Do You Get It?

            In the course of events during a normal work day for a steward are manifestations of frustration, maybe a little anger, feelings of incredulity, and perhaps in those moments of moral and literal victory, relief and happiness.  All these psychical reactions tend to release emotional heat.  Heat rises, growing in intensity if funneled into increasingly confined space. Leadership is the funnel. 

            Stewards handle issues and problems within their purview, directing upwards the others.  So it goes, up the line; and as the heat is funneled upwards, drawing from more sources in its ascent, its properties amplify.   

The properties of heat have always fascinated man.  Properly used, its benefits are still being discovered.  Improperly employed, the results can be catastrophic.  It can be used to bring warmth and light to millions.  Its power unrecognized or misdirected results in devastation to individuals.  We collectively generate the heat.  With our permission and support, NALC President Young directs it.   That is the system; that is the trust we place in him. 

During this most recent election cycle President Young expressed in no uncertain terms, and in action, that part of our goals and responsibilities were to help preserve, restore, and grow the middle class of this country.

I think most of us are concerned about the plight of the middle class.  The middle class (yes, Martha, there are economic classes in America), deriving from the ever perfecting dream that is America, has made the United States the marvel it is in modern world history.  Unions led the way to creation of the middle class.  Look around; YOU are part of the middle class, and you are under duress, dwindling.

Unions, IN UNION, fight the forces which wish to destroy us. Big corporate leaders and their minions only think of us in a benign manner; treating “workers” as necessary resources for accumulating their millions.   It all boggles the mind and is irritating, sometimes beyond belief.  Yet, I have read in some letter carrier blogs, heard at the National Convention, and around the state, that Bill has forgotten about the average letter carrier, gone off on some “save the world” tangent.  Well brothers and sisters, you are his world and he sees the potential devastation that awaits his world if we don’t remain involved, and become more involved, in stemming the anti-middle class, anti-union forces. 

Watch and listen to the stress that is being visited on our union brothers and sisters in other industries.  They are in real and immediate threat of losing their union jobs, their pensions, health care.  They are the immediate targets of powerful forces allied to bring union workers into economic level with third world workers.  We are part of that blue line.  If forces knock them off union by union, they WILL get to us.  Can we stand alone? 

I believe President Young is fully and responsibly aware of the daily issues with which letter carriers toil; and works constantly to alleviate the burden.  However, his job is to not only deal with the immediate, but to plan and work towards the future.  Does any letter carrier truly believe President Young and all the other National Officers are not aware management demonstrates EVERY DAY they are bent on destroying the Postal Service?  Do you really believe President Young doesn’t cringe over the fact the Postal Service is paying exponential hourly rates for Article 8 violations?  Do you think he doesn’t explore new ways to combat potential destruction of your job every minute of every day? 

The Postal Service is going to violate the contract every day; it isn’t right, but they will.  Today it was announced that thirty two thousand auto workers won’t have to worry about contract violations next year.  This does not mean we cower in fear of the future. This does not mean we don’t have to constantly and continually police our contract; to do less is to dishonor each other and all union workers. 

It does mean that unless we join with Bill and continue to fight for ourselves, all unions, and the middle class, then we won’t have to worry about management violating the contract in the future.  So, continue to fight stupid action from management every day; but remember, there is a big world out there.  No man is an island, no union is alone.  Bill get’s it.  Do you? 

Campaign Update

Congratulations to us all!   We have accomplished forward movement in our quest to change Texas into a union and worker friendly state.  It took the combined efforts of many, many letter carriers, our families, and our friends, but bricks have been taken out of the walls.  I can see the walls falling in the next cycle of elections. 

A post election first glance appeared to reveal that we actually lost ground.  Not only did we lose ground in a Congressional District represented by a letter carrier friendly member and targeted by both major political parties, but we also failed to prevail in a district which was trending strongly to the NALC endorsed candidate.  This, unfortunately, reduced the overall number of Congressional Representatives who have been friendly to the NALC and Labor in general, and who will take office next year. 

