IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION The PONY EXPRESS MAY 2011 WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! “I don’t know any other way to put it,” said NRLCA President Don Cantriel, “We are under attack. Not only from the Postal Service, but now congress and individual state legislatures are attacking unions and, especially, state and federal government unions.” Cantriel was speaking to the Western States Conference held recently in Idaho and of all the things he had to say, the attack on unions was the most important. What has hap- pened in Wisconsin and Ohio is spreading across the nation, against government unions, many of which don’t compare with what unions in the private sector receive. In the fed- eral legislature, Representative Issa is attacking the USPS for its tentative agreement with the APWU, saying that the Postal Service is being too generous to the union. “This is just wrong,” Cantriel said, “Congress doesn’t need to be involved with collective bargaining.” They gave us the right to collective bargaining as long as we didn’t insist on people being members of the union. The Postal Service consistently tries to make changes to the M-38, the PO 603 and the POM. Why do you think they want to change from 10% to 50% for city delivery, Cantriel asked and then answered his own question, “Be- cause they screwed up and assigned territory they shouldn’t have assigned to the city now they’re trying to cover their rear end.” Admittedly aging himself, Cantriel paraphrased the iconic line President Kennedy spoke at his inauguration, saying, “Ask not what your union can do for your; ask what you can do for your union.” For the near future and probably for several months, the NRLCA Na- tional Board and this union is going to be asking more of the member- ship than they have ever been asked before, Cantriel stat- ed. This could mean taking part in a study, writing your congressmen and making them aware of what’s going on, all of the things that being involved means to our membership. Our entire craft must be involved; we can’t just have a few people doing it. “If we work together, we can very well get it done. If we fail to work together it could very well mean the end of our craft and the Postal Service!” Cantriel emphasized, add- ing that we need to redouble our efforts to restore solidarity. We need to have every rural carrier contribute to PAC. We need every rural carrier to be aware of what the Postal Ser- vice is doing that affects the rural craft. “We’re in a fight!” Cantriel concluded, “We can win it and we can remain strong. Together we can get it done.” Attention: IDRLCA Non-Members Each year, the May edition of The Pony Express is sent to all rural carriers in Idaho. It is the perennial hope of the IDRLCA that non-members will be persuaded to become members by reading this newsletter and realizing how much more informed they can be as members. This year, however, your membership is more impor- tant than ever to make our union stronger and better able to continue to protect your benefits and you against the onslaught of those who seek to make your craft irrelevant and powerless. Please, join now and help strengthen the union that gave you the benefits and protections you enjoy.
Transcript
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
The PONYEXPRESS
MAY 2011
WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!“I don’t know any other way to put it,” said NRLCA
President Don Cantriel, “We are under attack. Not only from the Postal Service, but now congress and individual state legislatures are attacking unions and, especially, state and federal government unions.”
Cantriel was speaking to the Western States Conference held recently in Idaho and of all the things he had to say, the attack on unions was the most important. What has hap-pened in Wisconsin and Ohio is spreading across the nation, against government unions, many of which don’t compare with what unions in the private sector receive. In the fed-eral legislature, Representative Issa is attacking the USPS for its tentative agreement with the APWU, saying that the Postal Service is being too generous to the union.
“This is just wrong,” Cantriel said, “Congress doesn’t need to be involved with collective bargaining.” They gave us the right to collective bargaining as long as we didn’t insist on people being members of the union.
The Postal Service consistently tries to make changes to the M-38, the PO 603 and the POM. Why do you think they want to change from 10% to 50% for city delivery, Cantriel asked and then answered his own question, “Be-cause they screwed up and assigned territory they shouldn’t have assigned to the city now they’re trying to cover their rear end.”
Admittedly aging himself, Cantriel paraphrased the iconic line President Kennedy spoke at his inauguration, saying, “Ask not what your union can do for your; ask what you can do for your union.”
For the near future and probably for several months, the NRLCA Na-tional Board and this union is going to be asking more of the member-ship than they have ever been asked before, Cantriel stat-ed. This could mean taking part in a study, writing your congressmen and making them aware of what’s going on, all of the things that being involved means to our membership. Our entire craft must be involved; we can’t just have a few people doing it.
“If we work together, we can very well get it done. If we fail to work together it could very well mean the end of our craft and the Postal Service!” Cantriel emphasized, add-ing that we need to redouble our efforts to restore solidarity. We need to have every rural carrier contribute to PAC. We need every rural carrier to be aware of what the Postal Ser-vice is doing that affects the rural craft.
“We’re in a fight!” Cantriel concluded, “We can win it and we can remain strong. Together we can get it done.”
Attention:IDRLCA Non-Members
Each year, the May edition of The Pony Express is sent to all rural carriers in Idaho. It is the perennial hope of theIDRLCA that non-members will be persuaded to become members by reading this newsletter and realizing how much more informed they can be as members.
This year, however, your membership is more impor-tant than ever to make our union stronger and better able to continue to protect your benefits and you against the onslaught of those who seek to make your craft irrelevant and powerless.
Please, join now and help strengthen the union that gave you the benefits and protections you enjoy.
Please report corrections of addresses and telephone numbers to The Pony Express.
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
AUX PRESIDENTRobin Carver
3729 E Benton AveNampa ID 83687(208) 465-5838
Cell: 208-880-9063
PRESIDENTSharon Atkins
7106 San Fernando DriveBoise ID 83704(208) 376-1955
Cell: 208-859-3347
VICE PRESIDENTGlenna McCoy
619 Ballingrude DrTwin Falls ID 83301
(208) 733-1257Cell: 208-219-9660
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
LOCAL STEWARDS
American Falls Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406-7050 Arbon Main Toni Evans 5050 Bailey Road Arbon 83212 (208) Athol Blackfoot Main Clade Ward 285 S Shilling Ave Blackfoot 83221 (208) (208) Boise Boi-Cole Sharon Atkins 7106 San Fernando Dr Boise 83704 (208) 376-1955 (208) 859-3347 Boise Boi-Five Mile John Urquidi 34276 Hot Creek Rd Bruneau 83604 (208) 845-2554 Boise Boi-Garden Herschel Howard 5103 Shalecrest Ct Boise 83703 (208) 794-9231 Burley Main Nancy Neiwert 339 S 50 E Burley 83318 (208) 678-2541 Caldwell Main Sam Doyle 819 Settlers Dr Caldwell 83607 (208) 392-0841 Coeur d’Alene Cottonwood Main Craigmont Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Culdesac Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Deary Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Emmett Lori Bennett 306 N Dakota Ave Fruitland 83619 (208) 452-3539 (208) 880-5026 Filer Fruitland Main Patricia Upton 3735 Wild Wood Ln New Plymouth 83655 (208) 278-9867 (208) 707-2665 Garden City Station Herschel Howard 5103 Shalecrest Ct. Boise 83703 (208) 794-9231 Genesee Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Grangeville Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Gooding Main Hollye Lierman 2182 E1775 S Gooding 83330 (208) 934-5593 Greenleaf Hayden Main Homedale Horseshoe Bend Lori Bennett 306 N Dakota Ave Fruitland 83619 (208) 452-3539 (208) 880-5026 Idaho Falls Main John Thomas 4075 E Menan Hwy Rigby 83442 (208) 745-8348 (208) 589-9383 Inkom Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406-7050 Juliaetta Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Kamiah Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Kendrick Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Kimberly Main Deb Hurd 3492 E 3838 N Kimberly 83341 (208) 423-6013 (208) 961-1039 Kooskia Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Kuna Main Paula Grigg 1350 W Avalon St Kuna 83634 (208) Lapwai Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Lewiston Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Marsing McCammon Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406-7050 Melba Meridian Main Glenda Sanders 597 S Iron Springs Ave Kuna 83634 (208) 922-3415 Meridian Main Middleton Main Ivan Smith 7 Borup Ave W Middleton 83644 (208) 989-6951 Moscow Main Karin Dahl 401 Maple St Clarkston WA 99403 (208) 790-7854 Nampa Bret Helle 3729 E Benton Ave Nampa 83687 (208) 695-1534 New Plymouth Lori Bennett 306 N Dakota Ave Fruitland 83619 (208) 452-3539 (208) 880-5026 Orofino Toad Brandt 1027 Hwy 95 N Moscow 83843 (208) 669-1933 Parma Paul Main Russell Hutchison 1044 E 21st St Burley 83318 (208) Payette Main Victoria Potter 2581 Reeds Grove Rd Midvale 83645 (208) 355-2689 (208) 550-7981 Pingree Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406 7050 Plummer Main Christine Rhea 551 15th St Plummer 83851 (208) 686-1366 Pocatello Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406-7050 Post Falls Preston Main Earl Nelson 4382 N Hwy 91 Prestson 83263 (208) 220-0623 Priest River Main Christine Arndt PO Box 474 Priest River 83856 (208) Rexburg Main Rhea Price 1910 E 200 N Rexburg 83440 (208) 356-6524 (208) 313-0027 Rigby Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406-7050 Rupert Main Amber Warr 1960 Brockie Ave Heyburn 83336 (208) 679-2388 Sagle Main Joseph Solce PO Box 1101 Sagle 83860 (208) 847-2740 Salmon Janet Herrera 647 N 1200 W Blackfoot 83221 (208) 684-4166 (208) 406-7050 Sandpoint Star Lori Bennett 306 N Dakota Ave Fruitland 83619 (208) 452-3539 (208) 880-5026 Troy Main Jimmy Sullins 1021 Granlund Rd Troy 83871 (208) Twin Falls Weiser Main Glenda Heim 1471 Cove Rd Weiser 83672 (208) 549-0755 Wilder Main
OFFICE NAME ADDRESS CITY-ZIP PHONE CELL
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
Tips for Writing Letters to Your Congressmen• Bespecific.Wheninquiringaboutlegislation,mentionthebillnumberandsponsorwhenever
possible to help identify your issue.
