Flash Bulletins are paid for by members of the APWU. Information contained in these bulletins is intended for APWU members. Member questions and/or comments regarding any flash bulletin content are always encouraged. Reading of publications prepared for and financed by dues paying members by those who do not is yet one more example of non-members accepting benefits that have been paid for by others!

Staffing Projection Update(s)

The Union participated in a Labor/Management meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2005, where management discussed a number of projected plans that will affect staffing to different degrees when they are implemented. On the agenda was the ongoing plan to “decentralize” incoming letter and flat operations, SPBS on Tour 1 & 3 in the Main Plant, Tour 3 Box Section and the scheduled arrival of the Automated Tray Handling System (ATHS).

While we have been in ongoing discussions regarding management’s decentralization plans, the other projections were more of an FYI about future plans than they were detailed discussions. Management is still required to give the Union “official” notice when they propose to impact duty assignments. Because there are differing notification requirements (depending on the type excessing that is proposed and the particular staffing change) it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict exactly when intended changes will take place until we get the official notice. Even after receipt of the notice, projections are subject to change (and normally do) as we attempt to minimize the impact.

Bidding Advice – Our advice has always been that if you are in a section where there are staffing changes being proposed, only bid out of your job if you see another you would prefer on the bid sheet. Do not bid out to a job you do not prefer because of a projected change that has not been defined. As soon as we are given “defined” information all members will be notified.

Tour 3 Box Section – We have received official notification from management that they propose to excess employees from the Box Section on Tour 3. We have not been given any definitive date when this will occur and management has not met with us in order to discuss what they are proposing. When this meeting takes place and management gives us the documentation that substantiates their need to impact the section, we will use all resources available in order to reduce the impact being proposed. After receiving official notice and participating in at least one meeting with management, we will also determine if management is contractually compliant and file all appropriate grievances if they are not.

Decentralization – The Union and management have met several times regarding management’s intentions to shift the processing of Incoming Manual letters and flats from the Minneapolis P&DC to the Stations. To date management has told us they prefer to implement this change in segments. Zone(s) 3 & 5 and 4 & 54 are scheduled to be the first zones they will attempt to move. When this entire project is completed it will have impacted all zones with only zones 1, 2, and 15 remaining in the plant. To date management has not given us any definitive date on when this transformation will be complete. We will continue to meet with management in order to have regular updates and input on this major staffing change. When and if we get definitive dates or learn of new elements that could affect those impacted, this information will be relayed to all involved.

SPBS – As previously mentioned, management has informed us they anticipate making changes that will affect Tour 1 and 2 SPBS duty assignments in the Main Plant. We have not been given official notification as to when this will take place or other pertinent details to date.

ATHS – Arrival is scheduled to take place in March 2006. This implementation will have an effect of reducing assignments in flat automation. No other details have been provided to date.

Information – Our information sharing process is to first inform your Stewards and Officers with jurisdiction in facilities and/or sections where impact is being proposed so they can then inform our members. We will then publish all appropriate information and updates in our flash bulletins…..Stay tuned.

Severe Storms of September 21, 2005 - See Your Steward or Tour Officer If:

On the evening of Wednesday, September 21, 2006, the Twin Cities experienced severe storms. Many areas suffered major damage, power outages, etc. If you were unable to report to work, or delayed from reporting to work due to those storms please contact your Tour’s Union Officer. In the Tour and/or Craft(s) that may have been affected the Union has entered into a settlement with management that may allow for leave type adjustments to be made by affected employees covered under the settlement. See your Tour Officer ASAP as the leave changes must be invoked no later that November 25, 2006.

Station/Associate Office Visits

During the week of November 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. ..

Maintenance Craft Members Note!
KSA 36, Test Equipment, High Failure Rates and Re-Rating Process

We have received a report from headquarters that there was a problem with test 932 (written exam for ET) which is taken to qualify for standing on the Promotion Eligibility Register (PER). The reported problem relates specifically to KSA 36, Test Equipment.

We have been advised that the USPS has revised test 932 sometime in March-April of 2004. Along with re-validating the test they have been engaged in re-rating all maintenance craft employees who were previously rated as ineligible on test 932! If you have previously taken the 932 and feel you were adversely affected, contact your steward ASAP!

Federal Employees Health Benefit Open Season
November 14, 2005 thru December 13, 2005

During Open Season you can:

· Join a Federal Plan If you Do Not have One-

· Change from one Plan to Another or one Option to Another-

· Change from Self to Family Coverage or visa versa-

The APWU Health Plan has among the Highest Ratings of all the Plans in FEHBP.

The APWU Health Plan has Reduced Most Premiums for 2006 giving you significant savings from your current provider.

The APWU Health Plan has Outstanding Benefits that can compete side by side with all others in the Program.

The APWU Health Plan gives you a choice of either High Option or the Consumer Driven Option depending on your individual Family needs.

The APWU Health Plan has materials and representatives available to you in your Union Office. Call or stop in and we will be happy to answer your questions.