HEART OF AMERICA - NALC Branch 30

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS

BRANCH 30 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

H EART OF AMERI CA

Volume 61, Issue 6 March - June 2009

Hickman Mills, Parkway and Belton. I felt that it was necessary that your full time officers stay up to date on the process so I have assigned Melvin Moore and myself to act as local contacts at some of these stations. Local contacts are responsible for com-piling data and providing that to the District Teams. Local con-tacts also conduct consultations and attempt to settle any data integrity issues at the station level. District Teams are responsible for evaluating the data for each route, deciding on a fair office and street time for each route, transferring the territory and mak-ing the adjustments. The first station was James Crews, the Wil-liam Chick (zone 24) and Leon Jordan (zone 28) zip codes were the only routes looked at. I encountered several issues at these first stations. There was an issue of mail volume, specifically letter mail volume. I compared the most recent data from a route in-spection to the data collected in March and April per the MOU. Letter volume was down 68%, flat volume was down 35 pieces. The 68% decrease in letter volume was a proverbial red flag. What I discovered was that neither the S99 mail nor the nixie mail was being put into the Letter Carriers count. Both S99 and nixie mail should be addressed by increasing the Fixed Office Time under line 21. That addressed some of the volume but not all of it. I believe there was also a counting error as well, which needs to be addressed by increasing the volume for the routes. Other issues included waiting at a new accountable cage, pulling flats from a distribution cage; not getting enough credit for COA’s and address verifications and last not receiving a flat count for any spurs worked by the carrier. Most of these same issues were also happening at the second station I went to, Hick-man Mills. We are currently addressing these issues and other locally specific issues at each station that goes through this proc-ess. There is no doubt that mail volume has declined but not by 68%. What the NALC agreed to was a process to adjust routes fairly in this declining volume environment in order to protect jobs and wages. That being said we will insist on management complying with their side of the deal by ensuring that carriers are getting credit for all of the work they are doing on a daily basis. Each of us must also do our part in this process to ensure fair adjustments. As a carrier here’s what you need to know. Take your lunch

The NALC and the USPS have entered into an agreement on a route adjustment process through the end of 2009. It is imperative that carriers understand how their routes are impacted and how the adjustment process operates. Currently there are 5 stations in Branch 30 being reviewed, Leon Jordan, William Chick,

Letter Carrier Viewpoint nalcbranch30.org Page 1

and your breaks, all of them! Working through any part of them will get you more route, accurate clock rings are important, in the office, on the street and any auxiliary time. Keep track of your mail vol-ume. Use a journal and jot down letters, flats and spurs each day you carry the route, this will be especially true for the month of September as the parties have agreed to use that months data for adjustment purposes. Bring this journal in when you have a consul-tation it is your record of what you did on your route. Keep track of any issues specific to your route, high turnover route, lots of COA’s, lots of spurs etc.. Again bring this up during your consulta-tion. Take your lunch and your breaks, all of them! I have heard the excuse; I can’t help it I’m just fast. There is no way that we can fairly adjust your route if you are not taking your breaks and/or lunch. Working through any part of them will skew the data for your route and wind up costing you additional time on your route. After all it’s a federal law that we take our breaks and lunch. As the process continues to unfold we undoubtedly will learn more about what to look for and what to watch. This information will be passed on to the membership as it becomes available. Stew-ards need to be aware of issues in their respective stations and should communicate that to the local contacts for each station. Certainly these are trying times for all of us and for the Post Office. The Letter Carriers have stepped up to the plate to help save the Post Office. All of you are doing more now than you were before but that doesn’t mean that management can throw the contract out the window. We will ensure that these adjustments are fair. I want to close by offering both the Branches and my condo-lences to the family of Dan Pittman. Recently his wife Sharon passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sharon was always at NALC events with a smile and a hug for everyone. Her commit-ment to Letter Carriers and our way of life was truly inspirational. Never one to complain she took great pride in helping Branch 30 and the NALC at various events and still found time to help others that could not care for themselves. It goes without saying that the Branch and the NALC will miss her enthusiasm and commitment. On a personal note I know the sacrifices that she made so that Dan could also help the members of Branch 30 and Region 5 I would just like tell her thank you for all that you gave for each of us. Sharon was unselfish, genuine and put others needs in front of her own. Oftentimes we get caught up in all that’s going on around us and forget that those that are trying to help us are sacrificing time from their own family and lives. Thank you Sharon what you gave is appreciated and will always be remembered. David A. Teegarden President

As I sit and write this article I am troubled by the number of carries that believe the union has sold them out by agreeing to the Interim route Adjustment Process IRAP) or the Modified Interim Alternate Route Adjust-ment Process (MIARAP). Carriers believe that these two processes allow routes to be adjusted by computer gener-ated numbers or DOIS and not by completing a full blown count and inspections; this is partially true. The office time of each route is determined by the mail vol-ume of the month selected by the district team. How-ever, the office time can be adjusted due to reoccurring activities performed by carries that have not been prop-erly recorded by management such as; S999 mail, exces-sive accountables, change of address cards, more than one weekly service talk of 5 minutes or line 21 items. Carrier should consult with their local team leaders to verify if all office reoccurring activities have been prop-erly recorded, and if not, what can the done to correct problems. A carrier’s street time is the average time used during the period selected by the district team (March or April 2009). Carriers that skip lunch period and/or street breaks will more than likely have 40 to 50 minutes added to their bid assignment. I realize that most carriers are interested in completing their assignment and going home, but if you don’t take your union negotiated breaks and perform all street duties on the street your route will surely receive additional territory.

