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The Ohio Rural Letter Carriers’ Association Official Publication

December / January 2017

OHIO RURALLETTER CARRIERVolume 83 Issue Number 6

RCA Seminar, February 19, 2017Details will be in your mailbox soon!OHRLCA State Board Vacancy, see page 2

The Ohio Rural Letter Carrier December/January

VICE PRESIDENT JOYCE BOWER

7456 County Road107Gibsonburg, OH 43431-9531

Phone: [email protected]

SECRETARY / TREASURERPENNY KOREN

104 Clay Road SWDellroy, OH 44620-9757Phone: 330-735-2727 [email protected]

PAC CHAIRMANTIMOTHY BARKER

4395 Cook RoadNew London, OH 44851-9357


NRLCA INSURANCE REPMATTHEW BURKE4822 Delevan Drive

Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Phone: 330-472-4650

[email protected]

PROVIDENT GUILDDIANE COX

4780 Stony CreekUrbana, OH 43078


CHAPLAINRITA BEEDY

5318 Springfield Urbana Pk.Urbana, OH 43078-9420


EDITORDOMINIC CROOKS

P.O. Box 863Mason, OH [email protected]

PRESIDENT MARK FUNDERBURGH7450 North River RoadSpringfield, OH 45502Phone [email protected]

Ohio Rural Letter Carriers’ Association Officers

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

APPOINTED POSITIONS

VACANT COMMITTEEMAN POSITION

OHRLCA Committeeman Vacancy

Due to changes in the National Steward System in the state of Ohio, there has been a vacancy created on the state board in the position of committeeman. This position will be filled at the

January board meeting and will serve until the state convention of 2017 where it will be up for election.

If any member in good standing is interested in applying for this position, they must have their resume postmarked by

January 6th, 2017 and mailed to the OHRLCA President. Mail to President Funderburgh’s address below:

OHRLCA President Mark FunderburghRE: OHRLCA Committeeman Vacancy

7450 North River RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45502

Page 1 ............... Happy Holidays Page 2 ..............Officer Information Page 2 ..............OHRLCA Committeeman Vacancy Call Page 3 ..............State Chaplain’s Worship Corner Page 3 ..............State President Funderburgh Report Page 4 ..............State Vice President McCoy Report Page 4 ............... Committeeman Bower Report Page 5 ............... State Committeeman Burke Report Page 6 ..............State Secretary/Treasurer Koren Report Page 7 ..............2017 Spring District Meeting Listings Page 8-9............ State Board Minutes Page 10 ............. State Committeeman Cox Report Page 10-11........Committeeman Barker Report, PAC, Legislative Page 12 ............. New Retirees and New Members Page 13 ............. Steward Contact Information Page 14-15 .......Ohio Valley DR Question Box Page 15-17 .......Northern Ohio DR Question Box Page 18 ............Retired Rural Letter Carriers Book Grant Page 19 .............Ohio Auxiliary Information and Report Page 20 ............. Upcoming Events

In this Issue


Music Soothes the Soul!

What is your favorite part of the Holidays? Family, food, pres-ents, music? I have several fa-vorite songs; What Child Is This, Oh Holy Night, and my favorite to march to is I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!

I usually start listening to Christmas music on the mp3 player about the middle of

November to remind me what it’s about. This time of year can get overwhelming, to say the least!

With the volume of packages we are delivering, now more than ever, I feel a little like Santa… I get to deliver the gifts, and the best part is someone else pays!! I told that to a customer, but he wasn’t as amused as I was, he hates the credit card bills in January!

Joy to the world! The Lord is come.Let earth receive her KingLet every heartPrepare Him roomAnd heaven and nature singAnd heaven and nature singAnd heaven and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world, the Savior reignsLet men their songs employWhile fields and floodsRocks, Hills and plainsRepeat the sounding joyRepeat the sounding joyRepeat, repeat, the sounding joyHe rules the world with truth and grace,And makes the nation proveThe glories of His righteousness,And wonders of His loveAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders, and wonders of His love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Rita Beedy

State ChaplainRita Beedy

Worship Corner

At this time of the year, we all need to be thankful for our wonderful mail delivery careers. I say “careers” because it’s not “just a job”. We have all had “jobs” over the course of our lives. To me, a career is doing something that you love to do and getting to provide a smile to others.

We may not be there when our customers open a letter from their children and get to see the smile it brings them. We may not be there to see a child’s joy when opening a care package from their parents, knowing that Mom and Dad still care about them. We are there though to help connect people and make these sort of things happen.

Let’s all be a lot more thankful for the mail this season, I know it’s going to be stressful with all of the extra parcels, but think of all of the happiness that we will be delivering to all of our customers. Let us give thanks for the mail because, without it, we would not have our careers, but just another job. I hope everyone made it to your fall district meeting or the booster meeting in Columbus. If not, you can plan on attending your spring meeting and educating yourself on the future of the postal service. There is always useful information to be heard at every meeting in the state. I enjoyed speaking with some retired carriers who hadn’t been able to get to the meetings for a while and wanted to come and introduce themselves to the new President. I continue to learn new things after speaking with them. This is why everyone should get more involved with our union. We can make Ohio great again when we get more people involved.

The state convention will be at Kalahari resorts in Sandusky this coming June 11-13. So, why not plan a family vacation and come for the convention and see what is happening in your association. We just signed for more rooms as we have filled up the first room block. Don’t procrastinate like we occasonally do as rural carriers (ha-ha). Get your room booked as soon as possible. It will be a fun time this year, as every year. The room rates will be honored 3 days prior and 3 days after the convention.

As of this writing, open season will be available to those carriers who wish to change their health coverage from one plan to another. The eligible time to do this is from November 14th through December 12th. So, if you have not changed your health insurance and you wish to do so, you better get on it quickly. Happy holidays to evryone and let’s all be thinking of those less fortunate who have a lot less than we do.

PresidentMark Funderburgh

Thankfulness for the

Mail

Chaplain Beedy and Granddaughter Alexis sang a duet during the worship service at the Booster Meeting.


Hello Everyone Well the Fall Booster Meeting has come to an end once again. Thank you all for joining us and getting involved. It was definitely an educational experience to learn about Medicare and Safe Driving but also by getting up and getting ourselves moving with a little bit of Zumba.

I’d like to put out a big thank you to everyone who was involved including all of the State Board Members for their support and the part they played in making this meeting come together. A big thank you also goes out to the staff from National General Insurance for being there to speak and give out live insurance quotes. We continued to enjoy the presence of the Provident Guild and the support of PAC representation. Great job everyone and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

I want to send out a big thank you to everyone in the great state of Ohio for supporting me by selecting me as your Vice-President at our State Convention this past June, but now I am moving on to support our craft of Ohio as your District Representative for the Northern Ohio District. I have resigned my position as your Vice-President effective October 28, 2016 and am currently transitioning into the District Representative position these next few weeks and it will be effective December 24, 2016. Even though it was short lived as your Vice-President, it was a very humbling and honorable experience representing all of you in that position and as I move on to my new position as you District Representative for the Northern Ohio District I will continue that experience by being humbled and honored and will represent all of you with honesty, dignity and respect.

Chris McCoy

2016 is coming to a close. It brings a time to make choices on Health Care and FSA accounts. The October National Magazine has the 2017 RCBP Premiums. Open Season to make changes in your health care insurance begins on Monday, November 14 and ends on Monday, December 12. The open season for FSA begins on Wednesday, November 9 and ends on Wednesday, December 14.

For more information about health care plans and FSA, log on the National Website and type in Flexible Spending Accounts. It will take you to a page that will allow you to go to Liteblue. You will be able to click on different items for the information that you help you make a good decision to fit your needs.

This year allows an increase from $2500 to $2550 in the FSA and up to $5000 for Dependent Care. This account will pay for out of pocket medical or dependent care expenses. You do not pay taxes on this money, but can carry over up to $500 to the next year. You will lose any amount over that $500 that you try to carry over. We need to take a good look at what our expenses will be and allow only that amount to be placed in that account. Review Liteblue for information about which over-the-counter items are covered and consider what medical expenses you and your family may have.

Watch for the dates for your Spring District meeting in an upcoming edition of this newsletter. Try to attend and have your name placed on the ballot to be a delegate to the State Convention. If, for whatever reason, you cannot attend, write your District Secretary/Treasurer before the meeting date to have your name added. We have some Districts that may have only a few members to represent them. Will you represent your district this year?

