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Message from the APWU Health Plan Director

John L. Marcotte

In our constant efforts to improve our members’ customer service, the APWU Health Plan is issuing new identification cards for High Option Members. The APWU Health Plan has mailed new identification cards to its High Option members. Members of the High Option should have these new cards in their possession already. The cards go into effect on January 01, 2018.

These cards have new ID numbers that will help us better serve our members. The Health Plan recommends that members destroy their old cards. In 2018, members should present their new High Option ID card at the doctor, pharmacy, hospital, or other medical provider when they receive health care, even if the member has visited the medical provider or pharmacy before. This will allow the medical provider to bill the APWU Health plan directly for services without any delay.

These cards are part of an extensive effort to update our software system and improve our service to Health Plan Members. Questions about the cards or the APWU Health Plan can be directed to our Membership Services staff at 1-800-222-APWU (2798).

We at the APWUHP Health Plan wish all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year. Together Better Health.

LMOU Training and New Contract Orientation

LMOU Training and New Contract Orientation Seminar

 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel  

333 W College Ave

Appleton WI

September 8-9 2016

Single Room:   $92

Double Room:  $109

Registration: $55

Training will be a half day on Thursday September 8, 2016 beginning at 1:00 pm and continue Friday September 9, 2016 from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Hotel Registration call---- 920-733-8000 reference APWU

Deadline for hotel registration is August 11, 2016

Training registration send to: 

Steve Kendall

N85W15650 Ridge Rd # 207
Menomonee Falls, WI. 53051

Clerks in Small Offices to Receive Payout

By: Steve Lord

Back in December of 2014 a settlement was reached between the APWU and the USPS regarding Postmasters doing bargaining unit work in small offices. The settlement had two parts.

The first part dealt with Postmasters doing bargaining unit work in small offices from December 5, 2014 forward. Postmasters in Level 18 offices are now required to report their bargaining unit hours worked on an electronic 1260 form. Many clerks from Level 18 offices began receiving payouts this summer due to their Postmasters doing more than the allowed 15 hours of bargaining unit work.

The APWU at a national level gets the 1260 reports and disseminates them to the state and local organization so that they can contact the designated management person to begin the process of payment to the appropriate clerks. To date over $200,000 of payments have been scheduled in Wisconsin alone. If you work in a Level 18 office and think your Postmaster is doing more than 15 hours of bargaining unit work per week you should be getting a payout from the settlement. If you have not gotten a settlement payout you should contact the appropriate APWU representative.

The second part of the aforementioned settlement deals with the time before December 5, 2014. An award of 56 million dollars was achieved for that time period. The award time period goes from May 7, 2011 through December 5, 2014. If you were a PTF or NTFT employee at a small office (Level 18 and below) you should be in line for a payout. The payout works like this. The time period mentioned consists of 187 weeks. Each week that a NTFT or PTF employee worked will entitle that employee to one share which is worth $26.23. If an employee worked the entire time period it would amount to approximately $4900.

To those APWU members in these offices, thank you for being a member. You have contributed union dues which has helped the union financially and enabled the APWU to continue these long dragged out and expensive struggles. If you are a non-member reading this an 1187 form will be sent to you asking you to help contribute to these struggles. If you know a non-member encourage them to join. The APWU will continue to fight for the small office employee, but it is not cheap.

President Obama’s New Overtime Rule will Benefit 80,000 Wisconsin workers

Today the Wisconsin AFL-CIO released the following statement on President Obama’s new overtime rule, which will benefit 80,000 Wisconsin workers.

Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Phil Neuenfeldt said today: “The Wisconsin AFL-CIO applauds President Obama for proposing new overtime rules that will help 80,000 Wisconsinites and their families by closing the white collar loophole. Front-line managers of gas stations, convenience stores, and others who work long hours without additional pay will now be paid fairly. This is a step in the right direction to protect the middle class.”

“President Obama’s new overtime rules are a win for workers,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Wisconsin AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer. “Too many ‘salaried’ workers have been taken advantage of by greedy employers who have twisted the intent of overtime protections. The new rules will extend overtime pay to workers making up to $50,440 a year. Together, we will keep fighting to make sure that every Wisconsinite is paid fairly for the work that they do.”