However, further examination of voting results showed we really did move forward.  Is there any doubt that President-Elect Obama and Vice-President Elect Biden will be much friendlier to Labor than their predecessors?  Is there any doubt the new Congress will be more sympathetic to our needs and goals?  I don’t think so.  In all, those candidates, and party, who are more in tune with overall letter carrier and labor issues made gains in the mass vote, building on the gains made in the previous election.  This is the reason I say the walls are looking very shaky around the house of anti-labor, anti-letter carrier forces.  

We also gained in the State House and Senate.  Although the State Senate is still weighed in favor of anti-worker members, we did make some gains there, and we can still add to those gains with the election of Chris Bell in a run-off election.  In the State House the anti-worker majority has been reduced to just one member; and that may change with the results of a re-count.  If the re-count results in removing from office the incumbent the House will have equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans.  This would probably result in changing the House from an overwhelming big business puppet to one which has to consider the needs of ALL Texans.  But why is this of concern to letter carriers? 

Anti-Letter Carrier, anti-Postal Service entities have been targeting various state legislatures to further their goals of killing the Postal Service, and consequently our jobs.  Just two years ago State Legislative Liaison Les Doss and I testified at a hearing at which a no mail (advertising mail)bill was being considered.  This bill, if passed, would have allowed any citizen to register with the State Attorney General to have any and all advertising mail from being delivered at their address.  This would have been catastrophic for us and our employer.  The sponsor of that bill was defeated this year, but our vigilance is essential.  The forces against us just don’t stop. 

Additionally, and maybe most importantly, is that the census comes around in two years.  With the census comes Congressional Re-districting.  This is done in the various state legislatures.  Although our legislature set precedent for mid-term re-districting, it is still paramount that we have a letter carrier and labor friendly legislature in 2011.  

All in all, we did make positive strides.  How did this happen?

Letter Carrier Activity

As noted above, many, many letter carriers participated in the election this year.  In fact, by the reports to me it is evident that we were more active than ever.  I want to thank each and every one of you for making a difference.   I take pride in knowing the TSALC had a part in furthering the goals of the NALC in this endeavor.  

The Officers of the TSALC and Legislative Liaisons participated in a renewed effort to continue changing the way we do business in elections, more in tune with the NALC.  Plans were developed, divisions of accountability were established, and results followed.  To be sure, as with all new policies and programs, there were glitches in the works, but what counts are the results.  Some who always volunteer and give volunteered more and gave more; some who have never volunteered or given, did so.  It’s the overall increase in effort that makes the difference.   We look forward to even greater participation and results in the future. 

I want to thank the whole Board of Officers of the TSALC, the Legislative Liaisons and the TSALC Auxiliary for their hard work during the campaign.  I also want to thank the officers and members of each branch for their special efforts.  I know many of you were working in the various campaigns to get letter carrier friendly candidates into office.  With some special notes:

District Board Members Eddie Odel (3) and Ron Eudy (4): these guys, along with Legislative Liaisons Keith Deason (13^th District) Tommy Jones (19^th District) , face an almost Sysyphean task every election.  They do not have the larger cities to help assuage the pain of overwhelming odds, and yet they keep plugging away. 

District Board Member Emre Edwards and Legislative Liaison Charlie Johnson (District 17):  Good work on helping get Congressman Chet Edwards re-elected in a district that is weighed heavily against him.  For Charlie, the Congressman knows who he is by mention of name, and that is one of the highest compliments for a Liaison. Emre worked in campaigns related to her area; hosting gatherings and coordinating for the TSALC.

District Board Member Jimmy Reyna (5) the Liaisons of San Antonio south, with special thanks to Herby Garza.  These guys are always tireless workers and even ramped it up for this election.  The results speak for themselves. 

District Board Member Shawn Boyd and Liaisons Bob Ramsey, Mitch Hanson, Kyle Verner, Shelby Clower, Louis Davis, Eugene Johnson, JP Ashley, Steve Ellenberg.  I mention all these guys because DFW is so intertwined with northeast Texas and I personally know the effort put out by these liaisons.  Shawn was instrumental in working with several candidates at different levels, especially with Senate Candidate Rick Noriega, and was instrumental in building bridges for the future. 