The weather has been wonderful, but I know it may be changing soon. Make sure your vehicle is in shape for winter driving. Is the tread on the tires in good shape? This can make a huge difference in our ability to deliver the mail.

We have had so many accidents this year. We need to be aware of our surroundings at all times and be safe. Just one second of inattention may cost great pain or even a life. We have a job of delivering the mail, but we must do it safely.

May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Committeeman Joyce Bower

Committeeman Joyce Bower

Hard to Believe That...

Vice PresidentChris McMCoy

TRANSITION

Several members showing off their Zumba skills.


Union Brothers and Sisters,

I was hoping by the time you read this, Cleveland would be the city of Champions. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Indians only came close. A championship was within their grasp. Back in April, no one expected even this much.

Just like baseball, our district meet-ing season is over. I attended our

most recent District 1 meeting as both a District President and State Committeeman. We enjoyed a well-attended meeting and will look into any amendments to our district constitution. For ev-ery National General quote received that night I donated $25. Six quotes were received for a total of $150 donated! Then, roughly 3 weeks later, I attended the District 3 meeting in Freeport, OH as State Committeeman. It was a great meeting at the firehouse.

I continue to go to orientations in Cleveland. We have a routine with the coordinators. There is now a potential to have recruits every Monday. A well-educated employee is not only a benefit to our craft but to the USPS.

As the National General Repre-sentative, I see that quotes are totaling 93 for the calendar year. There were 101 quotes last year. These quotes have yielded 25 new policies. Thank you, Linda and everyone.

The Bertram Hotel is Aurora in the path of my route in Aurora OH. The last few weeks I have noticed some extra vehicles in the parking lot and not the normal clientele. As I walk into the atrium, I head for the restroom. Planted in the center of the atrium is a sign stating: Amazon applications and interviews at the end of the hall. One lady at the hotel desk said she had to explain the sign to many applicants. After reading the sign, I needed a Mountain Dew and thoughts ran through my head. Twinsburg OH (six miles from my home post office in Aurora) is the site of a distribution center operated by on-line giant Amazon.

In May 2016, Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit. This is part of a financial incentive package aimed at encouraging Amazon to open the distribution center. Amazon expects to create 150 full-time equivalent jobs generating 4.1 million in annual payroll by the end of 2019. A full-time job would pay $27,500 a year. That is only 2/3 of a beginning regular carrier’s salary! We are grateful to receive greater pay through the power of a unionized workforce. The facility will employ 300 part-time and 10 full-time employees. The value of the tax credit is $270,000. The tax credit will be paid over 6 years. Amazon must maintain the facility 9 years. These companies usually move before they have to pay full tax.

Through its Community Reinvestment Area program, the city authorized a seven-year, 50% property tax abatement for the

project site. The Twinsburg Board of Education unanimously approved ‘good faith’ companion legislation in favor of the city’s abatement. About $100,000 in income tax revenue is expected for the city.

In August, new funding came in for the Amazon.com project. $310,000 in funding was approved by the Ohio Controlling Board to support road improvements. State Senator Frank La Rose said the funds would go toward extending Independence Parkway by 750 feet.

Amazon is a 248,000 square foot distribution center developed by Scrannel Properties. Scannell built this facility at Cornerstone Business Park at the former Chrysler Stamping Plant at 2000 Aurora Rd. Twinsburg City Council approved a property tax abatement agreement. Chrysler ceased manufacturing at the stamping plant in 2010. I am sure the jobs at Chrysler were paid a lot more than $27,000 annually.

Amazon calls its distribution centers “fulfillment centers”. The Twinsburg facility is smaller than two fulfillment centers that Amazon plans for central Ohio. Amazon has said that these fulfillment centers (one in Etna, in Licking County and the other in Obetz, in Franklin County) would generate the equivalent of 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs. I really enjoy that term ‘full-time equivalent’… Translation; it means part-time.

The state said the largest U.S.-based Internet retailer wants to

establish by the end of 2019, a sorting center which will support package delivery to its customers. The new location will help Amazon to increase reliability and improve package delivery schedules. The company would invest in new machinery and equipment in the new development. Does this move cut into USPS business? Does this mean Amazon will deliver parcels that we are currently delivering?

Amazon tells its employees that we like to keep you on your toes. Associates will rotate tasks multiple times throughout the week. Our contract prevents regular carriers from having to work other routes. The temperature in the sort center may vary between 60 and 90 degrees, and will occasionally exceed 90 degrees. Sounds like a sweatshop. Hourly rate of pay is $11.25. Our RCA’s starting pay is $17.02 per hour. Thank you, Union.

How will this Amazon plant affect our rural jobs? Will this plant provide us with more parcels to deliver or will it take away parcels that we currently deliver? Could this plant somehow affect our wages? Privatization gurus have always wanted to pay us rural carriers the equivalent of newspaper carriers.

I hope to see you at the next state meeting!

All for one;One for all

Committeeman Matt Burke

ExecutiveCommitteeman

Matt Burke

Amazon Effect?

The temperature in the Amazon sort center may vary between 60 and 90 degrees, and will occasionally exceed 90 degrees. Sounds like a sweatshop. Hourly rate of pay is $11.25.

Our RCA’s starting pay is $17.02 per hour.

Thank you, Union.


Membership is OHRLCA’s Income

As of November 1, 2016, the Membership Analysis prepared by the National Office has Ohio’s total membership at 4349 that is an increase of 92 members within the past year. However, Ohio still has 1055 carriers who are not members.

We need to continue our efforts to recruit new members. If you recruit a new member the NRLCA will pay the recruiter an incentive for each new

member who remains on the rolls for at least 90 days. Help make our Association strong by recruiting a non-member today, an 1187, authorization for dues withholding form, is available on ohrlca.org. Recent retirees, you have 90 days of retirement to sign up as a member or you will become a non-member. The $7.33 dues may be taken out of your annuity check each month or you may elect to pay cash dues yearly. You must remain a member to continue benefits of insurances and programs sponsored by the NRLCA. Even if you do not elect the Rural Carrier Health Benefits Insurance now, you may elect the Rural Carrier Benefit Plan in the future or add dental or vision programs. Do not let your membership lapse, sign and return the 1187-R form to my office, to keep your benefits.

Compliance Filings

A big “Thank You” goes to all of the Districts’ Secretaries for completing and filing the LM-4, via the Internet, with the Department of Labor. As per the OHRLCA Constitution Article III, Section 5 B.2 upon completion of all District reports and elections of officers, deposits were made into each District’s Share Account. The deposits were calculated on the formula of $5.00 per each active rural carrier member as of June 30, 2016.

Passing of a Member

Please contact me if a Rural Carrier passes way. I will send the family information of whom to contact within 30 days of the death of the carrier. So, please email or call if you know of any rural carrier who passes away.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

The New Year, 2016, is fast approaching and it is time to reassess your retirement investments. Contributing to the TSP is an absolute must for FERS employees who wish to retire and maintain their same standard of living. Many postal employees contribute 5% to their TSP because this allows them to get the full matching amount. This isn’t enough. The “old” rule of “save 10% and you’ll be able to retire comfortable” is only true if you plan on working for the full 30 years. If you didn’t become a regular carrier until age 40, you probably aren’t planning on working until you have 30 years of USPS service, you must boost your TSP contributions. In 2016 you can contribute up to $18,000 to the TSP program. If you are 50 or older you can add an additional $6,000. This is assuming that your postal job is your only source of income and that you have saved no money other than through the TSP program. I urge you to visit the www.liteblue.usps.gov where you can request a retirement annuity estimate for yourself.

Secretary-Treasurer Penny Koren

Spring District Meetings

These meetings must be held at least 60 days before the State Convention. This year’s deadline is April 12, 2017.

These are very informative meetings with a State Officer and your assigned District or Assistant District Representative in attendance. Also, this is the time to make your nominations for delegates to the State Convention from your district. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting.

ARTICLE III - Members Section 1. Member in Good Standing.

A “member in good standing” is a member who has made timely payment of dues and has not voluntarily withdrawn or been expelled or suspended by the Association.

ARTICLE VI - MeetingsSection 3. Delegates.

Subsection A

No member shall be nominated or be a State Delegate who from the time of nomination through the end of the convention holds a position in management (either permanent or temporary) in the Postal Service; in any other postal craft; or any other job which competes with the Postal Service and/or this Association. This policy is defined as follows:

1. When a rural carrier craft member is serving in a managerial or supervisory position such as an OIC or 204B, the member is prohibited from Union participation. The member may not be nominated or serve as a State Delegate.

