January 16, 2012
Dear Brother/Sister,

Awesome!! That is the best expression that I can use for what happened on Sunday night at Tip O'Leary's in Havertown. It never ceases to amaze me when the brothers/sisters of this branch come together when a Letter Carrier is in need. The turnout was overwhelming to say the least.

I would be remiss if I did not point out the people who made this benefit a great success. Michele Defelice and Karen McPoyle did such a wonderful job, in such short notice. Not only was the turnout great, but the donations that these two sisters had for sale was unbelievable. There were many other people who made this a wonderful affair. They are too numerous to name, but I thank them all for there time and dedication to getting this benefit off the ground.

Letter carriers from many of our offices were in attendance at the affair, but that does not surprise me.Some brother/sisters made personal donations for the benefit.Rick Murphy, Tom Griendling and Bob Zigmont, and probably many others made personal donations that raised alot of money for the Bradley family.

There were also many friends of Sasha also attended the affair. I would like to personally thank them for their support.

Remember that even though we raised over $8,000.00. Sasha needs our prayers and be kept in our thoughts. He has a long way to go, but if Sunday is any indication of what is ahead. Sasha has plenty of help to get him on the road to recovery.

Thanks again to all.

Proud President of Branch 725,
Jim McCullough

January 5, 2012
Dear Brother/Sister,

One of our brothers has a serious medical problem and he and his family need our help.

The brother's name is Sasha Bradley and he is a Letter Carrier in the Havertown/Wynnewood Post Office. He has been diagnosed with cancer in three organs.

The Letter Carriers in the Havertown/Wynnewood Post Office will be running a benefit at Tip O'Leary's on West Chester Pike, Havertown (next to Kohl's).The date of the benefit is January 15, 2012. The time will be from 5:30 til 8:30PM. The next day is a holiday. The price of the ticket is $30.00 per person.

If you cannot make it, you can make a donation in care of Sasha Bradley and send it to the Union Office. It will be forwarded to him and his family.

The bradley's have two young children, and they need our help, and I know that the membership of this Branch always step up when needed. Please keep Sasha and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Any questions regarding this issue please call the Union Office.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
Proud President of Branch 725

December 29, 2011
RE: APWU RALLY

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

There we be a rally on behalf of the APWU on January 3, 2012. the reason for the rally is to try and stop the closing of the southeastern postal facility, located in Wayne, Pa.

The rally will begin at the St. David's shopping center, located at 555 Lancaster Ave, in Wayne, around 5:30 PM. The rally will then walk to the Radnor Middle School, where a meeting will take place to discuss the issues involved with the closing.

We all need to be there to help the APWU. We are all in this together, if you can be there please show up to support our brothers and sisters in the APWU.

Fraternally,
Jim McCullough
President

December 2, 2011

RE: Happy Holidays

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

On behalf of the entire Executive Board of Branch 725, let me wish all of our members a Happy Holiday season.

I know it has been a long couple of months for most of you with regards to the route changes with the FSS and JRAP and the hours that you have been putting in. I know all of you will be thankful for time spent with your families and friends.

Have a fun and safe holiday season.

The new leave year for 2012 will begin on January 14, 2012.

Fraternally and sincerely,
Jim McCullough
President

November 9, 2011

RE: Video Collection of Data

Dear Shop Steward,

I have just been informed that the Postal Service is conducting a Video Collection of Data throughout the country. This team consist of a camera crew that is video taping Letter Carriers working in the office. This is not being done on a large scale, but they are in our region. Seven offices have been videoed by this team in this area.

The NALC has filed a National Interpretive Issue grievance regarding this matter, but if this team comes into your office, you must call the Union Office ASAP.

If they come to your office we will be filing a grievaqnce under Article 5 and 34 of the National Agreement.

I beleive the reason for this taping is that Management is giong to try and change the work standards for Letter Carriers. They have been trying for years to change the 33 minutes of built in office time for each route in the country.

Stay Alert.

Fraternally,
Jim McCullough
President

September 29, 2011
Brothers/Sisters,

Why would you give Management your private cell phone? Letter Carriers are called by Management on their routes to ask where they are or if they will be back on time. I cannot figure out why the Postal Service has any reason to have your cell phone number.

If they need to know where you are, have them come out to find you. There are memos about the use of the cell phone use on the clock. If you are caught on your cell phone they will issue discipline to you. If you are in your vehicle they will suspend your driving rights for a minimum of 30 days. If you are required to call if you are running late FIND A PAY PHONE.

Management uses your cell phone and your minutes when it is to their advantage, but get caught on the phone and you are going to be disciplined. The branch has a Letter Carrier working in the city right now, because of alleged misuse of his cell phone. Do not allow Managemnt to use you when they want.
STAY OFF YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE ON THE CLOCK.

Fraternally,
Jim McCullough
President

September 28, 2011


Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Over the next couple of weeks the NALC and this Branch will be running two fund raising promotions for MDA. The first event will be held on Sunday October 2, 2011. The event is called "Fill the Satchel". During this event the Letter Carriers will bring their satchel home from work and stand on street corners in their communities and ask the public for money for MDA. If any one is intrested in doing this please call the Union office and inform me where this will be taken place. Some townships and municipalities do not allow this type of soliciting, so make sure you check before you start this promo.

