June 01, 2021 - Joe Rodgers

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!