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Source Description
This file contains:
Memo from Clark MacGregor to Charles Colson. Subject: Teamsters Union. 1 pg. [Memo], 10/23/1972
Letter from Richard Nixon to federal employees. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/25/1968
Instructions for the federal employees letter. 2 pgs. [Letter], n.d.
Letter from the federal government to E.C. Hallbeck concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. Duplicate not scanned. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Fred O'Dwyer concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Ashby Smith concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Rademacher concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Thomas Costin concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Henry Heyl concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to David Silvergleid concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Munroe Crabill concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Harold McAvoy concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Chester Parrish concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Michael Cullen concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to John Griner concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to David Seldon concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Woodside concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Dorothy Cornelius concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to E.L. Hageman concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Loran McClain concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to W.H. McClennan concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to P.L. Siemiller concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Charles H. Pillard concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Anthony DeAndrade concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Kenneth Lyons concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Vincent Connery concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Elizabeth Koontz concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Nathan Wolkomir concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Charles McKelvey concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Howard Coughlin concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Housewright concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Jerry Wurf concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Hill concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
A Listing of Unions and their Recently Elected or Re-elected Presidents. 6 pgs. [Report], 9/20/1968
Draft of federal personnel policies letter. 4 pgs. Duplicate not scanned. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Draft of federal personnel policies letter with writing. 2 pgs. [Letter], 9/16/1968
Handwritten notes. 2 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Statement of James H. Rademacher, Vice President National Association of Letter Carriers, before House Subcommittee on Postal Affairs. RE: Morale in the Post Service. 8 pgs. [Report], 6/18/1968
Handwritten notes concerning the James Rademacher's statement. 2 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Copy of newspaper article, "Delaying the Mail?" from the Wall Street Journal by Richard Levine. 2 pgs. Not scanned. [Newspaper], 9/9/1968
Handwritten notes concerning problems with postal employees. 1 pg. [Memo], n.d.
Statement of James Rademacher, President National Association of Letter Carriers, before the Subcommittee on Compensation Committee on Post Office and Civil Service House of Representatives. 14 pgs. [Report], 9/17/1968
Press release on negotiations witht the post office. 1 pg. [Report], 9/18/1965
President's press release. Subject: Dog's bites. 1 pg. [Report], 9/10/1968
Federal Personnel Policies Relating to Government Employees. 2 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Issues important to the american federation of government employees. 4 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Postal bulletin notice- local negotiations. 7 pgs. [Report], n.d.
Convention Chronicle 46th Biennial Convention National Association of Letter Carriers No. 4. 4 pgs. [Newsletter], 8/23/1968
Draft Statement by Richard Nixon on Federal Personnel Policies including 2 handwritten pages. 5 pgs. [Memo], 9/16/1968
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
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26126399
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WHSF: Returned, 17-5
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WHSF: Returned, 17-5
description
This file contains:
Memo from Clark MacGregor to Charles Colson. Subject: Teamsters Union. 1 pg. [Memo], 10/23/1972
Letter from Richard Nixon to federal employees. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/25/1968
Instructions for the federal employees letter. 2 pgs. [Letter], n.d.
Letter from the federal government to E.C. Hallbeck concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. Duplicate not scanned. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Fred O'Dwyer concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Ashby Smith concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Rademacher concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Thomas Costin concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Henry Heyl concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to David Silvergleid concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Munroe Crabill concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Harold McAvoy concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Chester Parrish concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Michael Cullen concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to John Griner concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to David Seldon concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Woodside concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Dorothy Cornelius concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to E.L. Hageman concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Loran McClain concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to W.H. McClennan concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to P.L. Siemiller concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Charles H. Pillard concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Anthony DeAndrade concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Kenneth Lyons concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Vincent Connery concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Elizabeth Koontz concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Nathan Wolkomir concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Charles McKelvey concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Howard Coughlin concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Housewright concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to Jerry Wurf concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Letter from the federal government to James Hill concerning personnel policies and organization. 1 pg. [Letter], 9/24/1968
A Listing of Unions and their Recently Elected or Re-elected Presidents. 6 pgs. [Report], 9/20/1968
Draft of federal personnel policies letter. 4 pgs. Duplicate not scanned. [Letter], 9/24/1968
Draft of federal personnel policies letter with writing. 2 pgs. [Letter], 9/16/1968
Handwritten notes. 2 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Statement of James H. Rademacher, Vice President National Association of Letter Carriers, before House Subcommittee on Postal Affairs. RE: Morale in the Post Service. 8 pgs. [Report], 6/18/1968
Handwritten notes concerning the James Rademacher's statement. 2 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Copy of newspaper article, "Delaying the Mail?" from the Wall Street Journal by Richard Levine. 2 pgs. Not scanned. [Newspaper], 9/9/1968
Handwritten notes concerning problems with postal employees. 1 pg. [Memo], n.d.
Statement of James Rademacher, President National Association of Letter Carriers, before the Subcommittee on Compensation Committee on Post Office and Civil Service House of Representatives. 14 pgs. [Report], 9/17/1968
Press release on negotiations witht the post office. 1 pg. [Report], 9/18/1965
President's press release. Subject: Dog's bites. 1 pg. [Report], 9/10/1968
Federal Personnel Policies Relating to Government Employees. 2 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Issues important to the american federation of government employees. 4 pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Postal bulletin notice- local negotiations. 7 pgs. [Report], n.d.
Convention Chronicle 46th Biennial Convention National Association of Letter Carriers No. 4. 4 pgs. [Newsletter], 8/23/1968
Draft Statement by Richard Nixon on Federal Personnel Policies including 2 handwritten pages. 5 pgs. [Memo], 9/16/1968
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Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Returned White House Special Files
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
10/23/1972
Memo
Memo from Clark MacGregor to Charles
Colson. Subject: Teamsters Union. 1 pg.
17
5
09/25/1968
Letter
Letter from Richard Nixon to federal
employees. 1 pg.
17
5
n.d.
Letter
Instructions for the federal employees letter.
2 pgs.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to E.C.
Hallbeck concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg. Duplicate not scanned.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Fred
O'Dwyer concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Ashby
Smith concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 1 of 8
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to James
Rademacher concerning personnel policies
and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Thomas Costin concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Henry
Heyl concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to David
Silvergleid concerning personnel policies
and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Munroe Crabill concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Harold
McAvoy concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Chester Parrish concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 2 of 8
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Michael Cullen concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to John
Griner concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to David
Seldon concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to James
Woodside concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Dorothy Cornelius concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to E.L.
Hageman concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Loran
McClain concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 3 of 8
Box Number Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to W.H.
McClennan concerning personnel policies
and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to P.L.
Siemiller concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Charles H. Pillard concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Anthony DeAndrade concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Kenneth Lyons concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Vincent Connery concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Elizabeth Koontz concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 4 of 8
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Nathan
Wolkomir concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Charles McKelvey concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to
Howard Coughlin concerning personnel
policies and organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to Jerry
Wurf concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to James
Hill concerning personnel policies and
organization. 1 pg.
17
5
09/20/1968
Report
A Listing of Unions and their Recently
Elected or Re-elected Presidents. 6 pgs.
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Draft of federal personnel policies letter. 4
pgs. Duplicate not scanned.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 5 of 8
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/16/1968
Letter
Draft of federal personnel policies letter with
writing. 2 pgs.
17
5
n.d.
Memo
Handwritten notes. 2 pgs.
17
5
06/18/1968
Report
Statement of James H. Rademacher, Vice
President National Association of Letter
Carriers, before House Subcommittee on
Postal Affairs. RE: Morale in the Post
Service. 8 pgs.
17
5
n.d.
Memo
Handwritten notes concerning the James
Rademacher's statement. 2 pgs.
17
5
09/09/1968
Newspaper
Copy of newspaper article, "Delaying the
Mail?" from the Wall Street Journal by
Richard Levine. 2 pgs. Not scanned.
17
5
n.d.
Memo
Handwritten notes concerning problems with
postal employees. 1 pg.
17
5
09/17/1968
Report
Statement of James Rademacher, President
National Association of Letter Carriers,
before the Subcommittee on Compensation
Committee on Post Office and Civil Service
House of Representatives. 14 pgs.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 6 of 8
Box Number Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/18/1965
Report
Press release on negotiations witht the post
office. 1 pg.
17
5
09/10/1968
Report
President's press release. Subject: Dog's
bites. 1 pg.
17
5
n.d.
Memo
Federal Personnel Policies Relating to
Government Employees. 2 pgs.
17
5
n.d.
Memo
Issues important to the american federation
of government employees. 4 pgs.
17
5
n.d.
Report
Postal bulletin notice- local negotiations. 7
pgs.
17
5
08/23/1968
Newsletter
Convention Chronicle 46th Biennial
Convention National Association of Letter
Carriers No. 4. 4 pgs.
17
5
09/16/1968
Memo
Draft Statement by Richard Nixon on Federal
Personnel Policies including 2 handwritten
pages. 5 pgs.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 7 of 8
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
17
5
09/24/1968
Letter
Letter from the federal government to James
Housewright concerning personnel policies
and organization. 1 pg.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Page 8 of 8
cap
Committee for the Re-election of the President
MEMORANDUM
October 23, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. CHARLES W. COLSON
FROM:
CLARK MacGREGORCM
SUBJECT:
Teamsters Union
I have been advised by Mr. Jim McKillips, a member of the Dade
County Commission, that Mr. Fitzsimmons of the Teamsters Union
is willing to send a letter, at no cost to either the Committee
for the Re-Election of the President or the Republican National
Committee, to the members of his union (approximately 2 1/4 mil-
lion) asking them to support not only the President's re-election,
but also the various Republican Senatorial and Congressional can-
didates. However, Mr. McKillips indicated that Mr. Fitzsimmons
needs to be "bumped" a little and suggested I call him.
I feel it would be more appropriate if you would make the call
and let him know that we would appreciate it if he would send
such a letter to the members of his union.
mar. 17
01
tabs 27-39
FED. EMPLOYEES
s/s
RICHARD M. NIXON
P.O. BOX 1968
TIMES SQUARE STATION
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10036
2 CRs
September 25, 1968
10 CRs
Dear :
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
10 CRs
SWC
A/S
Instructions on the FEDERAL EMPLOYEES LETTER
This letter is to be sent to everyone on the list enclosed entitled, "A Listing
of Unions".
Please pick up the president's name and make certain that it is put on
the first line of the heading. You will note on the list the union is listed
first and the president's name at the bottom
Please note that I have added two names to the attached list and they
are to be inlcuded.
Please set the letter according to your method
Thanks.
***Please make a label for each letter as they will have to be mailed
in a manilla envelope and attach label to each letter.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Dear
:
Because of the interest of your organization in federal personnel
policies, I thought you might like to have a copy of the statement which I
have issued on this subject.
There is much that has to be accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on your cooperation with me and the
responsible federal officials to see that our mutual goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Hallbeck:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. E. C. Hallbeck, Chairman
Government Employees Council
Room 509
100 Indiana Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C.
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. O'Dwyer:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Fred J. O'Dwyer, President
National Association of Postal
Supervisors
P. O. Box 1924
Washington, D. C. 20013
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Smith:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Ashby G. Smith, President
National Alliance of Postal
and Federal Employees
1644 - 11th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Rademacher:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. James H. Rademacher, President
National Association of Letter
Carriers
100 Indiana Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Gostin:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Thomas P. Costin, President
National Association of Postmasters
348 Pennsylvania Building
13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20004
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Heyl:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Henry M. Heyl, President
National League of Postmasters
of the United States
927 Munsey Building
Washington, D. C. 20004
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Silvergleid:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. David Silvergleid, President
National Postal Union
425 - 13th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20004
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Crabill:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Munroe Crabill, President
National Association of Post Office
and General Services Maintenance
Employees
724 - 9th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. McAvoy:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Harold McAvoy, President
National Association of Post Office
Mail Handlers, Watchmen, Messengers
and Group Leaders
501 - 13th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20004
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Parrish:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Chester W. Parrish, President
National Federation of Post Office
Motor Vehicle Employees
412 - 5th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Cullen:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Cullen, President
National Association of Special
Delivery Messengers
20 E Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Griner:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. John F. Griner, President
American Federation of Government
Employees
400 - 1st Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Selden:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. David Selden, President
American Federation of Teachers
1012 - 14th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Woodside:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. James Woodside, President
American Federation of Technical
Engineers
1126 - 16th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
September 24, 1968
Dear Miss Cornelius:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Miss Dorothy Cornelius, President
American Nurses Association
10 Columbus Circle
New York, New York 10019
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Hageman:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. E. L. Hageman, President
The United Telegraph Workers' Union
918 Dupont Circle Building
Washington, D. C. 20006
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. McClain:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Loran McClain, President
National Association of Federal
Plant Quarantine Inspectors
P. O. Box 2611
Airport Facility
Miami, Florida 33159
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. McClennan:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. W. H. McClennan, President
International Association of
Fire Fighters
905 - 16th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20006
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Siemiller:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. P. L. Seemiller, President
International Association of Machinists
and Aerospace Workers
1300 Connecticut Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Pillard:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Charles H. Pillard, President
International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers
1200 - 15th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. DeAndrade:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Anthony J. DeAndrade, President
International Printing Pressmen
and Assistants' Union of North
America
1730 Rhode Island Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Lyons:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Kenneth T. Lyons, President
National Association of Government
Employees
285 Dorchester Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02127
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Owans:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Felix Owans, President
National Association of Government
Inspectors
1621 Modoc Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23503
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Connery:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Vincent L. Connery, President
National Association of Internal
Revenue Employees
711 - 14th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
September 24, 1968
Dear Mrs. Koontz:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mrs. Elizabeth Koontz, President
National Education Association
1201 - 16th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Wolkomir:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Nathan T. Wolkomir, President
National Federation of Federal Employees
1737 H Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20006
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. McKelvey:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Charles McKelvey, President
National Labor Relations Board
Professional Association
1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. c.
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Coughlin:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Howard Coughlin, President
Office and Professional Employees
International Union
265 West 14th Street
New York, New York 10011
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Housewright:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. James T. Housewright, President
Retail Clerks International Assn.
1741 DeSales Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Wurf:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. Jerry Wurf, President
American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees
1155 - 15th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
September 24, 1968
Dear Mr. Hill:
Because of the interest of your
organization in federal personnel policies,
I thought you might like to have a copy of
the statement which I have issued on this
subject.
There is much that has to be
accomplished in the new Administration.
I know that I will be able to count on
your cooperation with me and the responsible
federal officials to see that our mutual
goals are achieved.
with every good wish,
Sincerely,
Mr. James D. Hill
Armour, Herrick, Kneipple & Armour
Shoreham Building
Washington, D. C. 20002
GOUT Em playees Comical -
A LISTING OF UNIONS
and their recently
Elected or Re-elected
Presidents
September 20, 1968
9/20/68
POSTAL UNIONS
NALC
National Association of Letter Carriers
(AFL-CIO)
100 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
President: James H. Rademacher (Elected)
NAPFE
National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees
(Ind)
1644 - 11th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
President: Ashby G. Smith (Re-elected)
NAPS
National Association of Postal Supervisors
(Ind)
P.O. Box 1924, Washington, D.C. 20013
President: Fred J. O'Dwyer (Re-elected)
NAPUS
National Association of Postmasters
(Ind)
348 Pennsylvania Building
13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
President: Thomas P. Costin (Elected)
NLP
National League of Postmasters of the United States (Ind)
927 Munsey Building, Washington, D.C. 20004
Acting President: Henry M. Heyl
NOTE: Mr. Heyl is completing the unexpired term of
former president Henry H. Womack who resigned. A
new president will be elected during their convention,
scheduled for the last week in September, 1968.