The second promotion is a Bowl-A-thon, that will take place on Sunday November 6th from 12:00 til 3:00PM. The bowling alley is the AMF Conchester Lanes located of Rt.322. The cost for the bowling is $25.00 per person,and that includes the bowling, pizza and soda.

If possible please call the Union office if you will be coming to the bowling, so that we can get a count of how many people will attend. We have reserved 14 lanes for the promotion.

I know that the members of Branch 725 will be there as usual when things need to get done.

Fraternally,
Jim McCullough

September 14, 2011


Where are the Letter Carriers????

On September 7th, Branch 725 held a Union Meeting at the Cheese Club in Havertown. This was the first meeting the Branch held since June 1st.

During the course of the summer almost every Letter Carrier was affected by either JRAP or FSS. Many Carrier routes were abolished, ans almost all remaing routes were added to. Also, there were many rumors about the future of the Postal Service. The real possibility of layoffs, and closing of Post Offices through out the country. More important is the fact that the NALC and the Postal service are now in negotiations for a new National Agreement.

I was, to say the least, surprised at the turnout for the Branch meeting. Do the Letter Carriers think that what is going around them is a joke, or that all the controversy that is swirling around them will go away?

Let me tell you, Brothers/Sisters, all the things that you are hearing about are a real possibility.The Postal Service is pushing real hard for five day delivery, they have asked the Congress to take the no layoff clause out of the National Agreement. The JRAP and the FSS are here to stay. The adjustments to the routes for the most part are also here and the Postal Service is determined to make these adjustments work.

The battle has just begun. If you are going to sit on your ass and wait for somebody else to do it, guess what, we will lose the battle. Not only will we lose the battle, but the final outcome will not be good for you and your future.

All I ask you to do is to get off your ass and give a us a chance of making our future more secure.

Fraternally, Jim McCullough

September 13, 2011


RE: Legislative Rally

Dear Brother/Sister,

During the last couple of weeks you have heard or read about the problems that the Postal Service is having and how the Service is going about fixing these problems. All the misinformation that is being put out there not only by the media, both the press and televisionnetworks, but also the Postal Service itself, has the American public in a confused state of mind.

The dire news has also affected the employees of the Postal Service as well. The money woes and the real threat that six day delivery will end has everybody on edge. There is enough pressure on the Letter Carriers on a daily basis in the workplace, that the threat of maybe losing their jobs and being laid off, just adds to the anxiety that you face everyday.

On September 27th, Branch 725 will be holding a rally at Congressman Meehan's office in Springfield. His office is located on Sproul Road (RT320)in Springfield. The rally will begin at 4:00Pm to 5:30PM. You CANNOT wear your uniform at the rally. This is not a protest rally;Congressman Meehan has co-sponsored HR 1351. We will however be doing some informational picketing, in an attempt to clear up some of the misinformation that is being put out there about the plight of the Postal Service.

Brother/Sister, I cannot tell you how important the next couple of weeks/months will be to you and the future of the Postal Service. There is a lot of support in Congress, both in the House and Senate for bills that are not good for the future of the Postal Service. It is now time for everybody to step up and be counted. Every Letter Carrier has to be heard, you cannot depend on somebody else to do it for you. The next couple of months may well determine your future.

BE THERE AND BE HEARD.

Fraternally, Jim McCullough Proud President of Branch 725

August 9, 2011


RE: ADVO-RED PLUM

Dear Stewards,

I have recieved numerous calls regarding the delivery of the weekly ADVO's. Because of the numerous changes Management has incorporated onyour routes, some Supervisors are instructing Letter Carriers to "just deliver one to each house." This is incorrect and must be corrected immediately. Management has made all these changes and now they do not want to deal with the results. As usual, some choose to do the wrong thing, instead of giving the mailers what service they paid for, they decided to intentionally misdeliver mail.

If it takes the clerks extra time to break the ADVO's then so be it. We do not and will not misdeliver mail to our patrons. The absurity of Management telling you to "just deliver one to each house", is so far off base and goes against everything that the Postal Service stsands for. It also goes against everything that the Brothers/Sisters in this Union are about.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, feel free to call the Union Office.

Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

July 27, 2011


I would like to personally thank Barb Kearney and Bill Mellon for taking the time to rebutt the editorial in the Sunday Daily times with regards to the Postal Service. The article was full of misconceptions and outright lies about the Postal Service. I just wish that the Postal Service would do some of the "heavey lifting" and rebutt the misconceptions and lies that are being circulated to the public about the operations of the Postal Service.

Once again, it takes the Letter carriers to fight the battles to keep the Service up and running. If the public was made aware of the facts that both Barb and Bill put in their rebuttal, just maybe the average person would realize how important the Postal Service still can be.

Thanks not only to Bill and Barb, but to all the Letter Carriers who everyday, six days a week, deliver the product that makes the Postal Service what it is today.

Jim McCullough
President

July 8, 2011
RE: Merion Station Merger

Dear Brother/Sister,

During the September 7, 2011 Union meeting at the Cheese Club in Havertown, a vote will be taken during the course of the meeting. All members in attendance will be given an opportunity to vote for the merger.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Union office or check the website for further information. Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

May 9, 2011
RE: Expedited Bidding

Dear Brother/Sister,

If your office is going to be impacted by the FSS process, please take note of the Branch's position on the bidding process.