Director of Retirees Bennie Lloyd and Tonya.  Bennie was active as a one armed paper hanger  from the git-go in the spring and never let up.  He jumped into leadership in his county and with the TSALC.  Tonya has found new life in politics, becoming very active in politics in her county and the state, and representing the NALC, TSALCA and TSALC.

TSALC Treasurer Elisabeth Goodwin and Secretary Sharon Rucker.  Elisabeth and Sharon have been on the spot when called, offering and helping get the message out and accomplishing our goals.  This is in addition to carrying out their normal duties for the TSALC.

Vice-President Brad Ramey and District One Board Member Nikki Johnson.   National President Bill Young recognized the ability of these two when he made them part of the campaign NALC nationwide release team.  Brad and Nikki worked tirelessly with the Harris County Labor2008 effort.  They were especially involved, in that capacity, with the Cong. Dist. 22 race; working to get letter carriers and other labor people involved as volunteers and voters.  It would take pages to list all their accomplishments; in addition to accomplishing their duties as TSALC Officers. Brad exhibited his exceptional abilities as a release team member; Nikki has shown ability and enthusiasm beyond the call of duty. 

 I want to thank also Liaisons Paul Arceneaux, Bo Smith, Bill Frias, Ricky Dueboay, Darren Collins, James Minton; and special thanks to Willie Ferguson for his working with the team.  Special thanks goes to Frank Arldt and Les Doss for their tireless work on behalf of letter carriers and for the people of the Austin area and Cong. Dist 10.

The Board of Officers of the TSALCA.  President Judy Arldt and Vice-President/Legislative Organizer Peggy Morris and the other officers were essential to our efforts and they did not fail.  Peggy made sure that all the local auxiliaries were continually contacted during the campaign.  I want to thank the whole auxiliary for buying into and supporting the efforts of the TSALC.  Their contributions are critical and effective.  Thanks to all. 

NBA Gene Goodwin and his staff.  Gene and staff were released for the latter part of the campaign by National.   They did not fail.  Gene and Kathy worked in the Harris County area and Ken worked in New Mexico, successfully.  As much as for those efforts, Gene, Kathy and Ken never failed to help when asked, and took the lead with efforts for us.  Thanks to them all for their dedication and effort.  

NALC President Young and the Legislative Staff; especially Field Coordinator Lindsay Burr.  Bill has put together a process second to none.  He has built on the foundation put there by Vince Sombrotto, and deserves the credit.  The training and encouragement from the Legislative Staff was really evident this year, especially during the primaries, when I got reports from across the state that letter carriers were not only volunteering or being voted into leadership positions in the caucuses, but they were many times the most knowledgeable people at the caucuses.  This is from the NALC.  Be proud of it.  Jennifer, Seth, and Tucker were always there with guidance, support, and information.  Special thanks goes to Lindsay Burr for her support, guidance, knowledge, and git ‘er done attitude. 

I do not like to talk about myself, but I don’t want you to think I just sat around and collected reports.  Brad and I coordinated  the overall effort, and I concentrated on working with Senate Candidate Rick Noriega.  I was really, really looking forward to going to Washington and calling on a friend in the Senate, but that was just not to be.  We can debate the reasons and the why fors, but it just didn’t happen.  We will be working harder in the future. 

Others who need to be recognized:  Nancy Feldt, Pres. Br. 421 – calm demeanor and a cool head always and there with help and guidance.  Gilbert Abundis – always ready to help.  Oscar Cabral – he not only helps when asked, but is always looking for ways to make the effort more effective.  Trina Lastrap – thanks for all your time and help.  Mike Lee – worked his rear off for letter carriers and brings dedication to any cause.  Sid Simmons – was willing to help with whatever was asked.   Steve Ellenberg – when you think you are butting a brick wall and need a cheerleader for positive attitude, Steve is the guy.  Laura Maglaris – led efforts for Obama in East Texas.   Earl Hibbs – great sounding board and voice of reason for keeping on track.  

 This report is extra long but I wanted to try and mention several people for their efforts.  It never fails that someone is left out when you try to list folks for recognition and by no means do I want to do that; I apologize for omitting anyone.  Thank you all, thank you all.  

