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Thursday, 29 June 2006
Postie With The Mostie
Mood:  chatty
As you probably know from this blog, I've been a postal worker in the Canadian Post Office for many moons. I consider myself to be a management type of guy rather than a union kind of guy.

Naturally, I like to give my two cents worth on postal operations and union contracts.

The letter below was sent to Moya Greene, the CEO of Canada Post. Later on in the year, we are entering into Union/Management contract talks. Hopefully, we can build on a mutual plan for postal productivity and pension prosperity in the future.

Here are the highlights of my proposals:

What about a reward system that addresses employer concerns over "sick leave abuse" and "declining employee productivity"?

This would be an incentive program for employees to save sick days and increase productivity.

* As mentioned before, profit dividends would go into a fund that would accumulate interest over a postal worker's career. He/She would then get this back as a "severance reward" at retirement.

* Added to the above, would be a pay-out for unused sick leave credits. It, also, would be part of the severance reward at retirement.

Lowering sick leave absences and increasing productivity is vital to the continued profitability and survival of Canada Post.

Employees often worry about roll-backs and pension viability. Obviously, corporate health through individual and group productivity and engagement eases one's concerns about the future.

The Work Smart Program
* Utilize the experience of senior postal workers to do work in the quickest most efficient way possible
* There's an old postie saying that with one worker you get maximum production with two you get half that production and with three you get a union meeting.
* Make sure that postal workers have the latest in updated machinery (e.g. belts, dumpers, etc.) and Material Handling Equipment.
* Make sure that trailers and shuttles are delivering their mail on time for processing with as little downtime as possible. (E.g. Often, the Purolator(i.e.priority mail)trailer is late at the Toronto Exchange Office which causes downtime for the clerks processing it.)
* Recognize good workers and go after those who aren't.
* Target the time and attendance program to those who aren't carrying their share of the load.

In over 30 years at Canada Post, I've worked with small productive staffs and large unproductive staffs. In working smart, you get more work out of less people, rather than having a staff where some work hard and others coast.

Hopefully, something can be found to replace Article 28(The old severance package that doesn't exist anymore)that rewards rather than rolls back.

I look forward to positive negotiations in the fall.

Background On The Canadian Post Office
The Crusading Union Of CUPW

Posted by qualteam at 8:13 PM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 29 June 2006 10:33 PM EDT
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Tuesday, 27 June 2006
Funny Monologue Of The Week
This is from one of my favourite comedians, George Carlin:

"The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get in the end of it?
A death. What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards.You should die first, you know, start out dead, get it out of the way.
You wake up in an old age home, feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, then, when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work 30 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you
party, you're generally promiscuous (hey, you've only got a few years left, what's the big deal?!?) and you get ready for High School. You go
to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a baby, then, you spend your last 9 months floating peacefully with luxuries like central heating, spa, room
service on tap, and then you finish off as an orgasm. ... "Quotes From Chairman George

Posted by qualteam at 9:42 PM EDT
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Monday, 26 June 2006
Philanthropist Of The Year: Warren Buffet
He made his billions by being a contrarian: "be greedy when others are fearful" and "be fearful when others are greedy."

He became the second richest man in the world, and he knows that you can't take it with you.

However, I think that Ted Turner started these billion dollar donations a few years back. What came afterward was, probably, charity one-upmanship.

Hopefully, other billionaires and millionaires will follow his lead.
The Warren Buffet News Story

Posted by qualteam at 10:30 PM EDT
Updated: Monday, 26 June 2006 10:33 PM EDT
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Sunday, 25 June 2006
The World's Stock Markets Are Down, So What?
Basically, we should invest in something we can control more which is ourselves. Develop new skills. Understand new things. Do better research.

Often, we learn things the hard way by trial and error and that includes the financial experts as well.

I was burned in the recent correction of the world's stock markets and I'm sure many of you were too. I'm not going to let it get to me so that I become a defensive GIC/Money Market/Bond refugee.

We should only leave the investing game a winner.

I was late coming to the party. Next time, I'll make sure I'm early. All the best to you in the next Bull Market.
Following The Technical Charts
Getting Sound Financial Advice

Posted by qualteam at 10:03 PM EDT
Updated: Sunday, 25 June 2006 10:05 PM EDT
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Saturday, 24 June 2006
Find A Wellness Program That Suits You
Mood:  bright
For years, I practiced my own versions of spiritual and mental wellness techinques.