2. However, there are many instances where a member may be utilized by Postal Management to assist in the rural craft that equally benefits the rural craft and Postal Management. In those instances, where the individual is not in a managerial/supervisory position, the individual will not be prohibited from any Union participation. (Such examples may include, but are not limited to, assisting with route adjustments, mail count, academy trainers, automation team member, and safety teams).

State Convention: The state convention will be held at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky OH on June 11 thru 13, 2017.

Happy Holidays!I hope you are planning on spending Christmas with your loved ones. Remember our troops away from home and donate items to assist in their needs.

May the warm glow of Christmas be with you and may you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Union Proud Secretary-Treasurer


2016 OHRLCA Spring District Meeting Assignment List District Date City Officer Steward Auxiliary 1 Mar 18 Geneva Matt Burke To be announced To be announced 2 Mar 22 Wintersville Matt Burke To be announced To be announced 3 Apr 6 Strasburg Penny Koren To be announced To be announced 4 Apr 8 Caldwell Penny Koren To be announced To be announced 5 Feb 18 Athens Diane Cox To be announced To be announced 6 Mar 18 Utica Tim Barker To be announced To be announced 7 Apr 6 To be announced Diane Cox To be announced To be announced 8 To be announced Joyce Bower To be announced To be announced 9 Mar 15 To be announced Joyce Bower To be announced To be announced 10 Mar 28 London Mark Funderburgh To be announced To be announced 11 Mar 14 Chillicothe Mark Funderburgh To be announced To be announced 12 Apr 4 Cincinnati To be announced To be announced To be announced 13 Mar 21 To be announced To be announced To be announced To be announced 14 Mar 30 Archbold Tim Barker To be announced To be announced

2017 Spring District Meetings

District 1 Saturday, March 18, 2017. Dinner at 5:30 PM – Meeting at 6:30 PM. Best Friends Restaurant, Interstate 90 and State Route 534, Geneva OH. Meals are $5 - $16. Free dinner for 1st time attendees. Contact Dawn Greene 440-759-2777, Matt Burke 216-382-3031 or Roger Herbster 440-437-8259 with any questions you may have.

District 2 Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Meal at 6:30 PM and Meeting at 7:30 PM. King’s Restaurant, 1063 Canton Rd (St Rt 43), Wintersville OH 43952. Order from the menu. Questions contact Barb Pitts 330-469-7606.

District 3 Thursday, April 6, 2017. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Manor Restaurant, 753 S Wooster Ave, Strasburg OH 330-878-9809, Family Style Meal. $15.00 per plate, RSVP by April 4th and receive $5.00 off the price of your meal to Jody Schuler, (740-610-8221) or Patsy Anderson, (740-630-7306) [email protected].

District 4 Saturday, April 8, 2017. The meal is at 6:00PM Meeting to follow at Lori’s Restaurant, 17020 McConnelsville Rd., Caldwell, OH 43724. We will order from the menu but in order to plan how many to expect please RSVP by April 5th to Eileen Piatt 740-934-2849.

District 5 Saturday, February 18, 2017. 6:00PM Dinner and the Meeting will follow the meal. Gran Ranchero, 989 E State St, Athens OH. Contact Ron Ellis 304-654-1937.

District 6 Saturday, March 18, 2017. Watts Restaurant, 77 S Main St (Rt 13), Utica OH 43080. Dinner at 5:30 PM and the Meeting at 6:30 PM. Cost of the meal is $5.00 per person. RSVP by March 12th to Sandy Laramee 614-580-6394 or [email protected].

District 7 Thursday, April 6, 2017. Details are to be announced. Contact Autumn Cramer, 419-562-1184 or [email protected].

District 8 Details are to be announced.

District 9 Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Details to be announced. Questions contact Jason Zedaker 419-367-2834.

District 10 Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Dinner 6:00PM Meeting 7:00PM Cappy’s Pizza, 225 Lafayette St, London OH. Free Meal for member and a guest with RSVP by March 23rd, to Diane Cox 4780 Stony Creek Rd, Urbana OH 43078-9454 or call 937-869-4724 or [email protected].

District 11 Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Dinner 6:00 PM Meeting 7:00 PM. Golden Corral, 1660 N. Bridge St. Chillicothe, OH 45601. Door prizes and first time attendees get their meal free. RSVP to Emilee Arthur 937-205-8642 (call or text) or [email protected]

District 12 Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Dinner 6:00PM, Meeting 7:00 PM. Golden Corral, 12090 Mason-Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati OH. 513-697-2500. Ten $10 gift cards will be given away at the Meeting. RSVP to Carla Dedden 513-683-4664.

District 13 Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Dinner 6:00PM, Quality Inn Conference Center,1410 Commerce Drive, Saint Marys, Oh 45885 (Note—Commerce Drive is just off Indiana Ave, at US 33/St Rt 29 Interchange) Members –Please watch your mail in March for full details! Contact Ryan Campbell 419-738-5621.

District 14 Thursday, March 30, 2017, Meal at 5:30 Meeting to begin at 6:30 PM. The Blue, 301 N Defiance St, Archbold OH. Meal cost is $5 per person. First time attendees eat free. RSVP by March 14th to Susan Thayer 419-906-2058 or Debra Towers 419-237-3071.

Please note: If you have been relocated to another post office, your assigned District may have changed. Please verify your District on your Meeting Postcard before you drive to your assigned District meeting.


OHRLCA Board MeetingSeptember 10, 2016

Marriott Northwest Columbus5605 Blazer Parkway

Dublin OH

9:00 AM Present was President Funderburgh, Vice President McCoy, Secretary-Treasurer Koren, Committeemen Bower, Cox, Barker and Burke. 9:45 PM The entire board met with the Marriott Sales Representatives, Karen Diehl and Jessica Lewis to tour the facility and discuss the arrangements for the District President, Secretary-Treasurers’ Training scheduled on September 11th. Vouchers: The entire Board reviewed and approved all the vouchers submitted by the State Board Members for payment. Minutes: The minutes of Pre-Convention and Post Convention Board Meetings were read. Corrections to be made to the Post Convention minutes; correct the spelling of Darlene Stewart’s last name. Also after consulting with the Ohio Valley District Representative Funderburgh, we were advised that Area Stewards couldn’t present at the orientations for new hires. Therefore Gayle Sweet will present at the orientations in Cincinnati instead of Area Steward Crooks. Committeeman Barker made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected, the motion passed. Treasurer Report: The Association’s Detailed Financial Position was reviewed. Committeeman Bower made a motion to accept the financial report, the motion passed. Budget: Committeeman Bower presented the 2016-2017 year’s budget. Committeeman Cox made a motion to accept the new budget, the motion passed. PAC: Committeeman Barker spoke of postal reform bills’ activity and asked for officers to contact US Representatives for support of bills that were good for the USPS. Vice President McCoy made a motion to train PAC Chair Barker to post legislative updates on the association’s Web site, ohrlca.org, the motion passed. Committeeman Bower made a motion to compensate Certified Computer Tech, Eric Koren, a day’s wage to train PAC Chair Barker to post legislative updates on the Ohio website, the motion passed. Committeeman Barker made a motion to purchase 500 tickets for the Vacation Raffle for PAC, the motion passed. Orientations: The officers are receiving notification, on Friday, about the orientation classes and number of attendees scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Secretary Koren will address this problem with Secretary Dailing. District Meetings: The handouts for the District Meeting were reviewed and distributed to each officer.Secretary Koren is scheduled to attend the National Training of Secretary-Treasurers and will not be available to speak at District 4’s Fall District Meeting. Committeeman Cox has been assigned to speak at the District 4’s Meeting. State Officers’ Training: The training of the OHRLCA State Officers was completed on Friday September 9, 2016. Provident Guild: The Provident Guild Membership is being presented during new hire orientations. Ohio’s Provident Guild was ranked 5th nationally for new members last year. During the Fall Booster there will be a drawing for new and present provident guild members. It was confirmed that Provident Guild Members do not have to remain a rural carrier to continue their membership. NRLCA Auto Insurance: Ohio was third in the nation for most insurance quotes over the same time last year. The NRLCA Auto Insurance is being presented during the new hire orientations. Fall Booster Meeting: Vice President McCoy reviewed the Fall Booster Meeting’s agenda . Board Policy: Committeeman Bower made a motion to rescind 3 board policies, the motion passed. RESCIND - Board Members: The Board will support efforts by NARFE to get the first $10,000 of retirement income exempt from state income taxes. RESCIND – Vouchers: Anyone submitting a voucher must transmit the

