Local 300 Memorial Scholarship
The Local Union Council and members of Local 300 of the National Postal Mail
Handlers Union are proud to announce the annual competition for the Bernard
Holloway, John A. Orchard, Edward J. Miller, and Wally Merwin Memorial
Scholarship Awards.
Once again we will be awarding four individual $1,000 scholarships for study at an
accredited college, university, or trade school. The scholarships are available
for children, grandchildren, and legal wards of our regular members.
The four brothers memorialized in this scholarship devotedly served the cause of
Mail Handlers and enabled us all to benefit.
In awarding these scholarships we re-affirm our commitment to increasing the
educational opportunities available to our members and to the working class. We
also reaffirm our commitment to struggle for knowledge and genuine democracy in
order to create a better world in which an informed and enlightened people can
best decide their fate.
All members are urged to read the “Requirements” for consideration and to urge
every eligible applicant (a regular union member’s child, grand-child, or legal
ward who meets the scholarship requirements) to apply.
Completed applications are due by July 3, 2008.
Applications can be
downloaded here.
If you have any questions, contact
Kevin Tabarus, Treasurer at Local 300 HQ.
Highest Accident Sites in Country
FIVE in Local 300 - Highest injury
illness rates in OSHA Report
|
MONMOUTH P&DC |
307 Industrial Way W |
Eatontown |
NJ |
|
NY ISC/JFK |
Building 250 at JFK Airport |
Jamaica |
NY |
|
BROOKLYN P&DC |
1050 Forbell St |
Brooklyn |
NY |
|
MID-HUDSON P&DC |
99 Enterprise Dr |
Newburgh |
NY |
|
STATEN ISLAND P&DF |
550 Manor Rd |
Staten Island |
NY |
Fifty Postal Service facilities were among more than 13,000 workplaces
nationwide that OSHA surveyed as having high occupational injury and illness
rates. Last year OSHA identified 63 postal facilities out of 14,000 with the
highest injury/illness rates.
Click here for the
OSHA News Release. Click here for the sample
OSHA Letter.
14,000 High Rate Workplaces receiving OSHA Letters. The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified and sent letters to more than
14,000 workplaces with the highest occupational injury and illness rates and is
urging the employers to take action to remove hazards causing the high rates.
The employers are those whose establishments are covered by Federal OSHA and
reported the highest "Days Away from work, Restricted work or job Transfer
injury and illness" (DART) rate to OSHA in a survey of 2006 injury and illness
data. For every 100 full-time workers, the 14,000 employers had 5.4 or more
injuries or illnesses which resulted in days away from work, restricted work or
job transfer. The national average is 2.3.
Next Generation of Flat Sorter
The new Flat Sequencing System (FSS) is the next generation of Flat Sorter
machine. Two locations within Local 300 are on the deployment schedule for 2009
(NJI/BMC & Mid Island P&DC). For an informational handbook, click
here. For a FSS YouTube
Video, click here.
Stamford Branch Membership Meeting
On April 26, 2008 the Stamford Branch of Local 300 held their general membership meeting
at the Westport VFW. Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian
discussed many
of the ongoing national and local issues that affect the Mail
Handler craft. Stamford Branch President Don Utz discussed the issues and
grievance activity at the installation and other stations in
the area. Also present to discuss many important topics were Tom Ruther CTSEBM
& Kevin Tabarus Treasurer. There was ample time for open discussion for member's issues
to be addressed. Click here.
Theater Night Member Event 4/19/08
This was another successful and enjoyable event, brought to you by the Local 300 Women's Caucus. Tickets
were only $10 a member
($15 for guests). The Working Theater
presented Local 300 members and guests with "Our Dad is in Atlantis."
For photos from the event, click here.
Proposes Changes to FMLA ???
This year marks the 15th anniversary of
the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which made it
possible for many workers to take unpaid job-protected time off
to care for their newborn children or sick relatives. But
instead of celebrating, workers' rights advocates and the Bush
administration are battling over what would be the most sweeping
revisions ever to the law. These and other proposed changes have
set off a fierce debate. More than 4,000 comments were submitted
to the Labor Department as of Friday, April 11.
Click here for an article on the FMLA Debate from the Washington
PostThe
Department of Labor proposed new regulations on Feb. 11 that
would require workers to provide more proof of their illness; to
present documentation more often; and to relinquish medical
information to non-medical personnel, broadening the rights of
employers to gather personal medical information and deny
employees coverage under the law.
Some of these new proposed regulations would weaken the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993.
For the DOL
Notice
of Proposed Rule Making FACT SHEET, click here.
