September 27, 2007

 

 

 

CONTRACT PAYMENTS

Now that the contract has been ratified, the question most often asked is “When are we going to get paid”?

 

LUMP SUM COLA

The one time lump sum payment of $686 to cash out the COLA from November 2006 through May 2007 will be paid in Pay Period 21. It will be included in carriers’ October 19^th paychecks. All carriers, except for carriers who are in their probationary period, and were in a pay status during Pay Period 20 (September 15^th – 28^th, 2007) are eligible to receive this payment. PTFs who worked less than 2000 hours in the last 26 pay periods will receive a pro rata share of the $686 based on the hours worked.

 

The Lump Sum COLA will not become part of carriers' basic salaries and no deductions will be made for CSRS or FERS benefits. However, the cash payment will be subject to Federal FICA withholding.

 

THE 1.4% PAY RAISE

The 1.4% general wage increase called for by the contract to take effect on November 25^th, 2006 will be implemented in Pay Period 21 and will be reflected in active carriers’ October 19^th paychecks. Back pay for active carriers relating to the 1.4% general wage increase will be paid in their regular paychecks on November 30th, the pay date for Pay Period 24.

BRANCH OFFICERS & STEWARDS MEETING CHANGED
By motion made at the September GMM, the October Branch 9 Officers and Stewards Board Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 4^th.

BRANCH 9 COAT DRIVE
The deadline for all coats and money raised for the “Warm Hands – Warm Heart Coat Drive is the October General Membership Meeting (October 16^th) If your office is not purchasing the coats you may turn in the money at the October Officers & Stewards Board Meeting on Thursday, October 4^th.

 

(Continued)

MDA RAFFLE
Time is running out to purchase your chance to win a week of your choice off with pay or $1,000 cash. The drawing will take place at the October GMM (October 16^th). Stewards are asked to bring your ticket stubs and money to the October Officers & Stewards Board Meeting, Thursday, October 4^th.

 

FIRST ANNUAL DON ANDERSON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

We are changing the name of the Branch 9 Golf Tournament to honor the memory of Don Anderson. This year’s golf tournament will be at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 8^th (Columbus Day) at the Columbia Golf Club (3300 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis). The tournament will a Shotgun Start. See the enclosed flyer for registration details. The deadline for registration will be September 29^th.

FEDERAL BENEFITS OPEN SEASON DATES ANNOUNCED
Beginning this year, OPM is changing the focus and name of the annual Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season to include the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) Open Season isn’t just for FEHB anymore. Employees need to make decisions during Open Season not only on FEHB but also on FEDVIP. The Open Season dates are November 12^th, 2007 through December 10^th, 2007.

NALC HEATH BENEFIT PLAN ANNOUCES NEW RATES
With Open Season approaching now is the time to look at the NALC Health Benefit Plan for your health insurance needs. The NALC has released the 2008 rates for the NALC Health Benefit Plan. There is a reduction in the premiums for both active (approx $6.00 per pay period) and retired members (approx. $10.00 per month).

                                                                           Self Only                 Self & Family

            Active Carriers (biweekly)                    $ 32.61                        $ 54.54

            Annuitants (monthly)                          $127.40                       $247.00

 

The NALC Health Benefit Plan has also announced that they have changed PPO Network Providers for 2008 to Cigna HealthCare Shared Administration PPO Network as the new hospital and medical provider PPO network. This change will effectively double the size of the provider network. For more information about the new PPO network, visit the Benefit Plan’s website at WWW.NALCHBP.ORG or call 1-877-220-6252

Look for the Federal Employee Benefit Plan Brochure in your mailbox in October and compare. The Open Season dates are November 12, 2007, through December 10^th, 2007.

 

 

Pam & Mike