The Executive Board of Branch 30 attended a Na-tional Rap Session during the month of April to discuss the results of the new route adjustment process with our national officers. President Young reported that the Ex-ecutive Council was challenged with making some con-

cession, much like other labor unions, to protect the rights, privileges and benefits of their members. USPS

Management approached postal unions with suggestions to decrease cost. Unions were asked to eliminate pay in-

creases, COLA or lay off employees with less than 6 years. The NALC Executive Council agreed to assist

management by agreeing to an alternate route adjustment process and forgoing a full blown inspection. This deci-sion was made to reduce cost and limit the negative im-pact that declining mail volume has had on city carrier

assignments. Let’s all keep in mind that the USPS, as well as the rest of our country, is facing tough economical times. The NALC is committed not only to protecting carrier’s rights but securing jobs for more than 300,000 members nationwide. The process may not be the best

Page 2 nalcbranch30.org Letter Carrier Viewpoint

Melvin’s Point of View

Melvin R. Moore,

Vice President

solution, but the parties were able to save millions of dollars and preserve thousands of jobs.

********************************************************** Over the past few months Branch 30 has lost some warriors for justice. As can been seen on page 6 and 7 of this publica-tion, Branch 30 lost its first fulltime president, Mr. Collis Bos-worth. Under the leadership of Brother Bosworth, Branch thirty purchased a building and created a position for a fulltime officer. Brother Bosworth, his wonderful wife and family would type, edit and prepare the Viewpoint for Branch 30’s members. Brother Bosworth firmly believed that the Viewpoint is a tool used to keep retirees and non-active carriers informed of branch business, postal changes and current events. As a retiree Brother Bosworth attended retirement luncheons and dinners where he proudly spoke of his tenure with the USPS and NALC. Brother Bosworth will be missed but not forgotten.

Secondly, I would like to recognize Mother Sharon Pittman. When I became a union steward in 1989 Mother Pittman was actively working in Auxiliary 4 with the spouses of other letter carriers. She would always greet me and others with a smile and a motherly hug. She always provided words of encouragement and made me feel as though I was a part of the Pittman family. When I think of Mother Pittman I am reminded of the virtuous woman described in Proverb 31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness”. Mother lived her life as GOD intended a wife, mother and friend to do. God has found favor with Mother Pittman and she has received her heavenly reward. Mother, will never be forgotten.

****************************************************** HOLIDAYS

11.2 Section 2. Eligibility To be eligible for holiday pay, an employee must be in a pay status the last hour of the employee’s scheduled workday prior to or the first hour of the employee’s scheduled workday after the holiday. An employee who has been granted any paid leave is considered to be “in a pay status.”

**************************************** Section 3. Payment 11.3.A A. An employee shall receive holiday pay at the em-ployee’s base hourly straight time rate for a number of hours equal to the employee’s regular daily working schedule, not to exceed eight (8) hours.

*************************************** NALC President Young announces retirement: President William H. Young has officially announced his retirement date—July 3, 2009. He has served 43 years as a letter car-rier and 30 years as an officer of the NALC.

**************************************** 2009 JCAM released online: The NALC is pleased to announce

the 2009 Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM).

Roll call of officers: David Teegarden, Melvin R. Moore, Jeff Rainey, Terry Myers, Byron Townsend, Frank Ferro, Troy Smith, Randy Williams, Curtis Walker and Joe Hill Reading of minutes and communications: see attachments Deceased Members: none New Members: none Bills: see attachment Treasurer’s report: no report Financial-Secretary report: Byron not in attendance Labor/ Management Meeting: Tuesday Jan. 13th Entertainment: No report Legislative: Obama’s economic plan proposed HBR/Director of Retirees: set record for new members Guest Speaker(s): none Unfinished Business: none New Business: none Good of the Association: Terry Freeman gone/retirement seminar Feb. 26 Brookfield Uniform: $10.00 gift certificate Steward of the Month: Mary Boyer 50/50 for COLCPE: Scott Ball Adjourned: 8:23 p.m.

National Association of Letter Carriers Branch #30 Regular Branch Meeting

Date: January 8th, 2009

Meeting called to order: 7:10 pm Prayer: Curtis Walker Salute to Flag: Kevin Horan


Date: February 12th, 2009

Meeting called to order: 7:07 pm Prayer: Curtis Walker Salute to Flag: Roger Smith Roll call of officers: David Teegarden, Melvin R. Moore, Jeff Rainey, Terry Myers, Byron Townsend, Frank Ferro, Troy Smith, Randy Williams, Curtis Walker and Joe Hill Reading of minutes and communications: see attachments Deceased Members: none New Members: none Bills: see attachment Treasurer’s report: no report Financial-Secretary report: Byron not in attendance Labor/ Management Meeting: none Entertainment: No report Legislative: HR 22 HBR/Director of Retirees: set record for new members Guest Speaker(s): Larry Hisle/CFC Unfinished Business: none New Business: none Good of the Association: none Brookfield Uniform: $10.00 gift certificate: Kevin Horan Steward of the Month: Jason Stapleton 50/50 for COLCPE: Adjourned: 8:23 p.m.

