Outlook November / December 2011

Here comes Christmas, 2011! Let me be the first to welcome that time of year when the volume of mail picks up, the days get shorter, and summer vacation fades into the past. I hope everyone had some time off to reflect and regroup. This time of the year brings back memories of when I was a letter carrier in Planetarium Station. Back in December, 1965, my tour started at 6:00 a.m. in the morning. I did collection work and special delivery, then went to the street and delivered mail. I remember well that the mailboxes were very small but large enough to insert first-class mail and maybe a few magazines. Still, the volume of mail was very heavy and included lots of parcels. My day ended late in the afternoon with no days off. That was the time when the Post Office was a 24-hour job with no stop.

Clerks, mail handlers and carriers boxed up mail to be delivered by the regular carriers the next day. Still, the pay was not that great; all I was looking for was security, good benefits and a pension, but after awhile on-the-job, my pay was too little and I was forced to get another job driving a cab at night to be able to feed my family. I was not the only one. The majority of my fellow workers were doing the same thing. Those were the tough times of my era. The low pay at that time was one of the reasons we took the stand to go on strike. I took part in that strike. I feared loss of my job, but there was no choice
other than to go out there and do it.

The strike of 1970 led to the creation of the United States Postal Service and the first National Agreement with a no lay-off clause. Because of the strike, my pay became better and my job was safe with no need for a second job. Now, many years later, I realize how important that strike was, and I feel proud to have been part of its history. At this time, several unscrupulous politicians, such as Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) want to destroy the U.S. Postal Service, the jobs of more than 900,000 postal employees, and all the honest effort that we stood for all these years.

On October 13, 2011, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved H.R. 2309, which would eliminate Saturday mail delivery. This will eliminate 80,000 positions in the Postal Service and who knows how many businesses would be adversely affected by this action. It would mandate the closing of many post offices and end mail delivery to the doors of 90 percent of American households. If H.R. 2309 becomes law, virtually all residents and business owners would lose the door-to-door delivery they have long relied on, said NALC President Fredric Rolando.

I took the chance of losing my job 42 years ago and now I am asking all of you to get involved by just calling your Representative in Washington, D.C. to tell them H.R. 2309 is a bad bill and tell them to vote NO on this bill, Tell Congress not to destroy the U.S.P.S. Let them know that when our troops come home from overseas, their U.S. Postal Service jobs will be there for them. Tell them to create additional jobs and not to eliminate jobs. Our mail system is the best in the world, and let's protect our Saturday delivery and no lay-off clause. The U.S. Postal Service is one of America's oldest and most beloved institutions. Let's work to perpetuate its life. Simply phone your Congress person and speak up for that reason.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

On September 11th our branch celebrated our retiree brunch at the beautiful Hard Rock Café. I want to express my sincere thanks to those who attended. It was a very enjoyable morning, and to me it is very important to see all the retirees having fun and reminiscing about memories of our past working days. From our national headquarters the speaker was Executive Vice President Tim O'MaIley. He answered many questions regarding our NALC Health Plan. All our Branch 36 officers also attended. It was a special day for us, but also was a very sad day because it was the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. We honor and remember the victims of that tragic day.

Branch 36 officers thank you all for attending the retiree brunch. I hope we will all see each other again next September.

Many members have been phoning me in regard to retirement. If you are contemplating retirement in the near future, please phone me at the office at: (212) 239-3901 at least three or four months before the retirement day. The Branch will help you to correctly fill out all the necessary papers.

I'd like to invite all the retirees and future retirees to join our Branch and the National Association of Letter Carriers to help save America's Postal Service. A plan is underway to close thousands of post offices throughout the U.S.A. and to eliminate Saturday delivery of mail. The truth is that in 2006 Congress passed a law that required the Postal Service to "pre-fund" health care benefits for future retirees. It required the Postal Service to pay a 75-year liability in just ten years.

By law, on September 30th the Postal Service must pay $5.5 billion. Congress created this financial crisis; let Congress fix it. All we ask you to do is call your legislator to support H.R. 1351, introduced by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA). Call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected with your representative. By mail, the name of your representative, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515. At this time, the future of the Postal Service doesn't look too good, but with your help and the help of your Representative, this could save jobs and the collective bargaining rights of postal employees.

H.R. 1351 would allow the Postal Service to apply the billions of dollars in pension overpayments to meet the financial obligations of the Postal Service.

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Dear Joe:
Thank you so much for talking with us on Tuesday. It was really a pleasure. All the information was so helpful and put our minds at ease.

If you see Pat McNally and Sonny Guadalupe, please give them our regards. We worked at Grand Central with them. Again, thank you so much.

