H.R. 4236

(4/28)
Letter from Pres. Aleman to Rep. Rodriguez and Rep. Gonzales (04/29) - Email response from Rep. Gonzales (04/29)

Union President Asks Locals, States To Seek Support for Subcontracting Legislation (01/09/08) APWU President William Burrus has asked the union’s state and local presidents to encourage APWU members to write to their U.S. representatives and ask them to co-sponsor and support the Mail Network Protection Act (H.R. 4236). The bill, introduced by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) on Nov. 15, 2007, would require the Postal Service to bargain with postal unions before it engages in significant subcontracting. [full story] Sample letter (pdf) or Link to sample letter to send via email Representative Ciro D. Rodriguez (D-TX 23rd), drops by Union Hall early during the Executive Board meeting (01/19) and gives us an update on what is happening in Washington and his district. He also asked for our continuing support and the support of his brother Chico Rodriquez who is running for County Commissioner. At which point SAAAL President Alex Aleman presents Rep. Rodriguez with our request that he support H.R. 4236 and he said he would. Steward Shows Initiative - Ruben Almanza (L), Clerk Chief Steward Tour 2 AMF, presenting President Alex Aleman with 30 letters from members at the AMF to their congressmen asking for their support for HR-4236. Ruben used his own initiative and got all members of the AMF, including window clerks and MVS to write their congressman. Ruben should be congratulated for his efforts.

Anti-Subcontracting Bill Picking Up ‘Co-Sponsors’

APWU Web News Article #10-08, Jan. 31, 2008

The Mail Network Protection Act (H.R. 4236), which would require the Postal Service to bargain with postal unions before it engages in significant subcontracting, has been steadily gaining sponsorship in the House.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) on Nov. 15, and support for the measure has been picking up steam since 2008 began.

Thus far in January, the following co-sponsors (all Democrats) have come forward: Joe Courtney (CT), William Lacy Clay (MO), Joseph Crowley (NY), Mike Doyle (PA), Keith Ellison (MN), Alcee Hastings (FL), Baron Hill (IN), Mazie Hirono (HI), Betty McCollum (MN), James P. McGovern (MA), Ed Pastor (AZ), Bobby Rush (IL), Linda T. Sanchez (CA), Janice Schakowsky (IL), David Scott (GA), Heath Shuler (NC), Peter Visclosky (IN), Tom Udall (NM), and Albert Wynn (MD).

Several members of Congress signed on as co-sponsors in December: Yvette Clark (D-NY), Al Green (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Patrick Murphy (D-PA), Laura Richardson (D-CA), Christopher Smith (R-NJ), and John Tierney (D-MA).

Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:29 PM
Subject: Thank you for your letter
Dear Mr. Aleman:

Thank you for your words on the Mail Network Protection Act of 2007 (HR 4236). I am proud to have constituents who stay so involved and who are willing to share their thoughts with me on such important issues.

The United States Postal Service's (USPS) recently initiated program that will outsource many postal jobs to private companies threatens the quality of the service provided by USPS employees and could eventually jeopardize the good jobs that help to guarantee superior service from the USPS. Democrats introduced HR 4326 to help stem the tide of postal outsourcing by requiring the USPS to bargain with postal unions before it engages in significant subcontracting. I strongly support this measure because it would ensure that USPS outsourcing contracts and the effects they have on postal workers are carefully scrutinized.

Another way Democrats are working to protect our mail service is through House Resolution 282, calling on the USPS to discontinue the practice of contracting out mail delivery services. The USPS is vital to communication and commerce in this country and, accordingly, this public service should not be privatized to save a few dollars at the cost of good jobs and efficient mail delivery. Rest assured that I will vote to support the jobs of postal workers and for a continuation of the fine public service provided by the USPS.

Thank you again for letting me know how you feel. I sincerely value your input and interest and I ask that you please let me know if ever I can be of further assistance to you.

Sincerely,
Charles A. Gonzalez
Member of Congress

Be informed, stay informed. In knowledge there is power, in unity there is strength.

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