Apwu133
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Department of Labor Announces New FECA Procedures for COVID-19 Cases
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) expired on January 27. The APWU has opposed the expiration of those provisions of the act that protected federal workers who contracted COVID-19 (COVID). We are providing the following as information to members on the new procedures for COVID-related workers’ compensation (OWCP) claims through the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).
The ARPA included presumptions for federal workers who were exposed to COVID in the course of their employment. Postal workers who tested positive for COVID and had been working in the Postal Service were presumed to have contracted their illness while at work. Workers’ compensation claims were to be processed through the Department of Labor (DOL) by submission of form CA-1, Notice of Traumatic Injury. Traumatic Injury claims allow for the benefit of Continuation of Pay (COP).
The ARPA expired on Jan. 27, 2023. For workers who test positive for COVID after Jan. 27, 2023, the DOL has announced their procedures for processing workers’ compensation claims in FECA Bulletin 23-02, available online.
In most instances, workers’ compensation claims for COVID should now be filed on form CA-2 Notice of Occupational Disease (unless the injured worker is capable of positively identifying their exposure to a single event or a single work shift). There is no entitlement to COP in an occupational disease claim. Any claim for wage loss benefits will need to be pursued through filing a CA-7 through the DOL. Any claims for COVID benefits based on testing after Jan. 27, 2023 and filed on a CA-1 will be administratively converted to a CA-2 by the DOL, and COP will be denied. The injured worker will receive written notice of any such change. There is also a three-day waiting period and the employee will initially need to use their own leave until the claim is approved.
For claims based on positive testing after Jan. 27, 2023, the injured worker will have the burden of establishing all five (5) essential elements to workers’ compensation entitlement to include a causal relationship (there will be no more presumptions). A causal relationship is established by providing a physician’s reasoned medical opinion as to why he or she believes that a positively tested COVID diagnosis was attributable to work place exposure. The claims examiner will issue a developmental letter explaining in more detail the evidence needed to establish the claim.
All COVID claims based on positive testing through Jan. 27, 2023 were assigned case number with a prefix of 19. COVID claims based on testing after Jan. 27, 2023 will be assigned a prefix 55, like most other claims received by the DOL.
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The Debt Ceiling & Postal Workers
No postal worker or federal retiree will see a gap or reduction in pension payments or healthcare coverage.
January 20, 2023
The Treasury Department announced on Thursday that the United States government has hit its statutory “debt limit.” The next several months will be full of political drama, with serious risks at hand for working people and working-class retirees.
While the debt limit was technically reached this week, the Treasury Department has begun certain accounting measures to extend its ability to pay the government’s bills. Among the “extraordinary measures” announced by Treasury are some that are of serious concern to postal workers.
The Treasury Department has announced it will begin a “debt issuance suspension period” which will affect the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF), the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefit Fund (PSRHBF), and the G Fund of the Thrift Savings Plan
These funds are normally invested in U.S. Treasury bonds. By suspending the debt issuance, Treasury temporarily saves the interest that would normally be paid into the funds.
While the political brinksmanship around the debt ceiling is a shameful reflection of Congress’s disregard for working peoples’ interests, postal workers and other federal employees should rest assured that their retirement benefits are secure at this time. No postal worker or federal retiree will see a gap or reduction in pension payments or healthcare coverage. The law further requires that the Treasury Department make whole the effected funds once the debt ceiling has been either raised or suspended.
Treasury has previously taken similar actions, and in each instance, benefits continued to be paid and the CSRDF, the PSRHBF and the G Funds were fully reimbursed for the temporary losses incurred by the funds. Today, the law makes that reimbursement automatic once the debt ceiling issue is resolved.
The debt limit showdown is a manufactured crisis, the product of decades of tax cuts for the wealthy led by a political elite that is more comfortable debating cuts to already-starved social programs and hard-earned benefits than ensuring the federal government works for working people.
The new Republican majority in the House is demanding the Biden Administration agree to steep cuts in federal spending in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. It’s projected that the Treasury Department will be unable to pay bills in a few months, putting the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government in question and risking an unnecessary recession that would surely hit working people hardest.
“Make no mistake working people and our unions won’t stand for benefit cuts in exchange for what should be a routine act of Congress,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “The debt limit has been increased on a bipartisan basis dozens of times before, including three times during the Trump presidency. The cynical hostage-taking is unnecessary and dangerous.”
The APWU leadership is following the developments closely and will continue to demand our political leaders don’t sacrifice working people’s benefits in exchange for a debt limit increase and will keep members informed of any new developments.
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APWU Position on Employees Who Have Had Direct Deposits Stolen in LiteBlue Fraud
January 20, 2023
APWU national officers have filed a national dispute with postal management on behalf of members who have had their pay stolen by cyber-criminals and are unable to recover the money.
Several hundred postal workers have had pay stolen by cyber-criminals who used fraudulent websites to obtain sensitive personal data that was used to divert and steal direct deposit payments.
The thefts mainly occurred during Pay Period 26 of 2022 but continued into Pay Period 1 of 2023. The thefts led the Postal Service to shut down employee apps on LiteBlue and through PostalEase on any computer or device not connected to an internal Postal Service Intranet network.
While many workers have been able to recover money that has been recovered from banks, Postal Service management has taken the position that any unrecovered loss of pay as a result of the fraud is the fault of postal workers.
However, management was aware of the risk of cyber fraud but did not send warnings to employees. It is also known that the Postal Service was aware of security threats to the LiteBlue application because they had been working on the creation and implementation of a Multifactor Authentication (MFA) process since mid-2022, but did not inform the APWU of this until the last week of November 2022.
The banking industry and secure websites have been utilizing MFA processes for years because of the everyday security threats on the internet. Yet the Postal Service chose not to implement these processes until just this week, when a Stand-Up Talk was issued on December 17.