Date: March 12th, 2009 Meeting called to order: Prayer: Curtis Walker Salute to Flag: Roll call of officers: David Teegarden, Melvin R. Moore, Jeff Rainey, Terry Myers, Byron Townsend, Frank Ferro, Troy Smith, Randy Williams, Curtis Walker and Joe Hill Reading of minutes and communications: E-board recom-mends approval of budget/ 1st 6 months of 2009. Recommends $100 hole sponsorship for MDA Tournament Deceased Members: none New Members: Terry Harvey, David Clark, Elizabeth Rodriguez Bills: see attachment Treasurer’s report: Financial-Secretary report: Byron not in attendance Labor/ Management Meeting: March 19th Entertainment: No report Legislative: No Report HBR/Director of Retirees: set record for new members Guest Speaker(s): none Unfinished Business: none New Business: none Good of the Association: none Brookfield Uniform: $10.00 gift certificate Steward of the Month: 50/50 for COLCPE: Adjourned: 8:25pm Good of the Association: Brookfield Uniform: $10.00 gift certificate Steward of the Month: 50/50 for COLCPE: Adjourned:

Date: May 14, 2009

Meeting called to order: Prayer: Curtis Walker Salute to Flag: Roll call of officers: David Teegarden, Melvin R. Moore, Jeff Rainey, Terry Myers, Byron Townsend, Frank Ferro, Troy Smith, Randy Williams, Curtis Walker and Joe Hill Reading of minutes and communications: motions to spon-sor state tourney for $100.00; reimburse Curtis Walker $551 for phone bill Deceased Members: Collis Bosworth New Members: see attached Bills: MSC to Approve Treasurer’s report: MSC to approve Financial-Secretary report: MSC to approve Labor/ Management Meeting: Entertainment: Branch #30 Day at the K, August 9, 2009 Legislative: HR22 HBR/Director of Retirees: Guest Speaker(s): None Unfinished Business: None New Business: one Good of the Association: See President’s report Brookfield Uniform: $10.00 gift certificate Steward of the Month: 50/50 for COLCPE: Adjourned:

National Business Agent’s Report

Mike Weir May 2009

NALC and the Postal Service have reached agree-ment on the next phase of the Interim Alternate Route Ad-justment Process. As mail volume continues to decline in response to recessionary pressures in the private sector, we have agreed to utilize this modified approach to evaluating and adjusting routes during 2009. There are provisions for revisiting the adjustments from the initial process as well as time-lines and guidelines for addressing delivery units that were by-passed the first time around. Again, this is a joint process, with the union and management serving as equal partners to ensure fair and equitable adjustments to make the routes as close to eight hours as possible. This will likely result in additions for many routes although some routes will experience cuts. The National parties have also agreed to continue to pursue a more permanent adjustment process involving data review over longer periods of time. Such a process would be viable in a more stable mail volume envi-ronment, which we hope to achieve when the economy be-gins to recover. Until then, this Modified Interim Process, in conjunction with our legislative efforts, Customer Con-nect leads and other cost-cutting initiatives (particularly in management personnel!), will, hopefully, help us weather the current economic storm.

A very important component of the implementation of this process is ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data. This is absolutely essential toward achieving proper route adjustments. The district and local teams are tasked with reviewing the data to “root out” any anomalies. The letter carrier’s input is extremely important as well. We have already uncovered incidents of supervisors inputting improper operational codes to alter the evaluation of routes. We have also recently encountered more insidious attempts by management to make routes look like less than eight hours on paper; including, under-reporting daily volumes , not reporting delayed and/ or curtailed mail, intimidating PTFs and TEs to run off routes, etc. As usual, the Hawkeye District is leading the charge when it comes to such under-handed tactics; but they are occurring in other locations as well. I strongly encourage everyone to be alert to such “anomalies”in the data. Additionally, it is more important than ever that we, as letter carriers, perform our duties as the true professionals that we are. This includes completing 3996s and 1571s on a daily basis, as needed, and requesting and retaining copies. This information could be crucial to-ward ensuring that the route evaluations and adjustments are as accurate and fair as possible. The National parties have also reached agreement on additional questions and answers regarding Transitional Employees. These have helped to resolve disputes over TE career employment opportunities, working in installations other then where the TE was hired, Article 16 rights, assign-ing TEs rather than career employees to full-time residual

vacancies when an office is not under withholding, rights to Federal Employees Health Benefits, etc. See Execu-tive Vice-President Fred Rolando’s article in the April edi-tion of the Postal Record for further clarification on these issues. With the finalization of these questions and answers, the parties will soon be sending the updated version of the JCAM into the field.

