This update will consist of the usual hodgepodge of possibly unrelated information, so I will just start in! 

This Saturday, July 22^nd Mail Handlers Local 321 will hold its annual summer picnic and softball game at Fairfax park beginning at 10am. The park is located at 69^th avenue and Fairfax in Commerce City. Plenty of food, fun and refreshment will be available. Picnic chairman Mike Hora can always use more volunteers. If you are able and willing page him at (303) 767-6973 or contact any listed office number. Also, bring your glove for the afternoon softball game.

CAUTION! This union has received several complaints regarding the Postal Services contracted first aid medical provider CONCENTRA. The problem is this--someone has an on–the-job injury or becomes ill while on the clock and the service sends you to Concentra. The employee later files a CA-1 or CA-2 concerning the incident.

The office of workers compensation or OWCP will eventually require a narrative of the accident or injury to decide or rule on the claim. In the five documented cases this office has received to date Concentra has failed to respond to any of these OWCP questionnaires and every case was denied. Each has had to be appealed to the hearing/reconsideration process. This problem is being internally investigated by this union and our findings will be turned over to the proper authorities. 

For Ruden to fail so miserably at mail processing and turn around and pat himself on the back claiming to lead the nation in reduced sick leave usage is ludicrous unless he means leading the nation in changing 3791’s after the fact, violating chapter 5 of the ELM and unjust denials of legitimate FMLA claims. I’m sure we’re leading the nation in all of these.

What I find incredible is the fact that anyone would even admit it let alone brag about it. It’s the same thing with all of these rumors going around about Sam. What’s the difference? Massive amounts of first class letters and flats continue to be sent from mail prep uncancelled on a daily basis. Sam’s subordinates continue to display despicable behavior without corrective action. The Fourth of July means Red, White and Blue in that order! Every piece of decoration was hung wrong! Red, blue and White! Blue, white and red! Everything but red, white and blue! Christ Sam! Your people can’t even get something that simple correct. Sam doesn’t care. Hell, he wears bedroom slippers in the building and smokes in his building. Is there a Playboy club in the admin building? The fire evacuation route signs aren’t even right! God help us if Sam has the machinery jury rigged again, something happens and people actually have to rely on these incorrect signs. No wonder we’re all about to endure our forth or fifth permanent schedule change. Admit it Sam, you don’t know what the hell your doing. 

Wild game flavored bubble gum is a better idea than anything you’ve ever come up with. More later. See you all at the picnic Saturday.

John Meding

State Representative

Local 321