NPU
National Postal Union
(Ind)
425 - 13th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
President: David Silvergleid (Elected)
POGS
National Association of Post Office and General
Services Maintenance Employees
(AFL-CIO)
724 - 9th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
President: Munroe Crabill (Elected)
POMH
National Association of Post Office Mail Handlers,
Watchmen, Messengers and Group Leaders
(AFL-CIO)
501 - 13th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
President: Harold McAvoy (Re-elected)
POMV
National Federation of Post Office Motor
Vehicle Employees
(AFL-CIO)
412 - 5th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
President: Chester W. Parrish (Elected)
RLCA
National Rural Letter Carriers' Association
(Ind)
1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
President: Herbert Alfrey (Elected)
SDM
National Association of Special Delivery Messengers
(AFL-CIO)
20 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
President: Michael J. Cullen (Re-elected)
UFPC
United Federation of Postal Clerks
(AFL-CIO)
817 - 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
President: E.C. Hallbeck (Re-elected)
NON POSTAL UNIONS
AFGE
American Federation of Government Employees
(AFL-CIO)
400 - 1st Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
President: John F. Griner (Re-elected)
AFT
American Federation of Teachers
(AFL-CIO)
1012 - 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
President: David Selden (Elected)
AFTE
American Federation of Technical Engineers
(AFL-CIO)
1126 - 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
President: James Woodside (Re-elected)
ANA
American Nurses Association
(Ind)
10 Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10019
President: Miss Dorothy Cornelius (Elected)
Washington, D.C. Office: 1030 - 15th Street, N.W. 20005
Federal Representative: Patrick Zembower
CTU
The Commercial Telegraphers' Union
NOTE: Name changed to The United Telegraph
Workers Union
(AFL-CIO)
918 Dupont Circle Building, Washington, D.C. 20006
President: E.L. Hageman
FPQINA
National Association of Federal Plant Quarantine
Inspectors
(Ind)
P.O. Box 2611, Airport Facility, Miami, Florida 33159
President: Loran McClain (Elected)
IAFF
International Association of Fire Fighters
(AFL-CIO)
905 - 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
President: W.H. McClennan (Elected)
IAM
International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers
(AFL-CIO)
1300 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
President: P. L. Siemiller
National Co-ordinator, Federal Employees Department:
W. H. Ryan
(convention to be held next year, 1969)
IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(AFL-CIO)
1200 - 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
President: Charles H. Pillard (Elected, effective 10/1/68)
Director of Government Operations: George J. Knaly
IPPA
International Printing Pressmen and
Assistants' Union of North America
(AFL-CIO)
1730 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
NOTE: New Address
President: Anthony J. DeAndrade
NAGE
National Association of Government Employees
(Ind)
285 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02127
President: Kenneth T. Lyons
Washington Office: 1341 G Street, N.W., 20005
Executive Vice President: Alan Whitney
(convention to be held September 1968)
NAGI
National Association of Government Inspectors
(Ind)
1621 Modoc Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23503
President: Felix Owans (Elected)
NAIRE
National Association of Internal Revenue Employees (Ind)
711 - 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
President: Vincent L. Connery (Re-elected)
NEA
National Education Association
(Ind)
1201 - 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
President: Mrs. Elizabeth Koontz (Elected)
Executive Secretary for Overseas Education
Association: Cecil Driver
NVFE
National Federation of Federal Employees
(Ind)
1737 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
President: Nathan T. Wolkomir (Re-elected)
NLRBP
National Labor Relations Board Professional
Association
(Ind)
1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
President: Charles McKelvey (Elected)
OPEIU
Office and Professional Employees International
Union
(AFL-CIO)
265 W. 14th Street, New York, New York 10011
President: Howard Coughlin (Re-elected)
RCIA
Retail Clerks International Association
(AFL-CIO)
1741 DeSales Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
President: James T. Housewright (Elected)
SCME
American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees
(AFL-CIO)
1155 - 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
President: Jerry Wurf (Re-elected)
Federal Employees letter to be sent to these two additional men
Mr. E C. Hallbeck
Chairman
Goverment Employees Council
Room 509
100 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C.
Mr James D. Hill
Armour, Herrick, Kneipple & Armour
Shoreham Building
Washington, D. C. 20002
approved droft
out FBCM
Tower
Sept 24, 1968
DRAFT BY RN
Federal Personnel Policies
An important task of the new Administration will be to assure the
protection of the constitutional rights of federal employees. Federal employees in
my Administration are not going to be treated as numbers in a machine or as second-
class citizens.
The success of any administration depends upon the pride, the dedication,
and the professional spirit of those who administer the laws and staff the functions
of the Federal Government. Much can be done to encourage a greater sense of
pride and individual self-responsibility on the part of our government's employees.
I want every employee to feel a sense of personal involvement in the service he
renders his country. There must be mutual respect between the administration and
the individual.
To this end I will see to it, as called for in the Republican Platform, that
"snooping, meddling, and pressure by the Federal Government on its employees" is
ended. Effective, independent machinery should be established within the Federal
Executive to which an employee may appeal for a hearing in the case of a violation
of his or her rights, particularly an invasion of his or her privacy. Procedures
should be established to assure that these appeals be heard expeditiously and at
minimum expense to the employee.
I intend further to propose legislation which will insure the participation of
Federal Employees in the formulation and implementation of personnel policies directly
-2-
related to their employment. This legislation should further recognize the
right of a Federal Employee to join an employee organization if he chooses
to do so and should provide for meaningful consultation between the employee
organization and those in positions of management. The legislation should
spell out procedures to insure that charges of unfair labor practices can
be heard expeditiously by an independent forum. I think a great deal can
be accomplished by encouraging close cooperation between management and
employee at all levels of the Federal service.
The Republican Platform provides for insuring comparability of Federal
salaries with private enterprise pay. If this pledge, which I wholeheartedly
support, is to be made meaningful, I believe improvements can and should be
made in the present Federal wage board system and in the postal pay survey
system.
Survey teams and wage board determinations are based today on statistics
as much as a year old. This is because of the administrative lag between
the compilation of private pay statistics with actual Federal determinations.
A first priority of my Administration is a thorough and long overdue study
of the executive department by an independent commission, patterned by the
Hoover Commission. I will direct the commission to examine wage board and
postal office survey procedures with a view to inproving and accelerating
their administration. I will recommend procedures providing for fuller
employee participation in their administration. In testimony before
Congress this month the President of the Letter Carriers suggested that
a survey be instituted in all areas at the same time--that data be compiled
quickly with the aid of employee groups and the recommendations be forthcoming
- 3 -
within a specific limited period of time. Such procedures are necessary if
meaningful comparability is to be achieved. I further believe that procedures
should be instituted providing for third-party involvement, providing there
is mutual agreement, in order to insure successful resolution of
employee/management differences.
A major effort must be made to encourage more career incentives in
the Federal Service. The problem in the postal service is particularly
critical. A minute percentage of postal workers who pass the examinations
for supervisor are actually promoted. More opportunities must be available
to come up "through the ranks".
Finally, I intend to direct the appropriate officials of the adminis-
tration to examine the comparability of all areas of fringe benefits including
Federal employee retirement benefits, particularly with social security and
railroad retirement programs. At present, of approximately 800,000 retired
Federal Employees and survivors approximately 3/4 are receiving annuities
of less than $200 a month. The retirement system must be on a sound financial
basis. Provisions should be made whereby the individual federal employee
can make meaningful increases in his or her contributions to the retirement
system. By the same token the government must uphold its obligations to
the employee.
Throughout the years employee organizations accepted without question
the law which forbids to government employees the right to strike. For the first
time in history during the past two years, employee groups have become restive and
have begun to argue for the repeal of this legislation. Obviously something is wrong
-4-
with employee morale in the Federal Government and new leadership is necessary
if mutual confidence is to be restored between management and employee.
In this vein, I believe that the most fundamental requirement for a new
Administration is to re-establish a sense of pride in public service and to
restore the dignity of a federal worker. With the dramatic growth of federal
agencies in recent years, there has been a tendency for the individual to be
"swallowed up" in the vastness of the institution. This leads to downgrading
the requirements for initiative, dedication, and personal involvement in the
functions of the agency or department. Service to one's country, whether in
military or in the federal civilian establishment, must receive the respect which
it deserves. Federal employees are competent, hard-working, dedicated, and
unselfish. They deserve, and will receive that kind of respect in my Administration.
September 16, 1968
Draft Statement by Richard Nixon on Federal Personnel Policies
An important task of the new Administration will be to assure the
protection of the constitutional rights of federal employees. Federal
was
employees in my Administration are not going to be treated as numbers, or
as "second-class" citizens. who somehow, because they happen to work for the
Government, are not entitled to the same rights and privileges of other
citizens
The success of any Administration depends upon the pride, the dedication,
and the professional spirit of those who administer the laws and staff the
functions of the and Federal Government. Much more can be done to improve the Seuse of Tube
individual self-responsibility of our Government employees.
I want every employee to feel a sense of priduced personal involvement in
the service he renders his country. There WILLST be hundred recd
To This end
between the adm in nation and the
I will see to it, as called for in the Republican Platform, that
individual.
"snooping, meddling, and pressure by the Federal Government on its employees"
Informations
will ended. Independent mechanisms are necessary within the Federal
Executive establishment to which a Federal employee may appeal for a hearing
an
These asseds
on a violation of his rights, particularly A invasion of his privacy., A.
should
be heard
first priority of my Administration is a thorough and long overdue study
quickly
of the Executive Department by an independent commission, patterned on the
and at
univirsion
Hoover Commission. I will see to it that this area is one of major concern
expense
to two
to-the commission I intend to appoint.
sur player
In this same vein I think it is imperative that the commission review
ed
the present Coordinati Federal Wage Board system. The present Wage Board
Nexi
system is cumbersome, slow, and ineffective. Improved administration pro-
Roae
cedures are essential if, consistent with the Republican Platform, we are to
insure comparability of Federal salaries with private enterprise pay.
add P.O. Survey Team -
[Redermacher Quodg
of 5 arbituation of and
-2-
I intend, further, to propose legislation which will insure the
participation of federal employees in the formulation and implementation
Such
Should to
of personnel policies directly related to their employment. ^
Legislation
legishipin
should recognize the right of a federal employee to join
UST
meaningful
Exec
joining an employee organization, should provide for, consultation of the
organization with those in a position of management responsibility, and
should provide for the participation of federal employees in the formulation
of these policies at all levels. A procedure should further be instituted
whereby charges of unfair labor practices could be expeditously heard by
an independent board, which would also have the function of reviewing the
wage week
employee-management cooperation program within the federal service.
I intend further to direct the appropriate Federal officials to review
the federal retirement system. At present, of approximately 600,000
Companity
retired federal employees, three-quarters are receiving annuities of less
wo
3
than $200.00 per month Z Provision should be made whereby the individual
Finge
wave wearingful increases in
federal employee can increase his or her contribution to the retirement
benefits
for
system, to levels which will insure adequate retirement income & A review
Low parality
should further be conducted to insure comparable treatment for the federal
civil service annuitant with those who have qualified for Social Security
and Railroad Retirement benefits.
While there are many specific personnel policies which require change,
I believe that the most fundamental requirement for a new Administration is
and improved the image of Federal the
to re-establish a sense of pride in public service With the dramatic growth
wolker.
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(REENSPAN -
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Bob aundur NA8-6800
Peder ORSER - (419) CH2-5781
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225-2934
Friedhumm
STATEMENT OF JAMES H. RADEMACHER, VICE-PRESIDENT
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS
BEFORE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON POSTAL AFFAIRS, JUNE 18, 1968
RE: MORALE IN THE POSTAL SERVICE
Mr. Chairman and Members of the
Of course, this attitude is encouraged
Our Secretary-Treasurer, J. Stanly
Committee:
by the peculiar conditions which sur-
Lewis, who is accompanying me here
My name is James H. Rademacher.
round postal employment. We have not
today will elaborate on the recent nego-
I am Vice-President of the National
sought. nor are we currently seeking
tiations between our organization and
Association of Letters Carriers, with
rescinding of our restrictions against
the Post Office Department which ter-
headquarters at 100 Indiana Avenue,
striking. I want to make that very clear.
minated in a signed National Agree-
N.W., Washington, D.C. We have more
But the fact remains that, since em-
ment. He will want to also elaborate
than 200,000 members located in close
ployees are deprived of any really ef-
on how management attitudes have seri-
to 6,500 Branches in every State and
fective weapon of legal retaliation some
ously affected bargaining between our
possession of the United States. I am
postal supervisors, and many postmas-
branch leaders and representatives of
accompanied today by our Secretary-
ters, are inclined to exploit their work-
management at the local level.
Treasurer, J. Stanly Lewis, who will, if
ers and treat them in a manner which
Although President John F. Kennedy
he may, enlarge upon the testimony I
would cause instant work-stoppages in
in signing Executive Order 10988, on
shall give.
almost any industry in the private sector.
January 17, 1962, intended the order to
What we think, therefore, that is most
I am delighted and very grateful that
be a giant forward step toward creating
needed is a reform of the state of mind
you have perinitted us to appear be-
a modern climate of labor-management
fore you today. It is seldom that we
of postal management. This means in-
relationship in the Federal Service, the
telligent training of supervisors-educa-
get the opportunity to inform a Com-
Executive Order has been widely ignored;
mittee of problems existing in any but
tion in how to treat other human beings
and union activity in these areas is
the major areas of our concern-such as
-instruction in the art of applying intel-
meager with negotiation actually being
pay, retirement, insurance, and the like.
ligent compassion-respect for the hu-
ineffectual.
Yet there are many other areas which
man family. and particularly those who
are comparatively minor, but, when put
work under management's direction. All
LABOR RELATIONS
this is lacking.
Probably the reason for the ineffec-
together, add up to a major cause of
The average supervisor today is told
tiveness of the Order in most instances
failing morale, diminishing performance,
and widespread dissatisfaction and dis-
by his elders (who have been untrained
is the fact the Post Office Department
enchantment.
themselves) that he must dominate and
has over-reacted and constructed a large
"Man does not live by bread alone," as
tyrannize over his employees or he will
bureauracy within a bureaucracy to
lose control of them. This is all non-
handle the machinery. A huge national
you so well know. Thanks to the deter-
mination and steadfast resolution of the
sense, of course, but it is part of the
election among postal workers was or-
folklore of the post office.
dered and secret ballots were cast to
Post Office Committees and the general
determine which organization. or union,
membership of the Congress, letter car-
The new supervisor is made to believe
should represent them. The election be-
riers, although not yet at the true level
that he is a lion tamer, alone in the
came a monster popularity contest and
of comparability, are enjoying wage
cage of wild beasts, armed only with
the results proved what everyone knew
improvements. Yet, morale is not high
a whip, a chair and a gun filled with
in the first place; letter carriers wanted
amongst all employees because there are
blanks. When the Clyde Beatty approach
to be represented by the National Asso-
unsatisfactory conditions of work which
doesn't work, he is hurt because the
ciation of Letter Carriers: other eni-
together with so many postal pay steps,
lions snarl back at him!
ployees wanted to be represented gen-
tend to make for unhappy employment.
The attitude and the training of su-
erally by their craft-the clerks wanted
I am going to cite a number of
pervision in the post office today has
to be represented by the Clerk organiza-
specific instances today, but I want to
not emerged from the dark ages of the
tion, etc.
make clear that these examples are
late nineteenth century
despite cer-
It now appears that the policy is to
merely symptomatic of an unhealthy
tain well-meaning efforts to modernize
have management do everything within
condition which is widespread in the
management concepts. Perhaps, Mr.
their power to prevent union gains.
service.
Chairman, this Committee will be able
rather than to attempt to work with the
I don't think there is any quasi-indus-
to be responsible for dragging postal
unions to establish the finest working
trial organization of any size in the
management, screaming and kicking, into
relationships in government service. As
nation which tries to get by with un-
the twentieth century.
Mr. Lewis will discuss, our local nego-
trained supervisors in the way that the
So much for generalizations. Mr.
tiations this past few months have been
postal establishment operates.
Chairman. I now would like to get
labeled a farce by those who participated.
Although a start is at last being made
down to specific symptoms of the illness
and the instructions which were issued
in this area (after 179 years of total
which plauges the entire postal system.
to postmasters became nothing more
inaction), the efforts to produce a trained
Although our forthcoming national
than mandates of destruction of exist-
and skilled body of supervision in the
convention, which will be held in Bos-
ing local agreements under which both
postal establishment are pitifully in-
ton, Mass., August 18-24, will act upon
management and labor have been able
adequate.
approximately 300 resolutions concern-
to work successfully and cooperatively
Supervisors who know they are not
ing working conditions in the Postal
over the past five years.
sufficiently trained in their jobs are in-
Service. today we want to mention just
One of the most frustrating aspects
clined to compensate for their inade-
a few of the more important difficulties
of the negotiations at the national level
quacy through bluster and petty tyran-
that postal workers are suffering in the
has been the habit of the Department to
nies. We have this condition throughout
areas of training, labor-management rela-
populate the negotiating table with sec-
the service, but never all supervisors can
tions, attitudes of management, vehicles,
ond-stringers, men without the authority
be catgorized in this fashion.
and street observation.
to make any meaningful decisions. The
Page Twelve
POSTAL RECORD
House Subcommittee Hearings Re: Morale
labor union representatives on the other
We are told there are no funds and
hand, are first-stringers who have such
there is no time allowance to train
decision making authority delegated to
drivers. We believe that it would be of
them. After many hours or days of
significant importance to this committee
wrangling over complicated issues, the
to ask for a report on driver training,
Departmental functionaries will arrive
such report to include the number of
at a satisfactory conclusion, but will then
vehicles, the amount of training given
retire to have their conclusion approved
to each driver of the vehicle, and the
or disapproved by their superiors. We,
accident rate on new vehicles including
therefore, find conclusions which have
the right-hand trucks. This information
been reached through negotiations will
should substantiate our charge that in-
be disapproved by superiors who have
adequate training has been given in this
not participated in the discussion nor
very serious area.
listened to the agreements.
