Bulletin Board

I'm striving to keep you informed!

Aug 2, 2004

From: "Terry O'Sullivan" <azuniga@liuna.org>
Reply-To: notice-reply-xdbbgb20k6nej@unionvoice.org
To: "Ronald Ronn Greek" <Ronn_Greek@hotmail.com>
Subject: Election 2004
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 21:00:05 GMT

Dear Ronald "Ronn" Greek,

Never have I felt as much hope as I feel today on returning from the Democratic National Convention in Boston. After a week of meetings with John Kerry and John Edwards, members of Congress and hundreds of working men and women, I believe that hope -- for good jobs, respect for workers' rights and a more secure America -- is truly on the way. The unity and commitment in Boston to take back our country for working people in this election of a lifetime was phenomenal. While our effort to restore the voices of working families in government is soaring now, it will take all of us to keep our cause aloft. I ask every Laborer to join me in the coming weeks and months in educational work, voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote efforts.  Please learn about what's at stake in the fall elections at www.laborersvote.org , talk to your co-workers and family, and contact your Local Union to be a part of this great cause.
Together, we can fight as only Laborers can, and we can win!
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Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://www.unionvoice.org/join-forward.html?domain=laborers&r=gpatBAE151Vj

Posted 5/3/04

Dear Friends,
On June 18th, the Mailhandlers Union - Local 301 will be joining with our union brothers & sisters and other friends to play some golf and more importantly to raise much-needed funds for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans.  These are difficult times for so many men and women who served our country in the armed services and we are trying to make sure they continue to get the essential services provided by this shelter.
In order for this charity golf tournament to be the great success we need it to be, we are appealing to you for help in the form of either cash donations or raffle prizes.  Whatever gift, large or small, would be gratefully accepted and most appreciated.  Some examples of items we are looking for include Red Sox tickets, get-away weekends, gift certificates, or any other product or service that would be of interest to our golfers that day.  Of course, cash donations to underwrite the significant overhead costs of the tournament are always welcome.
Thank you in advance, for your consideration with this important request.  I

know that there are many worthy requests that come to your attention each and every day.  But, I also know that you realize just how important the work that goes on the New England Shelter is for the thousands of veterans who depend on it for their survival.

If you should have any specific questions or concerns, please contact me directly at 508-651-2227 x 101.  On behalf of the entire committee helping to put this event together, I want to thank you for your courtesy and consideration.

Very truly yours,
Robert P. Losi, President NPMHU, Local 301

SPONSORSHIP - LOCAL 301, MAIL HANDLERS UNION 4TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
FRIDAY  JUNE 18, 2004
     If you would like to become a sponsor, there are three levels of sponsorship available to you:
 
    * $750: -Includes foursome FEE and you will be duly noted on the day of tournament as an Elite Hole Sponsor.
    * $500:  -You will be duly noted as a VIP Hole Sponsor.
    * $100:  -You will be duly noted as a Hole Sponsor.

All checks should be made payable to:  Local 301 Charity Golf Tournament
Mail to: Local 301, Mail Handlers Union, 971 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760

Subject: Help Recruit Volunteers in Key States
Date: Thu, 27 May 2004 19:42:34 GMT

Dear Working Families e-Activist:

Today, you can make a big difference.

There are only 158 days until the November election and your action is urgently needed. President Bush has spent more than $120 million of his campaign war chest trying to mislead America about his record and attack the credentials of Sen. John Kerry, a war hero and a leader for working families' priorities.

We're going to beat Bush's money by hitting the streets and telling the truth. This June, the union movement is inviting people to go door to door in key battleground states where the election will be closest--talking to union voters about America's priorities, President Bush's failed record and John Kerry's plans to create good jobs and make health care affordable for all.

Tens of thousands of volunteers are needed in the 16 battleground states: Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Even though you don't live in one of these 16 states you can still make a big difference. We're asking you today to write e-mails to recruit your friends or family in those states to volunteer.

We've included step-by-step instructions and a sample e-mail you can use at the link below. Please click to get started. 
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/vdatBMs1ZpDY/

If you don't know people in those states, please invite your friends, family and co-workers to help you by reaching out to their contacts in the key battleground states.

The BEST way to protect overtime pay, win good jobs and guarantee affordable health care for all is to replace George W. Bush and elect Sen. John Kerry. Without a change in the White House, we won't get the leadership we need for America's priorities.