APWU of Wisconsin Delegation Meets with Senator Tammy Baldwin

A Wisconsin APWU delegation met today with Senator Tammy Baldwin in her office in Washington D.C. to discuss the future of the Postal Service.

(L-R) APWU of WI President, Steve Lord; Wausau Area Local President, Tom Tomczyk; Milwaukee Area Local President, Paul McKenna; Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin; Madison Area Local President, Bret Wersland; and Milwaukee Area Local Rep., Chris Czubakowski.

APWU of Wisconsin Spring Seminar is Right Around the Corner

The APWU of Wisconsin Spring Seminar is one week away.

See you at the:

Chula Vista Resort

March 9-10 2015

New Postal Amendment to Pipeline Bill

Whether or not to approve construction of the Keystone tar sands pipeline is one of the first pieces of legislation that the Senate has taken up since the 114th Congress came into session this month.  For this bill, newly minted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has promised an open-amendment process.  Said McConnell, “nobody is blocking any amendments,” and Senate Democrats are taking him up on his offer. A wide range of amendments on a variety of topics have been offered, including amendments to subsidize heating bills for low-income families and require companies using the pipeline to pay into an oil spill cleanup fund.  This week, the Senate voted 98-1 in favor of an amendment to affirm that climate change is indeed real and "not a hoax."

Senate postal champion Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is now leading a new charge to undo the Postmaster General’s disastrous decision to slow down the mail and close 82 mail processing facilities.  Sanders introduced an amendment to the Keystone bill that would restore service standards to July 2012 levels and would block the closure of any processing facilities for two years.  The amendment already has secured the support of a dozen co-sponsors: Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Edward Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Al Franken (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Murphy (D-CT.), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

While APWU opposes passage of the underlying bill, and President Obama has vowed to veto the bill, we are calling upon APWU activists to reach out to their senators and ask them to support this important amendment.  This bill’s open-amendment process could be a unique opportunity to force senators to say where they stand on the future of America’s public postal service.

Please call your senators and ask them to support the Sanders postal amendment.  To find the phone numbers for your two senators’ DC offices, please click here.

2015 APWU of Wisconsin Winter/Spring Seminar

Chula Vista Resort

March 9-10 2015

Hotel Registration------------------ $91 Includes Water Park Passes

1-855-388-4782 ---------------------Reference APWU Seminar

Registration deadline---------------February 10, 2015

Click Here – for Directions

Training Schedule to follow soon.

Seminar Registration----------------$85

Make checks payable to: APWU of Wisconsin

Send to: PO Box 2371, Oshkosh WI 54903

Please send registration $ ASAP to make seminar planning easier

The 2014 Midterm Elections and Beyond

After months of electioneering, phone banks, door knocks, and billions of dollars spent in campaign ads, the book has closed on the 2014 midterm elections.  The APWU is truly appreciative of all active and retired members and our Auxiliary who took time out of their lives to engage in this year’s elections.  It’s not glamorous work, but educating union households about the key political issues and candidates who will best represent working families is important and praiseworthy.

Last Tuesday’s elections serves as an important reminder that APWU’s ongoing work of advocating for our members, retirees, and families does not inexorably bind us to one party.  The mail is not a partisan issue.   Regardless of party affiliation, we will continue to engage and work with any lawmakers who will work with us.  Likewise, we will stand resolute in opposing lawmakers or legislation which seeks to diminish our livelihood or destroy good working class jobs.

APWU’s ongoing effort to secure a moratorium on the looming mail slowdown and plant closures has been bolstered by support from elected officials on both sides of the aisle.  A bipartisan majority of senators endorse legislation to block USPS’s wrongheaded cuts.  In the House, 5 Republicans and 5 Democrats have led the charge, securing the bipartisan support of over 160 representatives.

While Congress considers action, members of the four postal unions and supporters are preparing for a National Day of Action on Nov. 14.  With over 125 events nationwide, we will send a powerful message to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe and the USPS Board of Governor’s: Stop Delaying America’s Mail!  To read more and find an event near you, click here.

