NAPS calls for removal of Sylvester Black, Clem Felchle
The following letter from NAPS President Ted Keating to USPS COO Pat Donahoe has been published on the NAPS web site:
February 11 2009
Mr. Patrick Donahoe
Deputy Postmaster General & COO
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260-0050
Pat:
I am requesting the immediate removal of Western Area Vice President Sylvester Black and Dakotas District Manager Clem Felchle for inappropriate and inflammatory remarks on Telecons last week.
Those remarks were:
“Some managers ought to be taken out and executed.”
The word “executed” was used more than once.
My question to you today Pat is, what would have happened to a supervisor or postmaster who made similar remarks about craft employees during a service talk? I think we both know the answer to that question.
As we fight for the very survival of the Postal Service, this type of conduct by senior officers cannot be tolerated.
I have on numerous occasions complained to you about the conduct and language used on these Telecons. As Chief Operating Officer of the USPS you have a responsibility to take action.
Sincerely,
Ted Keating
President
February 12th, 2009 09:28
WOW….this time he’s right on. Should be no hesitation here, it’s way way beyond Zero tolerance.
February 12th, 2009 09:28
WOW….this time he’s right on. Should be no hesitation here, it’s way way beyond Zero tolerance.
February 12th, 2009 09:37
Those words were not only inflamatory but a violation on jouint statement on violence and behavior on the workplace. These are words meant to intimidate those guys. For the firs time I agree with NAPS those people need to be removed. I believe and recommend that NAPS take this to the news media and put them in the spot light.
February 12th, 2009 10:23
These types of behaviors are systemic in the organizational practices and methods in the USPS. For decades, the practices and methods employed have enabled, supported, and reinforced this behavior with impunity, especially high ranking postal management. In the last couple years it has worsened.
The leaders in the the Postal Service are using the current deep, business recession as an excuse for these types of behaviors. It’s not new, it just being demonstrated more frequently with a higher arrogance. They will find out soon enough that they are not untouchable, as they would like to believe.
All employees need to be treated respectfully and with dignity, craft and management employees alike. Three cheers for Ted Keating, National President of NAPS, for vehemently voicing his concerns about this intolerable and inexcusable behavior. Will the OIG investigate and provide a write-up to Congress or does the GAO have to step in again?
February 12th, 2009 15:33
This is the typical behavior of higher level management, from the district manager and up, for the past few years. USPS Hdqtrs have always denied this happens, maybe with this on a “recorded” telecon, Hdqtrs will change their tune.
February 12th, 2009 17:59
Sorry I was on this telecom. I in no way felt threatened and my concern is for some one that did. There is an underlying issue as to why someone would feel threatened and I believe it is NAPS’s responsibility to determine why. The job that each of us does is difficult yet rewarding. If we feel threatened because of the results we are achieving then we should seek the help we need so as to understand the process. These two managers (Mr. Felchle and Mr. Black) are seasoned professionals and I look forward to them guiding us through the troubled economic waters we find ourselves in. This now explains the apology which was given in a subsequent telecom to the same group. I guess I should also apologize for understanding the real intent of the message. Which was be accountable for what you can control and seek assistance for that which you can’t.
Sincerely
Paul S. Turnbull
A/MPOO
February 12th, 2009 18:35
I was on this telecon and in no way did i feel that Mr. Felchle was threatening me or any of us. He was trying to get us to understand the seriousness of where we are at right now and how some of us are not stepping up to the plate like we should be. I am appalled by whomever turned this in as well as by Mr. Keating. Did he investigate this by talking to others that were on the telecon how we felt? Or did he just take the story from one person and run with it? I will guess the latter of the two. It is because of Mr. Felchle and Mr. Black’s leadership that we as EAS can at least look forward to a paycheck through July. Perhaps if our NAPS reps could have called Mr. Felchle and talked to him about his choice of the word “execution” we could have resolved this internally but i guess that would be asking too much. Anybody that has worked for Mr. Felchle knew what he was trying to say and to turn it around and use it against him is wrong. Perhaps instead of having Mr. Felchle as a manager you would rather have a DM that simply puts out instructions and those that fail to follow it get PIPs and removals. Mr. Felchle did issue another telecon and apoligize for using the word “execution” in a followup telecon and still issued the same message using different words. This District sees nowhere near the improper messaging nor types of behavior that “supposingly” goes on in other ranks of upper management. Because of NAPS actions on this as well as NAPS lack of doing anything in this district i will be withdrawing my membership and spending my money somewhere where it will actually be appreciated and used wisely.