Although not every APWU represented employee has had their pay stolen, we understand that anyone who has lost money has been affected deeply, and these issues must be addressed by the Postal Service immediately.
APWU President, Mark Dimondstein, said: “It appears that the number of affected people is not huge, but a paycheck is a family’s lifeline and not one single worker should be left without money as a result of this attack.”
“The criminals behind this attack are to blame, but postal management must also take its share of the responsibility,” said Charlie Cash, APWU Industrial Relations Director. “It is clear that Postal management knew for a long time that LiteBlue had this security risk by they made no serious attempt to warn workers or upgrade security until it was too late for hundreds of workers.”
TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS IF YOUR DIRECT DEPOSIT HAS BEEN STOLEN:
- Call the Accounting Service Center to report the fraud at 1-866-974-2733
- Report the loss to the USPS Cybersafe unit at cybersafe@usps.gov
- Call the Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) at 1-877-477-3273 and either change the direct deposit information or cancel it entirely
- Request a pay advance, but note the advance will more than likely be denied as the Postal Service takes the position that due to employee negligence, no advance is owed. A grievance can be filed on the denial of the advance at this point
- The employee can file a PS Form 2146. The PS form 2146 is a claim for employees lost personal property while on duty or while on postal premises. An employee’s pay is personal property and is connected to employment.
Once the claim has been submitted, the Postal Service must act on it. The Supervisor must complete their portion, send to the Area, and a decision must be rendered within 30-days of receipt at the Area Level.
Employee and local officers and stewards need to make sure the form is submitted to Area ASAP. If a negative decision is rendered, the denial should be appealed directly to arbitration.
There is no guarantee this will lead to the Postal Service paying the lost funds to the employee--this is only one possible action an employee can take on the issue and it is up to each employee whether or not to make such a claim.
If the Postal Service recovers the funds lost and returns them to the employee, each employee and union official must then evaluate any grievances or claims currently active and make a determination on the continued processing of such grievances or claims.
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Protecting LiteBlue from Cyber Criminals: Multifactor Authentication Required After January 15
January 20, 2023
APWU national officers are continuing to advocate for members who have had had their wages stolen in the recent online fraud attack on USPS systems. Below is an update on management’s introduction of multifactor authentication (MFA) for LiteBlue log ins.
MFA is a tool that banks and other institutions use when dealing with sensitive personal information to prevent cyber-attacks. It is an identity verification method where users have to use two or more methods to gain access to an online account. Entering a password and then a text message confirmation code is an example of MFA.
Management has provided an update about the implementation of MFA to log into LiteBlue after cyber criminals gained access to sensitive employee data using fake websites that closely resembled LiteBlue. The fraudsters used this information to make changes to net-to-bank and allotment accounts to divert and steal direct deposit funds.
A Stand-Up Talk issued on January 17 announced that the Postal Service began requiring MFA in order to access LiteBlue on Jan. 15, 2023 as an additional layer of protection to strengthen online security measures for postal workers personal data.
When employees log into LiteBlue, they will be required to set up their MFA preferences. Once an employee’s MFA setup is enabled, these ID confirmation factors will be required each time they log in.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
After Jan. 15, 2023, when you log in to LiteBlue:
- Reset your Self-Service Profile (SSP) Password.
- Verify the last four digits of you Social Security Number (SSN.
- Set up your multifactor authentication preferences.
- After set up, you will be required to confirm your credentials each time you log in.
For more information or to view support materials, go to the LiteBlue login page and select “Multifactor Authentication.”
Resource materials, including an Instructions to Enroll and Sign in to LiteBlue with Multifactor Authentications (MFA) user guide, are also available below.
LiteBlue MFA Documents & Materials
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Stand-Up Talk: Multifactor Authentication Now Required for LiteBlue
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LiteBlue with MultiFactor Authentication Instructions (Jan 15 2023)
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LiteBlue MFA - Manager HERO Email (1-17-23)
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LiteBlue MFA - Employee HERO email (1-15-23)
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Manager Talking Points - LiteBlue MFA
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Multifactor Authentication for LiteBlue - LINK Article
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Multifactor Authentication Posters D4
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USPS Officers Letter - Multifactor Authentication for LiteBlue
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Subject: Employees who have had direct deposit stolen
APWU Family,
Please see the attached document. This is only a suggestion on what can be done. This is not a guarantee that an employee will have lost funds returned nor is it a guarantee that a claim will be successful or that the APWU at any level will be successful in arbitration on a claim issue.
You may share with the field.
Thank you and remember—stay safe, wear your mask!
Charlie Cash
Industrial Relations Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
Direct Deposit Theft suggestion with 2146 example (2).pdf PS2146 fillable (2).pdf
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ATTENTION MEMBERS!!
Due to the Southridge Post Office being closed on Saturday, January 21, 2023, the deadline for ballot return for the APWU Local 133 election of officers will be changed to:
Friday, January 20, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Return your Ballots
ASAP
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JCIM is Available: Order Yours Today!
January 5, 2023
The 2023 Joint Contract Interpretation Manual (JCIM), a resource for the administration of the 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), is now available for members! Members can order their JCIM for $10 from the APWU Store on the APWU website, or you can click here for an electronic copy.
The JCIM is an APWU and USPS jointly prepared manual for interpreting issues related to the union contract and serves to address and resolve disputes as well as ensure contract compliance.
The JCIM is a collection of agreed-upon interpretations that have been made over decades of collective bargaining. Whether those interpretations have been made by simple discussion and agreement, interpreted by a national arbitrator in arbitration proceedings, agreed upon in memoranda of understanding, or through dispute settlements, the JCIM is the final word on issues printed in the booklet for all levels of the grievance process.
