South Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers

ED MARTIN, VICE PRESIDENT

4921-B Broad River Road

Columbia, SC 29212

Work: 803-776-6178 (7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.)
Cell: 803-760-5125 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. but call anytime)

Fax: 803 731 0410
E-mail: EdMartin422580@Bellsouth.net

Easy Way to contact Senator Demint http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home

Easy Way to contact Senator Graham http://www.unionvoice.org/nalc/leg-lookup/sendmessage.html?target_id=4453

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July 28, 2010

Education with Ed

       I love my family and I love my job just like many other hard working letter carriers in the United States Post Office.  According

to my calculations, full time letter carriers and many part-time letter carriers spend somewhere between 23% and 30% of their life

working at the post office performing the duties of their assignments.  These figures are assuming that you are working at least 40

hours per week.  Then you figure as human beings we spend another 25% to 30% of our lives resting or sleeping for the next day.

Therefore (work with me), our personal lives are conducted during the remaining 30% to 47% of hours in a

calendar week.  Now, it is not incomprehensible to believe that sometimes our personal lives crosses over into our work life.  It

may be something as simple as a conflict of your work schedule with your childcare (personal) schedule whether it is a short term or long

term conflict is irrelevant.  There is a conflict.  Your issue may be financial, emotional, or even worse, some form of substance

abuse.  All of which can be stressful in your personal time or your worklife. 

      You've probably guessed already that this article is about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  But, did you know that

EAP is a Contract Provision in our National Agreement that is enforceable upon the right situation having merit and specifically Article 35

being violated by management.  I've personally used Article 35 in my representation of union brothers and sisters by completing item

15 on a PS Form 8190 with the following, "Did management violate article 35 of the National Agreement?"  Article 35 works well with

select Article 16 grievances.  Below is an excerpt from our Joint Contract Administrative Manual.  I made the entire Article 35

available to read, however, I want you to pay close attention to the highlighted portions especially if you are a union representative.

I've underlined words that are contractual and are not optional.  This is Education with Ed. (EAP is voluntary.  Please don't misconstrue

the above passage.  I am talking about management's obligations to the employee) 

Confidentiality. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of EAP counseling.

EAP counselors are bound by very strict codes of ethics, as well as federal

and state laws, requiring that information learned from counseled

employees remains private. EAP counselors have licenses and master’s

degrees in their fields of expertise.

Management officials and union officials have no right to breach the

confidentiality of EAP counseling sessions. What an EAP counselor

learns in confidential counseling or other treatment of an employee may

be released only with the employee’s completely voluntary, written consent,

except in the limited circumstances provided for in ELM 874.4.

NALC-USPS Joint Contract Administration Manual - April 2009 Page 35-1

35.2 Section 2. Joint Committee

National EAP Committee. The joint National EAP Committee oversees

the national EAP program, assessing program effectiveness and

providing overall policy guidance. The Committee takes action only

through a consensus of its members.

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

If you don't know your Rights, you can't exercise your Rights!

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May 25, 2010

    Greetings Union Brothers and Sisters,

           I finally got a chance to visit Florence Branch 1416 in action on Thursday May 20, 2010.  It was their union meeting

night.  I arrived in Florence at around 6 p.m.  We met at a Soul Food restaurant on South Irby Street.  Before the meeting began

we all ate.  I had some potato salad, rice and black eyed peas, lima beans, and fried chicken.  It was sooo good I had two and

a half plates of food.  What a way to start a union meeting! 

          I was really impressed by everyone in attendance.  Branch President Santos makes great effort to ensure everyone is informed

on the state of Post Office and carrier's working conditions.  President Santos discussed some highlights of the State Convention and I

assisted him with a little information on the upcoming Joint Alternate Route Adjustment Process (JARAP).  Everyone present was attentive

and eager to be informed.  I stressed the importance of providing as much relevant information as possible during carrier consultations with

the JARAP Local Contacts. 

         President Santos and several other members of  Branch 1416 pledged to donate money to the Committee on Letter Carrier's

Political Education (COLCPE).  This pledge was a giant step in Branch 1416 that I believe will spread to other union members considering

committing to COLCPE.  Letter Carriers do want to preserve the Six Day Workweek.  We do want to support legislators that support letter carriers

and those that believe in the USPS.  H.R. 22 in part, may be the best evidence in recent months demonstrating the power of contributing to COLCPE.

        I truly had a pleasant evening with Branch 1416.  I look forward to visiting again in the near future.  Until then, the 28th President of

the United States, Woodrow T. Wilson once said, "We cannot be divided in interest or divided in purpose.  We stand together until the

end."

United,

Ed Martin, V.P.

SCSALC

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May 12, 2010

Be Cool.

