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TRI-STATE PRE-CONVENTION MEETING

2006-05-26T00:19:00.000-04:00

The APWU National Convention will be held in Philadelphia, PA this upcoming August. To prepare for the convention, delegates from Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky caucus to debate upcoming resolutions expected to be voted upon. The pre-convention caucus rotates between the three states, which provides different opportunities for attendance based on traveling distance. Indiana was the host for the last convention. The State of Ohio has the honor for the 2006 convention.

The meeting will be held in Fairburn, a suburb of Dayton on July 8, 2006. The meeting is at the Holiday Inn located on Presidential Drive, and begins at 10:00 AM. A limited number of rooms have been reserved for Friday night if you have a long commute. There is no registration cost for this meeting.

During the caucus, both constitutional and craft resolutions will be discussed. The purpose of the discussion is to reach consensus among the delegates on how we should vote at the convention. The tri-state voting block has been a very effective tool in moving forward resolutions that benefit our members in each state. Conversely, the block has also been effective in stopping resolutions that would harm us. All delegates are invited to express their views and feelings on the issues that shape our union. Our strength has been in our continuing efforts to grow as a tri-state and agree on our direction.

Come and join us in Fairburn and get a flavor for what could happen in August. Directions are posted below .

Hotel info: Holiday Inn Fairburn
2800 Presidential Drive
Fairburn, OH
1-800-315-2621
1-937-426-7800

Doug Brown, President IPWU

NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS INSTALLED

2006-05-04T22:41:00.000-04:00

In a off-year election to fill vacant positions, two newly elected officers were installed by APWU National Maintainence Craft Director, Steve Raymer. Director Raymer, the keynote speaker at the banquet, installed the newly elected officers in a brief ceremony at the annual Indiana Postal Workers Convention, hosted this year by the Bloomington, IN local. Seen reciting the "Oath of Office" are the newly elected IPWU Editor, Don Packwood (Indianapolis) and Indiana Postal Auxillary Secretary, Crystal Pleasant (Evansville). Both positions were previously held by Mike Hibbard (Terre Haute) seen below.

STATE EDITOR OF 21 YEARS RESIGNS

2006-05-04T12:25:00.000-04:00

It really happened! Mike Hibbard, after 21 years of dedicated service resigned at the IPWU State Convention in Bloomington, IN. Friends slightly roasted Mike toward the end of the Saturday evening banquet. Jerri Dye, took the podium to thank Mike for his many years of service to the State union, and the friendship and memories he gave us during the 21 years as the IPWU Dispatch editor.

A small token, related to those memories was awarded to Mike by Jerri (seen above) as lots of emotion and laughter was heard throughout the banquet hall by the delegates, Local, State and National officers. We wish him well in all his future endeavors. (photo by the newly elected editor, Don Packwood)

100% MARION LOCAL TAKES HOME THE PLAQUE

2006-05-02T23:35:00.000-04:00

The Marion Local took the idea of raising COPA serious this year, as President Greg Southard is seen accepting the plaque awarded to the local for the highest per capita dollars raised for COPA at the Indiana Postal Workers Union 2006 Convention. Members sent President Southard to the convention with an astounding $91.43 per member. Not surprizing given their commitment shown for COPA was the acknowledgement that the Marion Local has 100% membership for all eligible APWU crafts.

NEW TEXAS HOLD'EM CHAMPION

2006-05-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

In efforts to raise COPA money, delegates participated in a Texas Hold'Em tournament with the new winner, Greg Southard and former champion Lucy Brown pictured above

2006 STATE CONVENTION

2006-05-02T18:33:00.000-04:00

The 2006 State Convention was filled with a little drama, a little controversy, several resolutions, and a lot of fun. A lot of thanks is owed to the Bloomington Local for the fantastic job they did putting on the convention. It is a lot of work, getting things together and making sure everyone is taken care of. Bloomington did a great job, and I personally want to tell them how much we appreciate all the hard work and the effort. Kim, Robin, Tim, and every who contributed, thanks for a great time!

