Submitted by Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer
The Oct. 16 Executive Board meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. by President Ivan D. Butts. The invocation was led by Cotton Belt Area Vice President Shri Green; Southeast Area Vice President Bobby Bock led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mideast Area Vice President Tony Dallojacono and Rocky Mountain Area Vice President Myrna Pashinski were named sergeants-at-arms.
Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden conducted the roll call; all board members were present.
Butts welcomed everyone and said he was glad they were healthy in light of the COVID-19 outbreak from the convention. He asked that they keep former Board Chair Tim Ford in their prayers as he had been hospitalized, but was improving.
Butts told the board they have a busy agenda planned for the week. The lawsuit is the primary concern, he offered, as well as moving forward and addressing issues important to the members.
Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore welcomed the board. He said change is good and helps the organization thrive. Despite getting past crossroads with the Postal Service, another crossroad gets in the way, he observed. Mulidore told the new board members he is looking forward to working with them.
Warden welcomed board members and said it was good to see everyone in person and doing well. He affirmed it’s good to have fresh ideas moving forward.
Half of the board—eight of the 16 area vice presidents—have served one year or less. Warden said new ideas from new members will move NAPS forward for the betterment of its members. He thanked members of the PFP Committee for changing their travel plans. Butts asked the committee to arrive two days before the start of the board meeting in order to review 2023 NPA goals and processes.
Northeast Region Vice President Tommy Roma nominated Pacific Area Vice President Chuck Lum for board chair; no other nominations were made. Lum thanked board members for their vote of confidence and said he looks forward to serving the board and NAPS in this position.
Western Region Vice President Marilyn Walton made a motion to accept the minutes of the Aug. 6, 2022, and Aug. 13, 2022, board meetings; the motion was seconded by S. Green. The motion passed unanimously by a voice vote.
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Warden gave his report. As of Sept. 30, 2022, NAPS investments totaled $8,583,428.90. As of June 1, 2022, NAPS investments totaled $10,242,654.99—a 2022 fiscal year-to-date decrease of $1,659,226.09 or 16%.
As of Oct. 11, 2022, the NAPS General Fund Signature FCU Checking account balance was $247,461.69; the Signature FCU Money Market account was $2,237.62, for a total of $248,699.31.
As of Aug. 31, 2022, NAPS Property, Inc. (NPI) had $80,158 in cash on the balance sheet. There is $60,023 in outstanding liabilities (security deposits, prepaid rents and accrued expenses), leaving $20,135 unencumbered.
LRB vacated its offices on the 1st and 3rd floors as of Jan. 31, 2022, per the terms of its settlement agreement. As of Aug. 31, LRB had not made any monthly payments against its past-due balance as required in the settlement agreement. STOLADI is currently working with legal to file a collections suit in Alexandria courts in response to LRB’s nonpayment.
The current cash projections assume continued vacancies on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. An outside broker has been contracted to lease out the space at the market rate of $29 per square foot. The overall pace of leasing activity remains slow, but it is anticipated to pick up as restrictions from COVID-19 begin to relax and companies increase in-office presence of employees.
The cash forecast for the balance of the fiscal year assumes contributions of $45,000/month from the landlord to cover the deficit created by LRB’s delinquency, current vacancies and building operating expenses. However, to the extent vacancies are leased out and LRB continues payments toward its past-due balance, these contribution requests may be lowered.
Social Media
As of Oct. 1, 2022, NAPS Headquarters social media results were as follows:
Facebook had 3,649 followers (up from 3,162 in October 2021; or 15.40%). Posts continue to garner an average of about 300 to 1,000-plus views; the most engaging posts get about 1,400 to 4,000-plus views organically.
The post with the highest reach to date in 2022 was from April 13 (about 4.2k+ reach/views)—A Historic Win for NAPS.
The next highest posts/reach:
Competition for organic views of posts on Facebook continues to be fierce because other organizations continue to increase budgets for paid ads. Each year, the NAPS page is competing with more organizations/people/pages to show up in people’s timelines when they scroll through Facebook.
Boosting posts still can be a cost-effective way to get more reach. It’s important to note that Facebook has strict ad policies regarding “issues of national importance” that affect what type of copy/text/images can be promoted.
Most of NAPS’ web traffic from social media continues to come from Facebook (90%+); it’s still important, though, to be on other platforms for visibility (Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn).
Twitter followers as of Oct. 1 were 716 (up from 644 in October 2021; or 11.18%). Typical monthly impressions are about 5,000, depending on the type of news shared.
Instagram followers as of Oct. 1 were 374 (up from 308 in October 2021: or 21.43%).
LinkedIn followers as of Oct. 1 were 155 (up from 47 in October 2021: or 229.79%).
Web traffic for 2022 shows a strong increase compared to the same period from last year for January through September. The number of users is up 25.98%; the number of page views is up 35.40%. The data shows visitors are staying on the site for a longer period and visiting more pages.
Email continues to be a large driver for readership and traffic to NAPS’ website. The news pages and magazine articles regularly posted also are some of the most-visited pages. It’s important to repost magazine articles on the website to allow members and prospective members another avenue to get information. It also provides consistently regular, fresh content for the website, which is important for Google and search.
In addition to the magazine articles, it’s worth considering developing an ongoing content plan to have more original news/blog articles or other types of content written and shared on the website. Articles from The Postal Supervisor get a lot of traction and are great, but, if or when it makes sense, it’s worth exploring the idea to create more original content and articles exclusively for the website. This could help NAPS continue to grow web traffic, if that is the goal.