MANAGEMENT ATTITUDES
Another reason for our organization
to consider the negotiating process as
It is natural to assume that postal
being unsatisfactory is due to the inex-
management is particularly concerned
perience of the Department's personnel
about productivity. The postal worker
in postal matters. There is not one key
Vice-President James H. Rademacher
is equally as concerned about prompt
official who negotiates for the Depart-
blasts conditions which promote low
delivery of the mail. Letter Carriers
morale.
ment who has ever been inside a post
take pride in not only prompt delivery
office except possibly to mail a package.
but in efficient delivery; and skilled ex-
Each top negotiator for the Department
It is penny wise and pound foolish for
perienced carriers are proud of their
has no postal experience whatsoever
management to close its eyes to the need
enviable record of making correct de-
other than that which he has acquired
which exists for well-trained, thoroughly-
livery of misaddressed mail. These same
over the past few years since his appoint-
oriented employees. The federal govern-
carriers are responsible for forwarding
ment. In the nitty-gritty atmosphere of
ment is spending millions of dollars to
millions of pieces daily to new residences
solid negotiation there is far more need
train unskilled and uneducated workers
of former patrons of their routes. It is
for practical knowledge than there is
in many fields. Yet the Postal Service
the carrier's responsibility to see that the
for theory. Yet, the Department's nego-
which has an annual turnover of over
mail is forwarded to the new address.
tiating crew know nothing about postal
100,000 workers spends S2 million to
In the concentration on productivity
work from a practical point of view—
train the bosses, and an insignificant
there is neglect of humanism in many
only from a theroetical point of view.
amount to train the people charged with
post offices. Management fails to un-
the security and sanctity of 83 billion
We are anxiously awaiting the rec-
derstand employees are human and are
ommendations of the special Presidential
pieces of the United States Mail.
not machines. Attitudes of disrespect
panel which has been appointed to
A press release issued by the Civil
prevail in many offices. Employees are
analyze the fulfillment of Executive
Service Commission on May 6 stated
pressured to do more. There is rarely
Order 10988, and bring in proposals to
that one of every three federal civilian
an expression of "a job well done" on
amend this well-intended order to meet
employees received eight or more hours
the part of management despite the all-
the modern demands of labor-manage-
of classroom training during fiscal 1967.
out efforts of most of our membership.
ment relations.
This may be true in all of the 56 agencies
On the letter carrier's route he is a mem-
mentioned by the Commission but cer-
ber of the family who stands 10 feet
TRAINING
tainly in the Postal Service no such record
tall because of the services he renders.
Much has been said about training and
has been established. Because of the
He is a man respected, loved. and hon-
the Congress only recently approved ex-
failure of the Post Office Department
ored. However, after completing his
penditures of about $2 million for a
to insist upon training the thousands of
strenuous tour he finds upon his return
postal training program. Oddly enough,
employees who are now required to drive
to the post office that he becomes as
this money is earmarked for the training
vehicles for the first time, the motor ve-
unimportant as a piece of undeliverable
of postal management. In fact $300,000
hicle accident rate in the Postal Service
third class mail.
of this amount was spent for the alleged
remains at a very high statistics of more
When the hundreds of thousands of
training program which took place at
than 28 accidents per each million miles
dollars are spent in training postal man-
the University of Oklahoma in February.
driven. This, naturally. costs the tax-
agement, certainly one of the classroom
It is true that in the very large post
payer considerable money and in many
sessions should be devoted to the im-
offices because of the larger appropria-
cases the employee suffers painful disabl-
portance of the human element and
tions in these particular establishments,
ing injury.
greater emphasis should be placed upon
new employees do receive limited train-
At two recent state conventions of
the need of treating employees with re-
ing.
letter carriers, we asked for a display of
spect and dignity. Postmasters and su-
However. there are 6,500 post offices
hands of employees who have been
pervisors should not be permitted to
in the United States where there are
forced to use right-hand drive vehicles in
answer a legitimate complaint of an
letter carriers. In about 6,000 of these
the performance of their work because of
employee with the terse comment-"If
offices postmasters have never been ad-
the Department's modern mechanization
you don't like it, quit."
vised that appropriations are available
program. We were disturbed to note a
In addition to respect for each other,
for training new employees. In almost
large number of delegates raising their
management should be taught respect
every instance, in the smaller post office
hands admitting there had been little
for the families of postal workers. So
the postmaster merely shows the new
or no training given. Certainly there
many times a wife or a mother in tele-
worker through the office, places a
should be several hours of training by
phoning a report of her husband's or
satchel on his shoulder and orders him
skilled instructors when an employee is
son's illness is treated rudely and angrily
to deliver the mail. What few errors do
asked to drive a right-hand vehicle after
by a frustrated supervisor. In other in-
occur in the Postal Service today are
a lifetime of driving the conventional
stances management has been derelict
caused by the untrained postal worker.
type vehicle.
(Continued on next page)
JULY, 1968
Page Thirteen
(Continued from page 13)
than 75 years ago, President Benjamin
in its obligation to respond in the hour
Morale Hearings
Harrison issued an Executive Order
of need. We do not anticipate that each
which gave all letter carriers the pro-
person who becomes a part of manage-
tection of Civil Service. When the Dem-
ment shall be sympathetic to the prob-
ocrats came into office under President
lems which arise in an employee's per-
Cleveland, they began to ignore the order
sonal life, but we do expect that acting
and replaced Republican carriers with
within the scope of their duties, postal
Democrats. The outcry was so great
management will do everything to assist
that Postmaster General Bissell, who
served in Cleveland's second term, hit
postal workers.
This was not so recently. in a small
upon the scheme of travelling special
town in Illinois, which will not be
agents, or "spotters," whose duty it was
identified at this time because our in-
to spy upon Republican letter carriers
vestigation is pending. A letter carrier
and get them fired from the service.
died and his wife visited the post office
These spotters were purely polictical
with the hopes of having the postmas-
hacks with no postal experience, and
ter assist her in preparing the forms
for the most part, no scruples. What
necessary for life insurance and widow's
they could not legitimately record as
annuity. After waiting a reasonable time,
charges, they manufactured out of thin
the widow returned to the post office
air. At one time, a third of the letter
and was told that perhaps the delay was
carriers in your hometown, Philadelphia,
due to the fact that her husband may
Mr. Chairman, were up for dismissal on
not have listed her as his beneficiary.
charges filed by these spotters. Almost
The widow returned to her home and
all the carriers involved were Repub-
licans.
committed suicide because of this insinua-
Secretary-Treasurer J. Stanly Lewis
tion.
Finally, in 1896. Congress ordered in
describes negotiation frustrations.
At Trenton, Michigan, Letter Car-
an Appropriations bill that the "spotter"
rier Leo Schrieber was told each day
system be banished from the Postal Serv-
was eventually removed after the post-
ice.
for the first six months of his employ-
master learned of this improper action.
ment that if he did not like the condi-
Later, in came the Republicans and
tions, he could quit. When he brought
It is not only the personal inhumane
they tried the same kind of gambit, in
treatment which exists in a limited num-
this complaint to his assistant postmaster
order to purify the Postal Service of
ber of post offices but also morale-shat-
concerning the daily harassment, Carrier
Democrats. But once again Congress pre-
Schrieber was told "that is a lie, it was
tering is the situation which is allowed to
vented the Department from engaging in
not daily because I never told you this on
exist concerning inadequate and unsafe,
excessive snooping for political reasons.
Sundays." This carrier complains that
as well as unhealthy facilities. It has
In Chicago, 70 years ago, the position
if he dares to submit a grievance he is
been necessary to complain for months
of "letter carrier sergeants" and created.
punished by being refused overtime, and
concerning buildings without heat, in-
The Postmaster of Chicago pointed out
by being followed around his route by
adequate toilet facilities, no parking, no
that these "helpers" were not spies but
ventilation, etc.
supervisors. The records will indicate
the letter carriers soon learned different-
that this small office has had a 30%
Not every postmaster looks upon his
ly. So it is today that Management in-
turnover of employees during the past
employees in the manner described
sists upon supervisors using their spare
three years.
above; and I want to report the very
time in touring the various districts of
At Pittsburg Kansas, Letters Carrier
successful efforts of Postmaster Edward
letter carriers who may be union officers
rier Howard O. Woods suffered a seizure
L. Baker of Detroit, Michigan who does
rather than carriers suspect of violating
at the time clock on Friday, December
respect the dignity and efforts of his em-
regulations.
22, and the postmaster was not con-
ployees. On June 1. 1967, Mr. Baker
We hesitate in making the following
cerned in the least. According to our
advised all supervisors. and all employees
allegation but because of the constant
correspondence, he had to be ordered to
of the Detroit Post Office. that he was
harassment on the part of some super-
call an ambulance. after standing out-
about to issue periodic policy statements
visors we feel that it is necessary to ex-
side his office door doing nothing. Mr.
in an effort to improve relations between
press our opinions concerning the over-
Woods' letter to me states. "I have never
supervisors and employees. Mr. Baker
staffing of supervisors in the branch
known another man who shows as little
declared the purpose was to "bring about
stations in some of the larger post offices.
consideration for men and their families."
a climate of mutual respect and under-
In most of these stations there are now
At McKeesport, Pa., Carrier Harry S.
standing. and to establish better and safer
three supervisors. One is expected to
Hitchens declares that his hemorrhaged
working conditions as well as to improve
supervise carriers-but it must be re-
ulcer can be attributed to the constant
the efficiency of our operations." The
membered that carrier duties are limited
harassment and inhumane treatment by
number of grievances at Detroit are prac-
in the post office to casing assignments
the supervisor and the postmaster. Mr.
tically nil; and employee organizations
for about three hours daily. Some sta-
Hitchens' letter states that Supervisor
at that city are very proud of their rela-
tion supervisors find much to do in re-
Bathe has told me and the branch of-
tionship with management. Naturally. as
viewing carrier route inspections and in
in all offices, every supervisor does not
ficers that "he will personally see to it
making route adjustments to satisfy the
subscribe to the postmaster's theories,
that my illness is not going to get any
service needs of the public. Meanwhile
and there are a few exceptions to the
better. if he has anything to do about
other supervisors, less inclined to be
rule at Detroit.
it." He also stated he intends to "see me
bothered with such laborious work.
fired." Despite the knoweldge of the
STREET OBSERVATION
merely drive up and down spying upon
seriousness of this employee's illness,
Throughout the years for some un-
letter carriers who are engaged in deliver-
management continued to harass him
known reason there has been a delight
ing the largest mail volume in the history
before he completely broke down-by
by some representatives of postal man-
of our country.
frequently weighing his mail satchel to
agement to spy upon people who carry
The Post Office Department has re-
make certain he carried the maximum
the mail. Even the Postal Inspection
cently amended a street observation
weight. And, despite the fact that Mr.
Service does not go to this extreme other
policy which still makes it mandatory
Hitchens had sprained his ankle, Supt.
than periodically to observe employees
that letter carriers be counseled and ad-
Bathe placed this employee on a re-
through official lookouts which are con-
vised when management plans to make
stricted sick leave list from which he
structed in all large post offices. More
route observations. Despite this instruc-
Page Fourteen
POSTAL RECORD
tion, in many areas including especially
prompt attention to a grievance, and
worked. It is humanly impossible for the
the State of New Jersey, supervisors still
when such grievance is brought to the
three-member Board to render fair and
get their "kicks". from snooping on letter
attention of the immediate supervisor,
impartial decisions if they are required to
carriers. This has a serious affect on
he is expected to resolve same within
give prompt attention to each and every
morale and is unnecessary. A letter car-
three working days. If the supervisor
appeal without taking necessary time to
rier has an assignment which according
cannot resolve the grievance to the em-
carefully scrutinize all the facts. It is
to regulations must be based on a sched-
ployee's satisfaction, the installation head
humanly impossible for the limited staff
ule "as close to eight hours as possible."
has five working days to render a written
to likewise review from a technical aspect
A supervisor in any post office can ob-
decision. If the aggrieved is still dis-
all of the existing conditions in each
serve a letter carrier during his casing
satisfied, he may appeal the installation
appeal, and to do so promptly. There-
duties and know the amount of mail
head's decision within five working days;
fore, the reason for the backlog which,
volume; and he further has the knowl-
and within three working days the post-
as has been noted in our own situation,
edge of the approximate field time neces-
master shall arrange for a three-man
in close to 200 cases, is the fact of under-
sary to deliver that mail volume. It
hearing committee.
staffing. Representatives of the Board
should not be necessary to drive up and
After the hearing has taken place, and
are required to conduct training sessions
down literally pushing a carrier to ac-
within five working days. the hearing
around the country and to attend numer-
complish his objective.
committee must furnish its decision to
ous meetings causing them to be away
There are many other problems which
the postmaster. If the hearing com-
from their review of the many cases for
greatly affect morale in the Postal Serv-
mittee's decision is not acceptable to
lengthy periods of time. It also appears
ice today, but we do not want to take the
either the grievant or the installation
the B.A.R. is conducting business for
time of the Committee; and we hope that
head, either party may appeal within ten
other divsions at the Department.
the Post Office Department will resolve
working days. The Regional Director
It should not be necessary to increase
many of these issues through our Labor-
must decide on the appeal within ten
the Board itself, but the staff certainly
Management meetings.
days. and then the appellant has an
should be enlarged with competent per-
Some of the other subjects which we
additional ten days, following the deci-
sons who are familiar with the postal
could cover today include the affect on
sion, to appeal to the Department's Board
service and the procedures, as defined in
morale which comes about when drivers
of Appeals and Review. Similar proce-
our National Agreement and regulations.
of government vehicles are asked to pay
dures have been provided for an adverse
By no means should the Committee
for damages which have been caused by
action appeal.
unavoidable accidents. In some cities,
You will note how in each instance
consider that our testimony today encom-
carriers drive in fear of having their pay
definite time limits have been established
passes every condition in the postal es-
tablishment which contributes to morale.
reduced, paying for vehicle damages as
and a grievance appeal. as well as an
Neither should the Committee consider
a result of accident, being suspended
adverse action appeal, is transmitted gen-
that Postmaster General W. Marvin
from their jobs being involved in an
erally promptly and within time limita-
accident, and possibly being "grounded,"
tions as defined in the National Agree-
Watson is in any way responsible for the
conditions outlined. Postmaster General
meaning a return to foot carrier duties.
ment. Then comes the delay! After em-
Still another area which has caused
Watson has given early evidence of his
ployees have seen the procedure in action
concern is the failure of postmasters to
and how each appropriate individual has
concern for conditions of employment.
recognize senior letter carriers for promo-
conformed to the time limitations, the
and even higher concern for the postal
morale of the employee is shattered as
service. We expect great things from the
tion to supervisory positions. It is grossly
unfair to encourage all postal employees
he waits, in some instances, more than
new PMG; and perhaps advice from this
to take the supervisor examination and
a year for a final decision.
Committee could cause early achieve-
then disregard applicants who may be
As the representative of more than
ment of the goals which we anticipate
beyond age 45, which has been routine
90% of letter carrier appellants, I would
will be attained by Mr. Watson.
procedure over the past several years.
like to cite actual statistics concerning
Generally, the conditions underscored
It might be of interest to the Committee
pending appeals before the Department's
herewith are practices which have pre-
to learn the ages of newly appointed su-
Board of Appeals and Review. I have
vailed because of lack of adequate ap-
pervisors over the past several years to
in my files today 61 active appeals on
propriations, lack of training of postal
ascertain if there has been age discrimina-
which I have not yet been invited to ap-
management, and the over-emphasis on
tion. We have reports that although
pear before the Board of Appeals and
productivity with inadequate concern for
reasons have been given. the age of an
Review. Also in my files are an addition-
the human element.
employee must have been considered
al 133 appeals. Of this number. 85 were
Now, if I may, Mr. Chairman, I
when he was bypassed. We are not ad-
reviewed this year. Another 48 were re-
would like to introduce Mr. Lewis. who
vocating that employees should be pro-
viewed during 1967-in other words,
has some brief remarks on the labor-
moted strictly on the basis of seniority.
there have been 133 appeals reviewed by
management program.
(There is credit given on the examina-
this representative. and the B.A.R. to
MR. NIX. Very happy to have Mr.
tion for the service of each candidate).
which no decision has yet been made.
Lewis proceed.
However, it must be considered that the
Some of the appeals date back to July.
MR. LEWIS. Thank you very much,
senior man does have a wealth of ex-
1967. Others concern suspensions which
Mr. Chairman.
perience, and knowledge, and he has in
have occurred eight months ago.
