American Postal Workers Union

Austin Area Local 299

General Membership Meeting Minutes

7/19/08

(tape recorded)

President Larry Roberts called the meeting to order at 12:09am at the AFL-CIO Bldg. George Roman led the pledge of allegiance. There was a roll call of the officers by Secretary Cory L. Purifoy.

Excused Absent: Brother Leonard Lara

Unexcused Absent:

 
1.  The General Membership Minutes from June were provided to the members for review and questions. A motion was made to accept the minutes from June. (Motion passed)
 
2. The Financial Report from June was provided to the members for review and questions. A motion was made President Roberts and seconded by Robert Olivera to accept the Financial Report from June. (Motion passed)
 
3. The Executive Board has brought forth a recommendation before the
 General Membership to approve an additional $200 for delegates wanting to
 attend workshops following the National Convention on August 23, 2008. A
 motion was made to pay an additional $200 to delegates wanting to
 attend workshops. (Motion passed)
 
4. The Executive Board announces its confirmation of George Roman,
 Ben Soliz, and Joe Aaron to fill the remaining vacancies on the E-Board.
 Brother George Roman will now serve our local as the Assistant Clerk Director (Manual), Brother Ben Soliz as the Motor Vehicle Craft Director, and Brother Joe Aaron as the Assistant Craft Director for Custodians. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. President Larry Roberts discussed the Postal Service’s recent formal request to the Office of Personnel Management to begin the process of offering the option of Voluntary Early Retirement to all eligible postal employees.  In an article by President William Burrus, he advises VER eligible employees to forego any offer made by the USPS to retire early due to management's inability to provide some type of incentive or bonus to retire early. President Burrus also cites the financial crisis of the USPS as one of the major reasons behind the offer of Voluntary Early Retirement to eligible employees. 
 
6. There was a discussion about the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
 
7. Legislative Director John Castillo spoke about the importance of every member supporting Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama in the upcoming elections. Contact the local union office for "Vote for Barrack Obama" signs.
 
8. Brother Roy Vasquez reported that our local has raised a total of $3,101 for COPA.
 
President Larry Roberts reminded the General Membership:
No Meeting in August!
 
A motion was made by President Larry Roberts to adjourn and seconded by
George Roman. 
 
Meeting Adjourned at 1:24pm

United As ONE,

Cory L. Purifoy