June Update
BIDS:
The bids were posted on June 29, 2007. There were some problems with the new system. Both the Union and Management worked together to correct these defects. There may be some issues that will have to be addressed through the grievance procedure. Any clerk who feels that they did not get the bid they deserved should contact the union. All bids will go into effect on July 7, 2007.
Flood:
Both the Mailhandler and Clerk unions met with upper level management in an effort to resolve the issue of granting administrative leave to employees who were unable to report as scheduled due to the flood waters we experienced in April. Unfortunately, we were unable to come to a mutual agreement on the amount of hours that should be paid. Each tour must file its only grievance because the hours, road conditions and weather circumstances vary for each tour.
Parking Lot:
On June 14, 2007, I met with Plant Manager, Mr. Bongiovanni, to discuss the congestion in the parking lot at the end of tours. At this time he requested ideas to resolve the problem. On Monday, June 25, 2007, I sent him a list of suggestions. I am waiting for his response.
Saved Grade:
There has been some movement on the saved grade case. Management requested a six (6) to nine (9) month period to supply the names to the union. The union then must go back and verify the list. The list has not been made public at this time.
National APWU Elections:
The national APWU elections are fast approaching. Ballots will be mailed out in mid-September and must be returned by early October. This election is very historical to the members at DVD and the NJ Bulk Mail Center because for the first time since the inception of the APWU these members will be able to vote for their National Business Agent. We also have one of our own running for the NY Region National Business Agent, Assistant Director, Sharon Tyrrell. The four (4) other candidates running for this position are: John Bernovich, Michael LaPoint, Debby Szeredy, and Bernard C. Timmerman.
In case you didn’t know for the last 30+ years the members of New York Metro that worked in the DVD & the NJ Bulk facilities were denied their right to vote in unison with their local for the NY Region National Business Agent position. In 2003, at the APWU National Convention a constitutional amendment was passed by the body that corrected this great injustice. I am very proud to have been the Director that led the team which initiated this action. I am also very proud to have Sharon Tyrrell running in this election since she was our spokesperson in addressing this voting inequity at the national convention. Sharon was instrumental in getting the amendment passed. It is very important that we at DVD get the vote out. We need to show the national APWU that we not only deserve this right but we intend to use this right to elect a qualified candidate. Always remember, a vote is a terrible thing to waste. I look forward to seeing many members from both DVD and the NJ Bulk Mail center exercising their new found right to vote!!!