It is my natural tendency not to make ripples in the postal pond and to get along with everybody. My initial perception of a union steward was an arrogant loud-mouthed individual who had no qualms of yelling into management's face and being viewed as a troublemaker. In my short time as an RCA, my views are totally different. Before moving to El Paso, I worked in Raleigh, NC. where I witnessed stewards who claimed to be fighting for my rights eventually slithering into postal management. Watching these occurences, my respect for stewards began to wain as I watched them use their influence for self-centered interests. Is there anyone on here that know of steward who eventually became your supervisor? I am raising MY hand!

The current situation where I work we have only TWO union activists for ALL of El Paso. Our local President Bill Heath is a good man and saddled with the responsibility as President and Secretary/Treasurer. The other person who I will not name acts as a steward. The operative word is "acts." Bill Heath and a good friend helped me with my transfer out here and we have discussed many of the problems effecting rural carriers.

The biggest one looming for now is the "Mail Count of 2008." Most rural routes in El Paso were evaluated significantly lower from the 2006 mail count despite the fact that El Paso gained 9,700 residents in that same two year period. After reading the USPS rules from handbook PO-603, I read in section 534 that "when a rural route receives an unprecedented drop in the volume of mail, the USPS has the right to amend the mail count." Because it saves them money, management decided not to act upon their own rules.

To keep this blog short, I will not delve into the many questions racing through my mind that effect our futures. My choice to become a steward is not to abuse the position as a training ground to go into management. As a steward, I am YOUR link to the union agenda. Advising co-workers of their negotiated rights is not considered in the realm of a troublemaker. I AM a good listener and I want to respond to people in trouble. The word "steward" sounds intimidating to some because it sounds like you need years of experience. "It isn't always WHAT you know, but WHERE to find it." My dear friend Mark gave me solid advice.

I see becoming a steward as a way of making my job more interesting, challenging and useful. I feel like I will be more productive as the most junior RCA (the least of the least) and I will grow in learning and have the chance to be creative and even mischievious while helping out other people.

Daniel 6:5 says "Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God."  Daniel's enemies could not find any fault against him and they knew his obedience was strong no matter the personal cost.

What a bright world this would be if we felt as strong as Daniel about those whom others consider "lost souls." If I can be as faithful as Daniel, I could have some kind of impact on at least one "lost soul" of the Postal Service.

In Christ,

Julie