• Describeexactlywhyyou feel thewayyoudo;not just thatyouopposeor favor something.Sometimesanunacceptablepartofthelegislationcanbemodifiedtomakeitmoreacceptable.
House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
United States Senate:http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Contacting the Congress:http://www.visi.com/juan/congress BelowareUPDATEDformletterstoassistyouinwritingtoyourCongressmen. Form Letter to Contact Representative(word):http://www.divshare.com/direct/10831705-3e8.doc
Form letter to Contact Representative (pdf):http://www.divshare.com/direct/10831707-c08.pdf Form Letter to Contact Senators(word)http://www.divshare.com/direct/10831706-03b.doc
Form Letter to Contact Senators(pdf):http://www.divshare.com/direct/10831708-7e6.pdf Contact the PRC: http://www.prc.gov/prc-pages/about/contact/default.aspx Support H. Res. 137: http://www.petition2congress.com/2/1917/go/1006125/
NRLCA Statement on thePRCFive-dayDeliveryOpinion
WASHINGTON, DC --The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) released its
long anticipated report on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) proposal to eliminate Saturday delivery of mail. Contained in the report were the following findings:
• The PRC estimate for annual net savings is $1.7 bil-lion (USPS estimate was $3.1 billion)
• The PRC estimate of net revenue losses due to vol-ume declines is $0.6 billion (USPS estimate was $0.2 bil-lion)
• Elimination of Saturday would cause a two day de-lay in 25 percent of First Class and Priority Mail.
• The USPS did not examine the impact that the elim-ination of Saturday would have on customers and businesses in rural, remote, and non-contiguous areas.
Chairman Ruth Goldway made the following statement, "Some of the Commission's analysis in today's Advisory Opinion suggests that even lower estimates of savings and higher volume losses are possible. In all cases, we chose the cautious, conservative path. Our estimates, therefore, should be seen as the most likely, middle ground analysis of what could happen under a five-day scenario."
The NRLCA remains committed to working with our friends in Congress to maintain 6-day delivery. A fact sheet on the issue can be found in the Governmental Affairs sec-tion of the website. Please urge your Representative to co-sponsor H. Res 137, expressing the sense of the House to maintain 6 day delivery.
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
THE IDRLCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Sharon Atkins, President
Past National PresidentLester Miller Dies
Past National President Lester Frederick Miller passed away at St. Rita’s Medical Center Saturday, March 5, 2011.
Born October 15, 1914, Lester began his career as a rural letter carrier in 1943 on R.R.1 in Rockford, Ohio. He served as an active rural carrier for 25 years. During this period, he became deeply involved in the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, serving as an officer at the County, District, and State levels. In 1966 he was elected to the National Board. One year later, he was elected to the office of National Secretary in Washing-ton D.C. He served in all of the offices of the Associa-tion and retired as the National President in 1977. He spent 10 years total as a National Officer in D.C.
While serving in these positions, Lester represented rural letter carriers in Congress and the United States Postal Service. After retirement, he served as Special Assistant to the Association President during contract negotiations on four occasions. His last negotiation as-sistance was in 1991. During his lifetime, he was an active participant in ten labor agreements between the U.S. Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Car-riers’ Association.
In 2003, Lester authored the Centennial Portrait of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. This thoroughly-researched work followed the history of the NRLCA from the establishment of rural free delivery to the present day.
His greatest satisfaction in life came from his ser-vice to his church. He was a member of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Rockford, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and a member of its governing body on numerous occasions. His life was one of serv-ing others. His philosophy was “helping others is the key to happiness.”He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marguerite Mill-er and two sons, Larry D. Miller and Rolland L. Miller; one stepbrother: Carl Linn Jr.; four grandchildren: Julia Churan, Jill Schaeffer, John Miller and Brad Miller; and nine great-grandchildren.
The calendar says we are in spring but I am still con-fused with the crazy weather we have been having. I enjoy the sun peeking through occasionally and I don’t think the farmers will have to worry about water this year, at least.
Do you feel like you work for the same post of-fice you signed up with? I cannot believe all the changes that are coming our way. Some as usual are good and some you have to wonder “who had the bad dream?” As rural carriers, we step up to the plate and swing for the fence; we want to do the best job for our customers that we can.
We did not have a count this year, so some carriers are happy and some are not. Typically, it does not work out for everyone. Keep up those edit books so that you will be paid correctly. Pay attention to what is on the check stubs you receive.
I am excited that Idaho had the chance to host the West-ern States Conference. WSC always brings a wealth of infor-mation and a chance to see and talk to our national officers and determine what direction they are moving this associa-tion in. We also managed to have a little fun with the carriers from the other ten states that make up the conference.
The food drive will take place this year on May 14th. Rural carriers have never been forced to participate in this. We take out any advertisements that have postage applied and then we volunteer to pick up the food that is set out on that Saturday. Looking at the economy this year, I am sure our efforts will be greatly appreciated by those who are struggling to provide for their families. Thanks for being great volunteers.
I have recently had the opportunity to attend district meetings around the state. It is gratifying to see those who come and share. It is hard to take time away from families, friends and activities that we enjoy, but you receive a pay-check that allows you to take part, so try to take part when you can.
The Postal Service is trying some things under the new Postmaster General’s direction. Cost cutting is one of them. Columbus, Southeast Michigan, Northern Illinois, Southeast New England, South Georgia, Big Sky and Albuquerque are some of the districts slated for closure. Why should that con-cern us? Those people who are losing their district job may be in a postmaster’s position near you. There has been a cut of over 22,000 employees in the last 12 months. This has af-fected city carriers, clerks, mail handlers, supervisors, man-agers and rural carriers as well as headquarters personnel.
The Postal Service is still pushing hard to go to five day delivery. There are so many ramifications to this proposal. The most important one that comes to my mind is, “We are the Postal Service and we are going to show that great ser-vice by cutting delivery days?”
I think that will cost us income in the long run. We must support our PAC (Political Action Committee) with our dollars so that we can educate those in Washington about
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
The IDRLCA Vice President’s ReportGlenna McCoy, Vice President
Oh yah, what a long winter!I think we are all ready for a little sunshine, although
the moisture is always good. We can't wait to get busy in our yards and begin to enjoy cooking on the grill. That is what gives us a break away from our jobs and a time to relax and enjoy our families, but we can't take too big of a break when we don't know from one day to the next where the USPS is taking us. If you kept up to date on the closures of post offices, the changes in what offices we might work out of, the push for five-day delivery, etc., you know how unsettling it can be. These are the very reasons why we all need to be actively involved in our NRLCA, our local union meetings and supporting our Political Action Committee.
We have 94 freshman members in the House of Rep-resentatives alone, so it is very important that we educate them and share the issues that are important to the rural let-ter carriers and retirees, by writing or calling when you are for or against a piece of legislation. Don't ever think that your voice does not count! Some of the Legislative priori-ties for 2011 are to repeal the provision that would eliminate six-day delivery, the closing of post offices and language that would require a neutral arbitrator to consider the finan-cial condition of the USPS when making a decision. Retiree
health benefits, contract delivery service and the CSRS pen-sion overfunding are still in the forefront. More than ever you need to make you voices heard in Congress!
As your IDRLCA Vice President/ PAC Chair, I am pleased to announce that as of February's reporting, Idaho’s 834 members rank 9th per capita in PAC contributions . Many of you responded to the postcard mailing that went out in March, and resulted in over $600 of support for PAC. Good job!
A National effort is being considered for fundraising to encourage financial support through electronic funds transfer or payroll deduction. This gives the legislative department the ability to predict the rate of donations more accurately. These forms can be found in The National Rural Letter Car-rier magazine, The Pony Express and can be downloaded from the NRLCA website.
By the time you read this article, President Atkins and I will have attended all districts' election meetings. I have found this a very good way to get to know some of you, to be available in helping with the election results and keep you up to date on the legislative issues. We will also attend the Legislative Seminar in Washington, D.C., lobbying against five-day delivery, contract delivery service, the closing of post offices and for CSRS pension recalculation and the re-amortization of the payments into the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefit Fund.
The Western States Conference was held April 20, 21, 22nd in Meridian and if you attended, you gathered some valuable information and enjoyed the interesting choice of entertainment. Many of our national officers were there. Have a safe and wonderful summer. I hope to see you at our state convention in Idaho Falls, June 9, 10 and 11.
PastNationalPresidentTomW.GriffithPassesAwayTommy Wayne Griffith, 82, of Greeley, Colo-
rado passed away on April 17, 2011. He was born August 2, 1928 in Eaton, Colorado to Charles Er-nest and Margaret (White) Griffith, Sr.