Having been designated as the chief
his own mind not only the hope of
My purpose here is not for a moment
negotiator for the National Association
being recognized for a supervisory posi-
to criticize the three-member Board of
of Letter Carriers by President Jerome
tion, but also the opportunity to enable
Appeals. nor any member of their staff.
Keating at the very inception of the
himself to receive a higher annuity based
The current Board of Appeals is the most
labor-management program, I am very
upon the higher supervisory salary.
fair and impartial group with whom I
well acquainted with the conditions
have ever dealt over 27 years of postal
which exist there. In the executive order
APPEALS PROCEDURES
service. We do not win every case, and
which was issued by late President Jack
We have in the Postal Service one of
certainly we do not lose in each instance.
Kennedy back in 1962. high hopes were
the finest grievance and adverse action
When we lose a decision at least we
raised in the postal establishment, par-
appeals procedures existing anywhere to-
know that the appeal has been carefully
ticularly our organization, that at long
day in or out of government. One of the
and judiciously reviewed without any
last there was going to be consideration
reasons for this being true is the fact
regard as to personalities, but with deci-
to the morale and needs of the employ-
that employees have adequate rights when
sions absolutely made on the basis of
ees. Certainly we recognize that we are
they are aggrieved, or when adverse ac-
merit and finding of fact.
going to have to deal strictly with those
tion is proposed against them. We have
The Board of Appeals and their staff
matters having to do with working condi-
in our National Agreement provisions for
is completely understaffed and over-
(Continued on next page)
JULY, 1968
Page Fifteen
Colloquy at Subcommittee Hearings on Morale
(Continued from page 15)
discussions are held usually resulting in
of the total items presented to the nego-
tions and personnel policies and prac-
some very definite changes and improve-
tiating table at local levels, there are
tices.
ments being made.
over 7,000 non-negotiable items, matters
For the first year or perhaps the first
Always in the past we have been able
that apply to working conditions, per-
two years the executive order was in
to meet with people and discuss our
sonnel policies and practices, which the
effect in the Post Office Department, we
problems with people who can make
Executive Order gives us the clear right
found that there was equal enthusiasm
decisions. This year, prior to the com-
to discuss and have been declared op-
on the part of postal managers to have a
mittee being called in, we were informed
tionally non-negotiable by management
workable program as well.
that there would be no decisions made at
because they just don't care to discuss
these meetings, that there would be staff
these matters with us.
Somewhere in the process this enthu-
siasm waned and became a gradual state
people meet with our people to listen
This the Department has done more
of deterioration, so now we unhappily
to our arguments, hear our discussions,
in the last year or year and a half to
must report that the labor-management
but in the final analysis they would re-
destroy the entire image, entire picture
program, as it is known in the Postal
port our arguments to the higher-ups
that it has built up in the postal opera-
who ultimately would make a decision,
tions, as far as morale is concerned,
Service, is practically a meaningless op-
eration. I think it can not be better ex-
so we hope. We have no objections to
than anything in my 28 years in the
meeting with anybody from the Depart-
Postal Service.
plained or exploited than by what hap-
ment any time, but we have learned
I welcome the opportunity, Mr. Chair-
pened during our past negotiating period
lasting about six months. At the national
from experience that nobody can present
man, to discuss these matters with you,
our arguments in favor of what we are
and hope calling these to your attention
level it was necessary that we negotiate
trying to accomplish as we can our-
will have some effect in creating a better
a complete new agreement. I believe this
selves. To give our arguments to subordi-
atmosphere, a better morale, a better
is unheard of, Mr. Chairman, in the pri-
nates who in turn submit their ideas of
productivity among postal employees.
vate sector where, let us say, in the form
our arguments to their superiors makes
MR. NIX. Do you wish to introduce
of the United Automobile Workers, where
a farce of the whole operation. It is a
your other guests?
they negotiate with Ford of General
wonderful opportunity for the Post Of-
Motors and win benefits this year to have
MR. RADEMACHER. Mr. Chairman,
fice Department-and I am speaking only
to go back next year and re-win those
I am very pleased to have this opportu-
of this agency-to make some real gains
benefits all over again.
nity and thank you for the privilege. I
in building morale among their employ-
ask that our Assistant Secretary-Treas-
We look upon a contract as a living
ees. We are not asking for the oppor-
urer, Mr. Charles N. Coyle, bring for-
document, one in which we progress and
tunity of the right to manage the Post
ward our guest.
not step backwards. Unfortunately, the
Office Department. But we believe that
Mr. Chairman, we have here today
Post Office Department does not have
the intent of the executive order issued
from Kenya, Africa, Mr. Chadwick
the same feelings in this area.
by the late President Kennedy, that
Adongo, who is an International Repre-
As I said, we have been forced at the
through the mutual cooperation of the
sentative of the Postal Telegraph and
national level and the local level to nego-
Department and the postal employees
Telephone International. We are very
tiate new contracts, something that was
that a better service could be brought
pleased that he has found the time to be
entirely unheard of in any segment of
about. It is just as effective and mean-
with us so that he can participate and
industry or labor, and one which even
ingful now as it was back in those days.
witness firsthand the democratic proc-
the Postmaster General himself, who
We could cite you instance after in-
esses that take place in our great country.
came from the steel industry, commented
stance. For example, Mr. Chairman, out
MR. NIX. Mr. Adongo, on behalf of
upon in his own office as a gambit of
hitting upon optional negotiables. This
meant that local management. if they de-
termined this was a right they wanted to
retain themselves, even though it per-
tained to working conditions. personnel
policies and practices of the employees,
could by merely saying to the employees,
"We refuse to even discuss this with
you," be upheld by the Department as
an optional negotiable item.
With attitudes like this it is impossible
to have a meaningful labor-management
program. As Mr. Rademacher pointed
out earlier in his statement, while sal-
aries and economic benefits are impor-
tant, our people are now reaching the
point where good working conditions,
good personnel practices, become even
more important. Just this past week we
had our National Association of Letter
Carriers City Delivery Committee-
this is a group of five active letter car-
riers who meet on a once-a-year basis
with departmental officials - discuss
working conditions in the letter carrier
craft. This committee was established
Chairman Robert N. C. Nix. of the House Subcommittee on Postal Operations,
originally about 10 or 12 years ago.
reviews N.A.L.C. testimony with Vice-President James H. Rademacher (left),
Each year we are called in or meet with
Secretary-Treasurer J. Stanly Lewis and N.A.L.C. Field Director Joseph H.
the Department and some very lively
Johnson. Committee Staff Counsel Tom Kennedy is in the background.
Page Sixteen
POSTAL RECORD
myself and the entire committee, I want
MR. LEWIS. Yes, you have that op-
MR. NIX. What I am getting at is
to welcome you here. It is indeed a pleas-
tion. Then the conclusion to that option
this: Have you challenged the legality
ure to have you come.
is if you say there will be no negotia-
of this ruling; have you any way of
I also serve on the Foreign Affairs
tions, there also will be no contracts ever
doing so?
Committee of the House of Representa-
signed. You are put in the position that
MR. LEWIS. We have not challenged
tives of the United States. I am likewise
you can either discuss the items that
it. Our organization has not challenged
a member of the Subcommittee on Af-
management feels that they want to dis-
the legality of a ruling such as this type.
rica. You come from a section of the
cuss or discuss nothing at all.
Frankly, I don't know where we would
world in which I am deeply interested,
For example, in one office here in our
challenge it to, the courts or wherever
for which I have great admiration, first
own Washington. D.C. region, where we
it would be. We have met, Mr. Keating,
because of my ties with that section of
had some 30 items which had been in all
Mr. Rademacher and myself have met
the world. Secondly. because of the tre-
our previous contracts at the local levels,
with top departmental officials, including
mendous strides toward freedom. decen-
the branches resubmitted these identical
Postmaster General Watson, in trying to
cy, that part of the world has made in
items for negotiation, and out of 30
bring some order out of the chaos that
recent years.
items submitted 29 of them which had
exists at the present time. As of this date
You see you are welcomed here by
appeared and they are currently operat-
our efforts have been ineffective and have
me and other members of the subcom-
ing under were declared to be non-
not been producing any results at all.
mittee and the full committee. I reflect
negotiable by the local management.
MR. NIX. You have no intention of
their views. This is a deep and sincere
These were upheld, I might say, Mr.
not pursuing your---
welcome.
Chairman, by both regional people and
MR. LEWIS. We intend to pursue
Mr. Rademacher, would you care to
ultimately by the Department, which is
this, Mr. Chairman, in every way possi-
have Mr. Adongo or Mr. Johnson pro-
to be expected because there is where
ble. We recognize that Mr. Watson is a
ceed at this point?
the instructions came from.
new Postmaster General. We would like
MR. JOHNSON. There is not much
The Post Office Department passed
to have him have the opportunity to
more I can add to what our Vice Presi-
down through the regions to the local
bring his own house into order. If we
dent said, except that we appreciate this
managers their optional non-negotiable
find ultimately we can not be successful
hearing greatly.
provisions.
this way, I am sure that our organiza-
MR. NIX. Did Mr. Adongo want to
MR. NIX. For further clarification,
tion will investigate and take whatever
make any statement?
one more question.
steps are indicated as a result.
MR. RADEMACHER. Perhaps he
The authority to declare certain ques-
MR. NIX. Mr. Rademacher, may I
would like to respond to your very warm
tions not negotiable arose somewhere.
ask you, under Executive Order 10988,
welcome. He may do so at this time.
Where?
what are your rights in reference to non-
MR. NIX. Delighted to hear from you.
MR. LEWIS. From the material we
negotiable subjects?
STATEMENT OF
have gotten, Mr. Chairman, this arose at
MR. RADEMACHER. Executive Or-
MR. CHADWICK ADONGO.
the training school that was given to top
der 10988 just permits negotiation, but it
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTA-
regional officials and top postmasters in
ends there. There are no spelled-out
TIVE OF THE POSTAL TELEGRAPH
Norman. Oklahoma, at the University of
rights of what we are to do if some-
AND TELEPHONE INTERNATIONAL
Oklahoma.
thing like what we are facing today
MR. NIX. When?
UNION
occurs. I am happy that you brought
MR. LEWIS. This was, I would say.
this out because it should be revealed
MR. ADONGO. Thank you very
in February, somewhere in February of
to the committee that there are over
much. Mr. Chairman.
this year, February or March of this
7,000 of these so-called non-negotiables
I am very much delighted to be here
year. A series of four different meetings
that have occurred throughout the entire
to witness the process of your demo-
were held for each of them in a week,
country.
cratic approach to labor problems. I
at which some 600-plus total representa-
In talking to people that went to this
thank you very much because this is go-
tives from management were called into
University of Oklahoma, this was the re-
ing to be an education to me. I therefore
Oklahoma by the Post Office Depart-
action that we got from some of the
thank you very much.
ment.
people that were ready to speak out.
MR. NIX. Thank you.
MR. NIX. Since that time, this has
They went into one class and heard a
Now I would like to refer to the op-
been a part of management's policy?
labor professor. a person skilled in teach-
tional non-negotiable rights that you
MR. LEWIS. Yes, sir.
ing laboring people met with the post-
mentioned a while ago. That is of tre-
MR. NIX. Before this came into be-
masters and other representatives of man-
mendous interest to me. Did I under-
ing. what was the condition?
agement and they stated unequivocally
stand you to mean that the representa-
MR. LEWIS. The condition at that
that "the unions are here to stay. gen-
tives of management come to the bar-
time, Mr. Chairman, was that every
tlemen. and the best thing for you to do
gaining table and say that there are
item that pertained to working conditions
is to sit down and negotiate and try to
certain subjects that are virtually off
or personnel policies which was not spe-
work out the best possible conditions
limits?
cifically restricted by the provisions of
under existing regulations and laws."
MR. LEWIS. That is right.
the executive order, for the hiring of
The postmasters sat there and realized
MR. NIX. They are not negotiable?
employees. removing employees, budget
the professors must mean business. The
MR. LEWIS. That is right.
of the Department, things of this type.
bell rang and they went into the next
MR. NIX. Do you have any recourse
were negotiable at the bargaining table
room. They were told. "Don't give an
to that decision?
at all levels.
inch." That is exactly what has hap-
MR. LEWIS. Yes. there is recourse at
MR. NIX. Why did you accept the
pened. The courageous postmaster that
the local bargaining tables. If a matter
ruling that certain subjects were not ne-
wants to get along has signed an agree-
is determined to be non-negotiable or
gotiable?
ment and some of the agreements are
optional and non-negotiable by local
MR. LEWIS. Mr. Chairman, we have
very fine. This situation we are talking
managers and we don't agree this is a
not accepted it. As far as we are con-
about is not widespread. Perhaps at this
subject that we can not discuss, we can
cerned, these items are still negotiable.
point it is in about 60 percent of the
therefore refer it to the regional level
We have come down to this position:
post offices. In the other offices, the post-
where it is then reviewed by the em-
When we got to the national level on
masters had the courage to sign an
ployee representative and the representa-
items that we discuss as negotiable or
agreement irrespective of the orders they
tive of the regional staff.
non-negotiable or optionally negotiable.
received.
MR. NIX. What I am getting at. Mr.
we present our case and the Department
I think. Mr. Chairman, to resolve this
Lewis, is this: Can you say to them
tells us, "In spite of your disagreement
matter once and for all and save time, it
there will be no negotiations unless this
we are declaring these items to be non-
would be of interest to the committee
is determined?
negotiable."
(Continued on next page)
JULY, 1968
Page Seventeen
training material disseminated to fearful
tiate route adjustments" and the next
Morale Hearings
postal management at the training school.
paragraph says, "but you had better not
MR. NIX. This subcommittee intends
do it."
to have the Civil Service Commission in
MR. NIX. This in effect nullifies the
to explain, but it seems intolerable to me
national agreement or certainly restricts
(Continued from page 17)
that one body has the right before it
its operation. Would you say that?
to ask the Department to supply the
negotiates with another body to say
MR. RADEMACHER. It has made a
training material and have the staff go
which subjects are or are not negotiable.
farce of the whole program, Mr. Chair-
over it and see what harmful effects
It does not make sense to me.
man. Mr. Lewis can speak on this subject.
there were in the training material.
It would seem to me that the parties
MR. LEWIS. I would like to point out
There were no harmful effects in the
would have a meeting among themselves
that Executive Order 10988 which was
National Agreement. The harmful effects
and decide what is or is not the subject
issued in 1962 has not been changed one
came about in carrying out the pro-
matter of the conference. That is not the
iota, one comma, one word added. There-
cedures outlined in the agreement.
fact.
fore we should negotiate in the fourth
MR. NIX. I am quite sure that will
MR. RADEMACHER. That is where
round, which we are now in, as we ne-
be helpful. That will be done.
the conflict lies, Mr. Chairman. The na-
gotiated in these areas the last three
At the moment I want to pursue this.
tional agreement itself says we can ne-
negotiations at the local level under the
This executive order mentioned certain
gotiate in any area whatsoever that is
Executive Order which is our charter
procedures. Certainly there were certain
not in conflict with the laws of this coun-
allowing us to negotiate.-The National
duties it contemplated when it was is-
try or the regulations that have been
Agreement has been strengthened even
sued. There were certain other features
spelled out, but anything to do with
more than it was originally. The Agree-
which were not mentioned. Whenever
personnel policies that are not in conflict
ment provides that in the field of working
there is a legal document-and this is a
with an regulations, laws and so on can
conditions, personnel policies, as long
legal document-someone has to con-
be negotiated.
as it does not conflict with the existing
strue its meaning, someone has to inter-
And then we have the training school
laws or future laws, existing regulations
pret the meaning of the document.
set-up for management where they are
of the Post Office Department, Civil
Therefore it is fair to assume that some-
told "You do not have to" and this
Service or the Department of Labor
one explained it to the management in
Committee will read this in the informa-
where they apply, as long as it does not
this case that it means this, it means this
tion you are going to secure from the
come in conflict with the National Agree-
and this. That would be the attorney,
Post Office Department. In fact. the liter-
ment and is within the administrative
legal department of the Post Office, do
ature tells a Postmaster "you can nego-
(Continued on next page)
you think?
MR. RADEMACHER. No, sir. I am
sorry to have to say that it is the Civil
Service Commission that did the inter-
preting. We have testimony before the
presidential panel urging this whole pro-
gram be moved out of the Civil Service
Commission, and transferred to the La-
bor Department or a special agency set
up just for the labor-management re-
lations program in government. We feel
the Civil Service Commission should
not have jurisdiction and control over
the program. It is their interpretation
that is responsible for many of our
problems today.
