It is inconceivable that anyone would target for extinction such a valuable resource as the U.S. Postal Service. The Post Office was created by Benjamin Franklin and incorporated into the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Post Office has been an integral part of the United States since day one. It is inconceivable that there are powerful forces in Congress who would create a false crisis to destroy this heralded institution.

Yes, this is a false crisis created by Congress. In 2006 the Congress of a Republican majority created a mandate incorporated into the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act requiring the U.S.P.S. to prefund retiree health benefits seventy five years into the future. This prefunding would have to be accomplished over the next ten years: 2006-2016. This prefunding created a five to ten billion dollar liability annually for the U.S.P.S. This is a false crisis because the prefunding requirement does not exist for any other government entity. The Postal Service is on the verge of "insolvency". An "insolvency" caused by a ludicrous, politically motivated, mandate. "Insolvency" caused by miscalculations and overpayments to the government retirement systems. Billions of dollars have been siphoned from postal revenue resulting in U.S.P.S. "insolvency". In recent Senate hearings not one of the Republican senators recognized these facts. The Republicans senators of the subcommittee ignored the contributing factors of the worst economic conditions in generations. The Republican senators of the subcommittee are perpetuating the false crisis.

The path Congress is on, as demonstrated by the Senate subcommittee hearings, is one of ultimate "insolvency" for the U.S.P.S.

You can do your best to stop this impending, destructive action by Congress by urging your Congressional Representative to oppose H.R. 2309.

We cannot allow Congress to cause the extinction of the twenty-first century carrier.

The rally, orchestrated by all four Postal Unions, encourages the people of America to sign petitions to Congress calling for the passage of H.R. 1351, legislation which will empower and mandate the U.S. Treasury to restore billions of dollars in Postal revenue to the U.S. Postal Service, H.R. 1351 will also mandate the continuance of six-day mail delivery and the maintenance of its vast network of retail outlets in all corners of the nation.

Branch 36 officers brought the message of the rally to all the stations throughout the Bronx and Manhattan. On the day of the rally there was a Shop Stewards meeting. There were guest speakers at the meeting, Congressman Jerrold Nadler representing N.Y. Congressional District 8, NBA Larry Cirelli, Region 15, and NYSALC President George Mangold. The message delivered by the guest speakers and the officers was emphatic: get out to the rally, get your members out to the rally, inform the public about H.R. 1351 at the rally, and let's pass H.R. 1351.

Natan Sheyer, Village station shop steward and N.Y. Congressional District 8 Congressional liaison, obtained the necessary permits and organized the rally in front of the offices of Congressman Nadler at 201 Varick St., in lower Manhattan. Natan did an outstanding job and the event was a huge success. Congressman Nadler spoke to the gathering at the rally on Varick St. declaring his support for H.R. 1351.

Farther uptown, Congressional liaisons Carmen Flores and Donna Tomkins spearheaded "Save America's Postal Service" rallies at the offices of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Charles Rangel. Each representative declared their support for America's Postal Service and the passage of H,R. 1351 to the delight of the gathering of workers of the four postal unions and their legions of public supporters.

In the Bronx, Jose Ramos, the Congressional liaison for Congressman Jose Serrano also obtained the permits necessary and organized a rally at the Lafayette Ave. offices of Congressman Serrano. Congressman Serrano too stated his support for H.R. 1351 and America's Postal Service.

Up in the north Bronx in Co-Op City a rally at the offices of Congressman Joseph Crowley was well attended, although the Congressman was unable to be present. Postal Workers and concerned postal patrons called out for the passage of H.R. 1351 and the need to save America's Postal Service.

The message to "Save America's Postal Service" was delivered. Hundreds of thousands of signatures supporting H.R. 1351 were collected nationwide, and hundreds of thousands of people were educated as to the true facts of the Postal Service "crisis".

This is one step we have actively taken to save America's Postal Service, 2011. It is not the last. If you were among us, good job. If you weren't there, what are you waiting for?

Tell your family members the facts. Get their support to pass the bill. Speak with your customers. Tell them the facts. Get their support to pass the bill. Most importantly, Tell The Hill To Pass The Bill.

The battling ideologies in Washington D.C. might appear to be beyond the comprehension of average American citizens but nothing could be further from the truth. The spending cuts being called for would take bread right out of the mouths of retired and working Americans. The tax increases so vehemently opposed are shielding the wealthiest people in the nation from paying their fair share. Working families are unable to protect their homes. Working families are struggling with the rising costs of food and energy. Working families are paying the price of the nation's failed economic policies. Working families are stretched to their limits, yet the highest tax brackets in the nation have been continuously dramatically reduced to historic low levels

The NALC / USPS collective bargaining agreement will expire in a few short months. The Postal Service' fiscal year is coming to a close. H.R. 1351 is languishing in Congress. Therein lies the letter carrier future. Will any or all of these vital issues be resolved? When?