The purpose of the JCIM is also stated at the beginning of the manual:
“When a dispute arises, the parties should first go to the JCIM to determine if the issue in disputes is addressed. If it is, the parties are required to resolve the dispute in accordance with this manual. If the parties effectively use and consult the JCIM, many disputes can be settled early on in the grievance/arbitration process.”
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Update to APWU Members on LiteBlue Fraud
January 5, 2023
APWU National Officers continue to warn postal workers to be on the lookout for a fraudulent online scheme that has resulted in stolen direct deposit payments from USPS employees.
The scam involves either a phone call from someone claiming to be a Postal Inspector or a fraudulent website that looks like LiteBlue, but sends workers’ log in details to the fraudsters.
Once workers have provided the scammers with their security information, such as passwords and EINs, the scammers can log into their victims’ LiteBlue accounts and change their net-to-bank payroll information.
USPS management warned workers about the fake LiteBlue sites in a Stand-up Talk on Dec. 23.
On Dec. 29 the USPS disabled access to change PostalEase on external sites. Employees can still login through external computers, but can only view their direct deposit and other information. Employees who need to change their information will have to either login to PostalEase through an ACE computer at a postal facility or call the Human Resource Shared Service Center (HRSSC) directly at 1-877-477-3273 to make any necessary direct deposit or benefit changes at this time.
An updated Stand-up Talk was posted on the subject on Dec. 30. However, it has been reported from the field that the Stand-up Talks are not being done in many locations and that managers are denying workers access to postal devices in order to log into their accounts.
If you have not received the Stand-up talks regarding LiteBlue fraud, or are denied access to PostalEase through a USPS issued device, please contact your steward or other local/state officer for resolution. If local management refuses to resolve the problems, local and state leaders can inform the Industrial Relations Department to address the problem with Postal HQ management.
APWU national officers are monitoring the situation and demanding that the Postal Service provide full updates on what has happened, what is still happening, and what is being done to remedy the situation, including the reimbursement of stolen funds
Postal Service management will implement a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system, which will add an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent via email or text to log in. It is recommended that everyone ensure the Postal Service has a good email or phone number that can receive a text on file. The email or phone number provided to the Postal Service for MFA will only be used for this purpose.
It is important that you should never share your LiteBlue/PostalEase login information with anyone. The Postal Inspectors will not call or ask for this information over the phone.
If you are concerned that you might have entered your LiteBlue information on a fraudulent website or have provided that information from a phone call, please attempt to log in and check your LiteBlue/PostalEase account immediately. If you can’t log in, see unauthorized changes, or if anything seems suspicious, contact HRSSC immediately at 1-877-477-3273.
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Subject: Additional Standup
All,
I just received this Stand Up Talk that was supposed to be given out last week. There have now been two that were supposed to have done. However, I am getting reports that these Stand Up Talks are not being done. I am also being told that employees are being denied access to Postal Devices to access Postal Ease. I need to know where the stand up talks have not been given and where employees are being denied access to postal computers. Here is the message I received with this stand up talk:
Colleagues,
Attached please find the final, approved stand up talk for distribution starting today addressing Net to Bank and Allotment Disabled online in PostalEase.
Tom
We are monitoring the situation and are demanding the Postal Service provide us full updates on what has happened, what is still happening, and what is being done to remedy the situation. As I get more information, I will continue to share it. Please get this information out to the field. I have also attached the previous emails I have sent out.
Thank you and remember—stay safe, wear your mask!
Charlie Cash
Industrial Relations Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
Dec. 30, 2022
Fraud Alert Update:
Net to Bank and Allotment Disabled Online in PostalEASE
The stand-up talk issued Friday Dec. 23, 2022, discussed a fraud scheme by cyber criminals using fake LiteBlue websites to target Postal Service employees.
When you attempt to log in to a fake site, scammers collect your username and password. Scammers can record this information and use it to enter PostalEASE — the self-service application reached through LiteBlue for employment-related services. There, scammers may access your sensitive data, which they can manipulate for financial gain.
The LiteBlue and PostalEASE applications have not been compromised. A limited number of employees have reported unusual account activity involving their PostalEASE accounts, which has been attributed to their prior interaction with the fake LiteBlue websites.
As an additional precaution, the Net to Bank and Allotment functionalities have been disabled online in the PostalEASE application accessed externally through LiteBlue via a personal computer as of Dec. 29, 2022, until further notice.
Employees may cancel allotments, establish net to bank, or make changes to net to bank via the PostalEASE Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. IVR is a telephone-based system and may be accessed by calling the Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) at 877-477-3273, menu option 1. Employees using the IVR system will need to have their employee identification number (EIN) and personal identification number (PIN).
These services can be conducted online via PostalEASE when accessed using a USPS-owned laptop or desktop computer, connected to the USPS network.
If you use an online search engine such as Google or Yahoo to navigate to LiteBlue, you may find fake LiteBlue websites in your search results. We are working with the internet service providers to remove the fake websites. However, they often reappear as quickly as they are removed.
You can reduce the chances of encountering a fake website by navigating directly to the official USPS website at (spell aloud) W-W-W - “dot” - L-I-T-E-B-L-U-E - “dot” - U-S-P-S - “dot” - G-O-V or www.liteblue.usps.gov. If you visit LiteBlue frequently, you should bookmark the site as one of your favorites.
We are also taking additional precautions across our network to mitigate the risk of further impact on our employees.
If you suspect you are a victim of this fraud or encounter a fake LiteBlue website, please contact USPS CyberSafe by email at cybersafe@usps.gov. Employees should also report any instance of suspected account tampering to the USPS Accounting Service Center helpline at 1-866-974-2733.
Thank you for listening.
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Subject: Continual Issues with LiteBlue/PostalEase
All,
I just received the message below from the Postal Service which you may share with the field informing us the external link to PostalEase/Liteblue will be taken down today. This will require employees to make changes Postal Service devices within postal facilities.