Much remains to be seen about the new 114th Congress which will begin in January 2015.  APWU heads into the new Congress with an unwavering commitment to defend our livelihoods and achieve long-term, commonsense postal reform.  Stay tuned.

APWU of WI makes donation to Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans

Steve Lord, President of the APWU of Wisconsin presents a check for $500.00 to Mike Pyne , President of The Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans (WIARA). The Alliance is a “grass roots” organization that looks out for the interests of retired American workers.

Thank You Senator Baldwin for Your Support!

Retired NEWAL President Tony Vanderbloemen, Milwaukee Area Local Business Agent Mark Ferrari, APWU of Wisconsin President Steve Lord, Wausau Area Local President Mike Tomzyck, and Madison Area Local President Bret Wersland meet with US Senator Tammy Baldwin to discuss legislative issues dealing with the USPS.  We were also there to express our gratitude for all her help trying to stop the disastrous postal reform bill S1486 and plant consolidations and closures.

Your APWU COPA $’s in Action

Area Local President Paul McKenna and APWU of Wisconsin President Steve Lord present Wisconsin AFL CIO Secretary Treasurer Stephanie Bloomingdale with a $2500 check from APWU COPA to support Labor friendly candidates in critical Wisconsin 2014 Governor and legislative races.

2014 APWU National Convention (Day 1)

These are notes taken July 21, 2014 at the 2014 APWU National Convention. These are as accurate as possible. Understand there could be some typos or minor errors. I apologize in advance for any errors in my figures or notes. ENJOY!

 

The 2014 APWU National Convention has begun. This will be a busy week with a lot of business to conduct.

 

At least 24 Constitution Committee Resolutions 

At least 24 National Executive Board Resolutions

At least 145 Labor Management Resolutions

At least 49 Clerk Craft Resolutions

At least 17 Maintenance Resolutions

At least 10 Motor Vehicle Resolutions

At least 3 Support Services Resolutions

At least 34 Formal Resolutions

At least 28 Legislative/Political Resolutions

 

The Stop Staples Protest Campaign is working. Teacher, Firefighters, the AFL-CIO, SEIU, along with other local and national Unions and Associations have endorsed the Stop Staples Campaign and have voted to boycott Staples. The APWU will continue to expose the USPS’s plan to degrade the Postal Service by holding a Stop Staples protest in Chicago tomorrow. The NALC will hold a joint Stop Staples protest Tuesday in conjunction with their national convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Credentials Committee

 

There are currently 1440 Delegates in attendance at the 2014 APWU National Convention representing approximately 230 locals.

 

APWU President Mark Dimondstein - State of the Union Address

Brother Dimonstein spoke about the Stop Staples Campaign and how greed is controlling how things are done in the Postal Service, politics and our communities, All local and national public services (including Postal Services) are under constant attack.

Workers are beginning to stand up and fight back. Wal-mart, fast food and Postal workers have been fighting back. We must continue to fight in order to win the fight. Staples is attempting to change their relationship with the USPS in order to derail the APWU’s “Stop Staples” Campaign. The next fight will be villiage Post Offices.

The APWU has a new negotiated contract with the Support Services Division

 

There have been over 2000+ Conversions of PSE Employees.

Stated that there should be only one Postal Union, but absent of that we should all be working together.

 

There is now a joint legislative agenda by all Postal Unions. All Postal Unions will fight together on the Plant Closure Fight.

All Postal Unions seek to add Postal Banking Services. This would provide basic banking services to all citizens. It would add over $9 Billion in revenue.

 

Create a grand alliance not only with other Postal Unions, we need to get out in the community and get our citizens involved in our fight.

Asked the APWU delegates to be jury on whether Postmaster General Patrick Dunahoe is guilty of the degradation and erosion of the USPS. The delegates responded with “Donahoe Has Got To Go!” We need a new Postmaster who will protect and expand the United States Postal Service.

 

Secretary / Treasurer’s Report Liz Powell

Since the 2012 APWU National Convention our membership has declined and our income has continued to decrease. Since January 1, 2014 the APWU has signed up over 5000 new members.

 

APWU National Income

2013 – 20,666,133

2014 – 20,344,209

Headquarters lost $321,924.00 during 14 pay periods prior to July, 2014

 

APWU Bargaining Unit Employees

2000 – 351,735

2014 – 191,129

The APWU is 80.4% Organized

There are over 37,000 non-members.