After graduating from Eaton High School, he attended Colorado State University for two years.
Tommy married Margaret “Peggy” Doubenmi-er on June 25, 1950, at the Congregational Church in Greeley.
He served two years in the U.S. Navy, then re-turned to Eaton where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. Tom was elected as executive committeeman to the NRLCA National Board in 1976. He was elected vice president in 1981. In 1983, he was elected president and served three terms. After his three-year term as national president, he served as a consultant for National General Insurance Company—now GMAC—until his retirement in 1998.
Tom was appointed as national chair of the Po-litical Action Committee in 1992. He served in that position until 1998. After Past National President Dallas N. Fields left the position of PAC chair in 2001, Tom was asked once again to serve as PAC chair and did so until December 2004.
He was a member of the Masons, founding mem-ber of Eaton Country Club since 1968 and a member of the Eaton United Methodist Church for 50 years.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Griffith of Greeley; son, Michael (Karla) Griffith of Evergreen; daughter, Cathy (Jerry) Staton of Sac City, IA; sisters-in-law, Margaret Griffith and Judy McCormick; grandchildren, Heather Ann Richards, Jason Wayne Griffith and Alexandria Rae Griffith. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles E. Griffith, Jr. and an infant brother, Ray Evan Griffith.
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
THE IDRLCA SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORTIDRLCA
Statement of Financial Position(As of May 3, 2011)
ASSETSCurrent Assets Checking/SavingsCD-APCU 70 April 4 10,913.93 CD-APCU 71 Oct 23 10,336.13 CD-APCU 72 July 20 10,132.35CD-APCU 73 Jan 18 10,029.41 Checking APCU 1,614.03 Savings APCU 107,360.07 TotalChecking/Savings 150,385.92 Total CurrentAssets 150,385.92 TOTAL ASSETS 150,385.92 LIABILITIES AND EQUITYLiabilitiesCurrent LiabilitiesOther Current LiabilitiesPayroll Liabilities 36.07 Total Other Current Liabilities 36.07 Total Current Liabilities 36.07 Total Liabilities 36.07 Retained Earnings 99,264.16Net Income 51,085.69 Total Equity 150,349.85 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 150,385.92
IDRLCAStatementofActivities
July 1, 2010 through May 3, 2011 Income GMAC Insurance 3,489.76 Interest / Dividends 1,271.64 Membership Dues 132,001.44Reimbursements 400.00Steward Training Dues 4,160.00 Western States Conference Receipts 5,095.00 TotalIncome146,417.84Expense Accounting, Legal, Professional 1,499.99 Awards, Recognition, Other 535.41 Equipment Purchases - Admin 1,288.55Equipment Purchases - Steward 242.36Equipment Repairs/Maint - Admin 45.00National Convention 6,515.40 Office Expense - Admin 1,721.64 Office Expense - Steward 339.14 Payroll Taxes 3,319.25Per Capita Dues 5,798.00 Postage - Admin 1,194.28 Postage - Steward 256.96 Printing - Admin 1,056.63 Printing - Steward 57.32 Rent - Admin 360.00 Salary & Wages - Admin 12,465.30 Salary & Wages - Steward 19,756.28 State Meetings 416.31 State Paper 3,447.73 Steward Training 7,189.85 Telephone & Comm Admin 685.97 Telephone & Comm - Steward 2,655.87 Travel -Admin 12,103.20 Travel - Steward 5,118.40 Western States Conf. Hosting 6,844.31 Western States Conference 261.00Workers Compensation Insurance 158.00TotalExpense95,332.15NetIncome51,085.69
LoriBennett, Secretary/Treasurer
As a rural carrier, whether you are a member of the Na-tional Rural Letter Carriers’ Association or not, you are, above all, an employee of the Postal Service. As such you have cer-tain obligations. You need to know the Handbook EL-902. That is your contract with the USPS. While it is true that the NRLCA is the only organization that can negotiate with the USPS and is the sole source for representation regarding grievances, the con-tract applies to all in the rural craft, not just association members.
It is also vital that you know the Hand-book PO603. This is the handbook that addresses the duties and responsibilities of those in the rural craft. There should be a PO603 at every rural case. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with it in depth.
Some of the perks, if you will, of being a rural carrier is the ability to self manage for the most part. We come to work, we prepare the mail for delivery, we de-liver it, and we are done. Another is that we work under the evaluated system. We don’t have to watch the clock nearly as much as the city carriers and clerks do. When we are finished delivering the mail for the day, even if we are under our evaluated hours, we get to go home.
Most people outside the craft think we are just getting over paid. Unfortunately, we are our own worst enemy when it comes to this. In the past, we were more likely to work over our evaluated hours. The USPS liked this be-cause we were in essence working for free. Now that trend has changed direction, and our average hours under evalua-tion keep growing. I’m not saying that we should never be under evaluation; sometimes we are over and sometimes we are under. It is an average. But, you need to ask yourself, am I doing my entire job? Am I fulfilling the requirements in the PO603 to best of my ability? Am I taking some short cuts? Am I sacrificing safety for the sake of getting around the route as fast as possible? How about doing our jobs bet-ter and with full customer service?
In the PO603, Article 321.2 states that before placing mail in the receptacle, we are to verify the address for ac-curacy. This is what is called fingering the mail. It is not optional. It does not say that anyone is exempt from this requirement if they think they case mail accurately. Never finger the mail while in motion. Open all boxes when the signal flag is raised. After collecting the articles, lower the flag and review the mail for stamp purchase orders or other
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
our jobs and why they are important to those living in Amer-ica. There are many newly elected representatives and sena-tors who have very little insight into what we do every day. Dollars talk but we must also. Write, call, visit – do what you can to educate them.
Let me or Vice-president Glenna McCoy know about anything you would like taken back to Washington DC, as the annual legislative conference will take place in May (22-24). This is our opportunity to meet with our representatives and senators to tell them about rural carriers. It is an interesting look at how our federal government works.
June 9th thru 11th, in Idaho Falls, the carriers from Idaho will meet to participate in our state convention. Everyone cannot attend but let those who are going know of your con-cerns and opinions. If you think you’d like to come we would love to see you there. District Three is working hard to show us an informative and good time.
Those of you who are not members of our association are missing out on great information each time The Pony Express mails an issue. Names and phone numbers of those who can answer questions for you are contained in each issue. As a member, you will also have access to the national website with all its information. It provides access to postal manu-als, insurance options, OWCP information and links to many other helpful sites. Great helps to enable you to do your job according to the contract are covered. We would like every-one to be up to speed! Join us we need your voice.
(from page 5) President’s Report
(from page 8)
tomers are happy with the job you are doing, and your man-ager is happy with the job you are doing. Sounds pretty good to me but I am certain that there is room for all of us to improve in some way.
Should the unthinkable happen and you find yourself the subject of discipline, don’t you think knowing you have followed the contract, met the requirements of the PO603, and followed all safety procedures, you would have more peace of mind in being successful in fighting that discipline. I am not aware of any grievance being won on the basis of that carrier being the fastest at doing the route.
Secretary’s Reportnon-mailable matter. Does the outgoing mail have stamps? Along with that, are you closing the lid to the mailbox com-pletely? Many carriers simply flip the lid upward. We should insure that it is securely fastened. When lowering the flag, lower it all the way; don’t leave it at half-mast. As a cour-tesy to your customers, you may give them a form 3227-R to purchase stamps. Deliver stamp products to the customer as soon as you receive the request. This means you must carry sufficient stamp stock with you.
PO603 Article 331 addresses delivery. If a parcel is too large for the box, you must deliver it within one-half mile of the route. You are required to dismount to effect delivery. Parcels must not be left in unprotected locations unless given written directions to do so. PO603 313.2 states that when vehicles or other objects temporarily block access to an indi-vidual box, dismount to make the delivery. When necessary request your Postmaster or supervisor to inform customers with PS form 4056 “Your Mailbox Needs Attention” to keep their boxes clear. It is not in the carrier’s authority to withhold delivery unless there is an immediate risk to personal injury.
Ask yourself: Am I a rural letter carrier, or am I an excel-lent rural letter carrier? If you can honestly say that you are an excellent rural letter carrier, it is a win-win situation. You are happy and fulfilled in the job you are doing, your custom-
AdvisoryCouncilChairmanWashington, D.C.—National Rural Letter Carriers’
Association Secretary-Treasurer Clifford Dailing was unanimously elected by his peers to be the next chair-man of the Employee Thrift Advisory Council (ETAC). Established by the Federal Employees Retirement Sys-tem Act of 1986, ETAC is a federal advisory committee that works
directly with the Federal Retirement Thrift Invest-ment Board (FRTIB) to give a voice to the participants who invest in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Currently, fifteen association and management groups comprise ETAC.
The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal and postal employees, as well as members of the uniform service. TSP offers the same types of savings and tax benefits that many pri-vate corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans. Currently, roughly 4.4 million federal employees participate in TSP, representing over $283 billion in re-tirement assets.
“It is a tremendous honor to have been voted the next chairman by my fellow ETAC peers,” Clifford Dailing said. “As someone who participates in TSP, I will take great responsibility in making the vital deci-sions to properly advise and administer the TSP pro-gram. This is an honor I will not take lightly.”