The executive order did provide defi-
nite areas for negotiation and when we
respond in those areas, some Postmasters
claimed it to be their prerogative. If you
look at the executive order too closely
you see there are not too many areas in
which to negotiate. Now the President's
panel is examining the Executive Order
to which we have suggested amend-
ments to make the Order realistic and
provide the unions with the type of pro-
tection you refer to today and which is
not in the Executive Order.
There is only one provision of the
Executive Order that can protect us in
the dilemma we are in, that is, Section
15, which provides "it is not the intent
of the order to terminate any past prac-
tices or policies." Yet it is the intent of
the current postal management to scuttle
the policies that do prevail.
Mr. Chairman, five years ago our peo-
ple had a crash training program and
they managed to get a very fine agree-
ment in almost every post office. Today
you wouldn't recognize that agreement
WASHINGTON. D.C.-The "Poor Peoples' Campaign" was the beneficiary of
because of what has happened to it.
contributions of members of New York City Branch 36. Representative Robert N. C.
Nix. of Philadelphia, representing the Southern Christian Leadership Conneil accepts
It has been slaughtered. not by the
the contributions from Branch 36 president and chairman of the N.A.L.C. Executive
national agreement which was just signed
Board Philip Lepper. Also in the photo above from the left are: Murray Corito,
by the Postmaster General by by the
Claude Jones, and Lou Yorkel-Photo courtexy of Hy Sandbank.
Page Eighteen
POSTAL RECORD
jurisdiction of the Postmaster, it is a
So the conclusion follows, if this com-
fit subject for negotiation.
mittee is able to reach some accommoda-
tions on this nonoptional, nonnegotiable
Morale Hearings
But these policies have all been nulli-
fied by the careful instructions that were
rights, have it explained and have it
issued not only in Norman, Oklahoma,
eliminated. I do not see where it has
any part in real negotiations. I just can-
MR. RADEMACHER: Very definite-
but by the people who went there and
returned to their home area and had
not see it.
ly, and naturally the first method would
be to have a little more humanism dis-
meetings with postal officials of smaller
Let me ask you on another subject.
played and the elimination of suspicion
offices. So it became widespread not only
Do you think the former Postmaster
on the part of management especially as
in the areas represented by the 600 peo-
General O'Brien's suggestion that the
concerns the unions. They say the un-
ple who were at Oklahoma, but through-
Post Office Départment should be abol-
out the entire Postal Service.
ions want to usurp their authority and
ished and turned into a nonprofit corpo-
take over the Post Office Department,
MR. RADEMACHER. If I may brief-
ration would help or hurt the postal em-
which is the furthest from the truth you
ly, Mr. Chairman, I will give you an ex-
ployees, Mr. Rademacher?
can get.
ample of what happened. We have a
very fine Branch at Brownsville, Texas.
MR. RADEMACHER. Mr. Chairman,
Also, there is a matter in the hands of
the committee's recommendations which
They are a very good group that tries
the Congress that would help in other
stem from their investigation have not
ways, and that is adequate appropria-
to get along with management and they
been officially released. We have read
tions. We have lambasted management
realized the problems we were going to
about them in various publications. But
today, (they have got it coming in some
have. So they thought they would start
from the early information that we have
areas) but they too are the victims of
out this year by negotiating a proposal
indicating that the Branch will not at-
on it and being an organization dedicat-
these pressures which stem from inade-
ed to service, we certainly could not go
quate appropriations. They have just had
tempt to resolve any gievance in any
other way than spelled out in the Na-
along with the proposition.
another reduction this year and we are
We have always depended upon the
going to try to live with it according
tional Agreement.
In other words, not go to the news-
Congress for servicing the needs of our
to Postmaster General Watson. We hope
papers or demonstrate, but just do it
members through pay and fringe benefits,
we can with the expanding mail volume.
according to procedure. And they pre-
and in the same manner we have de-
Once again morale is affected when
sented this as proposal No. 1. The Post-
pended on the Congress to see to it that
one sees the heavy volume of mail. Every
the people in this country receive the
press release we read says more mail,
master said it it nonnegotiable.
best possible mail service. We feel that a
it is exploding. Somebody has to deliver
Mr. Chairman. I submit to you that
same language was a proposal of the
corporate form of postal service would
the mail. If there is no manpower avail-
Post Office Department on page 4 of
soon diminish service, the type of mail
able, no overtime permitted. there natu-
the Postmaster's training book. the exact
volume would be limited, and the em-
rally is a shattering of morale.
language that our Branch took from the
ployees would not have the privilege of
Now in the Postal Service within the
training book submitted as a proposal
coming before the Congress as we are
next five years. perhaps 60 or more
today. A corporation whose directors
percent of every letter carrier will be
and the Postmaster of Brownsville, Texas
would be concerned about profit or non-
mechanized. We are for mechanization
said not negotiable.
profit or showing a good record would
but if you do not train people properly.
At this point, Mr. Chairman, I would
not be has human-minded as this com-
if they live in a state of fear, if they
like Field Director Joseph H. Johnson
to tell you briefly how he found things
mittee and other committees of the Con-
dare to have an accident they are going
in the Washington, D. C. region on these
gress have been.
to be suspended or going to have to pay
"nonnegotiables."
So that is where our fears stem from,
some of their family's income to repair
MR. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman, the
and until we actually see the recommen-
a vehicle, or they are going to have to
Items at the local level, which are de-
dations, we cannot take an official stand.
suffer transfer of assignment just because
clared nonnegotiable come to the regional
I am merely responding on the evidence
they had an accident, these things all
level, at which I am to sit down and
we have at hand.
add up to morale factors and they can
be corrected by this committee suggest-
discuss same with the regional officials.
MR. NIX. We have had extensive
ing changes and by there being an all-
Approximately 500 of these items did
hearings before this committee on that
out attempt to educate management in
come to the regional level and we dis-
question. We have a great number of
other areas than productivity.
cussed them. Of the 500 I dare say less
bills and an equally great number of
As I have stated. Mr. Chairman, the
than ten percent were returned back to
plans for this. And of course the pro-
productivity of the letter carriers is at
our local Branches with agreement they
ponents of each bill seem to be con-
an all-time high. The only reason it is
were negotiable. The balance of them of
vinced that his plan is the plan of the
not higher is because the Post Office
course were referred to the national sec-
century. And yet. during the hearings.
Department is loaded down with tempo-
retary-treasurer, who must discuss the
in answer to questions as to the value of
raries and if you deduct the number of
issues with the Department.
the respective plan, no one has any
temporaries from the postal payroll, you
So you see, we are not doing very
assurance that the evils complained of
will see the productivity of the letter
well at all because at the regional level
could be remedied or that there would
carrier is extremely high. With that high
they have received these instructions and.
not be comparable evils of the respec-
productivity and with the fact that our
quite frankly, many of these people at
tive plans were accepted.
routes are adjusted as tight to eight hours
the regional level did go into the field
So I too think it might be wise to wait
and and taught some of the smaller
as they possibly can get, then there is
for this report to come out, not in the
office Postmasters who were not able
reason to forget about productivity and
hope it is going to answer-although I am
to go to the Oklahoma school.
concentrate on the human element. And
not prejudging it-but they still are
They gave these same instructions to
that is all we are asking.
human beings and I cannot for a single
the postmasters in the smaller offices
MR. NIX: I thank you very much, Mr.
moment believe that they have qualities
that they would get in Norman. Okla-
Rademacher, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Johnson.
homa. That is what caused this type of
superior to the other human beings-so
And again, Mr. Adongo. I want to thank
results.
not with the hope it is going to offer any
you for being present and renew my wel-
MR. NIX. To me I think it would be
grand design. but merely to peruse it and
come to you to visit Washington and
fair to say that whatever major difficulties
see what it does offer.
visit my office at any time you find it
we have in management and labor in the
Is it your opinion, Mr. Rademacher.
convienent when you are in the City of
Post Office could be eliminated if full
that the morale could be materially
Washington.
meaningful discussion could be had on
strengthened and improved if some of
Thank you very much.
all of these subjects that are legally
the things set forth in your statement
MR. RADEMACHER: Thank you,
brought up.
are accomplished?
Mr. Chairman.
JULY, 1968
Page Nineteen
Jawes them Radeunacher
NIXON Statement 5
Need by Tues
the 24 In
Ewen've the wast Times, theo wasur /
Imongles of stive - under Democratic
MORALE
ademiums trature, there are arganisations
Seeking to awared laws to
Sermico
have the right to stills -
Obviewsly Someting is wrong- -
areit enough outsituties
through the new Us - he future
in heing a lever Carrier -
Can only become Supervisor
of carries of route foreuman
5200 of those who pass may be
taken fromoted.
Deans are giving exam how
Just before dection to
encourage people. -
as
Delays in hearing Grievance -
Gareement how madeed with
watson - Election move -
has finally given Postal eur ployees
due most basic am playee reques -
has delayed for wonths-
huajor issues
1
Come parability of fringe benefits
in all areas -
Coan parahility of Pay is how Junciple
wearinful collectium barquining
3rd Party involvement -
union Participation on Survey Team
- Survey taves a year or wire
turn over is costly - 'B of 700,000
em players less than 3 years
Service
2
work ing condition - Com parality
of union vigues - Communance
etc-
Condiciated Wage Board
Returned System on Somed
financial Basis - Govt
weeting is obligations
until Legis is based, we
wanT belice advision of Exec
order - -
10988 - Top of P2 -
Pay Surveys are dilayed -
Exce purledures do not
Usul in Com purishley
way in which Survey
BLS amount Survey
See P12 For Possible Quite-
STATEMENT OF JAMES H. RADEMACHER, PRESIDENT
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS
BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE ON POST OFFICE AND CIVIL SERVICE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1968
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
Naturally the National Association of Letter Carriers is
deeply concerned about the methods currently used to adjust wages
of postal workers. Our recently elected officers are appearing
here today for the purpose of assisting in the expression of their
views on this subject, and at the same time are urging certain
reforms in what appears to be an unrealistic, outmoded and
antiquated system. My fellow officers are Vice President
J. Stanly Lewis, Secretary-Treasurer William T. Sullivan, Assistant
Secretary-Treasurer J. Joseph Vacca, and the Directors of our
Insurance subsidiaries, Mr. George A. Bang, Mr. Austin B. Carlson
and Mr. Glenn M. Hodges.
I want to begin this testimony by thanking you, and congratulating
you, Mr. Chairman, on calling these hearings on a very important
aspect of postal life and the future of the postal service. I am
especially grateful for your remarks, made yesterday at the initiation
of these hearings, to the effect that you want these hearings to be
somewhat "free-wheeling" in character, an open exchange of ideas
which can conceivably lead to substantial reforms in the future.
This creates an atmosphere that is, necessarily, absent in
more formal hearings on specific legislation and we are grateful
for the opportunity of airing our views in such an unrestricted
forum.
The current procedure of paying postal employees is the product
of an alleged system of comparability. We question the term
2
"comparability." At the same time we claim that despite earnest
attempts at improvement, there has been little significant change
in procedures which have been in effect for pay adjustments since
the delivery service was initiated over one hundred years ago.
As in the past, either postal organizations or the Administration
can persuade the Congress to initiate legislation aimed at adjusting
the wages of postal workers. After the organization of Congressional
committees, hearings can be scheduled. Lengthy testimony is then
heard by the Committee and after considerable hauling and pulling
from both sides, a "compromise" bill is usually produced.
If the Committee action is unsatisfactory to the unions, attempts
are made either on the House floor, or in the other body, to amend
the committee action in order to provide more pleasing results.
On the other hand, if the Committee action is more generous
than the Administration desires, pressures are brought to bear for
the full committee to decrease the degree of generosity. Sometimes
efforts are made to induce the Rules Committee to withhold approval
unless a more conservative bill is proposed.
In other words, enactment of postal pay becomes a matter of
constant battle among the Administration, the Congress, and the
various unions representing postal workers. This type of legislative
action is outmoded and is not indicative of sound modern practices.
Certainly it is unscientific and leads often to inaccurate results.
We would recommend today that consideration be given to a tri-
party procedure wherein the Congress would benefit from the views
of three separate and distinct groups:
(1) The Administration would recommend increases based upon
3
the so-called comparability formula;
(2) the unions would continue to testify in support of their
views as to what they consider to be appropriate increases;
(3) a third group, consisting of totally disinterested persons
of acknowledged competence, sort of an ombudsman type of committee,
would offer testimony in support of its findings.
Your Subcommittee, Mr. Chairman, is well aware of the procedures
which are followed by the Administration and the unions. The
Administration suggests legislation encompassing increases of an
amount it feels to be based upon comparability. The unions then
immediately oppose the recommendation with far more liberal suggestions.
The two views of what "comparability" is are predictably divergent.
We have in mind a "third party" committee who would take
testimony from Administration representatives and from the unions,
and develop from the facts attained, recommendations as to what
amounts are necessary to first of all have wages based on the
comparability formula, and secondly, to answer the needs of employees
as expressed by the unions.
For example, the Administration might recommend a comparability
increase of 3 per cent. The unions maintain that a 3 per cent
increase would not in any way correct the problem of recruitment
and retention of first-class employees. We have too many potential
recruits who refuse to accept postal employment, and too many who
leave postal employment before they reach their maximum usefulness
because of inadequate wages.
The "third party" committee would investigate these contentions
of the unions, and at the same time explore, with the Bureau of
4
Labor Statistics, the basis of its recommendations.
Following the gathering of all the facts, the Congress then
would be advised of the findings and could then base their actions
on the recommendations made by the Administration, the unions, and
the "ombudsman committee." If the Congress determined to grant
increases higher than those proposed by the Administration, it would
have a basis for doing so with the testimony rendered by the neutral
third party, as well as facts presented by the unions.
The "third party" would be appointed as a result of Congressional
action, and it should be in the form of a commission which would not
be subject to administrative control, or to political interference.
In our opinion, this procedure would not be the total answer
to the immediate problem of the need of a modern approach to the
adjustment of wages of Government workers. However, it would not
only be a compromising influence in determining what amounts would
be necessary to grant increases based upon alleged comparability,
but it would also insure salary adjustments based upon objective
fact-finding.
It is only natural and proper for the union to be seeking
wages which provide for the purchasing power necessary for decent
family living. At the same time, the union's purpose is to build
the image of its members and to have them receive wages consistent
with the intrinsic value of the work they perform. Although union
demands in the past have been considered by some to have been
exorbitant, the National Association of Letter Carriers has always
presented testimony to substantiate our demands for such increases.
5
We shall continue to seek the highest possible wage which is
commensurate with the responsibilities of the people who carry
the mail.
When that responsibility entails delivering trillions of
dollars in checks, money orders, bonds, negotiable documents and
other material things, there should be a salary to match the
responsibility. When we look about us and see how people who have
the admittedly serious, and sometimes dangerous, responsibility
of driving a motor bus through the streets of a community for a
salary of more than $7,000 annually, and then know that the people
responsible for the Nation's mail service earn less than $6,000
during their initial year of employment, we do feel justified in
recommending drastic changes in legislative procedures.
In addition to the inadequacy of postal pay in comparison to
the responsibility of the job, there is the ridiculous and antiquated
law which makes it necessary that a rookie letter carrier work
21 years before he can enjoy top wages. In fact, there are many
senior letter carriers today who have worked more than 21 years,
and have still not reached the top step of their pay level.
We have recently surveyed more than 300 cities throughout the
country, and we have asked for information concerning wage scales
of police and firemen. We also requested information as to the
length of service necessary to enjoy top wages in each of these
job classifications. In only a dozen cities among the 300 are
police and firemen required to work longer than five years to enter
the top step of their pay level. In fact, the average for all
6
cities surveyed shows that top wages are received after only four
years of service.
In many cities which have faced the recruitment crisis and
which do provide realistic salaries for employees who they hope
will remain on the rolls for their entire careers, it requires only
two years to reach the top step, with increases granted each six
months. It is true that, in a majority of the cities, the increases
are granted each year, but in more than a third of the cities
surveyed, step increases occur each six months.
Our recent National Convention has mandated the National
Association of Letter Carriers to seek the enactment of legislation
to have the top step of the postal pay schedule reached after
five years of service. We hope to have appropriate legislation
introduced in the 91st Congress, and we shall vigorously pursue
this objective.
There are many ways which government workers in foreign
countries use to achieve an adjustment of their wages. In many
countries it requires a strike by these employees to secure some
kind of increase. Strikes are permitted in many governments who
feel that government workers should have the same rights as any
other laboring individual,
Recently the Canadian postal worker was given the right to
strike if he was not happy with the recommendations of the government
relative to salary increases. After a successful, and legal,
22-day strike in July, our brothers to the north won a new two-year
contract which provides an 11 per cent salary increase. There was
a retroactive increase of more than $400 included in the agreement,
7
Other terms of the new contract provide that all present employees
were to be moved into the maximum salary. The top pay will now be
reached after three years of service. (Previously the top grade was
achieved after seven years on the job.)