    We have less than 40 days remaining to the first day of summer!  The temperature high in Columbia today was 81 degrees.  Tomorrow

will be 92 degrees!  I was really enjoying the 70 degree weather we were experiencing last month.  It is important that we begin to

acclimatize to the increase in temperature.  With that said, we must respect heat of extremely hot days to come.

    Every year we have carriers that become victim to heat exhaustion.  In some cases, it is simply a carrier refusing to take a break in

extreme temperatures to be back eight hours.  In any case you must be able to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion.  If it goes

undetected, it may lead to a heat stroke.  Both are bad and one is worse than the other.

    Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and

inadaquate replacement of fluids.  Those most prone to heat exhaustion are people working or exercising in a hot environment.  Elderly

people or people with high blood pressure are susceptible to heat stroke as well under the right conditions.  It is very important

that we identify the signs of heat exhaustion.  Weakness, heavy sweating, paleness, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps,

nausea, vomitting, and/or fainting are noticeable signs. 

    It is important that we as letter carriers drink plenty of fluids.  Preferrably water.  In the hot of summer we should be taking

breaks in cooler environments.  Wear lighter clothing.  Now, I am obviously not a doctor.  Consult with a doctor if you have some kind of

chronic illness that would prevent you from performing your duties in extreme heat.  I am sure the post office will find someone to replace you in the

event that you become ill.  But, you are irreplaceable to your family and friends that love you the most.  So, be cool and stay cool!

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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April 26, 2010

Greetings,

      I just returned from our 75th SCSALC State Convention Saturday afternoon.  It was great meeting with active and retired letter

carriers from across the state.  Every year I meet new, sincere, and genuine union members fortifying my belief that we have one of the

greatest unions with america's most trusted federal employees. 

     This past weekend we were brought up to date on legislative issues and trends.  We had some training on grievance writing

techniques and data integrity awareness.  Training was provided by National Business Agent Judy Willoughby, Regional Administrative

Assistants Jeff Sicuinas, Kenny Gibbs, Nancy Quick, and Walterboro Union President Cathy Hiers.  National Assistant Secretary-

Treasurer Nicole Rhine was also present to provide us information on national news.

    Overall we had a great convention.  Mrytle Beach Union Brothers Steve, Pat, Brandon, and Brachel hosted our convention with

great care, courtesy, and understanding.  Hotel accomodations were comfortable and the food at the banquest was delicious.

The hospitality suite was complete with beverages. 

      Special thanks to Arslan Uniforms National Manager Wayne White for contributing the promotional bags for our convention

items. 

      As you make take note, we now have two avenues to our website.  There is NALCSC.org and SCSALC.org.  Our website

went down for 9 days from April 12, 2010 due to some administrative errors.  I thank everyone whom was aware and concern

enough to let me know.  I hope everyone continue to send me your idea, thoughts, and articles to share with our membership

across the state.  Stay tuned for pictures to be posted from the 75th State Convention.

    We are the South Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers!

United,

Ed Martin, V.P.

SCSALC

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March 9, 2010

      Special Thanks to all the City Carriers at the Florence Main Post Office for your professionalism and safety conscientiousness.

While serving on the District Safety Committee today, I observed letter carriers at their best.  The principle of this committee is to

bring safety education and awareness to city carriers while working jointly with management.  It was my pleasure taking a couple of

minutes to learn the safety concerns of the letter carriers.

    I called Florence Branch President Mr. Santos at the end of the day and requested to join my union brothers and sisters at their

next union meeting.  Mr. Santos welcomed my request with brotherhood and solidarity.  As such, I hope to see everyone safe and in

good health at your next union meeting next Thursday.  Bring your best smile as I will be taking pictures for our website.

United,

Ed Martin, V.P.

SCSALC

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March 4, 2010

    Congratulations to our Former National Business Agent of Region 9 Wayne White for 50 years in the NALC!  Check out page

57 of this month's Postal Record.  Wayne is being presented a Gold Card by our National President Fred Rolando who also served

as our Former Region 9 RAA.

    I spoke with Wayne White earlier today.  Wayne is the Director of Retirees for the North Carolina State Association of Letter

Carriers.  He is also a Arslan Uniform Representative.  Today we spoke about the possible number of delegates to attend the

South Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers Convention.  Yes, Wayne has never stopped supporting the NALC.  He

wanted to know how many carry bags he could donate for our convention materials.  Wayne White exemplifies the character,

generiousity, commitment, and dedication that makes the NALC so great!

United,

Ed Martin, V.P.

SCSALC

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February 3, 2010

    The following is an updated listing of the present Article 12 Withholdings.