voucher to your assigned committeeman and approving official on the Friday ending the pay period. The original voucher must be mailed to the President on Saturday following the end of the pay period. If a voucher is submitted after the Friday ending the pay period the payment for the voucher will be paid the following pay period. RESCIND - It is the policy of the OHRLCA Executive Board that the review of all expense vouchers will be conducted in executive session. Committeeman Bower made a motion to amend 2 board policies, the motion passed. AMEND – Equipment: The state board shall maintain and manage a complete and accurate inventory of all association owned property. The master inventory list will detail each item and the included related peripherals. As inventory items are assigned to individuals or transferred among individuals, they will be signed for upon receipt. The executive Board Secretary-Treasurer or authorized board member must authorize all returned, transferred or disposal of equipment. Each equipment item will be verified with the Association’s equipment inventory listing. Custodial responsibility will be enforced, member will be charged for the cost of replacement or repair of the association property. Association Property also includes hardware, software and programs built while in association’s assignment. AMEND - National Convention: Any Elective or appointed position that is member required by the OHRLCA State Board to be at the National Convention prior to Tuesday morning for meeting will be paid, ADOP, lodging and per diem. Mid-States: The Board discussed the possibility of having a fundraiser to help with the expense of the 2018 Mid-states cost. The Cleveland Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will be contacted to inquire about handouts for attendee to the conference. Committeeman Barker and Burke will research local entertainment and report back to the Board. The District’s President, Secretary-Treasurer Training will be Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 10:30 AM. 8:27 PM Committeeman Barker made a motion to adjourn until 9:00 AM Monday, September 12, 2016, the motion passed. 4:00 PM Sunday September 11, 2016The District’s President, Secretary-Treasurer’s Training concluded earlier then scheduled and the Board Members agreed to continue the Board meeting. Website: Secretary Koren received notification from the server of needed software update to ohrlca.org. Committeeman Bower made a motion to purchase the software update and to compensate Computer Tech Eric Koren $500 to install and update the ohrlca.org and to add a page for the Mid-states Conference information, the motion passed. 2017 State Convention: Committeeman Barker made a motion to hold the Winter State Board meeting at the Kalahari Resort, the motion passed. Lunch options for the Fall Booster Meeting was reviewed, additional information will be requested before making a selection. 7:30 PM Committeeman Barker made a motion to adjourn until Monday, September 12, 2016 at 9AM, the motion passed. 9:00 AM Monday September 12, 2016. Steward Reports: Ohio Valley District Representative Funderburgh and Northern Ohio District Representative Hutchisson reported via telephone. DR Funderburgh reported that mapping of every rural route would be conducted in the Ohio Valley District. DR Hutchisson reported the mapping of 95% of routes in Northern Ohio is in process. Committeeman Cox Made a motion anyone that elects electronic funds transfer or a payroll allotment to PAC will receive a $25 raffle ticket to be entered into the Dream Vacation Raffle that is to be drawn at the Fall Booster Meeting, the motion passed. Editor: Three resumes were received for the position of Editor and the State Board reviewed each resume. The newly selected editor will be Dominic Crooks. Secretary Koren made a motion to train Editor Crooks on the In-design software used to publish the paper and to also train him for posting information on the Association’s web site, the motion passed. Committeeman Bower made a motion to compensate Certified Computer Tech, Eric Koren, for a days wage to train Editor Crooks, the motion passed.


OHRLCA Board MeetingNovember 5, 2016

Marriott Northwest Columbus5605 Blazer Parkway

Dublin OH

11:00 AM Present was President Funderburgh, Christopher McCoy, Secre-tary-Treasurer Koren, Committeemen Bower, Cox, Barker and Burke. Vouchers:The entire Board reviewed and approved all the vouchers submitted by the State Board Members for payment. Minutes:The minutes of the September 10th and 12th, 2016 Board Meetings were read. Committeeman Barker made a motion to accept the minutes, the motion passed. Treasurer Report:The Association’s Detailed Financial Position was reviewed. Budget: Committeeman Bower reviewed the budget. Committeeman Barker made a motion to add a form to the ohrlca.org web site for updates and changes to members addresses, telephone numbers, email and etc., the motion passed. The Board received a resignation effective October 28, 2016, from M cCoy, as OHRLCA Vice President. Due to changes in the National Steward System in the state of Ohio, Christopher McCoy was selected as Northern Ohio’s District Representative and would no longer be permitted to continue his position as OHRLCA Vice President. The board selected Joyce Bower to be the OHRLCA Vice President. President Funderburgh made a motion to accept resumes, from the mem-bership, for the OHRLCA Committeeman vacancy, the motion passed.Resumes must to be received by January 6, 2017. Provident Guild: Committeeman Cox reported that the provident guild is being presented to new hires and members under the age of 56. All applications are being sent directly to National Provident Guild Secretary-Treasurer Diana Hausfeld. During the Booster Meeting the Provident Guild will offer 2 separate draw-ings for a prize to be awarded to a new member and a seasoned Provident Guild Members.

National General Auto Insurance: Committeeman Burke reported that In-surance Representative,Linda Foran, would offer direct quotes during the Booster Meeting. Ohio had 101 quotes last years compared to 93 so far this year. Out of the 101 quotes Ohio had 25 new policies. Ohio was 3rd in the country for quotes;-Florida and Georgia were 1stand 2nd. PAC: The PAC Raffle for the dream vacation will be drawn at the Booster Meeting. A vacation voucher worth $1500 will be awarded to the raffle’s winner to be used to purchase a dream vacation. Committeeman Barker made a motion to allocate $2500 toward the pur-chase of items for the PAC State Convention Reverse Raffle Drawing, the motion passed. Booster Meeting: Past Vice President McCoy reviewed the Booster Meetings agenda. Secretary-Treasurer Koren explained because of the record retention policy of the DOL the Association required additional fire-proof filing cabinets. Vice President Bower made a motion for Secretary-Treasurer Koren to pur-chase two 4-drawer fireproof filing cabinets up to $400 each, the motion passed.

5:00 PM Committeeman Cox made a motion to adjourn until Monday at 9:00 AM, the motion passed. 9:00 AM Monday, November 7, 2016 Steward Report: Ohio Valley District Representative Funderburgh submitted a written steward report. There will be changes in the OH Valley Stewards includ-ing new areas stewards. Grievances numbers are close to the same amount as last year this time. Carriers are participating in Route Mapping and it will continue forall rural routesinthe program. Spring District Meetings:The dates of the district meetings were reviewed.Auxiliary: Auxiliary President Cox joined our meeting.The Auxiliary President and an Auxiliary Board member has requested to be present at the Board Meeting to be held at the Kalahari Resort on January 19-20, 2016. The Auxiliary has offered to assist with the Mid-States conference to be held in Cleveland OH in May 2018. President Funderburgh made a motion, Per the Auxiliary request, that the OHRLCA State Board will reserve guest and meetingrooms at state association functions to include the auxiliary. The Auxiliary will reimburse the association for all cost contributed to the accommodations and meeting space, the motion passed. 2018 Mid-States Conference:Committeeman Barker reported that he has made contacts for the entertainment during the Conference.Committeeman Burke has also made inquires for the welcoming reception entertainment. Both Commit-teemen will continue to make inquiries and report at a later board meeting. 2017 Mid-States Conference May 5-7th.Committeeman Burke made a mo-tion to send the entire current board to the Mid-States Conference in Nebraska, the motion passed.Vice President Bower made a motion to compensate the air-fare, salary, lodging, and perdiem forthe board members attending the 2017 Mid-States Conference, the motion passed. OHRLCA Web Site:The web site will be updated and the board was asked for their input for information and separate pages to be included in the update. Vice President Bower presented to the board an idea of educating RCA’s. Vice President Bower made a motion to have a training seminar to educate RCAmembers and non-members with information to be utilized into career status, benefits, association involvement, safety, and more. Personal invitations to be mailed to each RCA, the motion passed. The RCA Informational Seminar’s date is February 19, 2017 at the Marriott Northwest Columbus, 5605 Blazer Parkway, Dublin OH 43017.Next Board Meeting: January 19, 11:00 AM and January 20, 2017 -9:00 AM Kalahari Resort, 7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky OH Vice President Bower made a motion to adjourn, the motion passed.12:35 PM Meeting Adjourned

Submitted by Secretary-Treasurer Koren

Next Board MeetingsNovember 5, 2016 - 11:00 AMMarriott Northwest Columbus, 5605 Blazer Parkway, Dublin OH 43017

Fall Booster Meeting, November 6, 2016 - 9:00 AMMarriott Northwest Columbus, 5605 Blazer Parkway, Dublin OH 43017

Board Meeting, November 7, 2016 - 9:00 AMMarriott Northwest Columbus, 5605 Blazer Parkway, Dublin OH 43017

Winter Board Meeting: January 19 - 20, 2016 - 11:00 AMKalahari Resort, 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky OH 44870 2:30 PM Vice President McCoy made a motion to adjourn, the motion passed.

