August 2025 Update
Summer is drawing towards its conclusion, and many changes are underway in the facilities represented by Local 323. New equipment is being deployed, additional staffing in coming onboard, and many MHA’s are being converted to full-time. All these things are occurring simultaneously and at a rapid pace. To be sure, everyone is seeing changes on the workroom floor.
The biggest change currently underway is the continuing implementation of the Terminal Handling Services (THS) “in sourcing” into the St. Paul P&DC. This change has been a long time in the making. For several years I’ve been working with the National Union to have this work, which was previously performed by a third-party subcontractor, in sourced into the St. Paul P&DC. This is the first time that Local 323 has seen such a large amount of work returned to Postal Operations and to the Mail Handler Craft. The first couple of weeks were quite shaky, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to having a couple of “be careful what you ask for” moments.
Several meetings were held with management in preparation for this change; and in fact, Branch President Edward Yun and I both took the training that the Mail Handlers and MHA’s would receive. Moreover, and along with Branch Presidents Yun and Kobes, I’ve personally observed the workings of the THS operation many times; both on Tour 3 and on Tour 1.
Subsequent meetings with management have resulted in a bridge agreement which created a new section within the meaning of the St. Paul LMOU. Management has committed to and is in the process of creating 24 new duty assignments for the THS section. In addition, a draft agreement allowing for the additional transportation of mail from the NDC has recently been discussed. The process of sorting things out continues, and your Union is addressing the issues that arise daily.
We are expecting the deployment of several new pieces of equipment throughout the Local Union over the next year. Among them is a SIPS Plus currently being assembled at the St. Paul P&DC. The Union is monitoring the staffing of all new equipment to ensure that appropriate craft assignments are made. Disputes will be filed and appealed as necessary to make sure that Mail Handlers perform the work to which they’re entitled.
The 2025 Local 323 Organizing Drive remains ongoing. Any Member who recruits a non-member into the Union will receive a $100.00 check from the Local Union once the dues withholding has commenced. The 1187 Forms needed to enroll non-members into the Union as well as a list of the non-members in your Branch are available from your Branch Union office.
There is no good reason for not belonging to the Union! Sign up a non-member and get a check for $100.00.
The 2022 National Agreement is set to expire on September 20th and negotiations over the terms of the 2025 National Agreement began on June 25th. The negotiations remain in their initial stages, and the primary areas of focus are addressing the proportional Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for those covered by pay scale M7, and the use of 204-B’s. Contract updates are being circulated to the Branches and posted on the Local Union’s website as they become available.
Once again it is game on in Local 323 as we strive to build a stronger future for our Members and their families.
JL