NALC

BRANCH 3

U.S.A.

MMAAYY 22002200 VVoolluummee 7744,, NNuummbbeerr 55

MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING CANCELLED

THE BUZZ2 MAY 2020

BRANCH 3 OFFICERSPresident, David J. Grosskopf Jr. . . . . 432-9592

Direct ... 932-1132mail3man@aol.com

Executive Vice-PresidentMike Levering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491-2509

Direct ... 932-1133Vice-President, Becky Stockman . . . . 574-4181

Direct ... 631-3941Sec.-Treas., Kim Fitzgerald. . . . . . . . . 997-6139

Direct ... 932-1136Asst. Sec.-Treas., Linda DeLuca. . 585-730-1414Trustee, Larry Kania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 863-5292Trustee, Renee Boguhn . . . . . . . . . . . . 983-2022Trustee, Doug DiTondo. . . . . . . . . . . . 867-9006Trustee, Wayne Comstock. . . . . . . . . . 387-9206Trustee, Keith Puchalski . . . . . . . . . . . 474-9981Editor, Justin Mongielo. . . . . . . . . . . . 348-7987

nalcbuzz@gmail.comSgt.-At-Arms, Zeb Robson . . . . . . . . . 341-3046Insurance, Judy Kersten . . . . . . . . . . . 863-8642

Direct ... 932-1134Director of Retirees, Kent Hankin . . . 685-4648

Direct ... 932-1137President Emeritus,

Jerry Kazmarczyk, Robert J. McLennanand Larry Kania

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONSBylaws

Judy Kersten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 863-8642Charity

Linda DeLuca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585-730-1414Convention

Kim Fitzgerald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 997-6139Fellowship

Rose Becker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239-9290Health, Death & Welfare

Judy Kersten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 863-8642Information / Education

Pete Preziotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 930-2028Legislation

Doug Fordyce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 864-5528Muscular Dystrophy

Linda Deluca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585-730-1414Newspaper

Justin Mongielo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348-7987Organization

Rory Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585-590-6754Safety

Tony Vilardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440-9650

BRANCH 3 REPRESENTATIVESArbitration Advocates: Doug Fordyce

Health & Safety Rep.Tony Vilardo, Doug DiTondo

Social & Recreation, WelfareNicole Marasco, Alternate - Kim Fitzgerald

EAP: Linda DeLuca, Judith Kersten

AFL-CIO DELEGATESLarry Kania - Bob Ohlenschlager - Don Ford

John Wozniak - Don Karp - John WaltonKent Hankin - Susan Lewis - Zeb Robson

Branch 3 Website: branch3nalc.com

BRANCH 34845 Union Road, Buffalo, N.Y. 14225

(716) 631-3940

BUFFALO STATIONSUnion Stewards 2018-2021

Amherst. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renee Boguhn, Tom RybackiBlasdell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shawn BurkeCentral Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Osiadlo, Teresita MoralesCheektowaga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Jablonski, Jeffrey PawlakEastside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Puchalski, Kiawanna Green, Jason Koch Hiler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda DeLucaNiagara Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William ZeughardtNorthside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traci Hoffman, Rick KielmaSouthside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rory Parker, Andrew FilipskiWestside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike MiskellWest Seneca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Jean, Jeremy SchnauferWilliamsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Marasco, Keith Falgiano

ASSOCIATE OFFICESAkronAlden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee GrayAngolaArcade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie MooreAttica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan KaralusBataviaBolivarCattaraugusClarenceCubaEast Aurora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James FatigEden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valerie WhiteFranklinvilleFredonia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin LoveGowanda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt LesefskeGrand Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter CarpenterHamburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corey GranberryJamestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan BrownLakewoodLancaster/Depew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Comstock, David McCannLewiston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean MagorienLockport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick KerrMayvilleMedinaMiddleportNewfaneNiagara Falls - LaSalleNiagara Falls - Main. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vince SeidelOlean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dwayne JensenOrchard ParkRandolph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dawn SheltersSalamanca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia PerkinsSilver Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle HaskinsSpringvilleTonawanda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Klimek, John GiuseppettiWestfield

The Buzz is a publication of Branch 3, NALC, AFL-CIO. The Editor, President andExecutive Vice-President reserve the right to edit any submission for content, clarityand length. All submissions are due by the 3rd Friday of the month. Anonymous sub-missions will not be accepted. Content may be republished by any union trade maga-zine as long as proper credit is given to Branch 3 and the author.