Mick

NALC 66^th Biennial Convention

President/Delegate-at-Large

             As with most national conventions, the anticipation and excitement inside the main convention hall was palpable; this year it seemed more so.  Perhaps this was because a pre-convention reception was canceled. 

            For many years the delegates and families have participated in a general reception on the Sunday night prior to the start of the convention.  At these functions old friends renew their relationships, new acquaintances are made.  Everyone has a good time, re-live old times, and discuss current events.  I think these grand exchanges were transferred to the general session Monday morning, making the electricity in the air even more exciting than usual. 

            I did not hear one delegate complain about the cancelation of the Sunday reception because, I think, all were in agreement with President Young on taking that action.  It would have been wrong to carry on business as usual when a sister union representing the workers who would have been putting on our party are involved in stressful talks with their employer.  We were asked to send a message and President Young sent the message.  Good for President Young, good for the delegates, and good for the NALC.             

Beginning the opening session, Secretary-Treasurer Jane Broendel introduced many retired national officers and the current national officers.  A very, very special treat for me personally and the delegates in general was the introduction of President Emeritus James Rademacher.  Jimmy was the National President during what were the most turbulent times in the NALC since our beginning.

Then, it was time for President Young to address the convention.  Bill came out with his usual enthusiasm.  The guy appears to have two speeds, stop and dead ahead; although we all know this is not the true whole picture of Bill.  He could not have led the NALC to accomplish what we have during his administration without his first having extreme ability and vision; wisdom to know when to use the velvet touch or the wrecking hammer, and his grasp of history and the American process in all facets.             

             President Young, in his address was foremost, positive, yet also pragmatic.  He talked about the general good works of the NALC with emphasis on certain noteworthy incidents.  Further, he reminded the delegates of the significant, continuing, evolution of processes developed or strengthened in the current contract; such as continued improvement of the Dispute Resolution Process, growing participation of letter carriers in Customer Connect and the resultant benefits in contract negotiations, and the almost revolutionary process of NALC participation in route evaluation re-design.                                       

He talked about the current state of affairs in our country and our relationship to those affairs.  An example of these relationships would be the next COLA building for letter carrier pay.  Bill emphasized that the NALC is perhaps the only large union still enjoying a cost of living provision in their contract, or at least one which has not been whittled or cut drastically; and at the same time, conditions which drive up the COLA are the very conditions which are contributing to the overall decline in the standard of living for the middle class.  Letter carriers, he said, are no less affected by the general conditions of the country than any other union or person.  President Young relayed that in no way should we miss the nexus within this paradox. 

He reminded the delegates, and all members, that the legislative/political process is as essential to our survival as the contract; they cannot be separated.  Young reported the challenges that have been met and the challenges yet to be overcome.  No small challenge, he said, is passing the Employee Free Choice Act.  This Act would make it less difficult for people to form and join unions.  He emphasized the fact that the number of unionized workers has declined precipitously during the regime of George Bush.  This, he said, is not by accident; Bush’s Administration has made it harder to form a union and to be a union.  President Young stressed, without building on the number of worker, union friendly members of Congress and without changing the Bush-like occupant of the White House, letter carriers and the rest of the middle class of this country will find it harder and harder to survive.  The way to overcome these challenges, he said,was to be involved in the NALC legislative and political process.                          

President Young commended those delegates and members who are participants in the main three thrusts of NALC legislative/political activity, CarrierCorp, COLCPE, and Activist.  More, he said, must be done, and to that end he announced that Thursday of the convention he encouraged every delegate show support by wearing a Super Delegate shirt.  However, to have a Super Delegate shirt, the delegate had to meet the criteria of contributing at least Gimme Five for COLCPE, be signed up as an Activist, and also a member of the CarrierCorp. 

Later, United States Senator and NALC endorsed candidate for President of the United States, Hillary Clinton addressed the convention.  Senator Clinton thanked the delegates, and all members of the NALC, for their exceptional support during the Presidential Primary.  She was received by the delegates with overwhelming enthusiasm.