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February 1, 2010

    Happy First of February!  I just made that up.  But, why not?  I hope everyone is keeping warm in this cold winter.  In fact,

I want to share a story with you.  I went to my daughter's school the other day to watch her perform in a play.  The Play was

called, "Snow Biz".  It was a musical.  The entire play revolved around winter and snow.  There was several scenes or

skits that lasted for about 1 hour.  The kids sang songs while pretending to be snowboarding, ice skating, playing ice hockey,

impersonating a weatherman, and my favorite impersonation was of a U.S. Mail Carrier.

    I could think of a dozen other professionals that work outdoors in the elements but River Springs Elementary School chose

to use a U.S. Mail Carrier.  Might I add, the kids did a great job.  I was thrilled to see that we were potrayed in a positive image

and that we are still regarded as a reliable public service.  They sang about delivering mail in the rain, sleet, or snow.  I could not

stop laughing.  I really enjoyed the play. 

    I recognize that part of this play was a reflection of our image, our courtesies, and our perseverance.  This is what we

project everyday in the performance of our duties.  We are the final service that people see on the street while leaving the chaos

or inconsistencies back at the office.  Yes, we are the masters of our image.  Special Thanks to all our City Carriers that

present themselves professionally everyday.

    On another note, I was playing around online today and I visited the following link: https://eopf.usps.gov/eOPF/jsp/essLogin.jsp

My co-worker Juan Vilches gave me this link about three months ago.  He asked that I post it on the State Website so that employees

could review their personnel folder or should I say have a means of access.  Well, there it is.  Get your Employee Identification Number

and your PIN number ready and you now have full access to your Official Personnel Folder.  I found a Commendation in my folder from the year 1998. 

I might just print a copy of this out for the next time I get a Letter of Warning for failure to follow bad instructions. 

   Yes, every employee should review your OPF.  Make sure that you are eligible to retire in 30 years opposed to 30 years and 4

months just because you refused to review your folder when you had the opportunity years earlier.  The same applies to employees

who are eligible to retire with less than 30 years.  In fact, I have some questions to ask about LWOP for Union Business I used

throughout the years.  LWOP is on a document called the "RTR Detailed Report" inside my OPF.  I don't know what you might

find in yours but check it out.  If you find the need to add, amend, or delete anything in your eOPF.  You must submit a request

using a PS Form 8043.  If your request is denied, management must provide you with your appeal rights in accordance with AS-353

Section 3-4 and retain a copy of the request for 2 years.  Here is a copy of PS Form 8043 http://www.ppwu.org/PDF%20Files/PS%208043%20amend%20eOPF.pdf

   Last but not least, make sure you Log-out when you are done reviewing your OPF.  I like to delete all temporary files and cookies

after leaving sensitive websites as well.  Identity theft is something that no one wants to experience. 

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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January 13, 2010

      Happy New Year!  What a day I had yesterday.  On January 12, 2010 I took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina.  I finish

delivering mail on time in Columbia at 4 p.m.  Fifteen minutes later I was getting on the Interstate heading East.  I reported

in my last article that I was looking forward to seeing everyone in Charleston.  CDL1 Jimmy Swinton called me a week prior

to inform me that NBA Judy Willoughby would be there as well to install the officers.  I immediately smelt "mini-rap session" in the

air.  I did not have time to change clothes after work.  However, I had all the equipment I needed before I got on the road to Charleston.

Specifically, I brought with me a digital camera, a pen, a Whopper with no cheese, and a JCAM to hold my burger on top of.  Yes, I was

really excited about going to Charleston.

     I arrived in Charleston about 6:30 p.m.  The E-Board Meeting began at 7 p.m.  I did not go into Branch 3902 Union Hall until it

was about time for the meeting to start.  I got some rest in the parking lot after the fairly long drive.  Any branch union member

that has ever been a delegate to the State or National Convention, I recognized right away and greeted them.  If I would have

came inside a few minutes earlier I could of had some hot pizza.  Branch 3902 members really like pizza.  I got a chance

to talk to Judy for a few minutes before the meeting began.

   Like most branches if not all, NALC Branch 3902 began with a prayer for the sick and the shut-ins.  Immediately afterwards

Branch President Mike Hamilton took charge of the meeting.  President Mike introduced NBA Judy and the mini-rap session

that I smelt in the air last week began to materialize.  Judy answered some tough questions members had in regard to

MIARAP, Article 12 Withholding, and new city deliveries.  Afterwards, Judy installed the officers. This was a lengthy but

informative meeting.  President Mike and his administration alternately provided information on branch concerns.  President

Mike Hamilton suspended normal branch business to next month with the approval of the branch.