THE BUZZ 3MAY 2020

We are still in the midst of this pandemic and letter carri-ers are performing their jobs admirably under intense condi-tions. I have included several photos of the membership get-ting the job during this pandemic wearing their PPE.

Obviously throughout this entire historic event it has beenthe branches job to make sure we are doing everything tomake sure management is providing everything necessary tokeep you safe while performing your duties. At any point weare made aware that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) isnot available we have immediately rectified the situation. Isubmitted a recommendation for a social distancing sign thatcarriers could wear while working on the street to alert thepublic to keep their distance. Management found this sugges-tion useful and is providing these signs that can clip to youruniform or lanyard. Unfortunately, we had an incident at theCheektowaga Post Office where a member of the publicattempted to and did spit on one our carriers while performinghis collection duties. The good news is the women was arrest-ed and facing trial. In light of this I have also asked the districtto secure face shields carriers can wear on the street with theirmasks offering two layers of protection to carriers.Management has also notified us shortly USPS branded facemask will be available soon. In early to mid-April we werenotified the district had its first and second positive employeesfor COVID-19. We were told both these employees were ruralcarriers and there was a concern that on a Sunday one of thoserurals were at the Hamburg Post Office. We have confirmedthere was no risk to Hamburg carriers. We have additionallybeen notified a clerk at the Depew Post Office has also testedpositive. It is our understanding all protocols have been fol-lowed at that office has been shut down. Please continue tofollow all safety recommendations and protocols.

Pertaining to inspections, that being the Batavia inspec-tions, or any scheduled special inspections, the DistrictManager has issued notice that these are on hold. The letter(s)state that due to carrier availability and the pandemic theseprocesses are on hold. This is highly ironic as when theBatavia inspection was about to begin, we raised the pandem-ic issue and to a lesser extend the carrier availability issue tono avail. Now management is using those exact reasons tohold the processes. You can’t make this stuff up. Relating tothe Batavia inspection the branch had filed multiple griev-ances and I am happy to report those have been settled. Therewill no reduction of full-time routes in the Batavia PostOffice. Under intense conditions the Batavia carriers per-formed well and proved what their historical data had shown,routes were, on average, eight (8) hours. The Cheektowagainspection grievance has been moved to Step B for resolution.On April 16th I was notified that inspections scheduled forNiagara Square zones 1+2, Northside zones 7, 16+17,Southside zones 18+20 and Blasdell in May have been can-celled. There are no more inspections scheduled for the

Pandemic equals a lot going on ...Spring. Let’s see what management doesthis fall?

On April 11th we had some conver-sions in the Associate Offices. InJamestown, Jayson Hogg was converted to full-time regular,In Orchard Park, Jodi Schueler and Daniel Paluchowski werealso converted. On April 25th we had also had some conver-sions in Buffalo. Converted to regular were: CCA’s MichaelUshman, Bryan Beale, Tony Avino and Tammy Majchrowicz.Congratulations to these now former CCA’s on making careerstatus!!!

I’d like to thank Elissa Brown for making homemade handsanitizer and masks to combat the pandemic. We have theseitems at the union for hall for anyone needing or wishing toget these supply items. She also bagged up some of her candyshe hands out at the union meeting, grab a bag of that too!!

On Monday April 20th the CWA District 1, CWA locals1122+1168 and the WNY-ALF hosted a virtual rally onFacebook live called “Thanks for Staying Home Rally.” Thisevent was to hear front-line essential workers who are puttingtheir lives on the line to keep our communities going throughthe COVID-19 crisis. Letter Carriers are essential workers onthe frontline of this pandemic and we had a roll in this rally.Trustee and Amherst steward Renee Boguhn participated inthis rally thanking the public for continuing to stay homeallowing her to stay safe at work so she can continue to deliv-er mail to her customers because she is not sick. TrusteeBoguhn did an incredible job representing letter carriers, thebranch and the NALC in this rally. I’d like to thank Renee forparticipating in this rally and making us all proud!