No office in Branch 725 will be expediting the bidding process.The bidding process will be done in accordance with Article 41-Letter Carrier Craft, in the National Agreement. Article 41 will be adhered to as stated in the National Agreement, with regards to but not limited to posting, methods of posting and naming the successful bidder.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please call the Union Office. Under no circumstances will a Shop Steward or any other person enter into an agreement other than what is stated above.

Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

May 2, 2011

Dear Brother/Sister,

I am extending an invitation to the Letter Carriers of Branch 725, to attend a Beef & Beer on May 14th,2011, at St. Madeline's in Ridley Park. The Beef & Beer is to help our sisterr Lisa Oswald, whose son was seriously, injured when he was struck by a car on MacDade Blvd.

I am glad to report that Lisa's son is doing better and is now in re-hab, recovering from his injuries. He and his family still hvae a long road ahead of them and they need our help. Lisa and her husband, who was injured at work a couple of weeks before the accident, have some expenses that are not covered under their medical plan.

I know that I can count on the Brothers/Sisters of this branch to step up and help this lovely family in their time of need. The price of the ticket is $25.00, and can be bought at the door. Every time I come to the membership of this branch you have come through. If you cannot attend the event you can send a donation in c/o Lisa Oswald at the Norwood Post Office.

Finally, pleas keep the Oswald family in your prayers and thouhhts. With Lisa and her family by his side the entire time, Anthony was in the hospital, he made a miraculous recovery. Anybody who does not believe that a mother's love and strength, can get us through anything, just look at the Oswald family, and that will make you a believer.

I hope to see you on May 14th at the Beef & Beer.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
Proud President of Branch 725

April 8, 2011

Dear Brother/Sister,

The NALC and the USPS have entered into anew JRAP memorandum. From April 1st thru May 31st, management is obligated to post on a daily basis, the WORK HOUR WORK LOAD ANALYSIS, for each route in your office. the report must be in plain sight and accessible for the Letter Carrier to read.

I can not emphasis how important it is to make sure that you on a daily basis to check the report for your route. The analysis is not difficult to read and it is imperative that you check it for accurancy, for example, check your office and street times, see if any overtime that was made on your route is recorded, and office or street assistance.

If you find any differences in the report, report them to your Shop Steward, and request to talk to your supervisor. EVERYDAY is important, because ths information that is recorded will bw used to make any adjustments during the JRAP period.

Stay aleert and be proactive, make sure that Management is not stealing time from your routes. If you are instructed by Management to "hit on" a different code to perform office or street duties, other than the proper codes get your Shop Steward as soon as possible. All time that is spent on a daily basis on the route must be counted to your route.

Fraternally,
Jim McCullough

April 4, 2011

Dear Brother/Sister,

On March 11th, a 14 year old boy was seriously injured, when he was struck by a car on MacDade Blvd. He is still in childrens hospital in Philadelphia. As of this date, his condition is improving, but he is still very ill.

The young man's mother is Lisa Oswald a Letter Carrier in the Norwood Post Office. To make the situation worse, if that is possible, the boy's father got hurt and is not capable of working. There are chances that are being sold by the Letter Carriers and the Union to help this family with some issues they may have coming.

I will keep you up to date on this family's problems and in the meantime, keep Anthony Oswald in your thoughts and prayers.

With my best wishes,
Jim McCullough

March 30, 2011

RE: Flat Sorting Machines (FSS)

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Over the next couple of days you may have a floor talk from your Postmaster/Supervisor, about the FSS machines and the impact they will have on your office. As usual, the Postal Service is going full speed ahead with the implemation of the FSS machines and the impact they will have on your routes. The Service is using a 70% impact as a starting point for the machines.This percentage is absurd, but like I said, they are going ahead without any regard to the real percentage that the machine operates at.

The Union will be montoring the situation as it becomes reality sometime this summer. Please, do not over react to what you hear. Like I always say, "when the Post Office makes decisions, the Letter Carriers make money." I know that the job of being a Letter Carrier is becoming more and more difficult everyday, but make sure that you maintain your street time, and the office time will vary from day to day. Take care of YOUR STREET TIME EVERY DAY!!!!! MAKE THE PROPER SCANS.

Again, do not over react to the "wisdom" that Management is telling you. Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

March 15, 2011

RE: MSP Scan Points

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Over the last couple of weeks a "hot button" issue in the Philadelphia District is MSP scan points. The ones that most Letter Carriers are missing is the Depart for Route and Return to the Office. Letter Carriers over the district are being disciplined for missing these scans.

Please make sure that you "hitting" these scans. They are located somewhere in each office, and should be the easiest to scan. Missing scans on the street could be caused by sun glare or some other reason.

Take the time to make sure that the Depart and Return scans are properly scan. If you believe that the scans are not working properly, talk to your supervisor promptly.

If you have any questions regarding this issue talk to your stewards or call the Union office. Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

February 24, 2011

RE: Leave

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

As spring is now approaching, the next issue that will becoming to the forefront is the graduation of your children/spouses. Please do not wait until the last minute to inform management that you will need time off to attend the ceromonies. Most graduations are in "Prime Time", so the more notice that you give management, the better.

