Fact Finding

Fact finding with the U.S.P.S. and NAPS convened on Monday June 4th 2012. I know our leaders did their homework preparing for this event. I am sure the U.S.P.S. is equally up to the task. What can NAPS expect to achieve from the proceedings? We all know that money at this point is non-existent. The Government just came out with an additional freeze on pay for Federal workers in its 2013 budget. Let’s just say for example that the fact finding committee recommends a pay package for all EAS based on NAPS presentations, the U.S.P.S will counter with sorry we are not agreeing to it and that’s the end of it. We have no other recourse. We would have the panel’s recommendation and try to work with the U.S.P.S. in other areas. We could enhance job security, finally get our jobs posted, receive a realistic SWC’S formula, getting credit for the extra things that are filtering down to the stations, that are taking valuable time away from the supervisors. We have been working on reducing redundant forms and whenever possible putting supervisors who are on detail back to their assignments, reducing the need for 204’bs. We can work with the U.S.P.S to show the need for jobs that were done away with, only to have the impacted EAS or 204’b still do the job that does not technically exist.

We have to be proud of the fact that NAPS after being thrown under the bus by the other associations stood its ground and pursued Fact Finding when every thing else failed. This is nothing new when it comes to pay negotiations. NAPS will never say, We had to go to fact finding only because the other associations went, please reopen pay consultations or I was able to save the jobs but not the Postmaster. While I do respect the other associations I am a firm believer in NAPS negotiating on its own with the U.S.P.S., it’s been that way for years. My mentor and friend Vince Palladino always told me we have different agendas then our counterparts in the other associations so it beneficial to both to negotiate with the U.S.P.S. on it’s own. They accepted what the U.S.P.S. gave to save money and not go to fact finding, our organization put the membership first and pursued fact finding regardless of the cost. Our Resident officers and Executive board members who voted to go to fact finding must be commended. An old Roma saying applies here, While I might not win every fight, my opponent will definitely know they were in one. GO NAPS, STAY STRONG.

Tommy Roma
N.E.R.V.P.