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APWU
APWU’s President Burrus states that in March he sent letters to non-APWU members requesting that they join the union. The mailing included a postage-paid return envelope along with an APWU membership application.
Burrus noted that about 1000 postal employees chose to join the union, but many others chose to use the postage-paid envelope to express their negative views regarding the union and union membership – because of this, Burrus decided to publicize the names of those who identified themselves.
You may read Burrus’ statements and see his publicized list of employees choosing not to join APWU here.
I am a current union employee. I am growing more and more anti-union everyday.
I am tired of hearing that crap that non union workers are scabs and are riding the coattails of others. I am been a postal worker for 22 years. When I came to the postal service for employment, I was not aware they had unions. I was just looking for a job. People should not feel as though they need to join unions to have a job. So what if the union negotiates for our raises. All that was negotiated before I became a postal employee. I can’t think of anything outstanding the union has done for me in the past 22 years. The only thing that was major was the ending of part time flex in larger offices. That was not good news to me. I transferred from another area to be close to my family. At the time I transferred there was no one available to swap with me. So I get to lose everything I worked hard for for 22 years and become a part time flex again, due to something the union negotiated a long time ago. I think that’s a gross injustice. To treat somebody like a new hire even though they have not changed employers is just totally wrong. Nobody should have to choose between their job and their family. Family comes first. Before people start complaining about being bumped, if the post office was paid by state government, I could see your side and I would not complain. However we receive a government check and I my check continues to come from the exact same place. I just feel once you gain your seniority you should be able to keep it no matter where you go. You never know if you may find yourself in the same situation, I know most people would give up their seniority to be near their family because their family is important to them. I moved before they negotiated the ending of part-time flex in larger offices. To add insult to injury they get rid of part time flex and I get to sit at the bottom of the list with one person below me. I don’t know why the union did not see this coming that when they negotiated this the post office would no longer hire regular employees they would start hiring more casuals. I think any dummy could have seen that. I have been paying dues to APWU every since 1988 when I transferred from the mail handler craft. I just feel totally ill. I was recently excessed and at my new office I am again low man on the totem pole. Everybody including the part-time flex there have more seniority than me. They have excessed from that office in the past so its possible I could get excessed again. How do you think I feel being employed 22 years and being tossed around like this? I should just give my money to people who negotiate things I don’t agree with. I also don’t like their constant support of the democratic party. That’s all I am going to say about that. I wasn’t trying to start a debate about Democrats versus Republicans. Why should I remain a union member? With the big boss doing something like this, this gives me more ammo to drop this union. I don’t like bullies. Also the union does not pay my salary I earn my pay everyday. When the union starts paying me a salary then union workers can complain about me not pulling my weight. Tell me why I should feel guilty when most of everything in that contract was negotiated before I became a postal employee.
This blog deals with the manner in which Mr. William Burrus, APWU President, responded to recalcitrant non-union member employees who declined his invitation to join the APWU in a manner he disliked. As the exclusive representative, the APWU, and Mr. Burrus as its agent, have a duty to fairly represent all collective bargaining unit employees regardless of their union affiliation or lack thereof. But did Mr. Burrus violate his duty by publishing those names? The following excerpts from Vica v Sipes, 386 U.S. 171 (1967), written for the majority by Mr. Justice White, establishes the standard to which unions and their agents, including Mr. Burrus, are held.
“Although the NLRB has recently held that a union’s breach of its statutory duty of fair representation is an unfair labor practice under § 8(b) of the National Labor Relations Act, …”
“The doctrine of fair representation, which protects individuals against arbitrary union conduct, …”
“A union breaches its duty of fair representation when its conduct toward a member of the designated unit is arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith, … ”
“Under this doctrine, the exclusive agent’s statutory authority to represent all members of a designated unit includes a statutory obligation to serve the interests of all members without hostility or discrimination toward any, to exercise its discretion with complete good faith and honesty, and to avoid arbitrary conduct.”