At the regional office, we have been monitoring some disturbing trends regarding Transitional Employees. Management, in their typical heavy-handed manner, has been intimidating TEs, using them as whipping boys (& girls) to “make their numbers.” They have threatened TEs with removal or release for lack of work if they do not con-form to management’s DOIS-inspired standards. Given how understaffed we are in most offices and the overtime that is being generated as a result, it is a heavy lift for man-agement to claim they do not have enough work to retain TEs. In fact, we have been very successful at getting TEs back to work under those circumstances. Still, we need to be more vigilant about protecting TEs from harassing be-havior. They are an important part of the letter carrier workforce; and, for the most part, fellow brother and sister union members. We want them to have a positive work ex-perience now; and we want them to be career employees in the future when the economy recovers, our financial situa-tion stabilizes and we begin a normal hiring process, once again.

We are beginning to receive notification from the appropriate Area office regarding the potential excessing of carriers due to the loss of assignments in particular installa-tions. However, prior to actually excessing a full-time letter carrier, management must ensure that they do not have suf-ficient work to retain them. In my discussions with local branch officers from the affected offices, I discovered that, for the most part, there really wasn’t a basis for excessing these carriers. Obviously, these determinations must be made on a case-by-case basis; and, certainly, I expect that some excessing will be legitimate. Nonetheless, it is incum-bent upon us to enforce the provisions of Article 12 and minimize any adverse impact on full-time carriers who lose their assignments due to route adjustments, FSS implemen-tation, etc. Please notify the regional office immediately if an excessing situation arises in your office so that we have an opportunity to review the matter during the 60 day notifica-tion period prior to the actual excessing event.


We are in search of…. ADVERTISERS

Any advertisements that we receive, decrease the cost of printing the VIEWPOINT. As our membership

increases and more TE’s join us, our costs are increas-ing.

If you know of any business that might be interested, please have them notify Melvin Moore

NALC Branch 30 @ 816-358-3100.

National Business Agent’s Report

Mike Weir June 2009

Over the past several weeks, I have had extensive discussions with the Western and the Great Lakes Areas re-garding the implementation of the Modified Interim Alternate Route Adjustment Process (MIARAP). The District Teams are in place, the process is moving forward; and, if you have not already been contacted, you will be soon. The goal is to evaluate and adjust some 60,000 routes nationwide which were not involved in the first process as well as revisit and review the 90,000 routes which were. This is, obviously, a major undertaking. I want to thank the members of the Dis-trict Lead Teams and the District Evaluation and Adjustment Teams for their commitment to ensuring a fair and balanced approach to adjusting letter carrier routes to as close to eight hours as possible. Theirs is a very difficult task, but an ex-tremely important one in the current environment of declin-ing mail volume. And, as I have detailed in previous articles, local union officers and rank and file letter carriers have an important role to play as well. Accurate data is essential, as is professionalism in the daily performance of our duties and the use of the appropriate forms to document auxiliary assis-tance, curtailed/delayed mail, etc. It may be time to roll out the Letter Carrier Perfect training module again. In the re-gional office, we are currently looking at updating the pro-gram and taking it into the field to ensure that letter carriers understand their rights and responsibilities in accordance with the National Agreement and the Postal Service handbooks and manuals, and that they apply this knowledge to the han-dling of their routes on a daily basis.

Several months ago, I wrote about the Memorandum of Understanding Re: Assignment of City Delivery (M-01694). I wanted to draw everyone’s attention to the impor-tant provisions of that MOU, particularly with regard to the opportunity for us to capture new growth for city delivery. At the state conventions, I have been reiterating that position. Several branches have been completing the NALC Assign-ment of New Deliveries Alert form and sending it to my of-fice for review and referral. I want to remind all branches to carefully monitor the assignment of new deliveries in light of this MOU. Unless there is an agreement on established boundaries, or the new deliveries in question are in-growth on an existing route assigned to another form of delivery, you should be making the argument that new growth should be assigned to city delivery. If management does not agree, complete the aforementioned form and mail it to the regional office along with a map of the disputed territory. If you have any questions, contact us at the regional office. Over the last two months, a number of branches and state associations have hosted luncheons and dinners to rec-ognize and honor their retired members. It is always a privi-lege for Danny, Nicole and me to be invited to such func-tions, and we make the effort to attend as many as possible. The jobs, wages and benefits that we, as active letter carriers,


enjoy were not simply bestowed upon us by management because they recognized the importance of our contribu-tions. When they were active carriers and union leaders, the retirees fought for and won the wages and benefits that we too often take for granted. They laid a strong founda-tion that we have been building upon for the betterment of current and future letter carriers. On a personal note, I am deeply grateful to the retirees in Branch 343 who taught me the importance of providing quality service to our custom-ers and of being a professional letter carrier on a daily basis. They also inspired me to be a union activist, instilled in me the desire to serve my fellow letter carriers and set me on the path which has led me to where I am today. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to those who came before us. At your next branch meeting or function, take a moment to thank the retirees. Show them how much you appreciate their efforts on your behalf and assure them that you intend to help the union carry on the legacy of excellence that they bequeathed to us.