All of the issues mentioned here are in the forefront of the NALC pro-activist's struggles. Hopefully, you are one of the thousands of NALC COLCPE contributors. Hopefully, you are one the thousands of NALC Carrier Corps and eActivists. You might be one of the too many thousands of letter carriers who aren't committed to a better future for letter carriers. Failure is not an option and there is no acceptable excuse for not being involved. If you want a secure future, if you want an eight hour assignment, if you want middle class wages and benefits, then the NALC wants you. Letter carriers have fared better than most American workers but this is not a pretty picture.

The NALC wants ALL letter carriers to be part of the solution. You must do this or you can't complain. Let's do something to fix the picture.

Costs are rising at alarming rates, yet there is no COLA. Transportation, housing, food and health care are at astronomical highs, yet there is no COLA. People are choosing which necessities they can afford, yet there is no COLA.

Working people are under attack by the media. Everyday you can be assured of a horror story in the media portraying union workers in the worst possible light. Everyday the media heralds a new champion "Governor" who would crush the demon unions. The Governor of Wisconsin started the ball rolling by calling for legislation to immediately cease the collective bargaining rights of his state's municipal workers. Sadly, other governors have lined up to try to accomplish the same despicable goal. This struggle is yet to be determined.

Our sister union, the APWU, recently reached a tentative negotiated agreement with the Postal Service. The APWU membership will vote, up or down, their opinion of that agreement. In an unprecedented move a Congressional Committee called for hearings to dissect a proposal that had not yet been ratified by the parties. The Postal Service and the APWU, each representing its own interests, were able to fashion an agreement. What was the purpose of Congressional hearings?

These are very difficult times for working families. The rising floodwaters of anti-worker, anti-union torrents are barreling through the labor movement. Soon the Letter Carriers will be in the path of the anti-worker, anti-union forces.

The NALC will not wait until the 11th hour to prepare for our contract negotiations. The NALC will not delay networking with our friends in Congress to pass legislation that treats postal employees fairly.

The NALC, the AFL-CIO and other unions have given major support to numerous candidates of both parties. Those candidates must now honor our bond.

You cannot delay in joining the NALC and your fellow letter carriers who are doing everything necessary to prevail. If you do not heed the call to support our cause, you will have failed yourself and your fellow letter carriers. Payroll deduction for COLCPE is a key tool to our success. Are you signed up? Are you contributing to our political action committee? Are you going to contribute to a change for good?

There can be no excuse. No letter carrier can be a bystander. No representative from Congress can fail us. We can spare no effort to preserve our credo; our reality: "A fair day's work, for a fair day’s pay."

You Are The Union

The National Association of Letter Carriers was established in 1889. Letter carriers have enjoyed the gains of solidarity ever since. As the NALC, letter carriers have become an integral part of the American labor movement. NALC President Frederic V. Rolando is a Vice-President on the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO.

Sadly, the American labor movement has dwindled to a more finite group of workers than the all-encompassing body it once was, because the remaining union activists can be more directly targeted by detractors. Once there were hundreds of thousands of manufacturing workers who were organized union members. There no longer are hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs due to automation and "outsourcing" to cheap labor plants overseas. Once there were hundreds of thousands of miners and steel workers who were organized unionists. These trades, too, have succumbed to technology and foreign trade.

Today, a large component of current union members are municipal workers: teachers, firemen, law enforcement, letter carriers and others.

Union members are hardworking people earning a paycheck. The goal of the NALC and all unions is to protect the wages and benefits of the members. The fruits of organized labor, unions, are a living wage for American workers, a safe workplace for American workers and equal opportunity for American workers. The union has provided basic fundamental rights and a decent wage for the American worker.

In the current financial malaise, our nation is in some belief that they can make the workers of the nation bear the burden of reducing the "deficit". There are those who would eliminate "collective bargaining" from the "rights" of municipal workers. There is a political "class war" brewing. The "millionaire taxes" are deemed too high and so even President Obama refused to raise them. New York and New Jersey refuse to raise the "millionaire tax" or the tax rate of earners of $250,000 or more. The Governor and the majority in Wisconsin have voted to strip the collective bargaining rights of most municipal workers in that state. There are other states lining up to similarly eliminate collective bargaining for most of their municipal workers.

