We Are One:

• Martin Luther King, Jr., Peace And Memorial Park

McCain amendment would make postal workers pay more for health insurance:

from postalnews blog

US Postal Service employees pay less for their health and life insurance than other federal workers. While other employees have 72% of their health premiums paid for by the government, the postal service pays 79% of the premium for its employees. Postal executives pay nothing for health insurance.

An amendment introduced by Senator John McCain would change that, requiring the USPS not to exceed the percentage contribution paid for other federal workers. The amendment would be enforced by depriving the USPS of its borrowing authority in any fiscal year that it fails to comply:

TEXT OF AMENDMENT

SA 251. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 493, to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the end of the bill, add the following:
SEC. ___. LIMITATION ON POSTAL SERVICE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR LIFE INSURANCE AND HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS.
(a) In General.—If the Postmaster General does not submit a certification described under subsection (b) to Congress before fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter—
(1) no sums may be appropriated from the United States Treasury to the United States Postal Service with respect to that fiscal year; and
(2) notwithstanding section 2005(a) of title 39, United States Code, the United States Postal Service may not borrow any money under that section with respect to that fiscal year.
(b) Certification.—A certification referred to under subsection (a) is a certification that, with respect to the applicable fiscal year, the contributions by the United States Postal Service for employees for—
(1) life insurance benefits shall not exceed the maximum contribution provided for under section 8708 of title 5, United States Code; and
(2) health insurance benefits shall not exceed the maximum contribution provided for under section 8906 of title 5, United States Code.

What McCain, who knows better, ignores is:

Postal employees don’t get Locality Pay, like FEDERAL employee (almost 30% in Metro [DC] Areas) and in DC federal employees get $100+ every month to take the Metro to work. They also don’t get random federal holidays as announced by the President, any of those snow days the other agencies get off when their areas gets hit with snow. Nor does he offer to increase his own $0 premiums, or extend the retirement requirement for Congress to a minimum of 20 years like Postal Worker.      GlennDL

William R. Wright –W.W.

Candidate For:

• General President
• State & National Delegate

"THE RIGHT CHOICE"

 
To APWU Members:

A lot of information has been coming your way that affects your livelihood.  Obviously the ratification of the tentative agreement will not only be paramount in shaping your career, but redefining the business practices of the Postal Service.  I, as well as most, have some reservations concerning the use of " Postal Support Employees " ( PSE's, known formally as NCA's ) as they are not entitled to the entry level salaries and benefits that have been obtained through many years of tumultuous collective bargaining.  I hold in the highest regard the efforts of all of the former officers and the monumental successes that we have obtained through Collective Bargaining however,  given the current economical condition, both parties have reached an agreement that they thought would be the best resolution for not only the USPS but the American Postal Workers Union as well.  The Rank and File Committee confirmed 100 % their support for the agreement and I also concur with their decision.

I have attended the Tentative agreement briefing conducted in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 19, 2011 and have now provided an audio version of this event.  I suggest that you download and print the PowerPoint PDF provided on the www.right-choice.net  website [WEBINAR: CONTRACT Q & A's]; this will allow you to follow along and get a better understanding of this agreement.

Remember the new and final ballots for the local election will be sent on March 24, 2011. I ask for your continued support: William Wright WW Nancy Helms Don Packwood Greg Jones Mike Hale Loretta Maydwell Also: Vincent Norris Linda Daniels Tony "SUPERMAN" Moore

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Dave Whitaker:

Candidate For:

• General President
• State & National Delegate

ELECT ‘DAVE WHITAKER’ GENERAL PRESIDENT

I am serving in my ninth year as Executive Vice President. I am running for General President. I am running for President at the urging of several members from the Maintenance, Clerk and MVS crafts.  I decided that I could make a difference in the Local so I accepted the nomination. I am qualified to be President because I have the longest continuous tenure as an officer and a steward, in this Local.  Excellent training and ‘hard work’  have brought me the most all-around knowledge and experience, in this Local.

I will apply a structured approach when making a decision (identify, information, options, implement, monitor).

I will engage the Executive Board to structure a sound constitution and financial practices. I will require the officers and stewards to conduct business in accordance with the constitution.  I will encourage the officers and stewards to perform at their full-capacity, in order that the Local  utilize its limited resources more efficiently.  I will expect all officers and stewards to behave in a professional manner when interacting with a member.

I want to establish an increased dialogue with the membership.  This will guide the Local to understand the needs of our members and direct our efforts in those directions.
To achieve this the Local will need to use the Indy Info and bulletins effectively.  The Local could provide direct correspondence through internet, mail or telephone.

I will strive to improve the grievance procedure, locally.  I believe issues may be resolved without a grievance.  More frequent education for the stewards and better dialogue with management will helps us achieve these goals.  Stewards will try to reach more settlements at Step 1 and Step 2.

I hope to provide educational opportunities to the membership - such as contract training, retirement information, and use of benefits. 

I will not make promises that I cannot keep, in order to secure a vote. But I will promise to give a 110% effort, to the members, while administering the Local.

With the help of the Executive Board and Stewards, and the support of the membership, I envision our Local  reaching new heights.  I envision a Local with a solid foundation- based on serving the membership-priority one! I will strive to infuse new blood into our Local to help mold our future leaders.

27 Years-Postal Worker 22 Years-Shop Steward 9 YEARS EXECUTIVE              VICE PRESIDENT 9 Years -Clerk Craft Director 4 Years -National Advocate State Delegate -Since 1990 National Delegate -Since 1990 B.A. Psychology         –Indiana  University

ELECT ‘DAVE WHITAKER GENERAL PRESIDENT

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Steve "STEVIE RAY" VAUGHN

Candidate For:

• Executive Vice President
• State & National Delegate

  WOW with the 1^st round of election ballots screwed up. You the members get to be inundated by more propaganda and BS! You can get a feel for those that might be concerned about their chances of attaining an office by the many different flyers they post on the walls or mail directly to your home (just in case you don’t look at the walls) They get to polish their image and remind you of the great things they have done and of course slander those they are running against. The more words they highlight with BOLD text and underlined could be used as a tape to measure the confidence of the candidate. I truly despise the union elections as it brings out the raw side and distastefulness of what is supposed to be my brothers and sisters in “solidarity”. My battles are not against my fellow union members. I stand on my simple principles; I enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Local Memorandum, our contract (yours & mine) to the best of my ability every time. To work with every union representative at our local, state and national level to accomplish this task. I choose to take on this role and to run for office, to fight for the contractual rights of all APWU members. It is not a need. I have been a maintenance union steward since 1996, three terms I was elected by you the members to the Maintenance Craft Director. I have sat on your executive board 12 out of the last 15 years. Yes that means I have served under the leadership of Stone, Beaver, Guynn and now Ford as president of our local. It makes no difference to me if you are male or female, if your skin is black, white or any other color. If you ask to be and are elected to any position in my (your) local, I will expect you to do the job, in fact I demand it. And that job is providing the best union representation that can be given.

