(New)
(New)
Union Member Appreciation Logo
and T-Shirt Contest
Creativity in New Opportunities!
Calling all union members! As we closely approach contract negotiations that are set to begin in June, our local union would like to show our appreciation by having a contest for a new logo and slogan for our t-shirts and apparel of 2024. Simply upload your design by clicking the upload button below. Based on a majority vote, the winner will have their design featured on this year's apparel. Voting designs will occur sometime in June. The winner and results will be announced sometime in late June to early July.
Make Your Voices Heard!
Let's Bring Back More Social Events!
Building a stronger and more active membership makes us powerful. Whether we are fighting for a good, fair new union contract in June, protecting our jobs during proposed consolidations due to the Postal Service’s network modernization, or defending our safety in the workroom or, working together in a union is what wins the day!
Every year, as postal workers retire and new hires join our ranks, the privatizers and corporate giants hope our union will get weaker – that new hires will fail to join the union and pay their dues, until one by one, our union shrinks, and we are too weak to fight off their attacks.
The outcome of this contract depends on our union’s power and leverage. We are the American Postal Workers Union! Since our first collective bargaining agreement in 1971, we have stood together time and time again to improve our wages, our benefits, and our rights in the workplace. With the opening of contract negotiations just months away this is an important time to build our strength.
Between April 1 and June 25, we call on all active members to have conversations with every coworker to ensure they’re signed up as a member. That will put us in the best possible position to enter into negotiations for a new contract with the full force of our worker power behind us!
If we work together, we can keep our union strong, and protect our families and our livelihoods for years to come.
So let's bring back some events and campaign hard to make our voices heard!
Monthly Newsletter
May 01, 2024
May 2024 Newsletter Released!
The May 2024 newsletter has been released to members and our current mailing list! Here is what's new in our local union and what was covered at the E-Board Meeting and General Membership Meeting!
Union Member Appreciation
T-Shirts and Apparels
Building a stronger and more active membership makes us powerful. Whether we are fighting for a good, fair new union contract in June, protecting our jobs during proposed consolidations due to the Postal Service’s network modernization, or defending our safety in the workroom or, working together in a union is what wins the day!
Every year, as postal workers retire and new hires join our ranks, the privatizers and corporate giants hope our union will get weaker – that new hires will fail to join the union and pay their dues, until one by one, our union shrinks, and we are too weak to fight off their attacks.
The outcome of this contract depends on our union’s power and leverage. We are the American Postal Workers Union!
With it being a new contract negotiation year, during the executive board meeting (E-Board), a motion and budget have been passed to allocate $20,000 for union member appreciation mainly for t-shirts in the year 2024. The e-board and general meeting opened up the motion and budget to also include other types of apparel such as beanies, ball caps, cycling hats, mugs, keychains, lanyards, and ID Holders. An e-board committee will come together to discuss the design and distribution of apparel.
Bring Back More Social Events!
Following the statement above, another motion has been brought up by our Motor Vehicle Service Director, Thomas Locke, about bringing back more social events such as picnics and Dodgers Night at the union office.
With it being a new contract negotiation year, we need members and even non-members to socialize and get out there to promote the union!
Some events that we had in mind include picnics at local parks, Dodger's/Game Night at the union office (chips, watching the Dodger's game with family and friends at the union office, and play cards/board games/video games), bonfires, dances, etc.
Please kindly note that the union can plan or coordinate these events, a permit and a budget must be obtained before proceeding with any social events. To minimize costs and to keep these events social and accessible, we strongly recommend those who want to attend the events provide or bring their supplies, food, games from home, etc.
Thomas Locke and his committee will get together to propose a budget and location after the national convention. But he also needs your help! For more information, please contact him at
Motor Vehicle Services Director
Thomas Locke
WE NEED SOLIDARITY! WE NEED MORE UNION EVENTS!
LET'S GET TOGETHER!
Please kindly also take a quick survey and feedback forms as to what events would you like to bring back or have and any feedback you have for the union!
Fountain Valley (FV) Annual Summer Fest!
June 13-16, 2024
What is another good way to get together with members, family, and friends? Simple! Attend an already-planned event like SummerFest!
Fun awaits you at the 2024 Fountain Valley Summerfest from Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16 at the Fountain Valley Sports Park.
Rock with a jam-packed line-up of live concerts on the Floor & Decor Stage. Soar to new heights as you spin around and upside-down in the Fun Zone where you can enjoy carnival rides and play games for all ages.
Taste delicious eats-sweet treats, savory bites, and fest favorites along with adult beverage options including our signature drink, Summer Smash.
Come out to support the Fountain Valley Community Foundation Stage, a dazzling array of talented performers that will feature local area dancing troupes, theater groups, and music groups such as high school and small bands.
Make sure to visit all the amazing vendors (this could be a potential opportunity to promote the union here)!
Be mesmerized by the FREE Drone Shows on Friday and Saturday night that will light up the sky of the Fountain Valley Sports Park.
Summer has never been so much fun!
Parking is free with only a $5 admission per person!