   I got a chance to address everyone at around 9:30 p.m.  It was a privilege for me to have attended Branch 3902 Union

Meeting.  I wish to extend my congratulations to all the elected officers of NALC Branch 3902.  Special Thanks to

President Mike Hamilton for his gracious hospitality.  Special thanks to Branch Secretary Donald Flippen and Director

of Education Jimmy Swinton for providing me with details I needed to prepare my articles.  Thank you again NALC

Branch 3902 for the many years of your support.

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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December 27, 2009

    Thank you South Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers and friends for your strong support

this year.  Below is a chart/report displaying all the visits to our website.  You've proven that you are interested

in being informed.  The number of visits from January 2009 to present has increased by over 100% in the area

of Unique Visitors and New Visitors.  Something must have happened during the month of August

when we reached our peak visitations.  I am presently working to establish a link from the Georgia

State Association of Letter Carriers website to our website to improve our networking abilities.

    One of the things I do weekly is check the FSALC and the GSALC websites to get more

information on what's going on in Region 9 along with checking our national website.

We are not alone in our struggles.  Our Union Brothers and Sisters across the nation our

working equally hard to secure our future.

    Next month I will be visiting the city carriers in Charleston at their January Union Meeting.

I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year spirit.

Have A Happy New Year!

Always United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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December 10, 2009

        Special Thanks to Penny Bacon of NALC Branch 233 for  preparing the following chart.  You can use this chart to determine

if postal management is withholding assignments in your office. In addition, we need to monitor and scrutinize any withholding in

your office especially if Article 12 is delaying the hiring or promoting of Part Time Flexible Employees in your office.

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

If you don't know your Rights, you can't exercise your Rights!

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November 11, 2009

Happy Veteran's Day Holiday!

The following is a message from the President of the United States: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/docs/proclamation_2009.pdf

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

Marine Corps. Veteran

SCSALC

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November 4, 2009

     On October 29, 2009 I attended the Town Hall Meeting sponsored by the Greater South Carolina District.  If you are

familiar with the 5 minute Plan 5's we have every morning, the Town Hall Meeting was a Plan 70.  Yes, the meeting

was about 70 minutes long but yet informative.  The Speakers were the District Manager, Plant Manager, Manager of Human

Resources, and Columbia's Postmaster.

    The purpose of the Town Hall Meetings is to discuss the state of the USPS.  Surprisingly, there was only about 30 people

present in total.  The local APWU President was present and two Transitional Employee Letter Carriers.  That is everyone that

I personally recognized from the craft employees.  Several EAS Employees were present from Operations Support and a couple

other departments.

     The District Manager Mr. Rinaldi discussed the overall decline in mail volume and our achievement in business development.

Mr. Rinaldi also suggested that the USPS was still going to pitch the 4 or 5 workday week to congress sometime next year despite

the postal relief that came with HR 22 being signed into law.

     An OIG Agent was present to talk about the protection of postal revenue and the safety of postal employees.  The agent had

pamphlets on safety that he distributed at the end of the meeting.

     I highly recommend that city carriers attend these Town Hall Meetings.  They are informative and you may ask questions.

United,

Ed Martin, V.P.

SCSALC

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September 30, 2009

Greetings Union Brothers and Sisters,

    As you may know, this past weekend I had the privilege of representing the members of the South Carolina

State Association of Letter Carriers (SCSALC) at the Region 9 Rap Session in Charlotte, N.C. along with our State

President Emily Lane.  I saw many other State Officers and Branch Officers representing their local branches.

In addition, it is always an overwhelming but pleasant feeling for me to be amongst several hundred letter carriers from

North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and my home state family, The SCSALC whom only add icing to the cake.  We all

descended into Charlotte for the benefit of all whom we represent as a union.  The training was eye opening jaw 

dropping informative.

    I attended classes on Labor History, Leadership, National Reassessment Process (NRP), and the General Sessions. 

In the interest of gathering or gaining as much information as possible for our State Association, Emily and I agreed to

split the class agenda.  There was enough classes to choose from so that I was able to select what I thought would be

most interesting to me.

    Labor History was conducted by former National Business Agent (NBA) Matty Rose.  I could not have selected a better

class to begin a weekend of picking knowledge off of trees.  I’ve found a new sense of pride for our union after learning of

our early struggles and achievements.  Our labor history can’t be ignored or taken for granted!  Letter Carrier’s have a history

of over 200 years.  As the NALC, the story begins back in the year 1889 with Union President William H. Wood.  After 117 years

of some ground breaking legislation, imprisonment of union activist, strikes, and good contract agreements, here I stand as a union

officer with the confidence to perform my duties as Vice-President of our State Association without fear of threats or retaliation. 

Thank you NALC from 1889 to present!  “Carriers In A Common Cause” is a book on the History of Letter Carriers and the NALC. 

