Joe Rodgers, President
The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO is comprised of over 100 local labor unions representing close to 200,000 working men and women in the public sector, private industry, and the building and construction trades. The mission of the Council is to bring social and economic justice to working people by giving them a voice on the jobs, in politics, and in the community.
The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO is committed to strengthening the union movement by education and motivating union members, supporting the right of workers to join unions, and creating a powerful political voice that speaks for workers.
Delegates representing every affiliate, including representatives form NALC Branch 157, meet monthly to share information and to direct the work of the Council. The Delegates elect the Council's three Executive Officers and 35 Vice Presidents from among the ranks to carry out the functions of the Council… including, among many things, political endorsements, legislative decisions, and solidarity actions. Delegates and Executive Board members represent the leadership of Philadelphia’s organized labor movement.
In 2010, the members gave permission for Branch 157 to join the Philadelphia Council. Since that time, the branch has made many friends from across the spectrum of laborers. They have supported letter carriers in every way possible from letter writing campaigns, attending our rallies, to logistics, to loaning us loudspeakers and collapsible stages for planned events. The Council has collaborated with us, assisted us, never saying "No" to our requests for help. I cannot thank them enough for all they do for us.
In turn, we are there to support them as well. I cannot remember the number of rallies I have attended for AFCME, IATSE, PFT, and the list goes on and on.
If you happen to read this article and you Branch is not a part of your local AFL-CIO, I highly recommend you join. Remember, there is strength in numbers. Branch 157 has 3200 members. But, when we sit at the table with our partners at the Philadelphia Council, our voice, our actions are formidable.
God Bless
(April 01, 2022)
The 15-year struggle to protect and maintain six-day delivery, to repeal the mandate that the Postal Service pre-fund decades’ worth of health benefits for its future retirees, and reform of the Federal Employees health Benefit program (FEHPB) is now the law of the land.
I would like to thank the members of Branch 157 and their families for doing all they could to help HR 3076 become a reality. Every employee of the United States Postal Service had a role to play, and it was a group effort that made this important bipartisan legislation a certainty. I want to thank the leadership from our National Officers, for all their hard work in guiding us along the way. Additionally, my sentiments go out to PA State Chair, Paul Rozzi, Mark Ashman, and our colleagues from our fellow unions.
To our friend Senator Bob Casey, and the entire Philadelphia Congressional Delegation, Representatives Madeline Dean, Mary Scanlon, Dwight Evans, and Brendan Boyle, you never let your devotion to a viable United States Postal Service and to organized labor wane. You always understood the importance of the USPS and what it meant to your constituents. We thank you for your extensive support for the Postal Service and its employees over your tenure in office.
I don’t know about you, but I am so happy that I will not have to answer questions anymore from family and friends about why the Postal Service is losing so much money every year. And, then having to have to explain about the pre-funding mandate. You see, things can get better with perseverance and good legislation.
On a final note, I want to thank all the members of Branch 157 that contribute to the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF). Your voluntary contribution helped pass HR 3076. For those that don’t contribute, I hope you will reconsider and recognize just how important your participation would be is securing the financial viability of the USPS. A strong USPS is good for all of us.
God Bless
(March 01, 2022)
On January 18,2022, Keystone Branch 157 suffered a devastating loss. Our beloved administrative assistant, coworker, friend, and most importantly our family member, Denise Dodaro passed away suddenly. She was just 55 years of age.
Denise was hired by then Branch President, Tim O'Malley in 1994 when she was 28 years old. For 27 years, she dedicated herself to the needs of every letter carrier that walked through our doors. Denise was “Union” through and through and our members loved her for it.
When a letter carrier came to the branch with their children, Denise would take the kids aside, give them coloring books and candy, and entertained them, while their parent discussed business with an officer of the branch. She loved children.
Whenever we hosted events, such as our branch scholarship luncheon, our 50-year gold card celebration, or our children's Christmas party, Denise poured her heart and soul into these events. She loved being around letter carrier's and their families. This was when she was at her happiest.
In her short lifetime, she never met a stranger. Everyone had a story, worthy of hearing, and she wanted to hear it. Denise had a caring heart and a generous spirit, accompanied by a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh.
I would like to thank Tim Mulvenna and Bill Schneider for watching the union hall, while her good friends Marge McCann and Joyce Rodgers helped the Dodaro family give Denise the most beautiful funeral service, she deserved.
For all of you, who had the good fortune of knowing her, she would wish all of you and your families the very best life has to offer.
For us here, Denise will be missed tremendously. Branch 157 will never be the same again, but then again nothing stays the same forever.
We all understand that our top priority is to represent letter carriers and we have not and will not stop doing that.
Can I have a moment of silence for our beloved union sister Denise Dodaro.
(December 01, 2021)
There is so much negativity and divisiveness out there, so much so that I think it is important remember just how blessed we really are. Sometimes it is hard to see, sometimes it is difficult to find through all the minutiae, but when you take a step back and keep things in perspective, we have so much to be grateful for. I am sure we can all agree on one thing, and that is just how fortunate we are.