Sincerely,
Albert and Patricia Ruas, Ret.
Grand Central Station

It looks like we finally have a House bill to hang our hats on. It is H.R.1351 introduced by Democrats, that is, Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts. Last April Rep. Stephen Lynch, the ranking member of the House Sub-Committee on the Federal workforce of the Postal Service, and the District of Columbia introduced H.R.1351, the U.S. Postal Service's Pension Obligation Recalculation and Restoration Act of 2011. This is a big step. The bill's passage would help the CSRS. NALC President Fredric Rolando is in full support of this bill. If this bill passes, it will recover our pension surpluses and will prevent a financial crisis in September when the Postal Service is scheduled to make another $5.5 billion payment to pre-fund future retiree health benefits. This payment is mandated by law. We are doing everything possible to have every member of Congress cosponsor this bill. You can do your part by going to our website to see if your member of Congress has endorsed the Lynch bill.

On July 6th, 7th and 8th, our Branch attended the annual State Convention at which we discussed and learned about many postal issues that will affect the future of the Postal Service. Also, we delivered a message during a demonstration in front of the office of Congressman Chris Gibson. Our reason for doing so is we wanted him to listen to our leader to explain to him H.R.1351 and why we think he should co-sponsor this bill. According to our State President George Mangold, Gibson is one of only five Congress people in New York who have not agreed to co-sponsor this bill.

Due to problems within the Office of Personnel Management, many newly retired people are phoning me in regard to not getting their interim payments on time. Our National Director of Retired Members, Ernie Kirkland, is aware of this problem, and he has been in contact with OPM and others with regard thereto. We are hoping this problem becomes resolved soon with 40 new hires in OPM and to have them working again in a prompt manner.

Our best suggestion to those considering retirement is to continue having at least five months of their estimated annuity available as a cash reserve while the process unfolds. Saving annual leave is a very good option.

The following important information appeared in the July, 2011 issue of Postal Record and is republished at this time for your knowledge:

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

The projected accumulation toward the ninth and final cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2006-2011 National Agreement is $1,019 annually following the release of the May 2011 Consumer Price Index (CPI). The ninth COLA will be based on the July 2011 CPI.

The projected accumulation toward the 2012 retiree COLA was 3.4 percent following the release of the May CPI. Because there was no retiree COLA for 2010 or 2011, the 2012 retiree COLA will be determined by comparing the average CPI during the third quarter of 2011 and the average during the third quarter of 2008, the benchmark set when the retiree COLA was last paid.

The projected accumulation for the 2012 COLA under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) was 3.5 percent following the release of the May DPI. The 2012 FECA COLA is based on the increase in the CPI between December 2010 and December 2011 and will become effective on April 1, 2012.

Retiree Benefits

Everyone wants to protect his or her loved ones from financial problems. But until now, finding the best way to protect your family after retirement is very important. Most carriers that are about to retire are not aware of the benefit for them to choose. Life insurance and the medical plan are very important for a retiree. Before you know it, it's time to make the decision to retire. Don't wait for the last minute to know about all these benefits.

RETIREMENT SYSTEM

CSRS - Civil Service Retirement System (Federal Employment Prior to 1/1/1984)
FERS - Federal Employees Retirement System (after 1/1/1984 and Transfers)
If you are planning to retire within the near future and are covered under the regular Civil Service Retirement (CSRS or CSRS Offset), you need a handbook to guide you through the retirement process and provide you with information on the following:

a. Annuity and survivor benefits calculations
b. Other benefits - such as health benefits, life insurance and the Thrift Savings
Plan (TSP)
c. Procedures and time frames involved in applying for retirement
d. What to expect in retirement
For Federal Employees Retirement System, you also need this handbook. To get this handbook call SHARES SERVICE (POSTAL EASE) 1-877-477-3273. Our Branch is always here for you, to help and explain about all these benefits.

HEALTH PLAN

You may continue your health benefit into retirement if you have been enrolled in the FEHB Program for the 5 years immediately preceding retirement. Changes in your health plan can only be made during the open season which is in November of each year. Don't wait until retirement. Annuitants are entitled to the same benefits as active employees enrolled in the same plan, including FEHB Open Season changes and other opportunities to change enrollment. Your survivors may also continue health benefits if they are covered under your enrollment as a retiree and a survivor annuity has been established. The Postal Service contributes a larger share of its employees' health benefit cost than other government agencies. During retirement, the Postal Service's contribution for annuitants reverts to the government's rate of contribution and, therefore, your share of the cost of your health insurance premium may increase. The cost of your health insurance premium may change from year to year, just like an active employee.

Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance

The life insurance information on the annuity estimate shows the type of insurance in which you are enrolled under Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance. In order to carry life insurance into retirement, you must have been enrolled for 5 years, preceding the effective date of your annuity, or, if enrolled less than 5 years, from the date of your first opportunity to enroll.

