LOCAL 300

NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION

AFL-CIO

"An injury to one, is an injury to all."

Mid Island Social Event

On December 26, 2009 the Hicksville / Mid Island Branch held their annual holiday celebration. The members were ready to enjoy themselves since the Blizzard of 2009 had delayed the party by one week. Click here for photos.

DOL to Review FMLA Changes

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced that she is reviewing changes made to the regulations for the Family Medical Leave Act earlier this year. Four (4) days before President Bush left the White House, he implemented several changes to FMLA. Some of the changes included; the narrowing of the definition of a 'serious health condition', additional documentation requirements, increase in frequency of medical updates etc. More information to be provided as it develops.

New York City Branch Meeting

The Membership Meeting for the New York City Branch was held on December 5th,  2009. Several issues affecting the installation were discussed, as well as issues impacting the local area. Click here for photos.

Western Nassau Branch Meeting

On December 6th the Western Nassau Branch held their Membership Meeting. Several issues affecting the installation were discussed including; the AMP impact (zero excessed Mail Handlers), and the remedy for the Casual In Lieu of Arbitration. Several other issues impacting the local area were also discussed. For photos, click here.

Article 12 & FMLA Training

Local 300 presented an Article 12 / FMLA Training Program given by National Shop Steward Trainer Sam D’Ambrosio and Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian.  The training was held on November 19, 2009 at Local 300 Headquarters. Click here for photos.

The following Local 300 representatives participated in the program: Trevor Stuart - Flushing, Wilfredo Delgado - NYC, Andrew Piacente - NYSEBM, Thomas Ruther - CTSEBM, Steven Schiff - Westchester, Robert Koontz - Newark, Ray Bermudez - DVD, Brian Odums - West Jersey, Linda Yancey - Recording Secretary, Peter Bilotta - Western Nassau, Thomas Mullahey - NJI/BMC, Alfred Lombardi - Teterboro, Yvette Johnson - Brooklyn, Thomas Hynes - Kilmer, Stan Howard - ISC/JFK, Kevin Tabarus - Treasurer, Eric Richard - NJ L & DC, Andre Spence - Bronx, Charles Price - NJSEBM, Dawn Licata - NY L & DC, James Perkins -          Mid Hudson, Robert Blum - Vice President, and Vinny Sapone - Staten Island.

FSS Update

The Postal Service has provided a presentation updating the status of the FSS Deployment. Click here for the presentation.

USPS Annual Reports Available

Audited fiscal year reports are available. The USPS Fiscal Year ended on September 30, 2009. Click here.

Wage Increase Effective 11/21/09

The fifth of six general wage increases to be paid to all mail handlers under the 2006 National Agreement will be implemented effective November 21, 2009, and will be reflected in paychecks on December 11, 2009.

As required by Article XIV, Section 3 of the National Constitution and Article VIII, Section 2 of the Uniform Local Union Constitution, mail handlers will see an automatic membership dues increase of fifty cents ($.50) per pay period, effective with this November 2009 negotiated wage increase. Of this amount, forty cents ($.40) per pay period will be sent to the Local Union, and ten cents ($.10) per pay period will be retained by the National Office in the form of increased per capita tax.

*** UPDATED PAY SCALE - CLICK HERE ***

Westchester Branch Meeting 11/14/09

The Membership Meeting for the Westchester Branch was held on November 14, 2009. Several issues affecting the installation were discussed, as well as issues impacting the local area. Click here for photos.

Veterans Day Ceremony NJ NDC

On November 10, 2009 the NJ NDC held their annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Each year one postal veteran is honored with the presentation of an American Flag. This year's honoree was Local 300 Chief Steward Robert Anderson.

In 1975 Bob started his postal career as a Mail Handler. He retired last month after 34 years of dedicated service. He was an extremely active union representative and a founder of the NJ NDC's Ad Hoc Veterans Committee which has acted as a liaison for Veterans Rights for since 1984.

Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 during the Vietnam War. He was in the 82^nd Airborne and then the 23^rd Artillery Group. Bob was wounded in action on 12/14/69, but still continued to serve. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Unit Citation Cross of Gallantry. Click here for photos

Stamford Branch Meeting

The Membership Meeting for the Stamford Branch was held on October 24, 2009. As usual, there was an exceptionally large turnout for this meeting. Several issues affecting the installation were discussed. Click here for photos.