February 12th, 2009 19:03
Sorry I wasn’t on this telecom. I would feel threatened and my concern is for someone who did not. There is an underlying issue as to why someone wouldn’t feel threatened and I believe it is NAP’s responsiblity to determine why. If we feel threatened because of results we can’t achieve then we should seek the help needed to make them understand the process. These two managers (Mr. Felchle and Mr. Black) are seasoned unprofessionals and I’m concerned by the fact they have guided us into these troubled economic waters we now find ourselves in. This now explains why a letter of resignation wasn’t submitted in a subsequent telecom to the same group. I guess you should also apologize for misunderstanding the real intent of the message. Which was your accountable for what you can’t control and don’t seek assistance for that which you can’t.
I guess the next time two craft employees go out into the parking lot and discuss their differences with management and one threatens to “take out and execute a manager” everything will be alright. They didn’t really mean it, and an apology will suffice as a disciplinary action.
February 12th, 2009 20:41
This behavior is rampant within the upper management levels of the postal service. HQ denies and refuses to listen to and respond to many requests from the field. When behavior like this is being conducted on a nationwide well then the problem is obviously starts at HQ. Remember in WWII the Nazis denied that Jews were being mistreated only being relocated. We all know what really happened and who was the ring leader. Act Pat and Potter or history will treat you both the same.
February 12th, 2009 21:15
Paul and Chad,
I too was on the telecon and I think both of you are being less than honest in this forum.
Paul, one thing you did say that is correct was “I guess I should also apologize for understanding the real intent of the message. Which was be accountable for what you can control and seek assistance for that which you can’t.”
Both Black and Felchle now have an opportunity to be accountable for their inappropriate comments. This is the type of mentality that is destroying our organization. It’s not a good old boys club anymore, those days are over. Real companies and real senior management officials dont behave in this manner, ever.
If Black and Felchle could not control themselves and their attitudes, they should have sought assistance. They didn’t, their careers are over.
Sad to say, Yours probably is too Paul. It might not be too late for you Chad.
Let’s all remember what happened to Bob Dreith when he was in the Dakotas, last I heard he was a ptf mailhandler in Denver. He embodied the Black/Felchle attitude.
Hold yourselves to a higher standards, always. Please.
February 12th, 2009 21:20
This behavior should never be tolerated no matter what. It does not matter what level of craft or management you are. We work in a PROFESSIONAL environment. By simply saying “I did not feel threatened,” does not make it right. By justifying the actions of upper management, that means that it is ok for any other employee to behave or use words that contradict the Postal Service’s Zero Tolerance Policy. The Zero Tolerance Policy does not come from any union, but from each employees right to work in a safe work environment. We should be doing the right thing for the right reason. I am sure there are other words that could have been used to get the point accross the first time. If I had said this to my employees, I would be receiving corrective action or be without a job. Let us not forget that we all work towards the same goal for the Postal Service. Being conscious about our words and actions, and being professional by doing the right thing, are what will lead us through this tough economic time. Statements of “execution,” will only send the wrong message.
February 12th, 2009 21:55
Paul S. Turnbull, Olsen…..A$$kissers still looking for a promotion, if you have not felt threatened by the telecons the past few years you have not been on the same telecons I have been on……EAS75k
February 12th, 2009 22:01
Just another example of postal executives believing that they are above accountability for their actions and have their peers to hide behind.