Canadian postal workers are now part of an "agency shop" which
requires all employees to pay union dues via payroll deduction,
whether or not they are union members. Canadian unions won full
union recognition in the grievance procedure. This means that the
government agreed to abide by the union's method of processing
grievances.
Of special interest in the new Canadian contract is a new
provision which allows 28 weeks of full pay, after retirement,
before annuities commence. Canadian postal workers will now receive
11 paid holidays, plus three days' funeral leave following the death
of a member of the immediate family.
The right for the Canadian workers to strike came about
following a brief "wildcat" strike in 1965. A blue-ribbon government
commission declared that employees had the right to strike if they
were not satisfied with the recommendations of their government.
The Canadian system now permits employees to bargain over most items,
including wages and, in the event of impasse, the unions may choose
either binding arbitration, or agree to accept the recommendations
of a board of conciliation.
If the union is dissatisfied with the board's recommendations,
strike is permitted.
8
Of course, the legislative process is different in Canada
which is ruled under the parliamentary system. The chief executive
is chosen by the majority in the legislature. Therefore, all
actions of the executive usually will carry the approval of the
legislative majority. Wages are not set by Parliament, and the
postal employees have little contact with the Parliament, though
the Postmaster General is a member of that body. In Canada the
unions bargain with a representative of the executive who makes
the agreement and sends it on to the legislature for its approval.
COMPARABILITY
There is much to-do about comparability and the terminology
involved in the controversy has not been clearly defined since its
introduction in 1962. There have been numerous attempts by various
individuals to render opinions on what the Government has actually
done in the forumlation of the comparability feature of Government
pay. However, there needs to be a clearer definition, and the
accomplishment of comparability cannot take place until and at such
time as there is a definition and understanding of exactly what
Congress wanted to be accomplished.
About two weeks ago we received a press release, dated
September 4, 1968, from the Civil Service Commission, announcing
that the Director of the Bureau of the Budget and the Chairman of
the Civil Service Commission have offered to Federal-employee
organizations a plan for more extensive consultation on comparisons
of Federal salary rates with private enterprise salary rates. This
plan was discussed here yesterday by the Chairman of the Civil
Service Commission. We have no further information, and we are
concerned about the opportunity that is now being offered.
9
Under the plan as we understand it, we would continue to be asked
for our views after the Bureau of Labor Statistics makes its annual
comparability findings, but before the Commission makes its final
recommendations to the President. In addition to this consultation,
we would be allowed to discuss the BLS findings with the Budget
Bureau and Commission staff members. Later we would be notified of
the proposed changes in the scope of the survey, and consulted before
the changes were made.
Needless to say, this is a step in the right direction. I must
add, however, that we know of no instance in which the Commission
has changed its mind after consultation with the unions. In fact,
the opposite is true--the Commission makes up its mind, tells us
about it, asks our opinion, disregards what we have to say, and then
goes on and issues its original decision. The so-called "offer" is
a step in the right direction, but is not adequate for the needs.
Although we have no quarrel at this time with the data collected
by the BLS, we do strenuously object to some steps taken to find
comparable salaries. We feel the BLS is totally objective, but the
agencies requesting its services, and dictating the scope of its
inquiry, are not.
For example, in 1966 a new occupation (buyer) was added to the
employees with which letter carriers are compared, and at the same
time, the size of firms surveyed was lowered. These two actions,
taken without consulting representatives of the employees whose very
livelihood depends on the survey, appear to have been taken for no
other reason than to lower the average salary findings.
10
Last year before this same Committee, Charles L. Schultze, then
the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, said the comparability
principle states that rates, not increases, must be comparable.
The principle, according to his direct quote, "says nothing about
comparability with the better employer, or the biggest employers,
or employers of organized workers." It was Mr. Schultze's contention
that the law does not state Federal workers in any given occupation
should get the same salaries as their counterparts in private
industry. "It prescribes only a work level relationship," Mr. Schultze
declared, "which must represent a number of occupations at the same
work level. Obviously, there will be differences in pay among the
occupations."
We still cannot compare apples with oranges, except in weight.
In looks, taste, smell, there are no comparisons. Similarly, you
can compare rates, but will the work level relationship be comparable?
You can compare work level relationships, but will the pay rates be
comparable?
In order to be fully comparable, all aspects must be as nearly
comparable as possible. If rates of pay are to be comparable, then
pay increases must be higher until they are comparable, and equal
when they are comparable. If work levels are comparable, then rates
of pay must be comparable. And if letter carriers who are close to
100 per cent unionized, and who work for the largest employer of them
all are to be compared, then they must be compared to employees working
for the largest employer in the private sector who is also organized.
Why should letter carriers and postal clerks be compared with
accountants, auditors, job analysts, chemists, engineers, draftsmen,
11
buyers? Certainly we are none of these.
We should be compared to employees who have the same monetary
and public relations responsibilities, as well as the same fiduciary
responsibility. In one month's time our members deliver billions
of dollars--checks to annuitants, payments to retailers, negotiable
securities to the banks, and millions of other envelopes which
contain negotiable items. The economy literally rides on our back.
As public relations men we are the only portion of Government
with which the average American citizen will ever come in contact.
We are more comparable, I submit, with public relations men, salesmen,
policemen and firemen. Although our responsibilities are not similar,
they are no less than equal. Our work of late has been just as
dangerous, and our work load even more demanding.
Additionally, we object to the time lag between when the survey
information is obtained and when it is put into effect. We received
a pay raise in October 1967 that was based on data compiled in
February and March 1966. The data was compiled in February and
March 1966, Mr. Chairman--19 months before we got our raise. And
there is no telling how old it was when it was collected. In
unionized shops, the wage rate at that time could have gone into
effect as much as a year before. In non-union shops, it could have
been in existence since nobody can remember when.
Last July, we received a five per cent pay raise. If that
increase hadn't been written into the 1967 law, we would have gotten
an increase based on data collected 13 months before and probably
older than that. Next July we will, I hope, receive another pay
raise. And this one will be based on data 13 months old or older.
Is this comparable?
12
No self-respecting union in the private sector would stand by
and say thank you to a raise based on data over a year old. Most
unions have up-to-date wage data on which to base their current demands
and to interpolate what their demands for the next one or two years
should be. Too, in case they are a bit off in the prognostications,
they can negotiate cost-of-living clauses in their contracts SO
that their members won't fall behind in the race with inflation.
Give us a hand in gathering the wage data and we will have that
data and have it quicker. Unions representing the Government's
wage-board employees not only play a part in getting the pay data,
but they are on committees that advise pay policy. That's
consultation! If we helped to collect data, then our members who have
something at stake here, would see to it that it was collected and
collected fast.
By law, the wage-board employee must have his raises within 45
days after the wage board survey has started. The argument could be
made that a wage board survey is much smaller in scale than the
national survey conducted by BLS, and the data, therefore, can be
collected more quickly. The answer to this contention is simple.
Place a statutory limit on the compilation of the national survey.
Have the Commission make its recommendations within 00, 120, 150 days
after the survey is begun.
Institute the surveys in all areas at the same time, compile
the data more quickly with the aid of the unions, require the
recommendations to be made within a specific period of time, and you
eliminate the time lag.
Now we are starting to talk about comparability.
13
In conclusion, we want to make it crystal clear here today that,
whatever innovations may come about as the result of this Committee's
deliberations, we would use every means at our command to prevent the
removal of the Congress from the role of final judge of the wages of
postal employees.
We feel that the postal service belongs to the people. The
Congress represents the people. The Congress therefore should be the
determining factor in the decision as to what is an appropriate wage
to be paid to the people involved in the security and sanctity of the
United States Mails.
It becomes a matter of value more than cost. It becomes a
matter of what it is worth, rather than the economic problems a
proper wage would entail. And only Congress should make that
determination.
However, they should make that determination only after hearing
testimony from a neutral "third party" ombudsman type of committee,
skilled in mediating such matters.
Congress should also make the decision only at such time as
representatives of the postal workers have been permitted to work with
the Bureau of Labor Statistics and all other agencies responsible in
making recommendations concerning postal wage scales.
We are very pleased that you, Mr. Chairman, have initiated this
hearing, since we have long known of your concern over the rather
cumbersome and outdated present system of adjusting wages of postal
workers. We will be happy to work with you, your Committee, and
14
your staff, to help in the formulation of any recommendations which
would accomplish the objective of a more realistic modernistic
approach to the formulation of postal wage scales.
Thank you very much.
opeiu #2
vnen a defect involving safety in the operation
IS presently being considered by a subcommittee or the
of a vehicle is reported on Form 4565, Repair Tag,
National Labor-Management Committee.
PMG'S PRESS RELEASE ON NEGOTIATIONS
P
OSTMASTER General W. Marvin Watson today an-
Mr. Watson attended most of the conventions and
nounced that the Post Office Department and its
learned first-hand of differences which had developed
employee organizations have resolved all key differ-
at the local level.
ences involving negotiability which had held up the
More than 4,700 post office labor contracts already
signing of more than 1,200 post office labor contracts.
have been signed. Although local negotiations ended
Thirty-three major issues were settled after a con-
last May 20, Postmaster General Watson had, in effect,
ference in which Mr. Watson met personally with chief
extended the deadline by directing postmasters in cer-
spokesmen for seven exclusive employee organiza-
tain offices without new agreements to observe pro-
tions representing more than 600,000 postal workers
visions of previous contracts until October 1.
throughout the nation.
Now, affected local bargaining teams are being in-
After stating broad policy guidelines, the Postmaster
structed to re-examine all questions of non-negotiabil-
General appointed two key staff members to review
ity which had been referred to higher level for settle-
each item with labor representatives. Assistant Post-
ment. The local parties are to adjudge each issue suit-
master General Richard J. Murphy, chief of personnel,
able for bargaining or not suitable, in accord with the
and Mr. John D. Swygert, Executive Assistant to Dep-
terms of the national settlement, and they are to take
uty Postmaster General Frederick C. Belen, worked
any necessary action, including further negotiations,
out specific provisions of the agreement with Mr. James
to resolve any remaining differences. A rule which
H. Rademacher, President of the National Association
had limited such supplementary bargaining to one
of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO, and Mr. Don E. Dunn,
day will be suspended, and the sides will be authorized
Executive Vice President of the United Federation of
to devote "a reasonable time" to the conclusion of
Postal Clerks, AFL-CIO.
negotiations.
"I should like to compliment my staff members and
Local actions are to be guided by the following policy
all labor representatives involved, particularly Mr.
statement issued by the Postmaster General in the
Rademacher and Mr. Dunn, for the spirit of cooperation
interests of fostering "sound labor-management rela-
and dedication with which they approached this mat-
tions at the post office level":
ter," Postmaster General Watson said.
"Their sincere efforts are a further demonstration of
"It is the policy of the Postmaster General to
the strength and integrity of the postal labor-manage-
provide employees and their designated representa-
ment program. Now that mutual agreement and under-
tives at all levels an opportunity for greater partici-
standing have been reached at the national level on all
pation in the formulation and implementation of
key points in dispute, I feel certain that post office
policies and procedures affecting the conditions of
matters can be cleared up expeditiously and that we
their employment.
will soon achieve a settlement all over the nation which
"It is the policy of the Postmaster General to
will be in the best interests of the postal service and
authorize local negotiations on personnel policies,
practices and working conditions provided proposals
the postal employee."
The settlement means that local post office contracts
are not in conflict with law, regulations. Executive
should be- concluded within the next few weeks SO that
Order 10988 and the National Agreement."
all personnel may concentrate on preparations for the
Issues which were settled at the national level involve
heavy Christmas rush. The top level meeting to resolve
union rights, holiday assignments, details to other
differences was called as swiftly as possible after the
duties, assignments of substitute employees, assign-
conclusion of union conventions which last month com-
ment of ill or injured employees and similar matters of
manded the full-time attention of postal labor leaders.
local concern.
9/18/65
630PM
56-RECORD-14417
PRESIDENT'S PRESS RELEASE -
POSTAL RECORD-14417
President's Press Release
Number One
September 10, 1968
Subject: Dog bites
"Unleashed dogs are not only caus-
ing too much damage to mailmen, but
they are taking too much of a bite
out of the taxpayer's dollar" accord-
ing to James H. Rademacher, presi-
dent of the National Association of
Letter Carriers.
He points out that 10,000 mailmen
were bitten by dogs last year, over
1,000 of them suffering such serious
injury as to warrant hospitalization
or medical treatment.
The Department of Labor estimates
that the average cost for a bitten
letter carrier's case is $546, so the
annual bill is well over a half-million
dollars to taxpayers.
The number of dog bite casualties
is up 20 percent in the last two years,
he said.
"Letter carriers are dog-owners and
pet lovers," Rademacher said. "We
are not anti-dog, only we feel the gov-
ernment should conduct some kind of
educational program to get house-
holders to restrain their dogs when
the mailman comes around."
Another alternative may be legis-
lation, he suggested, adding: "There
is already a law making it a federal
offense to assault a mailman; maybe
we ought to broaden the law to
cover those who assault the mailman
through their dogs."
He noted the post office department
in conjunction with the Department
of Labor is conducting a study on how
to prevent letter carriers from being
bitten by dogs, which is expected to
take 21 months to complete.
"By the time the study is completed
17,500 more letter carriers will be
bitten," Rademacher concluded. "We
can't wait that long and I don't think
the taxpayers want to wait that long."
Postal Unions Revolt
Over Strike Law
By JOHN CRAMER
The revolt of rank-and-file postal employee unions
against the short-sighted policies of the Post Office Depart-
ment and the high-handed practices of many postmasters
has reached a new crescendo.
It has become just about as unanimous and just about
as emphatic as it possibly can get-at least for the moment.
First the AFL-CIO Postal Clerks, with 165,000 mem-
bers, and the independent National Postal Union, with
70,000, voted to delete the "no-strike" clauses from their
constitutions, tho both carefully avoided violating the law
by "advocating" the right to strike.
Now the AFL-CIO Letter Carriers, with 160,000 mem-
bers, has voiced the same protest in slightly different
fashion.
At their Boston convention last week, the Carriers
adopted resolutions calling on their national officers, in-
cluding new President James Rademacher, to:
"Investigate fully the legal and legislative technicalities
involved so that Government employees may be accorded
the right to strike by Congress."
"Study the feasibility of removing the no-strike oaths
that all Federal workers must swear to before they can
be hired."
The law prohibits Federal employee strikes; denies rec-
ognition, including the right to dues checkoff and other
privileges, to unions which "advocate" the right to strike.
The postal worker revolt-and that's the proper word
for it-has a readily-traceable history.
At its root is the fact that local postmasters have a great
deal of autonomy, which a few too many abuse, thru labor
practices which would be intolerable outside a post office.
The 1961 Kennedy Executive Order, setting up a new
system of labor-management for Federal workers, offered
promise that these practices might be ruled off limits-
and some were.
In the first years of the order, the department adminis-
tered it with great liberality
won the praise of union
leaders
raised high hopes among the rank and file.
But beginning in 1966. when the Administration invoked
its "guidelines" to hold Federal employee raises to a mere
2.9 per cent, the department began to adopt a much more
hard-nosed policy.
The 1966 Pay Act included a provision which, for the
first time, guaranteed regular postal employees overtime
pay (rather than compensatory time off) for work in ex-
cess of 40 hours per week.
But the department outraged employees by authorizing
a system of duty-shift juggling which forced many to work
up to 10 consecutive days-without overtime.
It's almost certain this was not what Congress intended
when it enacted the overtime law. Less certain-and still
before the courts-is whether the actual language of the
law expressed what Congress intended.
In any event, the department's action was a red flag to
highly-unionized employees brought up in the tradition of
the 40-hour week.
And their resentment spewed to over-flowing when the
department this year encouraged local postmasters into an
incredibly hard-boiled stance in bargaining for new labor
contracts in local offices.
Specifically, the department:
Encouraged and even trained postmasters to declare
"non-negotiable" many provisions which had been written
into previous local contracts. This amounted to taking
away from employees many gains previously won.
Had the department deliberately tried to rouse maxi-
mum employee resentment, it couldn't have succeeded
better.
Sought to back down from its original tough position
by instructing postmasters they could declare contract
"optionally-negotiable"
whatever that means
outside the postal service you'll find it nowhere in the
lexicon of labor relations.
In practice, however, most "optionally-negotiable" items
became just as "non-negotiable" as those formally declared
so. Result: Still more resentment.
And that's the background of the postal employee revolt.
Have no doubt, it's a very real one.
-Washington Daily News, August 26, 1968
1. Issue: Federal Personnel Policies Relating to Government Employees.
2. Interested Groups: American Federation of Government Employees
(AFL-CIO) ; National Council of Federal Employees (AFL-CIO)
3. Platform Position: "assure comparability of Federal salaries with
private enterprise pay
snooping, meddling and pressure by the
Federal government on its employees
will be stopped and such
employees, whether or not union members, will be provided a prompt
and fair method of settling their grievances.'