“Although N.L.R.A. § 8(b) was enacted in 1947, the NLRB did not, until Miranda Fuel, interpret a breach of a union’s duty of fair representation as an unfair labor practice. In Miranda Fuel, the Board’s majority held that N.L.R.A. § 7 gives employees “the right to be free from unfair or irrelevant or invidious treatment by their exclusive bargaining agent in matters affecting their employment,” . . . .”
“. . . “that Section 8(b)(1)(A) of the Act accordingly prohibits labor organizations, when acting in a statutory representative capacity, from taking action against any employee upon considerations or classifications which are irrelevant, invidious, or unfair.”
“The collective bargaining system, as encouraged by Congress and administered by the NLRB, of necessity subordinates the interests of an individual employee to the collective interests of all employees in a bargaining unit. See, e.g., J. I. Case Co. v. Labor Board, 321 U. S. 332. This Court recognized in Steele that the congressional grant of power to a union to act as exclusive collective bargaining representative, with its corresponding reduction in the individual rights of the employees so represented, would raise grave constitutional problems if unions were free to exercise this power to further racial discrimination. 323 U.S. at 323 U. S. 198-199. Since that landmark decision, the duty of fair representation has stood as a bulwark to prevent arbitrary union conduct against individuals stripped of traditional forms of redress by the provisions of federal labor law.”
“A breach of the statutory duty of fair representation occurs only when a union’s conduct toward a member of the collective bargaining unit is arbitrary, discriminatory, or in bad faith.
Since Mr. Burrus’ response was directed at collective bargaining unit employees, specifically non-union member employees, and appears to be arbitrary, discriminatory, and/or hostile in character, is it reasonable to conclude his response constitutes an unfair labor practice by a labor union?
Salty
Disclosure: I am a non-union member employee represented by a union. While I have in the past been compelled to pay an agency fee to a union in order to retain my right to work, I do not pay union imposed fees at this time. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, am not licensed to practice law, nor can I give legal advice. My words do not constitute legal advice; they are not given in that context or for that purpose and should not be applied to that end. If you need legal advice, contact the appropriate attorney.
I’m not anti union.. but, i am anti present day union mentality. While the Prez is seeking relief for businesses… the unions will seek to use it as a reason to demand higher wages. What’s the point??? Why even boither to give tax incentives to businesses. The unions and thier “Hoffa” style tactics of bulling and intimidation are driving businesses right out of business. I can see if the employer can be more free to fire or discipline poor workers but, the unions prevent this. They even go so far as to protect these poor workers and has earned a reputation of being the dud’s hero. It is well known that unions drive up cost and overhead by blocking employer’s ability to manage thier own overhead cost. Think of how much money can be saved just by eliminating poor workers. I’m talking poor workers ie; duds that either refuse to work, won’t work, or not able to do the job, ( the latter can be placed in different positions that use thier talents more effectively). It takes two employees to do the job of one poor worker. That’s double the overhead cost to an employer. Why should a custodian make so much an hour. They make almost as much as a mechanic. The highest paid custodians in the nation exist in the USPS. It’s crazy. Chrysler and GM failed, in part, because of the union and thier refusal to make meaningful concessions. They did not give a dam about thier”brothers” who would be affected by thier refusals. The ones who would be laid off. What happened to solidarity and brotherhood! It’s all BS! The union heads are all in it for themselves. The CTA (Chicago Transportation Authority) jus laid off hundreds of workers and reduced services that not only affect union worker but the public as a whole… all because the UNION and thier sorry memebers all decided to not compromise and throw thier fellow members “under the bus”. This is solidarity? Brotherhood? What a joke. I’m willing to wager that many of the members who voted to screw there fellow members were poor workers who would be protected either way… due to thier “seniority”. Nothing to do with knowledge or proficiency. Thos eare 4 letter words to unions. As a now former dues paying member, I am just totally fed up with these protections given to these poor workers then forcing me to work “with” them. In actuality… I get to do there jobs too as they won’t or can’t and the task need to get done. I get NO extra pay for this. All i get is more bitter and DISGUSTED!
You are all cry baby!!
The union is the one reason why they paying you what you’re earning now!
If its not enough for you, look for another high paying job.
The union is the one reason why, when you wake-up tommorrow, you’ll have still have your job without being to worry about to lost it.
