wirlca news november-december 2015 wisconsin rural letter carriers’ association€¦ · ·...

WIRLCA NEWS

November-December 2015

Wisconsin Rural Letter Carriers’ Association

Officers contacts Page 2

Officer ar cles Pages 3‐5 12‐16

Board mee ng minutes Pages 6‐12

PAC page Pages 16‐17

50+ year member photos

Pages 18‐19

Cons tu on and Resolu on forms

Pages 20‐21

“Second‐Timers” report Page 22

Chaplain’s corner Page 23

Recently Deceased Page 23

New members Page 24

Retiree’s page Page 25

Auxiliary/Jr. Auxiliary Page 26‐29

Lakeland District Representa ve

Pages 30‐31

Northland District Representa ve

Pages 32‐34

Steward Contacts Page 35

Next edi on deadline Change of address info

Page 36

Recently retired Page 24

PAC ‐electronic fund transfer form

7

Le er to the editor Page 34

COMING EVENTS December 5-25, 2015-Christmas Overtime Period Watch the wirlca.org website for updates and schedules for mail count trainings in February and March March 5-6, 2016 Spring Conference in reedsburg

The WIRLCA

Executive Board wishes all the

WIRLCA members and their

families a Happy Holidays!

2

STATEOFFICERS ADDRESS PHONE/EMAIL MEETINGASSIGNMENTS

ChuckGrothPresidentManagingEditor‐WIRLCANews

12729NSmallRdHayward,WI54843‐6387

715‐699‐[email protected]

Price/Taylor,Tri‐County,Door/Kewaunee,Marinette,Oconto,Brown,Region2

VickiGalgowskiVicePresident

W8114830thRiverFalls,WI54022‐4212


St.Croix,Dunn,Chippewa/EauClaire,Pierce/Pepin,Buffalo/Trempealeau/Jackson,LaCrosse,Region3

RonBergSecretary‐Treasurer

402DalogasaDr.Arena,WI53503‐9112


Crawford,Dane,Grant/Iowa,Monroe/Juneau,Sauk/Richland,Vernon,Regions8&10

EllenPulverAssistantSecretary‐Treasurer

W5781CountyRdGRio,WI53960‐9226


Columbia,Fonddulac/GreenLake,Marquette/Adams,Winnebago,Waushara,Cal/Man/SheRegions6&7

SusanTiffanyChairmanExecutiveCommittee,ProvidentGuildRepresentative

2788RockyRdTomahawk,WI54487‐9300


Lincoln/Langlade,Marathon/Clark,Outagamie,Shawano,Waupaca,Wood/PortageRegions4&5

MarilynLaPorteCommitteemanNGICRepresentative

POBox591Spooner,WI54801‐0591


Barron/Washburn,LakeSuperior,Polk/Burnett,Rusk/SawyerRegion1

Robert“Bob”LueckCommitteemanPACChairman

1417OakSt.Watertown,Wi53098‐1136


Dodge,Washington/Ozaukee,Milwaukee/Waukesha,Jefferson,Rock/Walworth‐Lafayette/Green,Racine/KenoshaRegions9&11

The WIRLCA News is published at a minimum of 4 mes per year using a “Non‐Profit Periodical’” Permit –Portage, WI. Printed at O’Brion Agency in Portage, WI. Members in good standing will receive each edi on of the paper. A recruitment issue will be published and mailed to all members and non‐members once per year. Full General Standard Opera ng Procedures are print‐ed in Appendix H of the WIRLCA Board Policies.

StateOf icers

Ifyouhaveacontractordiscipline issue,pleaseusethecontact informationlocatedattheendofthispublication,under“DistrictRepresentatives&Assignments

Letters to the editor Note; Letters to the editor are limited to 150 words. Libelous or slanderous letters will not be accepted. Letters to the Editor will be printed on a “first-come” basis, depending on available space. All letters to the editor must be signed. Anonymous will not be accepted. The WIRLC Association and State Board are not responsible for the content of letters to the editor and take no position on their content.

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ToogoodtobetrueHelloBrothersandSisters! As some of you areprobablyawareitwasjustoverone year ago that hackers in‐vaded the United states PostalService’snetworksthatcontain

large amounts of sensitive information aboutPostal employees. Although the Postal ServiceknewaboutthebreachsinceSeptemberof2014,former Postmaster Patrick Donahue deliberatelywaited several months before notifying its em‐ployees,theNRLCAandthepublic. On November 19, 2014, the NRLCA iledunfairlaborpracticeswiththeNationalLaborRe‐lations Board (NLRB) against the Postal Serviceby“failingtoprovideinformationconcerningtheSeptember 2014 “cyberintrusion”. On May 21,2015, Region 5 of theNLRB approved a settle‐mentbetweenthePostalService,theNRLCAandthreeotherPostalServiceunions. Due to this “intrusion”, there were manyOperationsProgramSupport functionsthatwereshutdown,whichcauseddelaysinprocessingPSForm4003’sand4241‐A’s.ThisresultedinmanycasesofincorrectpayissuesandsubsequentLet‐ters of Demand. As a steward I have processedmoreLettersofDemandgrievancesthisyearthaninmyentirecareer. After the breach, the Of ice of InspectorGeneral(OIG)‐thePostalServicesownwatchdog,conducted an investigation into the Postal Ser‐vices Information Security Awareness Trainingand “Phishing”. Audit Report IT‐AR‐16‐001 wasreleased on October 5, 2015 and contains someinteresting information regarding the 96% of asample of 3, 125 employeeswhoDIDNOT com‐plete the annual information security awarenesstraining.TheOIG’srecommendationwasthatthePostalServicemodifypolicyregardingmandatoryannual training. Fore more information, go towww.oig.gov,searchforITawareness DuetomypreviousinvolvementatDistrictlevel,Ihaveaccesstothe“Blue”page.InordertokeepmyeAccess I had to complete the required

training,CyberSafe101. Alongwiththisrecent“awareness”andanongoing onslaught from “phishers” that havestartedto loodmyinboxwith“Importantinfor-mation in regards tomypersonal email serv-er”(and the resultant shut down if I don’t re‐spond immediately to their requests of my per‐sonal information including passwords and usernames),Ifeltanarticleoncybersafetywasperti‐nent. Technology is here for most people andtheevilsthatgoalongwithit,buttherearesimpleprecautions you can take as we go into the“shopping”season. Theadvicefromourparents,“Itsoundstogoodtobetrue”,shouldbe fore front inyour in‐ternet dealings. This also applies to anti‐virus(AV)programs.MypersonalbeliefisthatIwouldratherspendthecashforagoodAVprogramver‐

sus one that is “free”.There is muchmore thanlosingmymoney to somehacker and that’s having

myprivacyinvaded. Therearevarioussimpleonlinesafetytips,suchas;1) BeAware2) Createsmartandstrongpasswords3) Useemailwisely4) Watch out for phishing scams‐most all credit

card companies, banks, etc. will not ask foryoutoverifyANYnumbersorwords

5) Payattentiontoyourchild’sonlineactivities6) Check for website safety‐only provide your

information to reputable businesses. Ensurethe web address begins with “https” and in‐cludesapadlockicon.

ThemajorAVcompanieslikeMcAfee,NortonandKaspersky havemore information on theirweb‐sitesconcerninginternetsecurity. More than just thinking cyber crime is atechnicalproblemwithtechnicalsolutions,a ire‐wallandAVsoftwaremayprotectyourcomputer,but they won’t necessarily keep you and youridentitysafe.Socialengineeringistheblackartofin luencingpeople.Hackerscancontrolusduetoour human characteristics such as trust, igno‐rance,greedorjustplainoldgullibility. Continuedonpage12

President Chuck Groth

Technology is here for most people...and the evils that go along with it

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HowtoMake2016aBetterYear Itdoesn’tseemthat longagothat I was thinking aboutchanging some things in mylife to improve how I wentthrough 2015. Glad to reportthat some of my big ideaswere successful, like helpingout at the local food shelf

through monetary donations, garden produceand stocking shelves. Other ideas, not somuch,like that exercise thing,whichwafts andwanesliketheweather.IthoughtI’dputtogetheralistofsuggestionsforusall toattempttodoforthecomingyearof2016.1. Keepmyself healthy‐physically, mentally andspiritually. I guess that means puttingmore ef‐fort into regular exercise. Live by the GoldenRule,rememberingthatweallhavebaddays.Asforthespiritualpart,Iamleavingthatasanindi‐vidualchoice.2.BeingmoreactiveintheWIRLCAofwhichIamamember.ThisyearIwillgotomyspringcountymeeting.3.ThisyearI’llreadmyStateNewsletter.4.ThisyearI’llreadmyNationalMagazine. 5. In2016IwillpersonallywelcomeanewRCAto the of ice and offer my help by answeringquestionsandjustofferingencouragement.6. In 2016 I will ind out if that new RCA is amember inourassociationand ifnotencouragethemtojoin.7.When Iamgettingready toattendmySpringCountymeetingIwilloffertotakethemalong. 8.2016willbetheyearthatI’llgotomailcounttraining and have some information that willbene itmeingoingthroughthecountprocess.I’llknowwhat Ishouldpayattention toandwhat Ineedtodocument.

9.ThiswillbetheyearthatIwillreactpositivelywhen the manager tells us “we’re” going tochangesomething.10.2016willbetheyearthatImakesuretopaymyself irst,bymatchingtheUSPS’sdollarcontri‐butiontomyThriftSavingsPlan.Someofusarealreadydoingallthesethings,sowe’ll up the number of meetings we go to andmaybe start contacting ourU.S. representatives,orwe’ll just ask othermembers how it is goingforthem.Bewellandbesafe,haveagreat2016!

VicePresidentVickiGalgowski

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT

THE WIRLCA WEBSITE WWW.WIRLCA.ORG

FOR -CURRENT EVENTS -”HOT” NEWS

-SCHEDULES OF EVENTS And VAST INFORMATION

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“Somepeoplemakeheadlineswhileothersmakehistory.”PhilipElmer‐DeWitt,inTimeMagazineWheredoesallthetimego? As many of you members know, I havebeen spending quite a bit ofmy free time doingsome researching themembership of our eldersin our rural carrier family. I announced at theStateConventionwhenwepresentedtomemberstheir 50 year awards that we had identi ied 29memberswhoquali ied for theNRLCA longevityaward. I was proud of that number. However Irealized that there had to bemany, manymoremembersouttherethatdeservethis‐buthowcanI ind them? I am verythankful for all of the“tips” I received fromthemembershipbut Iwasrunning out of leads. I realized theremust be away touse the technology IhaveasStateSecre‐tarytoassistinthisproject.Ithenhadthe“ahha”moment.Idecidedtousemember’sdateofbirthasastartpoint.IbeganwithJanuary1,1915andallbirthdaysafterthatdate.Idiscoveredthefactthatwe had 2members thatwere 97 years old.They had 30 year careers and had been retiredfor 30 years.Wilfred “Lefty” Neisius andWalterCiaglonowhavetheirgreatlydeservedawards.Ithenfoundwehad43membersover94yearsofage.Andsoitbegan...Isentthesemembersasim‐ple questionnaire. I received answers back from32 of them and 27 of them quali ied for theNRLCA award. So my 29 awards in June hasgrown to 58 because we have found22inSep-temberandOctober. Your State Board could notdeliveralloftheseinatimelyfashionbutwiththeassistanceofmanylocalof icersall22havebeendeliveredandpresented.ABIGTHANKYOUtoalllocal of icers for your help. Many of you nowknow how good it feels to present a longevityaward.Itisagoodfeeling.Youwillbereliedoninthefutureforthistask.IwishIhadspacetoincludesomeofthelet‐ters I have received from these folks alongwiththeircompletedform.Theirstoriesandtracesofexperiences are heartwarming and sometimeshumorous.Manyof ouroldermembers felt theywereforgottenbuttheystillpaytheirdueseverymonth. There are many reasons why they havemaintained their membership but the common

theme is that, theybelievedin the strength of ourun‐ion. As one fellow put it,“The union always had myback when I was workingandtheystilldoasaretireeandIhavebeenretiredlong‐erthatIworkedandIdoen‐joy being retired. My unionfoughtfortheseretireeben‐e its”. Sowhyisit importanttometo indthesefolks?A. Theydeserve recognitionB.We cannotsee where we are going without looking wherewehavebeen.C.Recruiting:Asamemberweall

havetheresponsibilitytorecruit and grow our

membership, pointing to our elders as an exam‐ple helps to point out the rich history and theneedforusalltosupport.Someonewhojoinsto‐dayasanRCAwillbea50yearmemberin2065.Thinkaboutit…Seeyaataunionmeeting,RonnieB

RonBergSecretary/Treasurer

RAFT “Recruit a Friend Today”

Important Notice! As you are most likely aware the RAFT (Phase II) Membership In-centive Drive technically expired at the end of the fiscal year June 30, 2015. However, during a special meeting of the National Board recently, the Board voted to extend the RAFT Program indefinitely and agreed to retro the Phase III program back to the beginning of this new fiscal year starting July 1, 2015. For administrative and accounting purposes the program will run concurrently with the Associations fiscal year of July 1, - June 30, of each subsequent year until otherwise changed. The processing details of the program remain unchanged, meaning that a newly signed member must stay employed on the USPS rolls for a period of 3 months from the date in which their membership application is processed. The recruited member continues to receive benefits of membership for those 3 months with no dues payment collected. The incentive award amounts paid to the identified mem-ber, recruiter or state association remain at $15.00 for a relief carri-er recruited and $50.00 for a regular carrier recruited.

...theybelievedinthestrengthofourunion

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Summer Board Mee ng Wisconsin Rural Le er Carriers Assoc.