As I was writing this article, I was receiving the first updates on the results of the NALC Food Drive. If the initial tallies are any indication, this will be a banner year for food collection in Region 5. Even though we are ex-periencing difficult economic times, our customers opened up their hearts and their pantries to provide for those less fortunate. I truly believe that our food drive is the most successful in the country because of the respect and appre-ciation that the public has for their letter carrier. This is also the reason why Customer Connect has generated so much additional revenue for the Postal Service. Your cus-tomers know you, they trust you and they appreciate the fine service you provide for them. They listen to what you have to say, and they are more inclined to be involved in an event with which you are associated. For the fifth consecu-tive year, the Postal Service has been rated as the most trusted federal agency; and it ain’t because of anything man-agement has done! Keep up the good work, and keep the faith. Together, we will weather the current economic storm, ensure the survival of the Postal Service, and emerge stronger and more determined to make a better world for all working men and women.

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF SHARON LUCY PITTMAN

Sharon Lucy Pittman, 62, passed away Wednesday May 27, 2009 at her home surrounded by loved ones. Born to Katherine (Hernandez) and Philip Gonzalez on Septem-ber 29, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri. Sharon was a life long resident in the Kansas City area. She graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1964. She previously worked for Baxter and American Hospital Supply. Most recently she spent a great deal of her life taking care of others while working as a CNA for Provide-A-Care & Barr private care services. Sharon was a former NALC officer. She was a member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. She was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother. She had a generous and giving spirit. Sharon was preceded in death by her father. She is sur-vived by her mother Katherine Gonzalez, and her hus-band Danny Pittman, two daughters Maria C. Moran (Ramiro), Marcella Aldaco and son Philip Pittman (Sarah). Sharon has several grandchildren, Dominic Moran, Danielle Aldaco, Sonya & Savanna Pittman. Sharon has several loving brothers and sisters, Veronica Vargas (Ophelia) of Tulsa, OK, Michael Gonzalez (Sharon), KCK, Charles Gonzalez (Cindy), KCK, Jesus Gonzalez, KCK, Marsha Gonzalez (Dawna), KCK, Jac-queline Barkley (Michael) of Chillicothe, MO, and April Rocha, KCK, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Sherry and Francine for all the loving care they provided and thanks to Crossroads Hospice for their support.


Eternal Rest for a Past Union President

Collis Putnam Bosworth, Jr., 85, Overland Park, Kan., passed away April 28, 2009. Mr. Bosworth was born in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 25, 1924. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 34 years, retiring in 1980. He was the first full time president for the National Association of Letter Car-riers, Branch 30, in the Midwest, serving for 18 years as presi-dent, and National Area Business Agent. He also was presi-dent of the Joint Postal Council of the metropolitan area for 15 years and a trustee of the Central Labor Council AFL-CIO for 15 years. Collis found and coordinated the purchase for the Letter Carriers Home Office at 10th & Central in Kansas City. He was also a district manager for Somes Uniform Co. for 10 years. He was a co-owner of Bosworth Investments. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Navel Air Corps as an aviation ordinance aerial gunner in the South Pacific. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Collis was also a member of the Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria; four daughters and three sons, Cindy Millard (Greg), Dixie Uhl (Mike), Collis Bosworth, III (Donna), John Bosworth (Wende), all from Olathe, Kan., Rick Bosworth (Deb), Springfield, Mo., Kathy Behm (Howard), Overland Park, Kan., Deb Tucker (Bryan), Pryor Lake, Minn.; 25 grand-children, and one great grandson.

Eternally Grateful

To All Members, Friends and to those who knew Sharon L. Pittman.

On behalf of Sharon Pittman and her entire family I want to thank all those who have expressed condolences, sent cards, and made donations in her name to Crossroads Hospice. Sharon was a very special lady to the Branch, Auxiliary, to her clients who she worked for as a nurse, and to all who have met the lady who had a smile, hug, and a kind word for everyone. Sharon was my Angel and I will miss her dearly. Her daughters, Marcella, Cecilia, and her son who was born on Mothers Day, Philip Anthony, have been a source of strength for me since Sharon passed away on May 27, 2009. We all have suffered a great loss but we were fortunate to know such a special person. She is at peace now and not suffering and for that her children, family, and husband are eternally grateful. Again, we are finding the strength that is needed at this time from each other. The flowers, thoughts, and prayers that we received from Branch #30 will always be remembered.