 

NOTE: The APWU National Secretary/Treasurer office (led by Secretary/Treasurer Liz Powell) created a very detailed financial booklet to show the status of the APWU National finances.

APWU Health Plan contributed $17 million back to the APWU. The APWU Health Plan continues to allow the APWU to continue to be financially viable while our membership continues to decline.

 

There are:

Approximately  26,000 current APWU members enrolled in the APWU Health Plan

Approximately 26,000 associate members enrolled in the APWU Health Plan

Approximately 56, 000 retirees enrolled in the APWU Health Plan

The finance committee recommended that APWU members take note of the associate and retirees enrolled in the APWU Health Plan in order to see just how good the APWU Health Plan is viewed by others.

 

Notable speakers at the 2014 APWU National Convention :

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky - Today

Congressman Danny Davis - Today

National Association of Letter Carriers - Fred Rolando Today (via video)

National Postal Mail Handlers Union President John Hegarty - Today

National Association of Rural Letter Carriers Jeannette Dwyer - Today

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka - Tuesday

MSNBC Broadcaster and Radio Host Ed Schultz - Thursday

Radio Commentator Jim Hightower - Thursday

Actor Danny Glover - Thursday

Source: swoodfla@aol.com

June/July/August 2014 Badger Bulletin

Click Here to view entire Newsletter

APWU of Wisconsin Adopts Resolution to Endorse the Candidacy of Mary Burke for Governor of Wisconsin

The American Postal Workers Union of Wisconsin held their State Convention in Appleton recently. While attending the Convention, delegates from throughout the State of Wisconsin representing their members voted on numerous resolutions during the business sessions.

The vote to adopt the following resolution was passed unanimously. 

Mary Burke

• Whereas: Wisconsin's economic recovery is stagnant compared to neighboring states and the national average and,
• Whereas: Mary Burke will seek to create good paying jobs in Wisconsin that don't come at a cost to the environment and,
• Whereas: Mary Burke will work to restore collective bargaining to state workers and,
• Whereas: Mary Burke believes Wisconsinites deserve better. A better economy, a better future for our children through a quality education, and better leadership,

Therefore Be it Resolved: That the 2014 APWU of Wisconsin Convention endorse the candidacy of Mary Burke for Governor of Wisconsin.

2014 APWU of Wisconsin Convention Schedule

Attached is a pdf attachment of the 2014 APWU of Wisconsin Convention Schedule for your convenience.

Click Here to see and print the document.

APRIL/MAY Issue of THE BADGER BULLETIN

CLICK HERE – to see Newsletter

2014 APWU of Wisconsin State Convention

                           April 24-26 2014

                 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel

333 W College Ave

Appleton WI

Hotel Registration

Single Rate……..$86

Double Rate……$106

Phone…………... 920-733-8000

When registering be sure to reference APWU Convention

Registration Cut-off…….March 27, 2014

Training will begin at 1:00 pm on April 24, 2014

Click Here – for Hotel Information

Click Here – for Convention Registration Sheet

Auxiliary to the APWU of Wisconsin State Convention Call

Credentials have been sent out to the delegates for the Auxiliary to the APWU of Wisconsin State Convention April 24, 2014 through Saturday, April 26, 2014 held in conjunction the APWU State Convention in Appleton, WI.  There will be nomination and elections of all officers of the Auxiliary, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Legislative Director.  The minimum age of an officer in the Auxiliary shall be at least twenty-one (21) years.  If you did not receive your credentials, please contact the Secretary, Jacque Childs email at jchilds@uwcatholic.org.  Credentials are due back by April 15, 2014 to Secretary, Jacque Childs, 1937 Paso Roble Way, Madison WI 53716.

Now is the time to start preparing any resolutions that you wish to submit to the convention for consideration by the delegates in attendance and to be forwarded, if acted on, to the National APWU Auxiliary Convention.

The Auxiliary to the APWU of Wisconsin announces the theme for the State Convention is “Hunger Games” and hope to raise needed monies for COPA.  Be sure to join us.