Membership
As of the August 2022 DCO (reflecting DCO membership through PPs 16 and 17), NAPS had 25,174 members (23,739 active and 1,435 associate, 94% and 6%, respectively). Total membership from one year ago, (2021 PPs 16 and 17) was 26,190 (24,838 active and 1,352 associate); an overall total SPLY decrease of 1,016 members or (4%).
As of the August 2022 DCO, the total number of active EAS nonmembers was 10,548. This number is based on the USPS payroll files of nonmember EAS employees coded nonpostmasters. Based on current membership totals, there are approximately 31% nonmembers.
NAPS continues to encourage membership growth by providing sponsors of new members a $25 NAPS check. NAPS also established the
“High-Five Club” where a member could receive an additional $25 check when signing five new members within a 90-day period. A promotion report is sent to Executive Board members every pay period showing who received a promotion effective that specific pay period, which allows branches to then seek new members.
Local and state branches continue to receive their NAPS Nonmember and Change Summary reports, as well as their DCO and Mail Address reports on a monthly basis.
Expiring Contracts
Per board motion, contracts expiring before the January 2023 Executive Board meeting are Karen Young, Balent-Young Publishing, Inc., for editorial services for The Postal Supervisor and Al Lum, Labor Relations Administration Group, our Disciplinary Defense Fund provider.
Disciplinary Defense Fund
Mulidore and Lum gave an overview of DDF cases:
NAPS FY22 total cases: 91; total closed: 83; pending: 8.
Total MSPB cases: 69; settled: 42, 61%; lost: 8, 12%; won: 9, 13%; withdrawn: 3, 4%; and pending: 7, 10%.
Total Debt Collection cases: 15; settled: 5, 33%; lost: 1, 7%; won: 8, 53%; pending: 1, 7%.
Total ELM 650 cases: 7; won: 1, 14%; lost: 4, 57%; settled: 2, 29%.
The top-three charges are performance, first; sexual misconduct, second; and finance issues, third. The board was told the number of cases filed in each NAPS area.
NAPS FY23 total cases: 23.
MSPB cases: 18, 78%; debt collection: 5, 22%; no 650 cases.
MSPB cases settled: 2, 11%; pending, 16, 89%.
Total Debt Collection Act cases: 5; settled: 1, 20%; pending: 4, 80%.
In FY23, most charges were falsifications, followed by finance and theft. The board was told the number of cases filed in each NAPS area.
Discussion was held regarding letters of warning being issued to supervisors, but then being held in the issuer’s desk; that is, “I’ll keep this and not submit it to Labor Relations.” If the supervisor does not file a grievance at this time, but, later, does something else wrong and is issued a seven-day letter (progressive action), the issuer states the supervisor already has a letter of warning on file. The supervisor was led to believe the letter of warning was not going on their record because it was kept in the issuer’s desk drawer.
No case is adjudicated until a Letter of Decision is issued. A case still is pending until a Letter of Decision is issued and cannot be used as a past element in such. There was discussion regarding a timeframe to issue disciplinary action to an EAS employee. There is nothing in a postal manual that stipulates a timeframe to issue action.
Committee Reports
PFP Committee: Chair Dan Mooney, North Central Area vice president. Committee members: Brian Wagner, immediate past president; Dee Perez, New York Area vice president; Troy Griffin, Capitol-Atlantic Area vice president; Richard Green, Eastern Region vice president; and Jimmy Warden, secretary/treasurer.
Mooney reported that the committee met Oct. 13, two days before the board meeting, to review the 2023 PFP proposal. A list of concerns was put together and addressed with Postal Headquarters on Friday, Oct. 14. The committee shared its concerns and responses with the board and asked them to review and provide any concerns to the committee by Monday morning, Oct. 17. Don Flak from USPS Headquarters was scheduled to address the board concerning PFP.
Griffin asked board members to give their questions to Mooney, who then would pose the questions to save time. Mooney considered the concerns and prepared a written report that was given to Butts who sent the report to USPS Headquarters for review and consideration.
Mooney thanked his committee members.
SWCs Committee: Chair Tommy Roma, Northeast Region vice president. Committee members: Tony Dallojacono, Mideast Area vice president; Troy Griffin, Capitol-Atlantic Area vice president; John Valuet, Northwest Area vice president; Ed Laster, Pioneer Area vice president; and Jimmy Warden, secretary/treasurer.
Roma said his committee met on Sunday to review the SWCs and the proposal from the Postal Service. The committee agreed that, even though the USPS proposal does not address every concern, it addresses some of the major concerns. The committee wanted to schedule a meeting with Postal Headquarters to discuss.
Warden called Bruce Nicholson, USPS Labor Relations. A meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 19, to discuss the USPS SWCs proposal previously sent to NAPS and NAPS’ counter proposal.
At the meeting, the Postal Service updated the number of new positions the new SWCs would offer. The committee held a follow-up meeting, then made its presentation to the board Wednesday afternoon after its meeting with the USPS.
Dallojacono made a recommendation, seconded by Roma, to accept the new SWCs proposal. Warden raised a concern about the verbiage the Postal Service said it revised that pertained to CCAs covering vacant positions in the SWCs instructions. Mulidore rewrote the recommendation and submitted it, seconded by Roma.
Recommendation #1
Proposed by Chuck Mulidore, seconded by Tommy Roma, that:
“The NAPS resident officers accept the framework of the SWCs proposal provided to the NAPS SWCs Committee by the Postal Service on Oct. 19, 2022.”
