Because of the diligent efforts of union negotiators we are the only union connected to the federal government, in any way, to have a regular cost of living increase of our salary. We can boast that 18% of all of our wages are the result of the cost of living addition to our wages. This is a major target of management and they really want to take it away from us.

The Postal Service now pays 84% of the cost of our medical plan. This really sticks in their craw and they will do everything in their power to shift as much of the cost back to our carriers. This includes any drug plan we have. Only the union stands in their way.

Now we come to our retirees. Remember, you will all be retired carriers someday, if you aren't already. You must realize that the leadership of the major businesses in the United States is rethinking the relationship of their firms and their retirees. General Motors, the largest private industry in the country, is changing their attitude vis-a-vis their retired workforce. They are instituting a plan where retirees are no longer given a pension. From now on the workers will contribute to a 401K Plan. General Motors claims they are losing money, This is true. The Japanese auto makers have sliced deeply into G.M.'s profits. Even more frightening is the fact that american companies, like I.B.M., that are making substantial profits are planning to move along the same path.

We fully expect the Postal Service to make a serious move against our retirees. Only the union stands in their way. President Bill Young has pledged to fight management at every turn in order to prevent the loss of any benefits we have gained over the years. he also will make every effort to gain Level Seven for active carriers.

It is hard to believe but we have carriers who, after thirty years of union membership, drop out when they retire. For the sake of two dollars per month, they desert the organization which fought so hard for them and gained every benefit they have. Forget the fact that they are giving up our eyeglass and dental plan which is worth far more than two dollars per month which they are asked to pay. The retirement brunch alone, which we hold for our retirees, is worth the two dollars per month. What these former carriers can't seem to understand is that the N.A.L.C., which they are now deserting, is the only thing standing up to management and their plan to strip our retirees of as much of their benefits as they can, benefits gained from long years of hard work. Use your good common sense and remember, only the union stands in their way.

He was a complex man of many parts and many interests, all of which he pursued with great intensity. A1 never did anything halfway. It was all or nothing, whether it was delivering mail, representing carriers as a shop steward, carrying out various duties as an officer of Branch 36, A1 always gave one hundred percent and never shortchanged anyone to whom he was answerable. I jokingly referred to him as Mister Intensity, and he always answered me by saying that those he represented deserved the best he could give. He was a man of honor.

There was a lighter side of Al and in a social setting he was a guy who loved to party. He loved people and seemed to be happiest when surrounded by those he cared for. Give him a few drinks, play some great music that he could dance to, put the lovely Ginger in his arms, and he never seemed to want for more.

Those of us who knew him and loved him have had a great big chunk of our hearts cut out and that void will always be there.

Our prayers and our thoughts are with you Al. Rest in peace.

Of all who work, live. and play in thc boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, the letter carriers of Branch 36 have access physically to more places than anyone else.

There are countless examples of letter carriers giving needed assistance, sometimes at personal riak and danger to their patrons, who find themselves in trouble of one kind or another. So it is not unreasonable to fccl that we can depend upon our carriers during this period of terrorism which has descended upon not only us. but people all around the world. We carriers, because of the fact that we are everywhere, can be a great help in preventing acts of terrorism by simply being there. We know who lives and works on our routes and morc than anyone else, know when things aren't what they should be.

If you see anything out of the ordinary, don't hesitate to let the proper authorities know. We are all in this together and it is better to be safe than sorry.