Riverfront Inn, Marine e, WI August 4‐5, 2014

President Chuck Groth called themeeting to order at 8:50 a.m.withboardmembersVickiGalgowski,RonBerg,EllenCorlett,Su‐san Tiffany, Marilyn Laporte, and Bob Lueck present. Pledge ofAllegiancewasrecited.The following additions were made to the agenda: approval ofminutes, equipment, inancial report, executive session, appoint‐mentofparliamentarian,vests,nationalconventionattendeepoli‐cy.Approval of minutes: Mid‐States special meeting minutes: LisawasabsentandVicePresidentMarkBeckerchairedmeeting.Pre‐conventionBudgetmeetingminuteswerecorrect.Pre‐convention meeting minutes: replace term “receivership”with“trusteeship”.Post‐conventionmeetingminuteswerecorrect.Motion by Ron Berg to approveminutes as submitted and cor‐rected; seconded; motion carried with Bob Lueck abstaining fortheapprovalofMid‐StatesandPre‐Conventionmeetings.Preliminary 2014 convention report looks good. Discussed thelateregistrationfeesanddiscussedplanningfor2015convention.Boardwillbetouringfacilitylaterinmeeting.Countyassignments forboard:Board tabledaction toassignat‐tendanceoftheOzaukee/WashingtonlocalmeetinguntiltheOcto‐berboardmeetingpendingsubmissionoftimelylocalreports.AllSpringcountymeetingdateswillbeaddedtowebsite.ReviewedtheNRLCApolicyonstewardattendancetolocalmeet‐ings.Discussed correctprocedures for steward relatedquestionsraisedintheabsenceofasteward.NewbadgesforboardmemberswillbeavailableatNationalCon‐ventionperDanStrobel.ChuckGrothadvisedboardthathehadcontactedandappointedMarkBeckerasParlimentarian.Update Regional Meetings: Reviewed locations and dates andupdated board members responsible for each. Reviewed policyregardingspacerentalandfoodavailability.MotionbyRonBergtoauthorizemileageforBobLuecktoattenda regional meeting lead by another board member for trainingpurposes;seconded;carriedwithBobLueckabstaining.Reviewedandupdated thepolicy fordelegates toNationalCon‐vention.Reviewed listofdelegates.MotionbyRonBergtogivea$50gift card to all non‐paid alternates in attendance atNationalConvention;seconded;MC.Boardestablishedthefollowingrulesfordelegates:

Attendallbusinesssessions.StateoftheUnionUpdatemeet‐ingisnotrequiredbuthighlyrecommended

AttendcaucusnightBusinesscasualattireShouldwearvestsifavailableMust be present for all votes. Contact state of icer prior to

leavingforreasonsotherthanbathroombreak.Useofbooks,tablets,phones,etc.,areadistractionandshould

be avoided during sessions. If necessary, leave conven‐tion loortouse.

Nofeetonchairs(exceptformedicalpurposes);onebodyperchair

BerespectfulandlistentospeakersRepresentation ofWisconsin and active participation of our

delegationisdesired.First time attendees are encouraged to attend seminar for

irsttimers.RonBergandEllenCorlettwillsendcopyofrulestoalldelegateslater today toensurerulesarereceivedbydelegatesprior tode‐parturelaterthisweek.BoardreviewedplansfortheWisconsinBreakfastatGrapevine.

The following items on the agenda were tabled until later inmeeting: training, board policies, and 2015 convention facilitywalk‐thru.2016Convention:Boardreviewedinformationonthreesitesfor2016convention.MotionbyEllenCorletttoselectWaupacaasthesite for 2016 convention; seconded; MC. Susan Tiffany was di‐rectedtocontactthehotelandobtainaseparateroomfortheOf‐icer’sBreakfasttoavoidasimilarsituationtoJanesville.Arequestforablockof75rooms(amountofroomsusedinEauClairethisyear)willbemade.DatesaresetforJune24‐25‐26,2016.2015Conventionupdate:Boardagreedthatregistrationanddoorprize/PACAuctiondonationswillbestaffedby localunitof icersfor this region and materials will by prepared by Secretary/Treasurer and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. This is separatefromCredentials.Registration forms will be sent to the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Formswill be included inDecember issue ofWIRLCANews. Auxiliary will be contacted to advise of 2015 conventioninformationtobeincludedinthisissue.September newsletter issue:Will be centered on importance ofmembershipandsenttoallnon‐membersalso.ArticlesshouldbesubmittedtoChuckwhowillforwardtoLois.Articleassignmentsare:Chuck‐“Goodnews,badnews”Susan–rerun“rewards”andaddprovidentguildinformationBoard agreed to run an article from the New Hampshire RLCAnewsletterwithpermission.Vicki–informationonwhyunionhavetohaveasayinlegislativeactionsRon– inancialinformationofmembershipEllen ‐ membership and recruiting (with information from pastarticles)Marilyn–NGICinformationandinsurancebene itsofmembershipBob–WhyyoushouldbeamemberasanRCAEllen–UpdateregionalmeetinginformationRon–RecapofNationalConventionIssue will include articles from National Convention irst‐timedelegates;an1187/1187Rform;informationontheArmedForcesClub;usualupdatesforprovidentguildandNGIC.TheissueshouldbeaddressserviceanduseEllen’sreturnaddress.ThedeadlineisSeptember10th.Brie ly discussed the billing to Auxiliary for newsletter spaceduringpreviousyear.Recessforlunchat11:35a.m.Resumeat1:10p.m.GroupdiscussedoptionsforfoodoncaucusnightatGaylord.Nofoodcanbebroughtin.Equipment:Ronneedstoreplacetheportableharddrive.Motion by Ron Berg to replace the computer for the AssistantSecretary/Treasurer(upto$1000);seconded;MCwithEllenCor‐lettabstaining.MotionbyEllenCorlett topurchase twoBrotherMulti‐Functioncopiers (up to $150each) to replace theCanon ImageClass unitsforVickiandSusantobeshippedtotheirhomes;seconded;MC.TabledremainderofdiscussiononequipmentuntilcompletionofOf icerTraining.State Of icer Training: Reviewed manual and completed ques‐tion/answersection.Breakfrom2:55to3:30p.m.Resumedat3:38p.m.Board members will submit a voucher for this special boardmeetingwhichwillbecompletedtodayandpaidpriortoleaving.Voucherswerepreparedasagroupandprintedaspartoftraining.Ronwillpaytoday.Issueswithemailswerediscussedandclearedup.Recessedat4:30p.m. Continuedonnextpage

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Summer2014minutescont. Resumedat8:00a.m.Completedreviewofequipmentlistandupdatedserialnumbers.Board policies: Board reviewed policies related to phone/internet; Sunday pay; steward attendance at local meetings; re‐cruitingatacademies.Boardmembersreviewedandsignedupdat‐edpolicyacknowledgementsasrequired forSecretary/Treasureriles.Recessat9:00a.m.for15minutesA“FunctionCommittee”willbeaddedtotheboardpolicies.FinancialReport:RonBergreportedthateverythingisattheau‐ditor’s.Duesreductionforstatedueshasbeensubmitted.Noeffec‐tivedateavailableyet.ProposedchangingthefallmeetingfortheFinancial Review Committee to an evening or Saturday meetingdue to change tonoFallConference.Ronoutlinedanoptionandwouldsupplythe“box”andbringcommittee’s indingsbacktotheFall board meeting. Motion by Marilyn Laporte to direct Ron tocontact Financial Review Chair tomake arrangements and com‐mitteememberswillbepaidtheusual$75plusmileage;seconded;motionwas amended to applyonly for theFall FinancialReviewmeetingonly;secondedamendment;MCamendment;MCamend‐edmotion.MotionbyRonBerg to enter executive session at 9:32 a.m.; se‐conded;MC.MotionbyEllenCorletttocloseexecutivesession;seconded;MCFunctionsCommittee:Purpose is tohave entireExecutiveCom‐mittee work together to arrangemeetings. Chuck and Ellen willreviewappendixesandStateConvention101tocombineandup‐date.WillbringbacktoOctobermeetingforreview.MotionbyEllenCorlett to changedates for 2015 StateConven‐tiontoJune26‐27‐28,2015toavoidFather’sDayweekend,pend‐ingcon irmationwithhotelavailability;seconded;discussion;MC.Spring 2015 Conference: Board selected March 21‐22, 2015 asthedatesfortheSpringConference.March21stwillbelocalof icertraining, March 22nd will be conference. Location will be in theDodge/Jeffersoncountyarea.Discussedspaceoptionsforthe2015conventionandcompletedfacilitytour.MotionbyRonBergtoadjournat11:20a.m.;seconded;MC.SubmittedbyEllenCorlett******************************************************************

FallBoardMeetingWisconsinRuralLetterCarriersAssoc.

AmericInn,Plover,WIOctober10,2014

President Chuck Groth called themeeting to order at 8:15 a.m.withboardmembersVickiGalgowski,RonBerg,EllenPulver,Su‐san Tiffany, Marilyn LaPorte, and Bob Lueck present. Pledge ofAllegiancewasrecited.The following additions were made to the agenda: Newsletterprinterandpermit;contingencyplan;vestsand lagbags;Trainingpay; Mid‐States. Deleted agenda item related to Ozaukee/Washington County unit as all reports were iled timely. Rear‐rangedagendaandaddedtimelimits.Motiontoapprovedamend‐edagendabyVickiGalgowski;secondedandMC.Ron Berg moved to approve minutes as amended with MarkBecker’s namebeing inserted for Parliamentarian; seconded andMC.EllenPulvermovedtoplacethethirdnewMFCprinter(missentbyvendor)withtheEditor;secondedandMC.Un inishedbusiness: Boardhasnot receiveda inal inancial re‐portfromthe2014ConventionfromFrancis–RonBergwillcon‐tact her to provide.Motion by Sue Tiffany to postpone this itemuntilSpring2015boardmeeting;secondedandMC.

RegionalMeetingupdate: Board discussed speci ics regardinglocations, refreshments and board assignments. Vickiwill attendLaCrosse meeting instead of Ron. Board will voucher expensesfromthesemeetingspromptly.ChuckandSuewillswitchattend‐ingRegions2and4.BobLueckrequestedanotherboardmemberattendhis irstregionalmeetinginElkhornonOctober23,2014–Ronwillattend;secondedandMCwithBobabstaining.Equipment: Extraprinterdispositionwaspreviouslyaddressed;reviewedpurchaseof replacementportableharddrive forSecre‐tary/Treasurer. Items under $200 do not require a motion forpurchase.MotionbyRonBergtopostponediscussionofreplacingconventionvestsand lagbags;secondedandMC.Newbusiness:President’strainingwasattendedbyChuckGrothin Alexandria VA on September 15‐19, 2014. Chuck shared theinformationhereceived.RonBerg presented inancial report. Board reviewed budget vsactual, auditors report, statement of inancial position and state‐mentofactivities.Motion by Bob Lueck to break, seconded and MC. 10:00‐10:15am.MotionbyBobLuecktovoidalluncashedchecksissuedpriortoJanuary1,2014;secondedandMC.Auditorssuggestedour inancialreviewcommitteemeetquarter‐ly throughout the year instead of just 3 times as provided inWIRLCAConstitution.Thecommitteemet inDeForest inSeptem‐ber (due tonoFall Conference this year) and reviewedall docu‐ments, includingauditors report.RequestwasmadebyFinancialReviewcommitteetochangetoquarterlymeetings.MotionbyVickiGalgowski to haveFinancialReviewCommitteemeetinJanuaryasrecommendedbyauditors;secondedandMC.Aconstitutionchangewillbesubmittedbytheboardtothe2015StateConvention.Spring Conference 2015: March 20‐22, 2015. Bob Lueck re‐searched four locations in the Jefferson County area and recom‐mendedComfortSuitesatJohnsonCreek.March19thwillbeusedto prepare for local of icer training. Binders started last yearshould be brought along to have additional information added.Trainingtopicswerediscussed.Alllocalof icersshouldattendonMarch21,2015 from10a.m. to1p.m.MotionbyEllenPulver topayattendees$100whoarelocalof icers(andnotalsostateboardmembers);seconded.Discussionensuedandpaymenttoacademytrainers who will also be invited was addressed. Motion with‐drawnbyEllenPulverandnewmotionbyEllenPulvertopaylocalof icersandacademytrainers$100pluslunchwhoattendtrainingandarenotalsostateboardmembers.Attendeeswillbepaidforonlyoneposition.SecondedandMC.Discussedpossiblespeakeroptionsatconferenceandpossibilityof “Skyping” with a National Of icer. Other possibilities includedrepresentative from Engineering; EAP rep fromMilwaukee; Dis‐trictRepforLakeland;Congressionalrepresentatives.StateConvention:Reviewed information from the “FunctionsCommittee”handout.Motion by Ron Berg to change late registration fee to $10; se‐condedandMC.Recessedmeetingforlunchfrom12:19p.m.until1:00p.m.Board members completed the “Emergency Contingency” planformsforthePresident’s iles.Boarddiscussedspacerequirementsformeetingroomsandwilladd “Jacuzzi” roomas additionalmeeting space.Discussedmenuoptions for banquet.Will use “King’s Buffet” with chicken, roastpork,Californiablendvegetables,corn,saladbarandwillarrangefor a dessert for the Saturday night banquet. For the hospitalityeventwewilluse“buffet#1”horsdourves.Continuedonnextpage

8

FallBoardmeeting2014cont. Wewill usewrist bands for sodas at the bar and alcohol is pur‐chased by the individual. Suewill arrange entertainment for thebanquetupto$500.Board discussed other incidental items including, badges, wristbands,roomdividerrentals,meetingspace.RonBerg advisedof administrative changesbeing implementedthis year to the reports from local units regardingdelegates andof icerreport.Boardmemberassignedtothelocalunitwillcollectthesereportsattheconclusionofthemeetingandsubmit.CommitteeassignmentsuggestionsweregiventoChuck.VickiGalgowskisubmittedinformationrelatedtoSpringConfer‐enceregardingroomrateof$83plus taxesand that theComfortSuiteshasavailabilityofmeetingspaceandroomsforthedatesweselected.Reviewedregionalmeetingtalkingpoints,updatedandprovidedcopiestoallboardmembers.15minutebreak(3:00p.m.)Membership: Ron Berg provided statistics of recruiting effortsbeingmadeatorientation/academies.Upcoming meetings: Financial Review will meet January 19th.Spring Countymeetings include: Sawyer Cty –March 5th; Price/Taylor–April11th;Rusk–April18th;Columbia–April7th;FondduLac/Green Lake‐ April 14th; Grant/Iowa – March 25th; Sauk/Richland–April27th;Dane–Feb16th.Discussednextnewsletter.ArticlesaredueDecember30th.Chuck–promoteparticipationVicki–legislativeRon–postplanaffectingcountymembership/howyourmember‐shipiscalculated/50yearplugEllen–registrationforstateconventionSue–reasontoattendspringcountymeetingsMarilyn–NewYear’sresolutiontogetinvolvedBob–SpringconferenceinfoAuxiliaryscholarshipinformationneedstogointhis issueasNa‐tionaldeadlineisinMarchBrie lydiscussedcontentandstylechangesfromLois.Boarddis‐cussed various items of importance regarding printers. DecisionmadetouseO’BrienAgencyofPortageforupcomingissues.Board Policies: Motion by Ellen Pulver to postpone review ofboardpoliciesanddiscussionregardingSundaypayuntil Januarymeeting;secondedandMC.Chuck Groth reiterated the importance of using state ownedequipmentfortasksonbehalfoftheboard.Chuck Groth reviewed social media policy. Discussed updatingandpersonalizingthenewsletterpolicy.Mid‐States: Boardmembersarepaidactualexpenses toattend.Boardmemberswere taskedwith soliciting informationwith re‐gardtocharteringabustotransportdelegatesandprovideinfor‐mation at Januarymeeting. Chuckwill investigate renting a pas‐sengervan.Winterboardmeeting:RonBergmovedtomeetJanuary3,2015atBlackRiverFalls(using January2,2015for travel)at theBestWestern;secondedandMC.Meetingwillstartat8a.m.Ellen Pulver moved to purchase pocket calendars for all localof icersandappointedof icers;secondedandMC.RonBergmovedtoadjournmeetingat5:45p.m.; secondedandMC.SubmittedbyEllenPulver*****************************************************************