  VOTE FOR STEVE “STEVIE RAY” VAUGHN for VICE PRESIDENT of YOUR Indianapolis Area Local #130 UNION

      There are major changes in the works. We have been presented with a “Tentative” agreement that you will have to vote on. If it is voted down then we will tell those we sent to Washington to take our case to arbitration. There are some very good things in this agreement. But as a union representative, it is hard for me to agree with all of it. In the troubled times that we are facing as a nation and economic uncertainties perhaps 3.5% pay increase, COLA’s and returning over 4000 jobs back to the APWU crafts out weigh the negatives’.

       As your Vice-President I will make it an everyday issue to insure that your union representatives are prepared to do business with whom ever the USPS puts in the remaining jobs. I believe that knowledge is power. Your stewards will have the knowledge. I will hold as many classes as often as it takes to provide them with the tools to be prepared. I want every craft director to be in-touch with every steward daily, weekly or more if needed. I will be in touch with every craft director just as much. USPS mgmt. has telephone conferences sometimes several times a day. We all have phones and should do the same. Knowledge is power…we must share the power. I have been at this as I said for 15 years and have gained some knowledge, not secrets.

  Labor Donated

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Don Packwood

Candidate for:

• Trustee
• State & National Delegate

I have worked for 21 years at the U. S. Postal Service.  As a Postal employee, I have worked as a Special Delivery Messenger, Clerk/SDM, and currently working as a Sales/Service & Distribution Clerk. I have served our union as a Steward and/or Associate Office Coordinator from 1992-2005.  I served as an Executive Board member as a Trustee under 2 administrations, 1992-2002.  I have been the Editor of the unions’ "Indy Info" newsletter from 2000-2005 and I am currently the State Editor of the Indiana Postal Workers Unions’ “IPWU Dispatch” (elected in 2006).  I have been a State and National Delegate since 1996.  I was the Indiana State (IPWU) Special Delivery Craft Director from 1993-1999. I have served on a number of committees including; Entertainment, Building, Budget, Safety and Health, Constitution, and Legislative Committee.  I was a member of the Negotiations Team from 1996 to 2005.  I was a lead negotiator, and successfully negotiated the 2000 local contract negotiated by the Indianapolis Area Local.  I had previous experience in negotiations while serving with American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (A.F.S.C.M.E.) prior to my APWU involvement. I assisted in filing excessing (Article 12) grievances, which were won in arbitration, resulting in excessed employees being returned to their previous assignments and awarded out-of-schedule and other premium back pay.

I was instrumental in updating and modernizing the unions’ computer system to better serve the membership. I received Leadership Training from both National and State officers while attending the Tri-State Stewards School both at Ohio State University and Miami University.  I also received Advanced Stewards Training from the same school.  I have also received training in several areas at both the State and National level including; FMLA, OWCP, Excessing, RI 399, Casuals in Lieu of, Local Negotiations, Building the Local Union, Websites to Reach The Membership, and Secretary/Treasurers School.

I have held other leadership positions in both college and community organizations. I held leadership and organizing positions while serving an A.F.S.C.M.E. local prior to my postal career. I attended IUPUI and was an instructor at Clark College. I have continuously served the membership in all my elected, appointed, and voluntary positions.

VOTE for DON PACKWOOD
TRUSTEE – State & National Delegate

www.right-choice.net

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

John "Mike" Hale

Candidate For:

• Maintenance Craft Director
• State & National Delegate

I'm Mike Hale and I am running for the position of Maintenance Craft Director. I started my Postal career in 1993 as Custodian, have held the position of Maintenance Mechanic and currently I am a level 08 Carpenter. I have had extensive training at the expense of the Indianapolis Area Local; this includes attending two National Maintenance conferences along with training at (2) pre-convention workshops at the National Convention conducted by National officers. I have attended the John R. Smith Stewards School at Ohio State University. As a union steward for over 5 years, I have participated as a Technical Advisor in arbitration defending the union's position. I have a 100% success rate in removal cases.

I have the work ethic and the knowledge to seek resolutions to our current issues no matter how difficult. I understand the grievance/arbitration procedures, With Your Vote we can begin the fight the right way! Elect John "Mike" Hale as your Maintenance Craft Director

Elect John "Mike" Hale as your Maintenance Craft Director

VOTE for JOHN "MIKE" HALE 
Maintenance Craft Director – State & National Delegate

www.right-choice.net

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Jones (AKA Johnny C)

Candidate For:

• Motor Vehicle Service Craft Director
• State & National Delegate

You know me, as Greg, Mack, "Johnny Cochran", Jonessy or maybe something not suitable for print, I have represented the MVS craft and have been a union steward for 9 years. The past 6 years I served under the outgoing MVS director William Wright, I was named as the Chief Steward serving as the only Chief Steward in the Indianapolis Area Local. I have a strong desire to represent the members of this craft, as we are facing the most difficult times in its history. My personal character is a reflection of my strong convictions to family and friends, I convey to you, that my coworkers, friends that I've met through work and my own postal career are of the utmost importance to me. I will continue to represent each and every member as my family, my union family, and we will survive. I have been educated by some of the best National officers that any union could expect to have, I have learned from every grievance, win or lose, and adjusted my grievance handling accordingly. I have also had the great opportunity to serve as the MVS Craft Director for the State of Indiana over the previous six years as well. My experience at the state level has propelled my knowledge of the union as a whole, and I have learned vast amounts of information to help in our survival. My work ethic is second to none, I would fully expect your support in all ways to help secure our futures. To help secure your future, make your commitment and your vote count:

Make the right-choice!