The recommendation passed unanimously by a voice vote.
Roma thanked his committee members.
Ethics Committee: Chair Craig Johnson, Central Region vice president. Committee members: Tommy Roma, Northeast Region vice president; Richard Green, Eastern Region vice president; Jaime Elizondo Jr., Southern Region vice president; and Marilyn Walton, Western Region vice president.
Johnson reported that no ethics issues had been presented to the committee.
Update on the 2026 NAPS National Convention
Walton discussed San Francisco, the 2026 National Convention site. She assured everyone that recent rumors and concerns circulating are incorrect. Walton and Butts visited the hotel, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, and said it and the surrounding area are beautiful.
The hospitality from the hotel staff was great; staff is anxious to host NAPS in 2026. Ivan said some NAPS members at this year’s national convention in New Orleans had reservations about going to San Francisco. The area is mostly business with lots of great shopping and restaurants.
There will be 100 parking spots available during the convention. Office space will be sufficient for NAPS’ needs. There are four banks of elevators—four elevators to each bank. The hotel has 38 floors; elevator banks are assigned to specific floors.
The hotel offers spacious common areas. Hertz is on premises. The hotel will allow the Postal Service to set up an area for NAPS members to use.
Monday
The PFP Committee took questions and concerns from the board to prepare for the afternoon meeting with Don Flak; Committee Chair Mooney will pose questions to the Postal Service.
The board took a break for photos. Butts introduced Karen Young, the NAPS editor. He thanked her for all the hard work she has done for the association. Young thanked the board for approving a printing contract with a new printer; costs continued to increase at the previous printer.
Young stressed the importance of board members writing columns to keep members informed and know that NAPS is working for them. A recommendation was made to have a NAPS calendar produced and mailed with the magazine to keep members updated.
Mulidore thanked Young for all she does for LTS and the national convention, coordinating printed materials. Warden also thanked Young for all the behind-the-scenes work she does for the betterment of the association.
The two contracts expiring Dec. 31 were discussed: Balent-Young Publishing, Inc., three-year contract, Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2025, for design and production of The Postal Supervisor. A motion was made by the chair to accept Young’s contract. All board members voted “yes” by a voice vote.
The second contract considered was for Al Lum, Labor Relations Admin Group, the Disciplinary Defense Fund provider. Lum requested no changes from his previous contract, which will be for three years, from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2025. A motion was made by the chair to accept the contract. All board members voted “yes” by a voice vote.
The second contract considered was for Al Lum, Labor Relations Admin Group, the Disciplinary Defense Fund provider. Lum requested no changes from his previous contract, which will be for three years, from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2025. A motion was made by the chair to accept the contract. All board members voted “yes” by a voice vote.
Committee Reports
Postmaster Committee: Chair Dee Perez, New York Area vice president. Committee members: Tony Dallojacono, Mideast Area vice president; Pam Davis, Texas Area vice president; Kelly McCartney, MINK Area vice president; and Kevin Trayer, Michiana Area vice president.
As chair of the Executive Board Postmaster Committee, I held a Zoom meeting with Kevin Trayer and Pam Davis. Before my committee meeting on Wednesday, I reached out to NAPS Postmaster Committee Chair Jimmy Salmon, Arizona, on Monday, Oct 10. I replied to his written concerns dating back to FY22 and current concerns for FY23.
I asked that he share the names of his committee members and their contact information with me to establish a communication network that will lead to addressing NAPS postmasters’ concerns as they develop.
The principal goal of our committee is to stimulate feedback from the NAPS Postmaster Committee and share NAPS-related postmaster information to resolve members’ concerns.
The following ideas surfaced during our committee discussions, which we all agreed are necessary building blocks in establishing a communication network with our brothers and sisters who wear the title of postmaster and are a part of the NAPS family:
I will assign, based on geography, an Executive Board member from my committee to be the direct contact point with the NAPS committee member(s) from their geographical area(s) in order to cover the entire country and create the needed support for these postmasters.
An email distribution list will be established so the committee chair can communicate information with all NAPS committee members, inclusive of Executive Board members.
The committee requested that a resident officer who has postmaster experience be an available adviser to the committee for matters concerning NAPS policy related to USPS directives and new policy initiatives.
The committee recommended that, during state conventions, area training and regional training seminars, there be a segment of the training that addresses postmasters’ concerns.
Perez thanked his committee members.
Legislative Committee: Chair Marilyn Walton, Western Region vice president. Committee members: Bobby Bock, Southeast Area vice president; Dee Perez, New York Area vice president; Kevin Trayer, Michiana Area vice president; and Chuck Mulidore, executive vice president.
Marilyn Walton
Walton reported on legislative activities from April through October. She coordinated with the California State Legislative consultant, the California State Auxiliary and numerous volunteers to hold California’s most successful SPAC fundraiser in conjunction with celebrating California State Branch 905’s 100th birthday.
There were SPAC fundraisers, including 50-50 raffles. A special thanks to all the NAPS branches that donated gas cards and members who donated gift baskets, postal memorabilia and other assorted items. The total raised for SPAC was $13,000.
As communication director for the California Postal Employees Legislative Coalition, Walton, with her partner Ron Jones of the NALC, organized two quarterly meetings that provided information from NAPS Director of Legislative & Political Affairs Bob Levi on the 2022 midterm elections projections.