The delegates were very involved in all the committee activities that took place. There were twelve (12) different committees that the delegates participated in: Rules committee, Editors committee, Welcoming committee, Constitution committee, Officers committee, Two (2) Resolution committees, Election committee, Credentials committee, Audit committee, Sgt. Of Arms, and Special Assistant to the Sec/Treasurer. Every delegate in attendance was placed on a committee by President Doug Brown, and all did the required work assigned to them. All the committees were well tuned to their respective duties, and I thought all were well chaired.

There was a little discussion during the election of delegates to the National Convention as to whether State Officers not sent by their respective locals should be allocated a vote. After debate, it was decided that each would receive a vote, and more investigation into this controversial topic would be done so everyone would be on the same page the next time we have an election. Elections always seem to cause some discussion because everyone understands the rules differently.

I do want to thank the delegates in attendance for voting for me to attend the National Convention as a delegate from the state. There were five (5) individuals nominated, and only two (2) had been budgeted to attend. Any of the five (5) would have been excellent choices, as all are very dedicated unionists. Tom Landis and I were the ones fortunate enough to be voted to go, and I am grateful for the trust the delegates have in me in represent them.

A sad moment of the convention was the retirement of Mike Hibbard, the State Editor. Mike has been the editor for many, many years, and has become a permanent fixture at all conventions. He has worked endless hours for this union, and probably does more work on this weekend every year than anyone else. We will miss him a lot, and I wish him only the best in his future endeavors. Don Packwood, previous editor of the Indy Info, was chosen by the delegates to replace Mike, and I’m confident Don will do a great job. I look forward to working with him on the Executive Board, as the Editor is now an elected position on the Board.

The COPA plaque once again was won by the Indianapolis Area Local, although I have a standing bet with Mac that Kokomo will be in the running next year!! Kudos to the Marion local for contributing what came to be $91 per member for COPA. Outstanding.!!

Patti Orndorff
State Vice-President

ASSOCIATE OFFICE MEETING AT CONVENTION

2006-04-12T23:39:00.000-04:00

STATE MEMBERS

AN ASSOCIATE OFFICE MEETING WITH THE MEMBERS-AT-LARGE OF THE OFFICES IN DISTRICT FIVE HAS BEEN SCHEDULED AT 4:30 PM ON FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2006, AT THE FOUR WINDS RESORT SOUTH OF BLOOMINGTON, IN.

DURING THE 2006 IPWU STATE CONVENTION.

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME AND MEET WITH THEIR STATE AND NATIONAL BUSINESS AGENTS AND OTHER OFFICERS ON THAT FRIDAY EVENING.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY A REGISTRATION FEE OR ATTEND ANY OTHER CLASSES OR SEMINARS, AND YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENING FESTIVITIES AND HOSPITALITY AS WELL- ALL FREE OF CHARGE, OF COURSE.

THE MEMBERS-AT-LARGE ARE THE MAIN REASON WE HAVE A STATE ORGANIZATION IN PLACE. HELPING YOU WITH YOUR PROBLEMS AND GIVING YOU ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS THAT YOUR POSTMASTERS AND SUPERVISORS CANNOT, OR WILL NOT, ANSWER IS ONE OF OUR FUNCTIONS.

THERE IS MORE TO US THAN JUST FILING GRIEVANCES.

DON'T WORRY. NO ONE WILL TELL YOUR BOSS YOU WERE HERE.

COME AND FIND OUT WHAT YOU ARE MISSING.

CHARLENE HAGGART

DISTRICT 5 BUSINESS AGENT

LABOR-MANAGEMENT MEETING

2006-04-04T22:04:00.000-04:00

A LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED BETWEEN THE INDIANA LOCAL PRESIDENTS AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT. THE LONG-AWAITED MEETING WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2006, AT 8:30 AM. THE MEETING LOCATION HAS YET TO BE AGREED UPON.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS. AS SOON AS THE LOCATION IS SELECTED, I WILL SEND A FOLLOW UP LETTER.