Clifford brings indispensable experience to the chairmanship, having served as the NRLCA’s represen-tative to ETAC for the past 15 years. The Thrift Sav-ings Plan is a vital component of federal employees’ retirement security. With one of the lowest administra-tion expenses, representing merely cents on the dollar, the trust participants have in the TSP make it one of the best defined contribution plans in the country.
page 11
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
IDRLCA State Board MeetingMarch 19, 2011
Your IDRLCA State Board meets quar-terly in March , June, September and December, to conduct the business of the Idaho Rural Letter Carriers’ Association.
The board members work diligently to find solutions to problems facing carriers in the workplace and on their routes as well minding the IDRLCA’s treasury to ensure the best pos-sible returns on it’s investments. The board also monitors the union’s expenditures to be sure that Idaho carriers get the biggest bang for their buck while still maintaining a sufficient balance to provide for any possible contingency.
The board meetings are alway open to members of the IDRLCA who are welcome to sit in and observe the meetings and to speak to the board about their concerns.
The next board meeting will take place on June 9, 2011, at the AmeriTel Inn in Idaho Falls.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the IDRLCA State Board was held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 9:10 a.m., at the Boise Shilo Inn-Airport, the President and the Secretary both being present.
The Ground Rules were reviewed, which was followed by a review of the agenda by President Sharon Atkins. The agenda was adopted as amended.
The following reports were received and placed on file: President, Sharon Atkins Vice President / PAC Chair, Glenna McCoy Secretary-Treasurer, Lori Bennett Executive Committee District One, Patti Upton,
President Executive Committee, District Two, Laurie Love-
land, President Executive Committee District Three, Brett Parkin-
son, President Executive Committee District Five, Tony LeBlanc,
President Voucher Review Committee, Chair, Glenna McCoy Editor, Lou Freeman Retired Representative, Jo Aguirre State Steward, Brian Draper Auxiliary President, Robin CarverDuring unfinished business, the Contact Sheets were re-
viewed. Lori will make the submitted changes to the contact sheets, and distribute them to the board via email. There were no changes to the Board Policies.
Secretary Lori Bennett gave a financial report on the up-coming Western States Conference. WSC Committee Chair, Patti Upton discussed where we are regarding the confer-ence preparations. The program for WSC was reviewed. Brian Draper will see if the Meridian Fire Department can do the Presentation of the Colors.
Assignments were given for writing articles on WSC for the Pony Express as follows:
Don Cantriel report by Lou Freeman Barbara McAdams report by Robin Carver
Paul Schwartz report by Glenna McCoy Joey Johnson report by Laure Loveland
Mark Gisler report by Tony LeBlanc Ronnie Stutts report by Bret Helle
Ken McArthur report by Brian Draper Don Maston report by Brett Parkinson
State Convention plans were reviewed by Brett Parkin-son. Ronnie Stutts will be the National Officer attending this year’s state convention. Jo Aguirre will work on planning the retiree brunch.
Under new business Sharon Atkins shared some con-cerns by Historian John Krakenberg; Tony will follow up with him.
Lou Freeman requested that articles for the Pony Ex-press might also include the Executive Committeemen and the Assistant State Stewards. The suggestion was also made to have a Local Steward spotlight in each issue. Patti Upton
made a motion that each Executive Committeeman writes an informational article as follows:
Assignments for upcoming issues: District One to be published in the February Issue, due January 15, District Two to be published in the May Issue, due April 15, District Three to be published in the September Issue, due August 15, and District Five to be published in the December issue, due November 15. A 2nd to the motion was made, after discussion, the motion passed. The schedule of articles will be added to board policy.
Brett Parkinson asked questions regarding our dues structure.
Robin Carver asked questions regarding the funding of the Auxiliary Scholarship fund.
Budget Committee Chair, Lori Bennett presented their report. Lori Bennett made a motion that the 2011-2012 Bud-get proposals be approved as amended. A 2nd was made, after discussion the motion passed.
Lori Bennett made a motion that the state purchase lap-top computers and appropriate software for each of the Dis-trict Secretaries according to the budget guidelines. A 2nd was made, after discussion the motion passed.
Brian Draper made a motion that he be approved to pur-chase Adobe Acrobat Standard and a document scanner not to exceed $900. A 2nd was made, after discussion the mo-tion passed.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2011, 8:30a.m. Idaho Falls.
Any Personal Concerns were addressed and the meeting was adjourned at 4 pm.
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
IDRLCA District ReportsDistrict OneReported by Herschel Howard, Vice President
DistrictTwoRuss Hutchison, Vice PresidentReported by Lou Freeman
(continued on next page)
Greetings from District One We held our first meeting of 2011, in Fruitland, at Salsa
Grill. Member turn out was up again. It seems that District President Patty Upton’s idea of moving the meeting loca-tions is working , but we are always hoping for more par-ticipation .
Patti opened the meeting and Secretary Lisa Hall read the minutes and gave a financial report.
Before the members began discussing new business, State Steward Brian Draper gave a power point presenta-tion on the consolidation of post offices and what that will hold for the future of the rural craft. He also discussed how placement and seniority would play out in consolidation.
The members also had a long discussion on new scan-ning procedures.
Our “Change for Change” PAC drive is also doing well. With the recent events in Wisconsin and with the loss of col-lective bargaining for teachers here in Idaho, having a strong voice in Washington D.C. is more important than ever.
Bret Helle wanted members to know that there’s a car-rier in McCall who would like to do a mutual exchange. The route is a 40 mile 40k+ POV route. Bret talked with members about the Provident guild.
We spent the rest of the meeting going over plans for the Western States Conference which the IDRLCA will host on Wednesday, April 20th thru Friday, the 22nd in Meridian.
On April 7th, District One members met at Smokey Mountain Pizza in Nampa in their continuing effort to raise attendance by moving meetings around so all members have an equal opportunity to attend one close to their area. Din-ner was provided free for all who attended.
District President Patti Upton called the meeting to or-der at 6:00 pm and Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Hall read the minutes from the previous meeting and presented the finan-cial report.
IDRLCA Vice President Glenna McCoy spoke on the importance of PAC and the cup was passed around for the PAC drive, “Change for Change”.
The meeting agenda was full because of elections and committees, so, after talks on the Western States Conference and summer plans for the district, the members separated into committees.
IDRLCA President Sharon Atkins declared the district’s finances as, “In good state and order.
Two resolutions were passed, and Patti Upton was voted as the District One’s Carrier of the Year.
We also voted in support of a resolution for a pay in-crease for most of the IDRLCA state board offices which will be introduced at the state convention in June.
Thirteen members and guests of District Two met at Ida-ho Joe’s Restaurant in Twin Falls on March 24.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented by District Secretary/Treasurer Amber Warr and accepted as read. District President Laurie Loveland and Warr will follow through on transferring the district funds to the At-lanta Postal Credit Union after being directed, at the previous meeting, to investigate the advantages of such a move.
Loveland also reported on the Western States Conven-tion preparations and reminded the members present that res-ervations for the IDRLCA State Convention in Idaho Falls should be made by May 20.
The IDRLCA state board, at its latest meeting, approved the purchase of laptop computers and the appropriate pro-grams, for all the district secretaries of the IDRLCA. Train-ing for the secretaries will be provided by IDRLCA Secre-tary/Treasurer Lori Bennett.
The requirements for Carrier of the Year were read by President Loveland who then asked for nominations for that honor. Marge Arnold, Glenna McCoy and Laurie Loveland were all nominated with Glenna McCoy, nominated by Deb Hurd, receiving the most votes. Hurd will write the requisite letter describing McCoy’s qualifications for the award to the IDRLCA state board.
Loveland reminded the members that nominations for delegates to the national convention were to by submitted by April 30. The nomination forms were printed in the national magazine, The National Rural Letter Carrier.
An amendment to the district constitution was presented, which provide for four district meetings each year to be held in March, June, September and November. The time and place for each meeting will be determined by members at each of the prior meetings.
A motion was presented to pay each non-state paid del-egate in attendance at the state convention during the vot-ing session, be paid a stipend of $50.00 to help with their expenses.
There was no election of officers at this meeting because of the two-year term of officers which will not be completed by the current officers until next year.
The next meeting of District Two will be held on June 23 at 619 Ballingrude Drive, located just of Eastland and Sta-dium Drives, in Twin Falls. The district will provide chicken for this picnic meeting and members are asked to bring side dishes and their own drinks and flatware. The meeting will open at 6:00 pm,
page 13
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
IDRLCA District ReportsDistrict ThreeReported by John Thomas, Vice President
DistrictFiveToad Brandt, Vice PresidentReported by Tony LeBlanc
District 3 held its latest meeting at Stockmans in Black-foot on March 31. There were six district members in atten-dance along with four guests including IDRLCA President Sharon Atkins and husband Jerry, IDRLCA Vice President Glenna McCoy and Guy Mangum. An excellent meal was enjoyed before the business portion of the meeting.
Plans were reviewed for the IDRLCA State Convention being hosted by District Three this year on June 9,10,& 11 at the Ameritel Inn, 645 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls.
