the
Bay Breeze
Northeastern Wisconsin Area Local American Postal Worker’s Union AFL-CIO
Volume 57 No. 1
January/February 2014
Happy New Year 2014
Presidents Report
by Lucy Hauser
Local elections were held in November. I
would like to thank everyone who ran for
office. I hope that we can all work together to make our Union stronger, smarter,
and more cohesive. Many thanks go to
the Election Committee: Abe Rodriguez,
Bryce Thomas and Dennis Hall, for their
time and diligence. Current officers are as
follows: President - Lucy Hauser;
Executive Vice-President - Steve
Beerntsen; Clerk Craft Director - Mary
Duttweiler; Maintenance Craft Director -
Jeff Hackl; Motor Vehicle Craft Director Jon DeCleene; Editor - Mary Davis.
There were no candidates for the offices
of Secretary/Treasurer and Recording
Secretary. Per our Constitution and Bylaws, these two offices will be announced
as "Vacant" at the January membership
meeting. Any member who is interested in
being appointed to one of these positions
is encouraged to contact a member of the
Executive Board and submit a written letter of interest.
Our January meeting will (cont on pg 2)
What’s Inside:
President’s Report.........................1-2
Union Meeting Minutes/Nov...........4-5
Recipe to Share................................2
APWU Election Results.....................5
UPS/FedEx Late Deliveries...............3
Children’s Christmas Party/2013.......6
Union Positions Available..................3
APWU/Delegations to Staples...........4
do you know?....................................5
Let’s Hear from You............................7
Page 2
APWU Bay Breeze
Jan/Feb 2014
___________________________________________________________________________
away this year it will most likely be very
(from pg 1) be held at the Bay Family
expensive. The National Convention will
Restaurant at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday,
be held July 21-25 in Chicago this year.
January 29. Agenda items include the
Other possible expenses that we will most
approval of expenditures for our annual
likely incur this year include training for the
projects: The Kid's Christmas Party, the
member who volunteers for the
picnic, the Tony Van Scholarship(s).
Secretary/Treasurer's position. There is a
During this meeting we also appoint memclass scheduled for March in St Louis.
bers to various committees.
Hopefully we will have enough time to fill
If you are interested in becoming a memthe position and secure a
ber of any of the following
President’s Report
space in that training
committees, please contact
class.
me: automation committee,
I have not heard if there
scheme committee, constituLucy
will be any basic steward
tion committee, safety comHauser
training classes in conmittee, health plan represenjunction with the State
tative, and the membership
Convention. If not, I would
& promotion committee.
like to host another class in Green Bay for
We also will discuss sending representalocal stewards.
tives to the Four States Caucus, which will
be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in
For those of you who may not have heard,
mid-February. Union leaders from
we are getting a new Acting Plant Manager
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota
who is familiar to us from the "other side of
and Wisconsin meet every two years to
the house" - our current Postmaster, Tim
brainstorm. Together we develop resoluLewis, who has been on various details
tions to be presented at the National
Convention regarding proposed changes to throughout Lakeland District for the past
couple of years. We have our January
our National Agreement and our National
Labor/Management meeting scheduled for
Constitution and By-Laws. It has been a
Thursday, January 16, and I will give a
tradition that we send all National
detailed report of our discussions at the
Convention delegates to the Four States
January membership meeting.
Caucus but because the Caucus is so far
Recipe to Share
BAKED CHOCOLATE-COVERED
CHERRY COOKIES
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa (not
instant)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
Maraschino cherries
FROSTING
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ tsp salt
1 to 1-1/2 tsp Maraschino cherry
juice
Cream butter, sugar, egg & vanilla
until light & fluffy.
In a separate bowl, measure flour &
add remaining dry ingredients. Stir
with fork until blended. Add to
creamed mixture. Dough will be stiff.
Make dough into 1-inch balls & place
on ungreased cookie sheet. Push
cherry halfway into each ball.
Prepare frosting by melting chocolate
pieces over low heat with sweetened
condensed milk. Stir constantly.
Remove from heat & add remaining
ingredients. Frost each cookie by
spreading ½ tsp frosting over cherry;
it will spread slightly during baking.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, until puffy.
Page 3
APWU Bay Breeze
Jan/Feb 2014
__________________________________________________________________________
Union Positions Available
In our recent election of union officials for
the Northeastern Wisconsin Area Local,
we had two positions in which the nominated candidates decided not to accept.