February 12th, 2009 22:13
Paul is an ACTING MPOO gotta kiss that ass don’t you Paul.. Little Chad didn’t bother to give his title. Little wanna-be Do you have any idea how pathetic you sound? You are probally no different that the to bozos running the telecon. You are an idiot Sir and it is people like you that will run this company into the ground. Shame on you.
February 12th, 2009 22:15
You know when someone gives thier full name you basically have thier usps email address. It is first name (dot) middle initial (dot) last name @ usps.gov. Just thought I would pass that along.
February 13th, 2009 01:22
If it were said by a craft employee, “O” toll. your gone.
February 13th, 2009 04:33
well i didn’t know
February 13th, 2009 10:16
AT the usps processing plant in Missouri, A clerk lost his job for making a remark that made others feel threatened. If he was fired for his remark then why shouldn’t the”USPS Leaders ” be treated the same? I am a product of our leadership and if they are allowed to act unprofessional then why can’t I?
February 13th, 2009 10:34
Would like to know what their communication rating was last year?
February 13th, 2009 13:18
It doesn’t matter who felt threatened, or who didn’t. The fact still remains, that no one should be above the law, or below the law. The “Zero Tolerance” applies to everyone, regardless of position, and it should be upheld to maintain the standards of which we strive to keep in the workplace. Any clerk, or mailhandler, making that staement to a supervisor, would be escorted out of the building. And, could possibly loose their job. The appropriate and expected response from the powers to be, should be swift, and without prejudice, as so not to give the appereance of favoritism. I hope that this somehow finds it’s way to those that can execute this.
February 13th, 2009 23:42
It’s sad the comments made by Mr. Black and Mr. Felchel. I truly believe they didn’t literally mean to execute some station managers but their behavior nonetheless should not be tolerated. It has been stressed to all Postal workers that this company has a zero tolerance when it comes to threatening another employee. Despite their statues with the company, Mr. Black and Mr. Felchel should be treated no different, than if they themselves were station managers. As a station manager myself and as some have already stated, if I would have said that on my workroom floor to one of my craft employee’s I would probably be looking for a job right now. Perhaps their just punishment would be to send them back to the field as station managers.
February 14th, 2009 02:53
ZERO Tolerance, 0! It’s posted everywhere! It’s briefed in service talks! It’s by his directive!! He MUST be held accountable, we cannot allow him to continue in that position or any leadership position in our Postal Service. REMOVE immediately!! Oh, wait a sec, I forgot, that warrants a Promotion. That’s what they do with these folks. It happened here in Wichita. A Station Manager said something about “A BULLET IN HIS HEAD” talking about a Union Steward, and found himself in a very nice PostMaster position. Watch out Donahoe, he’s after your job now!!
February 14th, 2009 10:57
Please. Nothing like overkill. Call for their resignation? An apology is enough.
we’ve got so many other problems, mr. keating oughta just chill.
February 14th, 2009 11:24
So Paul and Chad, what you are saying that the statement was used to motivate the managers? Or was there laughter and joking after the comment? Or did they say that managers need to execute their jobs better? Or they could execute plans better?
Sounds like there was some inappropriate comments made and they need to be held accountable.
February 14th, 2009 12:03
paul and chad in an attempt to defend the incredibly dumb remarks by those who are supposed to intelligently lead us showed their own lack of intelligence by basically confirming the the remarks were made. Is it any wonder the situation we are in with this sort of ignorant, terrible leadership!!! This is not an isolated event. Anyone that has been around those two (Sly and Clem) have almost grown deaf to this stupidity. Dictating OT cap and NS day cap and other such contract breaking crap has become the norm in the western area. It is just horribly lacking in thoughful leadership. If we have a problem today (and I believe we do) what sort of trouble do you think we will have in 3-5 years as we fail to hire and train anyone to carry on the mission. Just terrible. They must be removed as their ability to lead is non existent after this event. We have managers all over the Western area taking this side or that side, I do not see how Sly or Clem can even be considered as effectively continuing on in the Postal Leadership role. Time for both of them to retire, the stress or perhaps feeling that they can do whatever they want has rendered them both useless to the organization.