As the number of members in attendance were few, some not there to object were given assignments. Any other district members feeling left out or otherwise wishing to volunteer time or talents would be appreciated as well. Plans are coming along nicely. The theme of this conven-tion will be “Snake River Roundup”, reflecting a western flavor. We are hoping for good attendance from our district members as well as from across the state. Just a reminder: reservations for the hotel rooms must be made by May 20th to get a special rate and be included in the block of rooms reserved for our convention. Hope to see you there.
Other business included the election of delegates to the state convention. John Thomas was elected to serve as the delegate at large and Robin Brown was elected as District Three’s Carrier of the Year.
We extend our thanks to our state officers, Sharon At-kins and Glenna McCoy, for acting as the teller committee; we about wore them out counting ballots.
The next meeting of District Three members will be held at the Ameritel Inn at 6:30 pm, on May 19. Hope to see you there.
District Five is alive and well. District Five recently held a meeting on March 12 with eleven members in at-tendance.
When I sent out the meeting notices, I presented the meeting as a pre-election meeting. We hadn't met since Oc-tober 30th, after the steward certification, in Coeur d'Alene and I thought it would be a great idea to meet before the district elections on April 3rd.
When the meeting started, and after the normal prelimi-naries, I explained the election process and the importance of everyone attending. After a question and answer session, everyone attending began to realize the importance of the "democratic process" of our union and that we have a say in it.
The next order of business was to explain to the mem-bers the importance of the union sponsored conventions on the calendar this year. We have the IDRLCA State Conven-tion in Idaho falls this year as well as the Western States
Conference in our own backyard in Meridian. I explained the difference between the state convention and the Western States Conference. Sorry, Brett, but there was a lot of inter-est in the Western States Convention. The importance of at-tending this conference when it is this close to our members in Idaho, is a once in a decade experience. A number of the national officers attend as well as candidates from around the country who have national office aspirations. Members from other states whom we normally don't meet also attend and, of course, we from the "Great State of Idaho" will be in at-tendance.
I would like to thank all of you are working on and mak-ing “Western States” happen. I will be attending along with other members from “Canada”.
After the explaining and discussing the convention pro-cess and the differences between the state, western and na-tional conventions, we discussed our own convention tak-ing place in 2012. The members agreed that the Worley site was acceptable. District Five Vice President Toad Brandt and I will meet with the Coeur d ‘Alene Casino convention person on Monday, March 21. The preliminary dates of the state convention are June 14-16, 2012. The new and exciting improvements to the casino are a full-service spa, two new restaurants, and a brand new wing on the hotel. I don’t have room rates nailed down yet. I will E-mail Lou after the Mon-day meeting for the room rates.
After discussing our convention, the meeting was opened to a question and answer session on issues that anyone might have. We discussed auxiliary routes being consolidated in the office and the process of accomplishing it by borrowing RCAs from one office to another office. We also welcomed one new member.
I liked what I observed at the end of the meeting; every-one was relaxed and thoughtful and the feeling that someone “cares” was prevalent.
The next District Five meeting will be the election meet-ing on April 3rd, with our State President Sharon Atkins and our State Vice President Glenna McCoy attending in Coeur d’Alene.
Twenty District Five members and guests met on April 3, in Coeur d’Alene, for their 2011 election meeting.
The election, tabulated by IDRLCA President Sharon Atkins and IDRLCA Vice President Glenna McCoy acting as the Tellers’ Committee, resulted in the re-election of Tony LeBlanc as District Five President; Jim Gray, Moscow, was elected to serve as District Five Vice President; and Toad Brandt, Moscow, is the new District Five Secretary/Trea-surer.
In other election activity, Rebecca Siirila, Coeur d’Alene, was selected as District Five’s Carrier of the Year, and Susan Hill, Coeur d’Alene, will represent District Five at the IDRL-CA State Convention as the district’s Delegate-at-Large.
The members present proposed that the theme of the 2012 IDRLCA State Convention, which will be hosted by District Five at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, will be “Monte Carlo Night”.
Fellow carriers, my name is Patti Upton and I am ask-ing you, to select me, as one of your National Delegates to Savannah, Georgia this year. Pausing for a moment the other day I realized that time is literally flying by. It seems like yesterday I was beginning my journey as the newly hired RCA in Fruitland, Idaho. What seems like a short time ago turns into 15 years of service with 12 years of that time spent as a relief carrier. Because of the length of time that I served as an RCA, it gives me a greater desire to make sure that we take care of those many carriers who serve in this capacity. Not only am I concerned for my job as a regular, but more so, for the jobs of thousands of RCA’s if a 5 day work week is implemented. As the Dis-trict One President and local steward of my office, I often hear of the concerns that we face as a craft. As we face those challenges, it is my hope and desire that we stand together using our voice as a means to make a difference. I am proud to be a member of the Ida-ho Rural Letter Carrier Association. We all share a common interest, our job and its security. No one knows what is to come, but I continue to be active in the union for that reason. I want to take an active role in preserving our livelihood. It is imperative that you select representatives that will speak to your concerns with the National Board. Please carefully consider and then exercise your right to choose the delegates that you feel will best represent you. I sincerely hope that you will allow me, Patti Upton the honor of representing you. Thank you for your consideration
page 14
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
jO
CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL DELEGATEto the 2011 NRLCA National Convention
You will soon receive an envelope containing a list of candidates for the position of Delegate to the National Convention for 2011 and a ballot with which to vote for your choice of Delegates to
represent YOU at the National Convention in August.In years past, only 30% or fewer of the IDRLCA membership bothered to vote for their Delegates
to the National Convention. This means that fewer than 30% of the Idaho rural letter carriers decided who would represent 100% of the IDRLCA membership at the National Convention.
DON’T LET SOMEONE ELSE DECIDE WHO WILL REPRESENT YOU!TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO REVIEW THE CANDIDATES STATEMENTS AND CAST YOUR VOTES FOR THE CANDIDATES YOU THINK WILL BEST REPRESENT YOUR INTERESTS!
LORI BENNETTPATTI UPTON
(turn to next page)
My name is Lori Ben-nett, and I would like to ask you to vote for me for Delegate to the National Convention in Savannah, Ga. I have been a carrier in Fruitland for over 20 years. I have been active in the association for all of those 20 years. I am currently serving my seventh year as State Secretary/Treasurer. I served four years as an Ad-Hoc Academy trainer, and I served as a local steward for five years, and am currently acting as an area steward.
Even though we have are currently in negotiations regarding the new contract, there is an ongoing need to keep in close touch with our Na-tional Board members. It is through the resolution process that we inform them of not only what we would like to gain, but also what we are unwilling to give up. With every nego-tiation, there must be give and take, and we need to have a strong voice to maintain what we have without giving up the backbone of our craft.
This is also going to be a big year for National Officer Elections. There will be several open seats on the National Board, and who is elected will greatly shape our future as an Association. Your leadership needs to have a strong voice to continue to protect the rural carrier craft. With more routes becoming sub-standard, what does the future bring? Even though we do not expect to see FSS mail in our state in the near future, what transpires now, will affect all of us eventu-ally. There is never a good time to sit back and just see what happens. We need to be proactive, and not just reactive. I think the rural carriers are still a vital part of the Postal
convention in Savannah, Georgia Aug. 16-19. Having just completed 22 years as a rural carrier on J & K routes both “L” & Non “L” I feel I have gained some knowledge of what each of you face as you perform your duties each day. I have served as district 3 president for the past 10-11 years and am also currently serving as our state auto insurance repre-sentative. I’ve had the privilege of representing Idaho as a regular delegate at the past six national conventions. I’ve consid ered it an honor to represent our state, and a duty that has not been taken lightly.
As we contemplate what our future with the postal service holds one has to wonder what direc-tion Mr. Donohoe is go-ing to take us. Fortunately he has realized that the postal service is top heavy in management and those jobs must be cut ahead of those who actually handle the mail. We are currently waiting to see if our national of-ficers can negotiate a new contract or if we’ll be rolling the dice with an arbitrator. The fact that the APWU was success-ful in negotiating a tentative agreement gives us hope.
I strive to keep myself abreast of the many issues fac-ing our rural carrier craft. In these economically challenging times it’s more important than ever to have someone edu-cated on the issues representing us at national convention. I would like to take the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past several years to Georgia this year, and use that knowledge and experience to effectively represent all of you. If elected as a national delegate I will exercise my vote in the best interests of Idaho rural carriers.
You will soon receive a ballot to cast your vote and choose the delegates who will represent our state at national convention. I would sincerely ask that you consider me to be among those delegates you select as you mark your ballot.
I Hope to see many of you at our state convention in Idaho Falls June 9-11. It looks to be a great experience and a fun time.
page 15
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL DELEGATEto the 2011 NRLCA National Convention
LORI BENNETTService future. As we adjust to the changes, we must be sure that we are compensated fairly and accurately.
If I am elected as a Delegate to the National Convention, I will represent you as best I can. I welcome the opinion of any association member. With this in mind, I ask for your vote for National Delegate. Thank you.
from previous page
SHARON ATKINSHello, fellow rural carriers. It is time once again to vote
for the delegates who will represent you at the 2011 national convention in August in Georgia. Currently, we are working under our old contract as negotiations still continue to reach an agreement to govern our working environment. Do you feel like the faster we run the “behinder” we get?