VOTE for JONES (AKA Johnny C) 
Motor Vehicle Service Craft Director – State & National Delegate

www.right-choice.net

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Nancy Helms

Candidate For:

• General Secretary – Treasurer
• State & National Delegate

My name is Nancy Helms. I have been a member of this Local for 34 years and have Represented the Membership as National & State Delegate for the last 8 years. I served as a Steward during five of the last six Administrations. I have attended National and State training classes on all of the issues facing the Clerk Craft. The training that I've received permits me to give Stewards and members factual and correct information.

Most recently as Research & Education Director, I was able to use my knowledge to help other Stewards as well as Officers document and prepare their grievance cases for Arbitration. As an employee, I have worked in many different clerk positions during my postal career including manual, DBCS machine, Window Clerk, Flat-Sorting machine, Registry, Box Section and Expediter. I've been a Steward on all three Tours. I have vast experience and knowledge in Secretary Treasurers Fiduciary Responsibilities and form LM-2, Contract articles, Handbooks and Manuals, Federal Laws including FMLA, Discipline, Excessing/Reassignment, Window Clerks, Part-Time Regulars, Limited / Light Duty, OWCP, and Overtime Issues. I want you to benefit from the years of training I've received at your expense. Vote for me for Secretary Treasurer and National and State Delegate. Let me work for you.

VOTE for Nancy Helms  General Secretary – Treasurer State & National Delegate

www.right-choice.net

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Loretta Maydwell

Candidate For:

• Membership / Insurance Coordinator
• State & National Delegate

Hi, I'm asking for your continued support as Membership/ Insurance Coordinator of the Indianapolis Area Local. This March I will begin my 24th year as a postal employee and a union member, I have held the position of Membership/Insurance Coordinator for the last six years. They APWU health plan plays an important role to the APWU, while the membership is down quite a bit the health plan contributes approximately $4.5 million per year in revenue to the American Postal Workers Union. In 2008 the health plan gained approximately 5,700 new members, and 2009 it was approximately 10,000, and in 2010 we gain another 10,700 members into the plan. I have participated in several Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) health fairs that are conducted annually during open season, so during the open season please take the time to look into the APWU health plan. I think you'll find it offers just as much and in some cases more than any other insurance that is offered, and at a significantly reduced cost to you. As a member of the APWU health plan myself, and my extensive training I can answer most questions that the members may have concerning this plan, if I don't know, I have direct contact with the plan administrators and can provide you an expedited answer.

Brothers and Sisters, during this election process you must consider this, the union officials that you vote for not only represent you, they speak for you, don't vote for an individual because they are popular, nice or just simply tell you what you want to hear, I asked or challenge you to get more involved in demand that you get the appropriate right answer, not the same rhetoric. We are facing some difficult times right now and you must choose leaders that have our best interest at heart. If you're not satisfied the choices you have, then I encourage you to become more involved. While I do appreciate and respect every dues paying member of this great union that we are part of, this union needs everyone to become more involved. Please consider what's at stake here and make a sound decision before placing your vote,

RE-ELECT Loretta Maydwell for Membership / Insurance Coordinator VOTE for Loretta Maydwell State & National Delegate

www.right-choice.net

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Tentative Contract:: Commentary:

Commentary:
in reference to President Burris’ article [below]: 
by Glenn Littrell:
While I agree with most of the points made by President Burris and even his criticism of the tentative contract, we must also look at the political and economical realities that we, our unions and our country face at this moment and through the foreseeable future.
The reality is that during the negotiations many APWU members have been living in fear that we would end up with binding arbitration that could drag on to the point of leaving ourselves vulnerable to interference from a hostile Congress. So the fear is not just of arbitration, but also of Congressional interference. In the past we have more often than not come out ahead in arbitration, but we can never be sure of how much influence the economic crisis, public opinion and political pressure might have on the outcome.
It isn’t a matter of us believing the lies of management about the source of our financial problems, it’s a matter of viewing the difference between managements previous cries of poverty and the current atmosphere of anti-union, anti-government worker sentiment. In the past the arbitrators chose to give those cries of poverty little weight, but in this environment it would be hard for them to ignore those cries. We certainly have failed to make the public adequately aware of those realities. We can’t even get them to realize that we are independent of taxpayer support.
With the growing hostility between middle class Americans who are unionized and those who are not, the power of the anti-union republicans and their corporate backers grows as time passes. One failing of our union and all unions is the failure over the decades to adequately turn the tide of anti-union rhetoric amongst the non-unionized working class in this country. The current controversies in Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio are encouraging from the stand point that we see an opportunity to rally the working class, but we are not turning back the anti-union forces at the moment. We are winning morale victories right now, not out right victories. Too many of our own members are slow to engage in union activity and our political allies [the Democratic Party] have shown an inability to focus and adequately counter our right-wing attackers. It is with a sigh of relief that most of our members will view this contract, because for them the alternative is scary. Hopefully, our local will see this new contract as a tool for promoting unionism amongst our members who were fearful of give backs and as an organizing opportunity for re-growing our membership amongst the new second tier employees and what will probably be a growing number of retirees.
I have always been opposed to ‘two tier pay systems’ as can be seen in my article “Management Proposes ‘Equal Work For Less Pay’” posted during the first few weeks of contract negotiations. It is this ‘second’ tier that I believe Pres. Burris is referring to when he talks about:
“…future employees will suffer reductions in pay of more than $300 per pay…”
but to be sure, for many of these employees, future employees, that’s going to be $300 per pay more than their making now. Additionally this second tier will be replacing the carbuncle on our butts known as ‘casuals’. For those casuals that make the transition to this second tier they will surely be making larger paychecks, gaining representation, benefits and career paths. They will also be an opportunity for re-growing our membership and if done right, strengthening our union.
The other drawbacks to a two-tier labor force are still possible, but salary caps and percentage limits over a longer 4 1/2 year contract will slow the progress towards those drawbacks. Giving us time to adjust and adapt before the next contract. This is an adjustment that, judging from some of the limits on the second tier, our National Officers appear to be anticipating. Two-tier labor forces have been bad news in the past for labor unions, but they have also been around long enough for unions to master the nuances and drawbacks. On some levels the two-tier system is seen as an innovation that in the long run may provide unions with an opportunity to make a comeback.
It should not be overlooked that an aging workforce, increased automation, and a changing postal service were not going to be sustainable without major manpower reductions. This contract, just like Obama’s pay freeze for Federal Workers, may have provided valuable protection by putting us ahead of right-wing attacks, thereby neutralizing many of their talking points. Hopefully, over the next 4 1/2 years our Local, National and the Labor movement in general can refocus our efforts in laying a groundwork, internally and externally, that shifts the popular mindset so that unions are seen as relevant again.

related articles:

• Former-APWU President Speaks Out
• Tentative Contract Reached 4 1/2 Years 
• See All Contract Negotiation Articles
  
  

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www.postal-indy.com

The Results From The 1st Straw Poll On The 2011 Local Elections Are In:

Unscientific and just for fun.