Flushing Branch Meeting

On October 21, 2009 the members of the Flushing Branch gathered for a meeting to discuss the impact of the Flushing AMP. Potential employee impacts were discussed. The contractual provisions involved with such reassignments were explaining in detail. The proposed new staffing, new bids, stand-by time were also discussed. Click here for photos.

Kilmer AMP - Public Meeting

On October 15, 2009 a public meeting was held for the Kilmer AMP. The Postal Service is proposing to consolidate some mail operations at the Kilmer P&DC located in Edison New Jersey. There was a large turnout at this meeting too. People in attendance expressed concerns of the employee impact, AMP Process, the AMP study data, public notification, local economic impact, and customer service (delayed mail). Click here for photos.

FERS Sick Leave Provision - is a LAW

On October 28, 2009 President Obama signed into law a bill that enhances the annuity of future retirees in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).

The provision allows mail handlers (and other federal or postal employees) who retire as FERS employees to credit their unused sick leave toward an increased annuity.  It will be phased in over a four-year period, with retirees between now and the end of 2013 getting 50% credit.  As of January 1, 2014, retired annuitants will get 100% credit for unused sick leave.

Details of how the computations will be made will be available through Postal Service retirement counselors when they become available.  Click here for more.

West Jersey AMP - Public Meeting

On October 9th, the public meeting was held for the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study to consolidate the incoming mail operations from the West Jersey P&DC to NNJ P&DC (Teterboro) and Kilmer P&DC (Edison, NJ). There was an exceptionally large turnout for this meeting. People in attendance expressed concerns of the AMP Process, the AMP study data, impact on local mailers, public notification, local economic impact, and customer service (delayed mail).

Newark Branch Meeting

On October 3rd members of the Newark Branch held their membership meeting. The main topic of discussion was the potential excessing event at the Newark P&DC. The excessing events are due to the loss of the Flat mail from the facility and the pending AMP Study.

Cong. Israel - President Clinton Event

The National Postal Mail Handlers Union - Local 300 attended a special event for NY Congressman Steve Israel (D - 2nd district) on September 14th. This event featured a special guest, President Clinton. Several political leaders and dignitaries were also in attendance. Representing the NPMHU was Local 300 Treasurer Kevin Tabarus.

Less USPS Employees - FY 2009

Health Plan Premiums 2010

FEHB Health Insurance Premiums have increase 8.8% on average. Open Season dates will be from November 9th to December 14, 2009. Open Season enrollment changes will take effect on the first day of the full pay period in January of 2010.

2010 FEHB Postal HMOs CT-NJ-NY

2010 FEHB Postal Fee For Service Plans

President Gives Relief to USPS

On September 30, 2009 President Obama signed into law H.R. 2918 which grants one year of financial relief to the Postal Service. The law allows the Postal Service to postpone $4 billion of a scheduled $5.4 billion payment to the Retiree Health Benefits Fund (RHBF).

The postal provision allows a reduced payment of $1.4 billion to the RHBF for future retirees' health benefits. Had the legislation not passed, the Postal Service would have been forced to pay $5.4 billion by midnight on September 30 into the RHBF.  The Postmaster General had informed Congress that it would have to default because such funds did not exist.

FSS - OIG Report

A recent report issued by the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) concluded that; Although the FSS machine performance improved, the system failed to meet performance parameters. The OIG indicated that further deployment of the FSS to additional sites is premature, until a system installed outside of the Dulles, TX P&DC (initial test site) demonstrates operational stability and achieves minimum performance requirements. The Postal Service is now performing an acceptance test on a FSS in Columbus, Ohio. To view the full OIG Report, click here.

NPMHU Wins Nat'l Arbitration SPBS

In a national award rendered on September 7, 2009, National Arbitrator Joseph M. Sharnoff determined that certain jurisdictional assignments on  the Small Parcel and Bundle Sorter (SPBS) machines were properly assigned by the USPS to the Mail Handler Craft. 

HR22 (finally) Passes in the House

By a 388-32 vote on September 15th afternoon, the House of Representatives approved a slimmed-down, one-year version of HR 22, "The United States Postal Service Financial Relief Act of 2009." The bipartisan support was overwhelming, as more than 100 Republicans joined a unanimous Democratic majority to pass the bill.

While this is not the three-year bill approved in Committee and supported by the NPMHU, the amended version of HR 22 forestalls,, the looming default on a $5.4 billion payment scheduled for September 30.