Colleagues,
We continue to receive reports of employees clicking on fake LiteBlue websites, allowing cyber criminals to steal their usernames and passwords. A limited number of employees have reported changes to their net to bank or allotment changes due to this activity.
The USPS has taken multiple steps to combat this activity through enhanced communications, stand-up talks, working with internet providers to identify the sites as fraudulent, and proactively identifying potential victims. Unfortunately, some employees continue to access the fake websites.
The VP, CISO has recommended disabling the external link to PostalEase today, December 29, 2022.
Taking this action will prevent any net to bank or allotment changes to occur unless employees log-in from a USPS issued device in a USPS facility to further protect employees against fraudulent websites. The Chief Information Office is working to expedite the deployment of a multi-factor solution which will prompt employees for a second identification factor, such as a one-time passcode through text or email or through an authenticator application that will be in addition to their usernames and passwords.
In the interim, please inform employees to call the helpdesk at 877-477-3273 for assistance with their urgent LiteBlue needs.
Headquarters is working diligently to resolve these security issues and enable LiteBlue to be available ASAP.
Thank you!
Tom
I have also made inquiries on what the Postal Service is doing to ensure all employees have access to a “postal device” in a postal facility.
Thank you and remember—stay safe, wear your mask!
Charlie Cash
Industrial Relations Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
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Subject: Stand Up about Lite Blue Issues
All,
Please see the attached stand up talk and below message from the Postal Service. I apologize for the delay—things are crazy in Buffalo, and I will admit my family and home were my first priority during this disastrous storm that has taken 35 lives in Western New York.
The attached is an advisory about fake Liteblue Websites and attempts to compromise our member’s information. Please always got here LiteBlue (usps.gov) to access the real LiteBlue website.
Do not provide your EIN or password to anyone to include family, friends, or financial institutions that request it. We have reports that some advance check cashing or payday lenders (President Dimondstein and I call them legal loan sharks) are requesting member’s EINs, passwords, and LiteBlue login information in order to arrange these despicable loans—please do not give this information. Some of these institutions have been identified as the folks changing LiteBlue information and stealing member’s direct deposit.
We are in contact with the Postal Service on these issues and pushing for pay advances. However, the Postal Service as thus far taken the position that stolen direct deposit is not the fault of the USPS and not issuing advances. We are still pushing and fighting for this to happen. When I have more info, I will share.
In the meantime, if employees have issues, the need to contact their local stewards and officers who can then reach out to their NBAs if needs be.
Please share with field.
Thank you and remember—stay safe, wear your mask!
Charlie Cash
Industrial Relations Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
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ATTENTION MEMBERS
The Charleston WV Area Local #133 will be conducting the Regular Monthly Meeting on January 21, 2023 @ 7:00 PM.
We will be giving the results of the 2023 Election and will also be voting on the Charleston Area Local 133 Constitution and by law changes at the January 21, 2023 monthly meeting.
The meeting will be held at 711 Bigley Ave.
Charleston, WV 25302
There will be a $25.00 door prize.
The bonus drawing is $500.00.
ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
Charleston Area Local #133
Regular Monthly Minutes
November 19, 2022
ATTENTION:
PLEASE POST ON APWU BULLETIN BOARD
Opening of Meeting
Craig Brown called meeting to order at 8:00 AM, Saturday, November 19, 2022.
Allegiance to Flag
Alexis Pratt led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Officers Present
President – Craig Brown Vice President- Doug Butler Treasurer – Chris Smith Secretary- Eustacia Wriston Clerk Craft Dir.- Amy Haga Legislative Dir.- Bob Redman Motor Vehicle Clerk Dir.- Melissa Monday Human Relations Dir.- Alexis Pratt Editor- Tim Thompson AO Coordinator- Josh Snyder Organizing Dir.- Tiffany Copley
There were 13 members present.
Reading of Minutes
Eustacia Wriston read the monthly minutes for November 2022.
Motion to accept the minutes for November 2022 as read was made by Chris Smith.
Seconded by Bob Redman.
Motion Passed
Treasurer's Report
Chris Smith read the Treasurer's Report for November 2022.
Motion to accept the Treasurer's Report for November 2022 as read was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Robert Ludwig.
Motion Passed
Bills and Communications
Doug Butler read the following bills and communications.
Letter from Trustee’s- 3rd quarter audit report July-October 2022 found accurate and exemplary condition
Letter from president Dimenstein- sending out a mailing to non-members to encourage them to join
Letter from AFL-CIO- 2023 Legislative Conference January 25-26, 2023
New Members
None
Drop Outs
Grace Rose
Special Committees
Election committee- Justin Goodall, Eleni Tsenoutas, Robert Ludwig, Brenda Matheny, and Crystal Wayne
Election Nominees-
President- Craig Brown
Daniel Gravely
Vice President- Doug Butler
Tim Holstein
Treasurer- Chris Smith
Secretary- Eustacia Wriston
Legislative Director- Bob Redman
Clerk Craft Director- Amy Haga
Timothy Thompson
Maintenance Craft Director- Steven Dearien
Motor Vehicle Director- Melissa Monday
Mike Delafuentes (Challenged)
Assistant Clerk Craft Director-Josh Snyder
Tyler Williams
Assistant Maintenance Craft Director-Mark Stricklen
Tiffany Copley
Trustees- Rita Jackson
Donna Accord
Tom Accord
Editor-Wesley Scarbro
AO Coordinator-Travis Searls
Safety Director-Frank Zahurancik
Organizing Director- NONE (to be appointed by next administration)
Human Relations Director- Alexis Pratt
Health Plan Coordinator-Kayla Cuppy
Standing Committees
By-law committee met to be voted on January 2023 meeting.