These provisions apply to both Basic Life Insurance and any optional, or (Option A-Standard, option B-Additional, or Option C-family) you may have. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance does not continue into retirement.

Annual Leave

You will be able to receive a terminal leave payment for accumulated annual leave carried over from the previous year and accrued annual leave for the year in which you retire, not to exceed the carryover maximum for your bargaining unit, which is 440 hours.

Annuity Limitation of 80 Percent

41 years, 11 months' service is 80 percent of high-3 average salary. The 80% maximum is attained by a combined total of years of service (civilian and military) of 41 years and 11 months. Retirement deductions withheld after 41 years and 11 months of service are applied toward payment of deposits or redeposits, with any balance automatically refunded to the employee at the time of retirement.

1) He chooses to buy additional annuity with excess contributions he made to the retirement system;
2) He has unused sick leave that will increase his earned years and months of service;
3) He has a voluntary contributions account and chooses to purchase additional annuity with that money.
None of the above are subject to the 80 percent limit.

Civil Service Survivor Benefits

Branch 36 members and their relatives like to phone me to get answers and make sure their paperwork is accurate. Many of those calls have to do with Survivor Benefits. That being the situation, I decided to reprint an article about that subject which was covered by a national NALC officer. It is hereby quoted:

The office of the director of retired members receives many inquiries from survivors regarding the current procedure in the event of the death of a civil service annuitant or an active employee of the USPS. The following will explain the proper action a survivor should take upon the annuitant's or employee's death. The exact type and amount of benefits depends on the particular case.

Benefits are not paid automatically. Survivors must apply to receive benefits.
1. Return any uncashed checks the annuitant receives after his/her death to the return address shown on the Treasury Department's envelope in which the check was delivered. If annuity payments have been sent directly to the bank or other financial institution, promptly notify that institution of the annuitant's date of death. Ask that any payments received after the date of death be returned to the Treasury Department.

Returning uncashed checks to the Treasury Department is necessary because government checks made payable to a deceased person cannot be legally cashed by anyone, even the executor of the estate.

Until the Treasury Department informs OPM that there are no outstanding checks payable to the deceased annuitant, they cannot authorize a survivor benefit.

Any unpaid accrued annuity due to the deceased will be paid to the eligible survivor
2. Notify the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Employee Service and Records Center, PO Box 45, Boyers, Pennsylvania 16017. Indicate the annuitant or employee is deceased and request forms for claiming survivor benefits.

SF2800 - Claim for Death Benefits, Survivor Annuity or Lump-Sum Payment. FE 6 - Application for Life Insurance from the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance

SF3104 - For employees on FERS - Application for Death Benefits (survivor annuity, basic death benefit, or lump sum payment.

OPM will process your request as soon as possible. The letter of notification should include the full name of the deceased, exact date of birth, exact date of death, CSA number (claim number), and the address, relationship and signature of the person who is apparently entitled to benefits.
3. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate to enclose with applications SF 2800 and FE 6. Completing an application (SF 2800) for survivor benefits is necessary so that OPM can authorize payment of all benefits to the eligible survivor

Benefits may also include automatic health insurance coverage if the survivor has been covered by the annuitant's enrollment in one of the government's health benefits programs, and if the survivor is eligible to receive a survivor annuity immediately after the death of the annuitant.

When applying for life insurance benefits, if the employee was covered by a policy issued by the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance, there is no need for the eligible survivor to write the New York office of FEGLI. They cannot settle a claim until a certification of the deceased annuitant or employee's insurance status is received from OPM.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I am back at Branch 36 after having taken a leave of absence. It's good to be back again and I'm glad to resume writing to you. Now that the holidays are over, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and will be staying healthy during the new year.

Of course this cold weather time is here to stay until it warms up again and I remind you to dress warmly according to the temperature and your personal needs. No one wants frostbite or hypothermia. Keep yourself in excellent health condition.

Every year our Branch looks forward to reaching out for a way to be of additional help to our membership. I have helped retirees correctly complete the filing of necessary forms, and will of course continue to do so. We can always
do this comfortably in the quiet Branch 36 conference room, or wherever you feel most at ease.

The other officers and myself would like you to participate in contributing to COLCPE, the Committee On Letter Carriers Political Education, known as COLCPE and pronounced "COLCEP." It will always be important for us to retain labor-friendly political representatives. Our current contract comes to a close in 2011. Never forget that the challenges our union faces this year are very weighty - they're tremendous. The job you save could be your own and others around you. The best way to honor COLCPE is to sign up for payroll deductions. Speak to your shop steward about how to do that, and if they're not sure, phone Branch 36 at: (212) 239-3901.

One of the events you should be on hand for is when the Branch celebrates a day at Citi Field. Most of the members bring their families.