Thank You. The Family of Sharon Pittman

Eternal Rest for a Letter Carrier

Norman G. Wubbenhorst, 88, of Kansas City, MO peacefully passed away on the 65th anniversary of D- Day, June 6, 2009 at Kan-sas City Hospice and Palliative Care Center. He was born March 6, 1921 in Liberty, MO to John H. Wubbenhorst and Pauline (Ferguson) Wubbenhorst. He graduated from Smithville HS, and entered the military during WII serving as a Crew Chief and Staff Sgt. in airplane maintenance for the Army Air Corps. He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service 36 years, and served a total of 40 years Federal Service to include military experience. For multiple years he worked a second part-time job for Rock Island Railroad Freight. He belonged to the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish for over 55 years. His most signifi-cant and special achievement was raising a family who is proud of him, and appreciative of his involvement in their lives. He was also a steady, positive and supportive influence to all the lives he touched. Norman is preceded in death by 3 older siblings, John F. Wubben-horst, Loretta Hall, and Evelyn Brand. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann Wubbenhorst (84) and their two son's families: eldest son, John M. Wubbenhorst, Sr. and wife Carolyn. John (Sr.) has two children, John Jr., MD (38) and Mary (Katie) Wubbenhorst (26). Wife Carolyn has two children, Adam (25) and Natalie (22) Courtney. John Jr. and wife Stacey have two children Renee (14) and Benjamin (13). Youngest son, Stephen A. Wubbenhorst and wife Diane have a daughter Stephanie D. (Stevie) Wubbenhorst (22). He is survived also by his brother William E. Wubbenhorst, Sr., and wife Letha of Kansas City and sister Doris and husband Jack Barnhardt of Cottonwood, AZ. Norman was known for his dedication to family, being a good provider, and quiet manner. He was a man of few words, many loving acts, and sense of humor which was never forced and delivered always with a loving spirit.

Eternal Rest for a Letter Carrier

Tonya L. King, 37, of Liberty, Mo., passed away June 6, 2009. Born on December 24, 1971, in Kansas City, Mo. Survivors include her parents, Bob and Linda Leytham of Kearney, Mo.; her husband, Jesse King of Liberty, Mo.; her brother and wife, Rob and Alyce Leytham of Lawson, Mo.; nephew Nicholas and niece Courtney; her sister-in-law Jamie King of Independence, Mo. Tonya grew up in Kearney, Mo., where she attended high school. She received her B.A. degree at Southern Missouri State University. Tonya worked seven years as a supervisor for Ford Motor Company. Her recent employment was with the U.S. Postal Service.

Rest in Peace

MIARAP

As I write this, the Modified Interim Alternate Route Ad-

justment Process (MIARAP) has begun. Anytime the Service comes up with another acronym it usually means some major changes. This one is the ongoing interim agreement between the national parties to adjust routes based on the continuing lower vol-umes and to provide a method that is less intrusive to the carriers. Soon we will all see the district team, made up of one NALC repre-sentative and one member of management, in our offices to begin the process. The process is fairly similar to the last adjustment pro-cedure with a few differences. This time there is a “local contact” from the NALC that meets with management’s local contact and discusses possible clock ring issues, mail count discrepancies, and other things that may cause someone’s office time to not all be ac-counted for. After the local contacts agree on the fine-tuning to the office and street time, they will provide a consultation to every regu-lar carrier on each route. This is the carrier’s opportunity to explain any irregularities on their route. Some of those irregularities may lead to an increase to the 43 minutes of fixed office time before one piece of mail is counted towards our office time. Fixed office time is the amount of time we are allowed everyday to do our routine tasks. This includes hotcase pulls, cutting straps, vehicle inspection, personal needs, accountables and others. When the national parties agreed to scrap the 1838 route count method, they also scraped the “actual” time that resulted from the inspection. Many times routes were built with more than 43 minutes of fixed office time based on the actual time used to load the ledge and the fact that a proper vehicle in-spection takes longer than the 3 minutes you are given to do one and many times you need more than 6 minutes to get accountables in the AM and to get cleared in the PM and so on. Now we are forced to work without getting proper credit for all we do. Many days we need more than just the minimums to do our jobs effec-tively and properly. The key is these are minimums, not maxi-mums. We must fight for what is fair and accurate. These are many of the arguments that we must make when the district teams come to our offices to do the adjustments. Does your route have an inordinate amount of change of addresses or markup mail? You basically get credit for one change per day lumped in with markup mail it totals 5 minutes. If you average more than that then you need more fixed office time. Do you get 99 mail? As is stands now we get standard line 21 time for 99 mail. That means you don’t get a letter count for the mail. Sound fair? Tell the local contact and the district team that you need credit for all the mail you case. Is there a clerk at the accountables cart in the afternoon? If you have to locate one to get cleared then 6 minutes isn’t enough. All SPRS should be counted as flats. Most stations don’t get a SPRS count. Every 8 SPRS means one more minute in the office. I’ll take it.

This may seem trivial to some and they may say that we are being excessive to ask for time allowances like these. Nothing I cited in this article is out of the realm of fairness. We do each and every one of these activities every day and should get the proper credit for them. Stand up for your rights and make sure you voice your concerns to the local contact. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dan Pittman and his family with the loss of his wife, Sharon. You could count on Sharon being present at every NALC event and greeting you with a hug, a smile and a kind word. Sharon was more than Dan’s wife; she was a pivotal part of branch 30 and the auxiliary. Sharon was loved and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Look out for each other. Troy Smith


Surprised is probably the way to describe how I felt when I was awarded the “Branch #30 Steward/Activist of the Year 2008”. I would like to thank the executive board of Branch 30 (Dave Teegarden, Melvin Moore, Jeff Rainey, Frank Ferro, Troy Smith, Curtis Walker, Terry Myers, Joe Hill, Byron Townsend, and Randy Williams) for recommend-ing me. There were many great candidates to choose from last year for this prestigious honor. I need to thank my wife Tiffany for all the times I was working on a case at home or doing research from the hall rather than spending time with her. Also I would like to thank my daughter Brittany for un-derstanding what I was doing for the union. I enjoy helping people and protecting the rights of our members. Then there is the guy who got me involved with the union when I first started, Greg Cardona, of Longview Station. He introduced me to Phil Vaughn when I became a PTF at South Troost. That’s where my whole career as a union activist started. Once again I would like to thank Branch 30 for the award. I appreciate the acknowledgment for the job I did in 2008.