Most recently, in October, the meeting focused on explaining H.R. 82, WEP legislation, and resources for researching candidates and propositions for the upcoming midterms.
The group is nonpartisan and focuses on encouraging members to vote for candidates who support labor and individual rights. The coalition is finalizing plans for its 24th legislative event on Feb. 5 in Sacramento. The event is sponsored by all four postal unions, the two postal management associations and NARFE.
Walton coordinated NAPS legislative reps in Northern California to attend Rep. Mike Thompson’s (D) Napa Valley fundraiser. She also shared weekly information from Rep. John Garamendi (D), her congressman, on such issues as COVID-19 and updated legislation.
In her monthly blog, Walton continues her column on Civics 101 and explains how legislation works. She also continues to stress SPAC and the importance of supporting the fund. Walton currently is working to get out the vote Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Dee Perez
March 1—I began sending out a barrage of emails to my area distribution email list as an additional reminder to all my New York Area branches to use the NAPS Action Center and remind their legislative leaders to schedule H.R. 3076 for a vote as soon as possible.
March 28—At LTS, Tommy Roma and I escorted Rep. Andrew Garbarino (Republican from Long Island) to the stage to speak. He introduced and sponsored H.R. 5587, the Postal Police Reform Act. He also supported NAPS’ legislative bills H.R. 3076, 1623 and 1624. Garbarino strongly supports our legislative issues.
March 29—I attended LTS with my New York Area delegation. We met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in his office. He was in favor of all the Postal Service- and NAPS-supported bills. Schumer informed us he supports all of NAPS’ legislative issues and concerns.
March 29—Our next New York Area delegation meeting was with Sen. Kristin Gillibrand (D), but she was in session and could not meet with us. We met with her aide, Sachin Mathur, who was interested in our issues and said Gillibrand supported H.R. 3076 and other legislative concerns pertinent to NAPS and the USPS.
Moreover, Mathur took an interest in PFP when discussing H.R. 1623 and how it was related to our current PFP setup. I told her about the inequities as seen by NAPS and said I would email her more about how PFP works to enhance her understanding of why it is such a controversial issue with NAPS.
April 6—H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act, became public law. Rep. Carolynn B. Maloney (D-NY) sponsored and introduced this bill on May 13, 2021. She requested representation from NAPS on Sunday, April 10, to announce passage of the bill at a press conference covered by all New York media at the FDR Building in Manhattan.
I was tasked to gather a group of NAPS members to attend. She congratulated NAPS Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden for his work in helping pass this important legislative bill, as well as the entire NAPS family who supported this bill.
April 17—Schumer also held a news conference at the FDR Building. He asked that Warden attend in order to thank him and the NAPS family for supporting this giant legislative bill. I was tasked to ensure NAPS members also attended.
April 22-23—The Northeastern Region held a highly successful training seminar. I introduced a NAPS SPAC banner I designed with a thermometer indicating the amount contributed toward SPAC as the day proceeded. NAPS Headquarters liked these banners so much they purchased five more to send to each regional vice president. The banner also made its appearance at the National Convention in New Orleans.
The Northeast Region set a record at the seminar by raising $11,200 for SPAC. Our previous high was $7,000; we definitely have expectations of better results for SPAC this year.
Aug. 11—At the 2022 National Convention in New Orleans, Roma and I collected $10,000 from the Northeast Region in honor of Jimmy Warden—our former New York Area vice president and now NAPS secretary/treasurer—for SPAC. This regional collection was unsurpassed at the national convention.
Sept. 6—I sent another barrage of emails to my list announcing NAPS President Ivan D. Butts was asked to testify at the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations on Wednesday, Sept.7, at its postal oversight hearing in Philadelphia. The subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA). The hearing intended to examine Postal Service delivery performance, recent increases in postal-related crime and the agency’s preparations for handling absentee ballots for the 2022 midterm elections.
Butts’ testimony highlighted these issues, as well as the proposed USPS plan for the sorting and distribution facilities. Postal Police Branch 51 President Butch Maynard joined Butts at the hearing.
Sept. 15—I sent out another barrage of emails to my branch presidents and others on my email distribution list for support and emailed a letter to their respective legislators supporting H.R. 5587.
Sept. 29—I barraged my email distribution list with messaging from NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association) on the status of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. It appears the legislation could be in peril. I encouraged those who have not contacted their House members on this matter to do so as soon as possible.
Oct. 1—I was contacted by phone by congressional candidate Robert Zimmerman who is running for New York’s 3rd Congressional District to replace former Rep. Thomas Suozzi who is running for governor. We discussed NAPS’ support in addition to many NAPS-related legislative agendas and other concerns.
Kevin Trayer
On Oct. 7, Branch 142 Vice President Anthony Bradley and I had a face-to-face meeting with Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), whose district covers most of lower southwest Michigan, to discuss the impact the pending Sorting & Delivery Centers will have in his area. He and his staffer understood the impact to towns both large and small.
They offered to help draft a letter with NAPS that he will sign and send to all the local villages, townships and the mayor of Kalamazoo. He said they would include county commissioners in Kalamazoo and Van Buren, as well as the news Channel 3.
We need to keep the pressure on to replace the current PMG and deputy PMG; their policies have failed the country. Businesses and city and rural citizens need the service for which the United States Postal Service was known.
The climate on the front lines couldn’t be worse. The PMG’s statements leading to this year’s national convention about how important frontline EAS employees are were nothing but lies. His true colors came out in his rude and disrespectful comments about frontline EAS employees.