September 10 – 12, 2016 OHRLCA State Board Minutes submitted by, Secretary-Treasurer Koren.


(Fun fact: Jeff is also a fellow rural carrier)

It was a great honor for me to present a check to Mr. Jordan for his campaign and ask him to support legislation favorable to rural carriers and the postal service. I am happy to do whatever I can to further the cause of rural carriers. It’s amazing to be a part of the process.

Working Together

Jeff Kelley was also instrumental in getting approval for theinterview. When we work together, we can accomplish great things. I challenge each of you to fink a way to help your fellow carriers and your own career. You would be surprised at the impact your actions can have. A simple rally invitation gave a path to reaching out to a member of congress, local media, and the general public. It does take some effort, but it is well worth it.

It Takes Legislators

This is an election year and by the time you read this, ballots will have been cast. No matter your political position, it takes legislators from both sides of the aisle to pass the bills that can help the rural carriers and the USPS. We must be willing to reach out to anyone in a position to affect our careers. It’s just that simple, really. Should an opportunity like this present itself again, I will continue to step up and do whatever I can without hesitation. My hope is that we all can count on you as well to do the same. It’s all up to us.

Yours is unity, Committeeman Diane Cox

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time? Perhaps you thought you would never have the opportunity to make a difference? Some people can make things happen and it’s easy for them. I admire those wonderful souls. I would have to say that I don’t normally fall into that category. However, once in a while… there is a chance to make a difference.

Recently, such an opportunity came my way. An invitation, some great guidance, and assistance from a higher level turned an opportunity into a chance to do something good.

Using Everyday Connections to Benefit Postal Reform

My husband, Auxiliary President Ed Cox, and I were invited to a Fall Rally for Representative Jim Jordan at his home this past October. A variety of other speakers and of course, Mr. Jordan, would be speaking. Ed has talked many times with Mr. Jordan’s wife and mother about the rural carriers and saving the postal service from pri-vatization. Now we would have an opportunity to speak with Jim Jor-dan himself.

Asking for Guidance

Not wanting to miss anything, I called our former OHRLCA president, Floyd Edler, for some guidance. Floyd, as you probably already know, is a master at legislative contacts and emails. I asked Floyd if he could give me any advice. As we talked, we remembered when Floyd and also Tim Barker had the chance to talk to Representative Bill Johnson. Both meetings resulted in NRLCA-PAC approving donations to Mr. Johnson’s campaign. The idea was born.

PAC Funds at Work

I called the National Office, let them know about the rally, and waited to hear if we could make a donation to Mr. Jordan’s campaign. The approval came through and the donation check arrived in the mail. That night at the rally, Jeff Kelley of WPKO radio (out of Bellefontaine) recorded an interview of me and Representative Jim Jordan which was then aired on the radio later that night and can be heard on the WPKO radio website, www.peakofohio.com.


Diane Cox

It’s All Up To Us

OHRLCA Committeeman Diane Cox delivers Congressman Jim Jordan

a NRLCA PAC Contribution of $1000


Winter is here and a new president has been elected.

Writing this article in early November leaves so many different thoughts on the future and how it will play out. Our union just completed our fall booster meeting in Dublin, OH and I would like to thank all that came out and/or bought a ticket for our first dream vacation giveaway. We gave a $1500.00 voucher for a vacation of

the winner’s choice. I hope the lucky winner (your own Secretary/Treasurer Penny Koren) remembers to bring me a t-shirt from her dream vacation. Congratulations Penny!!

The spring meetings will be here soon so mark your calendar and attend your spring meeting. I encourage you to come out and get involved. Three hours for a union meeting folks… it is not that hard to be an active union member. Remember your 30-year retirement that you have been working for may depend on it… or at least how much money you get from your 20-30 year career at retirement.

Speaking of retirement, let talk about The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Bill. WEP reduces the social security benefits of local state and federal retirees who worked in social security covered jobs and who also get a government payment from a non-social security covered government job.

Now a bill has been introduced to reform WEP called the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act /H.R.711. Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Kevin Brady (R-TX), brought this up. H.R. 711 cuts some of the WEP penalty on Social Security benefits and covers people already penalized as well as those to come. However, it does not stop the WEP – it just reduces it. Forindividuals who turn age 62 before 2017, the bill would reduce the current WEP penalty on Social Security benefits by a certain percentage, not to exceed 50%. The social security administration

actuary will determine the exact amount. For individuals turning 62 in or after 2017 the social security administration actuary estimated that about 83% of those affected would see an average increase in benefits of $77 per month, while about 17% would see an average decrease in benefits of $13 per month. At this time we support this bill.

We have a great state convention coming up in June 2017 at Kalahari, a four-star indoor water park in Sandusky, OH. It is only 10-15 minutes away from one of the world’s best amusement parks – Cedar Point. It’s a 10-minute drive to take the ferry to the islands. A variety of entertainment including miniature golf, bicycling, beaches, lighthouses, several historical sites and a large amount of nightlife can be found there. The room rates are great, so bring the family and help grow our craft and strengthen our union.

Then, if that’s not enough for you, how about the 2018 mid states convention in Cleveland, OH at the Renaissance Hotel (which is connected to tower city and the Casino “Jacks”)?

Ohio is happening! The Cavs won the title and my tribe almost won the World Series in the same year. It is a great time for our union, my brothers and sisters. Help us shine to all the other states. Volunteer for a committee for the state convention and/or Mid-States. All help is welcome, so bring your ideas and a helping hand!

I also want to remind everyone that reverse raffle tickets are now on sale for our state convention. They are $25 each or $100 for 5 tickets. Make your checks out to NRLCA PAC and mail them to:

Tim BarkerNRLCA – PAC4395 Cook RoadNew London, Ohio 44851-9357We have already got quite the prize list building for our already famous reverse raffle at the Monday night banquet of our state convention.

Union Proud. Timothy Barker, executive committeeman

Hello Ohio!


Tim Barker

OHRLCA /PAC State Convention RaffleMonday, June 12th during the OHRLCA Convention Banquet

Prizes Valued at $25 to $5,000. $25 PER TICKET or 5 for $100

How Many Tickets ________

Name ________________________________________________Phone____________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

Make check payable to NRLCA PAC;Mail to: Timothy Barker, 4395 Cook Rd, New London OH 44851-9357


Samantha AdamsSteve Appis Jr

Jerrod AugsburgerChristopher Baker

Amy BanfieldJames Barker

Preston BarnetteLisa Battaglioli

Ryran BeckCarla Bell

Callie BenedictJohn Boley

Larry Bomboris JrDavid BortonMegan BouterWendy BoyerMark Breetz

Toni Brock-LeviStephen Brown

Angelena BumgardnerCameron Campbell

Arnaldo Castro LozadaTawny Cherubini-Astle

Samuel ClearyRussell Cook

Tyler Cooley ITiffany CorleyMisty Couch

Ronesha CrawfordUniece CrewsSarah CutcherBrian DanishTerran DavisAshley Ditch

Megan DobiasJacob Doll

Dominic DoughertyPaula Drake

Sarah DuchanseMarkie Dunn

Brittnany EnglehardtLisa EsterkampPatrick EvansJenna Farmer

Cori FayDavid Fields

Dario Fojo MiniPhilip Foster

Jessica FrancoKatelyn GageLouis Galizio

Lisa GaltonNathan Gilchrist

Julie GillElizabeth Gill

Samantha GlassAmy GleimAshley Glick

Andreeya GoldsmithKatelin HackerJeffrey Haller IJosh HaouaraBrent Harper

Gregory HarrisonMichele Harrison

Tara HeavilinKevin HeppnerMiracle HicksApril HilemanAlicia Hiram

Paul HisleMatt Hollingsworth

Heidi HotloszBillie Jackson

Tynisa JacksonChase JohnsonPaige Keeran

Kimberly KellyBrennan Kephart

Jamie KileySummer Kinney

Aleisha KirbyDonald KirkerEric KirkmanBrandon KleinAyanna Knight

Denise LaneMatthew Lard JrEdward Laster Jr

Chris LawverCaitlyn Leach

Cheyenne LockoAaron Long

Cynnthia Lumbatis

Hayley MantzApril MarshallMichael MartinTracy McCombsLaura McGiffinJason McIntyreSteve McQueen