The Notice of
Proposed Rule Making as published in the Federal Register, click here. (127
pages)
Local 300 Convention Delegates
The Judges of the Election have certified the results for the NPMHU LOCAL
300 ELECTION OF 40 DELEGATES TO THE 2008 NATIONAL NPMHU CONVENTION.
Click
here for the election results...
Ronald Moe - Passed away
It is with our deepest sympathy that we announce that Ronald Moe has passed
away. He was an ex-Local 300 President during the late
70's/early 80's. Part of his obituary notice is below.
Ronald S.C. Moe, 82, of Deptford, N.J., went home to be with the Lord on
March 15, 2008. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the third son born to Cecil Moe
and Elease Johnson Moe. Ronald attended public schools in Brooklyn and graduated
from Culinary Arts High School in New York City. He lived there and moved to
Deptford 20 years ago.
Mr. Moe was a Group Leader for the U.S. Postal Service in Brooklyn before
retiring after 42 years of service. He was also the President of Local #300 of
the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. He was a US Army veteran of World War
II and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action and was honorably
discharged.
NYC Branch Membership Meeting
On March 19, 2008 the New York City Branch of Local 300 held their general membership meeting. Local 300 President Paul
Hogrogian discussed
ongoing national and local issues. NYC Branch President Willie Delgado presented
his report on the issues at Morgan and all other stations in Manhattan. There
were numerous issues addressed and discussed.
Click here
Congress Night - Town Hall Meeting
On
March 18, 2008 the AFL-CIO CLC, Long Island Federation of Labor held its annual
Congressional Night. Approximately 1,000 labor leaders and members from various
Unions attended the event. Present from Local 300
was; Kevin Tabarus - Treasurer, Stan Howard - Branch President ISC/JFK, Dawn
Licata - Branch President NY L&DC, and Jill Adamo - Shop Steward NY L&DC. All of
Long Island's Congressional Delegation were invited to attend. The delegation
answered numerous
questions on various topics that affect working families such
as; Economy, Taxation, Health
Care, Pending Legislation, VOTE BY
MAIL Legislation. NY
Senator Chuck Schumer was in attendance. NY Senator Hillary Clinton was absent
(for obvious reasons). The following NY House of Representatives were present;
Tim Bishop (D-1st), Steve Israel (D-2nd), Carolyn McCarthy (D-4th), and Gary
Ackerman (D-5th).
Newark Bears - Member Event
Local 300 is subsidizing a member event to see the Newark Bears (vs Long
Island Ducks) on June 13, 2008 7:05PM at Riverfront Stadium 450 Broad Street,
Newark, NJ. TICKETS ARE ONLY $5.00 EACH. We will be able to enjoy the post-game
fireworks show from the dugout! For more
info click here...
Bergen County Labor Scholarship
The Bergen County Central Trades and Labor Council & Scholarship is offering
four (4) scholarships worth $1,000. Local 300 is an affiliate of the Bergen
County CLC. There are two (2) specific types of scholarship available (Abe
Soloman & Ed Purtill Community Service). Deadline April
18, 2008. For more info,
click here.
OPM Proposes Disability Insurance
U.S. Office of Personnel Management submitted a proposal to both chambers of
Congress to establish a short-term disability insurance program to protect
federal employees who suffer an injury or illness which temporarily prevents
them from performing their normal job duties. To view the press release,
click here.
Do-Not-Mail Legislation Pending
There is pending legislation in 18 states for the creation of Do-Not-Mail
Lists. This is similar to the do-not-call lists. If enacted, this would reduce
catalogues and lower the volume of standard mail.
Click here for an article in the Washington Post.
Draft Bill - Pay FERS Retirees for Sick Leave
A draft bill that would compensate some retiring federal
employees for unused sick leave is getting sweetened. Retiring
employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System would
get up to $10,000 in compensation under the latest version of a
bill drafted by Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., the Federal Managers
Association said Monday. Moran’s previous draft bill had capped
that at $5,000. Moran spokesman Austin Durrer confirmed that the
latest draft of the bill contained the $10,000 provision, and
said that it likely will be introduced in February or March. For
more info,
click here
Moran set
to propose FERS sick leave reimbursement
Rep. James Moran, D-Va., plans to introduce a
bill March 10 that would compensate more
retiring federal employees for a portion of
their unused sick leave.
Click Here
COLA Increase
The Mail Handler craft is scheduled to
receive a COLA increase, (consistent with Article 9.3 of the 2006 National
Agreement). The COLA increase, has resulted in a $0.23 per hour increase in
salary, $479 annually. This increase shall be effective on March 15, 2008
(PP07/08) and will be reflected in paychecks dated April 4, 2008.
Click here for updated
pay chart.
The next COLA increase is scheduled for
September 2008.