We continue to make visits to our members of Congress and keep them updated on our concerns.
Bobby Bock
I am pleased to be on the Legislative Committee. I always contribute to SPAC and encourage our members to contribute, as well. Currently, Florida is number two overall in SPAC contributions. I intend to work with Georgia to increase their contributions to SPAC. I also work with my area’s legislative chairs. We have a great chair in Florida—Ann Strickland.
I am on Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s (D) Labor Advisory Committee. I worked with NAPS Headquarters to put on the first national NAPS SPAC Walkathon.
I look forward to working with the Legislative Committee.
Additional note from Chair Marilyn Walton: The Legislative Committee met on Sunday, Oct. 16, and decided to prepare a legislative instruction booklet for all NAPS legislative reps. The guide will offer suggested tasks, including resources and contacts as they perform their legislation tasks. We have completed the brainstorming and will be finishing this project soon.
Walton thanked her committee members for their support and involvement pursuing NAPS’ legislative agenda.
Training & Advocacy: Chair Myrna Pashinski, Rocky Mountain Area vice president. Committee members: Richard Green, Eastern Region vice president; Chuck Lum, Pacific Area vice president; and Brian Wagner, immediate past president.
Pashinski reported that the committee is reviewing the new supervisor training program; there are over 600 slides—some of which are on managing performance and NPA. The committee is closely reviewing these slides as it involves NPA by managing performance.
Slides pertaining to NPA and SWCs will be shared with the respective Executive Board committees.
Pashinski thanked her committee members.
Plant Staffing Committee: Chair Chuck Lum, Pacific Area vice president. Committee members: Shri Green, Cotton Belt Area vice president; Luz Moreno, Illini Area vice president; and Dwight Studdard, Central Gulf Area vice president. Lum reported there were no updates or changes.
Duties & Responsibilities: Chair Shri Green, Cotton Belt Area vice president. Committee members: Pam Davis, Texas Area vice president; Luz Moreno, Illini Area vice president; and Ivan Butts, NAPS president. Green reported the committee has one concern on which they are working. It will be presented at the 2023 spring board meeting.
Constitution & Bylaws: Chair Jaime Elizondo Jr., Southern Region vice president. Committee members: Bill Austin, New England Area vice president; Dan Mooney, North Central Area vice president; Myrna Pashinski, Rocky Mountain Area vice president; and John Valuet, Northwest Area vice president. No proposed Constitution or Bylaws resolutions were submitted. Elizondo thanked his committee members.
USPS Presentation on NPA
Donald L. Flak, USPS director of Performance and Field Operations Support, said that NPA is a stand-alone system intended to drive a pervasive safety culture and world-class customer experience. All the numbers come from other systems that feed into NPA.
Flak explained it is a 10-point system; an employee needs to be in cell 3 or above to receive a pay raise. His group is responsible for targeting and scaling; there are 10 indicators in the base scorecard. Indicators may have subindicators—16 Field and 12 Headquarters scorecards, for a total of 28 total scorecards.
Flak said the objectives of NPA are consistent approach, to drive continuous improvement and recognize current process capability; movement between blocks is consistent. He said recognizing current process capability was a concern. Some goals were unreasonable as they never were achieved.
Flak discussed the scaling methodology. For 2023, there will be 32 scorecards instead of 28—adding Regional Fleet, Territory Fleet and Facility Fleet Management; CRDO-Fleet. Functional Effectiveness went from 30% to 40% as it is more controllable.
Board members questioned Flak:
Headquarters’ pay system will have two parts; NPA will be the same 10-block system across the board.
Legal Briefing
NAPS Legal Counsel Bruce Moyer, with attorney Andy Freeman, addressed the board. Chair Chuck Lum informed the board it now was in executive session for this presentation.
The board discussed supervisors delivering mail. Could an injunction be filed or an amendment added to the lawsuit? Could NAPS go to Congress and inform them of the issue and seek their assistance? Joshua Colin, chief Retail and Delivery officer, sent a message stating if employee availability is over 80%, why is there a need to rotate the delivery of mail? If availability is over 80%, as stated by Colin, why are supervisors delivering mail? Butts emailed Colin with this question, but has not received a response.
Executive Board Pins
Butts presented the newly elected board members with their Executive Board pin. Butts presented Bock his pin; Mulidore presented Laster his pin; Warden presented Studdard his pin; and Wagner presented Davis her pin. The new board members were congratulated for stepping up to their new leadership roles.
Legislative/SPAC
Mulidore gave an update on SPAC. The Executive Board was challenged to demonstrate their leadership by reaching the SPAC President’s Ultimate level—a contribution of $1,000 or more. Mulidore stressed that SPAC is what helps NAPS get things done for its members.
The three resident officers have been attending many events, seeking support for NAPS’ issues. There needs to be oversight from congressional committees with issues affecting the Postal Service and NAPS members; SPAC is the avenue.
Board members were asked to contribute $100 each toward the Executive Board Gift Card Raffle for the 2023 LTS. Walton asked if it is possible to use Venmo and other cash apps so members can contribute more easily to SPAC.
New Business
Richard Green revisited membership and discussed new strategies to build membership. Even with a 31% nonmember rate, NAPS remains financially stable.
Walton recommended presenting retirees with an 1187-A when branches hold retiree acknowledgement meetings. Also recommended was each branch needs to find someone with enthusiasm and drive to speak to new supervisors. And make members aware of the $25 check they receive as sponsors for each new member signed.
