ARTICLE ON POSTAL BUYOUT IS A HOAX "A purported FEDERAL TIMES article entitled "Early Out Rumors Heat Up' ia a hoax. A copy of the article, which has been faxed to postal offices across the country, reported falsely that the U.S. Postal Service and postal Board of Governors were preparing a buyout program for senior postal employees. Postal Service spokesman Mark Saunders said no such plan is in the works. The source of the article is unknown." Article from the April 24, 2000 issue of FEDERAL TIMES newspaper PAT SALMON AND SONS SET FOR VOTE In a decision dated April 17, 2000, NLRB Acting Regional Director Ronald K. Hooks ruled that an election be held at Pat Salmon And Sons trucking for representation of full time and regular part time drivers by APWU. The decision directed that an eligibility list be compiled by April 24. There are approximately 209 drivers at Salmon, 45 at their subsidiary Elbar and 5 at another subsidiary called Fast Freight. Drivers at all three entities which are headquartered in North Little Rock are eligible to vote. A date for the secret vote in this case, # 26RC-8159, will be announced shortly. The latest issue of APWU's AMERICAN POSTAL WORKER mentions this organizing drive several times. Federal law states that a majority of the eligible drivers must vote for APWU representation in order to go union. With about 260 drivers eligible, at least 131 must vote yes. Even a 120 - 0 vote will fail without the required majority of eligibles voting yes. Encourage all drivers of these three firms to be sure to vote when they have the opportunity. RURAL CARRIERS EXTEND CONTRACT ONE YEAR The National Rural Letter Carriers Association has extended their contract for one year. The vote nationally was 43,237 yes and 30,377 no. The NRLCA also had this posted at their website: "Recently, the National Office has received a number of phone calls from carriers that are upset with the ranting from the NALC president, and because of the ranting; the carriers are considering not participating in the annual food drive. Some people and organizations need all the accolades they can muster to feel important. The NRLCA is above that. Helping our fellow man is reward enough. Do not refuse to volunteer simply because of one man's vengeful ranting; if anything, volunteer in spite of it." We should participate as much as possible in the same spirit. Put your canned goods in your mailbox or take them to work and deposit in the appropriate place.