newsletter

THE BRANCH CHRISTMAS PARTY IS SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 13, 2008

The Rainbow Firehall has been reserved for the Branch Christmas Party. Anyone wanting to help make arrangements or assist in organizing this event may contact Mike O’Donnell at 412 829-2707. Sign up sheets will be posted on the bulletin boards and retirees may also call Mike.

DEADLINE FOR EARLY OUTS

Branch President Paul Rozzi reemphasized a recent article in October’s Postal Record concerning the Early Out offer by the Postal Service. Carriers have until Nov. 21 to decide whether to accept the offer of a voluntary early retirement. The NALC does not endorse or reject the idea of early outs but strongly recommends letter carriers to consider their individual circumstances before making any decision.

Paul Rozzi suggested anyone considering early retirement to go online to www.liteblue.usps.gov and click on “early out”. He also urged carriers to make sure they know their 7 digit employee ID number taken from their pay stub and their 4 digit pin number.

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2008

By now you are probably so tired of the TV commercials, political literature, telephone calls and the political rhetoric. All the time and money spent means nothing if you fail to vote.

The issues are many, war/peace, healthcare, the economy, retirement, education, housing, interest rates, pensions and job security to name a few. Only you can decide which candidate best shares your views and values.

As you are aware the NALC has endorsed Barak Obama as its choice for President. That endorsement came as a result of who would better serve the needs of working men and women particularly letter carriers. This newsletter cannot tell you who to vote for but it certainly encourages you to make sure you do

CALENDARS

Branch Secretary Fran Rozgony announced at October’s meeting that the rotating days off and pocket calendars will be handed out at November’s monthly meeting. Shop stewards will be given the calendars to distribute to the members in each office if they don’t attend the meeting. Branch President Paul Rozzi urged letter carriers to use the pocket calendars to keep track of OT, special notes including incidents of harassment to build a better, stronger case in the event it occurs. Also, write when you submit a 3996 and what action was taken by management.

HOLIDAY THANK YOU CARDS

As in past years Financial Secretary Vic Weiss has been able to “make a deal” that will allow branch members to purchase Christmas Thank You cards, 50 for $10, with no cost to the branch. You may see Vic at November’s meeting or call 724 925-3064.

Branch name changed and by-law changes approved!

By a unanimous vote the proposed by-law changes were approved in block at October’s monthly meeting. They will be submitted to the National By-laws Committee for final approval.

With the recent merger with New Kensington and mispronunciation of MON-YOUGH by other branches, the membership decided to officially change the branch name to TRI-COUNTY since our branch has offices in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Fayette counties. You’ll notice the new heading to reflect the change. We’d appreciate any comments about the change and/or the newsletter.