The other day I watched Michael Powell give the eulogy for his father, Secretary of State, General Colin Powell. In his speech he quoted Ralph Waldo Emersion, an American essayist and poet who wrote, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
If we act on the Words of Emerson, you will be happy. People will long forget issues that you may have disagreed with them on, but they will never forget how you conducted yourself. So, during this Holiday Season, let’s all try to put our differences aside, be inclusive, and treat each other with civility and respect.
On behalf of all the officers at Branch 157, we wish you Happy Holidays' and thank you for all your hard work. God bless!!
Veterans Day 2021 (November 11, 2021)
Veterans Day is a special day. On November 11, 2021, we will collectively celebrate the service of our former United States Armed Forces personnel. It is a day to honor living veterans, or former members of the military who were discharged and are alive today.
We celebrate Veterans Day to honor the soldiers, sailors, marines, and air men and women who put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms that we far too often take for granted.
Many of us will observe Veterans Day by flying the flag at our homes, spending time with our family and friends, catching up on chores, and watching patriotic movies on our TV(s). All these things are good and maybe we can challenge ourselves to do more.
You could go to a nearby cemetery and say a prayer over the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. You could visit a VA hospital and spend some time speaking with a veteran. Perhaps, you could volunteer to help prepare a meal at the VA or write a check to an organization like the Wounded Worrier Program (WWP).
In their literature, WWP reminds us that wounded worriers are more than the injured themselves. They are the husbands and wives, daughters and sons, fathers, mothers, and friends; people who made great sacrifices for our country who now need assistance. People who deserve to get the help they need. We are reminded that our donations provide life-changing often life-saving programs and services free of charge to warriors, their families, and caregivers.
However, you choose to honor our military on this auspicious day, this is a day for Americans to thank the members of the community who have put in the time to defend our nation and the freedoms we enjoy. It is time to appreciate the sweat and blood of nearly twenty million veterans who live and work in America today.
Thank you and God bless you!
(July 01, 2021)
There are two ways to win an election. One is to get a majority of voters to support you. The other is to prevent voters who oppose you from casting their votes. The 15th Amendment states: "The Right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
The national election of 2020 produced a record number of citizens casting their vote despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Courts, time after time, ruled that the election was fair, free, accurate, and one of the most secure elections in American history. Despite this fact, there are those who want to limit citizen's right to cast a ballot.
Voter suppression today is overwhelmingly achieved through regulatory, legislative, and administrative means. The Brennan Center of Justice at New York University Law School has compiled a list of 47 states and more than 360 bills that aim to restrict voting access. Pennsylvania has introduced a dozen of these bills.
It is no secret Pennsylvania was a major battleground state in the 2020 presidential election, and it was Philadelphia that helped delivered a victory for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Now, many state legislators, frightened by the result of the election, are attempting to pass legislation intended to suppress the voting rights of many of our fellow citizens.
Recently, three Pennsylvania lawmakers were in Arizona to check out the state Senate GOP's partisan audit of the 2020 election. All three visiting lawmakers were among the 64 Republican legislators who signed a letter asking the state's congressional delegation to object to Pennsylvania's electoral college vote cast for Biden.
In the upcoming general election on November 8, 2022, Pennsylvanian’s voters will pick a new governor and U.S. Senator, as well as other federal lawmakers. It is critical that you watch carefully what the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is up to. Voter suppression is a political strategy. Do not let them get away with it.
Happy Independence Day!
(June 01, 2021)
On Sunday, April 11, 2021, Branch 157 hosted a COVID 19 immunization clinic. It was an extraordinarily successful event thanks to our partners at the Philadelphia Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Rite Aid, and the NAACP. Overall, through our associates, we were able to vaccinate over 350 postal employees who were unable to receive the injection, despite all their efforts.
Several weeks before the clinic, I spoke with the local president of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), Nick Casselli, the Eastern Region Vice President of the Mail Handlers, John Gibson, and Chuck Camp, president of the APWU Local 7048. We agreed to work side-by-side in our efforts to obtain the vaccine. Eventually, I was able to acquire the shots and offered it not only to letter carriers but to our brothers and sisters in the other crafts.
I would like to thank the following volunteers who played a vital role in helping us keep our members safe: Joyce Rodgers, Branch 157 Auxiliary, Nancy Rollins (Vice President, APWU Local 89) Denise Dedaro (Administrative Assistant / Branch 157), Nick Casselli and John Gibson. I want to give a special thanks to the following Branch 157 members who assisted to make the event a success: Marge McCann, Mary Brooke, Jim O'Malley, Joe Adamski, Clay Smith, Steve Keppler, Joe Slusarczyk, and Tom Filipone. We could not have done it without you. Thank you!
In following the science and recommendations from city and state health officials, it was necessary to stop all meetings usually held at the branch. Our last general membership meeting was on March 19, 2020. Since then, shop stewards' meetings continued and were virtual. It appears, Philadelphia will be easing COVID-19 occupancy restrictions soon. If so, we will resume all meetings in June. Any such decision will be shared with the members in advance.