We have new challenges constantly. Scanning has taken a leap forward. Route consolidations have slowed opportunities for relief carri-ers. Adjustments are still tak-ing place. Gas prices are go-ing up and up. Etc., etc., etc. Where will it end? I believe it won’t. We will have these challenges but I am confi-dent that we can endure.
Information is vitally important to proper deci-sions. Conventions and conferences can provide the information and networking with other carriers across the country gives a new perspective on our daily work environ-ment.
I have a decade devoted to serving the IDRLCA as an assistant state steward. Sometimes I get very frustrated go-ing over the same ground with management. Sometimes my frustrations come out but mostly I can step back look at the situation and keep on plugging. The important thing is to do the best for the rural carrier in any given situation.
Contact any delegate with your concerns and opinions. I would appreciate your vote when you consider those who you would like to represent you. We need to let our Idaho voice be heard, so I ask that you allow me to do that at the convention.
BRETT PARKINSONGreetings Idaho Rural Carriers. My name is Brett Par-
kinson and I am submitting my name for consideration as you choose the delegates who will represent you at national
Don’t let someone else decide for you.Markyourballotandmailit.
RIGHT NOW!
Hi my name is Tony LeBlanc, I would like you to vote for me for National Delegate for the National Convention 2011 in Savannah, Georgia! I believe in this Union and the Collective Bargaining agreements that our National Board and our Organization bring to improve our Lives and Work-ing Conditions. I have been a member of the NRLCA since 1993. I have been a Local Steward or an Assistant State Steward since 1996. Currently I serve as an Assistant State Steward, President of Dis-trict 5, and a member of the Idaho State Board.
As a Union Steward I have work numerous Grievances, and always been available to help out our members. I have been through Arbritations and reconciled disagreements between Management and Labor. I as well as all of the other Union Stewards in the great State of Idaho have used the "grievance proce-dure" to investigate and to represent our membership. Now my question to all of you, the dues paying members is what other job would you have those rights? Having someone from your own back-ground and a fellow worker stand up to management and be there for you. That is what us, the "Union Stewards" do for you.
My job as District 5 President has been to call meetings, keep membership aware of any new and developing updates on our craft, recruit new members, organize our State Con-vention every 4 years, be a State Convention delegate, make sure we are abiding by our District, State, and National con-stitutions, abiding by Labor Laws for non-profits, and also answering any and all questions at our meetings. If I don't have the answer I will find someone who does and get back to you. My only frustration with this job is getting members to the meetings.
As a member of the State Board, I and our other board members past and present have done an excellent job of put-ting our state finances in the black and keeping them there. It wasn't always easy, and when I first was elected to the board, we as the board made a lot of sacrifices, personally and mon-etarily. I would like to think my 15 plus years as a Union Official would make an excellent canidate as a "National Delegate" to our National Convention. Thank You for vot-ing for me and thank everyone for your support, the Union is not about an individual, the "Union" is every dues paying member of our organization.
Greetings fellow Idaho Rural Letter Carriers! My name is Bret Helle and I’m seeking your consideration for del-egate to the 2011 National Rural Letter Carriers Association Convention in Savannah, Georgia. As in the past 5 years of attending national conventions as a delegate, I will act as one of the voices for the members of Idaho as well as the rest of the nation. With a new contract in negotiations and so many new changes in our craft and company, it is imperative that we have as many representatives attending these important functions to voice the con-cerns of our membership. Even though we get a lot of new information from our national officers at the Western States Conference, there isn’t any business done that reflects submis-sions or changes to con-tract nor do we get to voice our wants and desires as rural carriers on an official level. Please join me in supporting our great organization and help fight to keep what we have fought so hard for over the years and protect what they wish to take away. United We Stand is not just an old cliché’, it should be our mission statement!! Thank you for your consideration.
Greetings Idaho Rural Carriers,
It is time to choose your delegates for National Con-vention and I would like to be considered for a state representative at the Na-tional Convention. I have had the opportunity too be at several of the national conventions and would like the opportunity to serve our state again. Thank you for your consideration.
page 16
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL DELEGATEto the 2011 NRLCA National Convention
BRET HELLE
ROBIN CARVER TONY LeBLANC
My name is Lori Bennett and I would like to ask for your continued support as the State Secretary-Treasurer. I am an-nouncing my candidacy to run again at this year’s State Convention in Ida-ho Falls, June 9-11.
I have been serv-ing as the State Secretary-Treasurer for the past seven years, and I believe I have brought some beneficial changes to the State Association. Ev-ery year there continue to be challenges and I have worked very hard on be-half of the association. As we are facing trying times, I wish to continue to recruit new members, and help direct our State and National Officers in a way that is best for our craft.
I have a real passion for my job as the secretary-treasur-er, and I have sincerely enjoyed my position and being able to serve such a great state. I appreciate your continued sup-port and ask for your vote this June at the State Convention. Thank you.
My name is Sharon Atkins and I would like to declare my candidacy for the office of President of the IDRLCA. I am currently serving in this position and would like to con-tinue serving the members of our association here in Idaho.
I have enjoyed serving before as your Vice-president and as an Assistant State steward. The insight and concerns that come from the carriers here in Idaho guide my thoughts when consider-ing the suggestions that get passed along to those who have our jobs and work envi-ronment in their hands.
Our contract is still up in the air. I will work consis-tently to keep open to mem-bers needs doing the best that I can to listen and be fair to all those involved.
You, as members, send good people to the state board to do the business of this association. I have so enjoyed getting to know these individuals and hearing about the concerns of each of the districts. You are represented well.
I would appreciate your support and will strive to repre-sent you to the best of my ability. Thank you for your con-sideration.
page 17
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
CANDIDATES FOR IDRLCA STATE OFFICE
LORI BENNETT
FOR IDRLCASECTRETARY/TREASURER
FOR IDRLCA PRESIDENTSHARON ATKINS
PATTI UPTON
FOR IDRLCA VICEPRESIDENT
JOIN AND SUPPORT THE IDRLCA
My name is Patti Up-ton and I am running for the office of Vice President of the Idaho Rural Letter Car-riers. I’ve often wondered why someone would want to serve in this capacity. In my 15 years of service with the U.S.P.S. and also being a union member I’ve come to realize that personal growth comes from active partici-pation and hard work. I have been taught by watch-ing those before me to fight for our rights, our job and its security. Those dedicated
carriers have made a difference in our livelihoods I am certainly glad that we have a voice and a means to make change. I served as the District One Secretary/Treasurer for 3 years and I currently hold the position of President of our District. As an active steward in our office, I am learn-ing how to work with management for the rights of our co-workers. Often management doesn’t seem to understand the importance of just simply following the contract. I personally strive to make ers. Often management doesn’t seem to understand the importance of just simply following the contract. I personally strive to make positive, growth-oriented gains for our profession and will continue to work toward our mutually beneficial goals. If given the oppor-tunity to serve you in this manner I can promise that I will give all that I have to this position. I humbly ask for your support and vote at the upcoming State Convention in Ida-ho Falls. Thank You.
Appearing before a Western States Conference audience of about 120 members, NRLCA President Don Cantriel spoke of contract negotia-tions and other items of im-portance to rural carriers.
Cantriel gave a sum-mary of the contract nego-tiations to date. Although an impasse was declared on November 20, 2010, the two parties continued to commu-nicate. The tentative agree-ment between the APWU and the USPS has defined the parameters for the nego-tiations that we now have. He thinks there is still hope for an agreement. The par-ties continue to meet almost on a weekly basis. We have nine board members, two econ-omists, an industrial engineer, a statistician, two different transportation firms working with us and an unprecedented open line of communications with the APWU during the ne-gotiations is a great help during the talks. As for the current contract, special counts are still in force and the Postal Ser-vice still as the right to call for a national count of mail if it wants to. Most of the provisions are still in force.
On a day-to-day basis, dealing with the Postal Service can be frustrating, Cantriel says. We continually see them shifting positions on matters such as the confusing scans requirements and parcel delivery on which we can’t get a straight answer.
On the over and under problems of carriers working un-der their evaluation, Cantriel says that the union has proven the information the Postal Service uses is so inaccurate that it doesn’t even come close to reflecting what the actual over/under is. The Postal Service has now quit using numbers but still claims that it is too much.
Stating that he knows the carriers present at this meet-ing don’t practice the things that continue to skew the car-rier evaluation times, but there are carriers out there that do, Cantriel spoke of carriers who record that they’re tak-ing thirty minutes for lunch but actually continue to work right on through. That’s 30 minutes a day times six days, or three hours a week, that the carriers have actually worked but show up as being under evaluation. He knows that none of the carriers present come in and work on a Monday holi-day because they don’t want a rough Tuesday, but there are some carriers that do. All the innocent things carriers do, like coming to work at 6:30 but recording their start time as 7:30 because the postmaster doesn’t want them coming in early. This isn’t a grievance against fellow carriers but a
page 18
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
2011 WESTERN STATES CONFERENCE
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NRLCA President Don Cantrielreported by Lou Freeman
grievance against the postmasters for allowing it to happen in their post offices and all carriers are encouraged to help their fellow carriers understand the affects those practice have on negotiations and stop working off the clock. It’s a big issue during negotiations when the Postal Service can show that carriers are coming in under their evaluations by six or more hours a week.
