The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting and promoting democracy in our nation and protecting the right to vote – core American ideals. One important way to do so is to reduce barriers to voting. That is why the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is today announcing steps to reduce barriers for Federal employees interested in participating in the democratic process.

Besides just time allowed to go vote, this new policy includes paid time for things like serving as a non-partisan poll worker or non-partisan observer. For more info and specific details see attached PDF.

“BETTER TO RUN OUT OF TIME BEFORE YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY”
                                 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
• Retirement income is not about assets, it is about income.
• Your assets can be lost, stolen, swindled, sued, divorced or decimated in a market crisis.
• Retirement is about income and risk management.
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                                COMMON MISTAKES WHEN PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT
• Under estimating life expectancy.
• Paying too much in taxes.
• Not preparing for the impact of inflation.
• Relying on income that is not guaranteed for life.
• Not preparing for potential catastrophic expenses, especially health and long term care.
• Focusing on financial products, instead of strategic planning.
• Not calculating the impact on income when a spouse dies.

Are you ready to retire?    Do you have questions about the process?
Do you find the retirement paperwork a bit daunting?  Is OPM telling you there will be a long wait to get a benefit report?
I can prepare a personalized retirement report to give you an idea of what you can expect.

MARILYN MILLER 360-598-4582  Fax 866-449-1751
fedbenadv@comcast.net   WWW.fedbenadv.com

​During the month of March, dues paying members in Local 12 that sign up a new member will receive double the regular recruitment bonus ($50) for each new member signed during the effective dates. 

• When you sign up 5 people you will receive the regular recruitment bonus and you will also receive an additional bonus of $250. 
• When you sign up a total of 10 people you will receive the regular recruitment drive bonus and another $500 bonus ($50 per person+$250+$500). 
• Signups are cumulative throughout the month and start over for each cumulative set of signups. 
• You can be the first sign up, if you sign up yourself. 
• All bonus checks will be paid at the end of the drive.  You must come into the office to collect your check.

 
Sign up details:

• Membership Dues are $10/pay period or $260 annually
• Cancellation policy - all new memberships are for a minimum of 1 year (12 months from date of signing) before they are eligible for cancellation, exception for early cancellation is leaving federal service/termination of federal employment.
• Eligibility for membership is dependent on verification of being in the bargaining unit
• New members will be voted in formally at the April 7th general membership meeting
• Sign up forms are electronic and are located on our website at www.IFPTE12.org
• Forms can be brought to the office or mailed to our Gmail – ifptelocal12@gmail.com
• Place the name of the member to credit for the recruitment in the “organizer” block on the form.

Last weekend, over 50 members attended the 7th Women & Unions International Speaker Series organized by the IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network. The program featured women on the IFPTE Executive Council, who came together to share their experiences, challenges, and vision for keeping our union and the labor movement strong.

Each speaker introduced themselves, providing a glimpse into how they got involved. Laurie Reid, Local 160’s Secretary-Treasurer, moderated the discussion asking our leaders where they see opportunities for increasing equity within our union and the broader labor movement, how to promote the increased participation of women, and what we can do to support women and other marginalized groups within our union.
 
“The session completely exceeded my expectations…. Our Executive Council is in great hands,” said Tracy Miller from Local 160 and Chair of the WSN Planning Committee. Dede Chance, another WSN Planning Committee member from Local 12 said, “it was so good for my soul!” The discussion was powerful packed with depth and sincerity. Many comments shared by participants during the program expressed an appreciation for the groundwork laid by the speakers and felt reinvigorated to carry on in their union work and organizing. 
 
The next Women & Unions International Speaker Series will take place Spring 2022. Stay connected to the WSN by joining the network! If you are interested in getting involved with the WSN Planning Group, please email us at womensnetwork@ifpte.org.
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In addition to the smaller topics we discuss each week, our main focus in the coming months will be negotiations over:

1. Timekeeping & Attestation
2. Leave Administration - complete rewrite of the policy
3. New Backshift Program (50% days, 30% swings, 20% graves)

If you have any interest in these topics, become a union rep today and join the bargaining team!