Brothers and sisters stay healthy, stay safe and get vaccinated!
(April 01, 2021)
Covid-19 has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans from Guam to the continental United States to the Virgin Islands. It has been a devastation year for many people across the globe. The disease, which has shuttered businesses nationwide and sent the economy into a tailspin, has claimed the lives of more than 531, 000 Americans since the start of the pandemic in early 2020.
Life, for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones from COVID-19, will never be the same. Together, we morn and pray for them and for those who left us far too soon. We must always remember the lives well lived.
Positive advances are occurring. Millions of Americans have received their immunization vaccine. Johnson & Johnson has joined with Merck to produce more serum along with Pfizer and Moderna. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) will deliver $1.9 trillion in critical aid to the most vulnerable communities who are still suffering the worst effects of the COVID crisis. It is the second-largest bill ever passed. President Biden signed the bill into law allowing many Americans' lives improve for the better.
There are more reasons to remain optimistic. Teachers are being vaccinated. Schools are reopening. Local governors are reducing restrictions permitting businesses to increase capacity. President Biden, the former vice president and U.S. Senator has four decades of relationships with union leaders behind him, setting him up to be the most labor-friendly president the United States has ever had. And daylight savings time is here!
As I wrote earlier, it has been a devastating year. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hope everyone takes time to see that we are on the verge of positive change. We could all use some good news!
Happy Easter to you and your family and God bless.
(January 01, 2021)
The trajectory of the spread of COVID-19 is raging out of control. On December 9, 2020, over 3000 Americans lost their lives in a single day. The following day another 3000 citizens perished. In the Philadelphia District, the number of infected employees outpaced what we experienced back in April, May, and June by a factor of three to four times greater, daily.
To a certain degree, perhaps many of us has become Coronavirus fatigued. Perhaps, we have become too laxed or weary with doing what we know ought to be done. Perhaps, we are not wearing our masks when we should, or traveling despite the warnings to stay home. Human nature will trick us into becoming complacent over time. We must avoid these tendencies. Life is far too precious. Please, where your mask when social distancing is not possible. Wash your hands frequently. Do not bring your work shoes into your home. Wash your uniform and shower immediately. We simply must get back to following all the guidelines mandated by the CDC.
Unfortunately, the availability of a vaccine is still months away. Many will lose their battle to this terrible infectious disease before any remedy is obtainable. Medical professionals are warning us of the dark months ahead. Despite the fear and anxiety, we live with every day, we must keep things in their proper perspective. COVID-19 is not permanent it is temporary. Hopefully soon, it will not be the killer it is today. But for now, it is the leading cause of death this week in the United States, and we must act accordingly.
Regrettably, Keystone Branch 157 lost retired member J.R. Parker to COVID-19 on November 10, 2020. The officers and members of the branch will always remember J.R. as a devoted member of our fraternal family. He participated in the great "Strike of 1970" and risked everything while fighting to improve the lives of letter carriers and their families, forever. Rest-In-Peace our beloved friend. We will never forget you!
(December 27, 2020)
Good things happen in Philadelphia! Yes, Philadelphia is a special cradle of liberty. Our founder, William Penn, put forth the vision of "putting the power in the people." Nearly a century after his arrival, Philadelphia was the place where those stirring words reverberated around the world---"inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and "we the people" were written and enshrined. For generations to come, a storm of strangers would cherish Philadelphia as the place where these founding documents were written and ratified.
Being the cradle of democracy, it was only fitting that Philadelphia and its surrounding counties put the Biden/Harris ticket over the top to 270 electoral votes. Many organizations, including the AFL-CIO District Labor Councils, the building trades, civic groups, and the ever-important letter carrier worked incredibly hard to make sure citizens registered to vote and that those votes counted.
Letter carriers across the city and beyond moved heaven and earth to ensure every mail-in-ballot arrived at the Board of Elections on time. Each morning at 9:15 AM, members of the joint NALC/USPS election taskforce dialed into a conference call reporting the status of ballots at their facility. With few exceptions, the "all clear" signal was given, meaning no ballots were in their station for more than 24 hours.
On November 7, 2020, Pennsylvania bestowed their 20 electoral votes to Biden/Harris. Letter carriers across the "City of Brotherly Love" and suburbs described the admiration and appreciation they received from the public. They were hailed as heroes of democracy and rightfully so. I am so proud of you. You deserve it. You did a great job.
In transitioning, I would like to remind everyone to stay safe. We are still working while a highly contagious health care crisis is trending upwards. Please do all you can to stay out of harms way. Remind your coworkers to wear their protective masks when social distancing is not possible. We are all in this together.
Happy Holidays and God bless!
(October 01, 2020)
The 2020 Presidential election will be the most consequential election in our lifetime. Voting is the surest path to achieve the changes we seek. Our future and the future of the United States Postal Service rests with you and the power of your vote.
So, how do you plan on voting? Pennsylvanians have three ways to vote: Vote-by Mail, Vote-by-Mail early in person and Voting on Election day. Remember the adage, "Failure to plan is planning to fail." Therefore, you need to decide how you intend to cast your ballot.
