GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SUMMARY
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 2001
· The membership approved donating $600.00 to be combined with split club receipts from the Branch 3 picnic and general meeting to be divided two-thirds and one-third respectively with the NYC Firefighters Local Disaster Relief Fund and the NYC Police Department Local Disaster Relief Fund. Members are urged to take up a collection in their stations to add to the donation.
· The Members approved the merger of Lockport Branch 473 with Branch 3 unanimously. Welcome Lockport members!
· The Branch will purchase two tickets at a cost of $15.00 each for the Buffalo/WNY AFL/CIO Retirees Council Luncheon. Tickets to be used by Branch 3 representatives on the council.
· Members approved purchasing two tickets at a cost of $25.00 each for the retirement party for Brother Earl Frampton, Labor Liaison for the United Way for Niagara Orleans Labor Council AFL/CIO.
· The Branch will donate $40.00 to the Chautauqua County Workers Memorial Fund. This amount represents a dollar per Branch 3 member in that region as requested by the Workers Memorial Committee.
· The members approved purchasing two tickets at a cost of $40.00 each for the James A. Healy Foundation Annual Scholarship Dinner. This is the Foundation’s source of revenue for their scholarship. The scholarship is available to the membership.
· New member, Orchard Park PTF Brian Baird, was sworn in by Exec. V.P. Bob Herdlein.
· President McLennan presented NALC membership pins to 30-year members Steve Hojna and Tom Murtha, and 35-year pin to Melvin Force. Forty-year pins were presented to Joseph Sikorski, Raymond Jozwiak, Ed Dudkowski and Robert Hibbard. John Zelli received his 45-year membership pin.
· Organization chairman Gary Meyer reminded the membership that non-union carriers are not our friends. They enjoy the fruits of the NALC’s efforts for free. Try and sign up that non-member!
· The membership approved a by-law proposal to Article 9 Section 13 to raise the pay of committee members from $10.00 to one hour City Carrier Grade 1 Step A rounded down to the next full dollar.
· The Education and Information Committee will be conducting inspection classes for Lackawanna and Eastside Zone 6, who are scheduled for inspection in October. Members having special inspections are urged to attend. Classes will be held at the Union office 9/25 and 10/3 at 6:30 pm.
· Legislation Chairman Doug Fordyce stated that Postal Reform Legislation and other issues important to carriers will not be dealt with anytime soon because of the recent events this past week. The AFL/CIO COPE Committee will make their slate of endorsements after the primaries. The COPE Committee is endorsing Republican Bill Pauly in the primary race because of his solidarity with labor for over 25 years.
· Fellowship Chairman Nicole Novasat reminded members that the Octoberfest for Muscular Dystrophy is Saturday, October 13th at the Pearl Street Grille and Brewery. MD Chairman Vince Alimonti urged members to attend this fun and worthwhile function. Check the Buzz for details. Chinese auction items are needed from either businesses or individuals. Call the Union office if you can assist.
· The members approved an expenditure of up to $500.00 for the cost of engraved mugs and the printing incurred for the Octoberfest.
· Insurance Rep. Bobby O reminded members that open season for the CIGNA Dental Plan is October 1st thru October 31st. Contact the Union office for enrollment packets or L & M Financial for information.
· President McLennan announced that the self-management test conducted in Hiler and Kenmore stations has ended. The District Manager refused to remove a supervisor as stipulated in the agreement. Perhaps management will come to their senses at a later date.
· The Safety committees for the city stations have been trained. These committees will address safety issues in their specific station.
· As soon as the Memorandum of Understanding concerning future inspections within Branch 3 is signed, all stewards will be receiving a copy. This is a result of the inspection grievances filed in Ellicott Station, Orchard Park and Olean.
· A brief discussion on MSP (Managed Service Points) was held. Members are instructed to take the time needed to perform this new debacle.
· The grievance concerning the hiring of casuals in lieu of a career workforce has been settled at the national level. Management is still deciding what to do in light of this arbitration decision. The membership will be kept informed of future developments.
· President McLennan announced that an investigation of a possible grievance might result in the conversion of Buffalo PTFs.
· Gary Dion, Red Cross Community Service Liaison, contacted director of Retirees Bob Connors. Mr. Dion is seeking union members to sign up for a union based volunteer pool in Erie County. Contact the Union office for sign-up forms.
· Southside Steward Jim Wittmeyer will conduct a National Safety Driving Course at the union office November 13th and 15th. The cost is $25.00 for any Branch 3 member and/or their family member. This course helps reduce your insurance premium. Contact the office for further details.
· Brother Richard Malone would have won $170.00 in the capsule drawing if he had been present at the meeting. Plan to attend next month. Find out what is happening in your union and you could possibly win $180.00 if your name is drawn.
Next General Membership Meeting is Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 7:30 PM.