Keynote Address

Don Cantriel was the keynote speaker at the Saturday afternoon session. I am directed by the Board of the Kansas Rural Carriers Association not to write about any part of his speech that concerns the negotiations for the rural carrier contract. Without writing about it, I will provide a link to an article written by the Washington Post and by the Seattlepi news source.

Other topics discussed by Cantriel that were of no significance to the contract: GMAC was purchased by the same group as Chrysler Financial, Cerberus. Carriers should see no change. Also, Mutual of Omaha Employer Health was sold to Coventry Health Care. Again, there should be no change for carriers insured with Mutual of Omaha. They will be able to use their same identification cards and same health care providers.

Washington DC and the “Hill” has its way of getting things done and the PAC (political action committee) funds are very important. Cantriel complimented the Kansas rural carriers for support by their financial contributions.

Safety topics including the lifting training that will be mandatory at all post offices. (If watching the group of carriers in attendance move around is an indication, this is an excellent idea) Left hand turns are also dangerous and each should be evaluated. Accidents are more likely to occur when a carrier has to cross two lanes of traffic. Delivery to mail boxes on a road which has a speed limit of 50 mph should be made as far off the driving lane as possible.

EMA- a contract negotiation issue. Should it be? I will say, as a result of the last CPIW (Consumer Price Index) there should be an increase soon. This is a huge issue with all of us driving a POV (privately owned vehicle).

Parcel Pickup Program—negotiation issue.

Twice during the two days of the convention, I heard the national officer mention that the USPS may be pushing rural carriers toward the hourly system. Was there a message there?

Finally, Mr. Cantriel urged carriers to, “ Go out and do your job and stay informed.” Good advice.

Don't I know you?

This morning there was a safety meeting presented by Scott Ferris, KBI Special Agent, on identity thief. It was excellent.

How does identity theft occur? There is the obvious, email or phone, stealing credit card, credit reports, trash or taking mail out of your mailbox. They access credit reports by poising as a landlord, employer or someone else who might have legal right to your report. As a result of the federal Fair Credit REporting Act, each person is entitled to one free credit report each year. Contact this link (annualcreditreport.com) and not the reporting agencies individually.

He demonstrated how the new camera phones are used to steal numbers. Someone may be talking on the phone behind you at the checkout. They might take the picture without you even realizing because they have the phone in their hand.

Examples of things you should do often. Check your credit report to make sure there are no credit card accounts showing nonpayment. Such an account would indicate they have opened a bogus account in your name. Thief of a cell phone might involve opening a new account in your name and running up a bill. Only carry one credit card. When you check your credit rating, close all accounts that are not in use. Do not store personal information on a laptop that you use while traveling. Shred all personal information before disposal. Check bills closely. Most is logical. Just be diligent.

This afternoon was the keynote address by the National Vice President. Check in tomorrow evening for the wrapup report and a bio of another interesting former rural carrier.

Rural Carriers Arrive for State Convention

The convention started with a bang, thunder that is. No deterrent to rural carriers used to all kinds of weather. A lot of laughter and cheery greetings heard all around. As you might expect, a lot of post office talk as well.

My friend Maureen and Sue, rural carriers from Topeka, and I purchased supplies and set up and oversaw the hospitality room. We fretted whether we had enough cookies and snacks. Not to worry, our carrier friends came through.

Welcome to the 2007 Kansas State Rural Letter Carriers Association Convention

What is the future of rural letter carriers or the United States Postal Service for that matter?

What can I expect for retirement income?

Where are the fresh homemade cookies and Starbucks coffee?

Find the answers to these questions and more starting this afternoon with registration at the Kansas State Rural Letter Carriers Association annual meeting at the Holidome, 6th and Fairlawn, Topeka, Kansas.

The KSRLC is honored to host Don Cantriel, NRLCA Vice President. His keynote address with be tomorrow, Saturday afternoon at 1:15 PM. We look to him to answer questions concerning the current and pressing issue of contracting delivery routes. This issue is of major concern to carriers and should be a concern to all customers whether rural or city delivery.

Before the heavy stuff, there will be fun and games tonight. Come and join the family orientated group. If you are a rural carrier or an associate rural carrier and not a member, come on down and someone will be glad to sign you up.

Also, come by the hospitality room have a cup of coffee and visit with me. I am Linda Hanney, a rural carrier out of the Berryton post office. I will be blogging the convention. There will be pictures and reports of the meetings. I might catch one of those ornery retired carriers and have a story or two about the good ole days.

Welcome and stay tuned!

2007 KRLCA Convention

Welcome to the unofficial site of Kansas Rural Carriers. I will be posting updates on happenings at the KRLCA Convention in Topeka June 2nd and 3rd at the Holidome in Topeka, Kansas.

See you soon!