~MARCH~

Suspicious Powder Update

Recently, there have been three powder scares here at the DVD P&D Center. The powder found in the opening unit on March 10, 2006 was tested and determined to be rock salt. The second incident occurred on DBCS # 12 on March 13, 2006. The test results classified that it was sand. Finally, the third incident on March 17, 2006, at the FSM 100 machine number 3 proved to be a food by-product. Two of the three incidents were handled properly, but I did have an issue with the last incident on the FSM 100. The problem was the standard operating procedures were not followed. The maintenance manager sealed powder in a bag and wrongfully moved it out of the building. The proper procedure is to secure the area and leave it where it originated. I did address this issue at a meeting with the postal inspectors. The manager in question was informed to follow the proper procedures in any future incidents.

SPBS Update

Machines # 1 & 2 have been dismantled. The employees from these machines will be used as a relief team during breaks and lunch for the remaining SPBS machines. The question was asked: “Can the keyers from SPBS # I & 2 bump the keyers on SPBS # 3 & 4?” The answer is “NO”. The keyers from SPBS # 3 & 4 have bids and cannot be moved from those bids according to the Local Memorandum of Understanding and the National Agreement.

Clerk Craft Bids

The reason for the delay is that the Union has been negotiating with Management to post manual bids. The new bid posting should be out by the end of March.

Motor Vehicle Update

On March 9, 2006, 1 was able to finalize an agreement with Management that will result in upgrades for the Level 6 & 7 auto mechanics at DVD. The upgrade will go into effect as of April 1st. This agreement is a local agreement that only affects the DVD & Newark area motor vehicle operations.

Local Elections

The ballots will be mailed on Monday, March 27, 2006. Any member that does not receive a ballot by April 6, 2006, should contact their shop steward to receive a replacement ballot. I urge all members to vote. This is one of our most important rights as a democratic union. Remember, a vote is a terrible thing to waste.