Tonya Casey

Chairperson

 

      I would like to thank all of you, my brothers and sisters for voting me onto your Executive Board. I am extremely grateful and humbled by the overwhelmingly amount of confidence and faith you have placed in me. It is my honor to serve you, and I will do everything I can to live up to those expectations.

 

      The duties of the State Executive Board as mentioned in our Michigan State Association of Letter Carriers Bylaws is to have charge of the property of this Association. To approve and hold the bonds of the Secretary and Treasurer. To direct the investment of the funds, and review all funds: collected, deposited and spent, keeping an accurate account of all the bills audited.

 

      The board conducted at least 4 audits throughout the 2 year term, carrying out inspections of the organizations account, systematically and independently from the secretary and presidents involvement. We need to be able, to explain or justify any actions taken to be in the best interests of this association. In short we asked the board to have: transparency, responsibility, accountability, and understand the consequences of their decisions.

 

      Through my last term on the board I’ve learned the importance of a strong union. In order for that to happen one must be willing to step out of their comfort zone to learn. The State Convention last April, was one of those opportunities. If you missed it, don’t worry, there is another opportunity, that will be held over the Columbus Day weekend (October 11-13); the K.I.M. (Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) Regional Training. Some of the classes offer will be: Legislation, Just Cause, Safety, Better Case Files, and OWCP to name a few. The full lineup of classes can found on the KIM Region Facebook page.

 

      If you are interested in going, I urge you to talk to your union steward now, to see what the qualifications are for attending. Each opportunity you have to learn, or refresh your mind on a particular topic, take it. Protect what’s yours by learning more about the things that effect your job. Saying, “I didn’t know,” can no longer be an excuse. Take time to invest in one of the most important people in your life… yourself. The NBA office, The MISALC, and your local branches are willing to teach, answer questions, guide you if you’re willing to hear.

 

As always, stay safe and informed,

 

Elizabeth Bays

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Dear Michigan Letter Carriers,

 

      I want to thank everyone for their support and votes. I am honored to have been elected to serve as an Executive Board member for State of Michigan Letter Carriers. As stated during the installation of state officers, I promise to uphold the bylaws of the MISALC and will perform the tasks assigned to me to the best of my ability and will faithfully execute the laws of the National Association of Letter Carriers. I look forward to the opportunity to assist where and when needed throughout my term in office.

      This convention was a very unique experience for me. When I heard that former State President Carl Blassingame was retiring and learned that individuals from across the state were stepping up to run for various positions on the State Board (Take Action Slate), I offered to step up and to be part of a team that wanted to do better by Michigan Letter Carriers. The individuals running on the Take Action Slate successfully secured the support of Michigan delegates and branches with an overwhelming majority. I am honored to be a part of our newly elected State President Ron Zalewski’s team as an elected member of the Executive Board and looking forward to doing my part to improve the presence and fulfill the mission of the MISALC Board.

 

      With all the proposed legislation that could affect Letter Carrier benefits out there, I feel it is crucial for our NALC State Officers to be present and educate the membership. Politics is an ugly game but as Federal employees we are dependent on Congress when it comes to our benefits. Therefore, we must be formidable players in this ugly game. We have been successful so far this year in fighting off proposed legislation that would hurt letter carriers, but we have to be persistent and continue educating our representatives. We can do this by donating to the Letter Carrier Political Fund and taking action through the NALC app or NALC.org website.

 

      For the most part the convention was a very positive experience, and it was great to see and meet delegates from across the state. The classes I attended (Retirement and MDA) were both taught with an unconventional approach and provided some great new ideas on how to engage and involve the membership. I am looking forward to utilizing some of those new ideas within the branch.

 

      My only negative experience was in learning that despite the increasing number of women holding leadership positions, whether it is within their branch, the state, region or nationally, there are still individuals out there who have no problem spreading falsities about other women in leadership positions. This is a very ugly reality that women in leadership positions deal with. It is disappointing that in this day and age individuals that promote themselves as female leaders within their own branch resort to spreading lies to minimize and discredit the hard work other females with leadership positions have made. I am a firm believer that if you will not say something directly to someone’s face, you should not say it at all. We should lift each other up, not tear each other down.