4. Comment: The AFGE presented five separate issues all of which are
important to all the government employee unions and to other non-
union government personnel.
First, they call for increased cooperation between employees and
supervisors in the formulation and implementation of personnel
policies directly related to their employment while preserving the
right of an employee to join or refrain from joining an employee
organization. These policies are now in force by Executive Order
10988 issued in 1962. They desire legislative enactment.
Since the platform advocates a prompt and fair method of settling
grievances, and supports the right to join or not join an employee
organization, there would seem to be room for a general statement
in this area which would satisfy the unions without pinning down
the candidate.
Second, the AFGE desires a reworking of the administration of Wage
Board employees who are paid on a comparable basis to private
industry.
The platform advocates comparability of salaries and also states
that a thorough study of the operation of the Executive Department
is necessary. Again, this leaves substantial room for satisfactory
maneuver
Third, the AFGE desires an independent Board on Federal Employees
Constitutional Rights which would protect privacy. The platform
promises privacy protection and we could be specific on the promise
while stating we would consuder such a Board.
Fourth, The AFGE is concerned with the low level of annuities received
- 2 -
by retired Federal employees and suggests special tax credits and
exemptions for them.
This issue needs further analysis since all ramifications are not
clear, and it seems to be of secondary importance.
Fifth, The AFGE advocates an end to contracting out of Federal
work because of ceiling on government employment. They oppose a
provision which would allow a Federal agency to contract for work
to a private contractor who can perform at a lower cost than
Federal employees.
This proposal seems to raise serious questions and possibly we
would be safest in proposing a study in contracting out practices.
AFGE itself has 405,000 employees and affiliated organizations have
over 1 million and communications go out frequently and reach all
their members.
ISSUES IMPORTANT TO THE
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
1. Employee-Management Cooperation Program in the Federal Civil Service.
This program presently rests upon the provisions of Executive Order 10988
signed January 17, 1962, and effective July 1, 1962. Its purpose is to
permit Federal employees to participate in the formulation and implementa-
tion of personnel policies which are directly related to their employment.
The Order recognizes the right of a Federal employee to join or refrain
from joining an employee organization which has for its primary purpose
the improvement of working conditions and provides for consultation of the
organization by management in the formulation of personnel policies and
practices and matters affecting working conditions.
Solution - Enactment of legislation which will provide by law what
is now provided by Executive Order. This law should authorize a central
agency to regulate and police the program. There also should be esta-
blished an independent Board to hear and decide charges of unfair labor
practices and generally to regulate the operation of an employee-
management cooperation program within the Federal service.
2. Wage Board Pay System. An efficient system is at present lacking
for fixing wage rates for Federal employees whose rates of compensation
are established in accordance with prevailing rates in private industry.
At present an administrative procedure is in effect, known as the Coor-
dinated Federal Wage Board System. This system has some glaring
inadequacies. The National Wage Policy Committee directing this system
is headed by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. It would be
- 2 -
preferable to have an independent Board or Committee or at least have
appointments to the Committee made by all three Civil Service Commis-
sioners. Wage board employees also should receive such benefits as a
pay differential for night work; a workweek of five consecutive days
with two intervening days off; and a 10-step within-grade pay schedule
similar to that provided for white-collar employees paid according to
the Classification Act. Heretofore, wage rates for so-called wage-
board employees have consisted of single rates or two or three rates
where the rates are included in a grade.
Solution - Enactment of S. 2303 which has passed the Senate. This
bill is now pending in the Manpower and Civil Service Subcommittee of
the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee.
3. Constitutional Rights and Invasion of Privacy. Legislation is needed
to establish an independent Board of Federal Employees' Constitutional
Rights to which a Federal employee could appeal for a hearing on viola-
tions of his rights. It is necessary for the powers of such a Board
should be broad enough to hold hearings quickly. Under present
conditions, a Federal agency may take punitive or disciplinary action
which places an employee at a disadvantage and may make him liable to
considerable expense to defend himself from charges which are unfounded.
Solution - Enactment of S. 1035, which was passed by the Senate
in the last session of Congress and is now in the House Post Office
and Civil Service Committee.
- 3 -
4. Tax Deduction for Federal Government. Of approximately 600,000
retired Federal employees, three-fourths are receiving annuities which
are somewhat below the accepted poverty level of income. They are
receiving $200 or less per month.
Solution - At present the extent to which a retiree may be relieved
of paying the full amount of income tax on his annuity is what is known
as Retirement Income Credit. But this provides only a partial reduction.
It is not a deduction or exemption but only a credit against the amount
of tax due.
Another way to help some retired persons is to restore the double
exemption for those over 65 years of age. Still another means of pre-
venting the retiree from having his retirement income reduced is to
permit him to receive greater credit for medicines prescribed by his
physician.
Perhaps the most equitable and beneficial improvement for retirees
who were in the lower salary brackets would be the complete removal of
all Federal income tax liability. This would place the Federal Civil
Service annuitant on the same plane as the persons who qualify for
Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits.
5. Personnel Ceilings in Connection with Contracting Out. Contracting
out support services because a "ceiling" has been arbitrarily imposed or
placed on the number of Federal employees in an agency is costly and
wasteful. It results frequently in the loss of taxpayers' money which
could be avoided by using Federal civilian employees. Support services
are defined as an operation auxiliary to the function of an agency,
which does not involve a product and can be performed by Civil Service
employees or by contract with a private employer.
11 -
Support services are contracted in some instances because of ceiling
limitations even when the purchasing officer knows that the work could
be done more cheaply by Federal employees. The House Government Opera-
tions Committee in a report issued August 5 has recommended that ceilings
be lifted in cases where the work can be done by Federal employees at a
lower cost. This recommendation will save the Federal taxpayer millions
of dollars. However, the Committee also approved a recommendation that
a contract should be given to a private employer even in those cases
where he can carry out his work under conditions which are actually
illegal. This recommendation would authorize a Federal agency to set
aside Federal laws and regulations to let a contract if the private
contractor submits a bid to perform the work at a lower cost than it
could be done by Federal employees. Such a situation would lead to
the destruction of the merit principles of the Federal Civil Service
and waste Federal funds because of the harmful impact on Federal
employee morale.
Solution - The AFGE recommends that Federal employees should con-
tinue to perform all work historically assigned to them in the past.
All other support services should be performed either by Federal employees
or by private contractor, depending on which is cheaper. The choice should
be made with the fullest regard to all Civil Service laws and regulations
and without the imposition of arbitrary and artificial ceilings on the
number of Federal employees. Such work should be done also without
mingling Federal employees and the employees of a private contractor.
Postal Bulletin NOTICE
To All Installations
LOCAL NEGOTIATIONS
In order to resolve problems that have developed in local negotiations
and to foster sound labor-management relations at the post office level, the
following policies are stated:
1. It is the policy of the Postmaster General to provide employees
and their designated representatives at all levels an opportunity
for greater participation in the formulation and implementation of
policies and procedures affecting the conditions of their employment.
2. It is the policy of the Postmaster General to authorize local negotiations
on personnel policies, practices and working conditions provided
proposals are not in conflict with law, regulations, Executive
Order 10988 and the National Agreement.
Accordingly, representatives of the National Exclusive Organizations
and the Department have considered those mattersconcerning personnel policies,
practices and working conditions which have resulted in disagreement in the con-
duct of local negotiations under the terms of the National Agreement.
Mutual agreement and understanding have been reached on all points at
issue as outlined herewith. The local parties are directed to immediately
review all allegations of non-negotiability previously submitted to higher level
(including both those on which decisions have been received and those on which
decisions are pending) and take necessary action to implement the agreements
outlined herewith. This includes negotiations if permitted or appropriate action
by the local labor-management committee. Any allegations of non-negotiability
which are pending on the subjects covered herewith will not be returned. This
review shall be conducted under the same general rules as provided for negotiation
meetings.
-2-
If it is determined in accordance with these agreements that negotiations
are in order, a reasonable period of time, as necessary, will be permitted beyond
the one day limitation in Article VII, A, 16, c.
Such negotiations must be conducted in good faith by both parties;
however, agreement is not required. If, despite honest and diligent efforts
agreement cannot be reached, impasses should be reported to higher level per
Article VII, A, 18.
Those matters upon which mutual agreement and understanding were reached
by representatives of the National Exclusive Organizations and the Department
are:
-3-
1. SUPERVISORS PERFORMING LOWER LEVEL WORK
This is non-negotiable per
Memo of Intent signed by the national parties July 29, 1966 which reads
as follows:
"The subject matter of Proposal 32-A 'Supervisors Performing
Work Under the Jurisdiction of Another Craft' is not negotiable.
However it is against the policy of the Department to permit
supervisors to perform lower level work especially in the large
post offices where higher level duties can be performed on a
full-time basis. In small and medium size offices it is
necessary to require such employees to perform lower level work.
"It is the intention of the Department to observe the above
policy and any reported infractions will be corrected."
This will be placed in the Postal Manual as a permanent statement of
Department policy.
2.
TRAINING
This is non-negotiable per Memo of Understanding reached
by the national parties April 30, 1964, which provides for a permanent
Subcommittee on Training to the National Labor-Management Committee.
This Committee has promulgated comprehensive orientation and skills
training programs for craft employees which are currently being
implemented in the field.
3. SCHEMES
Certain aspects regarding schemes are negotiable, while
other aspects are non-negotiable. This should be determined locally.
However, the Department re-emphasizes the role and responsibility of
local scheme committees and directs that the local parties make maximum
use of these committees to formulate policies and practices beneficial
to both employees and the postal service. Management's representation on
local scheme committees will be reduced by one, thereby establishing equal
labor-management representation. The Postal Manual will be amended accord-
ingly, but this change in representation should be accomplished immediately.
4. OVERTIME ON VOLUNTARY BASIS AND SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF TIME FOR NOTIFICATION
OF OVERTIME This is non-negotiable per law and Article XV, F, 1 and F,
4 of the National Agreement. However, Department policy concerning a
specific definition of what is meant by "as much advance notice as possible",
will be determined by the National Labor-Management Committee.
5. ASSIGNMENT OF SUBSTITUTES
The application of seniority to the assignment
of substitutes is negotiable provided the efficiency of the service is not
impaired, no additional costs are incurred, and there is no conflict with law,
regulation or the National Agreement.
6. MOVEMENT OF EMPLOYEES
Movement of personnel during a tour and/or within
a bid assignment is management's right. However a method for accomplishing
such movement is negotiable provided the efficiency of the service is not
impaired, no additional costs are incurred and there is no conflict with law,
regulation or the National Agreement.
7. REPEATING, REWORDING, OR PARAPHRASING THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT This is non-
negotiable per Article VII, A, 13, c of the National Agreement.
8. PATRON COMPLAINTS Action must be taken on all patron complaints signed or
unsigned per Part 313 of the Postal Manual. However it is not Department
policy to instigate disciplinary action on unsubstantiated complaints.
Appropriate l'anguage on this matter will be worked out by the National Labor-
Management Committee.
9. TRIAL PERIODS FOR SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITH GUARANTEED RETREAT RIGHTS
Trial
periods with guaranteed right of return to former assignment are non-negotiable
per Article XXII of the National Agreement. However, a local agreement may
provide that the successful bidder will be placed in his new assignment before
his old assignment is posted.
10. REGULATIONS IN HANDBOOK M-39, INCLUDING ROUTE INSPECTIONS, ADJUSTMENTS, AND
STREET OBSERVATION
These are negotiable providing there is no conflict
with existing law, regulations or the National Agreement and providing further,
that the language in M-39 is not altered (not amended, added to, or restricted).
11. UNION RIGHTS
The extension of union rights locally is not negotiable per
Article VII, A, 13 which provides that Article IV, Organization Rights, is not
subject to local negotiations. However, the parties agree the fostering
of sound labor-management relations requires positive action at the local level
to clarify union rights. Therefore, the Department encourages the local parties
to work out memoranda of understanding at Labor-Management meetings covering
but not restricted to such matters as use of public address systems; station
visits by union representatives (off-the-clock); use of telephone; the schedul-
ing by management of station level meetings to resolve differences between labor
and management; union representation on committees (provided not
already covered in the National Agreement and provided there is no conflict
with law, regulation or the National Agreement); and parking for union repre-
sentatives attending Labor-Management meetings or handling grievances, per
Article IX of the National Agreement.
-5-
12. AUXILIARY ASSISTANCE FOR CARRIERS
This is non-negotiable because
Handbook M-39 (121.44) directs the supervisor to provide overtime or
auxiliary assistance in the field or in the office, whichever is the
most economical and beneficial to the Service under the individual
circumstances involved.
13. DETAILS (HIGHER LEVEL, LATERAL FILLED BY SENIOR QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE)
This
is non-negotiable in regards to higher level details since method of selection
is provided in Article XIV, C, 3, 4, and 5 of the National Agreement. Insofar
as lateral details are concerned, method of selection is negotiable provided
the efficiency of the service is not impaired, no additional costs are incurred,
and there is no conflict with law, regulations, or the National Agreement.
14. ROTATION OF STANDUP OR HEAVY DUTY ASSIGNMENTS
Method of selection is
negotiable provided the efficiency of the service is not impaired, no additional
costs are incurred and there is no conflict with law, regulation or the
National Agreement.
15. PREFERENCE FOR CAREER SUBSTITUTES OVER TEMPORARY SUBSTITUTES
This is
non-negotiable because it repeats Article XV, C, 2, b of the National Agreement.
16. NOTIFICATION TO UNION OF PROPOSED DISCIPLINARY ACTION
This is non-negotiable
because it infringes upon employee rights to privacy guaranteed by Executive
Order 10988 and Article V of the National Agreement.
17. ASSIGNMENT OF ILL AND INJURED EMPLOYEES
This subject is fully covered
in Article XIII of the National Agreement which protects the rights of career
regular and substitute employees who through illness or injury are unable to
perform their regularly assigned duties; therefore this matter is not
further negotiable locally other than as directed in Article XIII.
18. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES OFF DURING CHOICE VACATION PERIOD
This is
non-negotiable per Article XVI, C, 3, b of the National Agreement.
19. VEHICLE ASSIGNMENT BY SENIORITY
This is non-negotiable because
assignment of vehicles should be according to the requirement of the
route and the type of vehicles available rather than the individual's seniority.
20. DECLINING USE OF "UNSAFE VEHICLES"
This is non-negotiable. However,
the Department does not condone supervisors ordering employees to perform
duties or functions that are in violation of Federal laws, postal regulations,
or which may constitute a health or safety hazard to themselves or to others
(see Article XV, D, 6). Furthermore, Department policy as stated in Postal
Bulletin No. 20596, June 29, 1967, Item 1, page 3, is as follows:
"Handbooks S-11 (sec. 432) and S-14 (sec. 270) require initials
of dispatcher or supervisor on Form 4565, Repair Tag, but it is not the
responsibility of the vehicle operator to see that the tag is initialed.
Vehicle drivers shall perform all duties and assignments as ordered
by their supervisors. In the event an operator believes a vehicle
he is ordered to drive has a defect which renders it unsafe, he may
seek a remedy in accordance with the provisions of article IX, POD
Publication 53.
"When a defect involving safety in the operation of a vehicle is
reported on Form 4565, Repair Tag, immediate investigation shall
be made by the responsible supervisor and if the defect is considered
hazardous, it shall be corrected or the vehicle removed from service
until corrective action is taken.
"Careful judgement on the part of supervisor must be exercised in
making a determination as to the safety of the vehicle.
"When Forms 4565 are submitted to a supervisor he shall review
promptly and see that corrective action is taken as soon as practicable."
This policy was further clarified in Postal Bulletin No. 20613, October 19,
1967, page 3 as follows:
"Whenever a postal driver notes any defect in his assigned vehicle,
either during his expanded vehicle safety check or any other time,
he must complete Form 4565, Repair Tag, initial in the appropriate
box, and deliver to his dispatcher or other appropriate supervisor.
"Any supervisor receiving a Repair Tag, Form 4565, from a driver
will initial all three copies of Form 4565 and return the second copy
to the driver for his records. The third copy will be attached to
Form 4570, Government-Owned Vehicle Time Record. The original will
be immediately transmitted to the designated supervisor or employee
who is responsible for the repair of the vehicle for necessary action.
"When a defect to a contract vehicle is noted, prepare Form 4563, Hired
Vehicle Repairs Needed, in accordance with instructions on the back of
the form.
"The above instructions implement item (1) of the monthly labor-manage-
ment meeting minutes on page 3, of Postal Bulletin 20596 of June 29,
1967. "
21. USE OF POST OFFICE TELEPHONE AND OTHER ON-THE-CLOCK TIME TO PREPARE
GRIEVANCES
This is non-negotiable per Article IX, D, 1, and J, 1 of
the National Agreement which provide official time only to present
grievances. (Article X, E, 4, c and X, E, 5 provide official time for pre-
paration of presentation in adverse action hearings.)