Some offices have articles in the LMOU as to how many days you can put in for leave in advance. I ask you to give as much notice as possible, so that we do not have any issues with you being there when you child or spouse is graduating.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please talk to your shop stewrd or call the Union office.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

February 13, 2011

RE: Consolidations

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

As you are fully aware, the Letter Carriers from Sprinfield are being considered for consolidation into the Lansdaowne Post Office and the Wallingford Letter Carriers are to be considered for consolidation into the Chester Post Office. As president of Branch 725, I am requesting that these Brother/Sisters who are to be housed at the above cited locations, be given a five (5) year retreat rights back to the Media Postal facility, for the purpose of bidding routes in thier original office. I believe that the five year window is fair, because these Brothers/Sisters for the most part started their Postal careers in the Media office.

The five year period would start on the first day of the Letter Carriers being consolidated. After the five year period has ended, the window will close for any other retreat rights.

Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

January 14, 2011

RE: Steward Training

Dear Shop Steward,

There will be a Mandatory Shop Steward training on February 7th, at 7:00 P.M., at the Cheese Club located in Havertown. It is imperative that all Shop Stewards attend this training session. As we spoke about in our January union meeting, this branch is going to hold Management accountable for their actions. You may not have someof the problems that other offices are facing, but you can learn and give your viewpoint on what hyou do in certain situations.

I can not tell you how important these sessions are going to be, if you learn anything from coming to the training which should not last more than one and a half hours, it will be worthwhile. If anybody from your office wants to attend, they are also welcome. If every Letter Carrier knew his rights, it would make our job a lot easier.

Any questions, please call the Union Office at

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

December 30, 2010

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Why is there a double standard when it comes to the letter carriers and the union being required to abide by the National Agreement, when management goes on it's merry way, doing what ever they want to do? Management has no intention of abiding by the National Agreement. Most of them do not even know what is in the National Agreement. On a daily basis, management violates Article 8 of the National Agreement, when it forces non-ODL letter carriers to work, because of their bogus "window of operation". When grievances are filed, and ODL Carriers are paid, Management goes right back at it again the next day. Under Article 15, there a time limits set up for the DRP,when Management does not abide by the time limits, they should lose the grievance. But the DRT remands the grievance back when Management fails to response with in the time limits and gives managemnt a "second bite of the apple". As a Union President, I have a major problem with this issue. The DRT must abide by the National Agreement!

They cannot decide what articles of the National Agreement they will uphold and which ones they will not. I for one am tired of my letter carriers having their "feet held to the fire", for every issue in the work place, when management is not being held accountable for their actions.

As a Union, we must step up our efforts to make sure that what is good for the craft employees, is good for management. The Brothers/Sisters who make up this great Union deserve no less!

Jim McCullough
Proud President Branch 725
Email me at: jimmac725@rcn.com

December 7, 2010

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Season's greetings from the Executive Board of Branch 725. Let me personally wish you and yours the best of the holiday season and a healthy New Year. The year 2010 will soon be history and I hope that the year 2011 will bring some good news to the Postal Service and especially to the Letter carriers in Branch 725. The 2010 year saw many changes in the Postal Service. We had our Brothers/Sisters excessed from their chosen offices and we also saw the elimination of some of our routes. We will be in for a long struggle in 2011 with regards to the Congress and the future of the Postal Service. We will be battling all the way to keep our members working in the future.

There are some postive things that have happened in 2010. We all still are gainfully employed and last month the Letter Carriers received a raise. In this recession that the country is enduring, any increase in salary is a good thing.

During the holidays, take a minute to remember the brothers and sisters who are no longer with us. The year 2010 took a heavy toll on Branch 725's members. Also, say a prayer or have a good thought for the young men and women who are in harms way all over the world fighting for our freedom.

Again, Season's Greetings to all of you for the support over the last year.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

October 7, 2010

October 7, 2010

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

On November 2nd, the voters of Pennsylvania will be going to the polls for the mid-term elections. These elections historically draw a low voter turn out, but this year the election will have very important ramifications, not only to the country but to the future of the Postal Service.

The financial crisis of the Postal Service is slowly filtering onto the workroom floor and is affecting the Letter Carrier around the country. The rumors of 5 day delivery, the closing of Post Offices around the country are taking a negative toll on the workers of the Postal Service.

I ask you not only to vote for the canidates that are being endorsed by the NALC, but take your spouses and voting age children to the polls and vote. You may think that your vote does not mean anything, but you would be wrong.

We need to continue to support the canidates that support the issues and fight for the hard working middle class people in this country. Please take the time on November 2nd to vote and have you voice heard. If we fail in our efforts to keep the canidates who support our issues, all of our futures may be in jeopardy. The Postal Service may survive but we may not like what survived.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

September 9, 2010

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

The branch is sponsoring a Bowl For The Cure on Sunday, November 7, 2010. All the proceeds from this event will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For the flyer please click here . Everyone is envited to come and bowl. Bring your children, spouses, and anyone who wants to have a good time. Incidentally, this event was our biggest fund raiser for MDA last year. We hope that this continues. And only with your help will that happen!

It is one a a very few times tha letter carriers and their families can get together outside the Post Office. The event is for a good cause and you can bowl for three hours(the shoes included for $25.00).

Please call Bill Mellon if you wish to be in the Bowl For The Cure. Last year the Bowl For The Cure was well attended, and this year I hope that we can do better. The Eagles game on November 7, 2010 is a four o'clock game, so you should be homem in plenty of time.

I hope to see a lot of letter carriers and their families on November 7, 2010 at the AMF Conchester Highway, Boothwyn, Pa. 19061.