We also feature the annual Old Timers' Brunch at which time all get together with the senior members to reminisce and share stories about our experiences on and off the job. The brunch takes place in September. We send out all the invitations to our retiree members. In November of every year we hold an annual dinner-dance. We also tirelessly do fundraising in connection with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to which we contribute, and by holding Comedy shows and Bowl-A-Thons. Branch 36 President Charlie Heege is thoroughly committed to these fundraising events.

Our national officers have been duly sworn in and installed. We need to support them as they work to protect letter carrier jobs and ensure that the provisions making up our national agreement are upheld. I am confident that President Rolando and all the other national officers will continue to provide outstanding leadership during these very difficult times.

Congratulations to all our new retirees. God Bless you all. May you enjoy good health and much happiness in your retirement.

Remember how you were the day you got the call to work for the Postal Service? You knew you would be working for the Federal government for one of its most trusted agencies. Then you could finally wear a nice blue uniform showing the public what a great job you have. My job will be to serve the American public very proudly. I’ll be the man they will trust with their most secure secrets. I will bring them good and bad news. I will bring them gifts from their loved ones, especially in the holiday season. That's how I remember my elation when I first started to work for the Postal Service at that time.

Now, as a working retired letter carrier I still see the same blue uniform and I continue to admire the mailman, and feel a lot of respect for him as well as trust. Letter carriers are the ambassadors on the street. The American public still recognizes these familiar faces and looks forward to receiving the mail deposited in their mailboxes.

Each year there are countless stories about our carriers making heroic attempts to save lives. We feel proud knowing that we can count on them to deliver the mail in a timely manner. Good or bad weather, the mail will be delivered. Excellent wages, excellent health benefits, excellent lifestyles, brought to you through the negotiation efforts of the National Association of Letter Carriers, one of the best, if not the best union in America. Do you know that your job is under attack? It's under attack by the GOP and their congressmen cronies. We're under attack because they want us to work harder for less salary, such as delivering five days not six, for less pay. You must be prepared to fight back. Here is how. Make the public want you. Treat the public as if you're serving your best friend. Work in a professional manner. Make the uniform you wear a respected symbol on your everyday route. No running around; make sure each piece of mail goes into the proper box. Drive carefully. Give to COLCPE to keep our friends in Washington, D.C. Attend our membership meetings. Make our union stronger and keep it respectable. While those who caused the recession are busy protecting their enormous salaries and bonuses, unemployment continues at an incredible rate. The jobs, wages and benefits of working men and women are under constant attack.

Stay strong and together we will prevail. As a union, we can only be defeated by our own ignorance, therefore, stay well-informed. Please sign up today to become an e-activist. Your best bet is to support NALC and COLCPE.

Again, I thank all those who attended the wonderful meeting we shared at the Oldtimers' Brunch on September 12, 2010 at the great Hard Rock Café. We'll be seeing it again together next year.

HAVE A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HEALTHY BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR

The most difficult thing about writing any article every two months is finding a topic and getting started. This time, there were too many topics to write about, and each one that came to mind had more than enough merit to warrant an article.

On August 8, 2010, I was on my way to Anaheim, California to represent my branch, Branch 36, as a delegate at the national convention. There is always something of interest transpiring when all the branches in the country, plus our possessions, are brought together. Our first day was family day, during which time most of the delegates celebrated and enjoyed a tasty cookout with their family. On Monday, our national NALC President Fredric Rolando opened the first session and gave us a dynamic speech. He told the delegates that the Postal Service is trying to cut Saturday delivery and how critical this is. He also let us know that our national union is one of the most trusted and powerful unions in the country.

The convention continued. It was interesting to note the large percentage of first time delegates. Those in attendance included the future convention delegates who will identify new problems and submit resolutions dealing with them. I enjoyed listening to the proposed resolutions and the discussions for and against each resolution. President Rolando did a good job chairing the convention.

I attended the Health Benefits Breakfast. Director of Health Benefits, Timothy O'Malley and President Fredric Rolando addressed the group to whom they spoke about how important it is to get new members to join the Health Plan. I also attended the Retirement Breakfast at the convention which I very much enjoyed, especially with members who were part of the 1970 Postal Strike.

One of my greatest moments was the showing of the 1970 Postal Strike video. I was happier and prouder to be a member of Branch 36 after viewing the video. Thanks to the outcome of the strike, all letter carriers enjoy a good job, good benefits, and great representation from our union.

Looking back to my letter carrier years, 1965-1999 fills my heart with a warm and wonderful feeling. Those years were happy ones, and forged a good and happy life for me, especially after the 1970 Postal Strike. I've often dreamed of those years when I was delivering mail on my route working for the U.S. Postal Service and serving all my customers with pride.