Vol. XXV, No. 15 / Jerry Sirois, President / May 17, 2004.

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Response Required APWU National Convention Delegates

Those Candidates for delegate to the APWU National Convention who received votes and would like to attend the Convention at their own expense need to contact Jerry Sirois ASAP but no later than June 1, 2004, so that we can arrange to have credentials for you!

The Convention will be held in Los Angeles, CA August 21-27, 2004. Delegates departing on August 18th for Pre-convention work shops should be in contact with Local Business Agent, Peggy Whitney in order to identify the workshops they will be attending.

Contact Jerry or Peggy at 612-623-0677, or Mark at 612-338-6225 if you would like to discuss any details regarding the National APWU convention.

BIOLOGICAL DETECTION SYSTEMS - THEY’RE ALMOST HERE!

We have been informed that there is an initiative through the Department of Homeland Security to consolidate existing Federal emergency response plans into one inclusive hazard plan for all departments and agencies including the USPS. One part of this initiative includes the detection of Bio hazards in the mail stream and reactionary plans. Currently the USPS is rolling out what are called Biological Detection Systems (BDS) in P&DCs throughout the country.

On May 17, 2004 USPS Management met with the Unions for the purpose of discussing the implementation of Biological Detection Systems (BDS) in the Minneapolis Plant. The implementation schedule for MPLS is September 2004, although this is subject to change.

During and after the meeting it was clear that there will have to be many other meetings and planning if this preventative measure is to be effective as the Who-What-Why-Where-When and How’s will require continuing development. As part of the plan, management will be conducting service talks and requesting that employees give updated emergency contact information.

While there are many concerns and questions that will have to be answered, the union feels we should all embrace efforts that are made for the purpose of minimizing the risks to employees, their families, and the public we serve. We understand the goal to include detection of Bio Hazards in the mail stream ASAP, identify those who may be affected, and to take steps to respond with an overall plan to remedy these situations should they occur. While this appears it will be a learning process as it progresses, in the interim we support all efforts that are aimed at making our workplace safer, our product better, and will serve to ensure the public confidence in their mail system! Stay tuned. . . .

A Call to Action from the MN AFL-CIO and Minneapolis & St. Paul Area Labor Councils:

“1,000 Union Member” Door Knock to Defeat Anti Union Administration in ‘04!

Join Our Union Brothers and Sisters in the Largest Labor Door Knock in Minnesota History.

Our goal is to reach over 40,000 Union Homes on June 12!

When: Saturday, June 12, 2004

Where: Holiday Inn North in Arden Hills, MN

1201 W. County Road E (651-636-4123)

Details:

• 8:30 a.m. Lit & Map Distribution (Coffee and donuts served)
• 9:30 a.m. Rally, Short Training & Door Knock of Union Households in Twin Cities
• 1:00 p.m. Return Lists & BBQ Lunch

Directions: Off of I-694, take the Lexington Ave. exit and go south for ¼ mile. At County Road E, turn right. You will see the Holiday Inn on the right-hand side as you round the corner. The parking lot is in the back.

For Information Contact:
Peggy Whitney, Business Agent MAL-APWU, 612-623-0677
Kyle Makarios, Minneapolis CLUC, (612) 379-4206
Bree Halverson, St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly, (651) 222-3787, ext. 15