To Vote-by-Mail, go to votespa.com and print a vote-by-mail application. The technical deadline to request a mail-in-ballot is 5:00pm on Tuesday October 27th. I strongly encourage everyone to apply to vote well before the deadline. You can do it today! Your County elections office must receive your ballot by 8:00pm on Tuesday November 3rd or your ballot will not count. Remember, when we all vote, we take our power back.
The Philadelphia AFL-CIO held its virtual Labor Day Parade. Because of the public-health crisis, we were unable to march down Columbus Boulevard in a sign of pride and solidarity. Branch 157 presented a video which you can check out at: keystonebranch157.org
In transitioning, I have one special request to all the members of Branch 157. Please consider making a financial donation to the 'Letter Carriers' virtual Food Drive. Forty million people are out of work in the United States. These families are unable to feed their children. Most depend on the school system to provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch. But, with most schools being conducted online, many children will go hungry.
The United States is the richest nation on the planet. We simply cannot allow our children to go hungry. It is against what we stand for. It is against our values as Americans. It is against who we are as a people.
Please consider a financial donation to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
God bless and stay safe! And don’t forget to VOTE!!
Vote by Mail (September 01, 2020)
The Postal Service will play a vital role in the upcoming general election taking place on November 3, 2020. More vote-by-mail ballots will be cast then ever before in American history. Is the Postal Service ready for the general election in 2020? If not, what can we do to guarantee that our mail-in ballot is counted? What can we do to safeguard our most sacred democratic process, the right to vote?
In Pennsylvania, you can apply for a mail-in / absentee ballot, now. You can do so by applying online at VotesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot. Option 2: You can contact your "county election office" directly and request a paper application. Option 3: You can contact the Department of State to request an application by emailing: ra-votereg@pa.gov or calling 1-877-VOTESPA.
The most important factor in making sure your vote is counted is to vote early. Apply for your vote-by-mail application early and get you ballot in right away.
The following dates are extremely important:
- 5pm October 27, 2020 – APPLICATIONS must be RECEIVED by your county election office.
- 8pm November 3, 2020 – VOTED BALLOTS must be RECEIVED by your county election office. Postmarks are not enough.
Branch 157 is willing and able to help any of our members needing help in obtaining a vote-by-mail ballot. All you have to do is give us a call. Remember, too many Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our right to vote. We cannot permit anyone to stop us now.
(August 01, 2020)
Thank you for the hard work and long hours you have had to endure since the beginning of this dreadful pandemic. I know it has been draining both physically and mentally.
While visiting stations across the city, I have observed too many carriers not wearing masks. Personal protective equipment (shields, masks, and gloves) is available in every unit. Please encourage everyone to use these preventive measures.
I fear that in hearing 131,000 Americans dead is viewed simply as a statistic. We have become desensitized to this staggering figure, unless we know someone personally who has lost their life. Sadly, 67 postal employees have died from the virus. Remember, complacency is not an option.
In the early morning of July 4, 2020, I received a call informing me that retired branch officer, Raymond "Doc" Dougherty, died from complications due to COVID-19. Doc was a great guy. Salt-of the-earth, Philly style. He was the team-leader for the branch when it came to route inspections. Doc didn't need a calculator; all the numbers were in his head. He was amazing. All of us at the branch will miss Doc. He belonged to us. He was one of us. He was our friend.
It is my hope, Doc's passing will serve as a reminder to all of us that COVID-19 remains a deadly, highly infectious disease. If we are to survive it, we must work together to stop its spread. We must wear our masks every time we are on the workroom floor. In Pennsylvania, masks are required when we venture out. Studies continue to affirm that wearing masks helps slow the spread of the coronavirus. As my mask protects you, your mask protects me.
During these difficult times I hope everyone enjoys some time away from the job, having fun with family and friends. But, be cautious! Visiting relatives out-of-state, in areas where the virus is currently spreading rapidly, may not be the prudent and responsible undertaking at this time. Stay safe my friends.
-Joe Rodgers
(June 01, 2020)
Poet Maya Angelou said: "Well I know it will get better. If it is bad, it might get worse, but I know it's going to get better." These are convictions letter carriers subscribe to. Even if you have doubt about the veracity of these words, I know you believe it. How else can you explain your resilience, your strength, your dedication, and your courage to move forward every day?
You cannot deny your professional heroinism. Heroes tend to have great empathy and concern for people in the community who are in need. They continue to serve regardless of the risk to their own personal well-being. Sound familiar? I am describing you! In the face of a global public health crises, letter carriers continue to service our customers while exposing themselves and their families to potential infection and illness.
In visiting station after station, having to tell you, one of your co-workers has contracted the disease, I see your expressions of nervousness and apprehension. I sense the distress in all of you. But despite those feelings you march forward. You do not succumb to fears. You walk in the shoes of others, while placing their needs ahead of your own. I am so darn proud of you; words are simply inadequate.