These two positions are currently available and we would like to hear from anyone who is interested.
e
in th ws... UPS/FedEx
ne
The failure of United Parcel
Service to deliver holiday packages by Christmas demonstrates the importance of the
U.S. Postal Service to the people of the country, says APWU
President Mark Dimondstein.
“The United Parcel Service
fiasco underscores why the
Postal Service must continue
to be a public service,” he said.
“We must ensure that hiring
decisions and other policy
issues governing the nation’s
mail service are not guided by
the bottom line and private
profit.”
United Parcel Service and
FedEx were unable to meet
their commitment to deliver
holiday orders on time, prompting outrage among frustrated
customers.
By contrast, the U.S. Postal
Service performed well,
Dimondstein told broadcaster
Ed Shultz on his Dec. 30 radio
The two positions are for recording secretary and for secretary-treasurer.
If interested, contact Lucy Hauser. More
information will also be given about these
openings at our union meeting this month.
Late Deliveries
show. The Postal Service
could have performed even
better were it not for a requirement that forces the agency to
pre-fund healthcare for future
retirees 75 years in advance at
a cost of approximately $5.5
billion annually. That crushing
burden chokes the Postal
Service and robs it of the ability to serve the people to its full
potential, he said.
The Postal Service is under
attack by corporate privatizers
who want to take over the
nation’s mail service,
Dimondstein said. “Companies
like FedEx and United Parcel
Service want to get their hands
on that $65 billion,” he said,
referring to the Postal
Service’s annual revenue,
which comes exclusively from
the sale of stamps and services – not tax dollars.
A 2011 editorial in the Wall
Street Journal written by Gary
McDougal, United Parcel
Service director for more than
30 years, called for the Postal
Service to be turned over to
his company and other private
corporations, Dimondstein
pointed out.
“The corporations want the private side to do it all,” he said.
“And this is where it leads to –
higher prices and less service.”
The Postal Service is able to
provide better service less
expensively because it belongs
to the people and operates on
a non-profit basis, Dimondstein
said.
The APWU will unite with the
American people to preserve
and expand this people’s
Postal Service, he said. “We
need a vibrant service for generations to come.”
Dimondstein on Radio
APWU Web News Article
#143-13, Dec. 30, 2013
Page 4
APWU Bay Breeze
Jan/Feb 2014
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APWU-New York Metro
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pwu Sends Delegations to Staples
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The APWU’s New York Metro Area Local sent
delegations to three Staples stores on Jan. 8 and
9 to deliver letters protesting the establishment of
postal retail units staffed by low-wage, non-union,
non-postal workers.
“It felt good to take action,” said Chuck Zlatkin,
the local’s Legislative and Political Director. “You
see the Staples sign and you want to do something. This was easy — it was fun,” he said.
“The Staples managers all had a similar reaction,”
Zlatkin reported. “At first they gave us that ‘deer
in the headlights’ look. But they said they would
pass our letters of protest on to their headquarters.”
Six members of the local who work at the USPS
New Jersey Network Distribution Center (NDC)
visited a Staples store in Jersey City on Jan. 8;
five members who work in Manhattan walked a
few blocks to a Staples store near their worksite
on Jan. 9, and four members who work in the
Bronx visited a Staples store in the city’s northern
borough, Zlatkin reported.
The Manhattan crew was trailed by reporters for
the Chief, a New York newspaper geared toward
government employees, and Labor Press, a local
organization that reports on workers’ issues.
APWU President Mark Dimondstein has asked
local and state presidents and retiree chapter
leaders to organize delegations to visit Staples
stores by Jan. 18 to put Staples on notice that we
are about to embark on a serious campaign to
win these jobs for postal employees.
After the visits with store managers, the APWU
will organize a day of action at Staples stores
around the country as well as sustained actions
at a number of stores where postal retail units
have opened.
from www.postal-reporter.com, Jan 2014
Union Meeting Minutes - Nov 2013
November 19, 2013: Meeting
Minutes
The meeting at Bay Family
Restaurant was called to order at
12:00 p.m. with 19 members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was
led by Steve Paradise, and the
Invocation was read by Diane
Vaile. The roll call of officers was
as follows: Lucy Hauser, Steve
Paradise, Diane Vaile, Jon
DeCleene; present. Steve
Winnowski, Donna Hansen and
Jeff Hackl: not present.