Andrew MeredithCrystal Messaros

Amelia MillerRoger Miller

Cassandra MingusTravis Mitchell

Jonathan MooreTarrell Moore

Herbert MorrisTrina Nafe

Mallory NagyAndrew Norman

Anna NunnNick Otto

Andreea Miha PaduraruAlicia Palmiere

Demetrius ParhamAmanda ParsonsDerek PattersonMelissa Paxton

Michail PenvoseJessica Pettit

Dawn PhillipsChristy Piggott

Andrew PinkertonFelix Poteate II

Jamie PottsWendy Priest

Brittneey QuinnTaylor Rahe

Kayla ReAdrien Reagan

Bryan RensiRox Riegle

Nathaniel RipleyVanessa Riser

Lisa RobertsAllison Rodick

Tracey RossDerek Roth

April RothgebKeri Rucker

Trisha RuhlmanAnthony RuozzoAustin Schindley

Jerl SchlegelThomas Schultz

Jim SchutzMark Segars

Denise SelwayErica Sexton

Aaron ShafferJonathan Shell

Bernard SizemoreKeith Skidmore

Mark SkoniecznyJessica SmithJessie Smyle

Paige SnodgrassTeresa SnyderDonita SowellOlivia StevensBrittany StokesTaurean Stover

Rachel SutherlandErin Swan

John SwopeDiane Tayner

Leslie Temple-EngleJasmin Thomas

Edward Thomas IICham Pale Tolbert

Angel TorrezTerry UnderwoodWilliam Vesyting

Kyle VozarLenard WacenskeAnnmarie Ward

Tara WellsCraig Welsh

Tereva WilliamsJennifer Wilson

Richard WoodwardElijah Yazdani

Staci YoderStevi YoungJesse Zeigler

Benjamin Bolen AshlandLuanne Bowers EatonMary Daley BataviaDeborah Evans CrooksvilleJoan Evans MarshallvilleMichael Feuerstein SanduskyRalph Griffith New ViennaWilliam Herendeen PainesvilleDennis Hoffman Amherst

Cathy Lavender WaverlyDaniel Lyons Lakeside MarbleheadJeffery Miller JacksonAllen Minton FostoriaTimothy Payne WestervilleKay Scott BucyrusFrank Shaeffer AmandaCarlene Witte-Stewart MiddletownMargaret Walker UniontownDiane Wlodarsky Berlin Heights


RANDY BURGER**PO Box 184

PittsboroIN 46167-0184

Phone: 317-892-3893

MISTY GAMERDINGER* P.O. Box 6036

Chillicothe, Ohio 45601Phone: (740) 503-0295

Email: [email protected]

PHILIP BURNSIDE* 8051 Township Road 165

Kenton, Ohio 43326Phone: (419) 310-3817


SUSAN THAYER PO Box 309

Liberty Center, OH 43532Phone: (419) 906-2058


LORI TODD* 610 West State Street

Salem, OH 44460.Phone: (234) 567-4222


OHIO VALLEY DISTRICT*CATHY FUNDERBURGH

P.O. Box 96, Clifton, OH 45316Phone: (937) 265-5477

Fax: (937) 528-2297Email: [email protected]

NORTHERN OHIO DISTRICT*CHRIS McCOY

P.O. Box 232, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444Phone: (330) 469-7605


Ohio Valley District

Dominic Crooks** P.O. Box 863,

Mason, OH 45040Phone: (513) 602-4418

Representative of Batavia, Bethel, Blanchester, Cleves, Franklin, Harrison, Lebanon, Mason, Middletown, Milford,

Monroe, Moscow, New Richmond, Okeana, Oxford, Waynesville, West Chester and Wilmington offices

Northern Ohio District

TANA HUMPHREY 3434 Creek Road, Kingsville, Ohio 44048

Phone: (440) 224-1276Email: [email protected]

Representative of Andover, Austinburg, Bristolville, Brookfield, Burghill, Conneaut, Cortland, Dorset, Farmdale, Fowler,

Hubbard, Kingsville, Kinsman, Pierpont, Rock Creek, Rome,Vienna, Williamsfield, Windsor and Willoughby offices

JODY SCHULER 7951 Euga Rd. New Comerstown, OH 43832.


Representative of Cadiz, Dellroy, Dennison,Freeport,Gnadenhutten, Leesville, Martins Ferry, Millersburg,

Mineral City, Sherrodsville, St. Blairsville, Steubenville,Strasburg, Sugarcreek, Toronto,Tuscarawas, Uhrichville and

Walnut Creek offices

JASON ZEDAKER P.O. Box 324, Stoney Ridge, Ohio 43463


Representative of Bellevue, Bowling Green, Clyde, Fremont, Huron, North Baltimore, Oak Harbor,

Perrysburg, Port Clinton, Rudolph, Sandusky,Sylvania, Walbridge, Waterville and Vickery offices

Area Stewards

ADRs, AREA STEWARDS AND LOCAL STEWARDSREPORT DIRECTLY TO THE DR

Area Steward assignments are subject to change. Please check the most current published list for the

Area Steward assigned to your office. Area Stewards are certified to offer assistance ONLY in the offices

in which they are certified by the NRLCA.

Please do not contact an Area Steward if your office is not listed as one of their assignments. If there is no Local or Area Steward assigned to your office, please

contact your District Representative or an Assistant District Representatives.

Ohio - District Representatives

ASSISTANT District Representatives

*Position effective December 24, 2016**Position effective until December 23, 2016


What is FMLA?The Family Medical Leave Act was created in 1993 and is a federal law. Under that federal law, the employer is required to provide unpaid job protection leave to eligible employees.

Who is eligible for FMLA?Any employee that has actually worked 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months is eligible and has been employed for at least 12 months with the postal service.

How many weeks/hours am I allowed using without fear of losing my job?You may use a total of 12 weeks/40 hours per week over the course of the entire leave year.

How many weeks/hours am I allowed to use for a dependent?You may use up to 2 weeks / 80 hours for a dependent.

If I use days sporadically for a dependent then does that mean that I can use 12 days?No, it is only 10 days as leave is charged as an eight hour inclement.

Is the 2 weeks for a dependent part of the 12 weeks or is it separate?It is included in the 12 weeks.

Are there any cases in which I would be allowed more than 12 weeks?Yes, a spouse, child, parent or next of kin would be allowed 26 weeks for a covered (active or discharged in the last 5 years) service member who has a serious injury or illness.

Who is a dependent?ELM section 512.2 allows for a son/daughter, spouse, or a parent.

Are my mother-in-law and father-in-law included as a dependent?No, they are not included.

FMLA is granted for what reasons?FMLA is granted for any condition which may involve hospital care, chronic conditions, multiple treatments, pregnancy or on the job injury.

What type of leave am I allowed to use?You may use sick, annual, leave without pay, continuation of pay (on the job injury) or a combination.

Will my leave increase if I have FMLA?No, it will not increase your annual or sick leave. It only guarantees time off of work without fear of losing your job or benefits.

I called off and said it was FMLA but management told me that I needed a doctor’s note. Do I have to bring in a note?Yes, just like any other absence, management can require you to bring in a doctor’s note especially if it’s in conjunction with a holiday, your scheduled day off, or vacation days.

When can I schedule a doctor’s appointment?Doctor’s appointments are to be scheduled after work hours or on your day off. However, not all appointments can be scheduled after work hours and management can request that you bring in a doctor’s note.

I am off on extended leave. Can management make me provide medical documentation every month?Yes, you must provide documentation every 30 days or within 15 days of being requested for documentation.

What is acceptable documentation?It should advise the employer of the nature of the serious health condition such as the carrier was incapacitated for work.

What if I am injured on the job?Under continuation of pay or OWCP then this will count towards the 12 weeks of FMLA.

