Wow, it has been a busy end to Summer. Our contract negotiations started on Sept 4. National has sent out stickers. They are request-ing us to wear through the month of September. National wants to send the message to management that APWU members are united in support of our contract demands. The demands include: fair wage increases and COLA adjustments, no-layoff clause and 50-mile limit on excessing, increased USPS

contributions to health care pre-miums, limits on subcontracting, more career jobs, improvements for PTFs and PSEs and addressing workplace harassment. Some of management's proposals include a new lower pay and benefits struc-ture for future career employees, replacing PTFs with PSEs and cus-todian work subcontracting. Every APWU member is important and plays a vital role in showing unity and solidarity.

On September 15, there are big changes coming to your TSP withdrawal options. Some of the options include customizing your installment payments and chang-ing your payment frequency at any time as your needs change. You will be able to request withdrawals easily using fast and secure online tools by logging unto My Account on tsp.gov. For more information, visit tsp.gov.

We have been having good turn-outs for our monthly Union Meet-ings. Remember it's on the third Wednesday of every month. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. We have pizza and cold drinks afterward. Come out and see how the Union Hall is shaping up.

We had a labor management meeting. One of the items brought up was unpaid resolves. If you have a resolve that has not been paid, give a copy to your steward. We are working on getting these paid. Mr. Morrow said he is planning on remodeling the cafeteria. He is put-ting in a lounge area in the southeast corner. He is taking out the dividing walls to open it up more for Town Hall meetings. He is also adding two pool tables. He has had these at other facilities, and they have been accepted well.

Our parking lot is being worked on. The cutouts have been done.

All the holes are filled. The pav-ing company is going to finish the project the beginning of October. The hold-up now is the placing of the cell tower. The cell tower will be stacked and finished by the end of September.

We are getting ready to plan the Annual Holiday Party. If you have any ideas, please let us know. Any-thing from where to hold the party, what kind of food, or whether to have a DJ or band. We would love to have any and all ideas.

We have a couple of parties coming up. We have the Go Bucks, Beat Michigan party and the Annual Children's Christmas Party. If you would like to volunteer at either of these parties, give the Union Hall a call. We would love the help.

Work safe and I hope to see you at a Union Meeting!!

Jennifer Sigmon

To Our Scholarship Winners,

We want to send you with the best

wishes on your journey through college. We also want to thank all the par-ticipants in our APWU Annual Picnic Scholar-ship Drawing. We hope you have a wonderful school year.

“The biggest reward for a thing well done is to have done it.”–Voltaire

Anaya Williams Daughter of

Anita WilliamsWright State University.

Ryan Nadolson Son of

Trina Richardson. The Ohio State University

Newark.

Paiten Riley Daughter of

Stephanie RileyMiami University.

Danielle Freeman Daughter of

Barbra Freeman.UMASS DartmouthNo Photo Provided

Mackenzie Henry Daughter of

Lynette Stinson-Collins. University of DaytonNo Photo Provided.

Lauren Banks Daughter of

Verdetta BanksKent State

No Photo Provided

Lillian Osei Daughter of

Elizabeth BoatengThe Ohio State University

Newark.

Jennifer SpiresDaughter ofBryon Spires

The Ohio State University

by Jennifer Sigmon

The President's Message . . .

Columbus ohio AreA loCAlServing ColumbuS and Central ohio

Volume #47, Issue #9 September, 2019

AreA Offices Union furnaceAmlin Brice circleville frazeysburg Grove city Johnstown Magnetic springs New Albany Pleasantville reynoldsburg stoutsville Unionville ctr.Alexandria canal Winchester coshocton fredericktown Harrisburg Kilbourne Marysville Newark Powell rockbridge sugar Grove Wash. ct. Hse.Baltimore canesville Delaware fresno Haydenville Lancaster Milledgeville Pataskala Prospect rushville summit station WestervilleBloomingburg carbon Hill Dublin Gambier Hilliard Logan Mt. Vernon Pickerington radnor sedalia thornville West JeffersonBremen carroll etna Groveport Jeffersonville London Murray city Plain city raymond south solon thurston West Lafayette

