had a wonderful summer. Mine was a whirlwind of union activity and education. In July, I had the invaluable experience of attending the Stewards College in Ellensburg, WA. The instructors were absolutely fantastic, the training was comprehensive, and the friendships I made will stay with me for a long time to come. I was warned before I went that I would come away from the College physically and emotionally exhausted; even so, I wasn't ready for the sheer volume of work and information that was required of all the students. It was a complete immersion in the grievance process and I learned more in that week than I had in the previous few months of being a steward. To meet national APWU officers and to learn from them was something special. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this intense training and I hope to go to the advanced class next summer.
I was home for about a week and a half before I left again to attend the Biennial National Convention in Los Angeles. I had attended the Washington State convention in April, where I was installed as your District 1 Representative, but I had never attended a national convention. It was a fascinating experience, one I wish every APWU member could experience at least once. There were craft conventions and training in the days preceding the convention. The training classes covered a plethora of topics; I attended the classes on FMLA and NTFT positions. It was the second time during the summer that I learned from and met some of our national officers. More than ever, I felt invigorated and educated. The frustration of not knowing what I was doing had weighed heavily on my shoulders. I had great support from Charles and other brothers and sisters these past months for which I am so grateful, but the old saying of knowledge being power certainly holds true.
It was suggested to me that I start a blog for District One to keep everyone up to date with what's going on in, and I thought that was a great idea, hence you are reading this. Additionally, you can follow me on Twitter at @WAPWUDist1Rep or on our Facebook page, District 1, Washington State American Postal Workers' Union at http://www.facebook.com/pages/District-1-Washington-State-American-Postal-Workers-Union/251079151655682 .
Until the election, in addition to serving the members of District 1, I will be involved in the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO for Workers' Voice program, working closely with local unions and Central Labor Councils here in Western Washington to assist with the AFL-CIO's Labor 2012 program. The upcoming election is one of the most important ones in our country's history, and the outcome will determine the future of not only the APWU but of the USPS. I urge each of you to get out the vote and get involved in supporting the candidates who will work on behalf of the Postal Service.
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the brothers and sisters who have extended a warm welcome to me as their new District Rep. The emails, cards, phone calls, gifts, and even dinner have been incredibly kind, more than I expected. I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability. Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions, concerns, suggestions, or just to get acquainted.
In solidarity,
Maria Risener
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A Surcharge Here and a Surcharge There
There are a lot of things that the US Postal Service offers that its competitors like UPS and Fed Ex just don't offer. And even if the competition does offer a comparable service, it comes with a price tag. Remember, these are examples of surcharges assessed ON TOP of the shipping rates.
FedEx, for example, might determine that your article requires special handling. That'll cost you $8.50 as a surcharge. If your address is incorrect or incomplete, they'll charge you $11.00.There's a Declared Value surcharge of $0.80 per $100.00 of value. The Delivery area surcharge applies to select zipcodes and ranges from $2.00 - $3.75. There is a hazardous materials surcharge of $27.50. A residential delivery charge applies as well, $2.55 per package. And the current fuel surcharge is 8.5% on ground shipping and 14% on Express.
UPS also charges that special handling fee of $8.50. If your address is incorrect or incomplete, they will charge you $11.00 just like FedEx. The Declared Value surcharge matches the one FedEx as well. UPS has a Delivery Area surcharge just like FedEx, and in addition to the same hazardous materials charge that FedEx imposes, UPS takes it a step further and charges an additional $5.00 for any shipments containing dry ice. Excessive tracking requests may result in a charge per request of $3.00. Remote area surcharges apply to certain zip codes in Alaska ($15.00) and Hawaii ($6.00). Residential surcharges range from $2.55 to $3.00. The current fuel charge is the same as FedEx charges.
These are only some of the surcharges applied by the competition.
Oh, and those independent mailing agencies, where you can ship UPS, FedEx, and USPS? They all charge hefty surcharges on top of the ones imposed by the agencies.
