in our small building of 200 postal workers, there is a
tremendous amount of standby time for all with the
exception of the dbcs unit.
parring down is long overdue.

This is a reality check for everyone in the craft. I have often wondered how long people in the craft get paid for 8 hours, but usually only work for 5 or so. Think about it. If the USPS were your company would you manage it the way it is currently being managed? I for one would not. The gravy train could get derailed and management clearly believes that the employees are the problem. The fact is if you are a younger worker, like me, the future is not too bright for the USPS as it currently is structured and operated.

They need to do a work study on all managers to see how little they do. My supervisors spend about an hour a day on smoke breaks, take 2 hr lunches. and BS about an hour a day before doing anything. But they keep making more 204 B's.

Oh, I forgot to mention just how worthless the average supervisor really is. They all think that they are really good at what they do. Most of them spend a few hours a week doing the schedule and planning overtime assignments. The rest of their time is spent trying to scheme and back stab their fellow supervisor or particular craft employee. What a gig to have. My supervisor spends most of his time sucking cigarettes and drinking coffee. Most supervisors would not be managing anything in a Fortune 500 company. They do not have the credentials, like a 4 year college degree. I look at the supervisor ranks where I work and I see a bunch of broken down former craft employees who could no longer do craft work due to failing health or injuries. A lot of the supervisors in place now were just plain lazy craft workers. They want an even easier gig so hello to supervision. It is kind of funny when they want you to go out of your way to make them look somewhat competent, but then you recollect what a worthless P.O.S. they were. Yeah the USPS needs to clean up and lean up and only place left to trim is with management. I can hardly wait.

SantaAna-Your statements seem to speak for all of us, but you need to take it one step farther. After supervision and the learning of the ropes on how to become totally worthless as managers-the creme of THAT crop is selected for higher level details and after enough ass kissing become postmasters making even more money.

Alas, the postal commission has sided with management today saying they need even more money for their expert knowledge, while all the postal craft workers need hourly pay cut and reduced benefits because we are not worthy.
Can you say Enron?

Enron and World Com move over. Here comes the Postal Service!

People I know this isn't the early out board, but I have to say that anyone who can grab that "bird in the hand" is going to be lucky. This report if adopted will bring changes to the USPS that no working person will want to see.
I walked the picket line during the 1970 strike, and if half of what the Workforce Commission recommends is adopted, we might as well go apply for our second jobs at McDonalds right now. Read item #4 very closely. Can you say Paycut?

http://www.lunewsviews.com/recommendations.htm#workforce

Hey ladies and gents, anybody still think the EO is a bad deal. Bush and his buddies are going after every decent paying job they can they can get their money grubbing hands on. I know, maybe George W. would make a better Postmaster General than he does a president. What u tink?

People,
We need to wake up and fight this aggression. Our Jobs Are At Stake here. As Branch President of my facility. I see clerks fighting over who gets to go into standby(340). That is ridiculous, they even filed a grievance to make the list of clerks rotate as to who goes in 340 on a given day...WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
Time to wake up and smell the coffee, otherwise it will be to late.

Folks, our careers are on the line. The Presidential Commission is made up of Bush people. Bush has already initiated cutting the federal civilian force. Now there are starting with Postal Workers.

It's coming and there is no "Great White Hope"
to derail Bush. Where is Moe Biller when you need him.
He still carries those IOU's in his pockets. We are all hoping that Bill Burrus throws down those cards face up.

Anyone have a timeline in mind for postal reform legislation? I have read that the earliest that reform legislation would be considered would be early next year. I was wondering if some(if not most)of the proposed changes for the workforce would have to be made after the expiration of the current labor contracts. The NALC contract runs until 2006. Just wondering because I'm due for retiremant next year at this time.

Lion Steve, no one knows for sure, but here's how it usually works. The "Official" commision report will be published and distributed July 31 (even though all of us are reading it). Congress will soon take their summer break, pushing this into September. Next year is an election year, making controversial decisions almost impossible to pass both houses, and its pretty clear APWU is going to do its best to make this controversial. Even after the reform bill is signed, most of the recommendations of the commission require the formation of commitees, boards of directors, a requlartory board, etc... Your probably safe for a year, but you might consider donating to COPA for good measure.

PTFinHELL-

Do you believe that most of the measures would have to be instituted after the NALC(2006)and other labor contracts expire? Actually, I really doubt that most of the recomendations will ever make it to legislation.

Lion Steve

The Reforms would be implemented by eliminating the present Contracts for ALL Unions.

"Sit down and read. Educate yourself for the coming conflicts." Mother Jones
--
Took the Workforce Subcommittees report to work yesterday.

Shocked at the lack of interest(?) and or concern when things like "Last Best Final Offer", "Pay Comparability", "Collective Bargaining - New Subjects" were discussed.

The report stated that the "TOTAL COMPENSATION PREMIUM" (For Current Employees) would be reviewed. I have to assume that this includes
every "perk" that these Union's have bargained
 for over the last 30+ years are now
 subject to unilateral reduction by 3 political appointees.

And by their good graces we get to bargain for the things that actually were a few of the ONLY Fringe Bennies we had to begin with.

What would make some political appointee think that these suggestions and or recommendations are acceptable?
Are we so weak and apathetic as a Union(s)
 and as registered Voters that this type of suggestion and or attack on Hard Working Men and Women - UNION MEN AND WOMEN(!) Actually has a chance to succeed?

As far as the reports go, what exactly do we get to bargain for if we are stripped of our present contracts?

Oh yeah we will get the right to bargain for what part of our NEW unilaterally imposed POVERTY LEVEL WAGE goes towards our new POVERTY LEVEL RETIREMENT plan.

When will the Members and Non Members alike wake the hell up and realize we are close to working at Wal-Mart.

This type of reform is NOT what is needed.

Although... it will bring equality to the workroom floor.
We will all be equally placed in second class status.

Postal$life