2 THE VINDICATOR September, 2019

EdItorIal PolIcy The Vindicator is published monthly and is the official publication of the Columbus AreA loCAl/APWu, 610 lancaster Ave., reynoldsburg, oH 43068, 614-501-1900. opinions expressed in the Vindicator are those of the individual workers and not necessarily those of the c.o.a.l. the editor reserves the right to approve material submitted for publica-tion. the deadline for all articles is the 16th or at our regular union meeting, whichever is first. If for any reason the editor is not present at month-ly meeting, the article is to be given to the presi-dent. articles are to be typed, double-spaced and in duplicate. article should not exceed approxi-mately 11/2 pages typed.

Chuck SimmonsWalt Hill

Alesia JohnsonLeondra Thompson

Angela HarrisCharles HarrisLaverne MickeyMichael SchmidRobert Markstein

Richard SamsErnest Wheelwright

Robin Sigmon

WelcomeWelcome

Kevonia BlackTina WrightJacob Bragg

Valeria MartindillBal Bista

Sherry LeonardDarrel Ayers

To the AmericanPostal Workers Union

In SympathyThe members of Local 232 wish to express our condolences for your loss.

Deb Hill, her husband passed away.Angela O’Day, her brother passed away.

Darrin Grandison, her mother passed away.Judy Willoughby, retiree, passed away.Frank Payne, his brother passed away.Scott Sachs, his brother passed away.

We have a large pile oflimestone gravel which was

leftover from the drain repairFree to anyone that wants it. you can take what you need.

First come, first serve.

located at theaPWU Union Hall610 lancaster ave.

reynoldsburg, oH 43068

APWU MONTHLY MEMBERS MEETINGWednesday, September 18, 2019

Time: 7:00 pmWhere: APWU Union Hall

610 Lancaster Ave.Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

WE HOPE YOU WILL ATTENd!

Officers AND stAffat Your service:

execUtiVe BOArDJennifer Sigmon ...............................................PresidentFrank Payne .............................................Vice PresidentTim Glover ...................................... Secretary/TreasurerRick Farrell ....................................Recording SecretarySherry Pickens ............................... Clerk Craft DirectorDave Collins ................................... MVS Craft DirectorLarry Butts ......................... Maintenance Craft Director

cLerK crAft steWArDsPhone: 614-472-0595 fax: 614-473-0690

tOUr iNorma Quijas ...........................................Chief StewardJacob Wayt .........................................................Steward

tOUr iiCheryl Diltz ........................................................StewardSherry Pickens .................................. Clerk Craft Director and StewardFrank Payne .............................................Vice President

tOUr iiiLarry Canady ...........................................Chief StewardRick Farrell ........................................................StewardMelissa Rubadue ................................................StewardKevonia Black ....................................................Steward

Maintenance craft stewardsPhone: 614-472-0596 fax: 614-473-0690

tOUr iLarry Butts ........................................................ Citygate Maintenance Craft DirectorKen Hamrick ............................................... Twin Rivers Assistant Maintenance Craft DirectorDerrick Corne .................................................... CitygateWalt Jones ................................................... Twin Rivers

tOUr iiJames E. Miller ................................................. CitygateShannon Coburn................................................ Citygate

tOUr iiiSue Eppard ........................................................ CitygateXaviare Reed ..................................................... Citygate

twin riversPhone: 614-469-4290 fax: 614-469-4293

MVS CRAfT STEWARdSDave Collins ................................... MVS Craft DirectorKen Bradley .......................................................Steward

stAtiONs AND BrANcHes steWArDs

Ken Bradley .............................................Chief StewardDave Collins Angie Lyshe