Unfinished Business
Doug Butler made a to send the President, Vice President and Legislative Director or someone of their choosing to the 86th annual AFL-CIO Legislative Conference at full expense on January 25-26th, 2023.
Seconded by Bob Redman
Motion Passed.
Doug Butler made a motion to accept the 3rd Quarter Audit Report July-October 2022.
Seconded by Bob Redman
Motion Passed.
Chris Smith made a motion to spend $10,000.00 to building Corp to renovate downstairs.
Seconded by Bob Redman
Motion Passed.
Open Forum
None.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Robert Ludwig.
Motion Passed.
The $25.00 door prize winner Mark Stricklen.
The $500.00 bonus number was 459, Tom Parish, who was not present.
The next Union Meeting will be held on January 21, 2023, at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eustacia Wriston, Secretary, APWU Local #133
Constitution and By Laws Changes
To be voted on at the January 2023 Monthly Meeting
Old Language:
Article 4 Meetings
SECTION 1. Excluding the month of December, the regular meeting of this area local shall be held on the third Saturday of each month with alternating times of 8:00am and 7:00p.m. Ending times shall be one and one-half hours after the meeting has been called to order, unless members present and voting by majority, vote to extend the meeting. Meetings may be changed to prevent scheduling conflicts with other events by concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting. Any change in the meetings shall be posted at least five days in advance of the meeting date. The president with the concurrence of the majority of the Executive Board shall have the authority to make any determination involving the change in meetings but shall be considered only to prevent scheduling conflicts.
New language:
Article 4 Meetings
Section 1. Excluding the month of December, the regular meeting of this area local shall be held on the third Wednesday @ 6pm and be altered each month to third Saturday @ 8am. Ending times shall be one and one-half hours after the meeting has been called to order, unless members present and voting by majority, vote to extend the meeting. Meetings may be changed to prevent scheduling conflicts with other events by concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting. Any change in the meetings shall be posted at least five days in advance of the meeting date. The president with the concurrence of the majority of the executive board shall have the authority to make any determination involving the change in meetings but shall considered only to prevent scheduling conflicts.
Passed 8-4
Old language:
Article 7 Executive Board
SECTION 2. The Executive Board shall meet semiannually, first meeting will be scheduled January 1" through June 19. Second meeting between June 2" through November 30 and shall meet by the following: Upon notification by the Local President, or written request by three members of the Executive Board. The Secretary shall notify each board member five (5) days prior to the meeting.
New Language:
Article 7 Executive Board
SECTION 2. The Executive Board shall meet upon notification by the Local President, or written request by three members of the Executive Board. The Secretary shall notify each board member five (5) days prior to the meeting.
Passed 10-1
Old Language:
Article 12 Conventions, Conferences, Seminars, Schools and Training
Section 1. National Conventions:
Members of the Executive Board shall have first call. A maximum of six (6) delegates shall attend the National Convention at full expense if authorized by the membership. The Area Local President shall be an automatic delegate representative. Nomination will be taken from the letters submitted or a member present at the meeting. If the delegates nominated exceed the number authorized an election will be held by secret ballot to determine those delegates. Those nominated and not elected will be alternates in order of votes. A maximum of four (4) delegates shall attend the National Conventions at full expense, minus lost time, if authorized by the membership. Nomination will be taken from the letters submitted or a member present at the meeting. If the delegates nominated exceed the number authorized an election will be held by secret ballot to determine those delegates. Those nominated and not elected will be alternates in order of votes. Additional delegates shall attend the National Conventions at their own expense, except registration fees, if authorized by the membership. Nominations will be taken from the letters submitted or a member present at the meeting. If the delegates nominated exceed the total amount authorized by the National Constitution and By-Laws, then an election will be held by secret ballot to determine those delegates. Those nominated and not elected will be alternates in order of votes. An Executive board member to be eligible as a delegate to National Convention must have attended at least six (6) meetings in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the General Membership meeting at which the nominations are made. The only acceptable excuse for not attending a General Membership meeting shall be if a member is on valid Union business or official out-of-town postal training with the prior approval of the President. Members not on the Executive Board may attend the National Convention if the opportunity exists to send additional delegates beyond the Executive Board these additional delegates are not required to meet the established attendance requirements for Executive Board members. The additional delegates will be compensated consistent with this Constitution.
New Language:
Article 12 Conventions, Conferences, Seminars, Schools and Training
Section 1. National Conventions:
Members of the Executive Board shall have first call. A maximum of six (6) delegates shall attend the National Convention at full expense if authorized by the membership. The Area Local President shall be an automatic delegate representative. Nomination will be taken from the letters submitted or a member present at the meeting. If the delegates nominated exceed the number authorized an election will be held by secret ballot to determine those delegates. Those nominated and not elected will be alternates in order of votes. A maximum of four (4) delegates shall attend the National Conventions at full expense, minus lost time, if authorized by the membership. Nomination will be taken from the letters submitted or a member present at the meeting. If the delegates nominated exceed the number authorized an election will be held by secret ballot to determine those delegates. Those nominated and not elected will be alternates in order of votes. Additional delegates shall attend the National Conventions at their own expense, except registration fees, if authorized by the membership. Nominations will be taken from the letters submitted or a member present at the meeting. If the delegates nominated exceed the total amount authorized by the National Constitution and By-Laws, then an election will be held by secret ballot to determine those delegates. Those nominated and not elected will be alternates in order of votes. An Executive board member to be eligible as a delegate to National Convention must have attended at least three (3) meetings in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the General Membership meeting at which the nominations are made. The only acceptable excuse for not attending a General Membership meeting shall be if a member is on valid Union business or official out-of-town postal training with the prior approval of the President. Members not on the Executive Board may attend the National Convention if the opportunity exists to send additional delegates beyond the Executive Board these additional delegates are not required to meet the established attendance requirements for Executive Board members. The additional delegates will be compensated consistent with this Constitution.