The U.S. economy is in very poor condition and the prospects for future prosperity are dismal.

Wall Street, however, did receive billions in salaries and bonuses again this year. The Dow Jones index is climbing back to the heights it enjoyed before the "collapse" of 2008. Unemployment is still too high. Buying or selling a home has become an ordeal for working folks. Energy prices, gas, home heating oil, electricity and probably even coal and wood have skyrocketed. Food and clothing prices too are leaping, not creeping up. But there is no "inflation". There's no inflation in your paycheck.

There may be harsh measures needed to mend the faltering economy. There may be draconian sacrifices necessary by many Americans. There will be a fight if any Governor, any legislature, attempts to take away the hard fought rights of workers.

Those municipal workers being targeted have our support, the NALC is solidly behind the unions and workers being harmed by this egregious affront. The AFLCIO is mobilized to address and correct this miscarriage of justice. The mantra of organized labor is "an injury to one, is an injury to all.

"Today we vent our disdain for the destructive deeds being done to our brothers and sisters.

This should make you aware of what is taking place around the nation. This should alert you to what can happen to union workers. This is a clear message that you'd better prepare to defend yourself.

The NALC has been astute in all avenues of preparedness. Have you been reading the materials and information being provided by the Postal Record, the NALC Bulletin, NALC.org and your local publication, the "Outlook"? Have you signed up as a payroll contributor to COLCPE?

Are you prepared to defend yourself?

Once again the American public has indicated that the Postal Service (letter carriers) are THE most trusted government employees. This honor has been bestowed upon Postal Service employees for a number of years now.

Letter carriers are the visible ambassadors of the Postal Service. Letter carriers are the people the members of the community know, trust and respect as the Post Office. It is the letter carrier that arrives at every address six days a week.

The letter carrier uniform and the Postal vehicle are an integral part of the community, easily recognizable and readily welcomed. The men and women who proudly wear the letter carrier uniform often have more than a passing relationship with those folks they encounter along their routes. The "mail man" or "mail person" quite often is a friend who brings a variety of expected and unexpected envelopes, newspapers, magazines and packages. In a business environment the letter carrier is delivering important material necessary for commerce. Businesses rely on their letter carrier bringing their mail every day, six days a week. In a residential area there is a diverse array of information delivered by the letter carrier. The letter carrier is filling the mailbox with checks, bills, birthday cards, credit cards, statements, the list can go on and each item is of considerable importance to the customers. Six days a week, at home and in business, there is an expectation and anticipation as to what will the letter carrier have in his mailbag today?

The American people are familiar with many of the letter carriers' commitments to the community. The Carrier Alert Program, which is a Postal Service initiative that empowers letter carriers to monitor the well-being of elderly or disabled patrons. The National Letter Carrier Food Drive, the biggest food drive in the nation, includes every household in the country one Saturday each May. The NALC food drive restocks the depleted pantries for those in need in every community, every May. The various fund-raisers sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers, such as the National NALC Bowl-a-Thon for Muscular
Dystrophy, perpetuating the NALC legacy as the first corporate sponsor of MDA.

The men and women who wear the uniform of the USPS letter carrier are
once again hailed as an American favorite. It is an honor letter carriers have deservedly earned; it is an honor to serve the community. Wear your letter carrier uniform with pride, you are special and it shows.

The economic uncertainty, the unemployment rate and the real estate crisis combined to fuel a "throw the bums out" phenomena at the polls. Sadly, there were many innocent victims, victims of the hysteria of blame politics. Many of the victims were letter carrier supporters. The sitting congress bore the brunt of the "blame" for the economic state of the nation. The true cause of the nation's fiscal debacle doesn't seem to matter. The tone and content of many of the campaign ads were vile and vicious but rarely true or accurate.

There is no need for panic. This is just another set back. Remember how sorry things looked in 2000 when the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives were the new majority, a majority of opposition to middle class working family’s values and needs? We survived those eight years.

Rather than survived, perhaps persevered is the right word. We didn't curl up in a fetal position. We didn't sulk in the corner. We did what we had to do. We continued to support and recruit e-Activists, COLCPE contributors and the Carrier Corps. We showed up to work for our candidates at every election. We did manage to turn the tide.

As the world turns, each new day brings a new challenge. Some days you win, some days you lose. So on this day we have just another set back. So, here we go again. We will, once again, fight and struggle to protect our livelihood. We will persevere, that is our legacy. Step up and pitch in. When we all work together we get the job done.

These were desperate times and bold, daring, and unprecedented actions were necessary. These men and every letter carrier and postal worker who took a stand, have heroically paved the future for today's letter carriers.

