GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SUMMARY: JAN. 17, 2007

·        President McLennan presented 40 yr membership pins in the NALC to Brothers John Raichel and Robert Ruhland.  Brother Michael Tarabas received his 25 yr membership pin. Congratulations Brothers!

·        Exec VP Bob Herdlein swore in new member, Batavia PTF Donald Herdlein.

·        Fellowship Chair Nicole Novasat announced that the committee would be meeting to plan 2007 Branch activities. Old Timers Day is Sunday, April 29^{th at} 1pm at the Hearthstone Manor, Depew.  Ticket information will be available shortly.

·        Convention Chair Kent Hankin reminded all delegates to the NY State Assoc. Convention that the $50.00 deposit was due at this meeting

·        Safety Rep John Walton reported that the Defensive Course and the issue of carrying a satchel on a dismount are currently in limbo, in regard to the Buffalo Safety and Health Committee.  The satchel issue is also in the grievance procedure and is proceeding to arbitration.

·        Insurance Rep Bob Ohlenschlager reminded members that regulations now require a release form from an affected member before any aspect of a member’s OWCP case can be discussed with the Union by OWCP. Call the Union office if there are any questions.

·        Kent Hankin discussed the Casino Night being held through the Buffalo Social/Recreation Committee on February 25^th.  More information will be coming to the stations.

·        President McLennan introduced the Branch 3 Customer Connect representative. Cheektowaga carrier Harrison Fox is currently detailed to work on the Customer Connect Program. Brother Fox will be a liaison between carriers, customers and management. Anyone with questions or seeking assistance can contact Brother Fox at 842-4740 or call the Branch 3 office.

·        President McLennan and Exec VP Herdlein will be attending the NALC Rap Session in Los Angles, Jan 28^th.  Information on the session will be sent out through a mailing to the stations and on the Branch 3 e-mail network as soon as possible.

·        Branch 3 Retirement Seminar is Tues, Jan 23^{rd at} 6:30pm at the Union Office. USPS Rep Karen Milazzo and a representative from Social Security will be appearing at the seminar. Call the Union office if you plan to attend.

·        Per a motion passed in December, a new Branch vehicle has been purchased with the assistance of Brother Dave Militello, who is a car salesman. A 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan has replaced the 2002 Van that had approximately 95,000 miles. The cost was almost $4,000 below the Branch approved expenditure of $29,000.00.

·        Orchard Park carrier Joe Quinlivan is organizing a Branch 3 contingency to march in the March 18^th St Patrick’s Day Parade in Buffalo, Anyone interested in marching can call Brother Quinlivan at 213-3277 or the Union Office.

·        Administrative Leave for several members due to the October Storm is in the grievance procedure.  VP Larry Kania is handling those cases.

·        President McLennan announced that the NY State Association Congressional Breakfast is May 22-24.  Further information will be forthcoming.

·        Pres Bush signed Postal Reform Legislation into law on Dec. 20^th.  While the legislation contains many positive aspects, it also contains provisions whereby an injured employee must wait 3 days before COP (Continuation of Pay) starts. At dispute is whether the 3 days are calendar days or actual work days. The Branch, while awaiting a determination at the national level, has already started a grievance.

·        Committee Chairs are reminded that year-end reports are due at the Feb Membership Meeting.

·        President McLennan announced that he has appointed Branch 3 Assistant Secretary Treasurer Judith Kersten to serve as an arbitration advocate.  Sister Kersten will attend national level training in the near future.

·        President McLennan held a discussion concerning the members affected by the National Reassessment Program, the USPS initiative of denying work to limited duty employees.  Questions concerning Dept of Labor and OWCP issues must be directed to the Branch 3 office.

·        Southside retiree Ronald Berger would have won $230.00 had he been present to win. Plan to attend the next general meeting and you will become a better-informed member, and possibly $240.00 richer.

·        Next General Membership Meeting is February 21, 2007 at 7:30pm.