Frustration in dealing with the Postal Service contin-ues with such issues as the attempted changes to the M-38, DPS flats standards, contract delivery, Carrier – Leave if No Response parcel delivery and the difficulty of getting good information from the Postal Service when they sometimes seem not to know what the actual facts are.
There was good news from PRC concerning six-day de-livery, Cantriel said. The PRC shot the numbers from the Postal Service down, the anticipated savings are less than expected and the loss of revenue is much more than expect-ed. The issue is not going to go away, however with the PMG and the Postal Service are still pushing for five-day delivery as one of the key elements for the Postal Service’s survival.
The NRLCA is working to get as many sponsors as pos-sible for HR137, the bill that basically says we need to keep six-day delivery. That will be one of the main topics for the state presidents when they meet in May.
Congress has it in their hands to take care of 90% of the problems facing the Postal Service, Cantriel says, if they just would. The $75 billion overpayment that the ratepay-ers have paid into the federal treasury that could go back to fund the retiree health benefits could take care of most of the problems they have. The $5.5 billion payment that they’re required to make plus the OWCP payment that runs close to $2 billion would have enabled the Postal Service to show a profit if they had not had to make those payments.
One of the most important things individual carriers can do is to contribute to PAC. Whether we like it or not, that’s just the way the game’s played in order to have access to congress, said Cantriel We need to educate the many new people in congress about the rural craft, our values and what we do. We need PAC to do that. Contract delivery is not going to go away, five-day delivery is not going to go away, all those things that congress dabbles in are not going to go away.
For those who have concerns, Cantriel stated, we prob-ably have the only truly bipartisan PAC. If a congressman or senator will support us, we will support them; we don’t care if they’re democrat or republican.
Cantriel urges all rural carriers to contribut generously to the NRLCA PAC and to write their congressmen and sen-ators, asking them to support our union and its issues.
"Can I see a show of hands?"When Ronnie Stutts is speaking, persuading, or training,
he polls his audience. Ronnie has been our National Direc-tor of Steward Operations since he took over four years ago from our now President Don Cantriel.
Ronnie, before being elected to a National Office, was the state steward from, in Ronnie's words, the "Great State of Tennessee." Ronnie speaks, acts, and comes up with say-ings that tell me he is a "true southern boy". I like Ron-nie. When I talk to him, I can tell by his passion that he has the best interests at heart for his fellow rural carriers. I like the fact that the nation-al officers are rural carriers and, by contract, their routes are held for them until they return to their routes.
Ronnie and I have had several conversations over the years I have known him. You have to picture in your mind a man that looks like he could be a southern offi-cer or a soldier in the army. When he talks to you, he brac-es up and assumes a stance. He is a bulldog, looking you square in the eye and giving you his complete attention. He will answer the questions asked and he doesn't back away from the topic being addressed.
We are currently in contract negotiations and, at this time, this is the hot topic. We are, according to our Presi-dent Don Cantriel, at a soft impasse with mediation on the horizon. Our Union, for the first time, has opened lines of communication with the APWU. All of this is positive.
The second in line hot topic is the re-organization of our steward system. This is where we rejoin my story about Ronnie Stutts. Ronnie and our Director of Labor Relations Joey Johnson are completely re-tooling the teward system as it exists. The NRLCA national headquarters would take direct control of the steward system and the individual state boards would have almost no input. The boundaries of stewards’ responsibilities would be re-drawn. Some states are struggling; they are not representing their members cor-rectly and the national officers are concerned.
I and Ronnie differ on this re-tooling; The IDRLCA is running smoothly and I don't think we need to hit the panic button and re-tool the steward system. A few states are hav-ing trouble with burnout and even taking care of their fiscal responsibility at the state level. My question to the officers is why are they not looking to the states like Idaho to find out why we are running smoothly, before we change the whole
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
2011 WESTERN STATES CONFERENCE
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NRLCAExecutiveCommitteemanDon Maston
reported by Brett Parkinson
steward system? The majority of the states are doing well. What are we doing that keeps us "doing business as usual"? And why are the states of Idaho, Washington, and Utah re-ceiving less steward representation by the national plan than we have currently by our respective state boundaries?
Ronnie and I talked after his presentation at the West-ern States Conference and he told me he would address my concerns. Even though we don't agree, I like Ronnie Stutts.
NRLCADirectorofStewardOperationsreported by Tony LeBlanc
On April 20, I took the opportunity to travel across the state to Meridian and attend the Western States Conference, hosted by the IDRLCA this year. While it required using three days of annual leave, I found the time away from work well spent. It turned out to be one of the best attended West-ern States Conferences in re-cent history with about 120 people from all the western states present. About 35 of those were from Idaho. Sad-ly, I was the only member there from District Three.
I found my time there educational and enlighten-ing as we heard from many of our national officers and staff. I wish more carriers would avail themselves of the opportunity of attending these regional conferences. It is comparable to attending a national convention.
I was assigned, during the March board meeting, to re-port on Don Maston’s presentation at the conference. Don is the executive committeeman assigned to the western states, which only seems right as he hails from California. Don was the last national officer to address the conference on Saturday morning. He spoke on many issues facing rural carriers today.
Has your manager recently discussed “percent to stan-dard” with you during a standup talk or otherwise? Have you been told that it’s alright to leave parcels unprotected in the rain? Are you aware of which bar codes you are current-ly required to scan? These are some of the issues currently causing much confusion in our craft. Don stated that the postal service is data rich and that data can be manipulated in many ways to meet their means.
He also touched briefly on the importance of legislative issues and stressed notifying our congressmen and senators of our views on the issues before them.
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
2011 WESTERN STATES CONFERENCE
NRLCAGovernmentalAffairsPaulSwartz
reported by Glenna McCoy
Grievances at the national level are higher than they have ever been and consequently a backlog exists in getting them resolved. Despite this backlog, Don remains steadfast in filing the grievances that need to be filed.
Probably the most important thing I gained from attend-ing this conference was the message that more of us need to get more involved. Whether it be writing our legislators, making a PAC contribution, attending meetings, or simply reading our state and national magazines, our union needs our support in all of these ways.
I close by quoting NRLCA President Don Cantriel in saying "ask not what your union can do for you, but ask what you can do for your union".
Hope to see you all at the state convention this June in Idaho Falls or maybe at next year’s Western States Confer-ence in Missoula, MT.
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Don Maston
NRLCA Director of Governmental Affairs Paul Swartz presented a report of legislative issues at the recent Western States Conference held in Meridian, Idaho, in April. Paul reiterated the importance of contacting our representa-tives and let them know we want them to support, or not support, the major issues af-fecting our jobs as rural let-ter carriers.
As you are aware, what happened in Wisconsin makes it clear that our col-lective bargaining rights are under attack by state legis-latures across the country. What we all know as our right to ask for good health benefits, a decent wage and pension to ready us for re-tirement, has now become an issue with some members of our congress.
The House Oversight & Government Reform subcom-mittee has oversight authority over the USPS. Any legisla-tion that affects the Postal Service must pass through this subcommittee. We currently have over 60 new house mem-bers, which, in short, means we need to inform and educate them about our jobs.
Senate bills before the 1112th Congress, to be presented by Senator Collins and Senator Carper, direct OPM to mod-ify the methodology used to calculate the CSRS surplus.
If a surplus is found, the USPS would be allowed to transfer the surplus to pre-fund the Future Retirees Health Benefits Fund; both bill include arbitrator language. Sena-tor Carper’s language would require a neutral arbitrator to take the financial condition of the USPS into consideration when rendering a decision. Senator Carper also wants the arbitrator to take into account, the flexibilities and restraints of the rate system, as well as pay comparability for levels of similar work in the private sector.
Senator Collins opposes eliminating Saturday delivery and the closing of small post offices but includes arbitrator language and a provision forcing any postal or federal em-ployee collecting OWCP (Occupational Workman’s Com-pensation Provision) to retire at full retirement age. She recently released a statement calling for a through review of the program that provides federal employees with protec-tion against loss of income for work-related injuries. She requested the GAO to audit FECA and report on the length of time individuals remain on the program, the number re-cipients who exceeded the standard federal retirement age and how the federal program compares to state workers’ compensation. One thousand employees currently receiv-ing federal workers’ compensation benefits are 80 years or older. 132 of these individuals are age 90 and older and three are 98 years of age.
Other house bills introduced by Representative Steve Lynch, Representative Sam Graves, Representative Gerry Connolly and Chairman Issa can be reviewed on the NRL-CA website: www.nrlca.org.
H.R. 1351 – Shifting the CSRS back to USPS to use for pre-funding Retirees Health Benefits and paying off the debt owed to the U.S. Treasury Department. (Representa-tive Steve Lynch)
H.R. 137 – Maintain six-day delivery. (Representative Sam Graves)
H.R. 1262 – Reform the USPS. (Representative Gerry Connolly)
As you can see, a lot of information is available to keep you informed so you can make an informed decision on how you, the constituent, want your representatives to vote.
Over 120 people registered for the 2011 Western State Conference held in Idaho this year. That is more than have attended the WSC in many, many years and all of them left the conference with an abun-dance of great, useful information as well as answers to their many pertinent ques-tions. May as many or more attend the fu-ture conferences.