Participation was very light but here are the results any way:

President:

• MacLawrence Ford & Latonia Smith 0%
• David Whitaker 75%
• William Wright 25%

Vice President:

• Staci Williams 0%
• Steve Vaughn 100%

Secretary Treasurer:

• Martha Foote 50%
• John Guthrie & Helen Scott 0%
• Nancy Helms & Jeffrey Offutt 25% each

Membership Coordinator:

• Charlotte Hiatt 0%
• Loretta Maydwell 100%

Recording Secretary:

• Kathy Woods 75%
• Janine Yowell  25%

Maintenance Craft Director:

• John Mike Hale 75%
• Larry Robinson 25%

MVS Craft Director:

• Gregg Jones  66%
• Glenn Woods  33%

Assistant Clerk Craft Director:

• Diane Coleman 33%
• Vickie Crouse 66%

Sergeant @ Arms:

• Chantel Beckwith 75%
• Charles Jamison 25%

The new pole starts now click here

USPS still breaking even year to date- until trust fund charges kick in - postalnews blog

from PostalNews Blog:

Here we go again- the headlines will read “USPS loses $1 billion in one month!”, and once again congressional tongues will cluck about a “failed business model” and “bloated bureaucracy”. The true story, of course, is very different. When you measure costs that the US Postal Service actually controls, including current payments for retiree pensions and health benefits, the USPS lost far less- $230 million. For the fiscal year to date, the USPS is actually still in the black by $18 million. What makes the financial picture look so bad is, as usual, the $5.5 billion annual charge Congress slapped on to the USPS budget in the 2006 PAEA law....     READ MORE

www.postal-indy.com

Glenn Littrell

Candidate For:

• State & National Delegate

Is This What We Need?

I have stood up at many meetings and raised issues involving our finances and our locals Constitution. I have engaged in heated debates with all of the parties now raising issues about those same things in this election. Because I had fought for these issues in membership meetings I had decided to quietly campaign for the position of State and National Delegate, hoping to let my reputation speak for me among those who know me. Until a series of events occurred that put me in a position that I felt I had to speak up:

In a flier distributed by President Ford, he alleges that: “...many are prejudice and don't like a Black man at the head of this Union...” and “...and are disloyal to the very cause that unites us together.”

    After the last election that placed President Ford into office there was a nasty, slanderous and cowardly unsigned letter that circulated around the post office attacking him, his friend and those that ran with him. This happens every election to some degree so anyone running for office should be well aware of it. Likewise the office of President is bound to draw a multitude of criticisms and attacks. Both earned and unearned. It comes with the job as should the ability to deal with it and move on. I have no tolerance for people who will go nuts over an accusation of racism, but choose to ignore an act of racism. For that reason I hope you understand my concern when I say that I believe President Ford is out of line with his remarks. I do not know every thing that he's encountered and I may have to eat my words, but I believe that he's overreacting to a campaign that has become very personal.

   Unlike the questions concerning our finances these accusations wound us all, because regardless of where we stand, what color or gender we are, these accusations shed a shadow of doubt everywhere, on everyone. If President Ford is re-elected who will be comfortable standing up at a meeting challenging him on issues with the knowledge that their motives might be attacked as racial?

    Everyone of the people on both sides of these arguments, almost all the people running for office, have marched together with Reverend Jackson in Detroit, with the hotel workers in LA and fellow postal workers in Philadelphia. They have traveled together, ate together, and stood together many times. To question their dedication to the 'cause' or to our diversity is unwarranted. The President has raised the issue of the timing of the financial questions, why now during an election? That is a valid point, but then let's ask him the same question about his accusations: Why now?

If racism at the union hall is a problem then it should have been raised as an issue to be dealt with and a problem to be solved, not as a campaign issue that will only be discussed in whispers or worse yet, arguments that would not benefit anyone.

Former: Trustee (3 years), Legislative Director (3 years), State Delegate (9 years),  National Delegate (9 years), APWU member (25 years), AFSCME member [formerly]. Editor: www.POSTAL-iNDY.com and POSTAL-iNDY.com On FaceBook

 

Martha Foote

Candidate For:

• General Secretary – Treasurer
• State & National Delegate

“CORRECTION”

The President’s Message to APWU Brother & Sisters, is comingled with his campaign rhetoric, and flawed with inaccuracies.

#1. Member candidates are not telling lies. It is difficult to distinguish who is creating the air of mistrust; the President, in his message to APWU Brothers & Sisters, gives inaccurate and misleading information. This message was authored by the President as current authority of the local union. He comingles his message as the President with campaign rhetoric. Is this an official message or campaign flier?

#2. As one candidate for Secretary-Treasurer, I never said there was a problem with the union’s finances. I did report there were violations of the constitution, fiduciary irresponsibility, and in some cases an adamant refusal of both the President and Secretary-Treasurer to provide records and cooperate with the Audit Committee. The President and the Secretary-Treasurer are involved in every financial transaction of our union. The Trustees’ Audit Report is accurate and is documented for any member to review. It was sent to your homes – read it. I can be reached at 317-888-2622 8am–12midnight. Is this a lie Mr. President?

#3. Mr. Paul Delaine who did the “unauthorized report” for the President IS NOT A CPA as proclaimed in the President’s message! Verified with the National Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Roosevelt Steward, in Washington D.C. 1-202-842-4215 Is this a lie Mr. President?

#4. The President implies gender and color are issues in this election. LUDICROUS! I have never voted based on gender or color. Everyone’s VOTE should be based on experience, qualifications, knowledge & history of the union, competency of the candidates to do the job they seek, leadership skills, and representation of the members. I have always represented the members to the best of my ability, and never milked one dime from this union and I never will. Is this a lie Mr. President?