The union is the one reason why, your getting all your benefits.
The union is the one reason why…………………….
read this…. http://courierexpressandpostal.blogspot.com/2010/02/irs-cracks-down-on-workers-status-abuse.html
and compare yourself to UPS and FEDEX!!
I bet Obet is one of those “poor workers” that i’ve spoke of. The unions think that they play a bigger role than they do. This notion of “JOB SECURITY” is all BS. That’s right… smoke and mirrors. Cause if an employer really needs to trim the fat, you can bet your arse job security would be tossed. It is known by those at the table that a “no layoff” clause is just something that the unions can use as a talking point for recruitment. Any fool who really believes that this would save his or her job needs a psyc exam. Tell me why should anyone get $20 an hour to paint one sign. This is what unions have done to america. They drove up cost to the point where you’d have to make that much to buy anything. It’s a redundant thing. They demand higher pay, companies have to charge more for goods and services, then they ask for more, then companies raise prices more. On and on. In the meantime… ordinary people find it difficult to afford basics. More join the ranks of the poor. Foreign consumers can’t afford our goods. Trade slows. Think supply and demand. You don’t demand what you can’t afford. Now if we adopt a new mentality and decrease the power of unions to interfere with overhead… such as allowing employers to rid thier rank of “dead weight”… then maybe we can have the nice saleries and keep overhead down as well. Now more on this job security. What would the incentive be for a new hire to come into a shop, join a union and, when it comes time to lay someone off, guess what!! See ya! Mr. new employee. Thanks for all of the dues you’ve wasted supporting those who’ve been here longer. Now what is the incentive for those with seniority to join the union. They will benefit either way so, why join. The facts are what they are. There is very little incentive for either side to join. Esp the new hire. Just wasted money. Work 20 years and be the first fired. That would suck right? Now if the unions were blocked from the process, then only the “dead weight” would get ejected. They’re not contributing anyway. In fact, they actually increase overhead disproportionately. So, i really don’t need to hear or read your “talking point” reference. Have a nice day.
I am a dues paying member but don’t get adequate representation. I can’t get my grievances filed by the local union and the local union representatives often side with Postal Management in their action. The contractual violation are known to the union representatives and tolerated by them. The union visit our office maybe once every 4-6 weeks and don’t usually have time to talk to the employees. Several Letter Carriers have given the union representative statements about management performing craft work but no action is taken.
Why pay for something (union representation) that isn’t provided. Burris seem to be attempting to embarrass the individuals into joining the union against their will. If the union provided adequate representation to all its due paying members then more will remain members. They just chose not to pay for something they weren’t getting anyway. Burris need to stop crying and start fighting for what he and those under him have lost by getting in bed with Postal management. Burris if you lay with dogs and you always get fleas.
Every local is different all I know is there are good unions and bad unions. The apwu local that work at are very non union. There is favortism among certain shopstewards. Favortism causes division not unity. There is also something at our local call superseniority where basically the same two shopstewards benefit by over riding people that have more senority than they. There is superseniority only is allowed when excessing, shopstewards get to stay in that office that has excessing. The problem is there isnt any excessing in the office Im in. Go figure. Ive also was misrpresented by the local where I work to the point I lost 2 years back pay without being heard. I was yelled at by the advocate to just GO Back to work. I now struggle to fight for my home. The list goes on. I want out of the union this is not what I joined the union for. I wish they would call me scab, because write along side of my name I would write all of the non union things that the local has done to me. I will be writing a book.
can someone e-mail me with instructions how to cancel membership in apwu? I’ve heard it is very complicated. if joining was as complicated I would never have joined. I’m sick of supporting any part of the democrats.