I highly recommend this book for any union member that remotely have any interest in learning why he or she has a good career

with the USPS.

    Friday afternoon I had two choices of classes; “Do and Don’ts” or a “Leadership” class I contemplated.  I chose Leadership.  I

thought if I have any chance of being National President before I retire in the year 2023, I better take a leadership class.  This class

was instructed by our NBA Judy Willoughby and co-instructed by our National Trustee Mike Gill.  We covered communication,

representation, new employee orientation, legislation awareness, and organizing skills development.  The classes were so in-depth

that we ran into unpaid overtime.

    NRP is…….well it is just like any other acronym the postal service comes up with; The intent is efficiency and the results means

danger.  In short, the USPS is Re-assessing employees on limited duty in a series of steps in the interest of bringing them back to work

or getting rid of them.  The phrase “getting rid of” may be extreme language for the lack of better words but it gets straight to the point. 

On June 18, 2009 our former National President Mr. Young signed a pre-arbitration emphasizing the USPS responsibilities under the

ELM section 546 and 5 C.F.R., Part 353.  The NRP has not redefined or changed the Postal Service’s obligation to provide limited duty or

rehabilitation assignments for injured employees.  If you are unsure if you are getting railroaded or not, contact your local president for

guidance.

    Congratulations NALC Branches 1782, 439, and 2553 for being recognized by Region 9 in the areas of E-Activist, Food Drive, and the

MDA respectively.  You’ve set the standard for organizing and donating time and money for worthy causes. 

   See everyone in Columbia in November for the strategic planning meeting at NALC Branch 233 Union Hall.  Until then,

hable con usted luego. 

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

If you don't know your Rights, you can't exercise your Rights!

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September 15, 2009

Dear Union Brothers and Sisters,

     I just got the word a few days ago that HR22 is coming back to the floor for a vote perhaps this week. 

Maybe today!  The NALC E-Activist is a great tool in bringing us up to date on legislation pertaining to letter carriers.

Have you signed-up for this simple method/system of being informed, yet?

    Prior to getting involved in unionism I never thought of the importance of politics or the power of legislation.  But

today it is all so clear to me what I have been missing out on in my early years of absence of political awareness. 

Political education should be very important to us as letter carriers in our quest to survive the economic storm that

we are presently experiencing.  If class was in progress, what would I teach first?

    Let’s examine the word “legislation”.  Legislation is the act of making or enacting laws.  Laws are a set of rules

regulating what may or what may not be done by members of a society or a community.  Politics is the art or science

of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and

control of its internal and external affairs.  Congress is the national legislative body of the United States consisting of

the Senate and The House of Representatives.  Lobbyist is someone who is employed to persuade legislators to vote for

legislation that favors the lobbyist’s employer.  COLCPE is the Committee on Letter Carrier’s Political Education.  COLCPE

is the NALC’s political action fund committed to strengthening our voice in Congress.

   Back to HR22 or House Resolution 22; this bill will allow the USPS to reduce the amount it must pay to pre-fund future

retirement health benefits.  Yes, this action takes an act of Congress.  The following are the facts.  The NALC supports this bill. 

HR22 will provide the USPS will short term economic relief and it will not reduce any future health benefits of retiree’s.  The

challenge is convincing more letter carriers to get involved in the political process.

    The best example I can think of proving the power of politics is using the State of South Carolina as an example.  South

Carolina State recognizes and believes that Seatbelt Laws saves lives.  I can agree with that.  However, the State of South

Carolina does not believe in the need for helmet laws for adults over the age of 18 years old on motorcycles.  Why?  Surely if

seatbelts saves lives for motorist then helmets for motorcyclist would save lives also.  Motorcyclist has strong motorcyclist

lobbyist or political action committees that support the right to choose.  In the past decade Florida State abolished in part their

helmet laws.  My point here is not to make a stand for or against helmets as I am a motorcycle enthusiast believing in choice;

Instead, I appeal to all letter carriers whom don’t believe that they can make a difference by writing a letter to your representatives

or supporting COLCPE for that matter; I appeal to you that in the end, you were the person(s) that could have made the difference. 

    Supporting HR22 is as easy as clicking on www.unionvoice.org/campaign/HR22

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

If you don’t know your Rights, you can’t exercise your Rights!

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August 16, 2009

Who do I call when............,

Greetings Union Brothers and Sisters,

    I am sick and tired of city carriers receiving mis-information on their benefits under the Federal

Employee's Compensation Act.  First, who do you call when you are injured on the job?

You should immediately report your accident/injury to your supervisor/manager!  Afterwards, when time

reasonably permit, you should contact your shop steward or the designated person in your branch that

handles OWCP cases.