This short-term fix is acceptable, but does not resolve the underlying issue of the grossly unfair financial burden that has been placed on the Postal Service by the excessive annual payments now required to be made into the RHBF.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs passed similar legislation (S. 1507) with an anti-union amendment, which the NPMHU strongly opposes.

The measure now goes to the Senate for approval.  Its future there is unclear, as some Senators see postal legislation as a way to attack collective bargaining or increase individual costs to the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans. The NPMHU will oppose any such amendments.   

Without immediate relief, the Postal Service risks defaulting on its obligation to pay $5.4 billion this year to pre-fund retiree health benefits for future retirees.

$15,000 Buyout Update 

Updated information for the 23,000 who have "opted-in" for the $15,000 incentive.

If you are retiring under this incentive, you should submit your paperwork as soon as possible. Waiting until the day before the scheduled retirement date, won’t delay departure but could delay incentive payment and the first annuity check which comes AFTER OPM has received a completed packet from USPS. For more info & updates, check out LiteBlue. USPS Early Out Incentive Website

Please click here for a recent update from USPS

Labor Day Parade 2009

Members of Local 300 and their families marched up 5th Avenue on Saturday September 12th. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time. Senator Chuck Schumer was there to greet everyone and show his support. For photos, click here.

Local 300 Scholarships Awarded

The 2009 BERNARD HOLLOWAY, JOHN A. ORCHARD, EDWARD J. MILLER, WALLY MERWIN, AND AARON PRESTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Local Union Council and members of Local 300 of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union are proud to announce the winners of the annual competition for the Bernard Holloway, John A. Orchard, Edward J. Miller, Wally Merwin, and Aaron Preston Memorial Scholarship Awards. Click here for info

USPS Offers $15k Buyout

As in accordance with the new Memorandum Of Understanding (dated 8/24/09), eligible Mail Handlers who choose to leave employment with the USPS will receive incentive payments totaling up to $15,000. This shall be made available to all eligible Mail Handlers (with certain restrictions) who are; (1) currently eligible for regular retirement, (2) voluntary early retirement, and (3) all other employees who may wish to separate from the Postal Service.

Within thirty (30) days of the signing of the MOU, employees must indicate their intent to participate in the retirement incentive program.

The Postal Service has made retirement videos available on the liteblue web site at: https://liteblue.usps.gov/  You will need to log in with your employee ID number and PIN, and then go to the “MY LIFE” tab and underneath the “My Benefits” section, click on “Retirement Seminar Online.” There is a CSRS version, a FERS version, and also a video on “other benefits.”

MOU One-time Retirement Incentive               MOU Q&A NPMHU-USPS 9-4-09

USPS Early Out Incentive Website

For the most updated information, please click on the link above for the liteblue web site.

Clean Air NY

The Flushing Branch of Local 300 is a 2008 regional Commuter Choice Award winner. The union promotes employees pre-tax commuter benefits and has partnered with the local transportation management organization Commuter Link.  Commuter Link has held transportation days at facilities in order to help arrange transportation programs to ease employees' commutes to and from work, while reducing air pollution and saving employees money. For more info check out www.CleanAirNY.org

Rye Playland 2009

Over 450 members, their families, and guests attended this year. Local 300 was proud to subsidize this social activity for members and their families. The weather cooperated and the everyone had a good time. Click here for photos.

The Mail Handlers Benefit Plan raffled a TV for the event. Which was won by James Latorraca of Carteret.

ACTION ALERT

Contact Your Senator Immediately!!!

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is sending S. 1507, legislation that would provide temporary financial relief to the United States Postal Service, to a vote by the full Senate. However, S. 1507 includes an amendment that would adversely affect our collective bargaining process. It tells the neutral arbitrator to take into account the financial condition of the Postal Service before rendering a decision. This amendment unnecessarily tilts the scales in favor of management. It lets Congress tell the arbitrator how to decide a case. Only the NPMHU and management should decide the scope of collective bargaining.

Click here to TAKE ACTION NOW!

Ensure that all of your co-workers contact their Senators too. Also, ask your family and friends to do the same.

New Bill in the Senate S.1507

SENATE COMMITTEE ADDS ANTI-UNION AMENDMENT TO S. 1507

When Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) introduced S. 1507, it was a bill designed to provide the Postal Service with immediate financial relief. The NPMHU supported it. Unfortunately, that bill was abandoned and amended with an unacceptable, anti-union amendment.

