January 10, 2018 - Joe Rodgers

17 CCAs were converted to full-time status as of December 9, 2017. On behalf of all the officers and members of Branch 157, we wish you all the very best. Congratulations!

Currently, we have 34 residual vacancies in the Philadelphia Installation in which we have filed grievances to force management to fill those full-time positions. I absolutely expect we will be successful in our efforts. It is unfortunate that the Postal Service continues to drag its feet when it comes to staffing our offices. We will keep you posted.

Marge McCann, the NALC's District Safety co-chair, has retired from the Postal Service after 32 years. She will remain active in the branch. I have asked Marge to stay on as your new health benefits representative replacing Jay Nichols. There is no doubt Marge will do an outstanding job as has been the case with any task ever given to her. Dave Napadano (Region 12 NBA) has appointed Jay Nichols to succeed Marge as the NALC co-chair of the District safety team. Jay has been a member of the safety team for ten years and has served with dedication and distinction throughout his tenure. Congratulations Jay! We know you will do a great job.

The cold weather continues to take a toll on all our members. I do not remember a time when Philadelphia and its surrounding counties have experienced such prolonged frigid temperatures. Please take care to protect yourself from these extreme temperatures. If the branch can be of any assistance, please give us a call. We will do everything we can to advise you on this harsh winter.

February is black history month. We ask everyone to take time to honor the vast accomplishments made by black Americans who have been so essential to our advancement as a society.