SINCERELY IN SOLIDARITY,

DOUGLAS BROWN/PRESIDENT

INDIANA POSTAL WORKERS UNION

765-468-6845 H

765-744-2575 C

EDITOR AT REST

2006-03-19T22:13:00.000-05:00

STATE CONVENTION

2006-03-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

FOURWINDS DIRECTIONS

2006-03-19T21:06:00.000-05:00

ILLINOIS STATE MEETING

2006-03-19T20:21:00.000-05:00

FOURWINDS

2006-03-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

STATE CONVENTION RESOLUTION 2006

2006-03-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

TRI-STATE NATIONAL CONVENTION HOUSING

2006-03-08T07:26:00.000-05:00

The Tri-State has secured 150 rooms at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Philadelphia for the 2006 APWU National Convention. The Crowne Plaza is a full-service hotel located right in downtown Philadelphia about 1/2 mile from the Convention Center. The address for the Crowne Plaza is 1800 Market Street.
Prices for convention hotel space range from $133.00 - $160.00 per night. The rate at the Crowne Plaza is $159.00 per night, single or double. That amount does not include tax.

Any local wanting to reserve rooms in our block should complete the attched reservation form (Your local may also have received a copy.) and return it with a $150.00 deposit for each room. All deposit checks are to be made out to "ITS Meetings". That is the housing bureau assigned to our convention.

The deadline for reserving rooms in our block will be APRIL 25, 2006. At that time any unused rooms will be returned to the housing bureau for disbursement.

Please send the reservation form and deposit check to the following:

Terry Grant

President OPWU

1811 Clearview NW

Canton, Ohio 44708

Questions can be addressed to Terry at 330-454-4022 or

tgrant64@neo.rr.com

The dates for the convention are as follows:

Craft Conventions: August 12 & 13, 2006

APWU Convention: August 14-18, 2006

Workshops: August 19-20, 2006

REMEMBER: APRIL 25, 2006 IS THE HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE.

Submitted By Doug Brown, IPWU State President

EDITOR TO STEP DOWN AT CONVENTION

2006-01-22T14:41:00.000-05:00

Indiana Postal Workers Union (IPWU) Editor Michael Hibbard has announced that he will be retiring from his position as State Editor at the upcoming IPWU State Convention in Bloomington, Indiana.
Hibbard has been continuously appointed to his position on the IPWU State Executive Board since the State Convention of 1985, twenty-one years ago.
He has, with the help of the State Executive Board, the union locals, and the membership, published 241 monthly newsletters since his first state newsletter in June of 1985. More than 2,000 individual pages of information have been written, designed and posted for the newsletter, and more than 216,900 copies of the state newsletter have been distributed to state union members, locals, officers, and others since that time.
"My first state convention I attended was in Bloomington," he states, "so it is only fitting that my last one will be there as well."
In addition to his work as State Editor, Hibbard has also served the union membership in The Terre Haute (Indiana) Area Local as local president, local vice president, local recording secretary, local clerk craft vice president, local corporation trustee, local hospital plan representative, and local editor.
In his union career, he was also appointed, then elected, to national office in the American Postal Workers Union National Postal Press Association as an editor-at-large.
"Spending my time helping other people has been a rewarding career for me," Hibbard says. "When you help others, good things happen to you."
The Editor, as we know him, plans to spend his free time in the arts.
"I want to write and paint and make music and continue to pass ideas along to those who are open or becoming open to themselves and their environments. Such things will keep all of us young," he says.
It is something he has always wanted to do, he says.

STATE CONVENTION

2006-01-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

THE 2006 INDIANA POSTAL WORKERS STATE CONVENTION IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 19 - 23, 2006, AT THE FOURWINDS RESORT & MARINA ON LAKE MONROE SOUTH OF BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA.