We are all united by one thing, our vulnerability to this dreadful disease. There is no doubt, history will judge all of us by our actions during these uncertain times. This moment will be defining. I am convinced letter carriers will be remembered for their strength, conviction, compassion, and love for their fellow citizens. You will be appreciated and held in high regard for generations to come. Your actions will not be forgotten.
On behalf of all the officers and members of Keystone Branch 157, we extend our condolences to everyone who lost a loved one during these most difficult of times. God Bless you and protect you.
Joe Rodgers
(April 10, 2020)
The Officers and Members of Branch 157 extend their deepest sympathies to everyone in our Nation who lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow we share with you, your family, and your friends. God Bless each one of you.
As of this writing, April 10, 2020, the Branch has 22 Letter Carriers who tested positive for the Corona virus. Twenty-one members are recuperating at home and the other employee is hospitalized. One facility has been disproportionately affected with 16 Letter Carriers having been stricken by the disease. Taking every precaution possible, a Branch Officer has been present in that facility every day from the very first reported positive testing.
In Philadelphia and our Associate Offices outside the City, the Branch has cooperated fully with the Postal Service to ensure social distancing is maintained. Together, we have addressed every craft at each facility immediately after discovering an employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19. We have assisted in securing materials necessary to keep our Members safe from the virus. We have assisted in filling individual bottles of hand sanitizer, delivered masks, gloves, soap, wipes, and other essential items to facilities as needed.
We are all in this together are not mere words. The sentiment could not ring truer. Yes, we have our differences with management but now is not the time for divisiveness. Hopefully, the parties will work together to resolve disputes collectively. We must work together because lives are at risk. Communication and transparency are paramount to trust. Without it, we will all suffer.
Finally, I have always been proud to be a Letter Carrier. I have never been prouder of you. All of us have a role to play. We must take ownership of our own well-being and follow the CDC guidelines. Take your temperature every morning, if you are sick, please stay home. Maintain social distancing while at work. Remember, this virus has no boundaries!
(April 01, 2020)
These are unprecedent and challenging times for all of us. The world is being exposed to Covid 19, a virus which is sure to have a major impact on our daily lives to an extent never experienced in our lifetime. The only thing we can do is follow the advice of medical and scientific professionals who are telling us to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Finally, if you are sick, please stay home.
Update: It appears letter carriers in our city are experiencing an increased number of physical assaults while delivering their mail. If not directly assaulted, there are just too many instances where shootings on our public streets are jeopardizing our members as they deliver their mail.
The Philadelphia District Safety Team met and discussed measures letter carriers can employ to enhance their safety, and what procedures to follow should they be assaulted or experience dangerous situations. Aside from the obvious, we will engage in future talks with law enforcement authorities from the Postal Inspection Service seeking guidance when these events occur. I promise to share this information with all of you as we move forward. In the meantime, stay attentive of your surroundings, get out of the immediate area when possible and contact law enforcement.
In closing, the AFL-CIO District Council voted unanimously to sponsor the costs of 40-thousand bags for our May 9th "Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive." I want to thank all the affiliates who donated $200 each in
support of America's great day of giving. On behalf of all the members of Branch 157, we thank you. Happy Easter Everyone
Stand-Up Talk (March 26, 2020)
Temporary Expanded Use of Voyager Card
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified operating procedures to increase your safety as you continue to deliver the mail and service our customers. Currently, the voyager card procedures are used only for, repairs and towing. On a temporary basis, US Bank has modified the following purchase restrictions:
- Hand Sanitizer is now an approved purchase item. (The CDC recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol)
- Purchase locations consist of gas stations and auto parts stores.
Please note; major retailers like Walmart and Target will not accept Voyager card as this is considered a fuel purchase card. The only exception to this rule is in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where the card can be used at retail locations.
Please be reminded of COVID-19 helpful tips for staying healthy, by following CDC guidelines and information on Postal Service links:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not readily available.
https://blue.usps.gov/caweb/ecc-improvement-strategies.html and,
https://liteblue.usps.gov/lite-blue/covid19/welcome.htm
Thank you for your continuing efforts in providing universal customer service during these challenging times.
(March 09, 2020)
As we begin 2020, we have thirty-five new shop stewards representing our two-thousand members on the workroom floor in Philadelphia. I want to thank you and promise that the branch officers will be there to support you in any way we can. Remember, it is a privilege to represent our members and with that privilege comes an awesome responsibility.
If you contended for shop steward and were not successful, I encourage you to stay involved. I admire anyone who aspires to make work-life a more pleasant experience. It is one of the most unselfish acts I can think of. When you participated in the election, you were making a statement. You were saying to your co-workers that you were willing to place your self-interest aside in exchange for the common good. Thank you for caring enough to take a chance by throwing your hat in the ring. In doing so, you are to be respected and held in high esteem.
The new union representatives will receive as much training as possible. I want them to understand that they are not in this endeavor alone. Lean on us, call us, communicate with us. We will always be there for you.
If I may offer one final piece of advice to those newly elected shop stewards, it would be to recognize that everyone is different. Everyone has their own story and not everyone sees the world as you may. The members you have the privilege to represent, want to be heard, understood, connected with, and treated with dignity as well as respect.