Thanks again Kenneth D. Best Jr

BRANCH # 30, N.A.L.C.

VOGELBAUGH/TRUITT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Complete and return to: Scholarship Committee, Branch #30, N.A.L.C. 6320 Manchester Ave, Suite 41-A Kansas City, Missouri 64133

Name of Applicant: ________________________

Home Address:

I am the son / daughter of an active / retired / deceased member of Branch #30:

_____________________________________________________________________ (Parent name and Social Security Number)

One $500.00 scholarship will be awarded by the Scholarship Committee from those competing. All applicants must be a dependent of an active, retired or deceased member of Branch #30. Only those who are seniors graduating from high school in 2009 may apply.

The application and information listed below must be in the Branch Office no later than 5:00 p.m.,

2 July 2009. The Scholarship Committee will review applications and announce the winner at the regular branch meeting 9 July 2009. The following data is required:

1. A copy of your scholastic aptitude test results (S.A.T.’s or A.C.T.’s).

2. Secondary school scholastic records.

3. Your personal biography to include: (a) the subject you intend to major in; (b) why you are interested in this major; (c) what you hope to accomplish in this field; (d) extra curricular activities; (e) how you have prepared yourself for college or vocational school.

4. Personal statement. (This might include anything else you would want the Scholarship Committee to know).

Regulations:

The scholarships will be applied to tuition, fees, including room and board.

The Branch #30 Scholarship may be used in addition to other scholarships, however, cannot be used in excess of the total college cost.

-Incomplete applications will not be considered-


IT FINALLY HAPPENED

(Good things come to those who wait) By Sellie Truitt--Associate Editor

I guess I already have your attention now, and you are saying, “what’s Sellie talking about now?” I won’t keep you in suspense too much longer. I will begin by saying, “Thank you Branch 30, and members for sending me to the latest Missouri State annual Convention at the Lake of the Ozarks”. I will say the Branch 30 Delegates, elected to attend Were on the “Ball”. They were right there to vote UP or Down on anything that was not said or done. I can honestly say you selected a great group of Delegates to represent you at the lake. But on the other hand you know what's going on the Branch. While I am thinking about it, I hope that Branch 30 members will remember that the June meeting is on the sec-ond Wednesday in June, instead of the regular Thursday. This By-Law change was put into place more than 20 years ago to allow the State delegates an extra day to travel to the Convention and still make the meetings. However if you still make the July and September meeting, you will still get credit for the August meeting. Hey!, Guess What?, I did this more than 20 years ago because a number of carriers were taking vacations and had to cut their vacations short. This was due to, missing too many meetings would eliminate them from going to the next years convention. Did I forget something? Oh yes! I was going to tell about the title, ”It Finally Happened”. In fact, many of you did not know that by sent me to the Ozarks, you gave me the opportunity to be the Oldest person having attended more State Conventions than anyone in the history of Branch 30. There was another retiree in attendance, (Charles Cook from the Balwin Branch), who came about 5 years after I started. On Saturday morning, I was Called to the Stage by the State President, Kevin, and asked to give the Pledge of Allegiance. I walked up to the stage and someone told Kevin that he already had Charlie Cook to give the Pledge of Alle-giance today and I could give it on Sunday morning. It Fi-nally Happened, I was asked to give the Pledge of Alle-giance, after my 53 consecutive State Convention. It just so happened about 20 years ago I studied the Pledge of Allegiance and decided something was missing. Working on my version, although I have only used it on three occasions, I made modifications that everyone seems to en-joy. Check it out…...

************************

I Pledge my Allegiance to the wonder Flag that symbolizes the United States of America, and the wonderful Republic for which it will always stand, One Nation overseen by God, who dispenses Liberty, Justice and Freedom for all man kind.