WinterBoardMeetingWisconsinRuralLetterCarriersAssoc.BestWestern,BlackRiverFalls,WI

January9,2015President Chuck Groth called themeeting to order at 1:06 p.m.withboardmembersVickiGalgowski,RonBerg,EllenPulver,Su‐san Tiffany, Marilyn LaPorte, and Bob Lueck present. Pledge ofAllegiancewasrecited.Additional items and target time limits were added to agenda.RonBergmovedtoapproveagenda;seconded;MC.Minutes from fall board meeting were presented. Ron Bergmovedtoapproveminutesaspresented;seconded;MC.Board reviewed budget vs. actual (statement of activities) anddiscussed basics of election details for national convention dele‐gates. Most categories are on tract relevant to this point in theyear. Discussed options for renewing the CD which matures on3/31/15. Motion by Ellen Pulver to renew at face value(approximately$60,000);seconded;MC.Discussedrecruitingprograms.National isnotpayingrecruiting“rewards”untilendof iscalyear(inJune);Statehasbeenwaitinguntiltherecruithasbeenamemberforoneyear.MotionbyEllenPulvertoinstructSecretary/Treasurertoreviewmonthlyandpaythe recruiter the “bounty” once a new recruit has completed 90daysofmembership;seconded;MC.Discussed recruiting payments to academy trainers. Discusseddetails from resolution passed at 2014 State Convention. Boardwill implementanewpolicy regarding timelysubmissionofnewrecruits’membership. Uncashedchecks:havejusttwooutstandingchecksatendof2014.The Financial Review committeewillmeet January 19, 2015 attheDeForestLibrary.Thereisnofeeforthemeetingspace.Mari‐lynLaPortemovedtomakeadonationof$25tothe libraryeachtimetheFinancialReviewCommitteemeetsthereinappreciationofuseofthespace;seconded;MC.SueBeckerwillberotatingofftheFinancialReviewCommitteeattheendof thisyear.Boarddiscussedpossiblecandidates, includ‐ing amember fromNorthland District. Board reviewed speci icsforpaymentofcommitteemembers.EllenPulverwillpreparetheconstitutionchangeregardingchangesrequested.Membershipwasdiscussed regarding theRAFTpolicy fromNa‐tionalversusof icersresponsibilitiesandChucksharedhisviewsregardingwhetherstateof icersshouldparticipateintherecruit‐mentprogram.Noactionwastaken.Board Policies: The SocialMedia Use Policywas presented andreviewed.VickiGalgowskimovedtoacceptandadoptthepolicyaswritten;seconded;MC.The Newsletter Policy was presented and reviewed. Board dis‐cussed whether to allow “Letters to the Editor” and are leavingpolicy as presented. Board will add “and articles as solicited byPresidentand/orEditor”.Reviewedotherspeci icsandmadead‐justments. Ellen Pulver moved to accept and adopt policy asamended;seconded;MC.SundayPayPolicywasalsoreviewed.Discussedtheexistingpoli‐cyandRonBergadvisedofproperprocedure.RonBergmovedtoapproveandadoptupdatedboardpolicieswithchangesasofJan‐uary9,2015;seconded;MC.Boardtookashortrecess(3:27‐3:52p.m.)SpringConference:Chuckisstillworkingonpossiblevideomeet‐ingwithanationalof iceratSpringConference.Heisalsoincom‐municationwithLakelandDistricttosecureaspeakerfromMan‐agement for both Spring Conference and State Convention. JoniMontroywouldbewilling todo aweb conferenceon retirementfor$350.Continuedonnextpage

9

Winter2015Boardmeetingcont.DiscussedfoodandbeveragesforPACeventandChuckhasspokento the sales contact at the Comfort Suites to determine options.EllenPulvermovedtoinstructRonBergtoproceedwiththemosteconomicalfoodandbeverageoptionforthePACeventatSpringConference;seconded;MC.Ron Berg reviewedmenu options for the lunch during local of‐icer trainingonSaturday.Willbe sendingpostcards toacademytrainerto invitethemforthe lunchandafternoonsession.Enter‐tainmentisstillpendingandBobLueckwilltrysecuresomethingeconomicalforentertainment.Selectingdatesforregionalfallmeetingswillbeaddedtoagendaforspringboardmeeting.Chuck and Vicki will present training for local presidents/vicepresidents. Ron and Ellen will do local secretary/treasurer por‐tion.Groupwillorganizeamockmeetingwithappointedof icers.Alsodiscussedspeci ics forstateboardmemberswhenattendinglocal county meetings regarding annual reports to be iled withstate. Informationwill also be reviewed at springboardmeetingandlocalof icertraining.Discussedmediapersonposition.LisaWojnarowskiisthemediaperson appointed. Attendance will be required on Sunday ofSpringConference.MotionbyEllenPulvertohavepresidentnotifythemedia person of expectations and for the association to paymediapersontoattendandprovideservicesonSundayofSpringConference;seconded;MC.A sample of a magnetic clip was passed for consideration as adiddybag item for state convention.Discussedobtaining and in‐cluding“ChamberBooks” fromtheMarinette/Michiganarea.Mo‐tion byRonBerg to purchase at least 250 each of reusable bagsandclipsforstateconventioninredwithwhitelettering;second‐ed;MC.DiscussedspeakergiftsandRonBergsuggestedcanvasbagsfromLandsEnd.MotionbyEllenPulvertoauthorizeRonBergtosecuretotebagsfromLandsEndupto$200tobeusedasspeakergifts;seconded;MC.ReviewedtheattendancenumbersfromFallRegionalmeetings.Assignedboardmemberstoattendandassistatmailcountmeet‐ings.Discussed thedispositionofmail count guides.A suggesteddonationof$1perguideforguidessenttoWisconsinADR’swithrevenuetobereturnedatstateconvention.Reviewed dates for local spring meetings and will be updatingtalking points, including the following: Chuck andVickiwill pro‐vide legislative updates closer to events; reviewupcoming eventdates; reviewnationaldelegatenomination forms;mail count re‐sults and effective dates; state scholarship deadlines; seek outmember of the year candidates; encourage recruiting; relief daywork list; regional meeting date and host county; planning nextyear’s spring local meeting; PAC; Provident Guild; and NationalGeneralInsurance.Mid‐States:Noregistrationformavailableyet.ChuckwillcontactMissouripresidenttoobtaintheform.TransportationtoMid‐States:abusiscostprohibitiveandavanis not practical. To keep costs in check, board members shouldrent a car with unlimited miles and submit gas receipts withvouchers.Newsletterprinter:O’BrienAgencyisworkingwell.Postagewithprintingcostwasaround$3,400whichis$500‐600lessthanpre‐viousprinter)andtheturn‐aroundwasoutstanding.Wewillcon‐tinuewiththisprinterandoptiontoaddcolorwillbepursued.NewsletterEditor:Chuckofferedoptionforhimtoserveaseditor(withhelpfromhiswife)forthenextnewsletter.Discussedspeci ‐icsofwhat/how/etc.Boardwas inagreementwith lettingChucktrynextissueandwillrevisitatthenextboardmeeting.

MotionbyRonBergtousetheprinterpreviouslydesignatedfortheEditortousetoreplacetheHPprintercurrentlyusedbyBobLueckwith theHP to be disposed of at State Convention also tohavetheeditor’scomputerandsoftwaremovedtoChuckGroth’slist/possessionwhileheservesasinterimeditor;2nd;MC.Newsletter topicswerediscussedandboardagreed tomoveupthe deadline for the next newsletter in order to have an issueprintedpriortoSpringConference.Chuck – Importance of county meetings and legislative issues;Vicki – local of icers’ opportunity to be trained; importance ofstepping up to serve locally; Ron – ideas for local inances andinancialplanningatthelocal level;Ellen–importanceofattend‐inglocalmeetingsandbene itsofbeingelectedtostateconventionas a delegate; Sue –Mid‐States;Marilyn – spring hazards; Bob –travel guide and things to do at Spring conference and later atState Convention. Reviewed format and layout and possible im‐provements.NationalSecretaryTrainingissetfor irstweekofMarchinMin‐neapolis. Motion by Vicki Galgowski to pay Ron Berg and EllenPulverDROP/LWOPforthedaystoattendtraining;2nd;MC.StateConventiondetails:Thebreakfastsneedtobesetupsepa‐rately from remaining hotel guests. Sue will contact hotel andmake arrangements for the breakfasts and also dessert for ban‐quet. Registration forms and paymentswill be sent to Ellen andshewilldepositfollowingreceiptofblankdepositslipsfromRon.Entertainment is being researched and board shared differentoptions.PresidentGrothwill be appointing convention committeemem‐bers from the lists previously supplied by Ron and Ellen. Theboarddiscussedseveraldetailsrelatedtotheconventionincludingthe assembly of the convention books and the possible need tohave board members arrive early. Chuck shared information ontheDistrictRepsregionaltrainingof“TraintheTrainer”.Ellen shared information and samples on possible vests andpossiblesourceofembroidery.Next boardmeeting will be Friday, March 20, 2015 at JohnsonCreekat8a.m.GoroundMarilynLaPortemovedtoadjournat7:26p.m.;2nd;MC.SubmittedbyEllenPulver*****************************************************************

SpringBoardMeetingWisconsinRuralLetterCarriersAssoc.ComfortSuites,JohnsonCreek,WI

March20,2015President Chuck Groth called themeeting to order at 8:00 a.m.withboardmembersVickiGalgowski,RonBerg,EllenPulver,Su‐san Tiffany, Marilyn LaPorte, and Bob Lueck present. Pledge ofAllegiancewasrecited.Additional items and target time limits were added to agenda.RonBergmovedtoapproveagenda;seconded;MC.Minutes from winter board meeting were presented. VickiGalgowskimovedtoapproveminutesaspresented;seconded;MC.Reviewedspeci ics forSpringConference.Food isbeing cateredinforthe54localof icerswhoareattending.Acheeseandsausagetrayandtheleft‐overdesserts fromlunchwillbeprovidedatthePACeventSaturdayevening.Therewillbea“grabandgo”set‐upforbeerandPepsiproductswithcoffeeavailableaswell. SpeakerforSundayisDavidNackfromUWSchoolofLabor.Hewillbeginabout 10 a.m. Following his presentation, we will have a shortbreak,thenreconvenewithaStewardQ&Aandendwiththeusualdrawings.Wewilldothegeneralhousekeepingagendaitemssuchas invocation, board introductions and provide information onvariousprogramsbetween9and10.Continuedonnextpage

10

Spring2015Boardmeetingcont.MediaPersonwillbeLisaWojnarowski.Chuckwillmeetwithherprior to Sunday to review equipment and operation techniques.LisawillprovideservicesonSunday.Of icerTraining:Chuckhasapowerpointpresentationstarted.Itincludes basic information and some of the Roberts Rules infor‐mation.Ronhasprintedandpreparedsome“crib”notesversionsofRobertsRuleswhichhedownloadedfromJimSlaughter’sweb‐site.Ronreceived70responsestotherequestforwhatlocalof ic‐erswantedtraininggivenon.Boardreviewedresponsesandwillconductamockmeetingwithelections completewithdisruptivemembers. The majority of the secretary/treasurer training willoccurafter lunchandwill reviewbanking,what todoeachyear,recordsretention,andLMreports.Also, informationonconstitu‐tions and what to do about turning over documentation. Boarddiscussedproviding lagstolocalof icersforuseatlocalmeetingstorecitepledge.Acopywillbeprintedandincludedindocumen‐tationtobeplacedinbookcover.Fallregionalmeetingdateswereset.AllwilloccurearlierinOc‐tober thisyear tohelpwithcoordinationwithstewards.Amaxi‐mumoftwomeetingspereveningweresettospreadthemeetingsoutmore evenly. Board discussed speci ics of requests for stew‐ardsandwhattheboardwouldliketoseehappen.A fall boardmeetingwas set for September25, 2015 to reviewregionalmeetingtalkingpointsamongstregularboardbusiness.Newsletter and Editor Position. Board discussed key pointswhichneedtobeincludedinnextnewsletterandreviewedcourseofactionregardingappointmentofaneweditor.Boardtookashortbreakfrom9:44a.m.to10:00a.m.New Business: Local countymeeting attendance: Only a couplelocalunitshavemetsofarbutattendancehasbeenpoor.Lackofof icertrainingwasnoted.Spring Meeting Talking Points: Reviewed last year’s talkingpoints, made additions and corrections. Updated copies will beemailedbyEllentoallBoardmembers.Newsletter:NextdeadlinewillbeApril15,2015.Topicswill in‐clude:Sue‐PostalWorkerReliefFund;Marilyn‐Springdrivingtips;Ellen‐Resolution/Constitution submissions and convention info;Ron‐MemberoftheYear;Vicki‐LegislativeSeminar;Bob‐Continuetravel log;Chuck‐legislation that is supportedby theNRLCAandstatusofcontract.BoarddiscussedamountofspacebeingusedfortheNSSsystemandothernewsletterimprovements.Financial Report: Ron explained inancial reports. Bob Lueckmoved to continue the incentive payments for local units ilingtheirLMreportsontime;2nd;MC.Ronbrie lyexplainedtheinformationhewillbeprovidingboardmemberspriortothepre‐conventionbudgetplanningmeeting.Ron shared that membership recruitment payments are up todate.Sofarthestatehasspent$950onrecruiterreimbursements.Meeting suspended for one hour for lunch. Group returned at1:10p.m.andcompletedatourofthefacilityandmeetingspaces.Conventioncommitteeassignments:Boardsharedrecommenda‐tionsforcommitteememberselectionprocessandpreparedpre‐liminaryassignmentsandappointments.Theconventionprogramdraftwasreviewed.Stateassociationisresponsibleforallprintingcosts.Ron Berg provided information regarding a potential improvcomedy group. Chuck also had information on a musical groupwhichwillnotbeabletoaccommodatethisyear’svenuebutmaybe a possibility for future years. Motion by Ron Berg to hire“MonkeyBusinessInstitute”toprovideentertainmentattheban‐quet in Marinette; 2nd; discussion on motion and Ron amendedmotion to include providing two rooms for the group to use onSaturday,June27,2015;2nd;MC.