How do I get approval for FMLA?The employee submits Department of Labor Form WH-380-E, FMLA Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition to HRSSC.

How do I submit it to HRSSC?The mailing address is P.O. Box 970400 Greensboro, NC 27497-0400. The phone number is (877) 477-3273.

How long do I have to submit the paperwork?You have 15 days after receiving the request or returning to work.

How long does it take to be approved?You should know if it has been approved or not within a week or so.

What should I do if I am denied FMLA?If it is denied then re-apply and provide additional information if requested.

Use of Sick Leave and FMLA Q & A

Ohio Valley District Representative

Cathy Funderburgh


Do I have to get it approved every year?Yes, you may be required to provide new medical documentation in each subsequent leave year.

Am I allowed to have more than one FMLA case in a year?Yes, but the total maximum time off for all cases is still 12 weeks.

I have been off work due to a serious injury. Can management require me to have a fitness for duty exam before I am allowed to return to work? You must provide documentation that you are able to perform you job without any limitations. Yes, management can require you to get a second opinion from a person that they designate and pay for it.

I didn’t use all of my 12 weeks last year but I may need them this year. Is that allowed?No, unlike annual/sick leave, the unused weeks do not carry over.

Is management allowed to issue me discipline if I use FMLA? No, as long as you have approved FMLA and you haven’t used your 12 weeks then it cannot be used against you for discipline.

When in doubt, always protect yourself, as you do not know what the future may hold for you. If you have an extended absence from work and the reason may be protected under FMLA then request the paperwork, follow through by filling it out and submitting it to HRSSC.

I want to wish everyone a safe, stress free and happy holiday season. May all of your dreams come true in 2017!!

Your Union Sister, Cathy Funderburgh

Government Provided VehicleCarriers Rights and Responsibilities

Questions and answers regarding employer provided vehicles on

Rural Routes.

Q) I was informed that a postal provided vehicle is being assigned to the route; can I reject the vehicle?

A) In accordance with MOU .13 of the 2000 National Agreement, postal provided vehicles are assigned as determined by the employer. A rural carrier will not be able to reject the assignment of a postal provided vehicle on their route. All previous provisions for Optional Equipment Maintenance Allowance (OEMA) no longer apply.However, a regular rural carrier who received a $500 incentive payment for the purchase of a right-hand drive vehicle will not be assigned a postal provided vehicle for three (3) years from the date of purchase. For further reference see MOU #8 of the 2000 National Agreement. Additionally, a rural carrier employee who has been safely performing rural carrier duties, and requests a reasonable accommodation due to a physical handicap, and who would be prevented from safely operating a postal provided vehicle, will not be required to accept a vehicle unless the employer offers to modify its vehicle to accommodate the handicapped employee. Q) I have been scheduled for training before I can operate my postal provided vehicle; how should I be compensated?

A) When initial vehicle training is given in partial increments (before or after the carrier has completed their daily duties), the time incurred as a result of this type of vehicle training will be on the clock and the carrier will be compensated in the same manner as provided for vehicle failure (accrued other leave).Normally, vehicle training does not exceed two (2) hours; however, should and entire day be necessary, full day training is paid under training DACA pay code T, and no other leave time is accrued. Leave replacements should be compensated via Form 1314-A for actual hours worked and recorded under Training Hours.

Q) My postal provided vehicle has broken down, and there is no other Postal vehicle available for me to use; can my PM require me to use my personal vehicle?

A) In the event that a postal provided vehicle is not available for a route to which one is assigned, a rural carrier may be requested, but not required to provide a vehicle. If a carrier provides a vehicle for any portion of the route, the daily equipment

Northern Ohio District Representative

Delbert Hutchisson

President Funderburgh and Rural Carrier /Zumba instructor Emilee Arthur during the Booster Meeting.


maintenance allowance (EMA) is payable.

When a postal provided vehicle breaks down or is disabled during use by a leave replacement so long as the actual weekly work hours do not exceed 40 total hours, the carrier is compensated for actual time the carrier was delayed as result of the vehicle failure on PS Form 1314-A, Auxiliary Rural Carrier Time Certificate.

Q) I bid off of rural route 1 onto rural route 2 and that route does not have a postal provided vehicle; what happens to my accumulated O- time for vehicle failure and training?

A) If a carrier should change vehicle status (i.e. bid to another route without a postal provided vehicle, etc.) or if a carrier should cease to be a rural carrier (i.e. retirement, promotion, etc.) and the accumulated other leave balance from vehicle failures/training is less than eight (8) hours, the carrier will be given one (1) full day’s relief chargeable to other leave.

Q) When I return early from my route; can management use my assigned vehicle for auxiliary assistance, city delivery duties, Express Mail shuttle, etc.?

A) Vehicles assigned to rural routes may be used for other duties, as long as that usage does not interfere with the rural carrier’s completion of the assigned route. Furthermore, this type of usage should be an exception or emergency basis, and other users must return the vehicle with a full tank of gas since the rural refueling standard only covers the specific needs of the assigned route.

Q) What are the seat belt requirements for rural carriers when operating a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle?

A) Section 171.5.b of the Handbook P0-603, Rural Carrier Duties and Responsibilities, states that seat belts must be worn at all times when operating a Postal Service-owned or -leased vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with both shoulder and lap belts, the carrier may disengage the shoulder belt only in those situations when the shoulder belt prevents the ability to deliver or collect mail from curbside mailboxes. The lap belt must be worn at all times the vehicle is being operated.

Q) My PM said I’m prohibited from driving with the right-hand sliding door open, what is the requirement on opening and closing the sliding door when the vehicle is in motion?

A) When drivers are traveling to and from their routes, when they are moving between park and relay points, and when they are

entering or crossing intersecting roadways, they must ensure that all vehicle doors are closed.When traveling in intervals of 500 feet (1/10 mile) or less between delivery stops, the sliding door on the driver’s side may be left open.

Q) I’m a RCA and the route that is being assigned a Postal-provided vehicle has been vacant in the leave replacement ranks; does management have to offer this assignment again?

A) Yes. As per Article 30.2.D.E.1 of the National Agreement, a vacancy in the leave replacement ranks shall be offered again to the current leave replacements by longest period of continuous service in the office when the route has been substantially changed (i.e. classification, relief day, or assignment of vehicle).

Q) The leave replacement complains that the regular carrier leaves extraneous matter all over the vehicle; can management require the regular carrier to clean out the Postal-provid-ed vehicle?

A) Rural carriers are required to keep vehicles clear of trash, debris, personal items, loose forms, etc., and to remove all mail on completion of delivery duties. Empty equipment must also be removed, unless specifically authorized to be kept in the vehicle. However, rural carriers are not required to wash the vehicle, the windshield or the windows.

Q) I am in a smaller office that does not have a VMF (vehicle maintenance facility) within the office; can management require me to check oil and other fluids of my assigned vehicle?

A) No. Rural carriers are not required to check oil and other fluid levels. This can be accomplished by another postal employee, or incorporated to local contracts with service stations. Local postal managers must establish a procedure to assure that oil, water, and other fluids are checked at least weekly and replenished as needed. This policy has been in effect since September 1988.

Q) During the mail count, is additional time allowance credited to the route for clearing ice or snow from postal-provided vehicles?

A) No. It is only reasonable that rural carriers or any operator clear snow or ice before operating the vehicle. Vehicle operators are required to clear snow or ice from postal vehicles to ensure safe operation of the vehicle. The time allowance provided under section 535.23.h. (1) of the PO-603, Rural Carrier Duties and Responsibilities, is sufficient to complete this infrequent requirement.


Q) If I have a flat tire on the route, is it my responsibility to change it?

A) No. It is management’s responsibility to have the vehicle fixed. The carrier will report the vehicle breakdown immediately. The carrier will be compensated for the loss time.

Q) My postal-provided vehicle is not available due to management utilizing it elsewhere when I’m ready to leave for the street; can management force me to use my personal vehicle.

A) In the event a postal-provided vehicle is not available for a route to which one is assigned, a rural carrier may be requested, but not required, to provide a vehicle. If a carrier provides a vehicle for any portion of the route, normal daily equipment maintenance allowance (EMA) is payable. See section 570 of handbook F-21, time and attendance for instructions.

Q) Can I ask for additional compensation if my Postal-provided vehicle is not available when I’m ready to leave for the street? A) Yes, if the vehicle is not disabled or broken down, the additional time will be paid on a PS Form 8127. If you are a sub carrier you will be compensated for actual time you waited so long as the actual weekly work hours do not exceed 40 total hours.