THE REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE $50.00.

ROOM RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

$90.00 SINGLE

$105 DOUBLE

$120 TRIPLE

$135 QUAD

$123 SUITE PLUS $15.00 PER PERSON OCCUPANCY

$163 SPR SUITE PLUS $15 PER PERSON OCCUPANCY

HOTEL RESERVATION NUMBER: 812-824-2628.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE POSTAL SERVICE

2005-12-15T22:28:00.000-05:00

Burrus Update #14-05, Dec. 8, 2005

Despite predictions of gloom and doom, the Postal Service has announced that total mail volume and total revenue reached all-time highs in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. First-class volume grew in 2005 as well, after three years of decline.
Only a short time ago, the avid supporters of postal "reform" predicted that mail volume, especially first-class volume, was threatened by advances in technology. Without legislative intervention, we were told, the Postal Service was destined to begin a deadly cycle of declining volume and increasing postage rates.
The American Postal Workers repeatedly cautioned that the downturn in mail volume in 2002 and 2003 was caused by a combination of an economic slump, the terrorist attack of 9-11, and the anthrax attacks.
The financial results, released Dec. 6, 2005, demonstrate that improvements in technology will not have as severe an impact as was anticipated on the use of mail.
Despite the warnings of those who began every conversation about mail volume with dire predictions, the 2005 audited financial statement looks pretty good.
William BurrusPresident

Indianapolis IPWU Winter Meeting

2005-11-28T10:15:00.000-05:00

National American Postal Workers Union Legislative Director Myke Reid will discuss Legislative Issues at the Winter Meeting of the Indiana Postal Workers Union.
The day-and-a-half meeting has been scheduled for January 20-22, 2005 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
The hotel is located at 31 West Ohio Street, right next to Circle City. The rooms will cost $84.00 per night (single or double), and the hotel reservation number is 317-635-2000. The reservation deadline is December 31, 2005.
Friday will be the Travel day for the Winter Meeting, and a Local Presidents’ Meeting has been scheduled for 5:00 PM Friday evening at the hotel.
Registration starts at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning, the 21st, with opening announcements at 9:00 AM.
Myke Reid, National Legislative Director, will speak from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by reports from the IPWU State Business Agents.
After lunch, Sharyn Stone, our APWU Central Region Coordinator, will be coming in from her office in Chicago, Illinois to speak with all who attend the Winter Meeting.
Later in the afternoon on Saturday, there will be more information sharing, more State Officer reports, and Craft breakout sessions.
An IPWU State Executive Board Meeting will follow the regular meetings at 4:30 PM, and an Associate Office Meeting will begin at 5:30 PM, also on Saturday.
The AO Meeting will give APWU members (and potential members) who work in the smaller post offices, those not served by APWU Locals, a chance to have answers for their postal and union questions and an opportunity for some one– on-one, face-to-face conversations with the people who support them and represent them in their daily struggles with the postal service at work and at home.
You do not have to attend the entire weekend seminar or pay the registration fee to participate in the Associate Office Meeting.
The weekend seminar will continue on Sunday morning with a three-hour class on
“The Union Steward’s Role During A Postal Inspector’s Interview.”
This will be interesting to APWU stewards as well as other officers and union members who are called in to witness and be part of the Inspection Service’s grilling of our members during what they call their investigations.
Make your reservations.

THE ESSENTIAL JOHN R.