Boarddiscussedwhatwerequirefromthelocalunitsintheareaoftheconvention:Boarddeterminedwewouldappreciateiflocalvolunteerswouldcontactandprocuredonationsforthedittybags,indvolunteerstoassistwithregistration,provideasuggestionforthe color guard to present opening colors, and provide the ban‐quetandtabledecorationsfortheevent.Sundaybreakfastwillutilizethehotel’sfreebreakfastsetupandstatewillassumecostofsetupforaseparatelocationforbreak‐fastforSaturday’sof icerbreakfast.Weneed to secure amicrophone (if possible) from thehotel tousewiththePACAuctionandcontactDennisRasmussentobetheauctioneer.TherewillbenofreealcoholforthePACAuctionthisyearandwewillutilizewristbandsforindividualswhowouldlikesoftdrinks(allbeveragestobepurchased,eitherbyindividualorontabforstate,fromthehotelbar)sothatbartendersknowwhoiswithourgroupandcanprocess thesodaappropriately.Boardwill arrange tohavecookiesandcoffee forSundaysession.Ellenwill order/rent roomdividers and arrange for delivery and pickup.15minutebreakfrom3:00‐3:15p.m.BoardreviewedpossiblechangestobesubmittedtotheConstitu‐tioncommittee.FormswerereviewedandchangesdiscussedwillbemadebeforesubmissionatConvention.BoardreviewedsamplesofveststoreplacetheNationalConven‐tionvests.MotionbyRonBergtocontinueseekingsamplesofthevests and table the decision on vests and chair backs until nextmeeting;2nd;MC.Flag Bags to transport the lags to meetings and conventionswere discussed. Bobwill construct something using PVC pipe toenableshippingtoandfromnationalconventionsandsubmitex‐pensesonhisvoucher.Ron reported that delegate strength at this time looks to be 34paid delegates plus one at‐large delegate (up one delegate fromlastyear).Memberswillstillvoteonlyfor34onballot,thenumberoflastyears’delegates.ReviewedpreliminaryinformationonWisconsinBreakfasttobeheld in Reno. Cost per person will be $27.96. Vicki Galgowskimoved to charge delegates $20 for the Wisconsin Breakfast atRenowiththestatepickinguptheremainingbalanceandcostofselectednationalboardmembersinattendanceatReno;2nd;MCBoardmembersdeclaredtheirintentionsforseekingre‐election.Allplantorunagainatthistime.NextmeetingwillbeheldinMarinetteonJune24thforthebudgetworksession.Boardreviewedtheinventorylistandmadeappropriateupdates.Motion to adjourn by Ron Berg; 2nd; MC.Meeting adjourned at4:40p.m.SubmittedbyEllenPulver *****************************************************************

StateConventionBudgetMeetingWisconsinRuralLetterCarriersAssoc.

BestWesternRiverfrontInn,Marinette,WIJune24,2015

President ChuckGroth called themeeting to order at 7:18 p.m.withboardmembersVickiGalgowski,RonBerg,EllenPulver,Su‐sanTiffany,MarilynLaPorteandBobLueckpresent.Board reviewedall line items;discussedvariances, and setnewnumbers.Reminderforpre‐conventionboardmeetingagendathatwewillneed amotion for retaining auditors and amotion outlining LMearly ilingbonusprogramforcountyunits.Budgetmeetingadjournedat8:16p.m.*****************************************************************Continuedonnextpage

11

StateConventionPre‐ConventionBoardMeeting

WisconsinRuralLetterCarriersAssoc.BestWesternRiverfrontInn,

Marinette,WIJune25,2015

President Chuck Groth called themeeting to order at 8:00 a.m.withboardmembersVickiGalgowski,RonBerg,EllenPulver,Su‐sanTiffany,MarilynLaPorteandBobLueckpresent.EllenPulverwasexcusedtocompleteconstitutionchangesbeingsubmittedbyboard.PledgeofAllegiancerecited.Agendawasreviewedandapprovedwithadditions.Boardreviewedarequestfromamemberregardingwaivingthelate registration fee.MotionbyMarilynLaPorte that therebenoexceptionstothelatefeechargeforstateconventionregistrations;2nd;MCFinaldetailsfortheconventionwerereviewedanddiscussed.8:45a.m.EllenPulverrejoinedmeeting.Teller committee duties were discussed. Changes have beenmadeandcommitteeresponsibilitiesaremorede ined.Ron Berg explained what is to be done with receipts receivedfrommembersofMarinetteCountyfor itemswhicharebeingin‐cludedindiddybags.AdonationtotheCubScouttrooppresentingthecolorswasdis‐cussed.AmotionbyVickiGalgowksitodonate$20inappreciationoftheirservices;2nd;MCDiscussed the election process and the new tabulation date ofJuly 8, 2015. Motion by Ron Berg to pay regular carriers DROPplusmileagewhoareservingontheelectioncommitteetoconducttheelectiontabulationatBlackRiverFallsonJuly8,2015;2nd;MC.MotionbyRonBergtopayRCA’sandRetiredmemberswhoareontheelectioncommitteetoconductelectiontabulationatBlackRiverFallsonJuly8,2015$75.00plusmileage;2nd;MC.Changesbeingsubmittedonbehalfoftheboardwerereviewed.Boarddiscussed theguidelines toappointmembers toserveontheelectioncommitteeinthefuture.Boardrecessedat10:20a.m.togetResolutionsandConstitutioncommitteesstartedontheirtasks.Board reconvened at 1:50 p.m. (Bob Lueck excused to run er‐rand).Reviewed speakers for Friday. SteveWenzelwill not be able toattend.Hesentalettertobereadinstead.Motion by Ellen Pulver to postpone discussion of the NationalConventionvests,chairbacksandbags/tubesuntiltheJulyboardmeeting;2nd;MC.Boarddiscussedthenationalconventiondelegatepolicyandhowelecteddelegateswillbenoti iedandcon irma endance. Wewillhave35plus1alternatedelegateforthisyear.Board discussed theWisconsin Breakfast. The contract was re‐ceivedtodayandrequiresa$300deposit.Costwillbe$27.36perperson after all costs are included. Delegates will pay $20 each.SuewillcoordinatewithRonforbreakfast.MotionbyRonBergtosenda$300checkforthedepositfortheWisconsinBreakfast;2nd;MC.Board reviewed regional meeting sites. Updated list to be pre‐sented at the convention. Board also reviewed possible sites forthe 2017 and 2018 state conventions. LaCrosse, Reedsburg andBarabooarepossibilitiesfor2017;2018isscheduledforRegion1withSuperior,Bay ieldorAshlandaspossiblesites.VickiandChuckgaveupdatesonthelegislativeseminar.MotionbyVickiGalgowskitocontinuethe“Bounty”programformemberswhorecruitnewmembers;2nd;MC.Motion by Ellen Pulver to retainWegner CPA’s to prepare ourLM3and990formwithnoauditfor2015‐2016;2nd;MC.

Board discussed articles to be included in the July issue of theNewsletter (comingout immediatelyafternationaldelegateelec‐tionresultsareavailable.Ronwill provide local of icer lists; inancials; and the proposedbudget;VickiwillprovideanupdateonlegislativemattersandherexperiencegoingtoWashington;EllenwillrecaptheLM4report;Suewilldoregionalmeetings;Marilynhasalreadysubmittedherarticle;BobwillprovidearecaponthestateconventionandChuckwill alsohave legislative information.An article about voting fornationaldelegateswillbepreparedandreadytobeincludedinthe2016April/Mayissue.Othersuggestionsregardingthenewsletterwerediscussed.Boarddiscussedspeci icsofmailingthe lagsandbannerstona‐tional. Ronwill get themailing address at Reno for proper loca‐tion.Reviewedregistrationforconventionthisyearandwhatchangesmightbepossiblefornextyear.NextboardmeetingwillbeJuly15,2015attheWaupacaRamadaInnat9:00a.m.andwill includestateof icertrainingandtourofnextyear’sconventionsite.MotionbyMarilynLaPortetoadjournat3:23p.m.;2nd;MC.SubmittedbyEllenPulver*******************************

PostConventionBoardMeetingWisconsinRuralLetterCarriersAssoc.

BestWesternRiverfrontInn,Marinette,WIJune29,2015

PresidentChuckGrothcalledmeetingtoorderat9:22a.m.withboard members Vicki Galgowski, Ron Berg, Ellen Pulver, SusanTiffany,Marilyn LaPorte, and Bob Lueck present. Pledge of Alle‐giancewasrecited.Agendawasapprovedwithadditions.PresidentGrothreviewedhisappointmentsforupcomingyear.PAC–DennisNelsonChaplain–CarlaFreymillerHistorian–BarbBergsmaParliamentarian–MarkBeckerEditor–ChuckGrothWebmaster–ChuckGrothNGIC–MarilynLaPorteProvidentGuild–SusanTiffanyFinancialReview–DonHilgendorf;LindaGneiser;GaryPingelFlags/chair/vests/signs–BobLueckBoard reviewed the county and region assignments. Lafayette/Green countieswill be added toBob’s area as theyhavemergedwith Rock/Walworth. Brown County was discussed and it wasnotedthateitherChuck,EllenorSuecouldcoverasneeded.Board reviewed the convention and how it went. Engravingneeds:Vickineedsavicepresidentbadge;weneedonethatsays“Media”.Reviewed equipmentneeds.We sold three items. Laptopswerediscussed;SueishavingissueswithhersandVickiishavingChucklookatherlaptop.MotionbyRonBergtoreplaceSue’slaptop;2nd;discussion;andwithdrawn.Ron Berg advised board that the Ricoh is once again throwingcodes.MotionbyEllenPulvertospendupto$300forrepairsandtoclearcodes;2nd;discussion;MC.Next boardmeeting is July 15, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at Ramada inWaupaca. Review of icer training and submit form to national;review board policies. Doug Brodziskiwill be in attendance andtheHotelrepwillbeavailablealso.Boardhomeworkistoreviewboardpolicies.Continuedonnextpage

12

AssistantSecretary/TreasurerEllenPulver

Post–Conventionmeetingcont.Reviewed voucher procedures. Continue to send only originalsigned page 1 to Chuck; original receipts are to be retained inpersonal iles. Be sure to circle items on receiptswithmultipleitems.Discussed theWisconsinBreakfast and rsvpprogram.RonBergwillshareinformationwithSue.Remindertogetremaining3871’stoRontobe iledwithvouch‐ers.MotionbyEllenPulvertodestroyeligibledocumentsperreten‐tionpolicy;2nd;MC.Credentialsreport:Therewasamathematicalerror in the inalcredentials report discovered by the scribner when doingminutes.87delegateswere reported; actualdelegatesattendingandcheckedinwere88.Board reviewed in detail speci ics of the 2015 convention andareas for improvement when planning upcoming events. Littlethings for improvement included working sound systems andelevators, roomset‐ups, locationsofvariousrooms; suggestedapre‐convention newsletter article on parliamentarian proce‐

dures;deadlines for submitting changesversus startof commit‐teemeetings, etc. Going forward thiswas a learning experienceand there were good and not‐so‐good points and room for im‐provements.Go‐roundMotionbyEllenPulvertoadjournat11:49a.m.;2nd;MC.SubmittedbyEllenPulver******************************

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGED, MODIFIED OR ESTABLISHED

WITHIN THE WIRLCA OR NRLCA?

START NOW BY FILING OUT A CONSTITUTION CHANGE OR MAYBE YOU WANT TO MAKE A RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE

NATIONAL CONVENTION go to pages 20-21 and start writing

Toogoodtobetruecont.frompage3Individuals have been culpable in their own“invasions” due to our “need” to share on socialnetworkslikeFaceBook,Twitter,etc. Inadditiontothemorecommon“internetsafetytips”herearesomethatmayalsohelp;‐RatherthanlinkingFacebook,Twitter,news‐groups,forums,shoppingandbankingsitestooneemailaddress,usemultipleaddresses.Ataminimum,useoneforsocialactivitiesandoneforinancialbusiness.‐SocialNetworks:Onesimplerule...don’tdoorsayanythingonlinethatyouwouldn’tdoorsayinreallife.MorepeoplewillunwittinglyshareVERYpersonalinformationthinkingtheyareinaprivateenvironment

‐Alwaysuseacreditcard,notadebitcardforpurchases.TheConsumerCreditActof1974makecreditcardcompaniesliabletopayifyouareavictimaslongasyouhavetaken‘reasonable’care.Someindividualsuseasepa‐rate,lowbalancelimitcreditcardforonlineuseonly.‐Bewareofgeeksbearinggifts‐oursocialengi‐neering“trusts”adspromisingfasterinternetspeeds, irstlookatahotnewgameorvideoorevensoftwarethatwill“cleanup”yourslowcom‐puter.Remember,ifsomethingsoundtoogoodtobetrue,itprobablyis!HaveablessedHolidayseasonandsafesur ingduringtheapproachingshoppingseason.Chuck