The COVID-19 pandemic is both a public health crisis andan economic crisis. The U.S. Postal Service is a vitally impor-tant tool for combating both these fronts. The impact of theCOVID-19 pandemic on the Postal Service’s financial situa-tion will pose a grave danger to its ability to provide crucialservice to our country if decisive action isn’t taken byCongress and the Administration. The CARES Act offers vir-tually no relief to the Postal Service - more debt with unac-ceptable strings attached. Congress can and must do better inthe next round of legislation to strengthen and preserve thePostal Service.

The NALC explains why $10 billion in new debt authori-ty will not help USPS weather this storm and lays out the nec-essary provisions that must be included the next stimulus bill.Let your Congressional Reps know these measures should:

1. Make a direct “public service” appropriation of at least $25 billion to the Postal Service to help it weather thepandemic and the deep recession it is causing.Although the Postal Service has not received taxpayerappropriations (other than for military/overseas votingand free mail for the blind) since the early 1980s, thepresent crisis warrants such appropriations now.

THE PRESIDENT DAVID J. GROSSKOPF JR.

(Continued on page 4)

THE BUZZ4 MAY 2020

BE SAFE and STAY HEALTHY!!2. Authorize an emergency “public service” appropriation

for the duration of the crisis, distributed quarterly, start-ing in Fiscal Year 2021 (which begins in just sixmonths) to cover the difference between postage rev-enues and total USPS expenses. This would signal tothe American people and the business community thatthe Postal Service will be there to: battle the pandemic(with the delivery of tests and public health informa-tion, etc.); deliver online purchases and prescriptiondrugs; support the economic recovery; and facilitateabsentee voting as well as other vital civic functions.

3. Provide a mechanism to reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of the Covid-19-related leave (both sickleave and family medical leave) provided by theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127).

4. Ensure equal treatment for postal employees in any leg-islation that authorizes, and funds hazard pay for otherfront-line workers exposed to health risks related to the Covid-19 virus. Such legislation should cover postal workers, who face heightened exposure risks to thevirus on a daily basis.

5. Remove the Federal Finance Bank’s discretion toimpose operational changes and policy conditions onany of the Postal Service’s existing borrowing authori-ties – changes and policies that should properly be set by the Postal Service Board of Governors and theCongress, not the Treasury Department – and eliminateany annual limit on these authorities. (These authorities are provided by Section 2005 of Title 39 and Section6001 of the CARES Act of 2020.)

The pandemic has taken its toll on the Postal Service finan-cially. Its needs help, our help, congressional help. The PMG ispublicly making statements that the service may run out of moneyif help is not secured. I have been told revenue is down some 50%or approximately 35 billion dollars. When have you heard that?She was supposed to retire in January and has stayed on to navi-gate through this unprecedented time. I cannot stress enough this:

IF YOU ARE NOT SIGNED UP FOR LETTER CARRIER POLITICALFUND (LCPF) PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY.

This is not a drill. We need everyone contributing to the PACin order to gain all the support we can across the country congres-sionally. If your unsure what I’m talking about with Letter CarrierPolitical Fund, what it is, why its important, please call me at theunion hall. Right now, this is the singular most important thing wemust do besides being safe while delivering mail daily. I haveplenty of prizes to hand out to folks that sign up, T-shirts,Hot/Cold mugs, poker chips, koozies, pins, pick something if yousign up? Its very simple and fast. If you can sign into PostalEase,it’s a snap. Failing to secure appropriations the Postal Serviceneeds could be detrimental to the future of the employer, TheNALC and employees. Letter Carrier Political Fund is job insur-ance. Contact me at the union hall and for the price of your TimHortons coffee protect your job!!!

~ In Solidarity, David J. Grosskopf, Jr.

THE PRESIDENT (Continued from page 3)

THE BUZZ 5MAY 2020

3. Where possible, schedulinggroups of 1 or less carriers to begintheir tours in increments of a minimumof 15 minutes and a maximum of two hours apart.

4. Start times should be staggered between the hoursof 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for letter routes.

5. Start times for all routes in test sites, for collectionroutes, and for combination routes may be scheduled priorto 5:30 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m., however they should stillbe staggered and scheduled in groups of 10 or less carriersto promote social distancing.