I know the letter carriers of Branch 725 will answer the call.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

September 8, 2010

RE: DRT New Address

Dear Stewards,

Effective immediately the new address for the Philadelphia Resolution team is:

September 3, 2010

RE: Election of Region 12 Business Agent

Dear Brother/Sister

Over the next couple of weeks you will be receiving a ballot from the National Headquarters of the National Association of Letter Carriers. On the ballot will be listed the two candidates that are running for the position of Business Agent for the Region 12.

I would never think of telling you who to vote for, what I am asking you is to take a minute and VOTE. It cost a National a lot of money to run an election, but more importantly, your vote gives you a chance to be heard. You may say, "what does my one vote mean"? Your one vote counts towards putting the right person for the job in the job. We are at a critical time with regards to the future of the Postal Service. We need capable people in position to lead us over these critical times.

Take the time to check off your choice for the job and place the ballot in the stamped envelope and send it back to National Headquarters. Do not put it aside and get to it later, later may be too late. National will calculate the ballots and the more members of Branch 725 who vote, the more that National will see that this Branch is interested in the future of this organization.

If you have any questions regarding this issue pleasing feel free to call the Union Office.

Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

August 24, 2010

Dear Shop Stewards,

In the next couple of days the Branch will be ordering 500 Carrier Color-coded Calendars for the year 2011. The price of the calendars is $5.00 per calendar. The calendars should be available for the November meeting in Folsom.

Treasurer Eric jackson will be taking orders for the calendars at the October meeting in Glenolden American Legion Hall.

Please have a Check made out to Branch 725 for the calendars you wish to order. If the case arises, the branch will order more calendars if necessary.

See you in Glenolden.

Fraternally,

Jim McCullough
President

August 4, 2010

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Eric Jackson is now the new Treasurer for Branch 725. Eric has held numerous positions with the Branch over the last several years and he is highly qualified to handle his new position. I know all of you share with me our commitment to Eric in his new position.

I will miss Dave Carfagno, the out going Treasurer. Dave was not only a great Treasurer, but a dear friend of mine. I can't begin to thank Dave for all that he has done not only for the Branch, but for me personally. As President of the Branch, I knew that I never had to be concerned with the financial aspects of the Branch.

Dave will be missed but I am looking forward to working with Eric and moving this Branch forward

With My Best Regards,

Jim McCullough
President

June 17, 2010

RE: Shared Leave

Dear Brother/Sister,

A sister Letter Carrier from the Coatesville Post Office is incapacitated and therefore can not work. Her husband also works at the Marcus Hook/Linwood Post office as a Letter Carrier. You might say to yourself why would this family need your help? the answer is, in this economy, families especially with children two checks are almost a must.

I know this time of the year most Letter carriers are using their annual leave for their familiy's vacation. If you could just spare eight(8) hours of annual leave to this sister, it would take some of the money issues off this family's back.

Any questions regarding this issue, please feel free to call the Union Office.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

May 18, 2010

Accountable Mail

Dear Brother/Sister,

Once you sign for a piece of accountable mail, be it a certified, registered or any other type of accountable mail you are now responsible for the piece of mail. If you can't render delivery of the piece of mail or you deliver the piece of mail, when you return to the office YOU MUST BE CLEARED OF ALL ACCOUNTABLES YOU SIGNED FOR.

If you just leave the accountable mail on or around the key desk of registry section and the piece of mail is lost or missing, YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. You may be subject to discipline, and maybe subject to removal from the service. You may also be held accountable for the value of the piece of mail that you signed for. You get time when you return to the office to be cleared at the key desk. I know that some if not all the offices have no clerks available when you return t the office, but even if management has to clear you, wait to be cleared.

Remember you are paid by the hour.

Any questions regarding this issue, please call the union office.

Fraternally,

Jim McCullough

May 10, 2010

RE: Food Drive 2010

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Just a short letter to the brothers/sisters of Branch 725 to thank them for their overwhelming support shown in this years food drive. To no ones surprise, the carriers of Branch 725 came through again when called upon to help the less fortunate in their communities. Through all the changes that the carriers are facing in these times, they were able to put all their differences aside and show what kind of caring people Letter Carriers are.

The total collected by Branch 725 this year will probably surpass last year's poundage. As President of this branch, I am grateful for all the hard work exhibited by my fellow union brothers and sisters.

Once again, thanks for caring.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

March 8, 2010

RE: Prime Time Vacation

Dear Shop Steward,

It has come to my attention that some of the local Postmasters have been given instructions from Labor Relations that they do not have to abide by the Local Agreement, with regards to prime time vacations. Some of the Postmasters have been told that if it is a "HARDSHIP" (that is to pay overtime) on the office to give the allotted number of Letter Carriers off they do not have to abide by the LMOU, with regards to the percentage or a fixed number.

If this is happening in your office, you must contact me immediatley at the union office.

If you have any other questions regarding this issue please call the union office at (610) 461-8333.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

February 12, 2010

RE: Letter Carrier In Need

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

On January 14, 2010 a fire struck the house of sister letter carrier Diane McGuire(click on fire strikes the home of one of our own ) and her family. Their house sustained a lot of water and smoke damage. I am pleased to report that nobody was injured in the fire. The homeowners insurance had lapsed; therefore, the damages are not covered.