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AreyouSAD? Dothewintermonthsgetyoudownmorethanyouthinktheyshould?AndIdon’tjustmeantheChristmasovertime,the loodof latsinJanuaryoratMailCount.IfyouexperiencethesamekindofseasonaldepressioneachyearitmightbeSeasonalAffectiveDisordercalledSAD. ItisnotknownwhattheexactcauseofSADisbutsomescientiststhinkthatcertainhor‐monesmadedeepinthebraintriggerattitude‐relatedchangesatcertaintimesoftheyear.Ex‐pertsbelievethatSADmayberelatedtothesehormonalchanges.Researchershavefoundthatbrightlightchangesthechemicalsinbrainpath‐waysthatregulatemood.Whenthesepathwaysthatregulatemooddon’tfunctionnormally,theresultcanbefeelingsofdepression,alongwithsymptomsoffatigueandweightgain.PeopleofallagescandevelopSAD.Theaverageageofpeoplewhenthey irstdevelopthisillnessis23yearsofageandwomenarefourtimesmorelikelytobeaffectedthanmen. HowdoyouknowifyouhaveSAD?Therearenospeci ictestsforthisdisorderbutsomeofthesymptomsincludetiredness,fatigue,depression,cryingspells,irritability,troubleconcentrating,bodyaches,lossofsexdrive,poorsleep,decreasedactivitylevelandovereatingespeciallyofcarbohydrates,withassociatedweightgain.Insevereinstances,SeasonalAffec‐tiveDisordercanbeassociatedwiththoughtsofsuicide.Thesesymptomsusuallystartinthefalleachyearandlastuntilspring.Ofcoursesomeofthesesymptomsmaybecausedbyanunder‐lyingmedicalconditionandyoushouldseeyourdoctortorulethatout.Talktoyourdoctoraboutyourfeelingsandwhatyoursymptomsare.Hecanrecommendatreatmentplanforyou. SohowisSADtreated?Regularexposuretolightthatisbright,particularly luorescentlightssigni icantlyimprovesdepressioninpeo‐plewiththisdisorderwhenitpresentsitselfduringthefallandwinter.Thelighttreatmentisuseddailyinthemorningandeveningforbestresults.Lighttherapyhasalsobeencalledpho‐totherapy.Phototherapyiscommerciallyavaila‐bleintheformoflightboxes,whichareusedforapproximately30minutesdaily.Thelightre‐

quiredmustbeofsuf icientbrightness,approx.25timesasbrightasanormallivingroomlight.Thelightdoesnotneedtobeactualdaylightfromthesun.Itisquantity,notnecessarilyqualityofthelightthatmatters.Ifthedoctorrec‐ommendslighttherapy,askifthepracticeprovideslightboxesforpatientsofifyoucanrentoneastheycanbeexpensiveandhealthin‐surancecompaniesdon’tusuallycoverthem.Iflighttreatmentisn’tworkingwell,thedoctormayprescribeanantidepressanttohelpwithyoursymptoms. Inadditiontoyourtreatmentplan,trymakingyourenvironmentsunnierandbrighter.Opentheblinds,trimtreebranchesthatblocksunlightoraddskylightstoyourhome.Getout‐side,takealongwalk,eatyourlunchoutsideorjustsitonabenchandsoakupthesun.Evenoncoldorcloudydays,outdoorlightcanhelp‐es‐peciallyifyouspendsometimeoutsidewithintwohoursofgettingupinthemorning.Exerciseandothertypesofphysicalactivityhelprelievestressandanxiety,andbeingmore itcanmakeyoufeelbetteraboutyourself. Ifyoufeelyouneedextrahelpwithcop‐ingwithSAD,pleaserememberthatEAPisthereforyoualso.MaketheCall1‐800‐327‐4968. Sokeepyourchinup(toabsorbmoresunlight)butkindlykeepyourclotheson.SeeyouatSpringConference,Susan

Executive Committeeperson

Sue Tiffany

Our personal and work life can become difficult at times. EAP-Employee Assistance Program “it’s more than you think”

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LaughterIStheBestMedicine After arrivinghome late after a longMonday (thank you Ama‐zon), the irst thing I sawwas the large note I hadleft formyself. Finish re‐searching and write yournewsletter article. Not

exactlywhatIhadinmindfortheevening.WhenI inishedtheresearchIdidfeelbetter.Whyyoumay ask? My research was going through theEAP (Employee Assistance Program) website tolearnmoreabouttheservicestheyoffer.Youcanreceive counseling by phone, on‐line or with aperson inyourarea. Ididnotmakethecallbutwaspleasedtolearnoftheotheroptions. The topic I chose to look into more wasstress management. We all know the holidaysarecoming. I thought if I could learnsomenewtips formanagingstress,perhapsI toocoulden‐joy the holidays. Following is part of what Ilearned. Laughterandhumorarepowerfultoolstohelpyoucope.Theyareasourceofpowerheal‐ingandsurvival.Laughterwillhelpyoumaintainperspective.Muchofthesufferingweexperienceisnotaresultofourdif iculties,but thewayweview them. Ifwecan ind thehumor ina situa‐tion,itwilleaseworriesandallowustomoveon.Humorhelpsdispelangerandaggressioninoth‐ers and ourselves. To addmore humor to yourlife, recognize its value, don’t try to analyze it…justparticipate and look for thehumor in everysituation. Enough of the hard part for now. Let’slookatsomeofthebene itsofhumor. Laughterprovidesanoutlettorelievefeelingsofstressandanxiety.Studieshaveshownthatlaughtercausesa temporary increase in heart rate and bloodpressurewhichaidsinthedeliveryofoxygenandnutrientstothebody.Itwillalsohelprelaxtensemusclesinyourface,shouldersandtorso.Laugh‐tercausesthebodytoproduceimmunecellsfast‐er helping you ight‐off colds, lu, and other ill‐nesses.Studieshaveshownthatexposingpeople

to laughter increases their ability to deal withpain. Whenyou laugh, thebodyreleasesendor‐phins‐the body’s natural pain killers. A goodsenseofhumorisvaluedinourculture. Ithelpsusbetterrelatetopeople. Togainthefullbene itsofhumor,lookforwaystoaddittoyourlife.Goseeafunnymovie.WatchyourfavoritesitcomonTV.Readthefun‐ny pages in the Sunday paper. Remember thejokesandsayingsyouheardduringthedayorthebumperstickeryousawandsharethemwithoth‐ers. Laughter and humor will enhance ourabilitytoconnectwithothers.It’shardtobean‐gry or depressed and experience humor at thesametime.Humorwillchangeyourbehaviorandincreaseyourenergylevels.Humorandlaughteraregoodforthebodybecausetheymakeyoufeelgood. This is the topic I chose to look into butthereareamultitudeofothersavailable toreadandlookintofurtherontheEAPwebsite.Andit’sall free for the taking. So if you’re hesitant tomake the call, try doing some research throughEAP irst. I promise youwill feel better and gain anew perspective. Hope to see you at a Unionmeetingsoon,Marilyn

MarilynLaPorteCommitteeperson

ARMED FORCES VETERANS CLUB OFFICERS PRESIDENT DAN STROBEL VICE PRESIDENT DENNIS NELSON SECRETARY/TREASURER MARILYN LAPORTE NOTE: DONATIONS TO THE AFVC SCHOLAR-SHIP FUND ARE ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND! MAKE YOUR CHECKS OUT TO; WI ARMED FORCES VETERANS CLUB MAIL YOUR CHECK TO; MARILYN LAPORTE, AFVC SECRETARY/TREASURER PO BOX 591 SPOONER, WI 54801-0591

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LegislativeUpdate"Put simply, our economy stilldepends on a healthy and ro-bustPostalService.It'sourdu-tyinCongresstopavea iscallysustainablepaththatwillena-ble thisAmerican institution tothrive. But it is going to takecollaboration, communication,

andcompromiseforustobesuccessful." - SenatorTomCarper ThisishowSenatorCarperintroduceshisiPOSTLegislationonhis Senatewebsite. The followingis a one page synopsis of how Senator Carperviews his proposed legislation.Paul Swartz, theNRLCA Director of Governmental Affairs, ad‐dressesthekey issuesof theproposal in the lat‐est issue (October) of our National magazine.PresidentDwyer’s full statement concerning thelegislationisavailableonournationalwebsite,aportionofthatstatementfollows‐“Today, SenatorCarper started the conversationaboutmodernizing thePostalService for the21stCenturybyintroducingtheiPostAct.WhilewearepleasedCongressislookingatotherwaystomod-ernizethePostalServicebynotending6-daymaildelivery,thelegislationdoesincludeprovisionstheNRLCAisconcernedabout.Thisbill isa irststeptofacilitatediscussionsabouthow toaddress futureoperationsofthePostalServiceasthecraftcontin-uestoevolvewiththeriseofecommerceandrapidchangesinthewaythatwecommunicatewithoneanother.”‐NRLCAPresidentJeanetteP.DwyerThe following is a link to Senator Carper’sweb‐siteifyouareinterestedinreadingtheentire221pageproposal,oralinebylineexplanation.http://www.carper.senate.gov/public/_cache/iles/9e2010fc‐a878‐4470‐a7f9‐ea93f3de5c4e/ipost‐section‐by‐section.pdf

iPOST ImprovingPostalOperations,Service&TransparencyActof2015“ThePostOf ice is the visible form of the federalgovernmenttoeverycommunityandtoeveryciti-zen.Itshandistheonlyonethattouchesthelocallife, the social interests,and thebusiness concernofeveryneighborhood…” Former Postmaster Gen‐

eralJohnWanamaker TheProblem:TheUnitedStatesPostalService isan importantpartofoureverydaylivesandacriticalengineforthe American economy. However, the organiza‐tion faces inancial challenges that threaten itslong‐termviability.Duetothrivingpackagedeliv‐erygrowthandanaggressive,yetunpopular,ef‐fort to cut costs, the Postal Service generated apositivenetoperatingincomeinFY2014andwilllikelydosoagaininFY2015.However,theagen‐cy continues to hemorrhage billions of dollarsdue to onerous prefunding requirements for fu‐ture retiree healthcare obligations and the con‐tinuing decline of First‐Class Mail volume. Wecan’tstandidlybyandletaninstitutionthatop‐eratesatthecenterofa$1.3trillionindustryandemploys more than eight million people falter.Now is the time to provide a series of sensibleandbalanced reforms to this critical componenttoour economy, and ix its serious, but solvablechallengesforthelong‐term.The Solution: The Improving Postal Opera‐tions, Service and Transparency Act of 2015(iPOST) provides a comprehensive package ofreformstoplacethePostalServiceon irm inan‐cialfooting,stabilizeandimproveserviceperfor‐mance, allow for the development of new prod‐uctsandservices,andenhancetransparency.Speci ically,iPOST:IncreasesSustainability·iPOSTeliminatestheexistingstatutorypaymentschedule, cancels any outstanding payments, re‐duces thepre‐fundinggoal to80percentofpro‐jectedobligations, andamortizespaymentsover40years.iPOSTalsoallowsthePostalServicetheoptiontoinvestitsamortizationpaymentsforupto10years inamore lucrativeTSP‐likeaccountrather than low interest treasury bonds. At theend of 10 years, the investment income wouldirstbeusedtopayanyremainingretireehealthliability, then debt. If those costs are resolvedthen the funding can be used for other postalcostssuchasinvestmentininfrastructure. Continued on next page

BobLueckCommitteeperson

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Legislativeupdatecont.frompreviouspage·iPOSTwouldcreateanewPostalServiceHealthBene itsProgram (PSHBP)withinFEHBP, imple‐mented and administered by OPM, for all postalemployees and annuitants and require all Medi‐care‐eligiblepostalannuitantsandemployeesen‐rolledinthePSHBPtoalsoenrollinMedicare,in‐cludingpartsA,BandD.Thisisessentialforpro‐tecting the American taxpayer from a futurebailoutandforprotectingtheemployees’bene itsinretirement.ImprovesandStabilizesPostalServiceandOp-erations:· The price of postage is currently scheduled todecrease this coming spring pursuant to ordersputforwardbythePostalRegulatoryCommissionand the federal courts. iPOSTmakes the currenttemporary rate increase put into place in 2014permanent while freezing any further rate in‐creasesuntilanewratesystemcanbeestablishedby thePostalRegulatoryCommissionby January1, 2018. The bill also proposes a pause in thePostal Service’s facility closingandconsolidationefforts for two years for mail processing plantsand iveyears forpostof ices.Thispausewouldensure a stabilization of service for postal cus‐tomers who have expressed concerns about anerosion of service quality in recent years. iPOSTalso implements stronger performance enhance‐mentprovisionstomakesurethatallAmerican’sarereceivingaccurateandexpeditiouspostalser‐vices.InnovatesandModernizesExistingPostalBusi-nessModelandIncreasesTransparency:· Thebill also allows thePostal Service to intro‐ducenewnon‐postalproductsandservices, shipbeer,wineanddistilledspirits, andpartnerwithstate and local governments in offering govern‐mentservices.· iPOST increases transparency of Postal Servicedeliveryresultsandwouldrequirethatall trans‐parentdeliveryandretailperformanceresultsarepostedinatransparentanduser‐friendlyway.

ThePACCornerHere’s a story of four people named Everybody,Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was animportant job to be done and Everybody wasasked to do it. Everybodywas sure Somebodywoulddoit.Anybodycouldhavedoneit,butNo‐body did it. Somebody got angry about that, be‐cause it was Everybody’s job. EverybodythoughtAnybodycoulddoitbutNobodyrealizedthat Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up thatEverybody blamed Somebody when NobodydidwhatAnybodycouldhavedone.Sowhosejobisit? To support our union bycontacting our legislators, contributing to PAC,attendingmeetings,recruitingnewmembers,be‐comingalocalorstateof icerorlocalstewardthelistgoeson.Ithinkyouknowtheanswerbutheregoes anyway, it’sEverybody’s job andAnybodycandoit.SoinordertogetstartedonsomethingveryeasyI have included severalways you can contributetoPAC.I’vealsoincludedinthisissuealistofourWisconsin congressional representatives and USSenatorscontactinformation.Believeitornotthe2016 election year has begun, now’s the time tostartcontactingyourelectedrepresentativesandletthemknowwhatissuesareimportanttousasRuralCarriers.The ight isnowherenearoverandwewantyouto know, we will not take this sitting down.Through your continued support and generouscontributions,westanda ightingchanceagainstthe attacksbeing launchedourway.NRLCA‐PACneeds your generous contribution now to keepighting for rural carriers inWashington.ThisisyourchancetomakeyourdifferenceonCapi‐tolHill.Youdelivermail6‐days(sometimes7)aweek: it is time for Congress to deliver to YOU ,theirconstituents.Fillouttheformonnextpageandsenditinwithyourcontribution.Betteryet, joinourSustainingDonorSocietyby signing up for Withholding orElectronic Fund Transfer (EFT). If we work to‐gether,wecanmakeourvoicesheardonCapitolHillandsavethePostalService.

Continuedonnextpage

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$45________$25_____$20_____$15_____$10_____Other:$_____________PleasemakecheckpayabletoNRLCA‐PACPleasereturnthiscouponwithyourcheckto;WIRLCAPACChairpersonBobLueck1417OakSt.Watertown,WI53098‐1136Yourcontributionisagiftandisnottaxdeductibleasacharitablecontributiononyourtaxreturn.

YoucanalsocontributetoNRLCA‐PACmonthlyfromyourbankaccountviaElectronicFundTransfer(EFT)orPayrollDeductiongotowww.nrlca.orgfordetails

Iherebyauthorizemybanktodeductfrommycheckingaccountthemonthlysumof:$45____$25____$20____$15___$10___Other:$____________Signature:______________________________Date:___________________Name(print):______________________________SocialSecurityNumber:________________________EmployeeIDNumber:___________________________State:__________________ZipCode:___________________

NOTE:BymakingaNRLCA‐PACElectronicFundTransferAuthorization,youaredoingsovoluntarilywiththeunder‐standingthatyourmonthlycontributionisnotaconditionofmembershipintheNationalRuralLetterCarriers’Asso‐ciationoremploymentbythePostalServicenorpartofunionduesandthatNRLCA‐PACwillusethemoneyitreceivestocontributetocandidatesforfederalof iceaspermittedbythelaw.YouarealsomakingthisElectronicFundTransferauthorizationunderstandingthattheNRLCA‐PACcontributionsarenottaxdeductibleandyourselectionshallremaininfullforceandeffectuntilyoucancelbynotifyingtheNRLCA‐PACinwriting.

