STAFFING ISSUES OF CONCERN

PTF CONVERSIONS – Due to previous plans that envisioned postal workers in surrounding installations being excessed out of their installations, management invoked Article 12.5.B.2 of our contract and placed a withholding order on residual jobs in Minneapolis. This created a situation whereas Minneapolis PTF’s did not have the normal contractual method available to be converted to Full-Time Regular.

Recently headquarters management released the “withholding” of residual jobs that were being withheld in the Minneapolis Installation. Without a “withholding” notice in effect the normal end process used to fill these jobs would be to assign them to PTF and/or PTR’s based on seniority, qualifications, and/or preference.

The Union has placed Minneapolis management on notice that the contractual sequence for the proper assignment of these residual vacancies has begun. We have also exercised all appropriate methods at our disposal in order to ensure our PTF’s will be properly converted.

The Union recognizes and appreciates all of our hard working and dedicated PTF’s and is doing everything possible to ensure management complies with your right to be converted into Full-Time Regulars!

PAY LOCATIONS 245 & 247 – Discussions with management continue regarding their staffing realignment plans in these Pay Locations. The Union is currently making every effort in order to guarantee that the impact will be minimized and that management is contractually compliant. At this point we have been advised that there will be significant impact involved and that some out of section excessing will be necessary. What remains unknown at this time is the specific number of employees who will be affected and the dates these events will take place. When all detailed information is known we will make every effort that all involved members are fully informed and understand their contractual rights.

Please Note! There is a Change in our General Membership Meeting Site!
Next Meeting – Monday, September 26, 2005, at 10:00 AM

Our General Membership Meetings (formerly held at the NE National Guard Armory) will now be held in the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Building located at 2522 Marshall St NE in Minneapolis. Local 160 of the IBEW has generously agreed to let us use their meeting space in order to conduct our monthly meetings. Our first meeting for the 2005-2006 meeting year will be at 10:00 AM, Monday September 26th. Please make plans to attend. Additionally, won’t you keep our Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 160 in mind due to their support of members of the Minneapolis Area Local of the APWU!

Mpls. APWU Denticare Dental Plan
OPEN SEASON INFORMATION

Act Today -- Open Season Ends September 9, 2005!

The Minneapolis Area Local, APWU Dental Plan has been a resounding success for years. Our plan continues to be contracted with Denticare for another year beginning October 1, 2005 and will provide orthodontic benefits (braces) for dependent children and adults.

Open Season for you to join the Mpls. APWU Dental Plan is NOW.

You have until Sept 9, 2005 to join our Regular #G508, Basic #G608 or Comprehensive #G708 Plans.

Your coverage will become effective for one Contract year on October 1, 2005.

This will be your ONLY opportunity to join until next Open Season in August 2006.

If you currently have this Dental Program we encourage you to review your mailing to note the benefit limits initiated for the next contract year. If you wish to continue with your Denticare for another 12 months at the monthly premiums listed below, you need not respond. However, if you wish to add or drop family members, change coverage, or drop this Dental Plan effective October 1, 2005 you MUST respond. YOUR OPEN SEASON TO MAKE CHANGES IS NOW!

(Regular)G508 (Basic) G608 (Comprehensive) G708
Member Only $ 20.00 $ 22.00 $ 30.00
Member & 1 Dependent $ 29.00 $ 38.00 $ 58.00
Member + 2 or 3 $ 38.00 $ 59.00 $ 86.00
Member + 4 or more $ 47.00 $ 77.00 $113.00

If you do not have this dental plan, THIS WILL BE THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY THIS YEAR FOR MINNEAPOLIS APWU MEMBERS TO JOIN THE MPLS APWU DENTICARE PLAN.