2005-11-28T10:14:00.000-05:00

Seldom in one’s lifetime is a person fortunate enough to meet an individual who leaves such an impression it can remain imbedded in one’s soul forever. I have been lucky enough to have known such a person. I was also lucky enough to be invited to honor this individual, along with so many others who have felt the influences of this person.
I attended a meeting in Ohio the weekend of November 4 in which the Friday evening festivities was a “Bash for Ida and John Smith”. For those who have not had the opportunity to meet our recently retired National Retiree’s Director, I can honestly say there is no other person like him. He is so welcomed wherever he goes he is known simply as John R., no last name required. This man has so influenced my life, not only in union affected aspects, but in my personal life as well. He does not throw punches, he does not side step issues, he does not candy coat anything he has to say. What you hear from John R comes straight from his heart. Sometimes you may not want to hear it. Sometimes you may not agree with it, but you know that when he tells you something or he advises you on something, it is exactly what he feels. And these days, with all the politics that goes with every elected position, it is such a great feeling, knowing that there is still one icon that you can trust to be honest an sincere. The passion that he felt for this union will probably never be matched. When he spoke, people listened. They not only listened, they heard what he had to say, and they felt his love for this organization and the sincere care that he felt for each individual he represented. I am happy for him and his family, in that he will now be able to spend precious moments with them. I am, at the same time, saddened that those new to this union will miss out on this most amazing man and the influence he carries with him. I will, most of all, miss his friendship and his guidance. And I thank him for being my friend all these years.
As much as I know we will all miss the influence this “giant” of the APWU has provided, I also can see there are others who are right behind him in their caring for this union. Because of my position in the Indiana State Organization, I am fortunate enough to be included in the planning of the Tri State Steward’s School, which has been changed and will now be called the John R Smith Training Academy. I am the ‘rookie’ on this committee, as I am still learning what is all involved in this undertaking. However, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky are very lucky to have the leaders that they have. Leading the committee is Terry Grant, the President of the Ohio Postal Workers Union. This is another person who is so knowledgeable and cares so much for all the members of this union, I am in awe of his foresight and his ability to change and go with the needs of the membership. Gary Fox, President of the Kentucky Postal Workers Union, and Doug Brown, our President of the Indiana Postal Workers Union, are also two individuals who have impressed upon me the need to be open to the needs of the ever-changing APWU. They both have ideas for bettering the steward training and are open to new ideas and suggestions. Lastly, our National Business Agents: Russ Bugary, Shirley McLennan, Paul Hern, Merle Bell, and Vance Zimmerman all bring so much knowledge and leadership to the school.

STATE WINTER MEETING

2005-11-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

The IPWU State Winter Meeting has been scheduled for January 20-21-22, 2006 at the downtown Radisson Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

The Radisson, next to Circle Center, is located at 31 West Ohio Street in Indianapolis. Parking at the Radisson (for us) has been reduced (thanks to the Indianapolis Local) from $12 per day to $6 per day.

The rooms will cost $84.00 per night, single or double; and the hotel registration deadline is December 31, 2005. The Local presently has 65 rooms blocked off. The hotel will accomodate us after that, but the 20-21-22nd weekend is a Colt's weekend; so make reservations early.

Call the hotel for reservations at 317-635-2000.

Look for more information here about the meeting, the meeting agenda from Patty O., and the seminar reservation information from Rose K.

SCHOLARSHIP RULES

2005-10-26T23:31:00.000-05:00

LISTED BELOW ARE THE RULES AND THE PUBLICITY OF THE
INDIANA POSTAL WORKERS UNION
CLIFF BASS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2006

1. The name of the scholarship will be: The Cliff Bass Memorial Scholarship.

2. Fund raisers may be set up by the Scholarship Committee.

3. The accounts of money that are awarded for the scholarships will be contingent on the amount that is in the Fund. We will award four (4) scholarships.
(A) One $1,000.00 Scholarship by essay.
(B) Three $500.00 Scholarships by random drawing.

4. The selection committee will be three (3) faculty members from the Labor/Economics Department at Indiana colleges/universities. The 1996 committee will be from IU-Bloomington, and the 1997 committee will be from Valparaiso. Thereafter, the Scholarship Committee will designate the college/university.

5. Four (4) alternates’ names will not be revealed and will be held by the State Secretary-Treasurer in the case of unavailability of the winners.