 

      I will leave you with this, regardless of your position or level of involvement, being part of a union is supposed to be about unity and solidarity. Leadership is not a role that someone fills, it is a series of behaviors that motivates, supports, and encourages others. If my actions inspire others to learn, stand up for their rights or get involved, then I must be doing something right! That is what being part of the NALC means to me and why I am involved.

Jennifer Rake

 

Dear fellow Michigan State Association Brothers and Sisters,

 

      I would like to thank everyone for allowing me the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board for the 2025 to 2027 term. I am honored to be a member of the board and look forward to a more active role in state events and helping keep our members well informed. What a wonderful team I am fortunate to be able to work alongside for the next couple of years.

 

      The State convention was held April 27-29 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City this year. This was a unique experience for me. When I was asked to be a part of the “Take Action” slate by Ron I put a lot of thought into making my decision. I’ve been wanting to get more involved in union issues and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to do so. I am thankful to our newly-elected President Ron Zalewski for asking me to be on his slate and part of the great team he put together. I had a wonderful time getting to meet and talk to so many new people at the convention during both the bonfire and hospitality gathering.

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      During the convention there were multiple classes offered and I chose the e-comp and retirement classes. Both were well attended ,fun and informative. Great job to the organizers and teachers at this year’s state convention.

 

      At the general session Nicole Rhine our National Secretary-treasurer spoke about DOGE and how a new Postmaster General may impact our operations moving forward. She also spoke about many of the new contractual changes and when they will be implemented.

 

      Region 6 NBA David Mudd also spoke in length about the Article 8 changes in the new contract, specifically the overtime lists and the process in which they will be applied.

 

      Matt Tanner talked about the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF) and how crucial it is for carriers to contribute in order to move our agenda forward. Legislative actions play an enormous role in our careers as letter carriers and the future of the Post Service. We have been successful lately in stopping some of the new bills/laws being brought before Congress by taking action and contacting our representatives. But unfortunately the fight never ends, which is why we all need to contribute to LCPF.

 

      I’m looking forward to the future success of the Michigan State Association and coming up with new ideas and helping the members by bringing more awareness of how the legislative side plays into our job and benefits as letter carriers. If you’re on Facebook be sure to join our newly created group page to get current news and updates. Simply search under the groups tab for NALC Michigan to join and then answer a couple quick questions and you’re in!

 

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Benjamin Dixon

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      Hello fellow Michigan Association of Letter Carriers my name is Benjamin Dixon and I am one of your newly elected Board Members. I want to start out by thanking my Brothers and Sisters at Branch 1 and all the branches in Michigan that support this team to lead and teach each and everyone in the state on the importance of legislation and the role it plays in keeping and the protection and rights we have earned over the past.

 

      Just a little background on me. I grew up in Highland Park Michigan and graduated from Highland Park High School. I joined the United States Marine Corps right after graduating and served 6 years.My MOS(job) was a Communications Operator with a Top Secret clearance.I was Honorably Discharged. I am a Desert Shield/Storm veteran. I started working at the United States Postal Service in November 1992 as a Transitional Employee in Ann Arbor Michigan. I became a PTF in August of 1993 and a regular in February of 1994. I picked a Swing in March of 1994 and I am still currently in that position with only one route changing in 31 years I have serviced my string. I have been a steward since the mid 1990’s and I still hold that position. I have been on several Route Adjustment teams and recently I helped with the development of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle with carrier input on the design of only the interior not exterior.

 

      I have been to many National and State conventions but the 97th MISALC Convention was the first time I ran for office. I have been the Sergeant of Arms at the 2018 National Convention in Detroit and also the last several state conventions. I have never campaigned for a position so it was different. I drove alone up to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, a little nervous. I did however have a great experience talking to and introducing myself.