As union members, as workers in an industry comprised of organized workers, you are participants in labor's perpetual struggle. Labor organizations exist to protect and improve the wages and benefits of working men and women. The activities of the union are constant, contracts are negotiated and contracts expire. The efforts to obtain a new contract that is accepted by the members is a work in progress. The unique relationship of the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Government requires vigilance and participation on another front, the political process.

The NALC current Collective Bargaining Agreement will expire in November, 2011. Issues of great and urgent importance to letter carriers are before Congress right now. Next month is November. November always means Election Day. It's that time again.

Every letter carrier must VOTE on Election Day. Every letter carrier must vote for those representatives who are favorable on letter carrier issues.

The U.S. Postal Service has been ripped off in the billions of dollars. Congress can restore those mislaid funds. Congress can repeal and rewrite unfair destructive mandates. Congress can correct an erroneous imbalance and return the Postal Service to solvency at no cost to the American people. Congress can direct the Postal Service to continue to provide its vital services to all of the people, at every address in America six days each week.

Congress can do this if you send the people to Washington to accomplish this goal. The letter carriers of 1970 did what they had to do. They were bold and they were daring. They got the job done.

Letter carriers of 2010, it's that time again. You must stand up and be counted. You do not have to do anything bold and daring. You have to go to the polls on November 2, 2010 and vote for letter carrier choices.

Letter carriers of 2010, it's that time again. You do not have to do anything bold and daring. You must sign up for payroll deduction for COLCPE. Your contribution does not have to be substantial.

Letter carriers of 2010, it's that time again. You do not have to do anything bold and daring. You must sign up as an e-Activist. You must join the legions of letter carriers who can be mobilized in an instant via e-mail. You must join the NALC in its 21st century communications network

The letter carriers of 2010 can have the same profound influence on the letter carriers' future as their brothers and sisters of 1970 did. All of the letter carriers of 2010 have to participate, just as all of the letter carriers of 1970 did.

Brothers and sisters of Branch 36, we have a proud legacy, brothers and sisters of Branch 36, we have the heroes in our midst, brothers and sisters of Branch 36:
It's that time again.

Despite the harsh reality of our cost-of-living, our COLA does not qualify for an increase. Our contract increases are about to expire. Where is the good news?

The shock of the extreme drop in mail volume is just a numbing fact by now. The numerous route adjustment processes, IARAP, MIARAP, JARAP, despite their significant value, do not enthuse anyone.

Complacency seems to be the malady we should all be concerned about. This is not the time to retreat into a shell or vacuum. This is not the time to ignore the call to vigilance.

At this time letter carriers should be aware that a National Convention is about to convene in Anaheim, CA. This convention will create a road map for the future of the NALC.

This convention will put forth the candidates who, upon election by the membership, will comprise the leadership of the NALC. The newly elected leadership of the NALC will take the road map drafted by the delegates at the national convention to the bargaining table.

Three national officers of the NALC come from Region 15. Branch 36 is part of Region 15. The three National Officers are: Branch 36's own Brian Hellman, National Director of Safety and Health, NALC Vice President George Mignosi of Brooklyn Branch 41, and National Business Agent Larry Cirelli from New Jersey Merged Branch 38. I am confident all three men will be nominated to return and continue their dogged pursuit of the letter carrier agenda.

The NALC is involved in the letter carrier struggle on two fronts. Foremost is the collective bargaining process contract negotiations. Additionally, the political process demands the attention and action of all NALC members. The political agenda is set forth by the NALC leadership. The NALC must succeed in both of these arenas if letter carriers are going to have a fruitful wage and benefit package.

As the summer heats up don't despair, don't lose sight of your future. Don't forsake the unity that will win the day. Our legacy is our solidarity. Our solidarity will deliver our future.

In these unprecedented economical times every profession, every worker faces a serious threat. Jobs are being lost by the millions; wages and benefits are under attack. You must be prepared to protect your paycheck.

The collective bargaining agreement, CONTRACT for letter carriers, will expire November 20, 2011. The current financial position of the U.S. Postal Service does not reflect a positive atmosphere for NALC negotiators.

There is an imbalance in the financial structure of the U.S.P.S. Overpayments for retiree pensions have been identified. $75 billion dollars of overpayments. How and when will Congress restore these funds to the U.S.P.S. ? This money is rightfully that of the U.S.P.S., and will have a huge impact on the U.S.P.S.' bottom line. This money will have a huge impact on contract negotiations.