More information can be found at the link below!
Building Trust Through
Transparency and Honesty
A major issue that was discussed during the general membership meeting pertains to the matter as to why the treasury/finance report has not been publicized or made available for union members for some time. The president, Mr. Garrett Jenkins, stated during the general membership meeting that the finances should now be up-to-date in the system, but does not want to release the report as there might still be some inaccuracy. Mr. Garrett Jenkins then stated that the union finances are in "good standing."
Communication is also key in maintaining the trust and grievance process for local members.
A transparent labor union contributes to higher union members' satisfaction, better retention, and a stronger reputation overall. Achieving a culture of transparency, honesty, and openness between leadership and members should be a top priority!
The outcome of contract negotiations, grievances, or general questions depends on open communication, honesty, integrity, transparency, and trust!
If we work together and unite together as a group, we can keep our union strong, and protect our rights, our families and our livelihoods for years to come. That is why we stewards need your support in writing statements (can be found at apwu917.org/contact-us) and coming together to fight management!
There is an article below if one chooses to read about how serious integrity and transparency are.
APWU 27th Biennial National Convention
July 15 – 18, 2024
Detroit, MI
APWU locals and state organizations, please send your full quota of delegates and kindly join us at this year's national convention.
View Recent APWU Events
- Sat, Apr 27Costa MesaApr 27, 2024, 4:00 PMCosta Mesa, 151 Kalmus Dr STE H7, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
- Sat, Jan 27Costa MesaJan 27, 2024, 4:00 PMCosta Mesa, E, 151 Kalmus Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
BREAKING NEWS (EMERGENCY UPDATES)
EMERGENCY!
PREPARE AND PREVENT
Emergency Update
April 11, 2024
CALL FOR ACTION!
DO NOT BYPASS THE HAZMAT QUESTION!
Postal service management has been introducing changes that add complexity to our daily tasks without addressing service improvements or ensuring adequate staffing.
The latest concern is the "Hazmat Question Bypass," which primarily impacts many window clerks in our local. We've witnessed several clerks walked out due to this issue.
Please review the following points to protect yourselves!
"Bypassing the HAZMAT Question":
Window clerks are REQUIRED TO VERBALLY ASK the HAZMAT QUESTION for each transaction handled over the counter. Currently, there is no policy, regulation, or training that explicitly states clerks MUST obtain customer responses through the Customer Display Unit (CDU) (credit/debit card reader).
Regarding the RSS, there is a button available to bypass customer entry. However, management is emphasizing that it's MANDATORY for the customers to answer the HAZMAT question on the Customer Display Unit. It's worth noting that the PO-209 (Retail Operations Handbook 2021) mentions the HAZMAT question and CDU primarily in the context of
the RCE (Mystery Shopper Program).
Management CANNOT use the RCE/Mystery Shopper Program for disciplinary purposes.
If Management conducts a Stand-Up meeting, politely request that management provide a copy of the postal policy or formal training that mandates customers answer the HAZMAT question on the Customer Display Unit (CDU).
What if you bypass the HAZMAT question?
Immediately note for yourself the date and approximate time of any transactions where you bypassed the HAZMAT question.
Management will receive a report detailing who bypassed the HAZMAT question and how many times.
If management informs you of being placed (walked out) on 16.7 (Emergency Placement), follow their instructions, clock out, and immediately contact your union representatives by filling out the "Contact Us Form" on the union website at apwu917.org/contact-us or by
calling 714-660-2882.
What you can do to protect yourself:
Attempt to have the customer answer the HAZMAT question on the Customer Display Unit with EVERY transaction.
While it's not mandatory, it's important to comply with management’s instructions regarding the HAZMAT question.
If you experience equipment failure, notify the customer, inform a supervisor that your system is not functioning, and make a note for yourself. It is also recommended to file a "security/poor financial practice" if management fails to address the issue and fix the equipment failure as soon as possible as this is a safety risk to BSA and terminal transactions. The form can be found at apwu917.org/forms.
When processing a Zero PVI, inform the supervisor first and make a note for yourself.
Verbally asking the HAZMAT question remains MANDATORY for the safety of the mail and coworkers.
The Hazmat question is as follows:
"Does your item(s) or parcel(s) contains any liquid, anything fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous such as 'lithium batteries, perfume, mercury, or aerosols?'"
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact your steward or your local office.
Thank you for your attention and diligence in upholding safety protocols.
Yours in union solidarity,
Your Local Union Officers, Stewards, and Representatives
Southwest Coastal Area Local 917 (APWU 917)
You can also read the full article/urgent newsletter here.
Local News
Local news delivered to you, the members
Pre-Convention Workshop!
The Research & Education Department will sponsor 24 Pre-Convention Workshops on Friday, July 12, 2024, prior to the start of the craft conferences and national convention, at the Huntington Place Convention Center, Detroit, Michigan.
All APWU members are welcome and must register online by the Monday, July 1, 2024 deadline.