Some of my wellness insights, are found in earlier blog entries on "New Age Christianity".

I'm also following a wellness physical program from a naturopathic doctor. This includes vitamin supplements, better eating habits, intense exercise, green tea, water bottles and breathing exercises, etc.

After four or five weeks, my blood pressure and my weight are down.

I enjoy sharing the positives of my life with others. Here are some for your consideration:
The Wellness Website
Mission Statements For The Barron Blog
Clarissa's Inspirational Webpages

Posted by qualteam at 10:55 PM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 24 June 2006 11:10 PM EDT
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Friday, 23 June 2006
Irene Has A New Job
Mood:  happy
This is with CINTAS Canada. The largest supplier of office uniforms in Canada. They have about 30000 employees in North America.

Irene is making considerably less with this position than her last full-time position, but CINTAS looks good and her fellow employees look good as well.

Also, the location is close to where we live in Brampton.

The pickings have been slim for a decent full time payroll position after a year of looking.

Obviously, I'll have to continue my writing career in earnest to pay off a large mortgage and other bills like a car loan.

The mountain we have to climb to get a few dollars ahead is still very high, but we can do it.

This is our life and it can only get better.
The CINTAS Company
CINTAS Has The #1 Rating In Canada

Posted by qualteam at 10:33 PM EDT
Updated: Friday, 23 June 2006 10:42 PM EDT
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Thursday, 22 June 2006
My Top Ten Adventure Stories Of All Time
Most of us like to see or read great adventures in a book or a movie. The mundane actitivies of life are cast aside for the dangerous landscape of a strange foreign world and bizarre/heroic characters.

Here's a list of some favourites:
1. Star Trek (Various episodes from different series)
2. Raiders Of The Lost Ark
3. Field Of Dreams
4. Ghost
5. Star Wars (The Empire Strikes Back)
6. Superman Two
7. The Invasion Of The Body Snatchers(First Movie)
8. The Bridge On The River Kwai
9. The Ten Commandments
10.Back To The Future (The First Movie)

As a writer, I definitely, respond more to this genre than any other.

Votes On The Top 50 Adventure Movies Of All Time


Posted by qualteam at 10:35 PM EDT
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Wednesday, 21 June 2006
Irene Deserves a Good Job
Below is a copy a reference letter from Irene's boss(Simon Lee)at Tri-Tec Industries. She worked there for over 10 years. The company went bankrupt late last year:

To Whom It May Concern:

"Irene Barron was an employee of Tri-Tec Industries Ltd since March 01 1995. Irene’s positions were Payroll Manager and Human Resource Administrator.

With regret, due to the company’s downsizing, Irene was one of the employees laid off. Irene managed situations between employees and management in a non-judgmental way with sensitivity to both sides. She also handled our company’s payroll and benefits for management and employees.

Irene was a dependable, reliable, and trustworthy employee at Tri-Tec Industries Ltd. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours".

Yours truly,
Simon Lee, President
Our Family Website
Working At Tri-Tec Industries

Posted by qualteam at 10:33 PM EDT
Updated: Wednesday, 21 June 2006 10:39 PM EDT
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Tuesday, 20 June 2006
Introducing Clarissa
I'm always trying to improve my writing in anything that I do.

Recently, I came up with a new logline for Hotel California(A Mystery Adventure Thriller).

Here it is:

For many years, Native-Americans have disappeared near a top secret paranormal research base in Arizona. A young Indian woman(Clarissa)is determined to find out why.

If a journey gets off to a good start, a real meaningful, exciting adventure can happen.

Your journey can be Clarissa's journey.
Clarissa's Journey

Posted by qualteam at 8:50 PM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 20 June 2006 10:08 PM EDT
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Monday, 19 June 2006
Irene's Job Search Continues
Mood:  hungry
Irene was called in for another interview with CINTAS today. There are two positions available and hopefully, she'll fill one of them.

This job search is tough on both us, but I think we'll get a break in this area in the near future.

Your hopes and prayers are always appreciated.

The Cintas Company Website

Posted by qualteam at 10:49 PM EDT
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