I'm not sure what FedEx and UPS consider special handling, but the US Postal Service doesn't apply such a charge. If your package is not addressed completely or properly, the USPS won't demand $11.00 from you. Neither are there declared value surcharges, and residential delivery and delivery to so-called "remote" areas don't cost any more than any other mail. As for fuel surcharges.... there aren't any.
Do away with the Postal Service and you'll be doing away with affordable and reliable delivery of mail and packages.
Let your Congressmen and women to save our Postal Service!
In solidarity,
Maria
FedEx, for example, might determine that your article requires special handling. That'll cost you $8.50 as a surcharge. If your address is incorrect or incomplete, they'll charge you $11.00.There's a Declared Value surcharge of $0.80 per $100.00 of value. The Delivery area surcharge applies to select zipcodes and ranges from $2.00 - $3.75. There is a hazardous materials surcharge of $27.50. A residential delivery charge applies as well, $2.55 per package. And the current fuel surcharge is 8.5% on ground shipping and 14% on Express.
UPS also charges that special handling fee of $8.50. If your address is incorrect or incomplete, they will charge you $11.00 just like FedEx. The Declared Value surcharge matches the one FedEx as well. UPS has a Delivery Area surcharge just like FedEx, and in addition to the same hazardous materials charge that FedEx imposes, UPS takes it a step further and charges an additional $5.00 for any shipments containing dry ice. Excessive tracking requests may result in a charge per request of $3.00. Remote area surcharges apply to certain zip codes in Alaska ($15.00) and Hawaii ($6.00). Residential surcharges range from $2.55 to $3.00. The current fuel charge is the same as FedEx charges.
These are only some of the surcharges applied by the competition.
Oh, and those independent mailing agencies, where you can ship UPS, FedEx, and USPS? They all charge hefty surcharges on top of the ones imposed by the agencies.
I'm not sure what FedEx and UPS consider special handling, but the US Postal Service doesn't apply such a charge. If your package is not addressed completely or properly, the USPS won't demand $11.00 from you. Neither are there declared value surcharges, and residential delivery and delivery to so-called "remote" areas don't cost any more than any other mail. As for fuel surcharges.... there aren't any.
Do away with the Postal Service and you'll be doing away with affordable and reliable delivery of mail and packages.
Let your Congressmen and women to save our Postal Service!
In solidarity,
Maria
Monday, September 3, 2012
A Manufactured Crisis
H.R. 6407 (109th): Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act
This house bill was passed by a lame duck session of the 109th Congress in 2006 to reform the postal laws of the United States Under the PAEA, the US Postal Service was required to "prefund its future health care benefit payments to retirees for the next 75 years in an astonishing ten year time span." Essentially, this meant that the USPS had to set aside billions of dollars to pay for the health benefits of employees it hasn't even hired yet, or quite possibly haven't even been born yet. This is something that no other government or private corporation is required to do.
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader noted that if the PAEA had never been enacted, the USPS would actually be facing a $1.5 billion surplus today:
"By June 2011, the USPS saw a total net deficit of $19.5 billion, $12.7 billion of which was borrowed money from Treasury (leaving just $2.3 billion left until the USPS hits its statutory borrowing limit of $15 billion). This $19.5 billion deficit almost exactly matches the $20.95 billion the USPS made in prepayments to the fund for future retiree health care benefits by June 2011. If the prepayments required under PAEA were never enacted into law, the USPS would not have a net deficiency of nearly $20 billion, but instead be in the black by at least $1.5 billion."
The media and politicians point to the rise of email and internet services and the inefficiency of the USPS as the major culprits for the fiscal crisis facing the agency. While it is true that these factors do have some financial impact, the majority of the losses in recent years can be traced back to this single onerous restriction forced onto the USPS by a Republican led Congress in 2006.
In order to remedy this problem, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), along with 193 co-sponsors, has introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow the USPS to spend more of its OWN MONEY to pay down its deficits, including $6.9 billion in pension and other over payments that may total anywhere from $25 to $50 billion. These are Postal Service funds NOT taxpayer dollars.