 

      I also learned what is happening at my office is happening every where else, sometimes worse. I gained knowledge from several veterans about Wounded Warrior Leave and also grievance tips. We had a meet and greet outside the first night. Of course we had a warm spell in Southern Michigan but the North was not quite there. Again talked to some fellow carriers and realized we knew some of the same people.

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      By far the most important lesson was a class I thought was on retirement, though it was mis-titled and was more about Legislative/Contractual Letter Carrier Benefits. It broke down the time line and benefits. There have been no gains for Letter Carriers that have been more important than what we have won through the help of our friends in the Congress. Starting with Samuel “Sunset “Cox, a Congressman for New York. Our history is so well documented, if you ever get the chance to read Carriers In A Common Cause, it will open your eyes. The things we take for granted were fought for, sometimes lost and later won. From our pay, work hours, leave and retirement. You could get a job without knowing someone before they established a test. You definitely could not get hurt or sick. There was no retirement. Not even a uniform allowance.

 

      My branch had each steward bring a gift to donate to MDA. When I tell you we showed up for the event. I think they had to get an extra table to show case the prizes. Everyone purchased tickets and placed them in a pot in front of the prize you wanted. I won big the last time I was here but Lady Luck was not on my side this time. Congratulations to everyone who won of course, MDA was the big winner. Also thank the motion that the State Association match the donations.

 

      We also had National Officer Secretary Treasurer Nicole Rhine speak on the Contract and everything that went on to negotiate a deal, vote on and put on an expedited arbitration process when it failed to get ratified. Especially in the current environment, we did not want to be without a contract. It has also been explained that at the National Convention we, the body, pass Legislation and Contractual issues we want to try to negotiate with the Postal Service in up-coming Contracts.

 

      Our last day was Election Day at the convention so it was very busy. Trying to wrap everything up and get everyone out to make flights or just drive home. I was glad when it was over and humbled by the experience. Again thanks for the opportunity, I hope to make you proud. Looking forward to working with this team and getting to know every one of you in the Great state of Michigan. We have a real fight on our hands but our history shows we are up for the FIGHT!!!

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Kevin "Ohio" Walker

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      Being a political junkie, the curse “May you live in interesting times” has never been felt more strongly in my ten years with the NALC. It is the principle duty of your MISALC Executive Board to ensure that we are bringing to Congress the Voice of the Letter Carrier. This is done in two ways: Relationship Building and Money.

 

      Relationship Building with Congress requires contacting our representatives, working with their teams to ensure the representatives know that their constituents depend on their Letter Carriers and therefore protecting the Letter Carrier must be a Congressional priority. Letter Carriers remember who their friends are. This work is done by Letter Carrier Congressional Liasons (LCCLs). The board is developing its strategy to build out our LCCL team, training them and putting them to work.

 

      If you have an interest in becoming a LCCL please reach out to MISALC President Ron Zalewski.

 

      It is no secret that money is a huge driver when it comes to determining who gets Congress’ ear. We are not playing on a level field in this arena, but if we don’t play, we will automatically forfeit. The Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF) is our non-partisan Political Action Committee (PAC) that has the ability to keep the ear and attention of our congressional representatives.

 

      As we have seen recently, Congress has as much impact on our benefit and retirement structure as contract negotiations has on our rights and pay on the workroom floor. Donating to LCPF is as important to me as a Letter Carrier as the dues I pay for union representation.

 

      Please reach out to Director of Education John Dick at 248-808-2206 to learn more about LCPF and how to donate today!

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      Thank you to the delegates at the 2025 Michigan State Association of Letter Carriers for the trust that you have placed in the Take Action Slate. The delegate branches take their roles seriously and heard from a whole host of well qualified candidates that I am proud to call brothers and sisters regardless of whether they were on our slate, the opposing slate or courageous independents.

 

      It is an honor and duty for this team to live up to that trust the delegates have placed in us. The members of the team assembled by President Zalewski are some of the hardest, behind the scene, union activists I know and I am pleased to be working with them and encouraged to dig in as we go about the business of the MISALC Board.

 

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