2019 African American History Month (February 08, 2019)
February is African American History Month. It is a time to come together and to express our recognition and appreciation of the history, culture, heritage, and the numerous sacrifices of the black community.
When I think of "African American History Month" I reflect on the great contributions and strides that our fellow African-American countrymen have made toward making our nation a great nation. I think of heroes such as Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King, John Lewis, Maxine Waters, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama to name a few. These individuals were trail blazers and as such contributed in so many ways to effect change and to advance the consciousness of the citizenry of the United States. These men and women, and many others that come before them, are to be revered for their everlasting impact on shaping who we are as a country today.
Tuesday night, Stacy Abrahams delivered the Democrats' response to Donald Trump's State of the Union Address. Abrams, as you may recall, is the first Black women to run for Governor of Georgia. She will also be the first Black women to offer a major political party's rebuttal to the President's State of the Union Address. The 115th Congress sworn-in in January is the most racially diverse in our history. Record numbers of Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian-Americans and women of color are currently serving in this legislative session and State-wide Senate houses. Tremendous strides have been made by minorities, though much more needs to be done to achieve equality for all. It is important for all of us to remember our history. Social Security did not end poverty and the Civil Rights movement did not end hatred and bigotry. They helped, but they were not a cure-all.
Black History Month is a call to all people to take a stand against racial discrimination and injustice. It is a call to stand up and speak out for human dignity and respect for our fellow citizens everywhere.
Joe Rodgers
President, Branch 157
(November 11, 2018)
All of you know that today is Veterans Day observance. But, how many of you are aware that America has been at war for 223 of the 239 years since 1776? That equates to 93% of the years the United States has existed. How many of you know that less than 1% or 19.6 million of our nation's population has served in the Armed Forces? I wasn't aware of that last statistic until I started doing research for this article.
What we should all know is Veterans Day is unlike Memorial Day in that today is a time to thank everyone who has ever put on the uniform. Today is not reserved solely for those that gave their lives for our county, but rather for every soldier that served and sacrificed in some manner, shape, or form. Currently, many of our soldiers have been called upon to serve multiple deployments over the past decade. Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, are often separated from their families and sent into harm's way. They are summoned to leave their loved ones behind, while entrusting others to take care of the family. Far too often, these soldiers are required to take a leave-of-absence from their good paying jobs, only to endure a drastic cut in pay while serving overseas. Many active soldiers, when they leave the military, will face not having a job, not knowing what their future holds. I mention this because it is the soldier's reality. It is a big part of what they fear.
Today, we set aside a few minutes, to think about the extent to which these patriots sacrifice for county, for us. It is nice when we see a soldier in uniform that we take the time to say; "Thank you for your Service." I'm sure when we utter those words, we sincerely mean them. But, is it enough? In our hearts, we know the answer. Veterans are appreciative when they hear our kind words; however, they would rather have us focus on their needs. They need us to do what we can to improve their access to jobs and health care. They want us to volunteer our time at Veteran's Affairs facilities. They want us to make charitable donations to organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, the Pat Tillman Foundation or other worthy endeavors. Most of all, they want us to get to know them in a meaningful way.
God bless our troops
(October 18, 2018)
Over two hundred letter carriers and members from the APWU and Mail Handlers Union gathered on October 8th at the B. Free Post Office in Philadelphia to stop any efforts by the White House to privatize the nation's Postal Service. The B Free Post Office is the first post office in the United States. It was established by Benjamin Franklin and it is the only active post office that does not fly the American flag. Why you ask? Because the American flag did not exist. It was the perfect location to hold our rally because of its historical significance and it offered the perfect symbolic backdrop to the rally itself.
We were joined by four Congressman from both political parties who vowed never to allow the Postal Service to be sold off to anyone. The crowed chanted over and over again, "U.S. Mail: Not For Sale!"
The group marched for several blocks which ended at Independence Hall, the home of the Liberty Bell. Several presidents from the various unions led the crowd carrying a banner that read, "Remember in November – VOTE."It was truly an inspiring rally, one we will never forget. My thanks to everyone in attendance. It was you who made the rally a success, not merely by being there but the enthusiasm and energy you expressed for the cause during the entire event. Awesome job!
Joe Rodgers
President
Branch 157
(September 18, 2018)
Welcome back from summer vacation. I hope everyone had an opportunity to spend some relaxing moments away from the job, with loved ones, enjoying the company of family and friends. It is those memories that you will cherish forever and memories you will undoubtedly hold onto the longest.
I write this article shortly after an incredible weekend in which America celebrated several monumental events; the funeral of Senator John McCain, Aretha Franklin, and the observance of the Labor Day Holiday. These events, paid tribute to the values we cherish as citizens……honor, courage, justice, equality, tolerance and hard work. I want to thank the 25 branch members, who despite the extreme heat, sacrificed their time to walk in the Labor Day parade. Your commitment to our struggle, your willingness to always show-up, is admired, respected and valued. Thank you!
