Sam s Conner

By Samuel Koduah Vice President I, with a humble heart will like to thank the whole local 321 for voting me as the new Vice President. I hope next time around we will have a bigger turn out. I have observed with great concern the development during this covid period. The proposed changes lingering on at the Denver GMF. By mid-July we all will know what to expect. Whether we are going to have the re-alignment or not. But there are notable things I will like to address here:

The union is not in favor of the re-alignment but once management insist on going forward the union will be obliged to make sure that less mail handlers are impacted. This we can assure the membership. The COVID-19 liberal leave was extended till July 17 2020. Note that if it’s not extended (if extended again, it will be posted) we have to be mindful of our call ins. management is poised to start issue disciplines right after July 17 th . The new group of management have flexed their muscles waiting to do damage to us. If you need time off and it’s possible request leave in advance. The COVID-19leave is still active. Emergency sick leave is till december31st. If you need this leave please talk to your supervisor. Request the leave on PS form 3971 with the appropriate code. Some members have issues with wearing face mask/shield. With documentation from a physician, you may not be required to wear one. Please be mindful that is a protection for yourself and others working around you. Let’s stay safe.

We are beginning to see safety hazards at the dock and the isle ways. Couple of PS form1767 have been filled and turned in to management. The union has filed OSHA complaint. We expect OSHA to be in the plant anytime. If you are approached by OSHA official please let them know your frustrations and solutions.

ONCE AGAIN I DO APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE AND TRUST. THANK YOU ALL

By Bob Koryto Hello my name is Branch President Denver NDC Bob Koryto and I am the new Branch President at the NDC. I hail from Grand Rapids, Michigan and bring 12 years steward experience (7 here in Denver). Being new to this position I would like to address this letter to the newer MHAs. For all new hires, welcome to the USPS. Here are a few pointers to help you navigate through your first 90 working days.

Rule number one: show up. This is probably pretty selfexplanatory. Rule number two: be on time. This includes not only showing up at your scheduled reporting time but go to and come back from breaks/lunch in a timely fashion. Rule number three: stay in your work area. The less management has to search for you the better. Keeping a low profile is key to success.

Paid leave is at a premium. There never seems to be enough of it. One way you can increase your paid leave balance is to take leave in lieu of holiday pay. MHAs can choose this option for six postal holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). This will increase your leave balance by 8 hours instead of the usual 4 per pay period (depending on how many hours you work). That comes out to a potential extra 48 hours of leave per year.

Which brings me back to rule number four: whenever possible try to get your leave pre-approved. We all understand circumstances come up beyond our control which makes it necessary to call in. You can't predict when you are going to be sick, have vehicle emergencies, home emergencies, etc. But if you can minimize these unscheduled absences it works in your favor.

Rule number five (which I like to add): don't listen to the crap house lawyers. If you want a straight answer come to the Union. We are glad to help you on questions you may have. One more thing about your leave balance.

What you don't use by the end of your appointment you get paid for.