News

Website: It was actually two years ago when we announced that we had a Branch website. We did, but that was it, we never did develop it. As Joyce had announced over the past several months, we’ve been working with a team of IT guys who are designing a new grievance tracking system for us. They have also made us a website that will be interactive, informative and a great resource for the Stewards and members. Everything should be up and running by the end of the month at www.nalc84.org. We’ll have more information and hopefully a demonstration at the February Branch meeting.

Vacation Planning: All offices should now be circulating the list for choosing choice and non-choice annual leave. Item 4 of your local contract spells out the details of your office’s leave program. Item 5 defines what the choice vacation period will be. Conveniently, a copy of your local agreement is linked at the website. If the lists are not being passed around, or if the provisions of your local contract are not being followed, notify the Branch office.

Holiday Scheduling: While you’re looking at your office’s local agreement, note that Item 13 is titled “The Method of Selecting Employees to Work a Holiday.” This Item spells out the pecking order for who works the designated holiday. It still amazes me that after 10 holidays a year for who-knows-how-many years, most supervisors, and for that matter most carriers, don’t know the regulations.

2010 National Convention: Those who responded at the November meeting that they intended to attend the Anaheim Convention should have received a notification regarding housing and travel planning. The rooming information requested must be returned to the Union office by the 28th. There is a new system for acquiring housing for our delegation and we must be ready when the registration becomes available.

Winter Safety: Despite what we’ve already been through, a lot of winter weather is still on the way. Please be extra careful both walking and driving in the hazardous conditions. Wear proper layers of clothing for protection and use the ice grips and other safety equipment as provided. Do your morning vehicle check and make sure it’s in good shape for winter driving, including chains on LLVs when necessary. Don’t leave the vehicle running, even to warm up while you’re scraping the windshield, unless you’re in the driver’s seat. Remember that making their numbers is never an excuse for working unsafely, especially in winter. Have a safe 2010.