Passed 9-2
Old Language:
Article 16 Expenditures
SECTION 8. The Charleston WV Area Local will have an installation dinner/dance during odd years. A picnic, at local expense, will only be held in even years, if authorized by the local's membership. No alcohol will be provided with union funds for those functions.
New Language:
Article 16 Expenditures
SECTION 8. The Charleston WV Area Local will at least once a year provide a membership event for members to attend.
Passed
12-0
October 2022 Treasurers Report pg 1.pdf October 2022 Treasurers Report pg 2.pdf
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REPORTS OF DIRECT DEPOSIT CHANGES: UPDATE
Subject: Update on employee's Direct Deposit
Union Family,
I received an update on the issue with employee’s direct deposit. See below. However, I reiterate that everyone should go change their password and make sure they are using the appropriate website which is: LiteBlue (usps.gov)
Do not share your information with anyone! Including members of your family, friends, etc.
Here is the message received from Vice-President of Labor Relations Tom Blum:
Colleagues,
VP Heather Dyer and the Inspection Service have confirmed Postal Service employees are often unknowingly providing their usernames and passwords to criminal websites, while attempting to access PostalEase.
Employees are using Google and attempting to access PostalEase; however, Google in-turn has been redirecting them to criminally run websites that mirror the look and access of PostalEase.
VP Dyer and the Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) are working with the Postal Inspection Service and drafting letters to the impacted group of approximately 119 employees, while also preparing a second letter addressed to all postal employees. Both drafts are currently under review by the Privacy Office and Law Department.
We have received reports representations have been made at the district level confirming Postal Inspectors are contacting impacted employees, as well as employees who may have unknowingly been compromised, and requesting their EINs and passwords.
Please note . . . Postal Inspectors have not contacted postal employees and requested their EINs and/or passwords. (Emphasis added by Charlie Cash)
If you know of any financially impacted employees, please have them immediately contact the Eagan ASC Helpdesk at 866-974-2733. Staff members are available to assist.
If you become aware of any employee experiencing access issues to PostalEase, please recommend they immediately contact 877-477-3273 to request assistance.
VP Dyer, the CISCO Team and the Postal Inspection Service continue working around-the-clock to enhance the security of PostalEase.
We will provide you with any additional information ASAP.
Tom
Thank you and remember—stay safe, wear your mask!
Charlie Cash
Industrial Relations Director
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
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REMINDER:
ATTENTION MEMBERS
The Charleston WV Area Local #133 will be conducting the Regular Monthly Meeting on November 19, 2022 @ 8:00 AM.
We will be taking nominations for the local election at the November 2022 monthly meeting.
The meeting will be held at 711 Bigley Ave.
Charleston, WV 25302
There will be a $25.00 door prize.
The bonus drawing is $500.00.
ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
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2023 Leave Calendar and Leave Chart Available
November 9, 2022
The 2023 APWU Leave Calendar and Leave Chart are now available on the APWU website under Frequently Requested Resources. The Leave Calendar is a great resource identifying pay periods, pay days, and holidays. The Leave Chart can be used to track current balances of advanced annual, earned annual and sick leave, as well as what leave has been used. The files are in PDF for easy downloading and printing.
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Extended MOU Now Includes Job Audits to Increase Clerk Craft Work
November 7, 2022
On November 4, 2022, the parties agreed to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Re: Bulk Mail Tech and Mailing Requirements Clerk Position Qualification. This MOU originated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been extended on several occasions, leading to the latest agreement to continue it for one year from the signing of the agreement. The MOU establishes the required training for employees bidding to Bulk Mail Tech and Mailing Requirements Clerk duty assignments, including the number of hours for classroom training and on-the-job training.
For the first time, this MOU adds an agreement to jointly review the following positions for the purpose of identifying the work performed by each position and if work currently being performed by Executive and Administrative Schedule (EAS) employees should instead be performed by clerk bargaining unit employees:
- Bulk Mail Technician
- Mailing Requirements Clerk
- Supervisor, Mail & Shipping Solutions Center
- Mailing Standards Specialist
- Supervisor, Mail Entry
The joint review will be conducted by six (6) Bulk Mail Techs and six (6) Mailing Requirements Clerks, as chosen by the APWU, and EAS employees as determined by the Postal Service. The Bulk Mail Techs and Mailing Requirements Clerks who are selected will be released from their regular duties as necessary to “fully participate in the activities associated with the joint position review process”. In addition, any training and/or travel expenses will be paid if needed for the joint review.
“The addition of the position review to this MOU is yet another reflection of the Clerk Craft’s commitment to capture as much work for our craft as possible,” explained APWU Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks. “We believe that many of the duties currently performed by EAS employees belong to the bargaining unit” Brooks added, “and the review will also hopefully help to more clearly identify the dividing line between Bulk Mail Tech duties and Mailing Requirements Clerk duties.”
The position review will begin no later than January 27, 2023 and conclude no later than May 5, 2023. A copy of the MOU is linked to this article.
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ATTENTION MEMBERS
The Charleston WV Area Local #133 will be conducting the Regular Monthly Meeting on November 19, 2022 @ 8:00 AM.
We will be taking nominations for the local election at the November 2022 monthly meeting.
The meeting will be held at 711 Bigley Ave.
Charleston, WV 25302
There will be a $25.00 door prize.
The bonus drawing is $500.00.
ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
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Charleston Area Local #133
Regular Monthly Minutes
October 15, 2022
ATTENTION:
PLEASE POST ON APWU BULLETIN BOARD
Opening of Meeting
Craig Brown called meeting to order at 7:00 PM, Saturday, October 15, 2022.
