PRESIDENT'S REPORT 11/3/99 THE MOE BILLER VISIT TO ARKANSAS Fayetteville Thursday - Sunday, October 22-24, 1999 NOTE TO ALL: For photos of Moe's visit, please visit our website! Jake Lamkins did a GREAT job putting this together! our website: http://FayettevilleAPWU.tripod.com This report will be mailed out to hundreds in newsletter in 2 weeks. If desiring a copy by U.S. Mail, please contact us. Purpose for the Trip The Fayetteville Local has experienced a significant struggle the past few years. We were (and are) determined to improve the work climate in Fayetteville, and the best way to accomplish that goal we believe is to: (1) bring attention to the problems that need solving; (2) show unity and solidarity with a broader scope [national, state, regional]; (3) educate our people of their rights and responsibilities; and (4) cultivate camaraderie and cooperation among our people and with managers/supervisors who respect the contract and our members. In keeping with this goal, we invited Moe Biller, national President of the American Postal Workers Union, to Fayetteville. We believed his visit would be educational, enlightening, and entertaining. We also wanted to honor the man who had devoted 60 years of his life to the betterment of postal workers nation- wide. It was discovered later that his 84th birthday was coming up right after his visit, and we wanted to treat him like a king. He fought for us for most of this century; it was our time to show appreciation. It was only a few months before we mistakenly felt we were abandoned by the national when the local postmaster sued 6 local leaders (from all 4 unions). But word hadn't gotten to Moe about the case. When talking to him directly, I discovered him to be the most understanding and caring of all. I admired his New York way of not beating around the bush but telling it like it is. At the Airport On Thursday afternoon, October 22nd, groups of us drove out to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, 22 miles NW of Fayetteville. Just before arriving, I received a call on my cell from Gwendolyn Cunningham, Moe's personal assistant, informing us that his plane was delayed in Washington 1 hour, thus causing him to miss his connecting flight in Chicago, adding 5 hours to the trip. So, we drove the Cadillac (compliments of Harrison APWU Local) on to the airport to inform the others already gathered that we would need to return at 9:00 pm. We headed back to the Hilton Hotel hospitality suite in Fayetteville to greet visitors. The suite was on the 15th floor overlooking the old county courthouse and Mount Sequoyah, beautiful view. A few had gathered from Springfield, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Shawnee, Oklahoma; Ponca City, Oklahoma; El Dorado, Arkansas; Rogers, Arkansas; and Fort Smith, Arkansas. A group of us left at 8:30 pm to meet Moe. (Frank Fickle, Carolyn Kent, Fred Cusanelli and I were the Fayetteville delegation; several more from Springfield.) Moe came bounding off the plane, embracing everyone with a broad smile. I was like the little boy for the first time meeting Santa sliding down the chimney at Christmas. What a character! Strangers at the terminal were greeted by Moe with hugs & handshakes who weren't even part of APWU's welcoming party. But the amazing thing was how they responded to him in kind! It was great. Fred Cusanelli, Editor, snapped several pictures in the terminal. Meanwhile, Carolyn Kent was out in the Caddi parked next to the building keeping the parking cops at bay. Suddenly alarms started going off in the car, horn honking and lights flashing! After we got Moe in the car, somehow we got the car to stop its funny business. (But poor Carolyn seemed still flustered.) Driving back to Fayetteville, I was obviously unaccustomed to driving a Cadillac. The Springfield, Missouri entourage behind [in a car that matched ours] kept flashing their lights and honking for miles. I just thought they were horsing around. Finally Ron Anderson from Springfield rolled his window down when we got to Cave Springs and signaled me to pull over. What happened? I assumed that since the headlights came on in the Caddi automatically in darkness that the tail lights switched on as well. Not the case. Ron spotted a cop and knew he had to act fast. They were poking fun at me all night for that caper. I drove on the Fayetteville at my leisurely pace (not exceeding 64 mph to some people's consternation). Visit with postal employees We arrived at the hospitality suite a little after 10 pm. A lot of people thought Moe would be bushed from the trip and Chicago layover. Not the case. What energy that guy has. He shook hands and greeted everyone there, then suggested that we visit the postal employees down at the plant (Tour 1 and 3). I gave Terri Flory (T-1 sup.) a courtesy call; she hesitated about allowing him to come down. So, I called Lee Thompson, plant manager. She graciously consented and contacted Terri. So I asked Vickie Alves, VP, and the guys from Shawnee to help me escort Moe down to the plant. Moe seemed right in his element. He greeted every person in the whole building (some twice and three times). He toured our little union office, met with tour supervisor, and looked over our bulletin board. I think some folks were caught off-guard to see Moe at work. It was around 12:15 am when we got back to the hotel; Moe was still anxious to greet more people. Finally he called it a night and asked if we could make arrangements to meet with the postmaster and plant manager around 10 am instead of the scheduled 9 am. I told him I would FAX Lee and tell her since his flight was delayed, we would run a little late, and ask if we could meet at 10 instead. Saturday morning visit Saturday morning at 9 Dennis Taff (Ark. State Pres.) called and asked why we weren't at the plant yet. (I had forgotten to call Dennis to inform him of the change.) I explained the situation where Moe was tired because of the flight delay and that I had faxed Lee to inform her. So, Dennis met the postmaster at the building entrance informing her Moe would be late. Reportedly she replied, "I can't wait around for him," and left. We arrived a little after 10 at the plant. With Moe and me were the Shawnee boys (can't remember their names). Lee Thompson, plant manager, greeted us warmly. It was a brief visit since only 5 or 6 employees were working on the floor at the time. Moe met Lee's husband, Dan, APWU steward in