            The NPMHU is now forced to oppose S. 1507. “The amendment makes this bill unacceptable,” declared NPMHU National President John Hegarty. “The original bill, which was proposed by the White House, was transformed into a vehicle which attacks collective bargaining for Mail Handlers and all craft employees.” For more on this issue, click here.

All members need to write and call your Senators, Democrat or Republican, and tell them that this amendment is wrong. It interferes with nearly 40 years of very fair negotiations. Vote against S. 1507. Respond now as this bill may be decided next week in the Senate.

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) has introduced S. 1507, a bill which will ease the looming financial crisis faced by the Postal Service. The bill would change the payment schedule to the Retirement Health Benefit Fund, similar to the House bill (H.R. 22), which is awaiting a full House vote.

H.R. 658 Access to Postal Services Act

Subcommittee Hearing - Consolidation

The full House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform unanimously reported out H.R. 22, which would allow the Postal Service to use billions of dollars already saved in its Retiree Health Benefits Fund to deal with current financial exigencies.  The bill covers a three-year period - not the eight years covered by the original legislation.  However, it is strongly supported by the NPMHU.

In the wake of this victory in the House Committee, NPMHU President John F. Hegarty commented, "It has taken nearly six months to get this far.  It shows the power of grassroots involvement.  All of those visits to Representatives and messages of support for H.R. 22 paid off. We've still got a difficult road in front of us, but every journey starts with a single step.  The next stop is a vote by the entire House of Representatives." 

On July 15, 2009 the NYC Branch of Local 300 held their membership meeting. As usual, there was a large amount of members attending this meeting. Several key issues directly affecting the installation were discussed as well as other potential changes for the area. For photos of the meeting, click here.

Local 300 received notification on July 22, 2009 that the Western Nassau AMP, moving all originating operations to Mid Island, has been approved. Management also indicated that implementation of this AMP is be completed by October 2009. The Union contends that this is insufficient advance notice.

Furthermore, as of 7/22/09 the Union still has not received the requested results of the AMP feasibility study. Local 300 intends to file grievances as well as possible appeals in other forums. Additional information to be provided as it develops. Western Nassau AMP Notice

On July 13th National NPMHU President John Hegarty toured the NJI/BMC to see how the transition to an NDC is affecting the Mail Handler craft.

Local 300 received notification from NY Metro Area management on July 1, 2009 that the Staten Island AMP, moving all originating operations to Brooklyn, has been approved. Management also indicated that implementation of this AMP is be completed by October 2009. The Union contends that this is insufficient advance notice.

Furthermore, as of 7/1/09 the Union still has not received the requested results of the AMP feasibility study. Local 300 intends to file grievances as well as possible appeals in other forums. Additional information to be provided as it develops.

The Postal Service has solicited input from the NPMHU on this issue. The study should be completed in the near future.

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 $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 five 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 must be received at Local 300 headquarters by August 10, 2009. 

Applications can be obtained from your Local 300 Shop Stewards, by clicking here or by contacting Kevin Tabarus, Treasurer at Local 300 HQ (212) 431-0040.

On May 30, 2009 the Westchester Branch held their branch meeting in White Plains. Issues affecting the installation were discussed, such as; Tour Compression and Casuals. This was a special meeting since Westchester's Andy Piacente was sworn in as the new New York State Executive Board Member. In addition, at the meeting the members celebrated Branch President Steve Schiff's birthday. For more photos, click here.

On May 28, 2009 Local 300 held their Local Union Council meeting at Local 300 Headquarters. The Local Union Council consists of; all members of the Executive Board and all Branch Presidents. The President, Vice President, Treasurer and State Representatives presented the Council with their reports. It was a very informative meeting. Issues discussed at the meeting included; Closing of Newark AMC, BMC to NDC, Tour Compressions, Function 4 reviews/excessing, Finance Report, NRP, AMPs, etc. For photos, click here.

The NPMHU 2009 Legislative Conference was held from May 20th to May 21st. NPMHU Representatives from around the country met with their members of congress on Capitol Hill. Issues affecting the Mail Handler craft were discussed in these meetings such as, H.R. 22 - Change the prefunding of retiree health benefits, Mail Network Protection Act - Subcontracting  (H.R. 1686), FERS Sick Leave Crediting for Retirement (H.R. 1256), Employee Free Choice Act (S. 560 & H.R. 1409), Vote by Mail (H.R. 1604).