There was no Executive
Committee Report as they did not
have a quorum.
Minutes of the October meeting
and the Financial Report for
October were read by Diane Vaile.
Motion to approve minutes and
financial reports by Jon DeCleene;
Second by Brenda Ellenson.
Motion carried, unanimous.
Labor Management Report: No
report as they are still trying to
schedule a meeting per Lucy
Hauser.
Grievance report given by Lucy
Hauser.
Safety/Health report by Lucy
Hauser. Reminder that it is open
season for health care.
Legislative Committee report was
given by Steve Paradise.
OWCP report by Lucy Hauser:
No new news, but claims are starting to be processed on a more
timely basis.
Constitution Report by Jon
DeCleene: No new business, but
hopes to have proposals for
January meeting.
New members: No new members
Lost members: No lost members
Jeff Hackl submitted a written
report on the All Crafts
Conference that he attended.
Communications:
Telephone call from the Salvation
Army regarding volunteers for
Bell Ringers.
Thank you note from Mary
DeRouchers.
Thanksgiving Card from the
APWU insurance (cont of pg 5)
Page 5
APWU Bay Breeze
Jan/Feb 2014
___________________________________________________________________________
(Union Meeting Minutes,
from pg 4)
Family Restaurant. Motion carried, unanimous.
agent.
Salvation Army requesting donation for Christmas drive.
Labor History sent information
on Essay Contest.
Combined Federal Campaign
needs someone from the craft to
request donations.
Children’s Christmas Party to be
held on Saturday, Dec 7 at the
Labor Temple.
Annual Leave Bidding will begin
on Monday following
Thanksgiving.
Motion by Jon DeCleene, second
by Sherri Beauleau to schedule
the next meeting on January 29,
2014 at 6:30AM at the Bay
Motion by Jon DeCleene, second
by Al Vaile to purchase gift certificate for Gloria Shermo for
$80.00 at a place of her choice
for taking the meeting minutes.
Motion carried, unanimous.
Motion by Brenda Ellenson, second by Al Vaile to send a check
for $50.00 to the Salvation Army
for Christmas drive.
Motion to adjourn by Nancy
DeCleene, second by Terry
Wentworth. Motion carried,
unanimous.
$10.00 door prize won by Deb
Nehmer.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Shermo
Members present:
Lucy Hauser, Nancy DeCleene,
Al Vaile, Jon M DeCleene, Diane
Vaile, Gloria Shermo, Barbara
Glaser, Terry Wentworth, Mary
M. Oliver, Sue Prinke, Steve
Paradise, Kelly Heaney, Sheri
Beauleau, Cheryl Feil, Brenda
Ellenson, Abe Rodriguez, Kelly
Armstrong, Mary Davis, Deb
Nehmer
APWU ELECTION RESULTS
We, the Election Committee, do hereby certify the following election results after tallying ballots:
193 ballots were mailed. 117 ballots were returned, but 5 were voided. There were 26 ballots returned from
the Maintenance Craft; 9 ballots returned from the Motor Vehicle Craft; 82 ballots returned from the Clerk
Craft.
Those candidates with the most votes are listed in bold lettering and will assume the duties of their office on
January 1, 2014.
Executive Vice-President: Steve Beerntsen (59) Steve Paradise (47)
Clerk Craft Director: Mary Duttweiler (48) Dave Kroll (28)
Maintenance Craft Director: Jeff Hackl (13) Dave Villwock (12)
Editor: Mary Davis (79) Stephen Winnnowski (29)
Representatives to the National Convention: Mary Duttweiler (59) Dave Kroll (40)
Steve Paradise (37) Jeff Hackl (32) Dave Villwock (27) Danny Stoddard (11)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Abran Rodriguez, Chairperson,
Bryce Thomas,
Dennis Hall
do you know?
Where to find the latest National Agreement between the APWU & the USPS?
www.apwu.org; shortcuts: Collective Bargaining Agreements, 2010-2015 National Agreement
Where to find our local website? www.newal.org
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APWU Bay Breeze
Jan/Feb 2014
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Children’s Christmas Party - 2013
We had 26 children, ages 10 months to 10
years, signed up for the Christmas Party
this year, which was held at the Labor
Temple on Saturday, December 7. This
year we had music/entertainment provided
by Tom's Tunes. We decorated delicious,
giant Christmas cookies that were provided
by Middleburg Bakery in Black Creek. The
kids also made Christmas ornaments and
sang Christmas songs along with Tom
Kelley. We played several games, including Pass the Box. While the music is playing a decorated box filled with goodies is
passed around the circle of kids. Whoever
is holding the box when the music stops
gets to keep the box and moves out of the
circle. When the circle gets down to 3
children there are 2 boxes passed around.