Legislative Report July 2009

“Ernie” Kevin Horan

I usually report on legislative issues that have or will affect on letter carriers and their families, but on this Viewpoint issue, I want to go a different direction. Most of us take in to granite of our jobs, working conditions, and pay and not take into consideration of how we we’re able to reach these standards we all enjoy today. I want to take a moment and give a big thank you to the retirees and to one in particular, Ernie Graham. Ernie, who recently received the Branch 30 Lifetime Achievement Award, is my partner as the branch legis-lative liaison is my mentor and hero. Ernie has also served in many other positions such as, Financial Secretary during Collis Bosworth and Dan Pittman Branch 30’s term as president, and is currently on the Board of the Missouri State Association and AFL-CIO designee to the NALC. These are just a few of Ernie’s many titles over sev-eral decades of continued and dedicated service to the NALC. Ernie is like the energize bunny who keeps on going and going and going. Where I see most folks slow down during their retiring years, Ernie has always had a burning desire to do more to better today’s and tomorrow’s carriers and I don’t see Ernie ever slowing down for a long time. I doubt Ernie knows it but I knew Ernie before I even started with the Postal Service. Before coming to the Postal Service, I worked at a grocery store on Blue Parkway and Cleveland, now the building no longer exist, and they had an office inside the store that cashed payroll and welfare checks to their cus-tomers. As a clerk in the store’s office I would see a mailman cash-ing his pay check from the U.S.P.S the name on the check reads Ernie Graham with a nice amount on his check. I remember asking him how he made so much money he would reply” a lot of over-time”. Few years later after being hired on the Postal Service I went to a branch meeting with fellow co-workers and I immediately rec-ognized Ernie on the executive board at the old downtown Union Hall. But no matter, Ernie has always demonstrated to me the care and dedication in being a great NALC member. A lifetime in giving of himself and the continue demonstration of selflessness. It is why he always will be a hero in my eyes. It is why we should all thank Ernie and others like him that led the fight and led the way for all of us to a better life than he had. Always deliver like a CHAMPION.


National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 30 COLCPE Golf Tournament

Where: Rockwood Golf Course 2400 Maywood Independence, MO 64052 816-252-2000

When: Sunday, September 13, 2009 Sign-in 12:00P.M. Shotgun start at 1:00P.M.

Format: 4-Person Scramble/ 2 Flights, prizes for 1st and 2nd ** Mulligan’s Cost: $60.00 per player $240.00 per Team Includes Green Fees, Cart, Food and Beverages Please make checks payable to NALC/COLCPE

Benefit: Proceeds go directly to the COLCPE ENTRY DEADLINE MAY 24TH, SPOTS ARE FILLING QUICKLY

Information: Kevin Horan at 816-868-0879 Mail entry to: NALC Branch #30 6320 Manchester Ave., Suite 41A Kansas City, MO 64133

Player #1______________________________ Player #2_________________________________

Player #3______________________________ Player #4_________________________________

Let’s have some fun for a good cause!!!

Campaign on Letter Carriers Political Education (COLCPE)

Special Notes: 1. Any NALC member that signs up for the Gimme 5 Campaign ($5.00 per pay period to COLCPE) will only have to pay $40.00 for the Golf Tournament. See attached flyer 2. Entry fee is due no later than Saturday, September 5, 2009 3. Each participant will receive a $5.00 gift certificate to the Rockwood Pro Shop


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RETIREES


2009 MDA GOLF TOURNAMENT


STEWARDS DINNER 2009


2009 FOOD DRIVE


STATE CONVENTION 2009


MORE FOOD DRIVE

LIFE TIME ACHEVEMENT AWARD 2008

STEWARD / ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR 2008

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF BRANCH 30

PRESIDENT….…………………………....DAVE TEEGARDEN VICE PRESIDENT…………………….…..MELVIN R MOORE RECORDING SECRETARY…………….………..JEFF RAINEY FINANCIAL SECRETARY……………...BYRON TOWNSEND TREASURER……………………………….…….TERRY MYERS SERGEANT-AT-ARMS…………………….….CURTIS WALKER HEALTH AND RETIREES REP (816) 942-6595…..JOE D HILL TRUSTEE (Chairman)……………………….….FRANK FERRO TRUSTEE………………………………………..…TROY SMITH TRUSTEE……………………………………RANDY WILLIAMS DAN PITTMAN, RAA * ERNEST GRAHAM, WCD REP CHAPLAIN….CURTIS WALKER

VIEWPOINT STAFF

Melvin R Moore, Editor * Sellie Truitt, Assoc Editor * Dave Teegarden, Advisor Kenneth Best * Chris Cole * Lou Cole * Venessa Freedle * Kevin Horan

Alicia Johnson * Chris McGinnis * Terry Myers * Jeff Rainey * Phil Vaughn

NOTE: The VIEWPOINT is published bi-monthly for Branch 30 members and friends. The Editors, Members or Staff do not neces-sarily share opinions expressed by writers. The Editor, at his/her discretion, may delete or change any article deemed unnecessary, improper or unfit. The last day to receive articles is the 1st day of the following (even) months: FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AU-GUST, OCTOBER and DECEMBER.

HEART OF AMERICA

VIEWPOINT 6320 Manchester, Suite 41A

Kansas City, MO 64133 (816) 358-3100 OR (816) 358-3104

REGULAR MEETING 2nd THURSDAY

EACH MONTH 7:00 PM NO MEETING IN AUGUST

JUNE MEETING ONLY ON 2nd WEDNESDAY

NON PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

KANSAS CITY, MO

Permit No. 3684

NALC Branch 30 6320 Manchester, Suite 41 A Kansas City, MO 64133

Address Service Requested


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HEART OF AMERICA - NALC Branch 30