Mail Handler Power – Together! ‘Mail Handler Power’ is all about the togetherness and unity of its members. The Postal Service is a melting pot of various races, ages, gender orientations, religions, politics, beliefs and cultures. We come together from very different backgrounds and lineages but we unite together in a representative Union! Togetherness is vital to our success and yet, sometimes, we are tested by management and even ourselves as to whether we are united or divided.
Jeff Morgan| Treasur-
Well, such is a time now. With a pandemic raging, USPS survival being threatened, and with a new Postmaster General, there are many threats and challenges confronting us. Sticking together and having each others’ backs is now more important than ever. It’s now more important than ever but it isn’t going to be easy. I would like to welcome all of the new MHA members that have recently been hired. If you would like to ask some questions or just talk, please don’t hesitate to visit the Union office or use our contact list in this newsletter. We are here for you and eager to show you what unionism is all about and how important it is for all of us. And as we start to see an increase in cases of COVID-19 again, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the Mail Handlers who have been wearing a mask. It is vitally important that we take care of each other and protect each other from contracting this very contagious and unpredictable virus. Still, not everything is known about this virus; however, there is overwhelming evidence now that wearing masks helps stop the spread significantly. Wearing it is of utmost importance to care that others do not get the virus if you are carrying it, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. It’s certainly true that, if you have COVID-19, the best way to spread it is by not staying at home and not wearing a mask. With the rate that this virus is increasing now with the opening up of businesses and such across the United States, We must practice the best hygiene practices. If you haven’t already, please Google or YouTube a video showing how surgeons wash their hands. They wash in between the fingers, deep into the palms, around the thumbs, and wrapping the wrists. When they prac-
4
ticed washing with grease, it showed how the surgeons’ technique of washing left no spot uncovered. Postal management at the General Mail Facility had the bright idea to institute a realignment that would combine start times on all shifts during a pandemic. I filed an OSHA complaint and about a week later Postal headquarters gave the orders to cancel all the realignment bids, abolishment's, and time changes. It was this action that should convince you that “safety” to postal management involves what is convenient or only necessary in disciplinary proceedings. They all should have been fired. If management tries to pull the same stunt again before this pandemic is over and under control, I will file more OSHA complaints. According to our National Office, other facilities across the nation were not going through with any realignments. Ours was an exception. That should tell you everything you need to know about our management. I would also like to thank all Mail Handlers for the opportunity to serve another three years term as your Local Treasurer. It is an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. I would also like to congratulate all of the new Officers of our Union and thank all those who have served in the past. At times it is a very demanding job representing our members’ interests, issues, grievances, and concerns but it is very rewarding when someone shakes your hand and tells you that you made their day and night a lot better. We have your back. We also need your statements of clerks and supervisors performing Mail Handler work during these difficult times. We have made no agreement and need all eyes and ears on the violations. We will file! Together we will be stronger and wiser in affecting change, control, and justice on the workroom