PleaseattachavoidedcheckandsendtoNRLCA‐PAC1630DukeSt.Floor2Alexandria,VA22314

ELECTRONICFUNDSTRANSFER

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50+yearmembersStoriesandphotoscourtesyofEllenPulverRaymondGolzhasbeenare‐tiredmemberoftheWIRLCAfor37yearsandamemberoftheNRLCAformorethan56years.HecarriedmailasacitycarrierandalsoonRuralRoute1fromPortage(theFortWinnebagoarea)untilhisretirementin1978.Hisdaughter,Karen,andbestpup,Molly,wereon‐handforthepresentation.

Norman Schubert: RetiredcarrieroutofHancock.Nor‐man lives are WhisperingPines and shares mealswithoneofhis former cus‐tomers.He ispicturedherewithhiswife,Nancy.

John Oberstadt and wife, Delores “Tootsie”, liveoutsidetheShiocton/BlackCreekarea. Johncar‐ried out of Shiocton on the route which wentnearlytoShawanobefore turningaround. His irstroutewasaprettyhilly route, alt‐hough it was 53miles, 200 cus‐tomers, and hewas home forlunchmostdays.

RalphSassmanandhiswife,Helen,livejustattheedgeofBlackCreek.Ralphsharedhetookthetesttobecomeacarrieronthelastdayitwasoffered

afterbeingapproachedbyhismailcarrier.Hewaitednearlytwoyearsforaposition.Inaddi‐tiontohismanyyearsofsupportfortheunion,Ralphwasrecognizedin2014for70yearsofmembershipwiththeAmericanLegion.LloydLarschied,retiredcarrierfromCoffrinSta‐tioninGreenBay,hasseenlotsofchangeovertheyearsandwasgen‐uinelysurprisedtore‐ceivethisaward.Hehaspassedalongthegiftofbeingaruralcar‐riertobothhisnephew,John,whowasaRCAforseveralyearsbeforepursuingotherpaths;andhisgreat‐nephew,Matt,whocurrentlyisservingasaRCA. EdgarKuhlowhasnotsloweddownabitsinceretiringasSheboyganFallsRoute1carrier35yearsago.HecreditsformerNationalCommittee‐manfrom1940‐1943,ChesterGranger(Edgar’schildhoodmailcarrier),withwhyhejoinedthe

NRLCAearlyinhiscareer.HesharedthatMr.Grangeralwaystoldthem,…”whenyougotoameeting,don’tjustsitbehindapole,standupandsaysomething…”

Whilehenolongermaintainsthecemeteryrec‐ordsintheSheboyganFallsarea,theformerPOW,continuestoremainbusywithmanyotheractivitiesandIcaughthimjustashewasreturn‐inghomefromplayingcards. DeanBrocker

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50+yearmemberscont.

RobertG.GundersonwithRock/WalworthPresidentBarryZeich(recentlyretired)

Sauk/RichlandPresi‐dentScottMueller,alongwithhiswifeAngieandSauk/RichlandSecretary/TreasurerMaxineHynek,presentedVincentDurenwiththeNRLCA60yearmembershipaward.

EugeneMillerwasrecentlyhonoredforhis54yearsofmembershipintheNRLCAbyJimGerke,formersecretaryoftheMonroe‐JuneauCountyRLCA.

StanleyCychosz

Withhis50+yearaward

WIRLCACommitteepersonBobLueckwithOscarYaeggi

WIRLCAPresidentChuckGrothrecentlypresent‐edRaymondBehling(below)witha60yearlon‐gevityawardandJohnReinke(right)witha50+yearaward.

MarvinLeeacceptinghis60+longevityawardfromVernonCountyPresi‐dentDeanDaniels

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CONSTITUTION CHANGE 2016

NOTE: ALL CONSTITUTION CHANGES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY/TREASURER, Ellen Pulver, W5781 Cty G, Rio, WI 53960 POSTMARKED BY JUNE 6, 2016 OR E-MAILED TO ASSISTANT STATE SEC-

RETARY/TREASURER BY JUNE 20, 2015 BY 10AM

The following CONSTITUTION Change is being submitted for consideration at the 2016 WISCONSIN RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION, Waupaca, Wisconsin

June 24-26, 2016. PRESENT LANGUAGE: ARTICLE #: SECTION #: PROPOSED LANGUAGE: ARTICLE #: SECTION #: INTENT: REASON FOR CHANGE: SUBMITTED BY: Daytime Phone Number:

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RESOLUTION CHANGE 2016

NOTE: ALL RESOLUTION CHANGES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY/TREASURER, Ellen Pulver, W5781 Cty G, Rio, WI 53960 POSTMARKED BY JUNE 6, 2016 OR E-MAILED TO ASSISTANT STATE

SECRETARY/TREASURER BY JUNE 20, 2016 BY 10AM. The following RESOLUTION Change is being submitted for consideration at the 2016 WISCONSIN RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION, Waupaca, Wisconsin June 24-26, 2016.

This issue concerns: Identify any Handbooks, Manuals, or written documents to be amended by: (a) Name of Document: (b) Article: Section: Paragraph:

THIS RESOLUTION IS: [ ] BINDING [ ] NON-BINDING

Vehicle Leave Replacements Automation Relief Day Time Standards Mailcount Benefits Retirement Other Salary Grievance Procedures Constitution Work Rules EMA

WHEREAS,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

INTENT OF/REASON FOR CHANGE:

Submitted by: Phone number you can be reached at during day:

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NATIONALCONVENTIONSECOND‐TIMERREPORTIFYOU'RELUCKYENOUGH.....Iwanttostartbysayingthankstoallthosewhovotedformetorepresentyouatthe2015NationalConventioninRenoNV.Ittrulyisaprivilegetoattendandamgratefulfortheopportunity.Thankyou!AsIalreadymentioned,IwasLUCKYENOUGHtoattendtheNationalConventioninAugust.Eventhough I didn't win any $, I was LUCKY ENOUGH to win so much more. This was my second"national"soIwasn'tconsidereda" irsttimer"buttherewerewellover80 irsttimerswhowereLUCKYENOUGH.Thatisthelargestnumberof irsttimersyettoattendanationalconvention.Thatwasvery impressive tomeas lastyear therewasonlyaround55! IfweareLUCKYENOUGHthatnumberwillcontinuetoriseandhopefullycontinuetoattendfutureconventions. AsanattendeeIwasLUCKYEOUGHtohavetheopportunitytospeakdirectlywithrepresenta‐tivesofbusinessesthatdirectlyhelpsupportRuralLetterCarrierslikeGMAC,Aetna,Cigna,AtlantaPostalCreditUnion,etcandaskthemquestionsabouttheprogramsthatIamLUCKYENOUGHtobeapartofandLUCKYENOUGHfortheirstrongdedicationtothemembersoftheNRLCA.AlsosomedaysIwasLUCKYENOUGHtoalsoreceive"smalltokens"ofappreciationfromthemaswell.IwasalsoLUCKYENOUGHtoattendthebusinesssessionofourconventionthatbeganwithaveryimpressivepresentationof lagsfromallthestateincludingPuertoRicowhichwasLUCKYENOUGHtonowbe includedaspartof thevotingdelegation. during this samepresentation; lags fromallbranchesoftheservicewerealsodisplayed.EmotionswelledupinsidemeasIthoughtabouthowIamLUCKYENOUGHforallthosemilitarymenandwomenwhofought/protectedthisgreatcountrysoIcancontinuetobeLUCKYENOUGH.Butmoreimportantly,(andalsoforthe irsttime)thePOWMIA lagwasalsoapartofthistributebutunfortunatelythosemenandwomenitrepresentswerenotluckyenough.Myheartgoesouttoallofthemandtheirfamiliesfortheirloss.Throughouttheconventionwealsolearnedofotherlosses/hardshipsofmanywholosttheirlivesonthejobandofcarrierswhosufferedserioushealth issues,andthe listcouldgoon. But thesescarriersandtheirfamiliesareluckyenough....LUCKYENOUGHthattheyhavebeenapartofour"family"aswell.TheremainderofthesessionwasspentconductingthebusinessasnecessaryandasoutlinedinourhandoutsandyouareLUCKYENOUGHIamnotgoingtoshareallthosedetails(lol).However,Idoencourageyoutocontactmeoranyotherdelegatesforinformation.Iwouldliketoshareoneofthe highlights aswewere LUCKYENOUGH to have thenewly appointedPMGaddress the delega‐tion. HerwordswereencouragingandagainwewereLUCKYENOUGHtohavehersharehertimewithus.Inclosing,IhopeyoucangetafeelforhowLUCKYENOUGHyouaretobeapartoftheNRLCAandthatyoutakethetimetoshowyoursupportandcontinuetobeLUCKYENOUGHattendmeetingsandconventions.AfterallIknowIAMLUCKYENOUGH,TOO!ThanksFrancesSmidtRCAElkMound

…”whenyougotoameeting,don’tjustsitbehindapole,standupandsaysomething…”NationalCommitteemanfrom1940‐1943,ChesterGranger

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Chaplain’sCornerBy:CarlaFreymiller SEASON’SCHANGINGThe leaves have changedcolors and blanked the

groundastheyfell.Theheatofthesummerhasdiminished,making formore comfortable tem‐peratures.Thewindhowlsgettingreadyfortheshorter, colder days of winter, when the earthtakes a long rest from its productive summermonths.Thegroundaroundustakesabreak. Not forusRuralCarriers; it’sour “Busy‐Time.” More parcels and catalogs to deliver.Roads icy and snow covered. Longer on therouteswithshorterdaylight. Goingtoworkinthedarkandarrivinghomeafterdark.Youdon’tneedtoremindme,yousay. Cheer up for it is only for a littlewhile,comparedtotherestoftheyear.Just like our lives there are different seasonsthat come and go, some better than others: Atime to be born and A time to die, A time toweep and A time to laugh, A time to embraceandAtimetorefrain,AtimetobesilentandAtimetospeak,thelistgoeson.

Many activities happen in our lifetime,some good and then some not so good. Somekeepusmovingandothersgiveusrest. GodhasmadeeverythingbeautifulinHistime.ThereisnothingbetterforustodothantoBEHAPPY andDOGOOD. Some days it’s hardbutwithGod’sHelp,AllThingsArePossible. MayGodguideyourpathsandkeepyousafeonwhicheverrouteyoutravel.MayGodBlessyourHolidaysandHaveaMerryChristmasandaBlessed2016NewYear!!!!!

Recently deceased carriers “Gone but not forgotten”

STOUR SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILIES AND CO-WORKERS

BRIAN WENGER 9/8/2015 THOMAS BALZA 9/12/2015 JIM DUMMITT 11/14/2015 MELVIN EWERT 10/3/2015 STEPHEN FOLWARSKI 9/15/2015 JEROME GREISCH 9/9/2015 RICHARD LEMME 9/13/2015 JOE SLOTA 9/30/2015

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NEW MEMBERS August 29– Oct. 21, 2015

RICHARD MOYER 10/12/2015 MARK BROWN 10/12/2015 DANIEL PALMER 10/12/2015 GERALD TESCH JR 10/12/2015 MICHELLE HEIMANN 10/12/2015 ANDREW FOSTER 10/12/2015 ROBIN TINNON 10/12/2015 MITCHELL LUDVIGSEN 10/12/2015 JEFFREY ERICKSON 10/12/2015 SANDRA RICHARDSON 10/12/2015 CASSIDY WINKEL 10/12/2015 AMANDA GILLESPIE 10/12/2015 MACKENZY NABER 10/12/2015 JEFFREY CARDER 10/12/2015 TAMARA STRENKE 10/25/2015 TREVOR TILSETH 10/25/2015 AMANDA ORLANDO 10/25/2015 BOBBI ENGLEBERT 10/25/2015 PRINCE AILERU 10/25/2015 PETE KOHLMANN VI 10/25/2015 TINA GEBHARD 10/25/2015 MISTY SHORT 10/25/2015 SHERRY THOMAS 10/25/2015 MICHAEL KRAEMER 10/25/2015 ERIK ANDERSON 10/25/2015 BRANDON O'ROURKE 10/25/2015 HARALAMPOS PAPAIOANNOU 10/25/2015 LARRY NEVIN 10/25/2015 ANGELA DAVIS 10/25/2015 ANTHONY MARTIN 10/25/2015

RECENTLY RETIRED RANDALLDUBOIS DEPEREMELODYJOHNSON JANESVILLEMICHAELKLAUCK SHEBOYGANRICHARDLESNIEWSKI THORPLEON OLBRANTZ MARATHON

The next generationwillnotchargeus forwhat we've done;they will charge andcondemnus forwhatwe have left undone.—MotherJones

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CHARLES R WIPPERFURTH ROGER KOLAR HAROLD "HAL" J DIETRICH SYLVESTER M HEIER MARVIN HINZ LLOYD LARSCHEID LELAND BAXTER LEON E LAUBSCHER ROBERT E MATESKE NORMAN A SCHUBERT MILTON J LAUFENBERG DONALD C KLEIN KENNETH W SMITH FRANK LENCZ HENRY J VANDEZANDE BYRON J WECKERLY LESLIE H RYBERG JOHN P OBERSTADT GLENN P JANTE ROBERT H DUMS CLARENCE D DELAWYER ELDON ARNESON RON BRYAN CURTIS E LARSON MARVIN L LEE-60 YR

EUGENE F MILLER WILFRID NEISIUS

RALPH G OFTERDAHL-60 YR RALPH E SASSMAN

WILLIAM R SCHNIEDER-60 YR LEO STIENER

OSCAR M YAEGGI-60 YR HENRY F ZANE-60 YR

VINCENT J DUREN-60 YR JOHN A REINKE

ROBERT G GUNDERSON DONALD R JOHNSON

EDGAR KUHLOW PHILLIP W BERNS

WALTER F CIAGLO WILFRED J HALL

ARTHUR B KOZMINSKI LEO R STEINER

IRVIN A FEIT-60 YR THOMAS M HAROLDSON-60 YR

DEAN D BROCKER STANLEY B CYCHOSZ

RAYMOND D GOLZ MARTIN J HETZEL

ALL LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND SUBMITTED FOR 50 YEAR PLUS MEMBERSHIP IN 2014-2015

Attention: Recently Retired Rural Carriers, This is Very Important to YOU!

