January 2022 Update
2022 is already shaping up to be quite different from previous years. Usually, we begin each year by finalizing our grievance activity from peak season. While that is occurring this year as well, we are also dealing with ongoing changes to facilities and operations. Indeed, the time when the Postal Service reconfigures itself for the future has arrived.
Foremost among the changes is the continuing rollout of operations at the Postal Support Annex (PSA). Established in the final months of last year, the PSA was brought online as a satellite facility of the Minneapolis/St. Paul NDC. 48 of these facilities were opened nation-wide. They were initially intended to support the transition of the Network Distribution Centers into Regional Distribution Centers, but now have transformed into a center for the distribution of COVID test kits across the country. There have been some bumps in the road, yet in the big picture, this new mission to provide service to the American people has been brought online and is operating quite well. The Postal Service exists to provide service to the American people and this endeavor during the present moment in our nation’s history is laudable. Still, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that its Postal employees working 6 and 7 days a week, and 10 to 12 hours each day, who are making this noble endeavor come to fruition. At times it seems like peak season hasn’t ended.
We can expect to see changes coming to operations at our larger facilities in Eagan, Minneapolis, and Fargo. Contact your Union Representative if you have questions about what’s going on in your building. When we know what’s going on, you’ll know what’s going on. Or, as I put it sometimes, we’ll know until we don’t know. That statement stands for the proposition that this week’s plans may change by next week. Above all, don’t rely on the rumor mill for information. This never ceases to amaze me. It usually goes something like this: somewhere some 204-B tells a Mail Handler that their start time might be changed by an hour, and by the end of the week I’m receiving calls asking if this building is closing, if that building has been sold, or if management has purchased some other building. Some of these results are from people who just like to stir the pot. In any case, your Union Representative is your best source for information.
Lastly, I would like to offer my congratulations to NDC Branch President Mike Straiton on his retirement from the Postal Service. Mike has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Members of the NDC Branch for more than two decades and he will continue working with the Representatives of the NDC Branch throughout the remainder of his term. With the addition of the PSA, new Representatives are coming on board and experienced Representatives are developing into the leaders of the future. Mike will play an important roll in this process. The NDC Branch has openings for an additional Representatives on Tour 1 and Tour 3 in Eagan and Tour 2 and Tour 3 at the PSA. Any Member interested in applying for a Representative position may contact the NDC Branch office for an application.
JL
PS: Note to Ed – Sorry I was late with the update.