Allegiance to Flag
Chris Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Officers Present
President – Craig Brown Vice President- Doug Butler Treasurer – Chris Smith Secretary- Eustacia Wriston Legislative Dir.- Bob Redman Organizing Dir.- Tiffany Copley Health Plan Dir.- Kayla Cuppy
There were 8 members present.
Reading of Minutes
Eustacia Wriston read the monthly minutes for September 2022.
Motion to accept the minutes for September 2022 as read was made by Chris Smith.
Seconded by Bob Redman.
Motion Passed
Treasurer's Report
Chris Smith read the Treasurer's Report for September 2022.
Motion to accept the Treasurer's Report for September 2022 as read was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Eustacia Wriston.
Motion Passed
Bills and Communications
Doug Butler read the following bills and communications.
Letter from Liz Powell- 2022 Installation of Officers Wednesday November 16,2022.
New Members
None
Drop Outs
Jamie Greer
Tammy Jett
Susan Bailey
Jeffery Spradling
Special Committees
Election committee- Justin Goodall, Eleni Tsenoutas, Robert Ludwig, Brenda Matheny, and Crystal Wayne
Standing Committees
None.
Unfinished Business
Chris Smith made a motion to rent 2 PO Boxes for election spending up to $200.
Seconded by Bob Redman
Motion Passed.
Open Forum
Craig Brown- Taking nomination for our 2-year elections in November
Chris Smith- Any thoughts about website, waiting until beginning of 2023
Peter Toliver- PSE on tour 1 wanting to change tours due to attendance problems with the current tour schedule
Tiffany Copley- Maintenance Supervisor Problems, route sheets
Kayla Cuppy- bringing up PSE insurance pay at Health Plan Conference
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Chris Smith.
Seconded by Eustacia Wriston.
Motion Passed.
The $25.00 door prize winner Eustacia Wriston.
The $500.00 bonus number was 115, Jane Criner, who was not present.
The next Union Meeting will be held on November 19, 2022, at 8:00 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eustacia Wriston, Secretary, APWU Local #133
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APWU-Represented Postal Workers Get Retro-Pay
October 28, 2022
APWU-represented employees who fall under the 2021-2024 National Agreement received the retro-active payments owed on them in their paychecks dated October 28, 2022. Employees will see the retro-active payments listed on their paychecks as multiple “adjustments”.
In order to fully understand the retro-active payments, each person should download their full paystub that is available to them through the USPS employee website. Pay stubs could be over 10 pages long. An explanation on how to read the pay stubs and understand the adjustment is found here (Retropay Explanation and Example Paystub). Each employee’s retro-active payment is based on the individual hours they were paid (work and/or paid leave). Thus, no retroactive payment will be the same.
APWU-represented bargaining unit employees will receive retro-active pay adjustments as follows:
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Pay Period 21-2021 through Pay Period 12-2022
- New rates for Grade 11 Employees
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Pay Period 25-2021 through Pay Period 12-2022
- 1.3% General Increase for all employees
- 1.0% additional increase for Postal Support Employees (PSEs)
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Pay Period 06-2022 through Pay Period 12-2022
- $0.63 per hour COLA for Career Employees
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Pay Period 09-2022 through Pay Period 16-2022
- Extra $0.50 per hour for PSEs
The pay rates that required a retro-active payment (with the exception of the extra $0.50 per hour for PSEs) went into effect on June 4, 2022, the start of Pay Period 13-2022. If questions arise in regards to the retroactive payments, employees must take their full pay stub to their state or local union officials for review and discussion. If there are still questions or concerns after this review, State and Local Presidents may submit these questions to the Industrial Relations Department.
These retro-active payments are another example of the importance of having a strong collective bargaining agreement. Under the 2021-2024 employees have received the following increases:
- 1.3% General Increase effective November 20, 2021
- 1.0% additional increase for PSEs effective November 20, 2021
- $0.63 per hour Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective February 26, 2022, for career employees
- $0.50 per hour extra for PSEs effective April 9, 2022
- $1.18 per hour COLA effective August 27, 2022
Employees will also receive two more general pay increases of 1.3% on November 19, 2022 and November 18, 2023, respectively, with PSEs receiving an additional 1.0% increase at the same time. Career employees will also receive four more COLA increases based on the movement of the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W (1967=100)) during the remaining term of the national agreement. Additionally, employees who have not reached top step of their respective pay grade, will continue to receive step increases.
View Retro Pay Explanation & Example Paystub
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Pay Period 21-2021 through Pay Period 12-2022
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2022 Convention Transcript Now Available
October 26, 2022
An official transcript of the proceedings from the APWU’s 26th Biennial National Convention is now available to union members on www.apwu.org. The convention is the highest governing body of the APWU.
The 1,798-page document provides a full transcript of the business undertaken during the assembly, which took place Aug. 15-18 in National Harbor, MD.
Union members can click here to log in and view or download the convention proceedings.
The convention was attended by 2,047 delegates representing 297 locals from 43 states, Saipan, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; and by 69 national officers and four Retirees convention delegates.
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PER DIEM UPDATE – EFFECTIVE DATE NOVEMBER 7, 2022
October 18, 2022
After meeting with the Postal Service again and scheduling an NCED site visit, we can announce that the implementation date of the per diem MOU is November 7, 2022 and will be piloted for three years for all Crafts.
The current GSA rates control the per diem amount, currently at $59.00 per day. Students whose training starts prior to Nov. 7 and ends after Nov. 7 will receive per diem for all days beginning November 7, 2022 and beyond.
If you have any related questions, please contact Maintenance Division Director Balogun; (202) 842 4213 or email maintwebinar@apwu.org.
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And the Winners Are...
October 17, 2022
Three locals and one retiree chapter will be rewarded for generating participation in the recent election of national union officers, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell has announced.