6. Conducting stand-up talks in a manner that allowsemployees to be separated from each other by 6 feet ormore, such as using small groups or an intercom system.

7. Staggered break schedules in the office to allowemployees to maintain groups not to exceed 10 people.

8. Moving office breaks to the street on an individualvoluntary basis.

9. Where possible, scheduling letter carriers in a man-ner which would allow them to stagger their departurefrom office duties to street duties.

10. Volunteers may be utilized for AM parcel runs inorder to increase social distancing during casing duties.

11. Adjusting any other practice in the office to allowemployees to be separated from each other by 6 feet ormore.

Consideration will be given to the location of letter carriercases, the location of mail staging areas, the location and num-ber of time clocks, the size and number of break areas, etc.Local parties will discuss temporary changes to the location ofany of the above subjects in order to promote at least 6 feet ofseparation for all employees.

If the local parties require any additional guidance or clar-ification on implementation of this agreement, they shouldcontact the appropriate Area Manager, Labor Relations andNational Business Agent.

The national parties will revisit this issue immediatelyprior to this MOU’s expiration to determine if extension isappropriate. This MOU will expire May 27, 2020.

M-1916: Re: Temporary Carrier Assistants - COVID-19The Postal Service may employ Temporary Carrier

Assistants during the period between the signing of thisagreement and May 27, 2020, as operationally necessary toreplace city letter carriers absent due to COVID-19.Temporary Carrier Assistants are subject to the following:

• The hourly rate will be the same as that for City CarrierAssistants.

• Over the course of a service week, the Employer willmake every effort to ensure that available city carrier assistants

As you already know, we are in unprecedented times withthe COVID-19 virus and the effects it is having on everydaylife as we know it. I have sent and will be sending out moreinformational packets to the stewards for each office in branch3. If your office does not have a Steward, then that particularoffice should designate a carrier to post this information andhave talks discussing the information included. The PostalService has issued mandatory stand-up talks to be given on analmost every day basis, in every post office in the nation. TheNALC has been in close contact with USPS HQ and is provid-ing input to each stand-up talk that is distributed and to begiven to all employees. Please make sure these talks are givenin your office. If they are not, notify your Steward. Call theUnion hall if you have any questions. Here is a list of theMOU’s agreed upon since my last article:

M-1915: Re: Temporary Workplace Changes toPromote Social Distancing - COVID-19

The parties agree that the social distancing recommen-dations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) are important measures which should be practicedas much as possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus(COVID-19). Some of those social distancing recommen-dations for the workplace include increasing physicalspace between workers, staggering work schedules, limit-ing large work-related gatherings, and reducing or elimi-nating travel.

With that in mind, the parties agree that in postal installa-tions with 100 or more work years of employment, to mini-mize the possibility of exposure to the coronavirus or the pos-sibility of unknowingly spreading the coronavirus to a largerportion of the workforce by working in multiple facilities, tothe extent possible all city letter carriers will work in theiremploying facility for the duration of this agreement. In addi-tion, to the extent possible the Memorandum of Understand-ing Re: City Carrier Assistants - Temporary Assignments toOther Post Offices will not be in effect for the duration of thisagreement.

In postal installations with less than 100 work years ofemployment, work in facilities other than the letter carrier’semploying facility should be limited to where they routinelyworked prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local parties (i.e. branch presidents and postmasters,or their designees) will immediately discuss potential schedul-ing and office setup changes which would create a work envi-ronment that promotes social distancing. Such changesshould include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Staggered letter carrier start times to begin as earlyas operationally feasible.

2. Scheduling letter carriers to begin their tours ingroups of 10 or less to practice social distancing at thetimeclock.

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT MICHAEL LEVERING

COVID-19 AND NEW MOU’S PART 2

(Continued on page 6)

THE BUZZ6 MAY 2020

are utilized at the straight-time rate prior to assigning suchwork to temporary carrier assistants working in the same worklocation.

• When an opportunity exists for overtime, full-timeemployees on the appropriate Overtime Desired List will beselected to perform such work prior to assigning temporarycarrier assistants to work overtime in the same work locationwhere the employees regularly work.

• To minimize the possibility of exposure to the corona-virus by working in multiple facilities, to the extent possi-ble, all temporary carrier assistants will work in theiremploying facility for the duration of this agreement.

