The COVID-19 outbreak has created a new environment for all of us to work in. We can no longer gather for meetings or trainings until the virus is able to be contained. As Shop Steward’s we may experience situations that we could not have been prepared to handle.
Branch President Les Dillman is receiving updates on a daily basis from NALC Region 12 NBA Dave Napadano as well as from the Philadelphia Metro District management. He is relaying that information via e-mail updates to all shop stewards. The updates are also available through our website, http://nalc725.org/. The link to our COVID-19 update page is http://nalc725.org/Covid-19-Updates.html. Thank you, Andy Kearney, for keeping the webpage up to date!
One of the difficult aspects presented by the unprecedented crisis is to carry on as “normal” in leading as a shop steward. This letter is to remind each of you that you are not alone. The branch leaders are available to help in any way. Please reach out with any questions or concerns that are going on in your office. Whether you have questions that concern potential contract violations, disciplined that is issued or lack of cleaning supplies in your office, please call the office at 610-461-8333.
We are open for any shop steward training as needed. We can communicate electronically via e-mail, fax or text message with any information that is necessary. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Please be mindful that each of the letter carriers that we represent are going through their own personal struggles on a daily basis. Some of them are more than willing to share while the majority will keep their feelings close and may not share when they need assistance. We may be confronted with situations that call on us to be cool and levelheaded. Management is feeling the pressure as well. We may have to take the lead as the calming influence to keep each situation under control. Stress and anxiety levels are on the rise with each passing day of this crisis. We have the tools and ability to lead our members. Thank you for stepping up to be an advocate for our members! We will get through this crisis together. Keep pushing forward!
In solidarity, Joe Pease
