Please be advised we are aware that our Postmaster recently conducted group meetings with station clerks on or about March 1-3, 2005. We were apprised of these particular meetings, however, our understanding as to the subject was to discuss the Mystery Shopper Program and issues related to Mystery Shopper. Due to this and the Union’s position regarding the Mystery Shopper and related incentives, the Union did not officially participate. In meetings of this nature, unless the Union is given full right for input and possible rebuttal rights on what we understand the meeting content is going to cover, we feel as if our official attendance may give those in attendance the impression the Union endorsed the Mystery Shopper concept which is not the case.

We have subsequently been advised by several who were in attendance that the meeting covered a multitude of issues and was actually opened up to field questions of any nature, speculated as to future operations, staffing and you name it. We also believe through reports received that the meetings differed in content depending on which meeting you attended.

Please be advised that regarding any changes to staffing that may have been discussed (along with any other issues related to wages, hours, or working conditions), management is still contractually required to give official notice to your Union in advance of changes that would affect any of these issues. To date we have received no notice of any changes that will be occurring at the Stations as to future plans that may have been discussed during your meetings. If we do, you can rest assured we will engage in the appropriate dialog with management along with ensuring all contractual elements are complied with before, during, and after any changes that may be proposed.

Station/Associate Office Visits 2nd Notice

This a reminder that during the week of March 28, 2005, your APWU Union Representatives will be visiting the Minneapolis Stations and selected Associate Offices (AOs). We will be visiting between the hours of 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM, and time spent in each office will vary.

We will be available in the break room at each Station or AO for any questions, comments, requests, or concerns you may want to address with us. . . Please let us know on arrival if you would like to speak with us so we can make sure not to miss you. . .

$208 COLA Increase Takes Effect March 19

An increase in the Consumer Price Index in January means that APWU-represented employees have accrued an annual raise of $208. The adjustment amounts to an increase of 10 cents per hour.

BASIC STEWARD TRAINING OFFERED 2nd Notice

The local will be conducting Basic Steward Training on Tuesday and Thursday, April 19th and 21st, at our Union hall at 1234 4th St NE., from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon each day.

The training will be conducted in two sessions of approximately three hours each. This training is open to all members in good standing that would like to become Alternate Stewards and is generally a prerequisite for becoming a Full Steward in the Minneapolis Area Local. Those interested should fill out and turn in the form below.

I AM A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING AND WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE BASIC STEWARD TRAINING BEING OFFERED BY THE MINNEAPOLIS AREA LOCAL – APWU ON TUESDAY April 19th AND THURSDAY April 21st 2005, FROM 9-12 noon.

NAME:_________________________________________________________________.

WORK LOCATION:______________________________SECTION:_______________.

HOURS:______________________.PHONE:__________________________________.

Please return this form to:

MAL-APWU
1234 4th St NE
Minneapolis, MN. 55413