Many of the candidates see firsthand what this President is about; we serve on the Executive Board with him and it’s time for change. NO MORE DICTATORSHIP!

P.S. Mr. Delaine’s report was discussed with the members who asked, maybe this information will satisfy the President’s need for candidates to be forth right.

Martha Foote Candidate for Secretary-Treasurer

labor donated

Glenn Littrell:

Candidate For:

• State & National Delegate

We Don't Need This Crap!!!!

Contrary to what some will tell you, how our money is spent, who spent it and who authorized it are very valid issues to bring up during an election. Some will point out that these issues should have been brought up before the election cycle began, and I would agree with that. But the motives that might be attached to the persons raising these questions do not render the allegations invalid. It is apparent from documents provided, issues raised at past meetings and hindsight that this administration (the President and the Executive Board) have failed beyond what some of us had suspected. Evidently two members (both candidates for the Secretary Treasurer Office) have found it necessary to file separate charges with the National Office against the current Secretary Treasurer and the President. Regardless of the outcome of those charges an explanation is owed to this Local's membership, at least from the President and Secretary Treasurer.

Where's the truth? I have not seen one flier distributed, heard one explanation at the Feb. or March membership meeting or heard one word of explanation from President Ford in regards to the questions raised. On the other hand I have been appalled by what I have seen distributed by President Ford and members of his ticket. Yes, there is a ticket in spite of what they tell you.

Since the March [last] meeting President Ford has placed an Audit Report in the Unions enclosed bulletin board at the P&DC claiming that it indicates no wrong doing and was done by a CPA from the national, but the document doesn't address the issues raised, clearly was not done by a CPA (he's a consultant who is not a Union official), but most important is who authorized and paid for this report? Travel? Hotel? Per Diem? Private Consulting fee? The enclosed bulletin board in the P&DC is for Union business. It is not Presidents Ford's personal campaign headquarters. Every document in there is directly related to or modified to relate to the President Ford's campaign A clear disregard for the rules that govern this election. Access to this case is controlled by President Ford.

Former: Trustee (3 years), Legislative Director (3 years), State Delegate (9 years), National Delegate (9 years), APWU member (25 years), AFSCME member [formerly]. Editor: www.POSTAL-iNDY.com and POSTAL-iNDY.com On FaceBook

When all this is over with I believe that we will see that no one stole anything. The money will still be all accounted for, but it will also be apparent that some were negligent, used poor judgment, were arrogant and sloppy and neglected our Local's constitution.

I also believe that President Ford has through the above mentioned antics and a letter he sent to selected members in an attempt to bring race into the campaign has demonstrated bad judgment and questionable leadership on his part. His actions and in-actions have cast a shadow on all of us because racism includes everyone one way or the other. Yes, I know some people in this union vote based on race, some also vote based on gender, personalities, friendship etc., but those are personal choices whether we like them or not. This union is a very diverse group of people and any President who wants to lead this union should be committed to promoting unity not division, even to the point of sacrificing their ego and cleaning their own personal wounds.

Stacy L. Williams

Candidate For:

• Executive Vice President
• State & National Delegate

Elect Stacy L. Williams

Executive Vice President/ State & National Delegate

As a seasoned Union Steward and your current Sergeant-At-Arms Officer with a broad & deep understanding & appreciation of APWU membership – it’s people, work, mission, & history.

At 34 years young with a decade of Union representation experience to be the voice of the New Era. I have demonstrated the kinds of strategic vision, leadership, character, competence, political acumen, outreach, resoluteness, courage, tenacity & engaged in additional educational learning @ Tri-State Steward School and FMLA training, Article 12 & 37.

If elected to the position I will ensure current and future Stewards receives additional training under Local 130 needed for our union to become

• Stronger
• More inviting & engaging
• Increasingly effective Highly visible
• Very participative
• Beyond reproach

Voting and participating must be a top priority – especially now, when facing such tough challenges: high percentage of management harassment, contract negotiations, massive excessing, plant consolidations, and USPS plans to close stations and branches. I will partner with APWU President, fellow union officers, & all staff to figure out how together we can make APWU a more effective & rewarding institution to be a part of to serve the membership to the fullest. I am dedicated to restoring a collegial earning culture to increase membership.

As Executive Vice President, I look forward to assisting Local 130 President in leading the union. I also look forward to continuing to work as a team with our National, State and Local Officers to promote unity within our ranks. I promise that I will continue to keep the need and problems of our members at the forefront of my agenda. Our team is determined to protect our wages, jobs and benefits and to obtain a fair and equitable contract that do not demoralize us, but rather emphasize, reward & recognize learning, teamwork, service & contributions, & unique talents, gifts, strengths & experience each person brings to the APWU team to support our Membership……The New ERA

Thank You in Advance as I seek to become your next

Executive Vice President/State & National Delegate

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum."

MacLawrence Ford

Candidate For:

• General President
• State & National Delegate

Re-Elect MacLawrence Ford

President of the Indianapolis Area Local #130

State & National Delegate

Most of you know me as the current President of the Indianapolis Area Local 130. For those of you that don’t know me, my name is MacLawrence Ford. I was elected by referendum in the last election approximately three years ago. At that time, the Candidates for Change, ran on a platform which required approaching the business as usual atmosphere differently. The current administration has experienced from membership decline, excessing, increased outsourcing our work (subcontracting), increased disciplinary action and being required to be the best postal delivery service in the world although we are understaffed and in some cases overworked.

As President, I have cut operating cost, reduced staffing, maintained our projected budget and done so while providing more than satisfactory representation to the membership and training to those who placed themselves on the battlefront. There is still a monumental amount of work that has to be completed.

To accomplish those goals I will again turn to you the members for the help that will be needed to accomplish the task ahead. Many have expressed a desire to represent you, but that expression came with a hidden agenda. There can only be one agenda if you work for the Union. That agenda is to serve the membership and provide the benefits members have come to expect. A large majority of the Executive Board, officers and stewards, in all three crafts have stepped up to the plate to provide leadership, monetary aide (COPA), and experience, which are necessary to transform this Union from being a grievance machine into a viable force for the future of the postal employees. As a member of the current National Rank and File Committee, the ratification of a fair and just contract is on the front burner.