Basic Shop Steward Training
On February 11th and 12th, Local 300 conducted an aggressive two day training
seminar for new Local 300 stewards. The training was presented by the National
Trainer Sam D'Ambrosio and Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian. New stewards from
all over Local 300 were in attendance, in addition to Vice President Bobby Blum, Treasurer Kevin Tabarus,
CTSEBM Tom Ruther, Recording Secretary Linda Yancey, and NYC Branch President
Willie Delgado. Click here
National Grievance on Weighing Mail
On February 8, 2008 the NPMHU filed a national level grievance on the Postal
Service's failure to notify the Union with regards to the elimination of
weighing mail on the workroom floor. This process for notification is wholly
unacceptable, and a flagrant violation of the National Agreement. For more info,
click
here.
CHANGES AT BULK MAIL CENTERS ?
The National Office just issued a memorandum to all Local Unions and to all
of its officers and shop stewards employed in the Bulk Mail Centers, in response
to recently circulated stories about possible changes in mail processing at the
21 Bulk Mail Centers around the country. For more info,
click here
New RESOURCES
The "Resource" page has been updated with additional useful information,
forms, handbooks, manuals, etc... for shop stewards and members.
Fall 2007 Local 300 Newsletter
The Fall 2007 issue of the "Local 300 Mail Handler News" has
been published. The newsletter is expected to be delivered to the homes of over
6,200 members of Local 300 by the first or second week of December. This issue
features 28 pages of information, news, branch membership meetings, and social
activities since our last issue. The main theme
of the newsletter is political action.
Just like the last issue, the centerfold of the newsletter contains information to join the
Political Action Committee (PAC) Fund. In addition, the current Mail Handler payscale is also included.
You can view it here...
DVD Branch Membership Meeting
On
December 4, 2007 the DVD Branch of Local 300 held their general membership
meeting at the LCCC in Kearny, NJ. Several issues were discussed by Branch
President Ray Bermudez, such as: National Reassessment Program, local management
changes, the continuing and on-going Casual In Lieu Of
Class Action grievance, conversion of PTFs, the "saftey sniper", AFCS grievance,
2008 NPMHU National Convention, and there was open discussion for the members.
For more, click here...
More Political Action from Local 300
Tom Ruther - CTSEBM, Bob Losi - National Assistant Legislative
Director, US Senator Ted Kennedy (D - MA), John Hegarty - NPMHU National President, and
Paul Hogrogian - Local 300 President
Paul Hogrogian - Local 300 President,
John Hegarty NPMHU National President, US Senator Joseph Lieberman (I - CT),
Tom Ruther - Local 300 CTSEBM, and Bob Losi - NPMHU National Assistant
Legislative Director.
US Senator
Frank Lautenberg (D - NJ)
and Paul Hogrogian
Local 300 President
Kevin Tabarus -
Local 300 Treasurer,
Paul Hogrogian Local 300 President, NY
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-14th),
& Willie Delgado - NYC Branch President
Bobby
Blum Local 300 VP, Paul Hogrogian Local 300 President, Ray Bermudez Branch
President DVD, Tommy Reid Branch President NJI/BMC, & NJ Congressman Albio
Sires (D-13th)
Tom Ruther Local 300 CTSEBM, Hiram Velez Local
301 CTSEBM, CT Congressman Christopher Murphy (D-5th), Tim Dwyer Local 301
President, Neil Ryan Local 301 Treasurer
Tom Ruther
- Local 300 CTSEBM, & CT
Congressman
Joseph Courtney
(D-2nd)
Bob Losi
- Nat’l Asst. Leg. Dir., CT Congressman
Christopher Murphy (D-5th), Tom Ruther - CTSEBM,
& Paul Hogrogian - Local 300 President
"Casual
In Lieu Of" Training
On November 29th and 30th, Local 300 conducted an aggressive two day training
seminar on management's continuous mis-use of casuals and the violations of the
National Agreement. A representative from each branch in Local 300 was in
attendance, in addition to the members of the Executive Board. The training was
presented by the National Trainer Sam D'Ambrosio and Local 300 President Paul
Hogrogian. Click here
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan Announces New MHBP Value
Option Plan for 2008
The Mail Handlers Benefit Plan is offering a new PPO plan called the Value
Option, which is available to the four million federal employees and
retirees who are eligible for health benefits under the FEHBP.
The MHBP Value Option provides a new, more affordable alternative to FEHBP
health plans for members who are looking to lower their health plan premiums.
This plan offers the lowest premium of all national PPO plans available in FEHBP.
Sept. Newsletter from MHBP
For more info on the plans for 2008, check out www.mhbp.com
Local Website Redesign
The local webpage is currently under re-construction. Please bear with us as
we transform our website into one of the most informative, in the
country. If you have any suggestions, please email
kevin.tabarus@local300npmhu.org
LOCAL
300
