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After careful consideration of the resolutions and some discussion, the resolutions related to the Clerk Craft were read and a decision was made on each by the delegation.  I am sure that the same thing was happening in the other craft conferences, as I heard back for members of the MVS and Maintenance Craft afterward.  Once the resolutions were properly disposed of the Conference was released to resume on Sunday morning.

As we left the convention hall, we were pleased to run across a very dear friend to all of us.  Maggie Reimann, the former APWU Auxiliary President for the Indiana Chapter was in the corridor and greeting familiar faces.

with that we were free to enjoy the evening with family, friends, and union brothers and sisters.

The Sunday Clerk Craft session began at 9:00 am, well actually about 9:25 am, with the National Clerk Craft Director, James McCarthy, presiding and I am not sure, but casually dressed, maybe he was trying to be the new James, without sun glasses.

A rather solemn atmosphere started the session as a short portion was dedicated to the memory of the former unionist, former National Clerk Director and former Secretary-Treasurer Robert Tunstall. A few officers and local representatives were able to share some of the memories of the recently departed leader and friend.

Mike Morris made a presentation on pending National Arbitration issues, and discussed Limited Duty, Postmaster Relief, Step Two Hearing Decisions and it's related impact, Voluntary Travel, and Day-to-Day Seniority issues.  A key issue was the information that the grievance backlog, formerly 30 to 40 thousand was now manageably down to 12,789.  The Clerk Craft NBA's, Regional and Local officials were commended for making great strides in the reduction.  The reduction means that the grievance procedure is now working and that grievances will be heard in a timely manner.

Mike really got wound up when he turned his discussion to politics.  Well actually it was political leaders, and especially that of the current President.  He urged us to get

involved, and assist in campaigns for upcoming candidates who have shown that they will work for the working class people.  He mentioned several who have a proven track record, and even veered from the traditional union party support to include all those political candidates that vote the right way, that support the working families in America, and the traditional values for government, instead of the Big Business model that is now in place.

Trying to follow Mike seemed almost impossible, but Assistant Clerk Craft

Pat updated us on the issues of Unit Clarification Cases. Mail Flow Controllers, the Business Center staffing issues, Business Mail Entry Analyst and Address Management System Analyst.  She discussed the arbitration cases and where they were in the process, or what the outcome was on the issues.

Shared Services made a presentation before the body on organizing. Who is Shared Services?  They are the folks who handle the payroll and lot of other important stuff.  They spoke on the difficulty in organizing, and the thrill of success in it's accomplishment.

Rob Shrunk, and James McCarthy and spoke about some sensitive issues that will come before the convention is the next few days.  Members then were able to participate in a Question and Answer session before the days meeting activities came to a close.

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