6. An essay must be submitted with application. Essays will be 1000-2500 words in length.

7. The only requirements for eligibility for the scholarships are that the applicant be enrolled in an Undergraduate program in a College or Vocational Institution for the fall of the year that the scholarship is being awarded, and that a parent or legal guardian or grandparent in the bargaining unit be a member of an APWU Local or M.A.L. that belongs to the Indiana Postal Workers Union. Also, if the member is deceased, that they were a member of a Local which belongs to the Indiana Postal Workers Union, or a Member-At-Large of the IPWU at the time of death. The applicant can receive a scholarship on a one-time basis in each of the two (2) categories: One time winner of the essay, and one time winner of the drawing.

8. In the September-October and the November-December newsletters (The Indiana Postal Workers Union Dispatch) there will be an announcement of the scholarships and information on how to apply.

9. (A) Applications with essays will be accepted from November 14, 2005 through February 14, 2006. Certified mail is suggested.
(B) The committee will make their winning essay selection no later than March 14th.
(C) The winners will be notified by April 1st by certified mail and must RSVP within 14 days.
(D) All four (4) winners will be invited to attend the State Convention to officially be presented with their scholarships.
(E) Dinner (only) will be paid for by the IPWU for the winners and parents/guardians.
(F) The State Secretary-Treasurer will do the inviting per certified letter in time for official notification with a copy to the State President.
(G) The essay shall be about unionism.
(H) The applicant will sign the application from in which it gives the IPWU permission to print the essay and photographs of the winners.
(I) The applicant must submit proof of application to be accepted at a college, university , or vocational institution.
(J) Funds for the scholarships will be paid direct to the institution. If winner/winners does not/do not attend, the refund will be returned to the IPWU.

Revised: September 2005

The Craft Conference

2005-10-18T21:26:00.000-05:00

By Charlene Haggart
Business Agent #5
Indiana Postal Workers Union

In August, we attended the first all-craft conference in Las Vegas. The clerk craft, maintenance craft, motor vehicle craft, and support services totalling approximately 2,000 members assembled to hear Mr. Burrus speak.
He spoke about pay raises, the TE's, early retirement, upgrades, and reducing the grievance backlog. He addressed contract extensioin versus contract contract negotiations. We are still stuggling to upgrade almost 80,000 window clerks.
We had craft breakouts with educational workshops discussing excessing, JCIM, positions being reverted or abolished. It was very informative.
The National honored many locals who had achieved or exceeded their COPA goals. We all received a very nice glass President's Award for 2005.
In September, my local sent me to our state's fall meeting in Gas City, Indiana. I mention this because I found out more in that weekend about PERF than I've ever learned before.
Sue Carney, National Director of Human Relations, told us about the Postal Employees' Relief Fund. It handles disaster and relief funds, civil rights programs, EAP programs for 80 Districts, EEO information, Veteran's-Women's-Children's assistance programs, etc, etc.
She talked at length about Katrina relief and how funds are regulated and disbursed, what requirements there are to qualify, and how it is impacted by FEMA. I could go on and on.
My point being, if you can attend meetings or seminars listing PERF or Sue Carney, please do so. It was great!
My thanks to the State of Indiana for bringing Sue to us and kudos to our host city, Marion, Indiana, and Local President Greg Southard for such an enjoyable fall meeting.
P.S. I LOVED THE TENT!

2006 IPWU Scholarhip Form

2005-10-04T00:18:00.000-05:00

Indiana Postal Workers Union
Cliff Bass Memorial Scholarship
APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP 2006

THIS APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY 14 NOVEMBER 2005

THROUGH 14 FEBRUARY 2006

This Scholarship Application is offered to Current Graduating High School seniors and College Undergraduates whose Parent or Legal Guardian is a current Active Member in the Indiana Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, per established rules set forth by the Scholarship Committee.