AreA OfficesJennifer sigmon...................................... 614-501-1900ALt: Jennifer staten ............................. 740-622-4821Baltimore, Brice, Canal Winchester, Carroll, Etna, Groveport, Johnstown, Lancaster, New Albany, Newark, Pataskala, Pickerington, Pleasantville, Reynoldsburg, Summit Station, Thornville

Kelly Bell ................................................. 614-882-2243Westerville

Jennifer staten........................................ 740-622-4821Jennifer sigmon...................................... 614-501-1900Bremen, Carbon Hill, Conesville, Coshocton, Frazey-sburg, Fresno, Haydenville, Logan, Murray City, Rock Bridge, Rushville, Sugar Grove, Thurston, Union Furnace, West Lafayette

Velekia March ......................................... 614-889-0531ALt: cheryl Horton ............................. 740-986-3665Alexandria, Amlin, Delaware, Dublin, Fredericktown, Gambier, Grove City, Hilliard, Kilbourne, Magnetic Springs, Marysville, Mt. Vernon, Plain City, Powell, Prospect, Radnor, Raymond, Unionville Center, West Jefferson

cheryl Horton ........................................ 740-986-3665ALt: Velekia March .............................. 614-889-0531Bloomingburg, Circleville, Harrisburg, Jeffersonville, London, Midgeville, Sedalia, South Solon, Stoutsville, Washington Court House

Jennifer sigmon...................................... 614-501-1900Alexandria, Delaware, Fredericktown, Gambier, John-stown, Kilbourne, Magnetic Springs, New Albany, Powell, Prospect, Radnor

Use designated steward first, then the designated alternate. Supervisors must call the designated steward’s Supervisor to ensure their release.

Sherry Pickens Craft Director .................. 614-472-0595Renie Nelson, Veteran’s Affairs Officer ... 614-501-1900Bruce Pargeon, Chief Steward AOs ......... 740-345-4021Velekia March .......................................... 614-889-0531

Union Hall – 614-501-1900610 Lancaster Avenue

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 430687:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. MON. - FRI.Union Hall Fax – 614-501-1917

Office stAff Kim Ference - Secretary

ViNDicAtOre-mail: Vindicator – apwulocal232@yahoo.com

Website: vindicator232.wordpress.com

Saturday,

November 30, 2019

OSU vS.

MichigaNFOOtball gaMe Party

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Children’s Holiday Party

September, 2019 THE VINDICATOR 3

AMericAN POstAL WOrKers UNiONcOLUMBUs OHiO AreA LOcAL 232

WeDNesDAY, AUGUst 21, 2019

rOLL cALL Of Officers:Jennifer Sigmon - President Presentfrank Payne - Vice-President PresentRick farrell - Recording Secretary PresentTim Glover - Secretary Treasurer Present

Sherry Pickens - Clerk Craft director PresentLarry Butts - Maint. Craft director Presentdave Collins - MVS Craft director Present

Meeting called to order.

Motion: By Rick Farrell to dispense with the reading of the minutes as they are printed in the Vindicator. Second by Tim Glover. ~ Motion passed.

treasurers report: Available at the Union Hall.

Presidents report: Our contract is currently in interest arbitration. The opening day for negotiations is Sept. 4. Updates are available on the National A.P.W.U. website. Our local is holding a raffle for gift cards for members voting in the National election. Show your completed ballot to your steward and you will be entered to win a gift card.

Last weekend was the Tri-State convention held in Indiana. There were many people there who were campaigning for an office in the National election.

The Postal Service is downsizing BMEU and Mailing Requirements nationwide. We are abolishing one position at Citygate.

stewards: Our local is short on stewards, especially for city stations. If you know of anyone who would like to be a steward have them contact the Union Hall. We provide them training locally and also send them to the Tri-State Steward school at Miami University in Oxford Ohio when it is scheduled.

clerk craft report: Nothing at this time.

MVs craft report: There will be an opening for a mechanic coming up soon for anyone interested.

Maintenance craft report: Nothing at this time.