To be eligible for rewards, locals and chapters must have achieved participation of at least 50 percent. The winnings are to be used at the discretion of the locals and retiree chapters on behalf of the membership.
Three locals will receive $200.00 each for achieving at least 50 percent participation:
- Vincennes (IN) Local
- Lewistown (MT) Local
- Chatsworth (CA) Local
No other locals qualified in any of the other categories.
Retiree Chapters
The Philadelphia BMC Local Retiree Chapter will receive $50. No other chapters qualified in any of the other categories.
“Congratulations to the locals and retiree chapters that achieved a high level of participation,” Powell said. “Unfortunately, voter turnout overall was extremely low, so we must redouble our efforts to encourage members to participate in union activities.”
The official results [PDF – Members Only] of the APWU Election of National Officers were certified by the American Arbitration Association on Oct. 7.
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ATTENTION MEMBERS
The Charleston WV Area Local #133 will be conducting the Regular Monthly Meeting on October 15, 2022 @ 7:00 PM.
At the October monthly meeting we will be naming the local election committee. Also, we will be taking nominations for the local election at the November 2022 monthly meeting.
The meeting will be held at 711 Bigley Ave.
Charleston, WV 25302
There will be a $25.00 door prize.
The bonus drawing is $500.00.
ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
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ATTENTION MEMBERS
The pay adjustment on the checks coming out this week (October 14, 2022) is related to employees who used leave under the Families First Coronavirus Recovery Act. Here is the specific message the Postal Service sent after the inquiry from the APWU:
It is only going to employees who used COVID Families First leave and had some type of premium pay in the look back period.
So only employees who used this leave are getting this adjustment and it is not related to the retroactive payments.
Retro-active pay is still scheduled to be on the pay checks dated October 28, 2022.
ATTENTION MEMBERS
in Local News and Information
Posted
ATTENTION MEMBERS
The Charleston WV Area Local #133 will be conducting the Regular Monthly Meeting on February 18, 2023 @ 8:00 AM.
We will be voting for delegates to attend the West Virginia State Convention
The meeting will be held at 711 Bigley Ave.
Charleston, WV 25302
There will be a $25.00 door prize.
The bonus drawing is $500.00.
ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
Opening of Meeting
Craig Brown called meeting to order at 7:05 PM, Saturday, January,20 2023.
Allegiance to Flag
Tim Holstein led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chris Smith made a motion to suspend order of business.
Seconded by Bob Redman
Motion Passed
Election Committee
Crystal Wayne read the election results for 2023 as follows:
APWU Local 133
President
Craig Brown 114 Votes
Daniel Gravley 68 Votes
Vice President
Tim Holstein 99 Votes
Doug Butler 79 Votes
Clerk Craft Director
Tim Thompson 84 Votes
Amy Haga 54 Votes
Trustees
Rita Jackson 123 Votes
Donna Acord 26 Votes
Tom Acord 25 Votes
Motion to accept the election results for 2023 as read was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Robert Ludwig.
Motion Passed
New Officers Sworn in By Chris Smith
Chris Smith made a motion to go back to the order of business.
Seconded by Robert Ludwig
Motion Passed
Officers Present
President - Craig Brown, Vice President – Tim Holstein, Secretary - Eustacia Wriston, Editor – Wes Scarbro, AO Coordinator – Travis Searls, Motor Vehicle Craft Dir.- Melissa Monday, Treasurer - Chris Smith, Assistant Maintenance Craft Dir - Tiffany Copley, Legislative Director – Bob Redman, Health Plan Director - Kayla Cuppy, Clerk Craft Dir – Tim Thompson, Assistant Clerk Craft Dir – Tyler Williams, Safety Director – Frank Zahurancik
There were 17 members present.
Reading of Minutes
Craig Brown read the monthly minutes for November 2022.
Motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Tim Holstein.
Motion Passed
Treasurer's Report
Chris Smith read the Treasurer's Report for December 2022.
Motion to accept the Treasurer's Report as read was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Robert Ludwig
Motion Passed
Bills and Communications
Tim Holstein read the following bills and communications.
Clerk Division Zoom Meeting – January 31, 2023
1187 Zoom Meeting – January 25, 2023
Presidents Conference April 1-3, 2023
New Members
None
Dropouts
None
Special Committees
None.
Standing Committees
The following constitutional changes were voted on.
1. Article 4 Meetings Section 1 - Passed 16-2
2. Article 7 Executive Board Section 2 - Passed 16-0
3 Article 12 Conventions, Conferences, Seminars, Schools and Training Section 1 Passed 14-2
Unfinished Business
None
New Business
Chris Smith made to spend $3900.00 for new flooring at the union hall.
Seconded by Bob Redman.
Motion Passed
Chris Smith made a motion to approve $1000.00 for a Drawing for members to register for the locals website apwu133.com
Seconded by Bob Redman.
Motion Passed
Chris Smith made a motion for the President, Vice President and the Treasurer for lost time to visit the unions financial institutions for account name changes.
Seconded by Bob Redman.
Motion Passed
Chris Smith made a motion to send the President, Vice President and Treasurer to the Presidents Conference April 1-3rd at full expense.
Seconded by Bob Redman.
Motion Passed
Chris Smith made a motion to send up to $1000.00 for a TV and wall mount for the union hall.
Seconded by Robert Ludwig.
Motion Passed
Open Forum
Keys returned and handed out to new officers.
Vote to attend the WV State Convention will be held at the March meeting.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Bob Redman.
Seconded by Craig Brown.
Motion Passed
The $25.00 door prize winner Tim Holstein.
The $500.00 bonus number was 465, Meredith Whitten, who was not present.
The next Union Meeting will be held on March 18, 2023, at 8:00 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eustacia Wriston, Secretary, APWU Local #133