First we have to realize that until the new committees' are chosen and the leaders and members are identified there is not much we can do but outline and refine our strategies. So your input and assistance is requested and demanded to consolidate and put forth our Proposal.

It has never made sense for Workers Compensation a Benefit to be administered by Labor. It is not an issue that Labor unions or employers can bargain, dispute, or in any other way operate under Labor Laws. It is in fact a benefit and who administers all federal workers benefits? Office of personnel Management (OPM), it therefor makes common and real sense far OPM to administer FECA. This substantive change would in fact give us everything we have been requesting far years.

OPM subscribes to the Administrative Procedures Act, has review by Administrative Law Judges in Regional Offices that are real lawyers, and access to judicial review. In fact OPM duplicates many of OWCP's activities and case handling. Quite often OPM adjudicates Disability Retirement applications with the only difference between them and OWCP is whether the disability arises out of work related factors or not. OPM administers health and life insurance benefits which are still taken out of OWCP and have to go through OPM for any changes.

Finally OPM administers thrift savings and other programs affected by workers injuries and changes of jobs. OPM also investigates Whistle Blowing activities.

So for the reasons above we have decided that absent of doing away with the OWCP and contracting out federal workers compensation which is a very bad idea, this offers the best chance of change. The arguments are simple. It is cost effective. It consolidates duplicate service efforts. It brings a program into its original intent. In effect it is a win, win situation for all of us. It would not create much additional work for OPM, nothing that a few employee's couldn't handle versus the over 912 employees of the OWCP, 52 of ECAB, and who knows how many of BHR. It would allow the closure of expensive offices, no need for new equipment, save on travel expenses, medical and rehabilitation contractors, and much more that is outlined in our letter of proposal enclosed in this newsletter. The reason we have waited this long to put out this newsletter as it is now time for us to be able to bring this issue and proposal to light. We encourage every one of you to follow our strategies and act on this matter. It may be our only hope for the next four years to be able to make positive changes for you.

We have an unique opportunity this new session to bring a bipartisan effort about which will allow us to be free of the OWCP.

All of you in New York, Washington, Michigan, California, and others where you have new senators and congressional representatives need to contact them and make yourselves known.

Where your representative has been reelected you need to make anew your contact and what we want. That is why we have prepared the "Proposition Paper For Changing Benefits Of FECA From Labor To OPM. You may copy anything in our newsletter and do not need to fear us suing you. Ours is an educational format and therefor in the public domain. Copy this handout and take it with you individually and in groups if possible to your representatives. Do not be put off or let them say they will give it to the representative. Ask to speak with the representative yourself or at least the Chief of Staff for that Office. Follow up with a letter and a copy of what you presented to the Washington Office of that representative.

If you can go to Washington, make an appointment with your representative and the legislative aid about this issue. Make sure you are polite and firm on this issue and keep it civil If the representative puts you off or doesn't appear interested take your issue to the community/state.

Write letters to the editor, go on talk radio call ins, talk to reporters, talk to your community involvement groups, the Parent Teachers Association, Business leadership meetings. In short get involved in the political process at the grass roots level.

I am proud that our members in Orange County assisted Mr. Horn in remaining in office in his district in a very close race. I believe that our lack of trust in Mr. Bilbray for abandoning his support and efforts cost him his seat. We will be targeting certain representatives in the next election and we will be a force to reckon with in the next election. That of course is if you do what you can.

Local unions should be doing the same thing in the name of their injured workers and current workers. The issue is one that the National Unions will probably oppose as they are in bed with the Labor department and the employers concerning injured workers compensation and rights. But, you local leaders know what has gone on for too many years.

The cost to the workers and their families. It is up to you to bring your membership true peace about getting injured on the job. It will also make your employers more responsive and less arbitrary if they are finally held accountable for their actions and that is what our proposal does.

If you are not willing to assist in this action then you and unfortunately many other workers will not get the fair treatment that they deserve and you certainly will get what the OWCP wants to give you, the screwing of a lifetime. It is up to you and in your hands, we can only do so much and go so far and then it is ultimately up to you.