PLEASE READ THIS ! You could be at risk ! Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your past support of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. We still need your support as a retiree. Please know that as a retired rural carrier, it is important that you continue your NRLCA membership without interruption in order to maintain your enrollment in the Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (RCBP) or to maintain your eligibility for future enrollment. A lapse in membership may prohibit you from enrolling in any NRLCA sponsored insurance plan. While you may not now have the Rural Carrier Benefit Plan, you could find that it may better suit your needs at some later date. To ensure continued membership and eligi-bility, please complete a Form 1187-R as soon as possible. If you prefer, a cash dues payment is an option. Cash dues are currently $91 per year paid each June. When you retire, the authorization for dues withholding you signed as an active rural carrier ceases to be in effect. It does not transfer into retirement. To continue membership as a retired carrier, you must com-plete a new Form 1187-R to authorize dues withholding from your annuity. Or you can pay cash dues-both are fine. Once again, thank you for your past support and we hope you will choose to remain a member of the NRLCA. Should you have questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to contact; Ron Berg, WIRLCA State Secretary ph. 608-753-3053 Sincerely, The WIRLCA State Board

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WIRLCA AUXILIARY OFFICERS – 2015-2016 President Kathy Lueck 1417 Oak Street Watertown, WI 53098-1136 920-262-1980 [email protected] Vice-President

Diane Susa 10686 County Road Bb Marshfield, WI 54449-9559 715-676-3376 [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Tana Ziech 480 N Pine Street Orfordville, WI 53576 608-879-2791 [email protected] Executive Committee Chairperson Betty Lilley 2941 Hwy 80 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-9388 715-884-6592 [email protected] Junior Sponsor Karen Rasmussen N55W31185 Cty Rd K Hartland, WI 53029-9305 262-367-2330 [email protected]

WIRLCA JUNIOR OFFICERS – 2015-2016 President Jonathan Jandourek N5080 Old 54 Road Shiocton, WI 54170 920-986-3710 [email protected] Vice President/Chaplain Monica Lueck 1417 Oak Street Watertown, WI 53098 920-285-0895 [email protected] Secretary Emily Gallagher W6225 West Bush Road Pardeeville, WI 53954 608-617-4959 [email protected] Treasurer/Chaplain Joe Schlies E656 Cty Rd J Denmark, WI 54208 920-863-8485 [email protected]

NationalAuxiliaryHumanitarianProject‐2015‐2016“TheYearoftheFamily” IhavealwayslikedpenguinsandIneverthoughtitwouldbringmetothisyear.Ihavechosen”Family”asmyprogramthisyearandhavesymbolizeditwiththeKingPenguinFamily.Anyonewhohaseverseenadocumentaryon thesecreaturesknowthat the familyunit is special to them.Bothparentstakeanactivepartinraisingtheiryoung.Butthethingthatreallygotmewaswhentherewastrouble(badweather)astohowthesebirds locktogethertohelponeanother. TheyremindmeoftheNRLCA.Whenamemberisintroubleorthereisbadweatherbrewinginthefuture,they locktogetherandprotecteachother. InchoosingahumanitarianprojectforthisyearIchoseMSResearch.Oneofmybestfriend’sdaughterhassufferedwithMS formanyyears.HavingMSmeans thatwitheverypassingday,youlosea littlepartofyourself. It ismyhopethatwhatwecollectwillhelptheSocietytogetclosertoindingthecauseandtohelppreventMSinthefuture.‐HelenSchuster,NRLCAAuxiliaryPresident2015‐2016Inmultiplesclerosis,damagetothemyelininthecentralnervoussystem(CNS)‐andtothenerve i‐bers themselves‐interfereswith the transmission of nervous signals between the brain and spinalcordandotherparsofthebody.MSsymptomsarevariableandunpredictable.Notwopeoplehaveexactlythesamesymptoms,andeachperson’ssymptomscanchangeor luctuateovertime.Onepersonmightexperienceonlyoneortwoofthepossiblesymptomswhileanotherexperiencesmanymore.

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WISCONSINRURALLETTERCARRIERSAUXILIARYTanaZeich,Secretary/Treasurer 408N.PineSt. (Applicant’sName)Orfordville,WI53576

SCHOLARSHIPAPPLICATIONFORWIRLCAJUNIORMEMBERSENTERINGHIGHEREDUCATIONASAFRESHMAN

DearApplicant:TheWIRLCAispleasedtoofferScholarshipsinamountsof$500.Also$750scholarshipswillbeawardedtoactiveWIRLCAJuniors.Eligibilityforthesescholarshipsisdeterminedbyparents/grandparentsmembershipingoodstandingintheNRLCAssociationand/orAuxiliary.APPLICATIONINSTRUCTIONS:Includeanof icialtranscriptwithschoolsealbeginningwithGradeNinethroughthe irstsemester

oftheSenioryear.Thegradepointaveragemustbe2.5(C+)ona4pointscale.Attachtranscripttosecondpage

ofapplication.

Allspacesontheapplicationmustbe illedin.

Allapplicationsmustbetypedorneatlyandlegiblyhandprintedininktobeconsidered.

AllapplicationsmustbepostmarkednolaterthanMay25,2015.AnyapplicationreceivedwithapostmarklaterthanMay25thwillnotbeconsidered.

Mailyourcompletedapplication(andallrequestedinformation)to: Secretary/Treasurer,WIRLCAAuxiliary

TanaZeich408N.PineSt.Orfordville,WI53576

ApplicantmayincludearecentphotographorHighSchoolSeniorPictureoftheapplicantwiththisappli‐cation.Byincludingthisphotograph,applicantisauthorizingtheWIRLCAtousethispictureinourStatenewspaper.

WinnerswillbeannouncedattheWIRLCAStateConventioninJune.Noti icationtotheawardwinnerswillbesentaftertheJuneStateConvention.

Scholarshipswillnotbepaiduntilthestudenthassuccessfullycompletedthe irstsemester(withgradepointaverage2.5(C+)orhigherona4pointscale)andenrolledforthesecondsemester.Aletterin‐cludinggradesreceivedfor irstsemesterandascheduleofclassesforsecondsemestermustbesenttotheAuxiliarySecretary/TreasurerbyFebruary18,2017.

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Name: Birthdate: StreetAddress: City: State: Zip+4: PhoneNumber: NameofRuralCarrierParent/Grandparent: PostalIDorSS#___________________________Checkone:___RegularCarrier___Retired___Substitute___Widow(er)ofcarrierPostOf icewhereyourParent/Grandparentis/wasemployed: AreyourParents/Grandparentsmembersingoodstandingin:__Yes__NoWIRLCA‐Association __Yes__NoWIRLCA‐AuxiliaryInwhatcountyaremembershipduespaid? Whatschoolofhighereducationhaveyoubeenacceptedintoasafreshman: PLEASEANSWERTHEFOLLOWINGQUESTIONSASCOMPLETELYASPOSSIBLE.1. HaveyouparticipatedintheWIRLCAJuniororganizationatStateConventions?

Ifso,inwhatway?

2. Didyoureceiveanyacademichonorsorawardsduringhighschool?Ifso,pleaselist.

3. Didyouparticipateinschool‐sponsoredactivitiessuchasclubs,organizations,sports,etc?Ifso,pleaselist.

4. Haveyouparticipatedinnon‐schoolsponsoredactivities?Ifso,pleaselist.

5.Pleaselistanyhobbies,specialinterestsortalentsyouhave.

29


Onaseparatesheetofpaper,pleasesubmitthefollowinginformation:1. Yourcareergoals

2. Whyyouwishtopursuethecareeryouhavechosen

3. Whatexperiencesyouhavehadtodatethatmightberelevanttoyourcareergoals4. Anyotherinformationaboutyourselfthatmightberelevanttothisapplication.SignatureofApplicant: Father'sName:(pleaseprint)SignatureofApplicant’sFather: Mother'sName:(pleaseprint)SignatureofApplicant’sMother: DateofApplication: Attach Picture Here (Optional‐Referto#6 ApplicationInstructions)

ThankYou!GoodLuckwithYourFuture!

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LAKELANDDISTRICTREPRESENTATIVEJULIADOGGETTGreetingsfromLakelandDistrict…Relief DayWork List‐The RDWL should havebeen posted in your of ice between the dates ofSeptember26thandOctober9th,forregularruralcarriers to sign if theywish towork their reliefday if the need arises. This new list supersedesthe previously established list and will go in toeffect the irst day of the new guarantee year,whichisOctober17,2015.When it is determined that a regular carrier isneeded to work their relief day, managementchoosescarrierson the listbyseniority tocomeinandwork.ThatcarriermaychooseaDACA5,whichistimeandahalfpay,DACA3whichpro‐videshalfdayswageplusanXdaytobeusedatalaterdatewithin12weeksasschedulebytheem‐ployer, or a DACA R which provides an X day,which is scheduledwithin thenext12weeksbymutual agreement. An RCA, who is working theroutewhere the regular carrier is called in,maybeplacedonanyotherrouteintheof iceneedingcoverage.AnyXdaysearnedpriortothestartofguaranteeyear (for this year,October17, 2015) cannotbeuseduntilaftertheChristmasspecialpayperiod(thisyearthatperiodendsDecember25th).Addi‐tionally,anyXdaysearnedduringthissameperi‐od (October 17 through December 25) must beused in thesamepayperiod inwhich theywereearned.Christmas Pay Period‐This year, between De‐cember 5 and December 25 special pay proce‐duresgointoeffect.Article9.2.KoftheNationalAgreementoutlinestheseprocedures.Duringthisperiod,specialpayproceduresareinuse; regular carriers andRCAs assigned to a va‐cantregularrouteorwheretheregularcarrierison extended leave are paid at the overtime ratefor hours worked in excess of the evaluation ofthe route. These carriers also qualify to receiveauxiliary assistance which is provided for thepurpose of keeping the carriers work hoursdown.Overtimeduringthisperiodmayoccurbutit is not an entitlement, therefore management

maybe tracking carrierworkhours andprovid‐ing the carrier assigned assistance to ensure noovertimepaymentoccurs.RCAswhoareassignedtoauxiliaryrouteswillbepaidforhoursactuallyworkedinsteadoftheevaluationoftheassignedroute, while regular carriers working on routesevaluated at less than 35 hours are paid at thestraighttimerateforhoursworkedoverevalua‐tionupto40inaworkweek,andthentheover‐timerateforhoursworkedinexcessof40inthatworkweek.The Christmas holiday (December 25th) and anypaid leave taken by regular carriers during thisperiodwillbecreditedasworkhoursperformedfor thepurposeofdetermining totalworkhoursduring the Christmas period. The daily workhoursarecomputedonthebasisoftheappropri‐atedailyevaluationoftherouteandbaseduponachart provided in the contract under article9.2.K.1.f. The daily evaluated hours for a J routeare not determined by those indicated on thePS4241A.Filingagrievance‐Pleasetakenote;anindividu‐algrievancemust irstbeinitiatedbytheharmedcarrier before the Steward can begin processingthegrievance.Grievancesare initiatedthroughaprocessthatbeginswiththeaffectedcarrierhav‐ingaconversationwiththeirimmediatesupervi‐sorinanattempttoresolvetheissue.Iftheissuecannot be resolved at this time, the carrier canile a grievance by having section 3b of the PSForm8191initialedbythemanager,andalsoin‐dicatingthedatethediscussionwasheld.Theis‐suethatwasdiscussedshouldbestatedinbox4ofthegrievanceform,andthenimmediatelyfor‐warded to the certi ied steward. I have latelybeenreceivinggrievanceformsthatwerenotini‐tiated;article153.Step1aoftheNationalAgree‐ment requires that an employee who feels ag‐grievedmustdiscusstheissuewiththeirsupervi‐sor within 14 days, and if no resolution isreached,(15.3.Step1.c) ilethegrievancebyhav‐ingthesupervisorannotatetheformwiththeis‐sueandthedateofdiscussion.Ifforsomereasonthe supervisor refuses to initiate the grievanceafter thediscussionwasheld, the carrier shouldletthestewardknowimmediately. Continuedonnextpage

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LAKELANDDISTRICTREPRESENTATIVEJULIADOGGETTcont.

PTF‐APTF carrier is a careerposition,designa‐tioncode76parttime lexibleruralcarrier;cur‐rentlyLakelanddistricthas22PTFcarriers.ThePTFcarrierisasubstituteorRCAappointedfol‐lowing an assignment posting, which providesservice on regular and auxiliary routes as di‐rectedbymanagement.(Article7.1.B).PTF positions are created at the discretion ofmanagement when there is a shortage of leavereplacementcarriersandmanagementhasbeenunsuccessfulintheirhiringeffortsofRCAs.Man‐agementmust continue tomake every effort toill leave replacement vacancies as they occureven after creating the PTF position. A regularcarrier has a right to request in writing that aleave replacement be hired for their route, andManagement has a reasonable period of time(thishasbeendeterminedtobe120days)toob‐tainanRCAfortherouteaftertherequest.AfterestablishmentofaPTFpositioninanof ice,man‐agementmustensurethattheprocesstorecruit,testandhireRCAsiscontinued.A PTF rural carrier is assigned as the primaryleave replacement on more than one regular Kroute, having no other positions on the matrixotherthantheprimaryroutesassigned.ThePTFassignmentisonlycreatedwithKroutesbutthePTFmaywork on any other route in the of iceneeding coverage. The assignment includes nolessthan2Kroutes,nomorethan5Kroutesandno 2 routes designated as primary assignmentsmayhavethesamereliefday.Routescanbeadd‐edordeletedfromthePTFassignmentsasneed‐edprovidedthenumberofroutesassignedcon‐tinuestobenolessthan2Kroutesandnomorethan5Kroutes. IfarouteassignedtoaPTFbe‐comesaJroute,thatroutewillberemovedfromthe PTFs assignment. The PTF carrier may beusedonanyregularrouteintheof icewheretheprimaryleavereplacementisnotavailableortheauxiliary route when the leave replacement as‐signedtothatrouteisnotavailable.Onaweeklybasis,thePTFruralcarrierisentitledtoevaluat‐edhoursequal to the totaloneday’s evaluationofeachoftheprimaryrouteassignments.Thisisacareerpositionandtheemployeeearnsannual

and sick leave based upon the actual hoursworkedontheprimaryassignments;nobene itsareearned forhoursworkedonother routes inthe of ice. The carrier in this position is a leavereplacement employee and is not eligible forhigherlevelnon‐bargainingdetailassignments.When a PTF position is posted in an of ice, allRCAsintheof icewhohavecompletedtheirpro‐bationaryperiodareeligible tobidon theposi‐tion.ThePTFpositionnoticeispostedfor10cal‐endardays,theassignmentisawardedwithin10daysofthecloseofbidandtheplacementofthesuccessful bidder is made with 21 days of theaward.If the position is not illed within the of ice inwhich the vacancy exists, the position will beposteddistrictwidewithin10dayswiththebidstayingopenfor15daysateachof iceinthedis‐trict.Atthetimearegularrouteispostedforbidintheof iceinwhichaPTFisassigned,theresid‐ualvacancywillbeautomaticallyawardedtothePTFwiththe longestperiodofservice in theof‐iceasaPTF;aPTFruralcarriercannotdeclineconversiontoregularstatus.2080/2240 tracking sheet‐The beginning oftheguaranteeyearstartsaclearslatefortheac‐cumulationof2080/2240workhours.Thereisatracking worksheet available for cut out of theNationalmagazine, a copy is attachedhere.ThenewguaranteeyearbeginsOctober17,2015andrunsthroughOctober14,2016;duringthisperi‐od of time regular carriers are not to exceed2080 regular work hours of 2240 hours, whichincludes overtime work hours. The trackingwork sheet will assist you in keeping track ofyourownworkhoursthroughouttheyear.JuliaDoggettThestoryofthelabormovementneedstobetaughtineveryschoolinthisland....Americais a living testimonial towhat freemen andwomen, organized in free democratic tradeunions,candotomakeabetterlife.Weoughtto be proud of it.—Vice PresidentHubertH.Humphrey