Additionally, there is an unfair financial burden imposed by law on the Postal Service. It is the PAEA (Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act) mandate for the U.S.P.S. to "prefund" retiree health benefits for the next seventy-five years, a mandate or requirement no other corporation or government entity is subjected to. The Postal Service was granted a waiver on the $5.5 billion payment for 2010.

The Postal Service cited $12 billion in losses over the last three years. In those years the U.S.P.S. paid $12.4 billion in retiree prefunding payments. These billions of dollars had the most significant negative impact on the fiscal health of the Postal Service, dwarfing the effects of the recession and the inherent loss of revenue.

What does all of this mean to you? What is your role in impacting upcoming negotiations? How do you protect your paycheck?

There are a litany of things you can and must do if you have any expectation of successful contract negotiations. You must take the initiative. As past President Bill Young has stated, "We can do this with you, we cannot do it for you."

You must register to vote in the upcoming elections. You must vote for friends of letter carriers in the elections. Friends of letter carriers protect your livelihood. You must sign up as an eActivist. As an eActivist you will be informed of the most expeditious method of any letter carrier action that may be imminently required. You must support COLCPE, preferably by payroll deduction. The payroll deduction method allows the NALC to properly budget their political activities. COLCPE gives financial support to political campaigns to friends of letter carriers. COLCPE provides the financial means to allow the NALC to release letter carriers to actively work on political campaigns for friends of letter carriers.

President Fred Rolando has declared that letter carrier action is forthcoming. What President Rolando will have letter carriers do has not yet been determined, but letter carriers will be heard from. Will your voice and participation be included?

This August in Anaheim, CA, the 67th Biennial National NALC Convention will convene. Approximately 8,000 delegates, representing the 200,000 letter carriers from all 50 States and territories will decide the direction the NALC leadership will follow going forward to collective bargaining in the upcoming year. This is a democratic union and the members will, through their delegates and votes, determine the future for letter carriers.

For a democracy to work, every member must do his or her part. The majority rules, and the NALC will go forward in solidarity. As an active member, by participating in the various union activities you will protect your paycheck.

Letter carriers continue to take home a paycheck but Postal Headquarters is threatening the future.

The Postal Service is not shielded from the harsh reality of this historical recession. Dropping mail volume means dropping revenue. There are losses on top of losses. The problems do not seem to subside. The Postal Service has decided to surrender.

The NALC has discovered that the U.S.P.S. has overpaid huge sums, in the billions of dollars, to the U.S. Treasury. Additionally, the NALC has underscored the need for relief from a mandate that the Postal Service prefund retiree health benefits. A mandate no other company or U.S. organization is subjected to. The NALC is lobbying Congress making the case for the salvation of the U.S. Postal Service.

The U.S. Postal Service has chosen to surrender. The U.S. Postal Service has chosen the easy path of short-term recovery. The U.S. Postal Service believes that elimination of Saturday delivery will be their salvation. Maybe the Postal Service needs new imaginative innovative leadership?

Why has management's staff been decimated and by whom? Carrier station compliments too, are starting to grow very thin, The agency is not serving its employees. What will happen to service to its customers? Are these deficiencies recognized by the Postal Service?

The surrender of the Postal Service cannot be accepted. . I for one am getting tired of making excuses for the rash cuts the Postal Service has made to its support infrastructure. I am tired of explaining to letter carriers why they don't have access to their uniform allowances and how to remedy that problem through management. I am tired of making excuses for management's untimely improper handling of compensation claims and questions. I am also growing weary of tracking down carrier equipment and making excuses for not having supplies. Isn't it peculiar that letter carriers celebrate and defend their ownership of new letter carrier necessities like satchel bags, pushcarts, relay satchels, rubber bands, etc.? Are these the ingredients of surrender? What the hell are they thinking?

The NALC has recognized it is a time for fresh new ideas. The NALC has proposed that the Postal Service be creative. Create new types of products and services. Create a new business model. The old downsize methodology will not work. If the Postal Service cannot succeed as a Government backed monopoly, what success will it have when it cannot perform for its customers, the American people? If the Postal Service no longer delivers every address, everyday, how long will they remain the biggest and the best? Will they continue to deliver for America?

The NALC is pulling out all the stops. We will sound off in Washington, D.C. The White House and Congress have already endorsed six-day delivery going forward. Many in Congress have signaled skepticism and a lack of support for the PMG surrender.

The White House and Congress can right the wrong the US. Treasury has perpetrated on the U.S.P.S. Congress must restore the $75 billion the Postal Service has overpaid. Congress must either lift the prefund mandate or apply the monies from the massive overpayment to satisfy the mandate. Congress must do the right thing.