    I've found that a lot of supervisors does not know much about OWCP.   The less experience supervisors

have a checklist to follow when you are involved in an accident that caused injury.  This is a basic checklist

that does not tell you of all your benefits.  For example, your supervisor may (probably will) tell you that you can

use your annual leave or sick leave until your claim is approved by OWCP.  While that is not a false statement,

it is only one of several options.  You are entitled to Continuation of Pay (COP) when you are injured on the job!

However, you have a 3-day waiting period (ELM 545-83). 

ELM 545.83

The employee is advised that there is a waiting period of 3 calendar days before OWCP compensation begins, unless the

disability extends beyond 14 calendar days.  The 3-day waiting period may not be satisfied by using sick or annual leave; 

the employee must be in a nonpay status.

The waiting period applies as follows:

a.  In the case of an occupational disease or illness, compensation is not payable for the first 3 days of disability, unless the

disability extends beyond 14 calendar days.

b.  In the case of traumatic injury, the 3-day waiting period begins immediately after the end of the 45-day COP period, unless the

disability continues for more than 14 calendar days after the expiration of the 45-day COP period

    After you get all your misinformation from your less than experienced supervisors, you will receive accurate

information via mail from the post office's injury compensation office.  This information may come

certified mail.  This is where the USPS cover it's tracks from all the mis-information your supervisor gave

you.  I've found that a lot of carriers do not thoroughly read the information from the post office's injury

compensation office.  Somewhere in the three or four pages you receive, postal management is informing

you that they are attempting to controvert your injury claim.  Weeks have gone by and you can't understand

why OWCP has not approved your claim yet.  Wait a minute, you did receive something from OWCP requesting

more information to support your claim.  You just have not opened the letter yet. 

    It is so important to read all your OWCP correspondence thoroughly.  I want to cover some of the basics

dealing with being injured on the job before I conclude this article.

   We already covered reporting your accident/injury immediately to your supervisor or as soon as you become

aware in the case of an occupational disease or illness.  Contact your union representative when you reasonably

are able.  In the case of a traumatic injury, make sure your supervisor gives you a CA-1, CA-16, and a CA-17 just

in case. 

    The CA-1 is the notice of Traumatic Injury.  Fill this out completely and check the box indicating that you do

desire Continuation of Pay.  There is a section that the supervisor completes and then he or she provides you

with a receipt. 

    The CA-16 authorizes the physician to treat you or examine you.  The post office will try and send you to a

contract doctor's facility that suggest they care.  I recommend that you exercise your right to see your family

doctor.  The post office may insist that you see their contract physician, but you must indicate to the Post Office

and OWCP that they will not be your doctor of record.  You are still entitled to see your physician of choice.

    The CA-17 is a duty status report.  Whether you have a CA-17 with you or not, when you go see the doctor

it is important that you describe all your duties that you perform to your doctor.  Some of the information that

the doctor will provide will determine if OWCP approves your claim or not.  Some doctor's believe that all

letter carrier's do is report to work, get into our postal vehicles, and then begin delivering mail by simply

driving up to mailboxes.  As for the physician determining any restrictions, they must understand that when we

report to work we lift tubs, case mail, we reach, we bend, and we stand continuously for the first 1 to 3 hours.

On our routes we climb steps, we twist, we lift weighted parcels, and on extremely bad days we run from dogs.

    I have a list of people for you to contact if you are not sure of what to do when injured on the job or if you

feel that you are getting the run around.  If your branch does not have a owcp designee, contact our

State Director of Education.

    The only thing that I am absolutely positve about is, if you don't know your Rights, you can't exercise

your Rights!

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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August 12, 2009

    Good Health Union Brothers and Sister,

            Today the District Joint Safety Committee met.  The NALC half of the committee consist of

Emily Lane- State President, Zina Wright - Bishopville, Brandon Lewis - Myrtle Beach, and myself.

We discussed past office reviews and future goals. 

            If you are not already familiar with the District Joint Safet Committee does, we promote safety

awareness.  Each committee member is paired with a representative of postal management.  We

may come into a office and identify potential safety hazard.  We go on to the streets and observe

city carriers in the performance of their duties.  We complete a PS Form 4584 on our observations.

Well correction, we do not identify on the PS 4584 who we observed.  All of our observations on

city carriers are anonymous!  We don't identify what route, vehicle number or street.  The goal is

to make carriers aware of an unsafe practice that may be habitual to you.  

         We intend on going into Sumter Post Office on August 26, 2009 with the full committee due

to the size of that office.  So you ask, what are we looking for?  We are checking Fire Extinguishers,

items on top of cases, straps on the floor or any potential hazard in the office.  In the street, we are

observing to see if carriers are wearing their seatbelts, curbing their tires, securing their vehicles,

and driving in a safe manner in accordance with South Carolina's driving rules. 

