Mail count over my shoulder

There is an interesting happening in our office; one that really has nothing to do with mail count other than the time of year we are required to conduct it.

The news tells us the housing market is drastically down. However, in our little office, the three and a half routes have grown at least four or more boxes each since count ended. For two of us, had we had those boxes, our routes would have evaluated a step higher.

It seems not only is the February count a bad time for mail volume, but it is a time when no one is changing or moving. Spring comes, everything comes alive, people move into vacant rentals, existing homes sell and new homes break ground.

Too bad we lost that October mail count.

Quality of Work Life/Employee Involvement

Hopefully, rural carriers reading this post are familiar with the concept. Having participated in QWL/EI for over 14 years, I think the principle is valid.

I am currently a trainer at the Rural Carrier Academy after previously serving five years in the late 90s before there was a time limit. Between the training stints, I was a member of a facilitator team.

Why did I decide to participation in the QWL/EI process?

First, and most importantly, as it turns out, the facilitator and academy instructor training is comprehensive and informative. No one should feel intimidated, as the point of the time spent in the classes is to help alleviate anxiety. The area trainers do it well.

At all times, QWL/EI involves participation by management and craft working together. This concept appeals to me.

Facilitator training is about identifying problems, listing possible solutions and agreeing on the best answer, which is helpful in my life outside the work place.

Finally, I cannot say enough about the people I have met while involved in QWL/EI. Probably the most rewarding is getting to know new RCAs and TRCs while they spend three days in the training academy. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

If you feel you would like to expand your postal experience beyond the route, seek out QWL/EI. Contact a state union officer for opportunities in your area.

How do they get there?

By LindaK
It is always a surprise when a bright spring flower shows up all by itself along a gravel road on my route. My guess is a squirrel. Or, maybe a lone bulb fell out of the sack. It doesn't matter as I enjoy their cheery nod the short while they come out of hiding.

State Convention

The State Convention of the Kansas Rural Letter Carriers will be held Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, June 8 - 10, 2008, in Park City, Kansas. Check your Kansas Carrier for hotel information and itinerary. Monday evening, June 9th, 2008, is the banquet. The entertainment will be the Diamond W. Ranglers, a cowboy music group based out of Wichita.

Quoting from their website

They perform classic Western Music of the silver-screen cowboy era, such as "Cool Water," "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," and "Ghost Riders In The Sky," as well as classic cowboy trail songs and Prairie Rose Wranglers originals. The tight harmonies and sidesplitting humor of the Wranglers make for a show that whole family will enjoy....good, clean entertainment, the way it should be...the Cowboy Way.

Click here for a sample of their music.

First District Meeting

The attendance was low, but expected considering the beautiful spring day. Agenda included old friends, fun and information about the State Convention in June.