American Postal Workers Union

Austin Area Local 299

General Membership Meeting Minutes

2/20/10

President Larry Roberts called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm at the AFL-CIO Bldg. Brother George Roman led the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a roll call of the officers by Secretary Cory L. Purifoy. There was a quorum.

Excused Absent: Linda Daniel, John Mercado, Ben Soliz, Al Garcia,

Leonard Lara, and Monte Lane

Unexcused Absent: None

 1. The General Membership Minutes from December were provided to the members for review and questions. A motion was made by Brother George Roman to accept the minutes from December. (Motion passed)
 
2. The Financial Reports from December and January were provided to the members for review and questions. A motion was made by Brother George Roman and seconded by Brother John Castillo to accept the Financial Report from December and January. (Motion passed)
 
3. The Executive Board brought forth a request before the General Membership that the local expend up to $400.00 for an APWU Golf Tournament. (Motion passed)
 
4. There was a moment of silence for Brother Richard Combs who recently passed away.
 
5. There was a discussion about COPA. Brother John Castillo spoke about the importance of raising COPA funds through members making contributions. Brother John Castillo challenged the membership to contribute at least $5 to COPA. 
 
6. There was a discussion about reaching out to fellow employees who may be suffering from alcohol and/or substance abuse. Free reading materials available at the union office.
 
7. There was a discussion about the recent discovery of a $75 billion oversight by the OIG. 
 
8. There was a discussion about the National Reassessment Program. Austin was notified by the San Antonio District that the P&DC would be the pilot test site for attacks against injured limited/light duty workers.
 
9. There was a discussion about injuries on-the-job and how employees must be more diligent in reporting safety risks by using PS Form 1767.
 
10. Brother Roy Vasquez spoke about the Voluntary Benefits Program and its many options for employees in search of disability protections.
 
11. There was a discussion about the USPS focusing on employees with attendance problems.
 
12. There was a discussion about FMLA. The current process for grieving FMLA issues is too cumbersome. Employees should file complaints directly to the Department of Labor.
 
13. There was a discussion about the increased number of “Casuals” in the workplace. The current contractual provisions allow the USPS to use a supplemental workforce. 
 
14. Sister Cathy Robbins reminded members of the upcoming primary elections.
 
Announcements:
 
Door Prize Amount $50
 
Door Prize Winner – No Winner!
 
Door Prize Amount Increases to $75
 
COPA Funds raised totals $83
 
COPA Drawing Winners:
 
$40 will go towards COPA
 
$25 Winner – Henry Rios
$15 Winner - John Castillo
 
 
 
A motion was made to adjourn.
 
 Meeting adjourned at 1:19pm.
 
 United As ONE,
 
 Cory L. Purifoy