In transitioning, I need to bring you up-to-date on a few items that occurred over the summer recess. The NALC held its 71stBiennial Convention in Detroit. Thirty delegates from branch 157 make the trek to the Motor City. I hope all the delegates found the event educational as well as inspirational. In speaking with attendees, they all enjoyed the trip. Thank you for taking the time and effort to be a part of this exhibition of solidarity.
On August 4, 2018, the Postal Service approved the promotions of 21 city carrier assistants (CCAs) in the Philadelphia cluster. Shortly thereafter, the NALC and the Postal Service settled a national level grievance concerning city carrier assistant conversion to regular status. This settlement requires that all city carrier assistants in any size office with 30 months of relative standing on September 1, 2018 will be converted to career status within 60 days from the signing of the agreement on July 27, 2018. CCAs meeting this criterion in 200-man year offices or larger will promoted to full-time regular, and CCAs meeting the criteria in all other offices will be converted to part-time flexible. In Philadelphia another 10 CCAs were converted to regular.
The officers and members of branch 157 join in congratulating those CCAs recently promoted. We wish you all the best and hope to see you at our general membership meetings held every third Tuesday of the month at 8:00PM.
In other news, the latest group of route inspections resulted in the establishment of 14 new full-time positions. 11 positions have been added to the truck routes at the Paschall station. 3 additional positions were added to the collection and relay routes in zones, 2, 3, and 4. I want to send a special shout out to the employees who performed their jobs in a professional manner during the route exams resulting in the new positions just mentioned. Thank you, great job and keep up the good work!
I believe I have shared those events that were the most important this past summer. Looking forward we have a lot of work to get done over the next several months. The mid-term national elections in November are without a doubt the most important elections to take place, ever. I am asking all of you to participate in the process. Your officers cannot do it alone. We need all of you! Now is not the time for complacency. There is too much at risk for our great country. "Remember in November-VOTE!"
Our next publication of the Quaker City Carrier will emphasize, in more dramatic fashion, the mid-term elections and its importance not only to letter carriers but to our democracy itself.
In closing, I mentioned watching the funeral of John McCain. In fact, I watched the entire funeral not once but twice. There was one line that was spoken by former president, Barrack Obama. It was a quote from Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls." The passage is as follows and I offer this to you knowing that the upcoming elections in November are so vital that words cannot do justice. The quote is: "Today is one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that will come, can depend on what you do today."
We will see you at the general membership meeting on September 18th.
(January 10, 2018)
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.
Veterans Day (November 11, 2016)
Many of us will observe Veterans Day by flying the flag at our homes, spending time with our family and friends, catching up on chores, and watching patriotic movies on our TV(s). All of these things are good, but maybe we can challenge ourselves to do more.
You could go to a nearby cemetery and say a prayer over the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. You could visit a VA hospital and spend some time speaking with a veteran. Perhaps, you could volunteer to help prepare a meal at the VA, or maybe write a check to an organization like the Wounded Worrier Program (WWP).
In their literature, WWP reminds us that wounded worriers are more than the injured themselves. They are the husbands and wives, daughters and sons, fathers, mothers, and friends, - people who made great sacrifices for our country who now need assistance. People who deserve to get the help they need. We are reminded that our donations provide life-changing -often life-saving-programs and services free of charge to warriors, their families, and caregivers.
Never forget what Veterans Day is really about. For me, it is a time when I think about my brave 19 year old cousin who was killed in Vietnam. Although, I was just 9 years old, I will never forget the Marines carrying his coffin. I will never forget running around the cemetery, with my cousins, collecting the shell-casing from the three round rifle volley from the seven Marines. Although, I did not quite understand, I will always remember the tremendous grief displayed by those in attendance that day.
I will always remember CPL. Vincent J. Wargo, 3D Marine Division. His family was kind enough to give me a copy of his diary recording his time in Vietnam. In his diary, Vinnie continuously wrote asking God to get him home safely. He kept begging God to give him the strength to do his job as a Marine when the moment arose. He begged God to take care of him and his fellow soldiers. At one point he says in his diary, " God help us and save us and be at my side always. Said my rosary last night as I say each night."
On April 29, 1968, Vinnie wrote, "It is a cloudy evening at 8:15. Operation on May 1. It's really going to be rough. No one has been up there yet and definite Viet Cong. From what Kilo heard there will be blood on the LZ (Landing Zone). I keep having these thoughts about this operation. Oh God, help me and protect me, please let me get through this with your help... Please God I have so much to live for God. I know you will give me the strength to do my job and I know I will do my job but I have something inside me that seems that you want me. Please God."
Corporal Vincent J. Wargo was killed in action on September 15, 1968. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Medal. He was just 19 years old. He was the first graduate from Bishop McDevitt to be killed in Vietnam.
I will spend Veterans Day thinking about my cousin and all the men and women that served before and after him. I will think of them because they deserve remembering. I will write a check to the Wounded Worrier Program and call it a day, wondering if I should have done more.
God bless our soldiers and I pray that they get home to their families safely.
