Rumors
by Orlando Gonzalaz
Customer Connect Coordinator
An appeal to all my union brothers and sisters in good standing.
After fifteen years in service, I've heard my share of rumors. I've also seen the damage they can do to reputations, relationships and equally as important, overall morale. The amazing thing about rumors is no matter how thoroughly you investigate them, you will rarely find the source, and, just as amazing is the rumor's ability to catch fire and spread incredibly fast whether it is true or not. I've often said, "If the mail traveled as fast as the rumors in the Post Office, we would never have.to worry about our jobs." I believe that by applying the following small formula, we can put an end to rumors once and for all. Educate yourself, investigate for yourself, stick to the facts, make your own decisions and most importantly, do not allow yourself to be swayed by *OTHERS. I would now like to share a small example of a rumor gone bad and the reason for this article. During the writing of this article, everyone shall remain anonymous, however, what I am about to relate is true.

I recently had a conversation with a shop steward/customer connect representative who was having a problem with the manager in their station. For whatever reason, they decided that the best way to get back at him was to end their participation in the customer connect program. They even told me, "You better not show up over there 'cause they don't want to see you. It's going .to be ugly." I was a bit surprised, but decided to ask the following question, "How does pulling out of the program affect your manager?" Their answer was, "'cause if we don't participate he don't get a bonus." (BAM! RUMOR.) I explained that this program was put in place solely to generate new revenue from S.O.H.O. (small offices/home offices) and that all the revenue could be used as a bargaining tool come contract time because all of the revenue is accounted for. I also let them know that this program does not have incentives for managers or supervisors; they must be confusing the Customer Connect Program with the Business Connect Program. That's why when I go around to the participating stations, I make it clear that all leads must go in as Customer Connect and not Business Connect. Business Connect offers incentives to management. After a short pause they said, "Oh, when you explain it that way it makes sense." Rumor diffused! In actuality, they were only hurting themselves and in turn, all of us. Had they applied my small formula, this situation would never have transpired. I'll be visiting this station soon, hopefully they got the message and are participating again and will receive the Customer Connect team not only with open arms, but more importantly, with open minds. We should always do our part to diffuse senseless rumors. Nip them in the bud so they remain what they are, that is, unsubstantiated hearsay, also known as, a bunch of bull.

Remember, as you read this brothers and sisters, there are less than four years of this current contract and we will need all the bargaining chips we can get. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to contact our team at our office 1-212-330-3580. Thank you and good luck.
*Others:
1.) Pedple who complain about the contract but didn't vote on it.
2.) People who complain about union dues yet write them off on their tax reports.
3.) People who complain about C'OLCPE, but enjoy their COLAS.
4.) People who claim the union doesn't do anything but have never been to a union meeting or know what the J-Cam is.
5.) People who are, by far the worst, non-union members.
Special Thanks
PTF - Belle Gui - Radio City Station - Outstanding job generating leads in her young postal career.
Carmen Flores - Triboro Station -for your guidance, for sharing your knowledge of the program with me and for offering your time as a consultant.
All participants - NALC/U.S.P.S. -As we rapidly approach the 400 million dollar mark since this program's inception.
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