The Postal Service shall provide the NALC with reports onthe number of temporary carrier assistants hired. The partieswill revisit this issue immediately prior to this MOU's expira-tion to determine if extension is appropriate. This MOU willexpire May 27, 2020.

M-1917: RE: Temporary Time Limit Extension on Step 8and Arbitration Appeals

Due to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pan-demic, the parties agree that time limits for appealinggrievances to Step B of the grievance-arbitration proce-dure, and appeals to arbitration, will be extended for aperiod of 30 days beyond those time periods specified in theNational Agreement. This additional 30 day period is effec-tive on April 20, 2020, the expiration date of the originaltime limit extension.

The parties at the local level are encouraged to discussthe potential need for time limit extensions for appeals toInformal and Formal Step A, based on local business con-ditions and either party's ability to timely process griev-ances.

The parties will revisit this issue immediately prior to May20, 2020, to determine if an additional extension is appropri-ate.

If your office is not receiving or is low on sanitary itemslike hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, bottlesof cleaning solutions and paper towels to clean vehicles on adaily basis. Please notify your Steward or if your office doesnot have a Steward, call the hall with those updates. Fill out aPS Form 1767 for any safety related reason, notify manage-ment and keep a copy for your records. The instructions fromthe back of the PS Form 1767 are as follows:

INSTRUCTIONS:I. EMPLOYEE (Print, sign, and date.) a. Complete section

I. and file it with your immediate supervisor. b. If youdesire anonymity, complete section I. (including your name)and file the report with the safety Office, Safety personnel willimmediately return the form to your supervisor for necessaryaction, and will delete your name from the form to ensure youranonymity.

II. SUPERVISOR (Print, sign, and date.) a. Investigate thealleged hazard during the same tour of duty in which thereport was received. b. Abate the hazard if it is within thescope of your authority to do so. c. Record the action takento eliminate the hazard or record recommendation for correc-tive action is section II and sign your name. d. Forward theoriginal and yellow copy to your immediate supervisor(approving official); send the pink copy to the Safety Office;and give the employee the remaining blue copy as a receipt.It is your responsibility to monitor the status of the report,at all times, until the hazard is abated.

III. APPROVING OFFICIAL (Print, sign, and date.) a.Initiate action to eliminate or minimize the hazard. If thisresults in the submission of a work order, attach the original ofthis form, and forward through channels, to the manager, PlantMaintenance. b. If you determine that there are no reasonablegrounds to believe a hazard exists, notify the employee in writ-ing within 15 calendar days. Safety personnel will assist you inthis determination when requested. c. If the hazard was abat-ed by the first line supervisor or when it has been abatedthrough your actions, notify the employee in writing, andsend the original of this form to the Safety Office.

IV. MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR (Print, sign, and date.)When the work order has been completed, sign, date, andreturn the original of this form to the approving official whowill then forward it to the Safety Office.

Like I said in the opening paragraph, I will be sendingStewards/offices packets as the new information comes out.Please go to NALC.ORG website for updates for this con-stantly changing situation, please stay safe, report safety issuesutilizing the 1767 and take all precautions necessary to keepyourself safe!

~ In Unity and Solidarity,Michael Levering, Executive Vice-President

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT (Continued from page 5)

Letter Carriers Appreciation Day/Old Timers Luncheon

BRANCH 3’s 82nd ANNUAL

Come and thank these men and women for what we have now.

✮✮✮

PPPPOOOOSSSSTTTTPPPPOOOONNNNEEEEDDDD ---- DDDDAAAATTTTEEEE WWWWIIIILLLLLLLL BBBBEEEE

AAAANNNNNNNNOOOOUUUUNNNNCCCCEEEEDDDD AAAATTTT AAAA LLLLAAAATTTTEEEERRRR TTTTIIIIMMMMEEEE....

Postmaster General Megan Brennanannounced on April 9th the Post Officewill run out of cash this year without helpfrom Congress and the currentAdministration. Our jobs have never been more on the line. Ihear on the floor all the time that “ they have been threateningto close the post office for 30 years.” This time is so drastical-ly different that carriers would be foolish to blow this threatoff. We need support from the American people and fromCongress, we need a relief bill and we need it soon. All lettercarriers and their family/friends should be contacting theirmembers of congress and request that they support the PostalService during this time.