22. CONSULTATION RATHER THAN EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON CHANGES IN DUTY ASSIGN-
MENT AND/OR COMPLEMENT This is non-negotiable per Article III, 3 of
the National Agreement. However, specific definition of what is meant by
exchange of information "as far in advance as possible" will be worked out
by the National Labor-Management Committee.
23. FACILITIES FOR UNION MEETINGS Criteria has been established by the
Civil Service Commission and stated in Part 741.72 of the Postal Manual.
It would be within the administrative discretion of the postmaster to
negotiate for the use of facilities for union meetings if these criteria
are met.
24. METHOD OF SELECTING ACTING SUPERVISORS This is non-negotiable because
it is covered in Article XIV, C, 5 of the National Agreement.
25. HOLIDAY ASSIGNMENTS
The amount of advance notice and the method of
selecting regular or substitute employees after management has determined
the required number of such assignments is negotiable.
26. FURNISHING COPIES OF POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
This is non-negotiable because it is already required by Article XVIII, C
of the National Agreement. Furnishing copies of duty assignments is
required by Article XXII, B (Sections I, II, III).
27. POSTING OF SUPERVISORY ELIGIBLE REGISTERS
This is negotiable.
28. LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE VIII, POLICY ON DISCIPLINE Proposals
in this area will be considered on an individual basis with the determin-
ing factor being whether they are in conflict with law, regulations,
Executive Order 10988 and the National Agreement.
29. METHOD FOR REQUESTING LEAVE FOR UNION OFFICIALS OR MEMBERS TO PERFORM
NECESSARY UNION BUSINESS AND/OR ATTEND MEETINGS This is negotiable
insofar as annual leave or leave without pay is concerned within the
framework of existing law, regulations and the National Agreement.
30. FURNISHING COPIES OF REGIONAL BULLETINS OR LOCAL BULLETINS TO UNION REPRE-
SENTATIVES
This is non-negotiable because it is covered in Article
IV, D, 1, b of the National Agreement. The Department has no objection
to the furnishing of regional and local bulletins to union representatives.
Local implementation may be worked out at Labor-Management meetings (see
No. 11).
31. USE AND ASSIGNMENT OF REST BARS
This is negotiable within the framework
of Part 333.314b of the Postal Manual.
32. DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE
This is non-negotiable because it is covered
in Article IV, F of the National Agreement. However, local implementation
may be worked out at Labor-Management meetings (see No. 11).
33. RETENTION AND SECURITY OF FIXED CREDITS This is non-negotiable locally.
This matter is presently being considered by a subcommittee of the National
Labor-Management Committee.
Bureau of Personnel
ADMINION
OF LETTER
OF
LETTER
Convention Chronicle
U.S.A.
NATIONAL
CARDIES
46th Biennial Convention
National Association of Letter Carriers
Boston, Mass. No. 4
17
August 23, 1968
RESOLVED, that we the delegates assembled in convention of the National Association of
Letter Carriers in Boston, Mass., in August, 1968, do hereby instruct our National Officers
to investigate fully the legal and legislative technicalities involved so that Government em-
ployees may be accorded the right to strike by the Congress of the United States, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the National Officers of the National Association of Letter Carriers study
the feasibility of removing the no-strike oath that we are now required to take as a condition
of employment.
NALC Delegates Seek Weapon
To Increase Bargaining Power
Seek Legal Means of Changing
GEORGIA
Regulations on Right to Strike
THRI
LOUIST
Thursday Morning
the largest Branch in the coun- insist upon consideration of any
try, and the man who is prob-
approved resolution. This was
ably the tallest delegate should
approved.
The Saint Louis Band played
have been omitted by error. Let
The most dramatic piece of
the opening concert and accom-
it be understood that Gus John-
business of the convention-the
panied Brother Jim Murray in son was indeed unanimously
moment that many delegates
rendition of the national anthem.
elected to the Executive Board."
had been waiting for all week
Brother Calvin Burchfiel de-
Vice-President also introduced
-came up early in the pro-
livered the invocation.
for a bow, Hal DeLong, former
ceedings. Resolution #55 which
As the first order of business
editor of the Detroit Labor News
demanded that the clause for-
Vice-President James H. Rade-
who has been of great assistance
bidding the Right to Strike be
macher apologized to the con-
in getting this Convention Chron-
eliminated from Executive Or-
vention for an inadvertent error
icle published each day.
der 10988, and that the Right
in yesterday's Convention Chron-
Then Brother Paul Bourgeault,
to Strike be made a part of all
icle, through which the name of
(Anaheim, California) moved
N.A.L.C. negotiations with the
Voting Starts
Gustave Johnson was omitted that the Convention hereafter
Department.
from the list of newly-elected consider only those resolutions
At this point, Gus Johnson,
Election of Delegates to the
members of the National Execu- which have been disapproved
President of Branch 36 (New
AFL-CIO and the site of the
1970 convention was started
tive Board. "It is ironic that the by the Committee, with the
York City) rose to state that al-
Thursday with balloting in War
name of the representative of stipulation that any delegate can
Continued Next Page
Memorial Auditorium.
1
ment to the constitution which
would earmark 20c per annum
Convention PROCEEDINGS
per member from the per capita
tax to be applied to a Band
Fund which would help to un-
derwrite the cost of supporting
though his Branch was listed
sue of the session concerned the
program of encouraging letter
bands at conventions. The
as a sponsor of the resolution,
resolutions concerning granting
carrier bands was adopted.
amendment placed the fund un-
the language was not the same
Level 6 to Vacation Relief car-
Consideration was then given
der the supervision and author-
as their original resolution. He
riers. (Resolutions 59, 60 and
to Resolution #93 (Compensa-
asked that the convention con-
104.) Brother Bob Miller, of
tion for Bands) and an amend-
Continued Next Page
sider the Branch 36 Resolution
Branch 36, asked that the con-
which asked that the national
vention direct its attention to
officers investigate all the legal
Resolution 104, which had been
NUTOMATIC
technicalities surrounding the
approved by the Committee. He
right to strike. (The exact word-
asked the decision be reversed,
ing of the Resolution as amended
declaring this to be a union-bust-
ing technique making straw
bosses of carriers and setting
one brother against another.
After heated discussion the Com-
mittee was reversed and Reso-
lution 104 was overwhelmingly
rejected. And this automatically
eliminated all other resolutions
demanding split level classifica-
tion for letter carriers.
The Band Committee then re-
ported to the Convention: (Luth-
GUS JOHNSON
spokesman on the Right to
er Cosby, Branch 47, Denver,
Strike Resolution, and the Na-
Chairman; John J. Henry, Branch
tional Officer who was not listed
79, Seattle, and Elmer Zietlow,
in yesterday's publication.
All around the convention hall you see gatherings of delegates,
Branch 40, Cleveland). Their
from all parts of the country, and trying to reach agreement on
is printed elsewhere in the
report, favoring a continuing
issues of mutual interest.
Chronicle.)
Andrew Trippolino, Pasadena,
Secretary of the California State
Association also withdrew sup-
Where's the Press?
port of the original Resolution in
favor of the Branch 36 Resolu-
tion, which more closely resem-
The broad, sweeping cover-
glected the beautiful parade,
It is disturbing that one of the
bled the resolution passed by the
age given to the N.A.L.C. con-
which was witnessed by some
greatest union conventions-at-
California convention. Brother
vention opening day when Vice
30,000 spectators and has over-
tended by more delegates than
Trippolino also introduced an
President Hubert Humphrey
looked the serious resolutions
any other union convention in
amendment asking we seek the
was a speaker has diminished to
which are making history in the
this country is being neglected
feasibility of removing the no-
a point where we are hardly
labor movement.
by the press.
strike clause from the oath letter
getting a line of type in the
carriers must take upon accept-
papers.
ing employment. Others sup-
The news media sadly ne-
porting the Branch 36 version
Dinner to Honor
included Ralph Merigliano, Pres-
ident of the New York State As-
sociation, Bill Corbeau, of the
Florida State Association and
Jerome Keating
Anthony Perotta, of Branch 562,
Jamaica, N. Y., and President
Highlight of the 46th N.A.L.C.
Jack Leventhal of Brooklyn,
Convention will be a dinner
N.Y.
Friday evening honoring Presi-
In the discussion that fol-
dent Jerome Keating.
lowed, delegates exhibited con-
A national officer since 1941,
siderable passion in expressing
the former head of Minneapolis
widespread dissatisfaction with
Branch 9 has been President of
Departmental attitudes and ac-
the N.A.L.C. since 1962.
tions in regard to negotiations.
A man who thoroughly un-
The Branch 36 substitute for
derstood the intricacies of legis-
the original resolution was ac-
lation, "Jerry" has earned a
REP. JOHN McCORMACK
cepted unanimously by the con-
calling for Letter Carriers
reputation on Capitol Hill for
vention.
at 46th Convention to increase
his integrity, ability, courage
The second controversial is- their interest in world affairs. and fairness.
2
-New NALC Officers-
James H. Rademacher, President
J. Stanly Lewis, Vice President
William T. Sullivan, Sec'y-Treas.
J. Joseph Vacca, Asst. Sec'y-Treas.
George A. Bang, Director, Live Insurance Dept.
Austin B. Carlson, Director, Health Benefits Plan
Glenn M. Hodges,
Asst. Director Health Benefits Plan
EXECUTIVE BOARD
James C. Stocker
Joseph H. Johnson
A. R. Huerta
Gustave Johnson
Fred V. Gadotti
Jack Rich
Walter E. Davis
Calvin K. Burchfiel
Faces of the delegates reflect the seriousness of the issues facing
John H. Swanson
M. L. Malone
the delegates at this 46th convention of the N.A.L.C. in Boston.
Alfred K. May
Henry S. Zych
(Photo by Chester Rineer.)
Francis J. Conners
Thursday Morning
INSURANCE BOARD
Bernard R. Murphy
John Morrow
Thomas H. Gerraty
Jack Leventhal
ity of the Executive Council of dent Clarence LaPinske, of Mil-
the N.A.L.C.
waukee, announced to the con-
The Laws Section disap-
vention that the cash awards
proved the proposed amendment
that his Branch's delegation and
but on motion of Brother Al
band has won at the Parade was
Citation for Keating
Geiger, Seattle, seconded by
being donated to the William
Brother Bill Bonaker, also of
C. Doherty Scholarship Fund in
Acting like a postman, Post-
The third letter was a per-
Seattle, they were overruled and
honor of two deceased members
master General W. Marvin
sonal greeting from the Post-
the amendment to the Constitu-
of the Branch.
Watson delivered three letters.
master General to Keating,
tion was passed.
In another warm moment,
One was a special citation-
which he delivered but did not
Mr. Robert Wiseman, New
Brother John Kayser, of Branch
the first of its kind given to a
read.
England Regional Director of
representative of a postal union
the Union Label Department of
- praising President Jerome
Sabbath Services
the AFL-CIO also addressed the
Keating for his life-long devo-
convention, as well as Howard
tion "to the principle of improv-
Sabbath Services for mem-
Silver, of the Feccheimer Com-
ing and preserving the postal
bers of the Jewish Faith who
pany, who represented the Na-
service."
are delegates to the N.A.L.C.
tional Assoc. of Uniform Manu-
Another "letter" he delivered
convention will be held at 7
factuers, sponsors of the Family
was President Johnson's mess-
p.m. at the Berkley Room, Sher-
Night Show.
age to NALC.
aton-Boston. Please bring hats.
In a very warm gesture, Presi-
GEORGE A. BANG
Director Life Insurance Dept.
36, New York City, was con-
ducted to the podium and pre-
sented with a 60-year pin. In a
gracious short speech of accep-
tance Brother Kayser spoke mov-
ingly of all that the N.A.L.C.
had done for him, and for the
nation's letter carriers.
After announcements, dele-
GLENN M. HODGES
J. JOSEPH VACCA
gates proceeded to vote in the
Assistant Director
AUSTIN B. CARLSON
Ass't Secretary-Treasurer
biennial election.
Health Benefits Plan
Director Health Benefits Plan
3
Resolution
RIGHT-TO-STRIKE
WHEREAS, Government employees are proscribed in the right to strike to secure
economic justice as a method of obtaining advances and gains that are won by
workers in private industry through their union activity, and
WHEREAS, the membership of the National Association of Letter Carriers in ever
increasing numbers are becoming disenchanted and impatient with the inor-
dinately slow progress of legislative campaigns continuously waged by the NALC
year in and year out, and
WHEREAS, the only employee group in the United States denied the right to
strike are Government employees, and
WHEREAS, our National Officers must be offered additional equipment in their
strategic armament in order to accomplish the aims and objectives of our mem-
bership, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we the delegates assembled in convention of the National Asso-
tion of Letter Carriers in Boston, Mass., in August, 1968, do hereby instruct our
National Officers to investigate fully the legal and legislative technicalities involved
so that Government employees may be accorded the right to strike by the Con-
gress of the United States, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the National Officers of the National Association of Letter Car-
riers study the feasibility of removing the no-strike oath that we are now required
to take as a condition of employment.
4
September 16, 1968
Draft Statement by Richard Nixon on Federal Personnel Policies
An important task of the new Administration will be to assure the
pretection of the constitutional rights of federal employees. Federal
employees in my Administration are not going to be treated as numbers, or
as "second-class" citizens who somehow, because they happen to work for the
Government, are not entitled to the same rights and privileges of other
citizens.
The success of any Administration depends upon the pride, the Redication,
and the professional spirit of those who administer the Leve and staff the
functions of the Federal Government. Much more can be done to improve the
professionalism and individual self-responsibility of our Government employees.
I want every employee to feel & sense of pride and personal involvement in
the service he renders his country.
I will see to it, as called for in the Republican Platform, that
"snooping, meddling, and pressure by the Federal Government on its employees"
will be ended. Independent mechanisms are necessary within the Federal
Executive establishment to which a Federal employee may appeal for a hearing
These appeals phould be hand quickly * service memorial *frome
on a violation of his rights, particularly invasion of his privacy. A
first priority of my Administration is a thorough and long overdue study
of the Executive Department by an independent commission, patterned on the
Hoover Commission. I will see to it that this area is one of major concern
to the commission I intend to appoint.
In this same vein I think it is imporative that the commission review
the present Coordinating Federal Wage Board system. The present Wage Board
system is cumbersome, slow, and ineffective. Improved administration pro-
cedures are essential if, consistent with the Republican Platform, we are to
insure comparability of Federal salaries with private enterprise pay.
-2-
I intend, further, to propose legislation which will insure the
participation of federal employees in the formulation and implementation
of personnel policies directly related to their employment. Legislation
should recognise the right of a federal employee to join, or refrain from
joining an employee organisation, should provide for consultation of the
organisation with those in 8 position of management responsibility, and
should provide for the participation of federal employees in the formulation
of these policies at all levels. A procedure should further be instituted
whereby charges of unfair labor practices could be expeditously heard by
an independent board, which yould also have the function of reviewing the
employee-management cooperation program within the federal service.
I intend further to direct the appropriate Federal officials to review
the federal retirement system. At present, of approximately 600,000
retired federal employees, three-quarters are receiving annuities of less
than $200.00 per month. Provision should be made whereby the individual
federal employee can increase his or her contribution to the retirement
system, to levels which will insure adequate retirement income. A review
should further be conducted to insure comparable treatment for the federal
civil service annuitant with those who have qualified for Social Security
and Railroad Retirement benefits.
While there are many specific personnel policies which require change,
I believe that the most fundamental requirement for a new Administration is
to re-establish a sense of pride in public service. With the dramatic growth
-3-
of federal agencies in recent years, there has been a tendency for the
individual to be "svallowed up" in the vastness of the institution. This
leads to downgrading the requirements for initiative, dedication, and
personal involvement in the functions in the agency or department. Service
to one's country, whether in military OF in the federal civilian establish-
ment, must receive the recognition which it deserves. Federal employees
are competent, hard-working, dedicated, and unselfish. They deserve, and
will receive that kind of recognition in My Administration.
9/16/68
Dr. Uoss
Stephent KOCZAK
Hearing Process is big cow blame
for qurevance- do Otepua case -
no end - no todical purcedures. -
want Quick Decisions w/o Substitud
COST to Fed eurployee- -
Eve Rviu Bill -
(4
4 Democrats
Passed senate 78-4
negotive
)
CIA objective
Dirksent + Carlson strong to this -
Should Exempt CIA 1
administration is omised-
wage Bill in Senate passed unammonsly
as I Sfuce- in hours because adain
onnises. -
CSC wast'ts all Power- wants is
working to intefect ur CSC Power -
Coesge Bob jun more Buyling