Bentonville and long-time supporter (Traverse City, MI). Moe apologized for the delay; explained that his flight was delayed 5 hours in Chicago, which threw him late at the hotel. Afterward, I drove Moe to the top of Mount Sequoyah overlooking the city. Fall colors were just coming out. Quite a site. Then we drove to the Main Post Office where Moe greeted the window clerks when there was a break from the nearly constant line of customers. Press Conference, Saturday, 2 pm Around 35 people were at the press conference (not the 20 reported by one newspaper). Moe was direct, to-the-point, and humorous at the same time. Questions/Answers were given for about 45 minute. All local and state-wide newspapers were represented. Wedding Reception Dorothy Jordan (Tour 3 steward) and Andrew Salley were married that day and held reception at the Hilton. So, Moe Biller dropped in on the reception. The surprise on Dorothy's face! Moe gave her a big congratulatory kiss. The pictures are priceless. The Biller Banquet At 6:30 people gathered for the banquet honoring Moe. The banners read, "President MOE BILLER - 60 Years Fighting for YOUR Rights." (Thank you, Millie Alvis, for coloring banners.) Carolyn Ross and Elyse Warford (Jim Warford's daughter) performed beautifully! Elyse sang STAR SPANGLED BANNER acapella. Awesome! Then Carolyn & Elyse sang the duet, "WHEN YOU BELIEVE," theme from PRINCE OF EGYPT Disney animation movie. I actually was overwhelmed by the sound of their voices. How fitting the song was to the occasion where we would honor "our Moses" for fighting for workers' rights for most of his life! Then I asked Moe Biller to come to the font so Carolyn and Elyse with arms around could sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT. (He seemed to really enjoy that moment.) Next I presented Moe with a plaque from the Fayetteville Local in recognition of his service to postal workers for 60 years. Pulling the hoghat from under the podium, though, was the moment I was looking forward to most. I presented Moe with the hoghat; he tried it on in front of the crowd. It was great. My introductory speech had a little historical twist to it. I brought out that Moses of old had led his people out of slave labor, across the Red Sea with the fringe benefits of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night with delicious manna floating down daily. Moses didn't just have management to contend with, but his own people as well. He led them for 60 years (40 years in the desert); and yet wasn't given proper thanks and never crossed over into the Promised Land. I told them, "Tonight I introduce another Moses, MOSES AARON BILLER, born in a ghetto 84 years ago, who led this nation of postal workers for 60 years...." It might have sounded corny to some, but the resemblance was remarkable. Moe then gave his address to postal workers gathered from several states. He talked about the future of our jobs, organizing, and planning negotiations. Postal workers were honored that he would come and speak to postal workers in this area of the country. At the close of the banquet, Moe cut his birthday cake and shared it with all present. A Statue of Liberty design was drawn on a huge cake with the words, "Moe Biller - 60 years fighting for your rights." We were in the banquet hall for some time, then we excused ourselves to the Hospitality Suite where several dozen were mingling. Moe, again, showed incredible energy. He was up until after midnight greeting folks. Farewell at Airport Sunday Morning Frank Fickle, Fred Cusanelli and I escorted Moe back to the airport Sunday morning. Fred went to the hotel early and helped Moe get ready and pack. On the road to catch the plane we had a good, open discussion with Moe about the Fayetteville situation. We also brought up the Harrison situation. Frank was able to speak with Moe at length, which was one of my objectives. Though we had actually only met Moe Biller on this short visit, seeing him off at the airport was like saying good-bye to a close friend. We believe Fayetteville will never be the same. Overall, it was an exciting event. THANK YOU Thank you-s are in order for: To Gini Hickman, who worked tirelessly for this event. She set up tables, purchased beverages and foods, made hotel and financial arrangements, etc., etc. Without Gini, this event could not have been. To Frank Fickle, Local President for 12 years, who greeted and escorted Moe Biller to/from airport. To Fred Cusanelli, Editor, who photographed event, escorted Moe to/from hotel and to other events. To Randall Woodlee who put in for annual to escort Moe from the airport Friday afternoon. To Stacey Bailey, Maintenance Steward, who assisted with beverages and hospitality. To Carolyn Kent who assisted with hospitality, picking up the Moe cake, and escorting Moe from airport. To Vickie Alves, Local Vice-President, who escorted Moe to/from postal facilities and helped with hospitality. To Jim Warford, Steward for 8 years, who took photographs and provided wonderful musical presentation by his daughter and her friend at the banquet. To Harrison APWU Local for renting Cadillac to escort Moe in NWA. To Ron Himstead, Missouri State APWU President, for his total support of this event, bringing union leaders down from Springfield, and providing honorary comments to Moe at the banquet. To Don Bradshaw, Oklahoma State APWU President, for making honorary comments at banquet and for bringing postal worker leaders from Oklahoma City, Ponca City and Shawnee. To Dennis Taff, Arkansas State APWU President, for his total support for Moe's visit, promoting it state-wide, assisting with Moe's visit to the P&DC and MPO, making honorary comments to Moe at banquet, for helping me plan & organize this event from the very beginning. To Paul Hogan, President of Springfield MO Area Local, for bringing his group down. To Millie Alvis who colored the huge banquet banners and helped with hospitality. To Bill Cassidy and George Wellinghoff who helped with hospitality and beverage department. To Mike Klippert, State Editor, who drove all the way from El Dorado for Moe's visit (what a drive!). To postal workers from all the other cities of Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas who attended. To the Hilton Hotel who made excellent arrangements and provided us with the most scenic suite overlooking downtown Fayetteville and Mount Sequoyah. And a special THANKS to MOE BILLER for making this momentous trip.