Name (Print or Type) ______________________________________

Social Security Number ____________________

Home Address __________________________________ ________________________ ______________ ________
(Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip)

Telephone Number _______________________

Parent/Guardian Telephone Number __________________________

(1.) I will graduate from _______________________ High School in _____________________, ________________
(City) (State)
on ________________.
(Date)

(2.) I am currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at _____________________________________________
(Name of University/College)

__________________ _____________, ___________ _______
(Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip)

_______________________________________.
(University/College Contact Person and Title)

I, the applicant, to be eligible for the scholarships, state that I am enrolled in an undergraduate program in a college or vocational institution for the fall of the year (2006) in which the scholarship is being awarded and that a parent or legal guardian or grandparent is in a bargaining unit which belongs to the IPWU.
The applicant can receive a scholarship on a one-time basis in each of the two (2) categories (one-time winner of the essay and one-time winner of the drawing).
I, the applicant, agree that should I become a successful candidate for the IPWU Scholarship, I shall comply with all the rules and regulations set down by the committee for such scholarship. In the event I successfully compete for the IPWU Scholarship, I hereby give permission to the IPWU to publish my name and photograph and the essay.

___________________________ ____________________________
(Applicant’s Signature) (Street Address) ____________________, ________________ ________

(City) (State) (Zip)

_____________________ __________________.
(Telephone Number) (Date)

APWU UNION MEMBER INFORMATION

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Craft _______________

Work Location _________________________

Work Telephone ______________________ Home Telephone ____________________

Home Address _____________________________ __________________________
(Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip)

This is to certify that ________________________________ is a member in good

standing of APWU Local # or Member-At-Large of

___________________________________________.
(Local, Area Local, or M.A.L.’s State Organization)

Pressident/Secretary Signature: ________________________________

MAIL TO:

Scholarship Committee
Pam Nessen, Co-Chair
P.O. Box 10051

Fort Wayne, IN 46850

Retirement Benefits Fair

2005-10-02T22:50:00.000-05:00

The Retirement Benefits Fair held last Sunday at the Holiday Inn in Terre Haute, Indiana, lasted from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and featured seven speakers from seven different areas of retirement planning for Federal Workers.
Jamie Johnson, of the United States Postal Service Greater Indiana District Human Resources Department, was the first speaker.
She explained the difference between the two retirement systems now being used by the Federal Government, CSRS and FERS.
She explained the high three years, maximum benefits, survivor benefits, health benefits, deferred benefits, and disability for both retirement systems.
Lane Wood, a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Liaison Specialist, spoke about moving money between the different TSP funds. He talked about the G, F, C, S, I, and L Funds; in-service, age-based withdrawls; and TSP loans. He also talked about good ways to put money in the funds.
The next speaker, before the buffet lunch by the pool, was Steve Browning from the Terre Haute First Financial (bank) Trust Department.
He spoke about IRA's and Rollovers, choices a retiree could make in investing money, CD ladders, and diversification. He also told us about Account Providers, what they could do for us, and what to look for in a provider.
After lunch, Sonya Hess-Rood explained Long Term Care Insurance; and Kenneth Hess spoke on Investing Your Retirement. Both were from Investment Planners, Inc.
Jim Nelson, from the Terre Haute Social Security Office, was the next speaker. He was with us for about an hour explaining how the Social Security System worked and how it related to our retirement, Government Pension Offset, Windfall Elimination provisions, military service, benefits for spouses and children, and what to do when a family member passes on. He also explained the difference between Medicare Part A and B.
John Radthe, from AFLAC, spoke about Personal Recovery Insurance plans, presented a "ducky" slide show, and spoke about cancer and heart attack supplimental insurance that pays money directly to you in addition to any insurance you may have.
All in all, the Benfits Fair was a good program consisting of a great amount of information for people who are thinking about, or who will be thinking about, retiring from their jobs.
Darlene C. and the Terre Haute Local did a fine job of sponsoring the event, and I was glad I went.
Michael

