DECEMBER 2008 PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Do we need to be reminded: Do NOT bite the hand that feeds you! In this case I refer to the failure of our National Office, from the president on down to the workers on the floor, WE must still show the way in using U.S. Postal Service goods - STAMPS for correspondence, cards, and paying your bills!

How do you expect to even think of having a retirement, let alone a job, if you fall into the convenience of fast, faster, fastest versus reliable communication with a receipt, pay stub, voucher, etc?

In order to have a solvent business you do not support your opponent's ability to match, or even outdo your own product(s) that you are relying on for your paycheck and your retirement of the future. Don't forget your objective, keep it in sight and don't bite the hand that feeds you - bi-weekly - and the future retirement you are building for.

With no revenue to pay you, no revenue to put in your retirement, what do you have? Don't bring on your own demise and jeopardize your future retirement. Buy stamps to pay your bills, not EFT, not online, not debit or you may be shortening your career and your future retirement. Think about it. Convenience over your job/retirement - is it really worth it?

In Unionism,

Mark Hennessy
President

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LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN SESTAK RE. MAIL NETWORK PROTECTION ACT

Dear Mr. Hennessy,

Thank you for writing me regarding H.R. 4236, the Mail Network Protection Act, which would discontinue the practice of the United States Postal Service (USPS) contracting out mail delivery services. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter, and I apologize for the delay in my reply.

As a Member of Congress, it is my responsibility to represent my constituents' concerns and interests and to provide them the honorable and enthusiastic service they deserve. I truly value your thoughts and suggestions on issues before the House. In a representative government such as ours, it is essential that I know what your views are on these issues.

USPS letter carriers provide mail delivery services to over 144 million homes and businesses across America. Their work is vital to America's national security. Reliable lines of communication across the United States provide essential commercial and security roles for our Nation by enabling quick and dependable communication. As someone who served in our Nation's armed forces for more than three decades, I fully recognize the essential role the United States mail plays in boosting troop morale overseas. Moreover, the United States Postal Service has enabled businesses to expand and provide goods and services to consumers since 1775.

However, the Postal Service has been contracting out of mail delivery services, their core function. I understand the serious nature of this matter and therefore have proactively engaged both national and local postal union officials and representatives of the USPS to discuss this matter.

As you may know, H.R. 4236 would require the U.S. Postal Service to bargain with unions representing career Postal Service employees before entering into a contract for mail processing, mail handling, or surface transportation of mail if the contract, in a 12 month period, would involve work that would otherwise be performed by those employees and either: (1) involve more than a specified amount of work time, or (2) cost over $5 million.

This matter demands the Congress' full consideration, and therefore I look forward to working with my colleagues in the upcoming session of Congress to find an equitable resolution.

While on this subject, I would like to take the opportunity to inform you that I am a co-sponsor of House Resolution 282, which discourages - if only in the form of a Resolution and not a law enforcing bill like H.R. 4236 - the use of private contracts by the United States Postal Service. I support this legislation not only because Postal employees deserve economic security, but also because their hard work helps Americans across the country obtain economic security and long term prosperity.

Thank you again for your letter. If I can be of any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to our future correspondence.

Sincerely,

Joe Sestak

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TRI COUNTY FIRST AREA LOCAL ELECTIONS

At the general membership meeting on November 19, all incumbent Officers were certified as elected without opposition to another three year term, as follows:

• President - Mark Hennessy
• Vice President - Carol Ann Santosusso
• Treasurer - John Patterson
• Recording Secretary - Rhonda Foreacre
• Administrative Secretary - Birgit Clarke
• Director, Industrial Relations - Lindamarie Peabody
• Legislative Director - Gail Ganiszewski
• Business Agent - Rich Brown
• Clerk Craft Director - Joanne Brown
• Maintenance Director - Tony D'Angelo
• Assistant Clerk Craft Director - Fred Heller

Incumbent stewards have also been certified for an additional term, with the exception of Norristown and Wynnewood. Elections are currently underway for these positions.