This is why I need the help of the Brothers/Sisters of Branch 725. The letter carriers in Bala Cynwyd have taken a collection for the McGuire family and the branch has donated $100.00 from the catastrophic fund. Some letter carriers have donated their labor to help repair the home. This however, is not enough. There are still monies needed to put furniture and other needs that the family requires.

I am asking all the members of Branch 725 to step up to the plate and donate any amount that they can afford to help this family. I know that the brothers/sisters of this branch have always stepped up in the past to help our union members in times of distress.

You can send your check or money order to:

Diane McGuire
1 Union Ave.
Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004

There is a beef and beer (for info click on McGuire Beef and Beer Benefit )being run for the family on March 19, 2010 @ 7:30 P.M. at :

Polonia Hall
4431 Belgrade St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19137

Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased at the door. I thank you for your support in the past and I know that I can count on you to help this family.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough

January 21, 2010

RE: National Reassessment Process (NRP) Training

Dear Shop Steward,

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 7:00 PM, the National Business Agent will be holding training for the NRP. The training will be held at Branch 157's office located at 9607 James St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19114.

The training will be mandatory for all Shop Stewards in Branch 725. The NRP is very detrimental to our members who have been injured in the workplace. The Shop Stewards must know how to proceed when the NRP affects his or her office.

If you cannot make this meeting on January 27, 2010, there will be a training session at the Rap Session in Atlantic City.

If you plan to attend on January 27, 2010, please call the Union Office and we will try and car pool up to the meeting. Any other questions, feel free to call the Union Office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough

December 9, 2009

RE: BY LAW CHANGES

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

The By-Laws Committee has come up with a few changes in the by-laws for the Branch. As per the By-Laws of Branch 725 Southeast Pa. Merged, ARTICLE 10 AMENDMENTS, the following procedures will take place:

ARTICLE 10

SECTION 2
All changes must be noted for the meeting at which they will be introduced.

SECTION 3
All changes will be discussed and amended at the meeting when introduced.

SECTION 4
All changes will be voted upon by a majority of the members present and voting at the Branch Meeting immediately following the one at which the By-Laws changes were presented.

The By-Law up for debate is Article III Meetings Section 4

Executive Board will meet the last thursday of each month.

The proposed change is:

Executive Board will meet on the first wednesday of each month one hour prior to the general meeting.

If any questions please call the union office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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December 7, 2009

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Season's greetings from the Executive Board of Branch 725. Let me personally wish you and yours the best of the holiday season and a healthy New Year. The year 2009 will soon be history and I hope that the year 2010 will bring some good news to the Postal Service and especially to the Letter carriers in Branch 725. The 2009 year saw many changes in the Postal Service. We had our Brothers/Sisters excessed from their chosen offices and we also saw the elimination of some of our routes.

There are some positive things that have happened in 2009. We all still are gainfully employed and last month the Letter Carriers received a raise. In this recession that the country is enduring, any increase is a good thing. We also elected a Democratic President who is pro-labor and hope that he will help the middle-class people in America become what we used to be(the backbone of this great country).

During the holidays take a minute to remember the Brothers and Sisters who are no longer with us. The year 2009 took a heavy toll on Branch 725's members. Also, say a prayer or have a good thought for the young men and women who are in harms way all over the world fighting for our freedom.

Again Season's Greetings to all of you and thank you for your support over the last year.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

November 12, 2009

RE: Holiday Wishes

Dear Brother/Sister,

On behalf of the Executive Board of Branch 725, I would like to wish all of you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. This year we have seen many changes in the Postal Service and particularly in our positions as Letter carriers. The positive side of this is that we are all still gainfully employed by the Postal Service, and that we are thankful for.

I sincerely hope that you and your families are in good health, over the course of this year we have lost many of our Brothers/Sistiers and find some are not in good health. During the holidays keep our departed and sick Brothers.Sisiters in your prayers and thoughts.

As President of this Branch, I am always thankful for the support that I receive from the members of this Branch. Sometimes, things get a little tough because of the changes that are taking place almost daily in the Postal Service. The members of this Branch have always conducted themselves in a professional manner during the changes that have taken place. I thank all of you for that!!

I hope that you and your families have a wonderful and healthy holiday season.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough

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November 1, 2009

RE: Notice of Shop Stewards Elections

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

In accordance with Branch 725's by-laws, 'under Article XII(Stewards), states the following:

Section 1 Stewards in each Branch Post Office shall be elected annually; by the members in each Office.

Section 2 Nominations will be held the last week in November.

Section 3 Elections, if necessary, will be held by Secret Ballot during the month of December and shall be supervised by the president of the branch or an Election Committee in each office.

Current Shop Stewards should post a list so that any persons interested in the position may sign up to run.

If you have any questions or need additional information with regards to this issue please call the Union Office.

October 8, 2009

RE: MDA DELIVER THE CURE BOWL

Dear Brother/Sister,

The branch is sponsoring a Deliver the Cure Bowl on Sunday, November 1, 2009. All proceeds from this event will go to the MDA. For the flyer for this event click on MDA Flyer - Bowl for the cure. Everybody is invited to come and bowl. Bring your children, spouses and anybody who wants to have a good time.

It is one of a very few times that letter carriers and their families can get together outside the Post Office. The event is for a good cause and you can bowl for three hours, the shoes included for $25.00.