Q) Can management rotate vehicles assigned to rural routes?

A) Yes, Postal- provided vehicles, including those assigned to rural routes, may be rotated to minimize accumulated mileage, at the discretion of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility Manager.

Q) Can management require me to use wheel chock blocks?

A) Yes, if rural carriers are required to use wheel chocks, an appropriate time allowance for their placement and removal must be granted. If this was not included in the previous mail count under column 17 then management must complete PS Form 4003 to increase the route base hours for the weekly time required to use wheel chocks, until the duties can be incorporated into mail count data.

Q) What should I do if I encounter a safety or vehicle maintenance problem?

A) Rural carriers must report any observed leaks or operating problems on PS Form 4565 (vehicle repair tag) and should not use a vehicle if damage seems likely or safety is compromised.

Q) I would like a Postal-provided vehicle for my route, is the postal service going to continue to place RHD vehicles on ru-ral routes?

A) Under MOU 13 it was agreed between the postal service and the union that an additional 15,000 right-hand drive postal own vehicles will be provided over a five-year period. The five-year period began January 1 of 2009 and ended December 31, 2013. Currently the postal service still has to deliver approximately 3000 more right-hand drive postal vehicles to comply with this MOU.

Q) Management has assigned a postal provided vehicle to my route, will it change my evaluation?

A) It is required that your office complete a new PS Form 4003 immediately. The vehicle data block should be changed from EMA to government vehicle with an effective date of the first Saturday of the pay period after the arrival of the vehicle. The vehicle al-lowance will automatically be calculated and added to the routes standard hours. This adjustment will be a base hour adjustment and will be reflected in RTACS beginning in the above referenced pay period.

Q) Management processed a new PS Form 4003 placing a LLV on my route and now I qualify for more than one evaluated classification, can I choose the high option?

A) Yes, the regular rural carrier may elect the higher route classification so long as they have met the requirements outlined in article 9.2.C.7 of the National Agreement.

I hope this has helped to answer some frequently asked questions. If your question was not answered here please call your assigned steward.

Thank you kindly,Delbert K. Hutchisson


For questions on what the OhioRetired Rural Carriers are all about,

please contact:

President Gayle SweetRetired Ohio Rural Letter Carriers

1385 Russellville RdWinchester OH 45697

For a small $5.00 membership fee, you too can join the Ohio Retired Rural Letter Carriers.

We use a portion of your membership fee to supply this grant and, with enough membership support, we can provide similar grants each year.

You can send your membership fee to:Secretary-Treasurer Shirley OrtzRetired Ohio Rural Letter Carriers11696 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Rd

New Middletown OH 44442

THE OHIO RETIRED RURAL LETTER CARRIERS' BOOKBOOK GRANT

The Ohio Retired Rural Letter carriers are proud to announce that they will be offering their "Ohio Retired Rural Letter carrier's Book Grant" in the amount of two

$100.00 grants. These grants will be awarded at the State Convention in 2017.

caretaker of these grants will be the Retired Rural Letter carriers' of The Ohio Rural Letter carriers' Association.

Rules for the Ohio Retired Rural Letter Carriers' Book Grant: 1. Parent or grandparent must be a member in good standing of the Ohio

Rural Letter carriers' Association.2. Application must be postmarked no later than May20, 201.7.3. Applicant must be presently attending classes or has just completed the first

year of an accredited college or trade school.4. Toe Grant is to be used toward applicants educational expenses.

NAME _______________________ _

ADDRESS ______________________ _

crrv __________ ��An ________ �ZIP __ _

COLLEGE/TRADE SCHOOL WILL BE/ ARE ATTENDING _______ _

FIELD OF STUDY ____________________ _

NAME OF PARENT/GRANDPARENT ______________ _

Send your application to:Gayle Sweet President Ohio Retired Rural Carriers' 1385 Russellville Road Winchester, OH 45697

APPUCANTS WILL BE REVIEWED AND ANNOUNCED AT THE RETIREE MEETING AT THE SfATE CONVENTION IN JUNE, 2017.


The older I get, the faster the years seem to go, especially the summers. Fall fades as winter returns. As we trudge through the winter months, we not only must prepare our vehicles for the bad weather, we must also prepare our mindset. Our winter driving skills may seem a little rusty at first, but if we keep alert, we can stay safe.

2016 Convention, Booster, and District meetings have passed. Hopefully, you made it to as many meetings as possible. Support your NRLCA, OHRLCA, and

Auxiliary members. Thank you all for your donations for the Auxiliary project and your purchases of project items. We greatly appreciate it.

Everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a very Happy New Year! God Bless you.

Your friend,

OHRLCA Auxiliary President Ed Cox

Auxiliary Scholarships Scholarship applications are now available on line at: nrlca.org:

1. Click on National & State Officers2. Click on NRLCA National Auxiliary3. View, select, and print the appropriate scholarship applications.

Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2017.

Auxiliary PresidentEd Cox

Where Did Summer Go?

Auxilary Member

Diana Hausfeld and

PAC Chair Tim Barker

demonstrated their

Zumba moves at the

Booster Meeting as

Joe Butcher cheers

from a distance.

Auxiliary Officers

PRESIDENTED COX4780 Stony CreekUrbana, OH 43078Phone [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENTJODI BURKE4822 Delevan Dr.Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124Phone [email protected]

SECRETARY/TREASURERSandy Schwartz10 Eastmoor CourtNew Bremen OH [email protected]

EXECUTIVE BOARDCindy Gamble, Chairman of the Board4123 Southern Blvd.Youngstown, Ohio 44512-1242Phone [email protected]

Phyliss Riley, Secretary of the Board315 N StreetUtica OH [email protected]

Cindy Gamble, Project Chair4123 Southern Blvd.Youngstown, Ohio 44512-1242Phone [email protected]

Pat Singelyn, Junior Sponsor18991 Munn Rd.Chagrin Falls, OH 44023Phone [email protected]

2015-2016 JUNIOR OFFICERSPresident, Morgan Todd610 West State StreetSalem, OH 44460

Vice President, Abby Hausfeld33 Oakwood DrMinster OH 45865

Secretary, Shaelynn Anderson74447 Dry Ridge RdFreeport OH 43973

Treasurer, Mackenzie Preston 7571 Middleridge RdMadison OH 44057


Upcoming Events

OHRLCA State Board MeetingJanuary 19, 2017 - 11:00 AMJanuary 20, 2017 – 9:00 AM

Kalahari Resort7000 Kalahari Dr

Sandusky OH 44870

RCA SeminarFebruary 19, 2016 - 10:30 AMMarriott Columbus Northwest

5605 Blazer ParkwayDublin OH 43017

2017 Mid-States ConferenceMay 5 – 7, 2017Radisson Hotel

201 5th St NFargo ND

OHRLCA State ConventionJune 11 - 13, 2017Kalahari Resort

877-525-2427 use code #247457000 Kalahari Dr

Sandusky OH 44870Room rates;

Thursday $119Friday $139

Saturday $159Sunday – Tuesday $119

August 15-18, 2017 NRLCA National ConventionGaylord National Resort &

Convention Center201 Waterfront Street

National Harbor, Maryland

2018 Mid-States ConferenceMay 4, - 6, 2018

Renaissance Hotel24 Public Square

Cleveland OH 44113

Non-ProfitU. S. Postage

PAIDPermit #225

Youngstown, OH

Members - Send Address Changes to:Ohio Rural Letter Carriers Association104 Clay Road SWDellroy, OH 44620-9757

DEADLINE for the February/March issue is Janurary 2, 2017. Please have all articles to [email protected] before that date

2017 OHRLCA State ConventionJune 11 - 13, 2017

reservations are now available at

Kalahari Resorts 877-525-2427 use code #24745

7000 Kalahari DrSandusky OH 44870

Room rates;Thursday $119

Friday $139Saturday $159

Sunday – Tuesday $119Established in 1929 by H. I. Carpenter. Published in Ohio. Entered as Non-Profit mail at the

Post Office in Youngstown, Ohio. Non-Profit Postage is paid in Youngstown, Ohio. Subscription Price - $10.00 per year. Contributions are opinions expressed by the writers

and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the State Officers of the Ohio Rural Letter Carriers‘ Association or the Editor.

The Ohio Rural Letter Carriers’ Association Official ... › files › statepaper14 ›...

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