Meanwhile, Rep. Darell Issa (R-CA), the wealthiest man in Congress, has been pushing for legislation that would lead to widespread layoffs and bust the postal workers' unions. Can our fragile economy withstand the layoffs of tens if not hundreds of thousands of living wage earners? Yet this is precisely what Rep. Issa proposes, so that steps may be taken to dismantle the USPS and privatize it, cutting service standards to the millions of Americans who rely on the Postal Service for medications, checks, communication, and many other services.
This insanity is not what is best for the USPS, it is not what is best for the working class, and it most certainly is not in the best interests of the American people.
Educate yourselves and your family and friends as to the truth about the manufactured crisis faced by the Postal Service and educate yourselves about which position the candidates take on the matter. Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan are all for the plans that Issa proposes, plans to put an end to the postal service that has existed in this country for centuries and that was MANDATED in the Constitution.
Don't let it happen. Vote for Obama in November.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Romney Would Eliminate the US Postal Service
Someone recently asked me how I could justify voting for Barack Obama while still considering myself to be a moral person. This question troubled me, not because supporting President Obama and being a "moral" person are mutually exclusive, but because people actually think themselves to be superior to others.
I responded to this question as I have responded to many others who have asked me similar questions:
If you worked for an agency that was threatened with drastic overhauls that directly impacted you and your family and your finances, wouldn't you do everything you could to see to it that the person who sought to dismantle your livelihood would not be elected?
People don't seem to be aware of Romney's plans for the US Postal Service. It's quite simple. He and his economic advisers like Kevin Hassett would eliminate the USPS. I wonder if Mitt Romney has ever so much as set foot inside a Post Office, or even purchased a postage stamp?
Why has the GOP turned a non-partisan government agency into such a polarizing issue? The political power wielded by unions, generally in support of Democrats, is great. Weakening those unions is key to ultimately eliminating them. If the APWU is eliminated, it is clear that other unions will follow suit.
On September 3, 2008, at the very beginning of his campaign, while speaking at the Republican National Convention, Romney stated "we must stand up to the tyrannosaurus appetite of Government Unions." The largest collection of federal union workers in the country is the USPS.
Hassett, in addressing Tea Party activists, stated that "”The possibility for real gain in the U.S. is enormous. The Postal Service owns or operates 33,000 facilities nationwide, and owns 219,000 vehicles. If we were to auction it off to private investors, the bids would likely be enormous. FedEx and UPS, for example, have a combined market capitalization of almost $100 billion. Given that, how much might a private bidder offer for the right to start a business with the Postal Service’s footprint? The $100 billion mark might be a good first guess. If the Tea Party activists want to fix the country, they should start by privatizing the Postal Service. If we can’t fix that, then it is hard to imagine how we will ever fix anything.” It strikes me as ironic that the Tea Party activists, who view the US Constitution as almost sacred, would be the ones challenged to dismantle an institution that is established in Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution: "establish post offices and post roads."
Selling off the Postal Service is clearly a priority for Romney. Profits for the wealthy supersede the needs of the citizens of our nation who rely on the Postal Service. Why are politicians pushing to eliminate a vital service to millions of Americans? Indeed, it seems like a crusade against workers and the public that relies on the service provided by the Post Office is merely collateral damage.
Politics - more than the internet or technology - are endangering the very survival of the US Postal Service.
Vote for the USPS... vote for Obama.
In solidarity,
Maria
Friday, August 31, 2012
What Has Obama Done Anyway?
When people ask me why I support our President, I take the opportunity to educate them on some of the things this administration has accomplished.
The upcoming election is absolutely critical to postal workers nationwide. We must make every effort to educate our members on the facts of what President Obama has done and what we face if Romney is elected. Easier said than done, but it must be done, diplomatically and tactfully.
In solidarity,
Maria
- Limited lobbyist acess to the White House and removed them from White House advisory boards
- Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance
- Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during economic crisis
- Cut $20 billion from the federal deficit
- Cancelled new presidential helicopter fleet
- Place 35% tariff on Chinese tires and other products.