Just Keep it Safe,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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July 14, 2009

Don't give up!

Greetings Union Brothers and Sisters,

    Be a hitter not a quitter. Don"t give up! I am a member of the District Evaluate and Adjust Team representing

the union's interest.  One out of every six city carriers I encounter say, "management is going to do what they

want to do no matter what I say."  Afterwards, they do not actively participate in identifying potential errors in the data 

that is being presented or they refuse to assist in the route adjustment process.  The problem is that some of us have been

stigmatized by the old Route Inspection process involving counting the mail and riding with the carriers.  The present

Modified Interim Alternate Route Adjustment Process (MIARAP) is not flawless.  I am not naive.  I emphasize that there

are more checks and balances in this process than any other route inspections that I have ever participated in.

    Union members on the D.E.A.T. Teams have been able to add time to many routes whereas carriers did not

agree with the data and whereas we have been able to substantiate your objections by means of research.

In some cases management has implied that D.E.A.T. team union members are fishing when the research

becomes more indepth.  Errors have been discovered in this present process in the administration of input

with clockrings by management and labor.  The absolute best way to be overlooked in this process is to believe

that your input does not matter or be reluctant to participate.

    It is not the intent of the MIARAP to harm any carriers.  In order for the USPS to sustain in the present economy

is to in part, capture undertime, reduce pivoting times, cut routes that are over eight hours, and eliminate any

wasteful administrative practices both managerial or labor oriented. We are U.S. Mail Carriers.  There is an old saying,

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat of day nor gloom of night shall stay these couriers from the swift completion of their

appointed rounds".  Let not a route inspection process compromise this old saying.

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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3 July 2009

Be Safe and Have A Happy Fourth of July!

5 June 2009

What should I do if management calls me in for a Preliminary Disciplinary Interview (PDI)?

Greetings Union Brothers and Sisters,

    What should you do if management calls you in the office for an interrogation?  Sorry, I mean "PDI".  You would not

believe some of the things city carriers will say or do during a PDI.  I wish to share with you some tips I've learned on how

to conduct yourself during a PDI (called Investigative interviews in some areas).  My experience is limited only to representing 

over 100 city carriers in disciplinary cases the past 15 years and me being the recipient of three PDI's in the past 19

years.  Two of my PDI's resulted in discipline but who is counting.

     The very first thing you should do when called in the front office for a PDI is request that your Shop Steward be 

present.  Under the provisions of Article 17 of our National Agreement, you do have what they call Weingarten Rights. 

These rights entitle you to have a Shop Steward present.  I don't care if you think your shop steward is useless.  He or

she can take notes for you.  Some interrogators, I mean some managers don't share notes immediately after a PDI.

Also, your more than qualified shop steward can find out the nature of the investigation and discuss it with you prior to

going into the office.  This act will enable you to get your thoughts together and help relieve you of any anxiety before

going into the office.  Don't go into the office behaving belligerent because you don't believe you should be in the office,

or you are having a bad day, or you are just fed up with some of the daily mismanagement that you must endure.  This

behavior will only get you sent home quickly when in many cases your more than qualified shop steward could of

handled the initial situation accordingly.  

    Note, in many cases but not all, a PDI is a formality to discipline.  Some managers or supervisors don't care

what you have to say but they must ask these questions before they can request discipline to be issued to you.  Yes,

discipline must be requested to be issued to you.  There is a check and balance system.  Unfortunately, the same person

concurring the discipline is probably the same person that told your supervisor or manager to give you a PDI.  For this

reason it is so important to observe how you conduct yourself during a PDI.  I've seen carriers brought in the office and asked

questions about their attendance.  Next thing you know the carrier is saying that John Doe was late this morning and

what are you going to do about that?  It is never necessary to point fingers during a PDI.  Should you be issued discipline

in a real disparity of treatment environment, your more than qualified shop steward will present the facts in the grievance

process in which then, such discipline will likely be reduced or expunged based on the circumstances.  Otherwise, pointing

fingers only leads to both you and John Doe being issued a Letter of Warning.