Vice President's Article

2005-10-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

Our membership has become complacent. The APWU has been able to bargain for and gain for our membership most of what they have asked for in the past twenty years. But that isn’t enough. They continue to demand more, and when we are unable to negotiate everything that is demanded, it is the union that is to blame.”
These are words spoken to the clerk craft by National Clerk Craft Director Jim McCarthy during the clerk craft meeting the first day of the Multi-Craft Meeting in Las Vegas. Mr. McCarthy gave a riveting speech to the clerk attendees toward the end of the meeting that has stayed with me since the conference. The topic to which he was referring was the abundance of non members in the Postal Service.
Having just returned from the Multi-Craft conference, where I attended four workshops and the Clerk Craft meeting, Mr. McCarthy’s words have haunted my thoughts and made me think. I believe he is right. I believe that so many of our non members were not around during the times that things were not so good for employees, and they have just come to expect their $20 an hour, their job security, and their leave benefits. Many do not understand that if not for the union’s strong negotiating power, we would not be receiving the job security, the health benefits, and the protections that we have. Without actually having had to face those issues, I am not sure how we, as a union, can make those individuals understand the risks and the struggles that the APWU has had to go through to make things the way they are today.
Granted, there are still many issues that the union has to continue to fight for our members. There are contractual violations every day, violations that are blatantly against what we have already negotiated and won, but those that which management seems to think that they do not have to follow. I was once told by a supervisor “I didn’t sign this agreement, and I don’t have to follow it.”
We need a union, and we need union membership to keep all that we have accumulated, and all that remains to be had. We need union membership to show solidarity, to show that we all are united in our beliefs that we deserve all that we have, and all that we have still to gain. We need union membership to show that we are a force that management must deal with, not one to be ignored.
Patti Orndorff

President's Article

2005-10-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

The Indiana Postal Workers Union made history when the Marion Local, site host of the Fall Meeting, scheduled the weekend training inside a large tent adjacent to the hotel. Local President Greg Southard, officers, stewards, and organizers of the event wanted something special for their first ever attempt at hosting a meeting and special it was.
Friday evening many local presidents gathered to discuss issues pertaining to locals and associate offices throughout the State. Among the issues discussed were area mail processing, problems with the 800 call in system, associate office surveys, dual appointed casuals, state labor management meetings, and the winter meeting.
Saturday kicked off with Human Relations Director Sue Carney providing an in-depth view of the activities of her office, especially in light of Hurricane Katrina. Sue was able to keep her commitment to Indiana even though she was being pulled in many directions. If you would like information on how to help hurricane victims, you may contact her office or your local Red Cross. Victims’ needs will be long term, and money goes a long way.
Before lunch, Steve Henderson of the Indiana AFL-CIO addressed the delegates on the split of the organization and the importance of affiliating with your local central labor councils and the State body. After lunch, APWU Coordinator Sharyn Stone provided an update of her Central Region activities; and Assistant Maintenance Craft Director Gary Kloepfer briefed the body on maintenance activities at the headquarters level. During the information sharing, many state officers gave reports; and the day finished up with craft breakouts.
A local negotiations period has been established in accordance with the ratified contract extension. To assist locals, Russ Bugary and Sharyn Stone taught a class on LMOU’s and clarified the process of proper negotiating techniques.
The host Local made the work look easy in their first attempt. Marion is one of the few locals in the country who can claim 100% unionism. We should all strive for such. Thanks to all of the volunteers for a great meeting and great hospitality.
The next meeting will be in Indianapolis, with the Indianapolis Area Local hosting. President James Guynn extends a warm welcome to all who plan on attending. -Doug Brown

Web-Site Link

2005-09-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

We are linking to www.inpwu.org in this post. This is a test to show how images can wrap around text and vice versa. Images can be uploaded directly from a hard drive.