Memorial Day (November 24, 2015)
The "Land of the Free" and the "Home of the Brave"
These words should stand to remind us that Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend, the official start of summer, barbecues, and a day when great sales happen at our favorite stores. It is much more than what we expect to occur every year on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day is a day to honor those patriots, both men and women, who have died in service to our country. Today, we should keep in our prayers the families who suffer tremendous grief because their loved one didn't make it home. Can you imagine, just for a few minutes, the pain those families feel, their emptiness and sense of loss? These families will never be the same. Their loss will overshadow everything they do. I know because I lost my first cousin in Vietnam. I witnessed firsthand the devastating effect, losing their son and brother, had on the entire family.
So, today, I ask that you to not only remember those servicemen and women killed in action, but also the families they left behind. I ask you to be mindful of the fact that we are still at war in Afghanistan. I ask you to remember that there are American soldiers dying every day so that America can remain: "The Land of the Free."
I hope everyone has a great time enjoying the holiday with your family and friends, getting the rest you well deserve, while remembering those who served so gallantly.
(June 01, 2015)
It's open season for Health Benefits if you don't have NALC's plan I encourage you to look into it. I believe it's as good if not better than any plan out there and it's cheaper.
What I've noticed is the catastrophic limits, which have increased on other plans to $13,000.00 while NALC's has stayed at $7,000.00. That's a big difference, and if you are unfortunate enough to be in a situation like that, it's almost double the money you'll be liable for.
I want to make sure our CCA's and newly converted carriers take advantage of the open season.
If you are a CCA with at least one 360 day term you can choose self-only or self and family coverage in the USPS Non-career Plan and receive a $125 contribution to the premium every two weeks. As an NALC member, you can choose self-only, or self and family coverage from the NALC Consumer driven Plan, or the value Option Plan and receive the $125 contribution. You can choose self-only, or self and family coverage in any other plan offered, but receive no contribution toward the premium costs.
If you have not completed a 360 day period of service, you have only one option. You can choose to enroll in USPS Non-career plan and receive the $125 contribution.
However, if the NALC is successful in its dispute with the USPS, you may also have the option to choose the NALC plan.
If you are a newly converted carrier and did not receive you benefit package, you may choose a Health Plan now during open season. Please take advantage of your benefit.
(February 11, 2015)
We had a retirement at the Union Hall. Geary Wertz, Treasurer/Chief Steward retired after 36 years of dedicated service. Geary and I go way back; we worked together when we had the UMPS process. UMPS (Union Management Pairs) is the forerunner of the Dispute Resolution Process we have now. Geary was a Union Representative on the UMPS team back in the late 90's, prior to that he was a Steward and a Branch Trustee, he also worked at the Carrier Academy and trained a lot of you. He's been involved with Branch 157 for a long time. This is a bittersweet situation; it's sweet in that Geary is going to enjoy retirement. It's a little bitter for me personally. As I said, we go way back. He's been with me through thick and thin. Whenever we needed something, research for a difficult issue, someone to figure out a problem with an OWCP issue, whatever, Geary was our man. I'm going to miss him, the Branch will miss him, but congratulations Gear on a career that should not only make you proud, but makes me proud as well. I couldn't have done it without you, thanks and good luck.
(December 25, 2014)
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a Happy Holiday season; 2014 is soon to end and it was a tough year for us. However, there IS some good news. We've converted many CCA's in the city as well as in our Associate Offices, 75 or so in the city and approximately 15 more in the AO's. That's close to a hundred CCA's converted, who had no chance of becoming career employees in the old system of PTF's and Transitional carriers. That's a good thing. We had agreement on CDRAAP, which is the new process for evaluating routes. That's a good thing because we won't have to go through a full blown Count and Inspection to get our routes evaluated, which no one likes. The Parcels are a good thing, I know we're getting killed with them, but it's BILLIONS in revenue and we need that, so it's a good thing. The pay checks with the Overtime we're working are a good thing too. Although you hardly have any time to enjoy it, the bills are paid and that's always a good thing. In addition to that, the abundance of parcels is making it possible to get some new positions, truck positions. Six are planned and three are going to be bid in January. New positions are always a good thing. The best thing however, is that we're still hanging in there, the Postal Service that is, we're healthy, our families are good and we're looking forward to a better year than last. So, have a Happy New Year and let's keep moving forward.
(November 25, 2014)
Parcels: if management gives parcels from your route to a CCA or anyone else for delivery, a 3996 must be filled out by the delivering carrier stating what time delivery of the parcels started and what time delivery was finished. You should get a copy of the 3996 and if you do not, ask for it. If you still do not get a copy of the 96, see your steward and have a grievance filed. In addition to filling out a 3996, the carrier completing the delivery should enter the time spent on the route into the ETC, Electronic Time Clock, when they return from the street. If you do not know how to work the time clock, ask, because our routes are now evaluated by looking at the data created by our rings. Auxiliary assistance will be counted when evaluating a route and someone delivering parcels, other than you, is Aux. If the Aux is not put into the system, the data is incorrect and the evaluation will not be accurate. This is important and should be done to protect the routes we have and to possibly create additional routes. Have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving and let's go Eagles!