Danielle was elected 2nd Vice President in 2019. She has held this position for 3 years and was re-elected in 2022. Danielle’s postal carrier began in 1996 the same year she joined Branch 36. From the beginning it was obvious to her the positive influence the Officers and Stewards of Branch 36 had on the livelihood and overall working conditions of its members. In 2011 Danielle was elected Shop Steward at Williamsbridge station. Danielle did not stop there she volunteered to help her fellow carriers anyway she could. In 2013, Danielle was selected to be the district Customer Connect Coordinator. In 2014, Danielle was elected trustee for branch 36. Due to her passion of helping others and giving back she was appointed as a Food Drive coordinator in 2015. Branch 36 loves training and Danielle took advantage of everything that was offered. 2016 Formal Step A training, 2018 Arbitration training and in 2019 Branch Officer training was added to her list of accomplishments. In 2022 Danielle was re-elected to the Position of 2nd Vice President, the skills and knowledge learned while being a part of Branch 36 has increased her ability to represent the Letter carriers continuously.

Safety and You

When I first became a shop steward, David Velazquez Sr. at that time was the Branch 36 Food Drive and District Customer Connect coordinator, as well as the Director of Safety. David wore many hats at Branch 36. When David became a team leader for Branch 36 route adjustments, I was appointed as the District Coordinator for the Customer Connect program. David was always a willing participant for the union in any capacity that he was needed. What I will remember most about David is his sense of humor. I had no idea he was ill when we spoke on the phone. He had the same funny demeanor he always had. Yes, he worked for the carriers processing grievances while he was terminally ill. It came as no surprise to me because David always defended the carriers he represented. Myself, as well as the Branch 36 members, will miss David Velazquez, Sr.
In addition, I would like to remember former Branch 36 Second Vice President/Financial Secretary Patrick McNally. He was in his position up until his retirement. Pat will be remembered as a passionate arbitration advocate, who always worked hard for the members whenever they need representation. May he Sleep in Eternal Peace.

Safety and You

Any safety concerns should be reported immediately. Anyone who works in a facility where unsafe conditions exist, immediate action should be taken by filling out the 1767 safety form. The form is in place to report any hazards or unsafe conditions. The supervisor is supposed to investigate the unsafe hazard during the same tour of duty that the unsafe condition is reported. The supervisor is supposed to record the action taken and monitor the status of the hazard until it is abated. By the end of the day, the employee who submitted the PS 1767 form is to be provided with a receipt (blue copy), as acknowledgement that some type of abatement is currently in progress.
All carriers shall keep in mind that any threatening behavior on the workroom floor creates a poor and hostile working condition, regardless of who is involved. In other words, if you are on the workroom floor and management is displaying threatening behavior towards another employee, that in turn, creates an unsafe environment for all employees. That is equivalent to any other unsafe condition. A violation of the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace also creates an unsafe environment. If you witness such action, the same 1767 form should be filed along with your witness statement. Remember if a supervisor displays disrespectful behavior towards an employee in front of you; they will have no problem doing the same to you at any given time. It is our job as employees on the workroom floor to ensure management maintains a safe and a mutually respectful work environment.
For those who like to get an early start on things, the Dinner Dance for 2026 is right around the corner. I recommend that all stations get a table, at the very least. It is suggested that a pay period plan be made with your fellow letter carriers that wish to attend. An example would be to get your group to pay, little by little, each period and up until the ticket deadline, which will make it easier on the pocket. It also makes it easier on the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) on a great time. This is a special year; we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Branch 36 Dinner Dance. I hope all come out for a great time and a good cause.

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