2 Letter Carrier

N.A.L.C. Branch 210

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

UNION MEETING

HAPPENINGS

SEPTEMBER 2011

50/50 WINNER FOR SEPTEMBER WAS

ANDY FRIES!

FOR $128.00

ANDY IS A LETTER CARRIER FROM THE GMF 14620.

CONGRATULATIONS ANDY!

The meeting was called to order by President Kenny Montgomery at 7:00pm. A motion to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting minutes was made and passed without dissent.

Norm LeFrois discussed the Postal Services plans to drop the Federal employees Health Benefit Plan and develop their own health benefits plan. Norm stated we will be watching this very closely over the next few weeks and provide information when it becomes available. Norm mentioned that he will be attending the upcoming health benefits seminar in mid October and should have information on the open season this year. He will be looking for information on any changes being made to our NALC plan as well as upcoming rate changes.

Joe DiMaria gave the AFL-CIO report and told the membership about the Labor Day Parade. He went on to tell the members that 54 members showed up this year and along with accompanying family members we had about 83 people marching in the parade. The labor film series tickets are still available to the members at no cost through October 9, 2011. Call the office to get tickets.

The release of the latest consumer price index shows a $978 increase in the cost of living. This is the final tally for the COLA and it equates to .47 cents per hour, $37.60 per pay period. President Montgomery announced this would be a good time to sign up for COLCPE at $5 per pay period. you would not miss the $5 as you are receiving a raise 7 times that amount. Call the union ofice for information about signing up today.

Cola for retirees is currently 3.3% for retirees and 3.4% for FECA.

Political Director Kevin Montgomery discussed the Postal Services recent attack on workers and the desire for the PO to go to congress and ask for the elimination of our no layoff clause as they want to layoff 120,000 employees. the union has put forth ideas that will bring the PO back from the brink of insolvency and eliminate the need to go to 5-day as well as eliminate the need for layoffs. national President Rolando stated on PBS recently that the Postal Service has 125 Billion dollars extra but that congress will not let us use that money to pay our bills. the Postmaster General agreed with that assessment. We need to contact congressman Reed and congresswoman Buerkle and convince them to support H.R 1351 which gives the Postal Service access to their own extra money and puts us in a fully funded, no debt position.

Financial Secretary Greg Karalias gave his report on the membership. Branch 210 currently has 1289 member which is broken down as follows, 763 active letter carriers, 442 retirees plus an additional 84 life members (50 years or more of membership)

President Kenny Montgomery stated we are still looking for a new building to house our union hall. We are interested in a building large enough to hold union meetings and steward training in as well. Any ideas or tips contact the union office at 427-2450.

FSS is in full swing and the 60 day review period is coming up. the second half of the offices changed for FSS will be reviewed from 9/3 - 9/30/2011. please fill out 3996's 1571's and get copies for your own records. Make comments on your 3999 if it is a light day then say so, if there is no FSS then say so. those offices are 14411, 14420, 14450, 14534, 14559, 14580, 14623, 14624, 14625, 14626.

In an FSS environment they cannot make park and loop carriers carry 4 bundles. Collating the residual mail into the pre-sequenced 4th bundles is an office function. If you supervisor tells you to work it into the bundle on the street, file a grievance, notify the union office immediately

The MDA bowl-a-thon is scheduled for Sunday November 6, 2011 at Clover Lanes, registration is at noon and we begin bowling at 1. It is $25 per bowler and we are looking for donations for prizes. Any help is appreciated. we are always looking for food donations as well from any area restaurants.

We are working on the excessing situations in the AO's. The excessing has been delayed for a short time. Until you receive a letter from the Postal Service on what office you are assigned to, continue to report to your original assigned unit.

If you need to see a doctor and you have made an appointment, your supervisor cannot keep you from that appointment. they may threaten you with discipline and they even may issue a letter of warning. we will fight the discipline as you have a right to see a doctor. If you are making the appointment on your day off then by all means keep your doctors visit. A trip to the doctor today may avoid a sick call tomorrow.

The branch participated in this years MDA telethon and would like to thank the following carriers for giving their time to help answer phones on Sunday evening during the telethon. JJ Visiko, Ken Mahns, Monique Mate, Michael Dilal, Diane Allocco, Rich Schmitt, Tom Cook, john Wozniak and Phil Tallinger.

Jack O'Connor is hosting the annual Columbus Day golf tournament at Victor Hills golf course again this year. The tournament is a 4 man scramble and will be on October 10. The cost is $50 per golfer and includes hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage all day and a buffet meal at the end. Please sign up by the October union meeting October 5 with Jack. Proceeds go to help fight ovarian cancer in Jack's late wife Bonnie's name.

Carriers are not required to sign safety or service talk rosters. If management wants to write down that you were there that is fine but you are not required to sign those sheets and we advise against this practice.

On Friday October 7, 2011 the Branch will hold its annual retirees breakfast to honor the newest members of the 50 year Gold Card distinction. all members active and retired are invited to attend, please call the union office to make your reservations by September 29, 2011. there is no charge and the event is at the wishing well party house on Chili Avenue and begins at 9:00am.

The Branch welcomed 2 new stewards to our ranks, Dave Schickler from Brockport and angelo Gersonia from Canandaigua.

The next Union meeting is a general membership meeting and is open to all members of the branch. It is scheduled for Wednesday October 5, 2011 at 7:00pm and will be held at the IBEW union hall located at 2300 East River Road, Rochester NY 14623.

Hit Counter