Letter carriers from across the nation are presently making their annual lobbying visits to Capitol Hill. Soon every letter carrier will be notified that they too must weigh in on the NALC solution. Letter carriers must let every representative in Congress know that they can help correct this egregious misappropriation.

Branch 36 celebrated this monumental anniversary at our regular March membership meeting. It was a special day for a special anniversary. President Emeritus Vincent R. Sombrotto, the New York catalyst of that landmark strike, was present to share this special anniversary. A full house of Branch 36 members, old and new, reveled in President Sombrotto's recollections of the events leading up to and culminating in that historical, unprecedented labor action. Vince was masterful, as usual, sharing insights and details of the gains today's letter carriers enjoy. It was fantastic to have Vince share this day with us. The meeting hall was full of love and pride, basking in the presence of greatness and history. Thank you Vince, for sharing this day with your brothers and sisters of Branch 36. Thank you Vince, for sharing your dedication, skills and talent with the NALC. Branch 36 is looking forward to spending time with you again.

.The Collective Bargaining Agreement - Contract - that we are currently working with is due to be renegotiated for 2011. The labor landscape in its present form does not lend much encouragement to our NALC leaders preparing for negotiations.

This is not a lament of a dismal forecast. This is a call for YOU to prepare to assist our National leaders with all the resources we can give them for negotiations.

The NALC leadership is quite adept at handling collective bargaining. The NALC history illustrates the union’s ability to secure an acceptable agreement by whatever means necessary. The NALC has won landmark interest Arbitration cases, most notably, the Fleishli Award. The Fleishli Award elevated ALL letter carriers to Level 6. Over the years numerous contracts were resolved via arbitration. The NALC and the USPS were able to negotiate a settlement on the current 2006 - 2011 National Agreement.

When the NALC secures a negotiated agreement with the Postal Service, that agreement is sent out to the membership for ratification. If the membership rejects the package there is no agreement. The NALC does not sign off on a National Agreement until the members approve it by a majority vote. One member, one vote. The membership voted overwhelmingly to accept the agreement the NALC negotiated for 2006 - 2011.

If the NALC and the Postal Service cannot agree on a Contract, the parties will ultimately have the fate of the new agreement decided at binding arbitration. A decision constructed by a third party. This decision is final and binding; this decision does not require acceptance by the membership.

What does all of this indicate for 2011? 2011 poses a complex and unique challenge for a collective bargaining agreement for letter carriers. The Postal Service numbers, in and of themselves, do not address the real factors relevant to a wage and benefit package for letter carriers.

The Postal Service is losing mail volume. The Postal Service is losing revenue. These factors are huge obstacles to NALC negotiators but they do not accurately reflect the whole truth for the staggering dollar losses attributed to the Postal Service.

Quite a number of changes are occurring in our world, the Postal Service. Locally, in Manhattan and the Bronx we've seen extensive personnel changes. We have new people in such positions as The Area Vice President, the District Manager, the Postmaster of New York, the Postmaster of the Bronx, also numerous Area Managers and Station Managers. The "Voluntary Early Retirement" opportunity has enabled scores of senior employees to retire early.

The NALC has once again joined the challenge to "save the Postal Service". The NALC has partnered with the USPS in a joint process effort (MIARAP) to expedite route adjustments to be current with the workload.

The NALC has also exhorted the USPS to redouble their input in the "Customer Connect" program. Letter carriers are generating millions of dollars in revenue and there is vast potential.

The NALC continues to exercise its strength in numbers on the legislative front. The eActivists, the Carrier Corps and COLCPE fuel the political forces in Washington.

Change is not always pleasant, however, change is inevitable. If you get involved, you may influence the resulting changes. If you do not lend yourself to the effort, you can't complain about the outcome.

There is a lot at stake in the near future: the survival of the Postal Service being chief among them. The continuation of the Six Day Delivery. The struggle to negotiate a positive Collective Bargaining Agreement is equally of prime concern.

Lend your support to the NALC struggle. It's for your own good.
Enjoy the Holidays everyone, and let's see what lies ahead in 2010.

In recent years the NALC had devoted considerable resources to Route Protection. Every union letter carrier was provided with a Route Protection Manual. The manual covered every aspect of the Count and Inspection from "Dry Run" through subsequent adjustments. Letter carriers were now educated, armed with information and prepared to grieve the C & I if necessary. The Count and Inspection was not supposed to be an adversarial process, but to letter carriers it was

In 2008 the NALC and the USPS developed a joint process to evaluate and adjust letter carrier routes. The joint process would team union and management representatives. The joint process began and shortly afterward was modified and the national level agreement was called MIARAP - Modified Interim Alternate Route Adjustment Process.

