President's Report
Carl E Blassingame, Jr.
As we watch local and national news there is no doubt that Washington is dysfunctional and it isn’t clear what direction they will lead the country. With the current House and Senate looking at ways to take away the benefits and the future of the working class, including government workers, which means “US” the letter carriers, we can no longer sit on the sidelines and expect someone else to do the work for us. As Branch Officers we must begin to educate our members on what is at stake if we allow the wrong people to get into office.
A famous person once said; “Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.” - Abraham Lincoln’s First Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1861
Unions have fought for the rights of workers for centuries to ensure they have a decent living wage and benefits for themselves and their families. Our members have to understand that the Postal Service did not choose to give you the wages and benefits you enjoy today. It was the NALC that fought to protect your rights. Fought for decent wages and benefits to support your family. If it was up to the Postal Service your pay would be less for the work you do and you most likely would not have any pension or health insurance.
Unions are only as strong as the members that support them. This union is “YOUR” union. The union that “WE” sometimes take for granted even though your leaders will continue to fight for your rights even if we refuse to fight for ourselves. It will take all of us, collectively, to fight for our jobs and benefits and ensure that our Congressional leaders understand they work for us. As our work force begins to look younger, we have to educate our newest members so they understand not only how a union functions but how Congress continues to find ways to attack what our union leaders continue to fight for in this new contract.
Unions play a crucial role in safeguarding our rights and the well-being of all workers. Here are some reasons why unions are important.
Collective Bargaining:
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When workers form a union, they negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Employer. This agreement covers pay, benefits, and other employment terms. It ensures transparency, equity, and fairness in compensation for workers. This also includes a Grievance and Arbitration process.
Higher Wages:
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Unionized workers earn 86% more than non-union workers. Union’s Advocate for better pay and benefits, contributing to improved financial stability for workers.
Voice on Workplace issues:
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Workers desire a say in the workplace. Unions provide a platform for employees to voice concerns about safety, health, and other workplace issues.
Enforcing the Contract:
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Unions assist in enforcing workers’ rights on the workroom floor. They empower employees to address workplace safety violations, wage theft, and other violations that occur by management.
As a union we must ensure our members have a safe and violent-free work environment, The USPS is required by the National Agreement, its handbooks and manuals, and the law to provide this.
The Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace states:
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The USPS is committed to dignity, respect and fairness for all postal employees as a fundamental human right. They also promised to rid the Postal Service of the harassing, intimidating and abusive behavior that can lead to workplace violence. It further states, “Making the numbers” is not an excuse for the abuse of anyone.
Management’s own handbook, the M-39 section 115.4 Maintain Mutual Respect Atmosphere: states;
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The National Agreement sets out the basic rules and rights governing management and employees in their dealings with each other, but it is the front-line manager who controls management’s attempt to maintain an atmosphere between employer and employee which assures mutual respect for each other’s rights and responsibilities.
Too many times we allow management to continue with their disrespect of our fellow members on the workroom floor without saying a word until it happens to us. Our contract is a strong Contract that protects each and every one of us when we address management and their wrong doings.
We should never give management the power to disrespect and abuse any of our members and all we do is turn our backs and walk away. I’m writing about this because I get too many calls concerning management’s total disrespect of our members and it seems as if nothing is being done to stop this from us, the members. “WE” have the power to make a difference in the workplace, it’s time that we step up, stand together and demand the respect we deserve.