- Authorized more federal government loans to small businesses
- Extended unemployment insurance benefits for a million workers
- Imposed restrictions on credit cards to raise rates without advance notice
- Authorized US Auto Industry rescue plan
The upcoming election is absolutely critical to postal workers nationwide. We must make every effort to educate our members on the facts of what President Obama has done and what we face if Romney is elected. Easier said than done, but it must be done, diplomatically and tactfully.
In solidarity,
Maria
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Let's Get Started
I'm Maria Risener, the District One Representative for the Washington State American Postal Workers Union. I was certified as a steward near the beginning of 2012, and in April at our State Convention, I was installed as your District One Rep. I've been employed by the USPS since April of 1996 as a PTF clerk. I do distribution, accountables, work the window, nixies, you name it. Hopefully some day I'll be a FTR but until then, I'll keep plugging along. Who knows? Maybe I can set a record for the longest time anyone has remained a PTF!
I've long had an interest in the Union, and have been a member from the time I was hired by the USPS. Now that I have the opportunity to serve in this capacity, I intend to do my very best for the people I represent.
I'm still new to all this but I've had some outstanding training at the Stewards College in Ellensburg,
WA in July 2012, and further training at our National Convention in Los Angeles earlier this month. In addition, I have a great mentor in our State President Charles Smith, and innumerable friends who are always available to help me out if I run into an obstacle along the way.
Our district is geographically very large, ranging from Pt. Roberts to North Bend, from the San Juan Islands to Ravensdale. I myself am a PTF clerk in a level 20 office in Lynden, WA. In order to connect with the membership, I established a Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/District-1-Washington-State-American-Postal-Workers-Union/251079151655682 , where I post Union and Postal related items, and you can follow me on Twitter at@WAPWUDist1Rep.
It was suggested by a couple of clerks in the District that I create a blog to keep people posted about the goings on in the APWU and WAPWU, and I thought that was a great idea, so here I am.
District meetings are something I'm trying to figure out. As I said, we have a very large district, geographically speaking, and I know that it would be a burden, on some more than others, to spend a day travelling to attend a meeting. I'm considering teleconferences or webinars for our district meetings, but I'll let you know more about that as plans are confirmed.
Should you have any questions, concerns, suggestions or comments, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. My email address is mariaelisa64@msn.com. I do work six days a week usually, so the District Rep gig is not my only obligation. If I don't get back to you within a day or two, please feel free to drop me a reminder. My mind is like a steel trap... pretty rusty.
Till next time,
In solidarity,
Maria
I've long had an interest in the Union, and have been a member from the time I was hired by the USPS. Now that I have the opportunity to serve in this capacity, I intend to do my very best for the people I represent.
I'm still new to all this but I've had some outstanding training at the Stewards College in Ellensburg,
WA in July 2012, and further training at our National Convention in Los Angeles earlier this month. In addition, I have a great mentor in our State President Charles Smith, and innumerable friends who are always available to help me out if I run into an obstacle along the way.
Our district is geographically very large, ranging from Pt. Roberts to North Bend, from the San Juan Islands to Ravensdale. I myself am a PTF clerk in a level 20 office in Lynden, WA. In order to connect with the membership, I established a Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/District-1-Washington-State-American-Postal-Workers-Union/251079151655682 , where I post Union and Postal related items, and you can follow me on Twitter at
It was suggested by a couple of clerks in the District that I create a blog to keep people posted about the goings on in the APWU and WAPWU, and I thought that was a great idea, so here I am.
District meetings are something I'm trying to figure out. As I said, we have a very large district, geographically speaking, and I know that it would be a burden, on some more than others, to spend a day travelling to attend a meeting. I'm considering teleconferences or webinars for our district meetings, but I'll let you know more about that as plans are confirmed.
Should you have any questions, concerns, suggestions or comments, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. My email address is mariaelisa64@msn.com. I do work six days a week usually, so the District Rep gig is not my only obligation. If I don't get back to you within a day or two, please feel free to drop me a reminder. My mind is like a steel trap... pretty rusty.
Till next time,
In solidarity,
Maria
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