Participants are encouraged to register early, as classroom space is limited. Participants may sign up for workshops after arriving in Detroit but will have limited choices of workshops, as many will already be filled.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THESE PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOPS ARE AT THE APWU MEMBERS OWN EXPENSE.
IF ONE PLANS TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL CONVENTION, HE OR SHE MUST BE A DELICATE!
A list of workshops and times can be found at the link below.
Here are some highlighted workshops:
Basic Shop Steward’s Training:
Dealing with a Hostile Work Environment and Handling Postal “Monsters”:
Fighting to Save Jobs Due to Closures and Consolidations:
Labor Law Fundamentals:
Leadership Development:
Safety and Health
The Industrial Relations Director is charged with responsibility for the health and safety of all divisions of the Union. Article 14 of the National Agreement requires management to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees covered by the agreement. To achieve this end, the contract provides for the establishment of joint safety and health committees at various levels throughout the Postal Service.
HOW TO REPORT HAZARDS, UNSAFE CONDITIONS OR PRACTICES WITH PS FORM 1767
You can use PS Form 1767 is to be used to report hazards, unsafe conditions, work practice and, in the opinion of the APWU, hostile work environments. You can use this form to report anything that you think could jeopardize your health: Dirty conditions, pests, mold, disturbed or broken building materials (tiles, insulation, etc.)
Fifth Cola Increase Announced
In accordance with the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement, career employees represented by the APWU will receive a $0.17 per hour cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), effective March 09, 2024.
The increase is the result of a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) and will appear in paychecks dated March 29, 2024 (Pay Period 07-2024). The COLA for full-time employees in each step and grade will amount to $354 annually, and the hour rates for part-time employees will be adjusted accordingly.
COLA and You
Rising inflation underscores the importance of our negotiated Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) within our union contract, made possible by the strength of our membership. COLAs are our best protection against inflation. Postal Workers are some of the few U.S. workers who receive COLA increases. Even in the postal world, we are the only postal union maintaining full COLA in our union contract.
“Once again, union-won COLAs prove how invaluable our contractual rights are to postal workers and our families,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “We will continue to fight to maintain full COLA provisions in our upcoming contract.”
Please be aware that neither the local nor national APWU has any legal or moral obligation to assist those wanting to opt-out or want to be non-members.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS!
The COLA adjustments for career employees during the 2021-2024 contract cummlatively totaled $5325 every year!
Though Postal Support Employees (PSEs) do not receive cost-of-living increases, they have received several additional increases beyond the general wage increases for all employees in the APWU bargaining unit under the 2021 contract. However, when PSEs convert to career, the COLA increases are also included in their base wages going forward.
THAT'S A WIN!
Demand An End to Short Staffing
In the USPS
The United States Postal Service is an essential part of the fabric of our community and our country. We depend on reliable postal services.
Whether it’s important business, picking up a package, or checking in with family and friends, we need a post office that is open and fully staffed with the trained, dedicated postal workers we trust with our mail and packages.
It is unacceptable to us when our post offices are unexpectedly closed, hours are shortened, and lines are long due to staffing shortages.
We call on you to make every effort to keep our post office open at convenient and reasonable hours and properly staffed to provide the “prompt, reliable, and efficient” service we deserve under the law.
Stop Supervisors From Performing
Bargaining Unit Clerk Work
Supervisors are PROHIBITED from performing bargaining unit work at post offices with 100 or more bargaining unit employees, except:
1. In An Emergency (by acts of God).
SHORT STAFFING DOES NOT QUALIFY AS AN EMERGENCY!
2. For the purpose of training or instructions of employees (Instructions limited to only on how to operate/perform a function and not of a direct order from a supervisor).
3. To ensure the proper operations of equipment.
4. To protect the safety of employees.
5. To protect the property of the USPS (Such as: Building and Equipment property).
Technically, although it is for the exclusive use of the USPS, it is still, essentially, the property of the people or business.
In offices with LESS THAN 100 bargaining unit employees, supervisors are PROHIBITED from performing bargaining unit work except as enumerated in Section 6.A.1 through 5 above or when the duties are included in the supervisor's position description (mail pickup and "managing the line" are considered clerk work).
Please also follow the proper grievance process.
Address Change?
Has your address changed since first joining APWU?
There are a few ways in which a local union or state organization can update members’ addresses.
1) Local unions and state organizations can change member’s address at the local or state level. The President or Secretary-Treasurer may log in to the Members Only section and click on the “Change Address” tab.
2) Members can change their address themselves when accessing the Members Only section of the website.
-
Visit www.apwu.org
-
Click the Members Only tab
-
Log In
-
Username = EIN
-
Password = last name (all lowercase) and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
-
If you should need assistance in resetting your account and/or password, please e-mail myunioninfohelp@apwu.org
-
3) Mail or e-mail the member’s new address to the Per Capita Department. Please include the following information:
-
Member’s Full Name
-
Local/State Organization
-
New Address
E-mail to myunioninfohelp@apwu.org or mail to American Postal Workers Union, Attn: Per Capita Department, 1300 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
