Vol. XXV, No. 21 / Jerry Sirois, President / August 12, 2004.

---

Automated Package Processing System (APPS) Update

The Union met with management on Tuesday August 10, 2004, regarding the staffing on the APPS and the SPBS at the TCMH. Management has now defined how the operation will be staffed and the date that this is scheduled to occur. October 2, 2004, is the date that the new staffing is to be implemented. The remaining SPBS crews will be 14 people on each tour with start times of 2200, 0600 and 1400 for tours 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

Management will be meeting with the affected crews during the week of September 6, 2004, to explain their staffing plans in detail and the Union will also have representative(s) on hand to answer any contractual questions there may be.

Please be advised that the Union has signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding with management that will allow expanded retreat rights to employees in the impacted sections 411, 421, and 431. This MOU provides retreat rights for any employee presently in those sections who voluntary bids to another job on or after June 30, 2004 and prior to the date of excessing. This is an attempt to reduce the number of people that will have to be excessed in those particular sections.

The remaining 14 jobs on each tour will be off days consisting of S/S, Sun/M, M/Tu, Tu/W, W/Th, Th/F, and F/Sa each set of off days having two jobs each. If you are one of the senior 14 people on each tour you will be affected by either having your start time changed or your start time and days off changed. The days you currently have off, your seniority within the remaining 14, and if your particular start time will change by more than 2 hours all have an impact on whether you will remain in your current days off or will have to canvass (bid) on the reposted jobs within your section.

If you have any specific questions related to your particular situation prior to September please contact your Steward. Most of our Clerk Craft Officers will be attending our National APWU Convention during the last two weeks of August so some questions may have to be deferred until we return. Additionally, please keep in mind that the APWU has lodged a jurisdictional dispute with the USPS and we are hopeful that if successful we will eventually retain most of the work on the APPS.

Local Executive Board Makes United States Presidential Endorsement

In what was a unanimous decision, the Minneapolis Area Local Executive Board endorsed Senators John Kerry and John Edwards for President and Vice President respectively! With the election just a littler over two months away we will be reminding all of our members and their families to get out and vote! Additionally, if you know of any people who may be eligible to vote but have not registered, please contact us and we can supply them with voter registration cards and assistance with filling their registration out if needed.

John Kerry has ambitious plans to address health care, outsourcing of jobs, education, getting out of Iraq and many other areas that are of grave concern. The present administration offers no hope of turning our country around and getting us headed in a positive direction!

Minneapolis Area Local Adopts Union Label Resolution!

UNION LABEL WEEK 2004
SUPPORT GOOD JOBS – BUY UNION!

Whereas, today and in the future the vitality of our community depends upon the presence of good union jobs which provide fair wages and the reasonable expectation of job security, a work environment free of hazards, an opportunity to prepare for old age, health care protection for workers and their families and a voice on the job; and

Whereas, the institution of collective bargaining is a key to creating good jobs in the community – investing both employers and workers in a long-term commitment in their mutual interests; and

Whereas, the fabric of our community is strengthened when employers and workers operate in an atmosphere of mutual respect, dignity and shared commitment to improve the quality of life for all and enriching the community with strong schools, decent housing reliable transportation, clean air and water and the amenities which add to the quality of life in this community.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minneapolis Area Local, APWU designates the week of September 6 through 11 as Union Label Week, in support of good jobs. We encourage citizens to patronize employers who display the union shop card and to specify their preference for union-made goods and services.

Furthermore, be it resolved that the Minneapolis Area Local, APWU recognizes the significance of November 26 through December 5 as Buy Union Week, to encourage citizens to shop for union-made goods and services in that pre-Holiday periods.