Postal Management could not get around the law and the contract when it came to preference eligible vets. As an ET-10 when they closed the East Texas P&DC, there were no ET-10 positions within 50 miles. Veterans Preference Act prevented them from forcing us into a lower level. 50 mile MOU prevented them from forcing us to move. Management responded with threats, harassment, coercion and intimidation, but could do nothing but try to make us miserable. This same scenario played out at facilities nation wide.
Now thanks to the backstabbing betrayal of APWU President Mark Dimondstein and APWU Maintenance Director Steve Raymer we either have to take a lower level job with saved grade or move to a place that may be beyond the 50 miles. And since it just has to be the “closest residual” vacancy to one’s home, it could be as far away as necessary to find that “residual” vacancy with no mileage limit whatsoever. AND … it’s retroactive for all preference eligible vets that have not been forced down or to move yet!!!
It’s time for all preference eligible vets to file USERRA discrimination claims against the USPS and APWU.
SHAME on the USPS and the Un-American Postal Workers Union for undermining the laws that have been put in place to protect veterans from just this type of discrimination and harassment.
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
Springfield Mass Area Local 497
Office held, if any
Clerk Craft Director, Steward
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
APWU Tyler, Texas Local
Office held, if any
Member