Issues affecting the Local 300 area were discussed. Including the 3 AMP studies for Staten Island, Flushing, and Western Nassau. Representing Local 300 on Capitol Hill for the Legislative Conference were; Paul Hogrogian - President, Bobby Blum - Vice President, Kevin Tabarus - Treasurer, and Thomas Ruther - CTSEBM. The representatives for Local 300 met with the following representatives or their staff; Representatives New York: Carolyn McCarthy, Peter King, Gary Ackerman, Gregory Meeks, Edolphus Towns,  Yvette Clarke, Mike McMahon, Charles Rangel, Carolyn Maloney, Jose Serano, Nita Lowey, & Senator Kristen Gillbrand. New Jersey: Steven Rothman, Donald Payne, Albio Sires & Senator Lautenberg. Connecticut: Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes, Christopher Murphy & Senators Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman. In addition, Local 300 met with Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch who introduced H.R. 1686 called the "Mail Network Protection Act". Click here for more.

On May 27, 2009 a public meeting was held in Mineola to discuss management's proposed AMP study. Management's proposal involves; the consolidation of outgoing mail operations in the Long Island District, all mail collected from all of the 38 Post Offices with 115 Zip Codes & mail boxes in Western Nassau will be sent to Western Nassau P&DC in Garden City. The collection mail would be transported to the Mid Island P&DC in Melville. Any of that mail for Western Nassau would have to be transported back from Melville to Garden City for final processing and dispatch.

Details provided to the public at this meeting were limited. Even though the feasibility study is completed, it was not provided as requested. Only a 'summary brief' was made available. This was to be a public meeting, however it appeared that the public was not present due to lack of adequate notice. No public notices were posted in the 38 affected Post Offices to advise the public of a proposed change to the processing of their mail. The purpose of a meeting is for management to receive public input.

The only non-postal employees present were invited by Local 300 from political offices, LI Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, and other local unions such as the NALC Branch 6000 & Long Island Area Local APWU. For photos, click here.

On May 6, 2009 a public meeting was held to discuss Postal Management's proposal to move some of the outgoing mail processing operations from Flushing to Brooklyn. There were 38 members from Local 300 at the meeting. Also in attendance from Local 300; Flushing Branch President Trevor Stuart, Vice President Bobby Blum, Treasurer Kevin Tabarus, Western Nassau Branch President Peter Bilotta Staten Island Chief Steward Vinny Sapone, and several Flushing Branch Stewards: Mary Thomas, Angel Mendez, Frank Torres, Kenneth "KC" Copeland, Jessie Lewis & Cecil Lyte. There were several political leaders in attendance. Local 300 contacted NYC Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and his presence was known by all at this meeting.

The Postal Service has provided a copy of their 4/30/09 activation plan for the new Network Distribution Centers (NDCs). The NJI/BMC facility is part of the pilot program to begin this month. The facility shall be a Tier 2 NDC. Click here for more.

On May 3, 2009 the Mid Hudson Branch of Local 300 held their General Membership Meeting in Poughkeepsie, NY. Various issues were discussed pertaining to the local installation.

On April 29, 2009 a public meeting was held to discuss Postal Management's proposal to move some of the mail processing operations from Staten Island to Brooklyn. Click here for the full story from NY1.

A press Conference was held by NY Senator Kristen Gilllibrand along with Staten Island Congressman Mike McMahon (D-13th)  on April 14, 2009. Also in attendance were Staten Island Borough President James Molinero, city Council members James Oddo, Ken Mitchell and other elected officials. The Press Conference was held in front of the Staten Island P & DC by these elected officials to express their displeasure over the Postal Service's proposal to eliminate mail processing operations on Staten Island. In attendance for Local 300 was Vice President Bobby Blum, Chief Steward Vinny Sapone, Steward Lou Ditore, and several members. Officers from the APWU and NALC were also present.  Both Senator Kristen Gilllibrand and Staten Island Congressman Mike McMahon thanked the Local 300 for our efforts and vowed their support. Click here for photos.

Included in these announcements is an offer of Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) to be made to all eligible mail handlers who meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conditions -- essentially mail handlers who are age 50 or older with at least 20 years of creditable federal service, or any age with at least 25 years of creditable federal service.  As the process is further implemented, Local 300 will provide you with additional information.  Click here for the link, to access the USPS Newsbreak related to these announcements. 

On April 11, 2009 the members of the Carteret Branch held their membership meeting. Several issues were discussed. The excessing of Mail Handlers from Newark to Carteret was a main topic of discussion as well as other potential changes for the area. For photos of the meeting, click here.