Roma reported his Brooklyn Branch 68 holds a weekly Zoom meeting with their Executive Board and reviews the nonmember list. Each non-member is assigned to Executive Board members so they reach out to the nonmembers.
Wagner said his branch will offer small training sessions throughout the geographical area; members and nonmembers will be invited. This will show nonmembers what NAPS is all about. If a session is near the border of another branch, that branch will be invited to participate. The meetings will be held in restaurants in small groups.
Perez said he has developed a sheet with talking points. He speaks regularly with his branch presidents and holds Zoom meetings, even on Sundays. Membership cannot be the flavor of the day, but needs to be a continual function of the association. It’s important to challenge members to sign other members, he said.
Bock said NAPS needs to be allotted time during USPS training session; they now are held on Zoom for two weeks. Butts told the board this request had been made, but the Postal Service replied there is not time during training to accommodate management associations. This request needs to be at the local level.
Richard Green stated UPMA is aggressively seeking new members, even sending emails on postal computers seeking new members. This, obviously, is not allowed. Green made the point NAPS needs to be aggressive in getting nonmembers to understand they need to be NAPS members. UPMA appears to have a sustainability issue and is signing anyone, not just postmasters. It is believed UPMA has financial challenges.
Butts stated NAPS needs to continue on its own course and tell the story straight. UPMA is spreading misinformation about who they represent and the association. He stressed NAPS needs to take the high road, tell the truth and take care of its own. “We can’t get distracted by the noise coming from UPMA,” he said. “The members and EAS employees will see this.”
Valuet recommended NAPS goes to Oklahoma when training classes are held and speak to the new supervisors—not during the actual training, but possibly attend and speak to them after the class.
Shri Green said she spoke to one of the trainers in Oklahoma and was informed they would give them space, but, unfortunately, the training is on Zoom. Dallojacono said it appears each district is doing training differently. NAPS needs to stay engaged locally with Employee Development (ED) to see where the first two weeks of training are being held and request to attend.
Roma invited board members to attend his weekly branch Zoom meeting to see how they conduct their membership meetings. Wagner suggested getting the nonmember list of postmasters and Headquarters employees and do a mailing discussing NAPS’ lawsuit and other issues.
Pashinski said she used to get a listing from her district regarding when and where training classes would be held. It appears the USPS no longer wants to give out this helpful listing. Walton said UPMA is concerned only with signing members, but they won’t represent all of them. It was heard the UPMA California Chapter president was asked a question about supervisors, but they did not respond, saying they need to talk to a NAPS member.
Johnson said Mooney was allowed to attend a Zoom training class and send an electronic 1187 to all the attendees. Trayer affirmed it is beneficial to establish connections at the local level. NAPS members have told him that, when asked, the best advantage of being a NAPS member is the Disciplinary Defense Fund. Trayer said he has an ED contact.
Mooney said NAPS also needs to attend Postmaster Essentials training; NAPS represents postmasters. He also said a district held a kick-off meeting, at which he was allowed to speak for 10 minutes. Mooney recommended using the promotion report and contacting one of the new supervisors. After signing them as a member, ask them when their training class will begin. Then, a request can be made to attend the class.
Mulidore suggested NAPS needs to be better about its messaging. The other management association sends misleading messaging. NAPS needs to contact its social media group to establish better messaging.
The other management association also has extremely minimal legislative representation. It brags when something gets passed, but was not really part of the process to achieve results. The organization takes credit for the work of others. NAPS needs to do a better job of taking credit.
Valuet said new UPMA members get one year of free membership, but all they get in the first year is a magazine; they don’t get representation. Should a newly signed member receive any corrective or adverse action, UPMA does not defend them.
Wagner said that, in the past, an incentive was offered giving a new member a check for $25, as well as the sponsor. NAPS possibly could do this for six months, from January through June.
There was discussion about a membership drive with a mailing, but that has not been effective in the past. Austin said that, as far as UPMA goes, NAPS needs to take the high road and stick to the facts. Mailings in the past haven’t generated much interest.
Bock suggested putting a hyperlink in our social media outlets to retrieve an 1187. Laster recommended we state the truth when UPMA offers misleading information. Butts said it’s not that we shouldn’t respond, but state the facts in our defense.
Mulidore said traffic is up on our social media outlets; it may be best to set something up on Facebook for membership. All wars are won with boots on the ground, he stressed, not from the air. Meeting face to face is key to bringing in new members.
Pashinski said the new promotion list is a great tool to determine who nonmembers are, then reach out to them. Wagner observed NAPS’ methodology of calculating nonmembers is different; our list comes from the Postal Service. Mooney asked why city carriers are listed as nonmembers. Rural carriers have a Form 50 processed.
Elizondo cautioned that NAPS needs to be careful with social media; there has been great deal of hacking occurring. A question was raised regarding 1188s and when a person comes off the rolls. The ELM stipulates March and September as the months when nonmembers come off the DCO.
Dallojacono gave the board a copy of the overall exit interview questions and answers as of Oct. 7, 2022. He said it was interesting how these responses contradict what NAPS has been told in the past. Dallojacono said the retention issue does not appear to be working too many hours. For question #13, 61.2% responded, “I was offered fewer hours than I expected.” For question #14, 60.5% responded, “I was not offered as many hours as I would have liked.”
Roma announced the 2023 Northeast Region Training seminar is April 28-29 in Puerto Rico. Richard Green announced the 2023 Eastern Region Cabinet Meeting is Jan. 12-25 in Atlantic City, NJ. Walton announced the 2023 Western Region training seminar is Aug. 10-11 in Honolulu.