     How should you answer questions during an Investigative Interview (PDI)?  Answer questions with a simple "yes or

no".  Don't elaborate!  Its almost like anything you say extra will be held against you.  Unless you believe you have a

good supervisor or manager sincerely interested in what you have to say, don't elaborate.  I once heard a carrier explain 

during a PDI for alleged unauthorized overtime use; I heard the carrier say if I wore my seatbelts while driving and I locked

the doors everytime I get out, I would have used even more unathorized overtime.  While that is a colorful statement,

charges of operating a vehicle unsafely has just been added to your unauthorized overtime!  Often the very last question

during a PDI will be, "do you have anything else to add"?  This is your last chance to incriminate yourself.  Just say, "no,

 not at this time, I will like to discuss things further with my steward before I give anymore statements";  And if I was your

shop steward depending on the circumstances, I will likely tell you that you don't want to add any additional statements

at this time.  Be truthful in your "yes" or "no" answers.  If the questions asked require responses that involves figures

such as in time, distance, amounts, quantities, or volumes.  Use words like, "approximately", "about", "maybe", or

 "nearly".  These words will allow you to give more accurate figures at a later date when you are more comfortable and

you have had sufficient time to rethink your past events. Once you said, "I had exactly 2 feet of mail remaining at 5 p.m.",

you can't come back later and say I had "3 feet of mail" when using words like "exactly".  (Or if you do use those type

of words, make sure that you had measured the mail with a tape measure at 5 p.m. the day before)  Never ever guess an answer to a

question just to please your supervisor or manager that is questioning you.  Sometimes your PDI may not occur

until a few days after the alleged infraction.  Commonly so, you may not remember the exact details of an event

several days ago.  Management will sometimes ask unreasonable questions like, "how much feet of mail you had last

monday?"  How could you remember such a detail from last week?  Again, be truthful.  But be truthful to yourself as well.

If you don't remember, then reply, "I don't remember?"   Words like "maybe", "I think", or "possibly" are words of potential  

guilt or they are words that raise suspicion.  An innocent person uses words like, "absolutely not", "hell no", "never", or

"not me!". 

     Do you have to participate in a PDI?  Yes, you do.  If you are being arrested by the Postal Inspectors or the OIG, 

then you have Miranda Rights.  In short, you have the right to remain silent.  Likewise, if the Postal Inspectors or the

OIG are asking you questions that may be considered criminal, although you have not been arrested (yet), you may

request to speak with your attorney (not steward) for representation.  However, you are not refusing to participate. You

would rather wait to speak with your attorney.    

     During the entire PDI, you or your shop steward should have been taking notes.  Your notes should include today's

date, time, and all the parties present during the PDI.  Your notes should include the questions you were asked and

your responses.  Sometimes the manager or supervisor transcribed notes slightly differ from what you said or sometimes

you are just misquoted.  Your discipline may not be issued until sometime next month.  You may forget about what you

said a month or two ago.  Therefore, good note keeping is a must.  Some B-Team members and/or Arbitrators look

closely at what you said during your PDI.  Remember, management in part uses those notes to support the charges in

your discipline.

    The intent of this article is not to assist any bad employees in eluding corrective action.  Instead, it is to protect good

employees from over zealous supervisors, managers, and postmasters seeking to be punitive rather than corrective.

You will hear me say this often, If you don't know your rights, you can't exercise your rights!

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

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7 May 2009

Greetings Union Brothers and Sisters,

    I wish to thank all the members of the South Carolina State Association of Letter Carriers (SCSALC) for your support

and confidence in electing me as the Vice-President of our State Association.  Because of you I am prepared both

mentally and physically for the challenges that await us in the future.  I am excited about working with my fellow officers

of the SCSALC's Executive Board.  I will continue the great work of our former Vice-President Buddy Ferguson in the

management of our website.  In the weeks to come you will find new articles, stories, and/or updates at our website.  I

will also encourage everyone to contact me with your branch news and events so that our State Association can support

you right here at www.NALCSC.org .

     Once again I have been selected to serve on a team to adjust city routes.  The teams consist of a union representative

and a representative from postal management.  Our Area/Regional Team Member is NBA Judy Willoughby.  Our District 

Lead Team Member is Cathy Hiers. Our District Evaluation & Adjustment Teams Members are Steve Koerner, Keith

Arrowood, Wayne Harlow, Penny Bacon, and myself (Ed Martin).  The new process is called the Modified Interim

Alternate Route Adjustment Process (MIARAP).  The former process was called, "IARAP".  It's been modified to be even

better and hence forth we have "MIARAP". 

     In essence, there will be union and management team members evaluating and adjusting routes under the oversight of

 a district team.  These teams will coordinate with local teams and city carriers to ensure potential data integrity or any

unforeseen issues are addressed accordingly.  There are two benefits to this modified process that stands out for me. 

The process has been tested for bugs already from the previous IARAP and there is an actually written script to follow this

 time.  In despite of any reservations you may have of this new process, we need a process to adjust routes efficiently and

 quickly in a declining mail volume environment.  MIARAP may be that process.  Make initial contact with your branch

president if you have any questions about this specific process (MIARAP).

    Well, you have my information.  I will be pleased to hear any suggestions from any union member in good standings.

United,

Ed Martin, Vice-President

SCSALC

Remember: If you don't know your rights, you can't exercise your rights!

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