32

MeetingtheEvaluationLetter–2016FiscalYearSUBJECT: PerformanceAppraisal/2080Adjustment/Article8.2/MOU#2/DPStotheStreet/M‐38.228.4

National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association stewards regularly receive calls regarding carrier’s‘meetingtheirevaluations’,budgetedhours,DPStothestreet,percenttostandard,startingtimes,2080adjustmentofroutes,5PMendtime;issuesthatfromtheAssociation’sstandpointattackthevery essence of the evaluated system, that being, carrier’s performing without the need for‘constant’ supervisionbecause thesystemallows forvariationswithoutpayconsequencesexceptforselectcircumstances.Theevaluatedsystemallowscarrierstochoosewhatworksbestforthemandtheunionagainasks‘whathaschanged’?Includedinthisletteraresixitems,withcomments,foryour reviewandutilization indealingwithcarrierperformance issuesandassociatedactionsthatmaytakeplace.

A.PO603.151.2PerformanceAppraisalstates:Iftheweeklytimerequiredtoservetherouteconsistentlyvariesmorethanthreehours,eitherbe‐loworinexcessoftheroute’sstandardhours,managersshouldconsidercorrectiveaction.Excep‐tionsmaybemadeforcarriers55yearsofageorolder,andcarrierswhohaveservedcontinuouslyfor25yearsormore,providedthattheirconductandef iciencyaresatisfactory.Whenitisdemon‐stratedthatacarrier55orovercannotcon inetotalworkingtimeto48hoursperweekorless,theroutewillbeadjusted.Isthisbeingutilizedinthemanagementofallroutes,bothoverandunderevaluation?Iscon‐siderationgivenfortheService’sEveryPieceEveryDaywayofdoingbusinessnow?Hasdispatchbeenchanged?ThisyearIamincludingwithaddedemphasisthecontractual languageonadjust‐mentofroutesdueto“projected”2080issuesandnoteinparticularthatallreviewsneedtakeintoaccountpastcarrierperformanceinitsentirety.B.Article9.2.C.7.b.(2)Review—DuringGuaranteePeriodWhen a postmaster believes that a rural carrierwill exceed 2,080 actualwork hours during theguaranteeperiod,thefollowingproceduresshallapply:Theruralcarriermustbeadvised,inwrit‐ing,andameetingarrangedtodiscusstheactiondeemedtobenecessarytoassurethattheactualhoursdonotexceed the2,080annualguarantee.At suchmeeting, thepostmastershall ascertainwhetherornotaruralcarrier,notcoveredunderC.7.a.,willcommit,inwriting,tousesuf icientan‐nualleavetokeeptheactualworkhoursunder2,080duringtheguaranteeperiod.Normally,routeadjustmentsoradditional reliefdayswillnotbenecessary inorder tocontrolactualworkhourswheretheruralcarrierhasgivenspeci iccommitmentsofannual leaveandsuchleaveusagewillkeep theactualworkhoursunder2,080 for theguaranteeperiod.However, thepostmastermaytakesuchactionasnecessarytoavoidactualworkhours inexcessof2,080duringtheguaranteeperiod.NOTE:Noticeinwritingandameetingtodiscuss.C.Article8.2.WorkSchedulesstates:Dailyschedulesshallbeestablishedtocoincidewiththedailyevaluationoftherouteandadjustedperiodicallyasrequired.Thecarrier’sworkdaymayvaryaboveorbelowthedailyevaluationoftherouteasmailvolume luctuatesandroadandweatherconditionschange. Is considerationgiven to theseelements inappraisingcarriersaswell as thesafety issuesthatareinherentwithcarriers“feeling”pressuredto‘makeup’time?Hasmanagementconductedareviewofthecarrier’sactualperformanceoverthecourseofayear–timesdovarywiththesea‐sons? Continuedonnextpage

33

MeetingtheEvaluationLetter‐2016frompreviouspageThepresentevaluatedsystemdoesnotprovideamechanismtoaccountfortwothings,one,varia‐tionsinroutecharacteristics,(goodversuspoorroads;busyhighways,intersections,andcrossingsofmanytypesversuslowtraf icroutesunencumberedbytraf icstoppages;longversusshortornodrivewaysforspecialservicemail).Thesecondisthattheevaluatedsystemhasnomechanismforaccountingforvariationsinindividualemployeecharacteristics.Thisisacriticalissuebecauseourcraftlikeallothersiscomposedofpeopleinallagegroupswithawiderangeofabilities.Itisnotun‐usualasweagetohavemoredif icultyperformingthesametasksthatwereonceeasy–thekeyistonot‘compare’the‘speedmerchant’tothe‘averageJoe’and/ortothe‘agingveteran’buttoapplythetenetsofPerformanceAppraisalcontainedintheContractandassociatedmanualstoeachindividualandtheirparticularrouteaswellastorememberthatthe‘countstandard’isasnapshotataspeci ictimeintheyearandoftenmailvolumeswillvarysigni icantly. Ifthecarrierhasno‘past’2080is‐sues(oftenearlyprojectionsdisappearwithsummerleavetaken),doesnotmissdispatchifstillanissue, is able on a consistent basis to deliver in a safe, accurate, and timelymanner; then perfor‐mancebasedanalysisneedestablishstartingand leave times.Auxiliaryassistance isnotnormallyusedintheruralcraftotherthanwhendealingwithoverburdenedroutesorduringtheChristmasOvertimeperiodD.MOU#2MemorandumofUnderstandingbetweentheUnitedStatesPostalServiceandtheNation‐alRuralLetterCarriers’Associationstates: Thepartiesrecognizetheexistingevaluatedsystemofcompensationtobeafair,reasonable,andequitablemethodofpayment.Thepartiesfurtherrecognizethattheevaluatedsystemiscom‐prisedofelementalstandardswhichmaynotineveryinstancebeadequateforanindividualcarrier;nevertheless,thepartiesagreethatthestandards,whenexaminedcollectively,representafairday’spayforruralcarriers. Wherediscrepanciesdevelop in the elementof thepresent routeevaluation system,whichhasbeeninuseformanyyears,andintothetimestandardsofthesystemthathasbeenappliedtoof iceandroadduties,theEmployermayundertakestudiestocorrectsuchdiscrepanciessolongasthechangesareconsistentwiththeprinciplesof thismemorandumandArticle34.Thereisastudycurrentlyinprogressregardingevaluatedtimestandardsduetothelastarbitrationaward.

E.ThecontractviaArticle19‘otherhandbooksandmanuals’stillsupportsthecarrier’srighttocaseDPSmail;PO603.226RuralCarrierDutiesandResponsibilitiesstates: Whenmailisprovidedtoyouindeliverypointsequenceorder,casingwithotherletterand/or latmailisnotrequired.SeparatorcardsareprovidedinyourDPSmailtogiveyouvisualassur‐ancethattherearenoobvioussweepingerrors.Youandyourmanagerwilldeterminethenumberofcardsandintervalswheretheyshouldbeplaced.DPSmailistakendirectlytothestreetandhandledasaseparatebundle.Atyouroption,youmaychoosetocaseDPSmailinaccordancewith15,Sched‐ules. Thereisthecaveatthatcarrierneedbeabletomaintainaregularscheduleandthe‘casing’ofDPSisgoingtoaddof icetimeandshouldbe‘accounted’forinestablishingleavetimes.TheAssocia‐tion’sstanceisthatthecarrierneedstobeabletomakethedeterminationwhetherornottocaseDPSfornumerousreasonsnottheleastofwhichisthefactthatDPStothestreetisinherentlyunsafeformany carriersdue toboth vehicle and traf ic issues. Please feel free to contactme todiscussthesemattersatthenumberandaddressattopofthisletter. Continuedonnextpage

34

Letters to the Editor- Note; Letters to the editor are limited to 150 words. Libelous or slanderous letters will not be accepted. Letters to the Editor will be printed on a “first-come” basis, depending on available space. All letters to the editor must be signed. Anonymous will not be accepted. The WIRLC Association and State Board are not responsible for the content of letters to the editor and take no position on their content. Thefollowinglettertotheeditorwassubmitted,signedandwasreviewedbytheeditor.Duetothesizelimitationof150words,theauthorhasagreedtosubmititinseveralparts.RighttoWork,parttwo

"RIGHTTO ''ATTACKONLABOR

Respectfully Roger

MeetingtheEvaluationfrompreviouspageF.TheHandbookonManagementofRuralDeliveryServicessection228.4providesatoolformanag‐erstoaidcarriersinmeetingtheevaluationand/orbeingoffthestreetbythe5PMgoalandwithin‐creasedparcelbusinessitisalmostanecessitythatrollingofthemailasstatedinM‐38.228.4beuti‐lized:228.4Managersshouldleveltheworkloadofcarriersbyutilizingthepropercurtailmentproceduresfornon‐preferentialmail.Identifyandworkmailinorderofpriorityandsequenceofreceipt.The union notes that there is no contractual or handbook provision in place stating that carriersMUSTbeoffthestreetby5PM;noristhereprovisionstatingcarriersneedprovideamechanismtocontactmanagementtoadvisethemofdelaysinthedeliveryofallmailwhichispartofthecontractandhandbooks.JamesW.“Jim”Riess,NRLCANorthlandDistrictRepresentative897RooseveltAvePineRiverMN56474‐5162TEL:1–218‐587‐2206;FAX:1‐855‐677‐0009;EMAIL:[email protected]

35

FullTimeLakelandDistrictRepresentative

JuliaDoggettPOBox503WestChicago,IL60186‐0503

Phone:217‐622‐3820Email:[email protected]

AssignedZipCodeAreas:AllLakelandDistrict

FullTimeAssistantDistrictRepresentative(Lakeland)

LouanFriend

POBox33Endeavor,WI53930‐0033Phone:608‐745‐2481

Email:[email protected]:541,542,543,544,549

PartTimeAssistantDistrictRepresentative

(Lakeland)

RogerSchewePOBox106Oregon,WI53575‐0106


AssignedZipCodeAreas:537,538,539andbranchesofMadisonthatarelocatedin535


(Lakeland)

AprilSundbergPOBox6505Rockford,IL61125‐5225

Phone:815‐520‐2139Email:[email protected]:535


(Lakeland)

NoreenRibbsPOBox1001RoundLake,IL60073‐1001


PrimaryAssignedZipCodeArea–530,531

FullTimeNorthlandDistrictRepresentative

JimRiess

897RooseveltAve.PineRiver,MN56474‐5162Phone:218‐587‐2206Email:[email protected]:AllNorthlandDistrict

FullTimeAssistantDistrictRepresentative(Northland)

PeterBuckingham

POBox556Waconia,MN55387‐9615Phone:952‐856‐4151

Email:[email protected]:AllNorthlandDistrict

PartTimeAssistantDistrictRepresentative(Northland,Lakeland,&GreaterMichigan)

ChuckGroth

POBox1134Hayward,WI54843‐1134Phone:715‐699‐0888

Email:[email protected]:540,545,547,548

AreaSteward(Northland)

GaryPingel19398JuneauRoadWilton,WI54670‐6121


AssignedOf ices:(WI)Mostofall546zipcodearea

AreaSteward(Lakeland)

AmyDornerPhone262‐498‐7880

Email:[email protected] ices:(WI)Belgium,Cascade,Pewaukee,Plymouth,Sheboygan,SheboyganFalls,Waukesha

DistrictRepresentatives(Stewards)&Assignments

Got discipline?-grieve it!” “Your Union is only as strong as YOU!”

“Get involved, get informed, stay involved”

36

Ellen Pulver-Asst Sec/Treasurer W5781 County Rd G Rio, WI 53960-9226

Deadline for next issue: December 21, 2015

If you have a vehicle for sale, transfer request or a story you would like to share, please do so and we will gladly publish them, space permitting.

Send to [email protected]

CHANGEOFADDRESS

TheWIRLCAusesthesameaddressthatyouhaveonfilewiththeUSPS.Therefore,ifyouneedtochangeyouraddress,youhavethreeoptionsinadditiontoFIRSTcontactingtheWIRLCAAs‐sistantSecretary/Treasurer:1. 1.UsePSForm1216,Employee’sCurrentMailingAddress.Senditto:HRSSC,Benefits/

Compensation,POBox970400,Greensboro,NC27497‐0400.2. 2.CalltheHRSSCat877‐477‐3273,option5.ValidateyouridentitywithyourEmployeeID

numberorUSPSPin,thenoption9tospeaktoaservicerepresentativewhowillassistyou.3. 3.ForcarrierswithPCaccess:LogontoLiteBlueusingyourEIDandUSPSPasswordClick

ontheChangeofAddress/Phone/EmergencyContactlinkunderEmployeeResources.Yourcurrentinformationwillbedisplayed.Toupdateyourinformation,clicktheeditbutton,andyou’reonyourway.Followthepromptstoreview,confirmandsaveyourchanges.

TRANSFERI am a full‐time Rural Letter Carrier looking to transfer to Green Bay, Appleton, or an of ice within 40miles.IamworkingattheMadisonMainPostOf icewithover90routesin4of ices(MadisonEast,MadisonWest,Middleton,andVerona).Ifyouareinterestedinachangebydoingapapertransfer,a3‐waytransfer,oradirecttransfer,pleasecallmeat(608)279‐[email protected]

wirlca news november-december 2015 wisconsin rural letter carriers’ association€¦ · ·...

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