Regarding SPAC, Mulidore said each region has a banner that can be used to show the goal and progress toward reaching that goal. The banner can be used at local conventions and training seminars as a visual aid for raising money for SPAC.
The October consultative meeting was held with the Postal Service; minutes were published in the January 2023 issue. The board was given a presentation on the HERO pilot program.
Deputy PMG Doug Tulino
Tulino said he struggled with what his message would be today; he is disappointed with the USPS’ relationship with NAPS—his wish is for a better relationship. The USPS is in a unique position with new leadership to move in a new direction and do things differently, he offered. He and the PMG want to make things better with NAPS. “We need to go forward and forge a new path,” he urged. “We need to make change and do it together.”
Tulino affirmed that stakeholders are the most important part of the company; positive changes have been made with all stakeholders except NAPS. “The Postal Service is not the enemy of postal supervisors,” he offered. Tulino said he is tired of being depicted as such; the us vs. them needs to stop. He is willing to do what needs to be done to change the relationship, but NAPS needs to join in the effort.
“We now have a PMG who has a vision based on growth,” he told the board. “The Postal Service is moving forward with changes and moving slowly in order to make the correct decisions, but NAPS continues to be negative about the changes, poking holes at every opportunity.”
Tulino asked when supervisors ever had received a 3% raise in the middle of a year; NAPS seemed unappreciative of the raise. “We need to be upfront with each other so we can move forward,” he stressed. “Commentary implying the Postal Service is out to hurt supervisors is offensive.”
Instituting change doesn’t mean it will be perfect, he said. “I’m asking for a different path forward, working together to institute change. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get things right. The relationship is not good and needs to change. It is time to lay our cards on the table; we have nothing to hide. This is all about a vision to capture the market in packages and generate enough revenue to survive. Why would that be perceived as negative?”
Butts responded that the past is the roadway to the future. “We look at the past when we were marginalized,” he said. “Those issues just don’t go away. Our members are struggling in the field. I would love to march forward and see a new day, but we need to see a leadership change. The people underneath are bad actors and tarnish what the PMG and DPMG want to do.”
Tulino said changes have been made in upper leadership. In the past, the only strategy was to focus on managing the downside. “We are trying to change the culture,” he reiterated. “For example, more reasonable goals in NPA. The past was bad for many different reasons as it was a chaotic place to manage. I want to change this; NAPS needs to work with me—not against me—to make this change.”
Mulidore referred to their June meeting with Tulino when they discussed the lawsuit. “It was disingenuous,” he said, “that 3% was to settle the lawsuit, but was given to everyone.” Tulino responded the only way he could give the 3% was everyone would get 3% and he told the resident officers that at the meeting in June.
Mulidore said NAPS never was given the job titles for positions NAPS could not represent. Tulino responded there were certain, confidential jobs that he would not allow NAPS to represent.
Tulino still is willing to talk about settling the lawsuit and willing to allow NAPS to represent Headquarters employees and employees in other entities, but not in confidential positions. Mulidore said if the Postal Service tells NAPS the group to which it is referring, NAPS can discuss and move forward.
Moreno said the Illini Area is not getting information, even through RFI. Tulino said he will look into the situation. He again said he is trying to make a culture change and knows people are reacting differently. “It’s a big ship, big place,” he offered. “Some people do not want to get on board. Not all individual problems will be fixed, but culture change takes time.”
Johnson said it is hard to embrace change based on the past—for example, EAS employees delivering mail and being forced to use private vehicles. Threats are being made when supervisors don’t want to deliver mail. Johnson said a date needs to be set to sit down with Tulino and talk.
There used to be a candidate list for hiring with 75 to 100 people. Today, the list has four to five candidates. Background checks usually cancel those out, leaving no candidates. Tulino responded that the hiring process is a struggle. Minneapolis, for example, has only a 1.6% unemployment rate. Hiring in certain geographical areas is a major struggle; Tulino asked for NAPS’ patience. PTFs have been hired to try and fill vacancies in many areas.
Roma reminded Tulino that he has said, “Work with me.” Despite Tulino offering the olive branch, Roma said that too often the message gets lost in the communication when filtered down. Roma mentioned having biweekly meetings to discuss issues with supervisors delivering mail. Tulino said that could be done. A tracking system has been instituted to see where supervisors are delivering mail. PTFs are being hired in 46 locations.
The board went into executive session to discuss the lawsuit pertaining to the meeting with Tulino; Moyer participated.
Legislative & Political Affairs
Mulidore and Levi discussed legislative issues. A lawsuit has been filed in four separate courts by states to stop the S&DC initiatives. All four courts gave four different decisions.
NAPS’ postal priorities include EAS consultative rights, USPS manager appeal rights and postal police authority.
Congressional oversight is needed for implementation of the Postal Service Reform Act, postage rates, delivery speed and S&DCs. The GPO/WEP bill was discussed.
Regarding presidential nominations for the USPS Board of Governors, the terms for William Zollar and Donald Moak, both appointed by former President Trump, expired Dec. 8. The terms could be held for one year. Those who have expressed interest in serving on the board include Carolyn Maloney, Brenda Lawrence and Moak.
PRC commissioners Mark Acton and Robert Taub were renominated. If Republicans take control of the House, James Comer (KY) would become chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Comer might establish a subcommittee on the Postal Service with Pete Sessions (TX) or Nancy Mace (SC) as chair.