It has my full attention whenever National President Guffey and the National negotiation team call me to Washington DC to discuss your needs. My over 11 years of arbitration advocate experience also fills my schedule. I have been at your beck and call at the Union Hall whenever you have questions. Others may want to do this job differently. However, that doesn’t mean that they will be as effective. I’ve been a Union member and advocate for your rights since I started working at the Post Office and will never leave you short. My record speaks for itself. I have successfully represented you and plan to continue with your help.

In Solidarity

Re-Elect MacLawrence Ford for APWU President State & National Delegate

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Big John Guthrie

Candidate For:

• General Secretary – Treasurer
• State & National Delegate

Elect “Big John”

Secretary Treasure/State National Delegate

Brothers and Sisters

My name is “Big John” Guthrie and I am running for Secretary Treasure and State National Delegate in the upcoming Union elections. I have been with the Postal Service for 12 years and have witness many things.

For the past five years I have been a Steward on Tour 1 representing our membership with fairness and integrity. I have attended State National and Craft conferences representing your interests and received training on FMLA, Article 37 and Article 12. Additionally attended the Tri-State Steward School for advanced steward training. All of the training to better serve you the membership. I graduated from Indiana University with a minor in Business Management.

Vote for “Big John” Guthrie Secretary Treasure and State National Delegate Yours in Solidarity “Big John” Guthrie

In closing I want to say Thank You for continued support as I seek to be your next Secretary Treasure and State National Delegate.

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum."

Charles Jemison

Candidate For:

• Sergeant-At-Arms
• State & National Delegate

Elect Charles Jemison

Sergeant-At-Arms/State and National Delegate

Greetings to all my fellow Union Brothers & Sisters. I am Charles Jemison. I am seeking to be elected to the position of Sergeant-At-Arms for the Indianapolis area local. Additionally, I am requesting your support as I pursue an opportunity to represent the Indianapolis area Local as a State and National Delegate.

As a Sergeant-At-Arms I vow to maintain, provide, and make any and all records available to any member upon request. I will ensure attendance, order, and respect is observed during general membership and executive board meetings. I assure each and every member that I will uphold the constitution, local, and national agreements as they are written to the best of my ability.

I am making it my business to make a difference in each and every member’s life. Vote for Charles Jemison Sergeant-At-Arms State and National Delegate

I have been a proud member of the American Postal workers union for more than 13 years and have served the membership as a union steward for the past 3 years on Tour 3 upholding and supporting the local and national agreements as written. I have attended many educational seminars and trainings throughout Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky becoming well versed with FMLA, Attendance, Discipline, OSHA, Safety, Postal Inspectors and Removals. I also completed the Tri-State Stewards School located in Oxford, Ohio. I am a graduate of Indiana University and Indiana Wesleyan University earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Management. I am a active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Gamma ETA Chapter located in Bloomington, Indiana. I am a Disabled American Veteran in which I served honorably for 7 years in the Armed Forces and fought for what this country believes in which is equality and independence. I am a part of the new and future generation stepping up to play a major role in the unity and sanctity of the Indianapolis Area Local therefore, I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election for the Office of Sergeant-At-Arms.

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum."

Charlotte Hiatt

Candidate For:

• Membership / Insurance Coordinator
• State & National Delegate

Elect Charlotte Hiatt

Membership/Insurance Coordinator/State & National Delegate

My name is Charlotte Hiatt and I am running for Membership/Insurance Coordinator/State and National Delegate. I have been a Postal Employee since 1995 and a proud Union member. I currently work in BMEU as a Bulk Mail Clerk on Tour 3 at the Indianapolis P&DC.

Since 2008 I currently serve as Chairperson of the Entertainment Committee . In the past 6 years I have served on the Election Committee and Chaired the Power Committee. I’m passionate in what I do and take each job and task seriously. I have thought about doing other things, But I realize that the Postal service is going to be around for a long time and I’m the future and want to contribute to this local.

I vow to attend all scheduled Union meetings, help and educate the members on the health care benefits, organize and recruit new members and go the extra step to insure that the membership is well informed on the benefits that APWU has to offer and try to resolve questions that the membership may have.

At this time I would like to thank you for your support in this election and Thank you for taking your time to vote for Charlotte Hiatt as your Membership/Insurance Coordinator and State and National Delegate.

Please vote for Charlotte Hiatt as your Membership/Insurance Coordinator and State & National Delegate

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Vicky Crouse

Candidate For:

• Assistant Clerk Craft Director (for Stations & Branches)
• State & National Delegate

Elect Vicky Crouse

Assistant Clerk Craft Director/State National Delegate

Hello, my name is Vicki Crouse and I’m running for the position of Assistant Clerk Craft Director/State and national Delegate.

I have been acting as Associate Office Coordinator, covering 16 Associate Offices since June of 2010, it has definitely been a challenge, but one that I have enjoyed.

I am asking for your continued support vote for proven leadership Vote for Vicky Crouse Assistant Clerk Craft Director State and National Delegate

I take my responsibilities to the Union members of the clerk craft very seriously. My promise to the clerk craft is that I will do my absolute best to represent clerk employees.

A lot of you may not know me, but I’ve been a steward for approximately 6 years. I currently work at the Brownsburg Post Office as a senior mail processor, for now we all know those jobs are gone but I have also worked at Danville and Clayton post offices. I worked at Eagle Creek as a loner for a couple of years and I have worked at Clermont, the Airport, and Rand Road over the years. I’ve been a postal employee since March of 1990; I have attended the Tri-State Steward School twice, as well as several local and state training seminars.

I’m a strong believer in Unions. If I’m elected to this position, I will give 100% of my efforts to this position, I will continue to fight management’s abuse of the contract and the employees.

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum."

Tentative Contract: UPDATE

3-22-11:
Members can download a copy of the Contract here. Copies will be sent with the ratification ballots: “Every eligible member will receive a copy of the 224-page document in their referendum mailing, along with a ballot, a summary of the changes to the contract, the official statement of the Rank-and-File Bargaining Advisory Committee, a letter from APWU President Cliff Guffey, and a return envelope.”
3-16-11:
Rank-and-File Committee Approves Tentative Contract
APWU News Bulletin 02-2011, March 16, 2011 | PDF :

The APWU Rank-and-File Bargaining Advisory Committee voted unanimously on March 16 to approve a Tentative Agreement with the USPS for a new contract.