Please call Bill Melon if you wish to be in the Deliver the Cure Bowl. A family from the area who has this terrible disease will be at the event (also see: The William Foster Story ). So you can see first hand how terrible this disease affects the families with people who are dealing with this disease.

I hope to see a lot of letter carriers and their families on November 1, 2009 at the AMF Conchester Lanes 575 Conchester Highway, Boothwyn Pa. 19061.

I know the letter carriers of branch 725 will answer the call.

With My Best Wishes,

Jim McCullough

President

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August 12, 2009

RE: Reporting Vehicle Accidents

Dear Brother/Sister,

When you are involved in a vehicle accident you MUST REPORT THE ACCIDENT IMMEDIATELY AND STAY AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT UNTIL MANAGEMENT ARRIVES.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks some Letter Carriers involved in an accident have tried to make a deal with the other people involved in the accident to pay for the damages. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!!! These attempts never work out and now the accident situation becomes more serious. Report the accident no matter how minor you may think it is, becasue, I can assure you that the damages are more than they look. People who see the red, white, and blue Postal truck see dollar signs, and every dent and scrape will be attributed to your accident.

Drive safely and if you are involved in an accident, remember to report the accident and then we will deal with the consequences of the accident down the road.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please call the Union Office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

August 11, 2009

RE: UBBM

Dear Brother/Sister,

When Bulk Business Mail is discarded by you the letter carrier, the Postal Service has the obligation to go through this mail and discard it in the appropriate manner.

Under no circumstances are you as letter carrier to go through this discarded mail and take things out of it. IT IS NOT YOUR MAIL, IT IS NOT ADDRESSED TO YOU AND YOU CANNOT TAKE ANYTHING OUT OF THE DISCARDED MAIL.

Remember, there is nothing in the mail that is worth your job. The coupons or the pen or whatever you find in the mails is not worth $50,000 or more.

With my best wishes,

Jim McCullough
President

June 8, 2009

RE: Excess Clerks

Dear Shop Steward,

It has come to this office's attention that effective june 20,2009, the Postal Service will begin to excess clerks into the Letter Carrier craft. The NALC has filed a National Level interpretive grievance on this issue. We belive that the Postal Service has not proven that all clerk postitions have been filled.

All stewards are required to file a grievance in your office if a clerk has been excessed into your office. The National grievance number QO69-4Q-C-09106125. Cite the grievance number in your grievance and then hold the grievance at the Formal Step A pending the outcome of the National case.

The excess clerks are mostly coming into the Associated offices. Oour Branch has excess clerks coming into Broomall, Coatsville, Marcus Hook, Narberth, Norwood, West Chester, Wayne and Bala Cynwyd. The Shop Stewards in the offices should be on the alert on or about June 20, 2009. All Shop Stewards should be vigilant in all of the Branch's offices for excessed clerks coming into their offices.

Any questions regarding this issue, please call the Union office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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March 31, 2009

RE: BY LAW CHANGES

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

The By-Law Commitee has come up with a few changes in the by-laws for the Branch. As per the By-Laws of Branch 725 Southeast Pa. Merged, Article 10 AMENDMENTS, the following procedures will take place:

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March 16, 2009

RE: Posting Of Vacant Routes

Dear Stewards,

Over the last couple of weeks, it has come to the attention of this office that management is not posting routes that have become vacant, either by a retirement or a letter carrier bidding a route after route adjustments. This is another blatant violation of the National Agreement by management.

If this is occuring in your office, you are to file a grievance under Article 41, Letter Carrier Craft. The section you will cite is 41.1.A. (pg. 41-1) of the JCAM.

Section 1 Posting

A. In the Letter Carrier Craft, vacant craft assignments shall be poster as follows

1. A vacant or newly established duty assignment not under consideration for reversion shall be posted within fourteen days of the day it becomes vacant or established.

When a position is under consideration for reversion, the decision to revert or not to revert the position shall be made not later than 30 days after it becomes vacant. If the decision is made not to revert, the assignment must be posted within the 30 days of the date it becomes vacant. The employer shall provide written notice to the Union at the local level of the assignments that are being considered for reversion and of the results of such consideration.

This office is under the opinion that we are still working under the MOU with regards to the Interim Route Adjustment Process, and the data that is being used is the months of May and September 0f 2008. Like I said before, while the union tries to cooperate with the USPS, they just continue to violate the National Agreement on a daily basis.

File the grievance as soon as you become aware of the situation. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please call the union office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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March 5, 2009

RE: Waiver of Lunch

Dear Brother/Sister,

It has come to the attention of this office that some Letter carriers are on an almost daily basis waving their 30 minute lunch period. The Union "frowns" on this practice on a consistent basis, but if the individual Letter Carrier wishes to wave his lunch period a PS Form 3189 Temporary Change of Schedule must be filled out by the letter Carrier. This form is very important because if you just verbally tell management that you are waving your lunch the timekeeper may not be aware of the waiver and take a half hour of time off your clock rings.

I can not emphasize how important every minute of the route is included on a daily basis to determine the actual office and street time of the route. If the 30 minutes are taken off the route and the letter carrier waived his lunch, the route will come up 30 minutes short of the actual time used by the letter carrier. In these days every minute is critical to keep the integrity of our routes.