Should Democrats keep the House, Gerry Connolly (VA), Jamie Raskin (MD) and Steve Lynch (MA) all have expressed a desire to chair the committee.
Regarding the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the chair most likely would be either Gary Peters (D-MI) or James Lankford (R-OK).
SPAC contributions for 2022 currently are $245,494; NAPS continues to exceed the SPAC totals of previous years. As of Sept. 30, the Western Region was #1 in contributions; California was the #1 state.
NAPS Property, Inc.
Jim Stokes, with Stephanie and Jillian of STOLADI, discussed the NAPS building. NAPS became a tenant in 1994 and purchased the building for $3.1 million; it was assessed for $9.3 million. The AC units have been replaced by in-house engineers. In the next fiscal year, two more units will be replaced to complete the cycle, which will begin again in 2029. All lights in the common areas have been updated to LEDs. No capital expenses are projected for this year.
In Alexandria, of the 11 million feet of office space, 2.3 million is vacant; never before has it been this high. Subleased space is not doing well. There is 12 million feet of subleased space is the DC area. With this amount of subleased space, it is difficult renting at a certain square footage.
The building assessment was reduced from $11 million to just over $6 million, which reduced the taxes. The building actually is worth $14 million. If NAPS did not own the building, it would be paying approximately $24,000 in rent a month.
PNC Bank
Amy Bartosh introduced herself; she has taken over NAPS’ portfolio this year. The chart of returns, year to date, in every class is negative. Bartosh reported that the Russian war on Ukraine has caused supply issues. Inflation is very high, reflecting negatively in the portfolio. The economy is growing, but slowly.
Employment markets are positive. Projections are the inflation rate will increase, but looking at February for the rate to start to decline. Supply chain quarter 4, Bartosh said. There is a 50% chance for a recession in 2023. problems still are an issue. There is a potential for an upswing for quarter 4, Bartosh said. There is a 50% chance for a recession in 2023.
If the railroads don’t have an agreement with their unions, it will affect supply chain issues, which will affect the stock market. With a divided Congress, not a lot gets accomplished, which may help the market. Analysts anticipate a rebound in the market; how long a possible recession would last is a concern. There potentially could be a rebound about 12 to 18 months after a recession.
Market volatility will continue for a while. NAPS’ portfolio is pretty defensive, which gives more protection in a downfall. There will be decelerating growth; we won’t see 12% growth like last year, Bartosh observed. The NAPS portfolio’s mutual fund exposure to Russia is .1%, or $12,000. NAPS’ exposure is very low, as it has a conservative portfolio, but it still needs to be prepared for volatility.
PFP Committee Update Report
Mooney discussed the concerns that will be given to the Postal Service regarding specific indicators. The committee asked for access to the Blue Page and was denied, but the Postal Service said it would give data to NAPS. Flak also said he is open to quarterly meetings with the committee to address updates and any concerns.
One concern was regarding why use only the bottom 10% for block 1 and 1% to 2% to determine block 10. Flak was asked to help put together a PowerPoint presentation describing the mitigation process and how to file for mitigation.
The main concern is what can be mitigated. At times, installation heads do not want to file for mitigation; therefore, an individual should be allowed to file.
Mooney thanked the committee.
Conference Direct
Sheri Davies provided an overview of 2022 events. She recommended NAPS continue to increase sponsorships; $100,000 was earned in 2022 from sponsorships. She discussed the 2023 LTS. The wreath-laying ceremony will be at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 26. The San Francisco Marriott Marquis will be the site of the 70th National Convention in 2026. The board heard an update based on the site visit.
New Business
The 2023 LTS is March 26-29. The spring Executive Board meeting is March 29-April 1.
For the Good of the Association
Bock discussed the impact of Hurricane Ian.
Motion #1—Submitted by Bock, seconded by Mulidore, that:
“NAPS donates $25,000 to PERF.”
Voting “yes” were Butts, Mulidore, Warden, Roma, R. Green, Johnson, Elizondo Jr., Walton, Austin, Perez, Dallojacono, Laster, Moreno, Mooney, McCartney, Bock, Studdard, S. Green, Davis, Pashinski and Valuet. Voting “no” were Griffin, Trayer and Wagner. The motion passed 21-3.
Wagner told the new board members they could call on him for any assistance. He also thanked the SWCs team, as well as Lum as new board chair.
Trayer informed the board the Michigan State Convention will be held in the Upper Peninsula. He thanked everyone for putting the Upper Peninsula back with Michigan.
Mulidore thanked everyone for their prayers and concerns when he was out with hip surgery.
Lum thanked everyone and said he is NAPS proud. He remembers sitting at his first board meeting; witnessing how proud the group was motivated him to continue serving NAPS members. Lum said he is glad to be part of the Executive Board.
Elizondo thanked his Southern Region team as he has three new members. He said they have been doing fantastic out in the field as a team.
Perez thanked the Postmaster Committee as he moves forward in building membership among postmasters. He challenged his team to make the Postmaster Committee vital.
Closing Remarks
Butts thanked everyone for their great work during the board meeting. He said he looks forward to the work ahead by the committees and the collaboration on the board. Quoting the Bible, Butts said, “Love is slow to anger.”
He said it was great seeing everyone and an honor serving as president. He prays everyone has safe travels home.
Moreno led the closing prayer. S. Green made a motion, seconded by Trayer, to adjourn. All were in favor.
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