Members of the APWU Rank-and-File Bargaining Committee approve the Tentative Contract unanimously on March 16.

The Tentative Agreement will be sent to eligible union members for a ratification vote. Details about the vote, which the committee will supervise, will be announced once plans are finalized.

3-14-11:
After rumors started circulating [Saturday] out of different regions, twitter and the Washington Post followed by denials it is now confirmed that we have a tentative agreement. Our [Indianapolis Area Local] representative [to the Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee [R&FBAC]] has been summoned to National Headquarters to review and vote on the agreement. Once passed by the R&FBAC ballots will be mailed to all  APWU members for their vote.

 

Here are some links to additional information and detail:

We Are Indiana:

from TPM.com:

The legislative standoff between Democratic state House members and their Republican colleagues in Indiana is now entering its fifth week. And now national Democrats are taking the battle to the next level, with at TV ad designed to bring the fight to Gov. Mitch Daniels (R), whose presidential ambitions may be on the line along with this legislative agenda.

Starting today, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (the national party arm charged with boosting Democratic numbers in the nation's legislatures) is going up with a TV spot aimed squarely at Daniels, who has promised to wait the Democrats out for as long as it takes.

With the battle in Wisconsin shifting to courts and recalls, Indiana is poised to become the next Wisconsin. And, Democrats say, Daniels is about to become the next Gov. Scott Walker (R).

READ MORE

Former APWU President Speaks Out On Tentative Contract:

from President Burris’ Website: Burris Souvenir Journal

To APWU Members,
The union negotiators have performed their constitutional duties in finalizing a tentative agreement for your decision. This decision will shape postal employment for decades far into the future. The benefits received for efforts involved in postal employment have accumulated over 200 years, with each generation of employees making its contribution leading to those received to date. Our ability to provide housing, food, transportation, medical care, raising our children and all of the other benefits that we receive through our employment have been secured on our behalf through past efforts. Can you imagine how your life would have changed if we had decided 30 years ago to exchange your wages for other contractual entitlements?
Those union leaders including Stu Filbey, Moe Biller, John Richards, Jerry Monzillo, Doug Holbrook, myself and many others made significant contributions in the 1970's when we struck illegally, jeopardizing our own employment, but we set the stage for collective bargaining that has led to the conditions now enjoyed with each generation looking beyond their present needs. The same is expected of this generation on behalf of those who will follow. This tentative agreement will turn back the clock and erase those years of struggle....

FMLA Forms:

FYI: Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition 380-E  Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition380-F  Certification of Qualifying Exigency For Military Family Leave 384  Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of Covered Service Member -- for Military Family Leave 385 Click on the form you need and then use the print button to print a blank form. You can also fill it out and print it, but when you close it you will loose the information you entered. To save the completed form either scan the printed copy or use a print to .pdf utility. You print it to a .pdf file and print/save it to your hard drive. [Document or My Document folders.] I recommend this free utility download: doPDF PDF Print/Converter FREE

In the future this info will be in the sidebar------>

Election Bulletin, 3-14-2011: URGENT

IT WAS DETERMINED AT THE MARCH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING THAT SOHO’s SOLUTION TO THE ORIGINAL BALLOT/PRINTING ERROR WAS NOT ADEQUATE. Since some members had already sent in their ballots the new ballot sent out would only further complicate and jeopardize the validity of the process. For this reason SOHO was instructed to void all ballots and redo the ballots from scratch with a new mailing and new dates for returning the ballots. The new instructions went out to pay locations today and will be mailed to members shortly. The mailing date for the new ballots will be March 24, 2011 and must be returned by [by mail] 8am, Friday, April 8, 2011: Disregard the previous flyer [pink] previously posted.

click the image to see the new bulletin/instructions.

We Are Indiana Rally!

from the rally:

Thursday, March 10, 2011

They’ve attacked everyone who disagrees with them as ‘socialist’, now their attacking state public servants and unions, and we’ve heard their plans for postal & federal workers. When will you realize that you are not exempt from their list of transgressors just because you think you’re one of them.

They aren’t Nazi’s or Fascist and this isn’t pre-war Germany, but they use fear and hate to push their pro-corporate, anti-worker agenda.
Stand-up speak-out before its too late.

GlennDL

• First They Came
• Protecting Workers Rights At The Statehouse
• Could Postal Workers and Retirees Loose Their Health Benefits?
• Congressman Call For Job Cutting Priority At USPS
• Fact And Fiction On Fox With Congressman Ross

USPS: Preparing For Change – What Is A Voluntary Early Retirement Authority

from postalreporternews blog:

March 10, 2011

USPS is expected to announce that it will offer Voluntary Early Retirement to select groups of postal employees on March 25, 2011.

So what’s a VERA?

A “voluntary early retirement authority” (VERA) temporarily lowers age and service requirements for retirement. It’s an administrative tool USPS has used in the past as part of an overall redesign or restructuring.

The Postal Service must request approval for a VERA from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before making an offer of early retirement to its employees. OPM approval also will include a period of time during which the option will remain available...

Fact and fiction on Fox with Congressman Ross:

The problem with guys like Ross and Issa is that people actually think that they know what they are talking about. It comes down to them being totally uninformed boobs or ideologues who see lying as an acceptable means to obtaining the end.                     GlennDL
from Postal News Blog

“Last night on Fox Business News [video below], Congressman Dennis Ross spoke to FBN personality Gerri Willis about the financial state of the US Postal Service. As you might expect, the exchange was fast-paced, long on outrage and disgust on the part of Willis, but short on actual facts.
Here’s how it starts:
Willis: “Well, there was talk this week about bailing out the post office. They’re running up massive deficits from- what else, but union pensions and benefits- it’s so bad, that they’re not sure that they’ll get through the year!”
It went downhill from there- Willis is so off the wall, she makes the Congressman seem reasonable by comparison. Ross was even careful to use the term “alleged bailout”, which didn’t seem to sit well with Willis.
But Mr. Ross had a few interesting comments of his own- did you know, for example, that the US Postal Service has 56,000 post offices? (It doesn’t- the total number of facilities of all kinds is only around 33,000). Or that the average postal worker pays just $32 a month for health insurance? This “fact” will no doubt surprise many postal workers, since the absolute lowest...

William R. Wright - W.W.

