American Postal Workers Union

Austin Area Local 299

Executive Board Meeting Minutes

10/18/08

 

 

(tape recorded)

President Larry Roberts called the meeting to order at 11:16am at the AFL-CIO Bldg. There was a roll call of the officers by Secretary Cory L. Purifoy.

 

Excused Absent: John Mercado, George Roman and Cathy Robbins

 

Unexcused Absent:

 

Old Business:

 

  1. A motion was made to accept the Executive Board Minutes from July by   Sister Cathy Robbins and seconded by Vice-President Linda Daniel. (Motion passed)

 

  1. Vice-President Linda Daniel made an announcement about the Social & Recreation Committee event on October 12, 2008 at the East Metro Park in Manor, Texas. The event will be sponsored by the USPS as an opportunity for postal employees (i.e. management and non-management) to come together for a day of fun regardless of craft or union affiliation. The Social & Recreation Committee will need volunteers to assist with the event.

 

  1. There was a discussion about the local providing $211.00 for the purchase of 250 special union imprinted cup holders for attendees of the Social & Recreation Committee’s event in October. (Motion passed)

 

  1. A motion was made to pay $61.35 to Brother Steve Cabrerra for arbitration scheduling issue. (Motion passed)

 

  1. There was a discussion about how the Republican Party is creating challenges for community precincts through the use intimidating tactics to discourage voter participation.

 

  1. President Larry Roberts recommends that the local pay 40hrs of LWOP to any individuals selected to represent the local in assisting with the presidential elections as part of the “Get Out To Vote Drive.” (Motion passed)

 

 

 

 

  1. There was a discussion regarding some premium issues related to the Health Plan.  A motion was made to table the matter until more information could be obtained at a later date. (Motion passed)

 

  1. Treasurer Dan Hillis spoke about the costs associated with the services provided by Brother Ben Soliz in behalf of the local.

 

  1. There was a discussion about the local donating $100.00 to Brother Al Garcia organization’s annual golf tournament to raise funds for the EL Amistad Scholarship Fund.  No funds provided by the local will be used towards the golf event itself. (Motion passed)

 

  1.  Vice-President Linda Daniel announced that the local now has new hats and cups for sale.  Also, there are free pins for cancer awareness month in October.

 

  1. Brother Fred Castillo came before the Executive Board to request that the local donate $250.00 as a sponsor for “Project Graduation,” a special event for the Pflugerville High School senior class of 2009. (Motion passed)

 

  1. A motion was made to pay 8hrs of LWOP to Legislative Director John Castillo for union related activities.  (Motion passed)

 

 

New Business:

 

1.   The Executive Board Minutes from September were provided for review and questions.  A motion was made to accept the Executive Board Minutes from September. (Motion passed)

 

2.  There was a discussion about the total amount of turkeys, hams and chicken the local should purchase for November and December.  A motion was made to purchase 30 turkeys for November, and 20 turkeys, 10 hams and 1 chicken for December. (Motion passed)

 

3.  There was a discussion about the financial condition of the local. The treasurer Dan Hillis spoke about how the local is in good shape. A budget report was provided to the e-board for review and questions. A motion was made to accept the budget report. (Motion passed)

 

4.  President Roberts spoke about how important this year’s election will be for the APWU.

 

 

 

 

 

5.  There was a discussion about picketing in the near future as means to protest possible changes in the work environment by postal management.  A date will be determined for the picket.

 

6.  There was a discussion about the 4 day work week and how it could be used as a tool to eliminate Tour 2 operations around the country.

 

7.  Brother Abdul Essa spoke about how management is reducing the amount of training for maintenance personnel.

 

 

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded.

 

      Meeting adjourned at 12:05pm

 

      United As ONE,

 

      Cory L. Purifoy