Senator Charles Schumer322 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand478 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510

Congressman Brian Higgins2459 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC 20515

Keep the faith and stay safe,In Solidarity, Becky Stockman, Vice-President

Days now begin with the taking of your temperature andmaking your own damn coffee like a peasant. Then off towork for a 6:30 start. The first thing you do is clean your vehi-cle and then grab what available mail there is and case away.You either hit the street with your mail and some of your pack-ages or you move to another case to set up another route.Plenty of open routes due to carriers taking off either to takecare of their children, their own health problems or the actualcoronavirus. The overtime list is working 10-12 hours a day6-7 days a week. It is like Christmas hours, most carriersseem to be holding up well under the added pressure. Pleaseremember EAP is available and to take care of yourself. Wecarriers are nervous for our safety and for our careers. Whatkeeps me sane out there? Music and joking with my fellowcarriers from here at home and across the country. We are inthis together.

We are all out there everyday putting ourselves at risk forone reason, to take care of our families. It is so much ingrainedin our nature to walk up to our customers, to have a chat andhand them their mail. These days we have to remember tokeep a 6 foot distance and not hand the mail over. For themost part, the customers are very understanding. The newgoodbye is “stay safe”. Customers love their carriers, they areleaving hand sanitizer, toilet paper and snacks with a nice noteof appreciation. How many realize the threat that is hangingover the Post Office right now?

THE NEW NORM

VICE PRESIDENT BECKY STOCKMAN

THE BUZZ 7MAY 2020

20th ANNUAL NALC BRANCH 3 MDAGOLF TOURNAMENT - SUNDAY, JUNE 14th

To Benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of WNY

8:00 amShotgun start

with 4-ManScramble format.

Lunch at the turn.

Steak Dinner anddrinks after golfing

$90 per golfer :-: $360 per 4-some$40.00 for Dinner Only Option Family Members and Friends are Welcome

LAST DAY FOR SIGN UP IS JUNE 1st ... ONLY 25 4-SOMES AVAILABLEPAYMENT RESERVES YOUR SPOT, SO PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP

For information contact: Dale Danner at 716-863-9666 or dale19zephyrs@msn.coSend your payment with the names of all golfers to: NALC Branch 3, Attn: Golf, 4845 Union Rd., Buffalo, NY 14225

CHESTNUT HILL COUNTRY CLUB1330 Broadway, Darien Center, NY 14040

40 Years:

Patrick K. Walter -- John M. Sharek

35 Years:

Robert H. ZalikowskiDennis V. Loftus -- Sarah J. Bapst -- Richard A. Ball

Michael J. McDonald -- David J. Goddard -- James A. Burr

30 Years:

James P. Owczarczak

25 Years:

Keith R. Sowa -- James W. Spanitz -- Casimer D. KielbasaJoseph J. Dipasquale Jr. -- William M. Campbell

Jeffrey S. Raichel -- Henry O. Biggie -- Stephen L. CooperJohn J. Lamar -- Darlene A. Cummins -- James M. Pilarz

Kevin R. Ratajczak -- Natalie M. Gorczyca -- Robert A. HolyJulie A. Hoefer -- Diane Balson

APRILNALC MEMBERSHIP PINS

mal. But have faith, Sisters and Brothers,we will get through this even if for a littlelonger it’s from a distance.

From a distance, there is harmonyand it echoes through the land.

It’s the voice of hope, it’s the voice of peaceIt’s the voice of every man.

Verse “From a Distance”

Free Money?There’s been some flurry on social media about members

contributing to the Letter Carriers Political Fund (LCPF).Whatever the side of the political spectrum you are, rememberthat the LCPF supports politicians (yes candidates) that sup-port the legislative priorities of letter carriers.

The cost of testing and treating COVID-19 is expected toimpact health insurance premiums in 2021. We need legisla-tors who support our causes to ensure that all our benefits donot suffer from this pandemic. Governments will try to find ameans to shrink shortfalls in revenue. It shouldn’t be on thebacks of letter carriers and retirees. Free (stimulus) moneyisn’t really free. Please support the LCPF, even at a dollar apay period or a dollar from monthly annuity. Contact theUnion Office for assistance.

~ Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Judy Kersten, Insurance Rep

This was the title of a song made popular in 1990 by BetteMidler. While I still like the song, the physical application ofdistancing is becoming tiresome. I am sure everyone feels thesame. Humans are by nature social beings. We all miss oursocial interactions with family, friends and yes, even crowds.

Social distancing is a broad term. People working fromhome are practicing social distancing. Even using social mediato interact with others falls under this umbrella. The main thingis to be mindful of lowering the risk factor to both one’s selfand others.

Even if you’re young and healthy and are unlikely to begravely impacted by coronavirus, keeping a distance from oth-ers could limit the impact on elderly or more vulnerable peo-ple. Proper hygiene is also effective in stopping the spread.While there may be a shortage of hand sanitizer, washing yourhands with soap and water is as effective. Remember to washfor 20 seconds as you’re singing your ABCs.

Think how many times you touch your face. Don’t! Becognizant of that especially when out in public if you do nothave hand sanitizer readily available. And for God’s sake,don’t tempt fate by doing something ludicrous like lickingpublic handrails. Unfortunately, some people seem to thinkthat it’s media worthy. To me, five seconds of fame isn’t worthdying for.

Spring hasn’t been much fun this year. The first day ofsummer is June 20th. Social distancing remains the new nor-

INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE JUDY KERSTEN

FROM A DISTANCE

THE BUZZ8 MAY 2020

40 Years:

Richard A. Guzinski

35 Years:

Michael S. Gregson -- Robert E. ButryMary Anne Reeves -- Natale Nastasi

Christine L. Smyntek -- Joseph P. HughesDaniel T. Goodwin -- William E. GangloffDonna M. Dzialak -- Harold J. Geiger Jr.

30 Years:

Joanne E. MiecznikowskiScott E. McNess -- Diane M. Warner

25 Years:

Kathryn Massey -- Nicole L. MarascoWilliam E. Wick -- James S. Testa

MAYNALC MEMBERSHIP PINS

THE BUZZ 9MAY 2020

BRANCH 3 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONFOR CHILDREN OF BRANCH 3 MEMBERS

TO THE APPLICANT: THE $1000.00 SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE AWARDED ON A COMBINATION OF FACTORS INCLUDING GRADEPOINT AVERAGE, COMMUNITY SERVICE AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

NAME OF APPLICANT

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE DATE OF BIRTH

NAME OF COLLEGE YOU PLAN TO ATTEND

LIST HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND YEARS OF PARTICIPATION

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.

LIST EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.

LIST ANY COMMUNITY SERVICE YOU HAVE PARTICIPATED IN

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.

STUDENT’S NAME

TO THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR: please write a brief statement telling us why you feel this student would be a worthy candidate for the Memorial Scholarship. Include any other information about the candidate that would be helpful to the selection committee.

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.

This student ranks in a class of students.

Academic Average SAT Verbal SAT Math ACT

Signature of Counselor

Kindly attach an official copy of the student’s high school transcript and mail all materials to:N.A.L.C. Branch 3, 4845 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225.

Deadline for application is June 6, 2020

The Branch 3 Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for the 23rd annual Branch 3 Memorial Scholarship.The eligibility for this scholarship will be 1) a child of a Branch 3 member in good standing and 2) a graduating seniorwho will be entering a college as a full time student. The winner will be chosen by an independent party who has no rela-tionship with the Union and who is not related to any of the applicants. This independent party will choose the winneron a combination of factors including grade point average, community service and extra curricular activities. The winnerof the scholarship will be awarded a one-time grant of $1,000.00 at the June general membership meeting.

The Scholarship Committee is always looking for donations or memorials to increase the fund so that the committeecan possibly increase the amount or number of scholarships in the future.

An application is printed here for your use or please send the Union Office your name, address, phone number and thestation that you work at and an application will be sent to you. The closing date for applications is June 6, 2020.