Here is what we urge you to do:

1. E-mail your friends, colleagues and family members in the 16 battleground states and urge them to volunteer in June for this fight for America's working families.

Volunteers are urgently needed in: Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Click below for a sample e-mail message you can use to send to friends, family and others in those states. 
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/vdatBMs1ZpDY/

2. After you send them an e-mail, call them on the phone, too.  Ask them to click on the link in the e-mail you sent them and volunteer.

3. Volunteer in your community. Sign up to volunteer in your community at the link below.
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/v7atBMs1ZpDT/

Although most of the June action is focusing on the 16 battleground states, there will be plenty for you to do between now and the Nov. 2 election. Volunteers who sign up will hear more from us about these opportunities to make a difference.

Literally tens of thousands of volunteers are needed in the 16 key states. Please help us get the word out today.

Thanks for all you do.

In solidarity,

Working Families e-Activist Network, AFL-CIO
May 27, 2004

Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA)

The following information is provided for the members, in our contiunous efforts to educate our members on their rights and benefits in the workplace.  This information is general and describes the basic provisions of the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA).
What is the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA)?
The FECA is a law which provides benefits for civilian employees of the United States who have suffered work related injuries or occupational diseases.  These benefits include payment of benefits to dependants of employees who died from related injuries or diseases.  The FECA law does not provide retirement benefits.  However, it does provide for vocational rehabilitation services to partially disabled employees.  Employees who fully or partially recover from their injuries are expected to return to work.
Who administers FECA?
The FECA is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) US Department of Labor throughout the United States.
Are only full time regular employees covered?
No.  FECA coverage is extended to Federal employees regardless of the length of time on the job or the type of position held.  Probationary, temporary and term employees are covered on the same basis as permanent employees.  This includes seasonal and intermittent employees.
What types of injuries are covered?
Covered injuries include, diseases caused by employment or obtained in the performance of duty and variety of types of injuries.  The law does not cover injuries that are caused by willful misconduct by the injured employee or by the intent to injure oneself or another, or by intoxication of the injured employee.

Does FECA cover pre-existing medical conditions aggravated by the factors of the employment?
Yes.  Diseases and illnesses aggravated, accelerated or precipitated by employment are covered.  The employee will be required to submit medical and factual evidence to show the disease that was aggravated, accelerated or precipitated by employment.
Is it necessary to report all injuries that occur at work, even minor ones?
All injuries should be reported when they occur.
How much does compensation coverage cost a Federal employee?
Federal Civilian employees are covered by virtue of their employment status.
Are there penalties for filing a false claim?
Yes.  Federal Law (128 U.S.C. 1920) provides a penalty for any one who knowingly or willingly falsifies, conceals, covers up, makes or uses a false statement in connection with a compensation application.  Any such falsification can lead to fine and or imprisonment.
Who pays the cost of Workers Compensation?
The costs are paid from a compensation fund administered by OWCP.  Employers must reimburse the fund for amounts paid to its employees.
What should I do if I'm injured at work?
You should report the injury to your supervisor immediately and obtain necessary medical or first aide attention.  Carefully complete a Form CA-1 for traumatic injury or CA-2 to report an occupational disease and return it to the appropriate person(s).  Forms should be filed within 30 days of the date of the injury or you realize the disease or illness was caused or aggravated by employment.  *If you are unsure, seek assistance from your union representative.
What is the difference between a traumatic injury and an occupational injury or disease?
A traumatic injury is a wound or condition of the body caused by external force, including stress or strain.  The injury must have occurred at a specific time, event, place and affect a specific part or function of the body.  This may include damages to dentures, artificial limbs, hearing aids, eyeglasses.  Details are provided in the FECA manual.  An occupational disease or illness is a condition caused by work or an environment produced over a period of time, longer than one day or during a single shift.  The condition may result from infection, repeated stress or strain, repeated exposure to toxins or other continuing conditions of the work environment.
What should an employee do if his or her claim form is not accepted by the supervisor?
Immediately notify OWCP and the Union.  This is a violation of the Federal Law and violators are subject to a fine or imprisonment.  Case files are protected under the Privacy Act.

It is important to know your rights and what you should do in advance.

Additional information may be obtained on the OWCP website: http://www.dol.gov/dol/esa/owcp.htm