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IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
My Springby Laurie Loveland
Spring is one of my favorite seasons. I love this time of year. The colors are so vibrant, the grass, daylilys, ground cover and even the weeds seem to be smiling at me. At this time of year everything starts anew.
The daffodils are in bloom. I enjoy their strength and re-sistance. These flowers stay open and blooming for weeks; they do not close at night so the moon intensifies their beauty. I wish I had hundreds, and a dozen different varieties.
The tulips are growing also, becoming the next bulb to enjoy. Tulips have so much character and seem to thrive any-where. My ground is not the greatest; lots of clay and rock, so any flower is a blessing. Even the tiny Johnny Jump Ups.
I also enjoy the flowering spring bushes, such as the Flow-ering Quince, Forsythia, and Flowering Almond.
Spring is a season of therapy sessions. The weeds are ev-erywhere. Villains, they are therapy sessions numbers 1, 3, 5. Pruning and hauling branches are sessions 2 and 4.
So, now that I have worked off the extra winter weight, lowered my cholesterol, acquired a farmers tan and scratches on my arms and legs and broken every other fingernail, I feel GREAT, just in time to wear that spring dress and sandals for Easter Sunday and Mothers Day! Speaking of which, I am very grateful for the faith and the mother I have.
I hope this story sees you well and enjoying life. I have included a message from a book my daughter gave me for Mothers Day.
“Hugs for Mom” by authors John W Smith and Leann Weiss.
“You may not realize it, but you are a gifted gardener. Though you may be incapable of keeping a simple house-plant alive, you are an accomplished gardener, nonetheless. The soil you work is not of this world. No! It is the soil of the human heart. Your children are your fertile field, and in their hearts you have tenderly planted your seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“At times, you have courageously protected your pre-cious field from destructive and uninvited strangers. When spiritual or physical disease threatened, you worked with bleeding hands to free the roots of life from contaminants. You have nursed the wounds left by the violent storms of life. You have struggled through seasons of drought; you have celebrated at the sight of unhampered growth. You have weeded, watered, plowed, and prayed. In turn, you should know that your labor of love has not gone unnoticed. You are deeply loved and appreciated - not only by hearts you have tended and cared for, but by the God who made you the mother and expert gardener you are.”
God bless you, Mom. Don't forget your Mom!Laurie Loveland is the District Two IDRLCA ExecutiveCommitteeman.
NRLCA Political Action CommitteeThe NRLCA-PAC plays a key role in representing our interests on Capitol Hill by supporting key Senators and Repre-
sentatives. NRLCA-PAC financially supports:Members who are friendly to our positions;Legislators who serve on committees with jurisdiction over issues important to NRLCA;Congressional candidates who could support our causes, if elected.The money contributed to NRLCA-PAC aids in each Member's election campaign committee. Campaigns, in turn, use
the money to send mass mailings, purchased TV and radio ads, fun "Get Out The Vote" efforts, and support their colleague's campaign efforts.
WhyGivetoPAC?We are often asked “why should I give to PAC?” The honest and best answer is that “NRLCA-PAC helps make the lives
of Rural Letter Carriers better.” In the past, PAC contributions successfully aided in the defeat of efforts to restrict collective bargaining, madue sure
single piece parcels remained in the market dominant category, and scuttled three anti-labor amanedments, one of which was a pilot Contract Delivery Services program.
It is extremely important as the 112th Congress begins, that we continue to support our PAC. Currently your PAC contributions are being used to stop Contract Delivery Services and maintain 6-day delivery. In addition to their work in stopping CDS and maintaining 6-day mail service, our Government Relations team is also continuing to monitor other is-sues of importance to NRLCA members such as Government Pension Offset, Windfall Elimination Provision and Premium Conversion. Your PAC contributions will give us the resources that are needed to effectively educate members of Congress on these very important issues.
With the map for the entire House of Representatives being redrawn and 33 Senate seats on the table, the next election cycle has already begun. In order to ensure that our voices are heard from now through November of 2012, NRLCA-PAC must begin preparing now. If you are already a PAC member, thank you for your contribution and please keep contributing. If you are not yet a PAC member and would like to be, or would like more information on PAC, please feel free to contact your IDRLCA PAC Chair Glenna McCoy, whose contact information can be found on page two.
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JUNE 9. 10, 11, 2011Idaho Falls AmeriTel Inn
645 Lindsay BlvdReservations: 1-208-523-1400
IDAHO RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
IDRLCA 2011 STATE CONVENTION“SNAKE RIVER ROUND UP”
1) The PROVIDENT GUILD is a Non-Profit, Fraternal organization, created and operated by Rural Carriers, for our membership and Auxiliary Members to give their survivors an amount of READY CASH for those days when routine procedures of the courts and legal action tie up our estates after death.
2) The GUILD is NOT an insurance. Rather, it is a Fraternal Death Benefit Fund which guarantees you at least 30 times your annual dues and, depending on the number of claims in any given year, can pay you up to 100 times your annual dues.
3) There are no physical examinations - No assessments - No commissions - No high salaries.
4) This low cost protection does not decrease, nor can it be cancelled when you reach age 65.
5) You can become a GUILD member until you reach age 56. After that age, you cannot enter the program BUT you do remain in it as long as you pay your GUILD dues annually.
6) Claims are to be filed within 30 days after death. The claim form together with a copy of the death certificate are to be mailed directly to the Secretary-Treasurer. If death certificate is not available within this time please advise the current Secretary-Treasurer.
IT NEED NOT BE HANDLED BY A LAWYER
7) Upon receipt of forms listed in item #6, an IMMEDI-ATE RELIEF CHECK for 30% of the maximum payment is mailed to the beneficiary. The balance of settlement is mailed in August, following our Board meeting which is held during the NRLCA Convention.
8) Your GUILD dues are payable in advance. The Secretary-Treasurer will mail you a dues notice during the month of May for the following year. These are then payable by June 30th.
9) Members joining later in the year pay only a portion of the full year’s dues. The fiscal year runs from July 1st to the next June 30th. Those who become members during July, August and September pay full dues. During October, November and December, you pay 75%; January, February and March, 50%; and those joining in April, May and June pay only 25%.
10) The entrance fee of $2.00 is payable when joining during any part of the year.
Provident Guild RepresentativePatti Upton
3735 Wild Wood LaneNew Plymouth ID 83655
(208) 278-9867
“Fraternalism at Its Best”
“Are you preparing your family in the event of your death?”The Provident Guild is a nonprofit, Fraternal Organization
created and operated by Rural Carriers, for our membership, to give your survivors an amount of READY CASH for those days when routine procedures of the courts and legal action
tie up your estate at death.If you are age 56 or under, contact me for further details on
how you can help your survivors.
TheProvidentGuildThe Provident Guild is something you need,So I have some info that I’d like to readTo you about this outstanding plan Called The Provident Guild.
The Provident Guild’s a death benefit planOpened to most every woman and man,Who belongs to or works with that hard working clanKnown as the Rural Carrier Craft.
No air! No Ma’am! No physical examIs required to get into the GuildAs long as you’re warm - just fill out this formAnd, Buddy, you’re practically in.
There’re six different classes for you lads and lassesThey’re all determined by age.From ten bucks to fifty - it’s really quite niftyAnd all explained here on this page.
To get into the Guild is really quite easy,But - you must join at or under age 55.Without a doubt - that leaves some of you outBut to me that’s not a surprise.
Now don’t be a procrastinatorWith Provident Guild on your mind.Get up right now and tell yourself howYou’re going to be first in the line.
We don’t want pushing or shoving,We don’t want to start a stampede.If you’ll just get in line, I’m sure you’ll findI can meet each and everyone’s need.
If you’ve been contemplating belonging,Friend, now don’t hesitate.You might wake up tomorrow and find to your sorrowThat, Buddy, you’ve waited too late.
WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! ---------------------------------------- 1IDRLCA Officers’ Contact Information ---------------------------- 2Local Stewards --------------------------------------------------- 3Action Alert; Write Your Congressmen ----------------------------- 4IDRLCA President Sharon Atkin’s Report -------------------- 5Past President Lester Miller Obituary -------------------------------- 5 IDRLCA Vice President Glenna McCoy’s Report ----------- 6Past President Tom Griffith Obituary ----------------- 6NRLCA PAC for Job Insurance --------------------------------------- 7IDRLCASecretary/Treasurer Lori Bennett’s Report -------- 8 IDRLCA Financial Report -------------------------------------- 8NRLCA Form 1187 Membership ------------------------------------ 9Clifford Dailing Elected to TSP Advisory Board ------------------ 10IDRLCA State Board Meeting Minutes ---------------------------- 11IDRLCA District Reports --------------------------------------- 12 - 13Candidates for Nartional Delegate ----------------------------- 14 - 16Candidates for IDRLCA State Office ------------------------------- 172011 Western States Conference Reports ---------------------- 18 - 20My Spring ------------------------------------------------------------ 21NRLCA Political Action Committee, Why Give to PAC---------- 21IDRLCA State Convention Registration-------------------------- 22Provident Guild------------------------------------------------------ 23
Attention: IDRLCA MembersJoin the Pony Express Hotline
