They Just Don't Get It!

By: Stephen A. Albanese 
National Representative at Large BMC Coordinator
Maintenance Division, APWU, AFL-CIO
1300 "L" Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
202 842-4213
E Mail bobbydonelson@worldnet.att.net

A few weeks ago a disturbing posting went up throughout the district of Maine that is the subject of a step three grievance in my area. After hearing management's response I could not help myself and had to write this article. 

The following notice was posted in all retail office in the state of Maine:

Notice to Customers

• Did you receive a pleasant greeting?

•  Were you asked when you want your mail to arrive?

• Were you offered any special services?

• Were you asked if you need anything else today?

• Were you treated courteously?

• Were you offered payment options?

Were you totally satisfied with your experience at the post office today?

We are committed to your total satisfaction every time you visit our office. If the answer to any of the above questions was no, please let me know and you will receive a free gift.

Postmaster

I questioned district Postal officials about this notice and the response I got was, "It doesn't violate the national agreement." Although I was stunned by this indifferent response I checked the contract. They were correct. We completely forgot to negotiate a clause that prohibited management from posting dumb notices that offended the work force. We plum forgot to remind our window clerks that they must smile when the line is out the door and their relief was taken away by a function four survey team. Last but not least we never anticipated management would offer a bounty on window clerks and any customer could collect on it by simply saying they were not "totally satisfied with their postal experience".
My initial anger has now been tempered because now I realize it's ok for us to do the same thing. 

How is this for a notice:

Notice to Employees
 

• Did you receive a pleasant greeting from your supervisor today?

• Were you asked when you'd like your relief to arrive?

• When you or a family member had a serious illness did your supervisor explain your     rights under FMLA?

• When the contract was violated did your supervisor apologize to you?

• Do you have enough people and equipment to do your job safely and properly?

Were you totally satisfied with your experience at work today?

We are committed to following the contract and making your work experience a pleasant one. If the answer to any of these questions was no please let me know and I will make sure the matter is corrected and the problem will never occur again.

Postmaster