MIARAP eliminates the six-day count and inspection. It eliminates the need for management to monitor your every meve for one week. Route counts and inspections were very contentious, acrimonious experience Letter carriers did not appreciate a supervisor, usually a stranger, watching them all day. Letter carriers did not appreciate supervisors watching them and jotting notes on a clipboard or making unwelcome remarks. Letter carriers were distrustful of these strangers.

The coincidental timing of the MIARAP process and the extraordinary drop in mail volume in many cases has shocked and disturbed many letter carriers. It is human nature to dislike change. When change equals lost or longer routes surely there will be many unhappy letter carriers. MIARAP is a joint, NALC/USPS endeavor. It is not infallible but I believe it is a fair method to evaluate routes. The final product of MIARAP adjustments should be an eight-hour route. It is known and accepted by all parties that letter carriers will perform eight hours work for eight hours pay.

A key component to the success of the process is communications. Letter carriers should be made aware of the evaluation process in their stations. They should be informed of how the process works and what their role is in the process. Letter carrier input is key. There are two consultations with each carrier involved in the process. The planned changes are reviewed extensively with a station representative and the station manager. The station Shop Steward should be the station representative. When all of the voices are heard and all of the participants are listening, there is less margin for error. Mistakes do and will happen. They can and will be corrected.

The United States Postal Service is having financial difficulties. There is not an industry in America that is immune to the staggering recession the nation is in.

Two years ago there were whispers of layoffs in the Postal Service. This did not happen. There have been serious actions, excessing, and job eliminations to name two. There have been early retirement opportunities and recently incentives for some crafts to take early retirement. No letter carrier has lost his or her job. It is unlikely that any letter carrier will lose his or her job due to downsizing.

Letter carrier is a good job, with good wages and benefits. We can all look forward to some days being better than others but at the end of the day, letter carriers still have that good job.

It is hopeful that all letter carriers are mindful that we are in a struggle. The letter carriers of the NALC must continue to stay involved, get involved. Letter carriers must continue to support COLCPE. Letter carriers must participate in the Carrier Corps. and E-Activists. Our ability to protect our interests lies in our ability to maintain our strength and alliances. We can deal with change, we are still here and we are still strong.

On Sunday, September 13, 2009 Branch 36 celebrated our 36th annual Retiree Brunch. This year it was held at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. A good time was had by all as is usual. There were some newly retired members present and I hope that more of the new retirees come out and join us next year. I look forward to the continued attendance of our regular old timers. It's wonderful when letter carriers who worked together for years or decades reunite to rerninisce the "good old days".

.Mike Kelly, Shop Steward of Cooper Station said he liked it so much he ivrote Andy Rooney a letter. Andy it seems likes to receive letters in the mail. I think if you see the clip and like it you to should write a letter to Andy Rooney, I 'am writing my letter to Mr. Rooney right now.

President Young succeeded Vincent R. Sombrotto when he was elected overwhelmingly in 2002 and then reelected by acclamation in 2006. President Emeritus Sombrotto is legendary but Bill Young stepped right in and brought with him the leadership skills the NALC was accustomed to.

I had many occasions to spend time with Bill. I even played golf with him a few times. Bill enjoys the camaraderie of the many letter carriers he meets. In the time I was with Bill I saw his dedication and commitment to his family. I often questioned Bill about NALC positions I wondered about and his answers were always thoughtful and informative.

I enjoyed the times I was with Bill Young. I appreciate the dedicated leaaersntp he displayed as our President. Bill Young his worked long and hard in service to letter carriers. Bill Young followed in giant footsteps and left some footprints of his own. I wish Bill Young a long, healthy and rewarding retirement. He earned it and he deserves it.

As per the NALC constitution, Executive Vice President Fredric V. Rolando will be sworn in as the 18th President of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

President Rolando will have a monumental and unique undertaking awaiting him. The current state of the Postal Service, the economy and the labor landscape welcome the incoming President. These issues comprise quite a challenge, however, Presidents Sombrotto and Young before him faced their own daunting challenges masterfully. I am confident President Fred Rolando will be more than equal to the task.

I have met Fred on numerous occasions. Fred is a personable man with a wry sense of humor. When I met him I felt as if I had known him for some time. Fred has logged many years of experience and tireless commitment to letter carriers.

I am confident Fred Rolando will forge his own successful legacy as our leader, as the 18th President of the NALC.

Congratulations and the best of luck to President William H. Young and to President Fredric V. Rolando. Hip, Hip Hooray to both of you.

