Vol. XXV, No. 20 / Jerry Sirois, President / July 30, 2004.

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National APWU Convention News

The 2004 National APWU Convention will be held in Los Angeles California. Pre Convention workshops begin on August 19 and the Convention concludes on August 27th.

There will be a MAL-APWU Delegate meeting on Tuesday August 10th at 6:00 PM or immediately following the Local Executive Board meeting. Delegates who will be attending the Convention at the expense of the local must either attend this meeting or contact Jerry if they will be unable to attend this important pre-convention meeting.

Additionally, if members have any agenda items they would like to propose for the National Convention you can contact any of the following delegates for assistance with your ideas, resolutions, or any other issue you would like to discuss with us prior to our delegation departing. Jerry Sirois, Peggy Whitney, Mark Pietsch, Dan Kranz, Gary Lofgren, Jim Miller, Kevin Meyer, Dave Gangl, Ifeoma Njaka, Sandy Shanks, Kip Narbo, Liz Culver, James Allen, Mel Thompson, Kathy Walker, Abe Abram, Rick Grata, or Dave Anderson.

Did You Know That You Can? Contribute to a candidate of your choice for FREE!

Minnesota has a program called the “Political Contribution Refund” program! This program allows people to contribute up to $50.00 per year (at no cost to the contributor) to candidates of their choice that run for Minnesota State offices. The way it works is when you make a contribution to a candidate of your choice request a “Form EP-3” from them and a Minnesota Revenue “PCR” form. Then you fill out the brief PCR form, attach the EP-3 and send to the address listed on the PCR form. Within a few weeks you will receive a refund for the amount up to $50.00 that you contributed!

The APWU will logically tend to focus on federal offices because we represent federal employees. However, due to our renewed and increased political involvement that was brought on by proposed Postal Reform we have learned that it is a huge mistake to ignore state offices and those candidates that seek them! We are in a dedicated transition to become an acknowledged and integrated force in all our communities. In order for that to take place it usually starts at a grass roots level!

Please make a mental note to take advantage of this program on behalf of your local candidates who will be in full support of a strong and vital USPS and its employee’s right to collectively bargain for fair wages and benefits! We have excellent sources through the Minnesota AFL-CIO in the event you want to know more about candidates seeking offices in the area you live!

COPA 25/25 Club News! Thermometer creeps toward $20,000 benchmark!

Postal Reform (PR) continues to be stalled in congress. While we will do everything we can to move it along if the language appropriately reflects the APWU position on PR we can continue to try and move our 25/25 thermometer to the $25,000 goal! At this point in time this is the single most effective way to ensure the future will be bright for us, our families and the USPS. Remember- this is a way you can protect your job AND win cash! Please take advantage of one of the many ways to contribute. Call 612-623-0677 with any questions!

WATCH YOUR MAIL --
DENTAL INSURANCE INFORMATION & APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL MPLS. APWU MEMBERS

Mpls. APWU Denticare Dental Plan OPEN SEASON INFORMATION

Act Today -- Open Season Ends September 8, 2004!

The Minneapolis Area Local, APWU Dental Insurance has been a resounding success for years. Our insurance continues to be contracted with Denticare for another Contract Year beginning October 1, 2004 and will provide orthodontic benefits (braces) for dependent children and adults.

Open Season for you to join the Mpls. APWU Dental Plan is NOW.

You have until Sept 8, 2004 to join our Regular #G507, Basic #G607 or Comprehensive #G707 Plans.

Your coverage will become effective for one Contract year on October 1, 2004.

This will be your ONLY opportunity to join until next Open Season in August 2005.

If you currently have this Dental Insurance, and you wish to continue with your Denticare Insurance Program for another 12 months at the monthly premiums listed below, you need not respond. However, if you wish to add or drop family members, change coverage, or drop this Dental Plan effective October 1, 2004 you MUST respond now. YOUR OPEN SEASON TO MAKE CHANGES IS NOW!

Member Only (Regular) G507 $ 19.00 (Basic) G607 $ 21.00 (Comprehensive) G707 $ 29.00

Member & 1 Dependent (Regular) G507 $ 27.00 (Basic) G607 $ 37.00 (Comprehensive) G707 $ 56.00

Member + 2 or 3 (Regular) G507 $ 36.00 (Basic) G607 $ 58.00 (Comprehensive) G707 $ 85.00

Member + 4 or more (Regular) G507 $ 45.00 (Basic) G607 $ 76.00 (Comprehensive) G707 $ 112.00

If you do not have this dental plan, THIS WILL BE THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY THIS YEAR FOR MINNEAPOLIS APWU MEMBERS TO JOIN THE MPLS APWU DENTICARE PLAN.

To Enroll, you will need to send the following information, found in your mailing, to CGC in Burnsville:

1. Your Completed Enrollment Form, and

* Election of Coverage #G507 Regular, #G607-Basic or #G707-Comprehensive (Plan #)

* Premium Deduction Authorization

* Clinic Choice

2. A Voided Check from Your Checking Account or a Deposit Slip from your Savings Account,
for monthly premium deductions.

YOUR DEADLINE TO RESPOND IS Sept 8, 2004. WATCH FOR YOUR MAILING AND RESPOND PROMPTLY. This benefit is for APWU Members - ONLY