Any questions regarding this issue please call the union office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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February 19, 2009

RE: National Reassessment Process (NRP)

Dear Brother/Sister,

The Philadelphia District is now entering into Phase 2 of the National Reassessment Process (NRP). The Phase 2 Management representatives will meet with the "Limited Duty carriers" to evaluate their limited duty assignments. The light duty employees are not part of this process.

When a Carrier is informed about a meeting, they should request that a Shop Steward be present. If you have trouble with this request call the union office (610) 461-8333.

Based on the Carriers restrictions and availability of "Limited Duty" some limited duty assignments may be changed. If you are a "limited duty" carrier and your assignment changes you have a right to have the new duty assigment reviewed by your attending physician to determine if the new duties fit your restrictions.

If you have any questions regarding your status or other questions about the program, please call the union office. If you would like further information on this matter go to the NALC website at NALC.org. It can be found under the compensation menu.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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February 18, 2009

Topic: Shop Stewards Meeting

Dear Stewards,

There will be a "mandatory" meeting of the shop stewards on Marhc 19, 2009 at the Cheese Club in Havertown. The meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. and last about two hours.

These meetings are for both the regular steward and the alternate steward. Please find time to come to these meetings. I do not thinks it is too much to ask you to spend two hours finding out what is going on within the Postal Service with regards to our jobs. There are going to be a lot of things that are going to be changing, and it is imperative that the membership of the branch is aware of what is going on. Management is doing things that are not contractually correct with regards to PTF's on hold-downs and scheduling if TE's, and also the NRP is coming to our area.

The sharing of information is important to make sure that we are all on the smae page.

Find time to attend these meetings. They will begin at 7:00 P.M. and should be no longer that 2 hours.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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February 12, 2009

RE: PTF's Hold-downs

Dear Stewards,

I have just received a memorandum signed by the acting District Manager dated February 10, 2009, regarding overtime and use of the PTF's and TE's. The memo states that TE's and PTF's will be limited to thirty-six (36) hour work weeks. There will be no exceptions to each of these initiatives without prior consent.

Again, we find that the management in the Philadelphia District has decided that they are not obligated to abide by the National Agreement signed by both the NALC and the USPS. PTF letter carriers that are on hold-downs in your offices are entitled to the hold-downs under Article 41 Section 41.2.B.5 of the National Agreement. In this Section of the National Agreement it states DURATION OF HOLD-DOWN:

Section 41.2.B.5 provides that once an available hold-down position is awarded the opting "shall work that duty assignment for it's duration."

There are some exceptions to the duration clause in the National Agreement. REMOVAL FROM HOLD-DOWN:

Part-time flexible employees may be "bumped" from their hold-downs to provide sufficient work for the full-time employee.

The Union understands that certain times the work load may force the hand of management to find work for the regular work force, but they must first use all options that are available to them before removing a PTF off a hold-down. For example, most offices are being required to leave a certain amount of routes open on a daily basis, these routes can be pivoted by the regular letter carriers before the hold-down is stopped. If the TE is scheduled and guaranteed 4 hours a day, then the TE should not be scheduled and his hours should then be pivoted to make time for the regular work force.

The Management of the Philadelphia District is also in violation of Article 7 Section 1.B of the National Agreement when it states that "all transitional employee's, as well as part-time flexible employees will be limited to a thirty-six (36) hour work week.

TRANSITIONAL EMPLOYEES:
Over the course of a pay period, the employer will make every effort to ensure that qualified and available part-time flexible employees are utilized at the straight-time rate prior to assigning such work to transitional employees working in the same work location and on the same tour.

It only stands to reason that if the TE is making anywhere near 36 hours in a week that somewhere in that work week the PTF could have made up the four (4) hours at the straight=time rate.

All Stewards are to monitor the situation in thier office and if necessary, file a grievance for the violations cited above. If you have any questions regarding this issue please call the union office.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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February 3, 2009

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

It is that time of the year when the use of a 3996 and leaving the motors running while the Letter Carrier is out of the vehicle comes to the attention of this office.

Over the course of the last couple of years, you have received notice from this office about how and when the use of a 3996 is appropriate. If you are requesting overtime or auxilliary assistance you must fill out a 3996. If there is the slightest doubt that you will not make it back to the office in the prescribed time, it is your obligation to fill out a 3996. A 3996 is a Carrier generated form that must be filled out and presented to management. Management may accept or reject the form. If your form is rejected, then it is your responsibility to inform management later in the day that you will not be back to the office in the prescribed time. The call will put the onus on management to make a decision as to what you are supposed to do. You do not take it upon yourself to make overtime!!!!

The issue of the vehicle running always comes up this time of the year. When you come out and inspect your vehicle in the morning you should be able to ascertain if the windshield needs to be defrosted. If the windshield needs to be defrosted, YOU MUST BE IN THE SEAT, when that vehicle is running. If you are caught out of the vehicle at anytime while it is running, you will be taken off the clock and placed on Emergency Placement, subject to removal.

Remember what I told you a couple of years ago; If your ass is not in the drivers' seat the vehicle must be off!!!!!

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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January 26, 2009

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

I am pleased to report that President Emeritus Don Coughlin is recovering nicely from his surgery and is up and about. I talk to Don several days a week and he has asked me to thank all of you who sent cards and especially he thanks you for all your prayers and good thoughts.

I expect to see President Coughlin at the Rap Session in Atlantic City at the end of February.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Jim McCullough
President

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