The members from the Western Nassau branch held their membership meeting on April 4, 2009. As usual, there was a large amount of members attending this meeting. Several key issues directly affecting the installation were discussed such as; tour compression and the ongoing AMP Study to move some mail operations to Mid Island P&DC. For photos, click here.

On March 27, 2009 a special Women's History Month Lunch was given at the NJI&BMC. The event was put together by women from the Local 300 Women's Committee and APWU Post Office Women for Equal Rights (P.O.W.E.R.). Men from both Unions, including Local 300 Branch President Tom Mullahey, Stewards Felix Feehan and Mike Jacobus, served the food. More than 100 women attended. Mail Handler Artelia "T" Britton, made a short presentation on women's (and men's) health issues. For pictures of the event, click here.

Local 300 has been informed of the Postal Service's intent to conduct two (2) Area Mail Processing (AMP) studies for the Long Island district an Triboro district. The study will involve the possible consolidation of some operations into other Processing & Distribution Centers.

The Tri-boro District AMP involves moving some Staten Island P&DC operations to either Brooklyn P&DC or Queens P&DC and moving some operations from Brooklyn to Queens, or Queens to Brooklyn.

The Long Island District AMP involves moving some Western Nassau P&DC operations to Mid Island P&DC.

Update: On March 25, 2009 Local 300 VP Bobby Blum and Staten Island Chief Steward Vinny Sapone met with Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro

More information to be provided as details develop.

Arbitration Training

BMC Network Redesign

Changes for BMCs

Postmaster Gen. Potter's - Wish List

On January 28, 2009 Postmaster General Jack Potter provided a statement to a Congressional Subcommittee.

1. No more prefunding of Retirement Benefits
2. 5 Day Delivery
3. More workforce flexibility

For the complete statement, click here.

On February 10th & 11th, 42 Shop Stewards for Local 300 were provided with two days of intensive training presented by the National Shop Steward Trainers Sam D’Ambrosio & Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian. This training program is conducted annually by Local 300. This program is only one part of Local 300's effort to provide updated training programs to our union representatives. The stewards were instructed on the Grievance-Arbitration procedure, rights of stewards, contract administration, etc. For photos, click here.

The following stewards participated in the program: Jan Jasmin - NY L&DC, Ian Regan - NY L&DC, Joseph Corio - Western Nassau, John Forza - Western Nassau, Rory Rosenfeld - Western Nassau, Jennifer McPherson - Western Nassau, Steven Morrow - Western Nassau, Barbara Small - NYC/Morgan, James Jones - NYC/Morgan, Thierno Diallo - NYC/Morgan, Cara Jackson - NYC/Morgan, Albert Grodger - NYC/Morgan, Robert Cowper – Kilmer, Ryan Smith - Mid Island, Eric Sunberg - Mid Island, Eric Richard – Branch President NJ L&DC, Ronald Martin - NJ L&DC, Wayne Yuen – Monmouth, Glen Montalvo - Bronx-Station, Brenton Clarke - Bronx-Station, James Campbell – Bronx, Margo Hyatt - Bronx, Osvaldo Rodriguez – DVD, Shawn Gordon – DVD, William Larson – DVD, Terrance Flynn - NJI & BMC, Connie Frazier - NJI & BMC, John Bujnowski - NJI & BMC, Louis Williams - NJI & BMC, Michael DiBartolomeo – ISC/JFK, Kwong Chau – Brooklyn, Madeline Fisher-Jordan – Brooklyn, Christine St. Hill – Brooklyn, Johnnie Edwards – Carteret, Greg McArthur – Branch President Stamford, Ronald Money – Stamford, Lisa Hammie – Stamford, Stephen Fletcher – Stamford, Latoya Davis – Newark, Denise Brown Dillard – Newark, Joe A. Johnson – Newark, and Stephen Dias - West Jersey.

The following Local 300 officers also participated in the program: Vice President - Robert Blum, Treasurer - Kevin Tabarus, Recording Secretary - Linda Yancey, Connecticut State Executive Board Member - Tom Ruther, NYC Branch President - Willie Delgado, and Newark Branch President - Robert Koontz.

On January 21, 2009 the Flushing Branch of Local 300 held their membership meeting in Whitestone. Several issues affecting the installation were discussed. Discussion topics also included issues on the Local and National level.

2008 Local 300 NPMHU Archives