BRANCH 3 SCHOLARSHIP

THE BUZZ10 MAY 2020

Hello Members,I have been saying that a lot lately. I have been calling all of the retired

members of this great union to find out how they are doing. If you haven’tgot a call from me it is for one of three reasons. The union office has a badphone number, you didn’t answer that phone and don’t have an answeringmachine or last and very possible is that I haven’t got to your letter in thealphabet. I started with the letter A and have been going through all 32pages. As of this writing I am on page 13 and today is April 18th. So bythe time you get this month's BUZZ I should be almost done. I am askinghow you are doing and if you have any questions to feel free to call me atthe union office or my house 685-4648. If you hear laughing, that is my answering machine,leave a message and I will return your call.

I’m sure that most of you have seen or heard about the Postal Service not getting any moneyin the first bail out. We need to call our Congressmen and Senators and tell them to include thePostal Service in the next Stimulus bill.

That brings me to the next question. To fight this we need everybody giving to the LetterCarriers Political Action Fund (LCPF) formerly COLCPE. They need to help our friends bothRepublicans and Democrats, to help pass the bill. It also helps to pay for Ads in the paper, radioand television. We all know that the Postal Service is going broke because of the pre fundingfor retiree health benefits and now this virus which is dropping the mail volume. Most of youwere giving to this fund while you were active but now you are not, WHY?

If you think that because you are retired it doesn’t affect you think again. If the PostalService goes under and it is sold off to another company. Do you think that they are going tokeep paying our retirement fund? If you said NO then you are correct. Once that happens theywill have to cut the amount that you get every month. You hear about it with Social Security,why not us. So Please call me at 932-1137 and give me your name and how much you want todonate a month or send in a check made out to LCPF to the union office and we will forward itto National.

The Letter Carriers Appreciation Day/Old Timers event will be postponed, a new date willbe announced at a later time. If you want your pins or Plaques I will mail them to you inadvance, just call me at the union office.

Lastly, please stay safe and call and talk to others. The voice that they hear might be the onlyperson who is around. Talk about anything and how we all can help each other.

God bless each and everyone of you during these trying times.~ Kent Hankin, Director of Retired Members

DIRECTOR OF RETIRED MEMBERS KENT HANKIN

The object of this association is to protect in all ways the interests of retired letter carriers,renew old friendships, talk over old times, to promote good will and fellowship by means ofplanned get-togethers and in general try to advance the welfare of all our members mentally, moral-ly and spiritually. We call and write our Congressmen and Senators when legislation is going toeffect the Postal Service, the Union or active and retired carriers. We attend rallies as a show ofsupport and we vote.

We are looking for more retirees to join the Association. The dues are only $20.00 peryear.

Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month, with the exception of June, July,August and December. Meetings are held at the Magruder’s Restaurant, 4995 Broadway, Depew.We have a small meeting at 1:00 and the luncheon right after the meeting for a small fee.

Any retirees interested in joining the Burns-Connor’s Association can come to any of themeetings which are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. If interested call: Gary Marzolf- 464-3831 or Kent Hankin - 685-4648.

BURNS/CONNORS ASSOC.

RETIREMENTSDavid Dukarm

(Blasdell)

Peter Lauricella(Amherst)

Michael Sikorski(Niagara Square)

DEATHSAlice Mosure

Albert Goddard

Joseph Saeli

David Grogan(Life Member)

Walter Witmer

William Grankowski(Life Member)

Edward Jarnot(Life Member)

Michael LaMancuso(Life Member)

NEW MEMBERSColin Benton

Stephen Hermann

Kaitlin LaLiberty

Deanna Brubaker

Matthew Cirrincione

Roman West

Islam Mohammed

David Williams

Andrew Mandura

Tyler Trapasso

Brandon Barczak

THE BUZZ 11MAY 2020

UNION MEETINGNOTICE

MAY 20th

6:00 pm Officers Meeting6:30 pm Stewards Meeting7:30 pm General Membership

Meeting

2450 Walden AvenueCheektowaga, N.Y. 14225

BRANCH No. 3, N.A.L.C.4845 Union RoadBuffalo, N.Y. 14225(716) 631-3940

Non - Profit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DBUFFALO, N.Y.Permit No. 487

West Seneca Printing, Inc.

Change Service Requested“Time Value Mailing”

SUBSCRIPTION: $10.00 YEARLY CIRCULATION - 2300 MONTHLY

Please notify Branch 3 when you move

More Pictures Inside

CANCELLED