Main Street, U.S.A. is now left to ponder and comprehend the extent of the Wall Street collapse as it hits home. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their homes. The American workers who still have jobs have seen wages and benefits evaporate in lieu of keeping their jobs.

All career letter carriers still do have a pension to look forward to. All career letter carriers still do have all of their benefits, health insurance, life insurance, wage guarantees and their collective bargaining agreement.

Was it really luck that has saved the letter carriers? Are letter carriers lucky to have fought off the suggestion of a five-day mail delivery? Are letter carriers lucky to sneer at the prospect of reinvented letter carriers assignments, such as casers and deliverers?

Hell no, it isn't luck. It's leadership. Leadership at all levels. It's unity and solidarity at all levels. These are the ingredients of the letter carriers' luck.

Our National leaders have been quite busy in Washington. President Young has testified before Congress in direct contradiction to the Postmaster General who seeks to cut back to five-day delivery. President Emeritus Sombrotto's words "Show me the books" ring as true today as they ever did. There has not been a Government bailout for the U.S. Postal Service, nor has one been sought. There has not been any subsidizing of the U.S.P.S. by any public funds since the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. The Postal Service has offered early retirement to many employees in an effort to reduce manpower. There have not been any layoffs of Postal employees as yet.

The NALC has aggressively sought the passage of HR 22 which would provide substantial financial relief to the U.S.P.S.'s budget. HR 22 would not be a gift or a bailout. The USPS is currently required to prefund health benefits for retired employees. No other government agency or private corporation is required to advance these funds.

The passage of HR 22 would level the field for the Postal Service, at least in that one aspect. The Post Office has been a cash cow for the government for too long.

Was it luck that tallied tremendous victories this past November? The November that saw the election of President Barack Obama. The November that saw friends of working families take back the majority in the House of Representatives. The November that oddly remains open to decide the Senatorial election in Minnesota, which could result in an insurmountable majority for a worker-friendly U.S. Senate.

Hell no it wasn't luck. It was the men and women of the NALC putting their money where their mouths are. It was COLCPE in motion. The NALC released an army of hundreds into the field to work seven days a week for the months and weeks leading up to the November elections. It was grass roots activities, as in NALC Carrier Corps. Volunteering their time to the NALC cause. It was hardworking, dedicated letter carriers delivering victory.

I believe it was President Emeritus Sombrotto who invented COLCPE. I believe it was Branch 36 and Region 15 that led the way in dollars and contributors to COLCPE for decades. It seems that the rest of the country has caught on. The object is to succeed and grow. Branch 36 was once the largest NALC branch in the world. We are not anymore. Branch 36 as stated once led the world in COLCPE, we do not anymore. Does this diminish Branch 36 or Region 15? I don't think so.

Contributions and donations are personal matters. People need to understand or be educated to the need for their contributions. At Branch 36, we have worked tirelessly to demonstrate the power of COLCPE. I am convinced that my brothers and sisters of Branch 36 appreciate this power and are coming onboard. Having a vastly improved and simplified payroll deduction method, thanks largely to Sonny Guadaiupe, Branch 36 is now signing up hundreds of payroll deduction contributors. The dedication, commitment and hard work of Region 15 activists has produced amazing results. Three congressional seats, historically anti worker seats, were won by candidates supported by letter carriers. Staten Island, N.Y. and Congressional District 19 and 20 of the Hudson Valley are now worker-friendly. Many of us, and there were many of us, who participated without being asked to, gave our time to various political campaigns. Our efforts paid off, we won. We know what matters in Branch 36 and Region 15. The congressional representatives and the U.S. Senators in Region 15 are 100% worker-friendly, that no brag, just fact. We have an amazing CDL, Congressional District Liaison, Ms. Carmen Flores. Carmen has forged a relationship with Congresswoman Ms. Carolyn Maloney that surely must embody the concept of CDL. There are too many milestones and accomplishments to continue in this space. I am also not good at recognizing all of the successes and contributions of my Branch 36 brethren, I am often guilty of omission and oversight. I do want to name one more success story here. Every fall at the retiree brunch brother Eddie Gerussi asks why his station is never mentioned in the Outlook newspaper? I am proud and thrilled to say that Williamsbridge Station of the Bronx has made their first ever contribution to COLCPE. Thank you brothers ind sisters, great job Shop Steward J.kllrnnp'orge Perez in leading the way.

When there is a problem or a challenge, the commitment, dedication and of course contributions of the men and women of my branch, Branch 36, will again be ready to show everyone the way. how lucky is that?