Frank Payne - In Sept. all clerks are going to get approximately $160.00 in our paychecks from an RI-399 grievance settlement. Mail Handlers will be getting a larger amount as there are not as many Mail Handlers as there are clerks. For a clerk to receive this payment you must have been a Full Time Regular (FTR) as of 2017.

Old Business: None

New Business: Motion by Dave Collins to approve funds to have the Holiday Party at the Union Hall and have it catered in and have a D.J. instead of a band. Second by Sherry Pickens.

Ron Ferguson spoke against it as the Union Hall is not large enough to accommodate the crowd size. Rick Farrell spoke against it noting that the acoustics in the Union Hall are terrible and the echo makes it impossible until we can get some sound deadening insulation installed.

Motion to table Holiday Party by Tim Glover until we research what liability our Local could be in jeopardy for if we serve alcohol and a problem arises. Second by Bob Springsteen. ~ Motion passed.

Motion by Frank Payne to allocate funds for the kids Christmas Party on December 8, 2019. Second by Sherry Pickens. ~ Motion passed.

Good of the Order: A supervisor is denying mileage to a clerk they are sending to another unit stating that it is an emergency. A state of emergency is defined as a single incident whereas the clerk is being sent daily.

There is a problem with supervisors telling clerks that when a clerk needs a steward, the clerk needs to contact the Union. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to contact the union when a clerk requests representation. If the supervisor is not doing this properly then a representation grievance needs to be filed along with any other initial violation.

Motion - by Bob Springsteen to hold the drawing and adjourn the meeting. Second by Dave Collins. ~ Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned.

Winners: Dave Collins and Eugene Bridges

Rick farrellRecording Secretary

The Local has reactivated ourVindicator website.

Stay informed!The website address is:

https://vindicator232.wordpress.com/

Also, check out our Facebook page at;https://www.facebook.com/APWU-232-308655726396467

or search FB for APWU 232.

Get involved! Help make your union stronG!

Become a union steward!

EAPWhen you need it!

Counseling, Consultation, Coaching

Make the Call!USPS Employee Assistance Program

1-800-327-4968 • (1-800-EAP-4-YOU)

TTY:1-877-492-7341 • www.EAP4YOU.com

Getout the Vote!

Vote in the APWU National

Officer Election.Ballots will be mailed in early September.

Show your steward your ballot,ready for mailing,

and receive a raffle ticket.We will be drawing

(10) - $50 gift card winners, to be drawnfrom the member raffle tickets.

Make sure towrite your name on the back of the

raffle ticket that you turn in to your steward.

september 18, 2019

october 16, 2019

7:00 P.m.

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serVicesfax: Free at Union Hall. For emergency use only. Not to take the place of the postal service.copying: Limited Copying available at the Union Hall at no charge.Website: vindicator232@wordpress.com

iteMs Of iNterestAprons: Male Denim $11.00 - Male Twill $12.00 - Female Denim $12.00t-shirts: Charcoal Gray and Navy Blue – New - $10.00Event Hall: Hall Rental available at a discounted rate for APWU Members. Available at Union Hall, 610 Lancaster Ave., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 • (614) 501-1900

tIckEtS–these discounts are better than aaa's andare exclusively for Members only–It Pays to Belong

AMc Movie tickets–$10.25 each member

We now have Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Tickets at the Union Office.columbus Zoo – Adult ........... $13.00 .................... Jr/Sr (ages 3-9 & 60+) ................ $ 8.00Zoombezi Bay – Adult ......... $28.00 .................... Jr/Sr (ages 3-9 & 60+) ............$24.00

All other tickets will be available online through the Tickets At Work website. Go to www.ticketsat-Work.com, then click “Become a Member” to fill out your information. When asked to enter a Company Code you will type in KiAPWU.

"It Pays to Belong"

APWu Working for you

september 18, 2019

october 16, 2019

7:00 P.m.

Union Yes 3