There is good and bad in every organization. The people who do not strongly believe in unions are only fooling themselves as people forget over time why unions were formed in the first place. I personally thank them for my livable wage and health benefits. Look at walmart the richest family in the world worth hundreds of billions of dollars and the pay structure is what?
you can submit the paperwork (there’s a form to get from your supervisor) around your hire date.
remember, the only union is only as good or bad as those who participate or don’t participate in it.
with tentative apwu cba, assuming it’s ratified, there will be changes ahead for everyone, union, non union, management.
one thing for sure, the new teaching will be a complaint is not necessarily a grievance. that should free up a lot of wasted time and get those who waste the time of stewards who are working on real grievances out of everyone’s hair.
you know just because the union has to represent non-union members, that doesn’t necessarily mean the non-union member is getting the best of the best and they certainly aren’t getting educated. anyone can file a step 1 grievance. doesn’t mean it will go anywhere or resolve anything to the satisfaction of the grievant, but at least you will be getting what you’re paying for.
the union isn’t the best but getting out isn’t the answer.staying in and changing it is.get involved.someone above said work 20 years and be the first fired well we have seen that many times.I’m a Rep. in the union I believe in working for what you get.Not given what you get.Yes sir the union defends scum bags who don’t work or don’t show up,thats the law.Sucks doesn’t it,their hands are tied behind their back but you r voice isn’t.Don’t be a puss say something to the person are to other employees,embarres the hell out of the scum bag.Report them to the OIG or Postal Inspector,screw the BS saying snitch,thats a word created by the criminal to cover his/her ass for their crime.Cover your job for your family.Take back your union for what it was started for to protect your rights.OR cower to the Post office and the union and bitch about here and at work and home.AS for calling non union members scabs do you blame them for not joining,look at what they hear about our union,negativity and bitching and name calling,call me a name and I’ll tell you to go somewhere and I’ll keep my money.Talk to me show me the benifits show me to ignore the negative and to be a driving force to improve the union and fight for us I”m there.DUH!!!Cut the politics in house out,managment loves that part,throat cutting at election time just like D.C.disagree but do it professional.Who said custodian get paid to much,really,why don’t you stick your hands in the toilets of urine or turds,hours outside in the sun cutting grass and trimming and raking.oops there is a spill what chemical is it,go to the classes for that stuff.Nah just stay indoors shuffling mail or putting it on a machine and letting it sort it for you,everyone elses job is more important than the other and deserves more until the others not there to do his job.Believe it or not the union is there for us,we or there for each other,except those who don’t work or show up,management has a job to do,they are not all out to get us,just a few AH,work together ,work with the union,talk with non-union members don’t call them scabs.Change YOUR UNION,CHANGE YOUR COUNTRY,ask your union to have a meeting for non union members to show them benifits,tell your union to quit calling them scabs.Show the m the stupitidy of the word.Educate yourself and others and change the post office who knows!!!
I am and have been a union member for more than 25 years. In May of 2010 I was discharged for taking FMLA approved leave. Between 2008, and 2010 I have been unfairly disciplined with APWU refusing to represent and my cases being lost because of untimely filings. Right now I have had my greivence for terminatation cancelled three times. The third time it was cancelled was because management hadn’t decided my fourteen day suspension and they can’t decide my termination until they do my fourteen which has been refused to grieve and arbitration by management since June of 2009. Union President states management sets up the dates for arbitration and they have the right to cancel. I feel if that is the case than what do I have them there to fight for me for, if management will not agree to arbitration. I was not given an F8 and is still considered employed so I can’t get my Thrift, and disability claims I still work for the post office. I am being made to financially distruct while they decide whether to arbitrate and union is sitting on their butts
All offices are not the same as far as union representation. It’s not an easy job being union stewards because it takes a lot of time to research and come up with a great solid case for the employee no matter what they do. Many many times it’s the screw up of mgmt not researching how to give the discipline correctly exact as the jcam stipulates or varied other things mgmt does wrong. If your steward doesn’t catch the smallest of details or if your union steward doesn’t know jcam in and out and how to catch mgmt’s screw ups then I hate to say that office might not have the best representation, but I thought you could go outside of the specific office worked at and get better representation? It’s so true also that the lazy idiots get a free pass and then do it again but the representation has to be for them also so that the good employees don’t get fired etc for messing up once or twice etc. My husband has been steward for many years and has saved many jobs and helped good people and that is because he is very passionate about them and their families.