The child who is left without a box wins the
grand prize: a huge stuffed animal!
Thanks go to Sharon Duescher, who did all
the shopping & wrapping of the Santa gifts
and to my husband, Steve, who packed the
car and helped set up the room. The
Christmas tree was provided again this
year by Danny Stoddard and it is much
appreciated! Thanks also to Tom Kelley
and his helpers at Tom's Tunes for the
excellent entertainment. Thanks to Cindy
Peterson, who played Mrs. Claus for us
again this year, and a giant Thank You to
our own special Santa Claus, Norb Van
Pay. Thanks to everybody who helped with
the cleanup as I am usually quite exhausted by the end of the day!
We look forward to next year's party as it is
a marvel to see how much the children
have grown from one year to the next.
by Lucy Hauser
Page 7
APWU Bay Breeze
Jan/Feb 2014
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Let’s Hear from You
Is your address correct on this newsletter, including the spelling of your name, your
street name, the type of road (rd/ln/ct, etc), as well as zip code?_______________
If not, what is your correct name/address?________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Is there anything you’d like to see in your union newsletter?___________________
If yes, please specify_________________________________________________
How often do you think the union newsletter should be
published? __________________________________
(It is currently published 6 times per year.)
Would you like to see condolences/congratulations in our
union newsletter?________________________________
Do you attend the union meetings?_______________________________________
Would you attend more meetings if it was at a different time?__________________
If so, what time would work for you?_____________________________________
Would you like to write an article to be published in the union newsletter?________
If so, submit a signed article and return to the Editor. (Your name may be withheld by
request.) Please submit by the 1st day of the publication month.
Please return your responses and suggestions above, as well as any articles to:
APWU Bay Breeze
P O Box 10323
Green Bay, WI 54307-0323
To submit via email, submit to Editor at [email protected].
To submit at the Green Bay Post Office, put in union mail slot for Mary Davis.
Thank you for taking the time to fill this out!
APWU Bay Breeze
P O Box 10323
Green Bay, WI 54307-0323
Change Service Requested
Non-Profit Organization
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Paid
APWU
Bay Breeze
NEXT UNION MEETING:
Jan 29 @6:30 am at Bay Family Restaurant, 1301 S Military, Green Bay, WI
Representatives to Contact:
Senator Tammy Baldwin
310 W Wisconsin Ave #950
Milwaukee, WI 53203
1-414-297-4451
Congressman Reid Ribble
550 N Military Ave #4B
Green Bay, WI 54303
1-920-471-1950
ribble.house.gov/contact-me/email-me
Senator Ron Johnson
517 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
1-414-276-7282
ronjohnson.senate.gov/contact.cfm
Governor Scott Walker
115 E State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
1-608-266-1212
[email protected]
Call the toll-free hotline:Wi Legislative Hotline:
1-800-362-9472
US House and Senate Line:1-800-522-6821
White House Comment Line:1-202-456-1111
The Bay Breeze is the official voice of the
American Postal Workers Union, Northeastern
Wisconsin Area Local, published six times a year.
The due date for publication is the first day of the
odd month unless otherwise publicized. The Bay
Breeze attempts to keep the membership abreast of
all important issues. We are proud members of the
National Postal Press Association and International
Labor Communications Association. We are also
members of the APWU of Wisconsin, Wisconsin
State AFL-CIO, Greater Green Bay Labor Council
and were the first local in Wisconsin to join the
APWU Accident Benefit Association as a 100 %
local. Letters, correspondences, and articles by
members and officers are encouraged and should
be addressed to: P O Box 10323, Green Bay, WI
54307 or email to: [email protected].
Articles must be signed by the author
and names may be withheld upon
request. Opinions are those of the
contributors and not necessarily the
Union, the Officers, or the Editor. The
Editor reserves the right to delete,
edit, or rewrite to fit the format of this
newsletter, to disallow any attacks of individuals,
and to refuse to print any article deemed improper
or unfit for publication. Articles that are not credited
are those of the Editor.