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WMAL - APWU
Grand Rapids Installation
LABOR - MANAGEMENT MEETING
February 15, 2007
10:00AM

MANAGEMENT: Ron Portolese (Postmaster), Daryle Rocco (Senior MDO), Bill Nelson (Maint. Mgr), Fred Quillin (T-3 MDO), Mike Crisman (T-2 MDO), Darlene Brenner (MDO), Jennifer Wagner (SDO), Petri McHerron (personal), and Teresa Miller (Labor).

UNION: Jennifer Amos (President), Amy Marcus (Exec. Vice President), Steve Lang (Maint. Craft Director), and Scott Larabel (MVS Craft Director).

Old Business

1. The union would like to know the status on hiring additional clerks as most operations are very short staffed. Ron reported that there was no request at this time to hire in customer service. Bill reported that maintenance will be hiring custodian for the P-3 (approx. 10 positions not including the 3 current vacant duty assignments). This should be happening within the next month. Rocco stated that the plant has been approved to hire clerks (approx. 20 but that is not definite).

2. The union is again requesting that management abide by the National Agreement and allow the PTF clerks to pref on residual vacancies. As stated before management is withholding more vacancies then needed. Lengthy discussion between the parties. Amy expressed concern of management’s blatant violation of Article 37 of the National Agreement. Teresa Miller informed the union to appeal the grievance up to her and she will address the issue.

New Business

1. The union would like to discuss the AI, to include the position of Management on whether or not this is going to impact the clerk craft. This question was referred to the most recent RI-399 meeting.

2. Work orders submitted for building repairs and cleaning at the VMF have not been acted on and correspondence with the maintenance dept. has been ignored. Scott Larabel stated that numerous requests for work to be done at the VMF have not been filled. Bill said that John Briggs has a custodian there and all he has to do is request equipment and have the custodian perform the work. He stated he will talk to John.

3. Mechanic positions at the VMF have not been filled yet. What if anything has management done to fill these vacancies? Petri stated that no requests have been made.

4. This union has been notified that “shared services” has informed employees that because OPF’s are housed in this office employees supervisors can request them for review and they will be sent to the supervisor. Petri McHerron is denying this, stating that employees must make and appointment in personnel to view them. Petri stated this is false. If an employee works on T-1 they can request them through their supervisor who will then request them from Brenda Sukstas. However employees cannot take the files, they will have to review them with their supervisor present. Petri stated the the OPF’s will be moving to district at the end of phase 3 and will soon be moved to EOPF (online).

5. Issues at the P-1 with Nichon Perrier and the badges. This union would like to know why employees that work on the FSm are the only ones that cannot punch in at the same clock as the rest of the employees at the P-1. Other issues will be brought up in regards to her making employee’s moves and improperly inputting employees leave requests. Lengthy discussion between Amy, Mike, and Rocco. Amy brought it mgmt’s attention about Nichon improperly granting someone a “day of mourning” before the actual day of mourning was. Amy further addressed issues when Nichon was not moving employees to the proper operation when it wasn’t beneficial to her and a possible grievance may exist. Rocco said he will speak with Tom Borello and have him address the situation with Nichon.

6. T-3 automation is not allowing employees to observe their normal begin Tour on the holiday. These employees are processing standard mail. Amy requested that Fred look into and allow employees to observe their normal begin tour in accordance with Art. 11 of the National Agreement. Amy further expressed concern that employees are being forced in to process standard mail. Fred said he will look into it and follow up with the union.

7. This union would like to know why it is that the mail handlers are Allowed to utilize the power equipment but the expediters are denied the opportunity. Some expediters have been trained to use this equipment and then denied the opportunity to do so. Why would management take a position that could cause injury to the clerks? Rocco stated this is a position from area (Larry Parker), and belongs to the mail handlers craft due to the PIT training. Lengthy discussion. The union notified that a grievance would be filed.

8. Issues with timeliness when it comes to meeting with the Step 2 designee. Teresa stated that she is trying to stay on top of things, she is going to set a certain date that she will meet with each tour, and hopefully this will alleviate some of the issues.

Added Agenda

1. The union would like to know what the status is on the camera’s for Seymour Square. Ron stated that the request is not a priority for this year. The postal inspectors rated this office as a “medium level” threat. Ron has requested a second audit with the inspectors be conducted. He further stated that if this office becomes a “higher level” risk then the cameras can be processed within this year’s budget.

2. Issues with station managers on requesting certain pool clerks and gong in any type of order. Jennifer suggested that the station mgr’s speak to the pool supervisor and make it more equitable.

3. Holiday scheduling between the plant and customer service. Lengthy Discussion about senior employees in the plant being forced in on the holiday schedule for jobs that have no skills and junior employees in the stations not being utilized. Ron said he will follow up with the plant from now on.

4. Overtime Agreement. Amy requested that Rocco agree to extend the Art. 8/overtime agreement thorugh the next quarter. He concurred.

Respectfully Submitted

Amy Marcus
Executive Vice President

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