Hi. When the Union starts caring more for injured workers, besides pretending to care for them, then I would have better respect for them. I like how USPS kicks the injured worker to the curb and when they get hurt, all the union cares about is getting them back to work only a few hours of less than 20 hours a week so the person who is screwed can keep paying their dues @ $23 bi-weekly. Then if the screwed injured workers tries to get a hardship, they are told no by the union that they cannot get out the union because they have to wait like everyone else to cancel their memberships, 10 day window time which is very specific and they will not except cancelation a day before, day after and w/o being certified. You should see how union reps have such hatred towards those non-paying hardship injured workers who are screwed by the union and because they are not paying them more $$$ to pay them to screw them ever more, even if they mess/screw them over time and time again. My experience is that they are two faced, have one face and then another. Union reps care more about what they want, and do what they can to get what they want, so they can continue taking their fun trips, get their extra bonus money, be on ego trips, and so on.
The union is a dinosaur. Fast becoming a memory forced into the grave by the fatted calves suckling at it. The USPS is fated to follow only due to bad mgnt. Both taking all they can get out of us and the USPS till the end. Yes your job is in jeopardy with or without the union. Get out of the union, SAVE the money.
The union needs to step into the 21st century. No longer can the PO afford to support lazy do-nothings. We have 3 in our office alone that should’ve been gone a long time ago. Two don’t want to accept the fact that we no longer carry 2-3 times the number of staff we need, the ridiculous over-staffing of PTF’s is history and, as a result, these two’s job descriptions have been expanded to cover closer to 6 hrs work a day instead of 4. They refuse to do more than they’ve done in the past and spend at least 4hrs ambling around doing nothing. The third is just a problem child… we are not allowed cell phones on the floor or at the window but he has his and is texting continually. He is a window clerk and he refuses to do anything but help customers – when he’s not ignoring them to text. He won’t do second notices, help out in the back…nothing. If management says anything to him about anything, he files an EEO saying they are picking on him because he is black. He was AWOL for a month and still has his job…that’s the union for you. The man has been fired at least TWICE, the union got him his job back with the only concession being he had to transfer to another office, he should be unemployed right now, not disrupting another office.
I used to belong to the union but quit after changing offices… why? NO representation for double the dues of the rest of the state. And the fact that they keep protecting those who should be gone was getting really old. I’m a PTF, I don’t mind working but I don’t appreciate being forced to work overtime to do what regulars were told to do and didn’t – and not because they were busy, they were ambling around doing nothing, they just didn’t want to do it.
Trim the fat, cut the slackers, cut management/administrative by at least 50% and reduce their wages to something more in line with their responsibilities… a $100K a year for a postmaster is ridiculous in an office of less than 50-100 people.
Unions are full of thugs and pigs.
what are current unions doing for career employees absolutely nothing
my friend who was a clerk for 16 years was excessed to the mailhandler craft and lost all his seniority he went from a senority date of 1993 to a seniority date of 2008 and what did the union do they said management can do that and now at the facilitie i work in they are excessing over 150 clerks to who knows where because they have not decided to grace us with that knowledgea and in the meantime they are still hiring postal support employees (pse) and also hiring casuals and about those pse emplyoees management is paying for thier healthcare but the new employees must join the apwu union to get the free health care because you can only get the insurance if you are a union member
hows that for looking out for career emplyees only thing apwu worried about is getting their union dues
and another thing bargaining unit employees are down 20% in the last 5 years
while management positions are up 28% so less emplyoees but more managers what a croc/ big wigs get fat / while the working stiffs get the shaft
I was a supervisor for 20 years and I always supported the rights of the unions and I was a member while in the craft. They do protect workers rights and bargain for better wage and working conditions. Without them conditions would be intolerable. I also feel in some cases they abuse their authority as much as management can. Frivolous grievances cost money and I found most grievances were filed by the same individuals.
The union sold us all down the pike by allowing management to change PTF’s to NFT’s. And also allow the hiring of PSE’s they are doing more work. The high level union officicials are saving themselves until they retire, look at all thier ages.
They do not care about the dues paying members, we are nothing to them. They want us to take it and shut up. I am getting out of the union as soon as my anninversary date is here. That is the only way they will give us what we need.