A New Chapter
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jim Jongebloed and I started my employment with the Postal Service in December 1996 and was assigned to the Commack Post Office in the Long Island District.
In 1999 I became an On-the-Job Instructor in my office which piqued my interest training. In 2005, when my fulltime officer Rich McLehose told me the union was looking for Academy Instructors I jumped at the chance. Carol Brown and Kathy Friedman trained 20 of us and I thank them for their guidance with the program. Eventually President Walter Barton named Jim Tuthill and me as the Lead Instructors of the Academy. In 2013 Jim and I went to Connecticut to be trained on the Academy Reboot and retrain our Instructors. In 2016 I became a Master Trainer after attending the latest reboot of the Academy. A second Academy site had to be built from scratch and I’d like to thank Steve Feidler, Rob Scura and the late Jim Dorman for all their help. Jim Tuthill and I ran a 2 day program to train a new crew of Instructors as well as retrain the current ones. I’ve met many terrific people along the way and always had fun training.
Meanwhile back in Commack I became an Assistant Steward. In 2003 I was elected Shop Steward and remained so until I became Area Rep. /OWCP Rep. for Branch 6000. I owe many thanks to Rich McLehose who became my mentor and friend. With his guidance I was able to be selected for several Route Inspection details and in 2005 I was elected to a Trustee position on the Executive Board for Branch 6000. I have also held the positions of Editor and Director of City Delivery/Safety. I’ve met many of you during Route Inspection and/or Shop Steward Classes given by me in recent years.
I have attended numerous demonstrations, political walks and charitable fundraisers. I have attended every state and national convention since 2006 and I am a graduate of the National Leadership Academy in 2007. It has been an honor to hold these positions and I am looking forward to the new responsibilities as Area Representative/OWCP Officer. I was elected by acclamation. I would like to thank President Walter Barton for selecting me to run on his slate in September. I would also like to thank all the officers of Branch 6000, both past and present, for their advice and guidance throughout the years as a Letter Carrier and Union Representative. Each of you helped me get to where I am today!
I would also like to thank all my past and present letter carriers at the Commack Post Office for their friendships and support throughout the years. We have all become a part of a big family. Thank you for your continued support. I now look forward to the challenge of representing not only the carriers in Commack but also letter carriers throughout all of Branch 6000 as a full time officer and OWCP Representative.
As in the past, representatives here at Branch 6000 that have occupied the position of OWCP Rep, the majority of the articles written in this publication will be devoted to issues involving compensation for On-the-Job injuries. This will include how to apply for compensation benefits if the unfortunate situation occurs should you become involved with an on the job injury. I will also be available to assist letter carriers by providing guidance, should a problem arise concerning an application for such benefits.
In closing, I would like to remind all carriers that have filed or will file compensation claims with the Department of Labor to keep all forms and documents related to the claim in a safe place and in an organized manner. In addition, it is recommended that any correspondence that you as a claimant may have be sent by certified mail or by signature confirmation. Make copies of ALL paperwork you send in. The major issue I’ve seen in my few weeks as OWCP Rep is carriers ignoring deadlines! The 30-day deadline is from the date on the letter not the day you receive it in the mail! Once you receive a Development Letter you must contact me immediately so we can review your claim to help get it approved! Call 631 789-1616. Failure to contact me could result in your claim being denied.
Please stay safe and keep smiling under the mask.
