PLANT SAFETY MANAGER
BALTIMORE P&D CENTER

UNITED STATES
POSTAL SERVICE

November 2, 1994

MEMORANDUM FOR JOSEPH M. LENNON
ACTING PLANT MANAGER
BALTIMORE PERFORMANCE CLUSTER

SUBJECT: CONSULTING SERVICES CONTRACT RECOMMENDATIONS

Workplace violence has become a confounding problem within the culture of the United States Postal Service. This could not have been more evident than in the two incidents occurring in 1993 -- Dearborn, MI and Dana Point, CA.

In an effort to assess the local impact of these incidents, focus groups, facilitated by Mark Gorkin, LCSW, were conducted in each of the P&D facilities to obtain direct feedback from our employees regarding issues that were of concern or critical to them.

One result, of these focus groups, was the contracting of Mr. Gorkin's services to assist us in establishing an ongoing process that would not only address problem solving issues, but would also support Management's Corporate Goal of Commitment to Employees (specifically that of improving employee satisfaction with the work environment). The overall results of the 1993 Employee Opinion Survey recognized this goal as having been achieved, in a somewhat convincing fashion, in the Baltimore Plant:

This success was attributed, in-part, to contributions made by Mr. Gorkin in his endeavor to facilitate, consult, coach and counsel managers, supervisors, and craft employees, alike. Mr. Gorkin assisted in matters involving conflict resolution or mediation when it was deemed appropriate; he also acted as an ongoing resource for communication, team development, goal accomplishment, management development, and personal leadership.

Issues addressed by Mr. Gorkin centered around effective communications and touched on trust, stress management, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, self-assessment, acceptance and support. Mr. Gorkin developed a very good rapport with our employees which was due, in-part, to his accessibility to them on the workfloor, and, to his visibility on all tours of operation (no less than two days per week).

In addition to his work (most noted) in the Baltimore Plant, Mr. Gorkin did perform visits to other Plants, Stations/Branches, and Associate Post Offices upon request. Mr. Gorkin's effectiveness is by no means easy to measure in that most aspects of his job deals with intangible elements; he has demonstrated that he is committed to a collaborative relationship with the United States Postal Service and the continuous improvement of the culture and work environment within the Baltimore District, in particular.

Mr. Gorkin's presence provides a proactive approach to address situational concerns prior to them becoming adversely impacting problems. It is for these reasons that we should continue to utilize Mr. Gorkin's expertise and experience in some capacity. To further support this position, please review the attached endorsements from Richard R. Hughes, Sr., Administrative Vice-President, Local 305 NPMHU, and Ronald P. Liszewski, President, Francis "Stu" Filbey Area Local, APWU.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact me.

Erik B. Ayers Plant Safety Manager