American Postal Workers Union

Austin Area Local 299

General Membership Meeting Minutes

8/15/09

President Larry Roberts called the meeting to order at 12:09 pm at the AFL-CIO Bldg. Brother Rick Robbins led the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a roll call of the officers by Secretary Cory L. Purifoy. There was a quorum.

Excused Absent: Jesse Benavides, Al Garcia, and Leonard Lara

Unexcused Absent: Ben Soliz

 1. The General Membership Minutes from July 18, 2009 were provided to the members for review and questions. A motion was made by Sister Cathy Robbins and seconded by Brother John Castillo to accept the minutes from July. (Motion passed)
 
2. The Financial Report from July was provided to the members for review and questions. A motion was made by President Roberts to accept the Financial Report from July. (Motion passed)
 
3. Treasurer Dan Hillis spoke about the “non-sufficient funds” (NSF) fees imposed by the local’s bank. He accepted the responsibility of the error and paid for the fees out of pocket.
 
4. A motion was made to suspend the regular order of business for guest speaker Cindy Corbittz representative from AFLAC. (Motion passed)
 
5.A motion was made to resume regular order of business. (Motion passed)
 
6. The Executive Board is bringing forth a request before the General Membership that the local spend up to $2,000 to purchase advertising specifically to address the issue of East Austin station closing. (Motion passed)
 
7. The Executive Board is bringing forth a request before the General Membership that the local reimburse Treasurer Dan Hillis $245 for the return check fees he paid in behalf of the local. (Motion passed)
 
8. President Roberts took a moment to recognize and acknowledge “Retired APWU Steward” Rick Robbins for his service to the local.
 
9. President Roberts also wanted to recognize the birthdays of Brother John Castillo and his son.
 
10. There was a discussion about the OIG – Office of Inspector General. President Roberts states that “if you’re approached by (OIG) be sure to ask if you’re the subject of an investigation. If so, enact your Weingarten Rights.” President Roberts further adds that “you have a right to representation, however, you are required to cooperate.
 
11. There was a discussion about the USPS attempt to place ill/injured workers “off the clock” in the near future. But in regards to the (NRP), the USPS has to give the Union advance notice.
 
12. There was a discussion about the Union’s limited role in assisting employees with workers compensation issues. 
 
13. There was a discussion about “Standby Time” whereby management will start sending employees to an area within the workplace allegedly due to limited available work. But all employees in “standby time” will remain “on the clock” in a pay status.
 
14. There was a discussion about getting members involved with making contributions to COPA. Locals that give the most (i.e. COPA) –gets the most from the National APWU.
 
15. There was a short discussion about the upcoming National elections for the APWU.
 
16. There was a discussion about the local having a picket.
 
17. There was a discussion about Senate Bill SB 1507. Basically, this bill will automatically allow arbitrators take the financial health of the Postal Service into account. National President Burrus says “if this bill passes, it will “kill” collective bargaining.
 
18. Brother Roy Vasquez spoke about the importance of Union membership.
 
19. There was a discussion about organizing a day or regular period where all members will wear their APWU t-shirts.
 
20. Brother Roy Vasquez was recognized for his efforts of getting new members to join our local.
 
 

Announcements:

No Drawing this Month!!!

COPA Funds raised totals $123

COPA Drawing Winners:

$40 Winner – Linda Daniel

$20 Winner – Rick Robbins (He donated his winnings to COPA)

A motion was made to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned at 1:25 pm.

United As ONE,
 
Cory L. Purifoy