February 15th, 2009 20:17
it was a matter of time before paul and clem self destructed, they live in the cyber world, where carriers knee’s can absorb the extra 4 hours of street time, while they have to hire an extra hand to answer the phone , because that is beneath them. you don’t think we see that! you don’t think Obama see’s that! i’m tired of carrying dead weight like you losers on by back and busted knees. so paul we elected the right man, now bring someone in on thier day off instead of running us into the ground. please!
February 16th, 2009 14:26
We need someone outside the post office to step in and investigate. The poeple at the district and headquarters are not trustworthy and have not been for a long time. I am sickened everytime I open the Daktotas web page and Clem’s picture is still posted, that tells us that nobody at headquarters cares how managers are treated. Of course Paul Turnbull is going to stand up for Clem because that is exactly how Paul treats the postmasters in his POOM area. Had I been one of them I would have filed a complaint against him a long time ago, but the people who are, know that Clem and the whole staff at the Dakotas District office would not have done a thing but lied and covered up for the sleeze bag who doesn’t have the guts to talk or threaten a male manager or employee like he does a female. Clem and some of his POOMS–not all, have been placing demands and when managers asked how they are suppose to reach those demands they just say do it–make them do it–if thats the kind of help they are going to give managers to help execute the directives they should go gone just for their inability to perform their jobs. Anybody who does not walk into a post office should be excessed before a post office is closed. Anyone who did not have to be at their job or have a replacement at their job for them on Xmas eve or the day after Xmas should be gone before we cut service to our customers—-cut the fat–I am sick of hearing how some of the district people brag about how they have nothing to do, ever try to get a hold of someone at the district office on a Friday afternoon –or a day before a holiday. How many people in the district office are required to work 12 to 16 hours a day without compensation. Please, someone go to the news media, congress and whatever else it takes to get something done here. Isn’t it sad that America looks up to the postal service–when our PMG and others at headquarters, areas and district levels have no integrity.
February 26th, 2009 15:43
Am I reading this correctly? Are we talking about the same Postal Service? In our area (West Michigan) arrogant, irresponsible, moronic supervisors are promoted and transferred somewhere else, or retired with full pension, severence pay and an Eagle with a Letter of Appreciation for a job well done. This has been done so often it’s mind boggling! The truth be told, most of them wouldn’t know sand if they fell off the north end of a south bound camel!
February 28th, 2009 14:26
How long is this OIG investigation going to take? Mr Keating are we going to be privvy to the results and action taken?
March 27th, 2009 21:06
I am a 29 year PMR, that’s right, 29 years of being on call, and promised two hours a week, with no benefits. I am being fired for missing a single “box up scan” on Jan. 31. My PM and POOM are calling it “unsatisfactory performance”. When asked, I admitted that I had forgotten. Other PM’s told me I should have lied, that is what they do when they miss the same scan. I didn’t. I tell the truth. I am one of the cheapest employees the Postal Service has. It has taken me 29 years to get to $16.58 per hour. I have managed four offices for extended periods as an OIC, and subbed in nine offices, but yet I get fired for “missing a scan”. Better warn your fellow employees…no one is safe.
October 5th, 2009 22:54
What is the latest on these two losers that made the threatening remarks? NOTHING I would bet. That’s why employee’s have so little respect for management. DOUBLE STANDARDS. FIRE the lot of them!!!
October 26th, 2009 00:05
You state what would happen to supervisors if they said this. They wouldget promoted. All of you sory ass managers do need to be what Black stated. You hind behind these walls because you know your sorry ass is protected by your superiors. Come out in the real world and see if all your retaliatory acts would fly. Useless managers that ruin lives should be getting the treatment that black stated. One life, one love, one mind