December NBA Report
by David Teegarden
Region 5 Rap Session
Reservations for hotel rooms can be made by using this link now https://book.passkey.com/e/51145271
******Currently the room block seems to indicate that you can get rooms for Thursday night but if you try it will not allow you to reserve a hotel room. We are working to correct this. In the meantime, please make reservations for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.******
In order to get the hotel and the room rate please use the above link. We contract a room block with the hotel for 200 rooms per night for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Please contact us at the NBA office as early as you can if you are having trouble making hotel reservations and we can assist you. Once the room block is full, we are subject to hotel availability for a higher rate.
The 2026 Rap Session will take place at the KC Downtown Marriott Friday, February 27, Monday March 2. Friday February 27 th a branch president meeting will take place from 5-7pm at the hotel. There will be an informal meet and greet in the bar/lounge area after the branch president meeting.
We will conduct training from 8am-12pm and 1-5pm Saturday and Sunday. A Rap Session with a National Officer will take place on Monday from 8am until about noon. An NBA reception will be held at KCMO Branch 30 union hall located at 6320 Manchester Avenue KC MO 64132 from 6:30pm-10:00pm on Saturday February 28th.
We have listened to some of your suggestions and have made accommodations where we can. There will be more time built in for moving from one class to another and still allow us to put on over 25 different classes. Better signs and maps of the hotel and a longer lunch break are just a few of your suggestions we will implement. Classes offered will be negotiating for the union steward/Formal A, The difference between JSOV and Dignity and Respect, JWIP an avenue into creating a better atmosphere on the workroom floor, Grievance preparation from Informal A through Arbitration-Follow a grievance as it winds its way through the Article 15 process and ends up at Arbitration, Branch Officer Training (Nicole Rhine Secretary Treasurer), Arbitration Advocate, 271G Route Inspections, Chapter 2 M-39 Route Adjustment Process Education, OWCP Basic and Advanced, What exactly is a Labor Management Meeting and how to use them effectively, Safety, Women’s roundtable discussion, How to speak Union Effectively, Retirement, Community Services, EAP, Step B, Deems Desirable, Chat with Region 5 Office, Region 5 CAU-An in-depth look at the previous years settlements and decisions, CCA-PTF Contract Updates, Writing for Stewards and Legislation. We may add a few more before the QR code is sent out to sign up for classes, which should be shortly after the first of the year.
Please use this link to reserve your hotel rooms which is active now https://book.passkey.com/e/51145271
We will once again use the QR code to register for classes and that will be up and running early in 2026 which will allow participants two months to select classes. We are looking forward to another great event and seeing all of you there.
Collective Bargaining Update
Just a few weeks ago the National Rap Session was conducted in Cleveland, Ohio. The event gave branch leaders and rank and file letter carriers to hear what the subcommittees for collective bargaining are discussing and the direction each is taking toward proposals. It also gave our members that attended the chance to give their input on collective bargaining proposals they would like to see passed across the table. My subcommittee deals with Articles 5, 15, 17 and 31. There were lots of letter carriers who came to the microphone and had excellent ideas for us. My subcommittee work will continue until we have written up all proposals that we will submit to the head table for discussion. If you have any suggestions for my subcommittee or any of the others, please contact me at the NBA office at 314-985-8040. Another group of 30 Rank and File Letter Carriers is scheduled to meet in early January so that they can weigh in on collective bargaining and give their input and suggestions for bargaining proposals. The goal is to be in a better position to understand the membership’s desires prior to going into collective bargaining.
Employee Conduct & Law Enforcement
There have been several incidents across the country with law enforcement officials such as ICE, and letter carriers. With law enforcement activity increasing the Postal Service gave a mandatory Stand-Up talk to employees about how to deal with these situations. Do not interfere or intercede in any law enforcement activity. Doing so may lead to injury, arrest and possible corrective action. If law enforcement asks you a question about the Postal Service or one of its customers based on confidential or protected knowledge because of your Postal Service employment the request should be referred to the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. It is suggested that carriers keep this number handy in their vehicle in case it is needed. This does not mean that you should refrain from cooperation with law enforcement officials in emergency situations like accidents or medical emergencies.
In closing I would be remiss if I did not thank my staff for their efforts on behalf of the members in Region 5. All of you are second to none and your work is appreciated. I also want to express our appreciation for all the state and branch officers, and activists who represent their members and assist the Region 5 office in the field. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed by the NBA office. We simply could not do what we are able to do without you. I hope that all Region 5 letter carriers and their families have a safe and happy holiday season.
Until next time stay safe out there,
David A. Teegarden
National Business Agent
NALC Region 5