Candidate For:

• General President
• State & National Delegate

I am William Wright and I seek your support for the position on General President of the Indianapolis Area Local. I was appointed a union steward by past president Linda Collins in 1988, I was also appointed to the MVS Craft Director position and served on the executive board at that time. I have been nominated and ran unopposed for this Director position for the past 6 years. I have been educated and trained by this union at the highest level offered to union representatives. My dedication to the membership is beyond reproach. For those that don't know me, I ask that you just ask any Motor Vehicle Craft employee that you see whether it is in just passing in the parking lot on your way to and from work or someone you know personally, 99.9% will support me for the President's position. My philosophy is simple, you the membership is the highest governing body of this local. As President, I will be the leader that you select to direct others and manage this local, upholding your contractual rights and abiding by the constitution and by-laws of this local.

I am not campaigning on the premise that I can determine who would serve you best on the entire executive board, but I can attest and ask for your support for the following: Loretta Maydwell /Membership-         Insurance Coordinator Mike Hale /Maintenance Director Gregory Jones /MVS Director Nancy Helms         /Secretary-Treasurer and Don Packwood for Trustee.

Due to significant reductions in mail volume and revenue, the Postal Service is aggressively adjusting employee complements. The most heavily impacted is the Clerk craft This is generating thousands of excessing notices to local unions and employees that their most Junior full-time employees will be reassigned to other crafts or more distant facilities. Many times these reassignments are to nonexistent jobs because in many cases the "gaining" offices are also issuing notices of excessing, that means that no vacancies exist. Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, excessing from a craft or installation must be to a residual vacancy. The strongest protection that we can offer is the contractual guarantee of 40 hours per week and protection from layoffs for employees who have achieved six years of continuous service or who in the APWU bargaining unit on November 20, 2006. It is important that employees facing reassignment contact their local union representatives. I will ensure that the officers and stewards that I will direct protect all of your rights conveyed by the contract.

Protect your jobs: VOTE

VOTE for William R. Wright - W.W. 
General President – State & National Delegate

www.right-choice.net

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

GLENN D. LITTRELL

Candidate For:

• State & National Delegate

Former: Trustee (3 years), Legislative Director (3 years), State Delegate (9 years),  National Delegate (9 years), APWU member (25 years), AFSCME member [formerly]. Editor: www.POSTAL-iNDY.com and POSTAL-iNDY.com On FaceBook

I hope that I have your support for the position of State and National Delegate to future Conventions.

While most candidates for office see the role of delegate as a minor one I assure you that I take it quite seriously. To the extent of trying to represent my co-workers and fellow members who support my role as a delegate not just at conventions but at all Local Union meetings and functions. I have stood up many times for members and our Local's constitution at monthly meetings.

As part of this effort I created a year round web site [ www.postal-indy.com ] for dispensing information to members of the Indianapolis Area Local. Among other items I have posted on this web site a daily journal and report of activities at every convention I have attended.

Unlike many who are running for Delegate I have maintained attendance requirements that qualify me for fulfilling Delegate duties without the need for election year waivers.

I see my role as delegate at conventions as representing you. Not the Executive Board, nor another elected official, but you the members. This is why I refuse to participate in block-votes. My votes are based on my conscience, my interpretation of your interest and the Labor Movement as a guiding philosophy.

I do not endorse candidates or 'tickets' for Executive Board [Officers] positions, as I believe that knowledge of these candidates should be obtained and reviewed critically. I do however hope that you will give consideration to the following candidates for the less publicized office of Delegates: Julie Alums and Trina Webb.

I hope that you will vote for me on both the State Delegate and the separate National Delegate ballots.

 www.indydirtysocks.com

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum." 

Steve “Stevie Ray” Vaughn

Candidate For:

• Executive Vice President
• State & National Delegate
  

   

  ELECT Steve “Stevie Ray” Vaughn Vice President State and National Delegate VOTE FOR PROVEN LEADERSHIP

• 6 years US Air Force In my 23rd year for the USPS
• Maintenance Craft Director (9 years)
• Trustee 3 years
• Associate Editor of INDY Info
• Attended 7 National Conventions
• Appointed to the AREA SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE/NATIONAL SAFETY COMMITTEE 2004/PRESENT

I ask humbly for your vote to be your next Vice President of our Indianapolis Area Local APWU. I have been committed in my involvement of our local. We all see the drastic changes that are happening to our jobs, all of them are under attack. The next 3 years will have a ripple effect on each of us. Please help me protect the integrity of the Indianapolis Area Local. We need experienced UNION leaders. I have fought and won numerous grievances, and lost some, but I promise you I was ALWAYS in the fight. Your vote in the Indianapolis Are Local APWU elections this year will be YOUR only chance to help decide the direction that YOU’RE local will take for the next 3 years. I am asking you to take the time to find out what those individuals stand for and ask them." How have you represented my local in the last 3 years & how will you represent it for the next 3 years?" We must be willing to FIGHT every fight, small and large. The large battles surface quickly and are easy to identify. It is the small one's that happen EVERYDAY on the work room floors where we lose ground. Supervisors feeding the DBCS's ...15 mins...then 30...then 1 hour a day. This is not "De‐minimis" work it is routine and repetitive. De‐Minimis is an excuse not an argument. having our custodians shrink wrap empty equipment, deliver mail, pick up mail or anything that is NOT associated with cleaning and maintaining the building you are in, "IS" cross‐craft assignments, work that belongs to the clerks, and must be grieved as such.

I have sat on the executive board for the last 3 years. I have witnesses a rough environment. There should be debate and questions by these board members. BUT IT SHOULD NEVER BE PERSONNAL. NO OFFICER SHOULD EVER YELL AT; MAKE ACCUSATIONS OR ATTEMPT TO ITIMINDATE ANOTHER OFFICER.

My goals include instituting a Steward training program that focus on their needs and be sure they have the training the need to represent you. I would also like to institute regular meetings or telecoms with all the Craft Directors to stay on top of the issues that face us.

VOTE FOR STEVE "STEVIE RAY" VAUGHN for VICE PRESIDENT of YOUR Union
LABOR DONATED

"The presentation of information on any Candidates on this or any pages at this website is not meant as an endorsement by the owner of this Website, nor is the exclusion of any Candidates meant to reflect on any Candidates.  The owner of this Website post any and all suitable material submitted by Candidates who choose to use this forum."