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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

In The Postal News Headlines | Turkey vs. Mail Carrier

  Fowl delivery: 3 rowdy turkeys ruffle Massachusetts mail carrier’s feathers in confrontation caught on camera

"Wayne White parked his U.S. Postal Service truck to drop off a package Friday afternoon when he ran into some unexpected trouble ...Three turkeys accosted White on his postal route in Hyannis, located just over an hour away from Boston, and a Ring camera captured the entire confrontation. ...But neither snow nor rain — or, apparently, turkeys — would stop this mailman from making his delivery."

Reference: wsvn.com




 

NALC Arbitration Award | NALC Union Contract (2023-2026)

  Arbitrator Nolan issues award, sets terms of the 2023-2026 National Agreement

"...Three general wage increases, and six COLAs were awarded.

Arbitrator Nolan awarded general wage increases of 1.3 percent in November 2023 (paid retroactively), 1.4 percent in November 2024 (paid retroactively), and 1.5 percent in November 2025. These increases exceed the general wage increase pattern established in collective-bargaining agreements between the Postal Service and the other postal unions in the previous round of collective bargaining. The award also provides for the payment of six COLAs to career letter carriers using the formula that has been included in Article 9.3 for many years. That proportional COLA provides all career carriers equal protection against inflation. Four of these COLAs, totaling $2,725 per year at Step P, will be paid retroactively pursuant to Article 9.3. The amounts of the final two COLAs will, as usual, depend on the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W, 1967=100).

CCA pay increases

CCAs will receive three additional 1.0 percent increases for cumulative general wage increases of 2.3 percent in November 2023 (paid retroactively), 2.4 percent in November 2024 (paid retroactively), and 2.5 percent in November 2025. ..."

Reference: www.nalc.org




 

Stamp Collecting | 2024 Stamp Yearbook | USPS.com - Postal Store

  Stamp Collecting | 2024 Stamp Yearbook | USPS.com - Postal Store

2024 Stamp Yearbook | USPS.com - Postal Store
"...Detailing every stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 2024, this beautiful book, 2024 Stamp Yearbook, also features the stories behind the stamp designs. Featured collectibles include ceremony mementos, programs, first day covers, digital color postmarks, press sheets, and more. $112.00 · In stock..."

Reference: store.usps.com




 

Stamp Collecting | Going Fast! 2025 Presidential Inaugural Cachet | USPS.com - Postal Store

  2025 Presidential Inaugural Cachet | USPS.com - Postal Store

2025 Presidential Inaugural Cachet | USPS.com - Postal Store

"...Commemorate the 60th presidential inauguration with this special cachet. The #10 envelope features portraits of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD ... $12.95 · In stock ..."

Reference: store.usps.com




 

Stamp Collecting | Collector’s set with proof panes and book planned for battlefields stamps

  Stamp Collecting | Collector’s set with proof panes and book planned for battlefields stamps

Battlefields of the American Revolution stamps
"...The United States Postal Service will offer a limited number of proof sets as part of a collector’s set for its upcoming Battlefields of the American Revolution stamps.

The 15 nondenominated (73¢) stamps will be issued April 16 in a pane of 15. The collector’s set includes proof panes and a 60-page book that “follows artist Greg Harlin’s meticulous process for illustrating the five scenes shown on the Battlefields of the American Revolution stamp pane — from rough concepts to preliminary pencil sketches to final paintings.”

Looking at the publicity image of the set, it appears that there are five proofs of cyan, magenta, black and yellow, respectively, plus a proof with just the dark blue ink selvage color. A normal pane of stamps is also shown. A certificate of authenticity signed by Harlin is also included. ...The Battlefields of the American Revolution collector’s set can be purchased at the United States Postal Service’s online store."

Reference: www.linns.com




 

Friday, March 28, 2025

The latest attack on federal sector unions does not apply to the Postal Service

  CALL: Stop Trump’s Federal Worker Union-Busting

"...While the latest attack on federal sector unions does not apply to the Postal Service, we stand in solidarity with our fellow unions and support their call to action. ..."

Reference: NPMHU




 

Breakthrough T1D Capitol Chapter’s “ONE WALK”

  Breakthrough T1D Capitol Chapter’s “ONE WALK”

"...Dear Friends: We are writing to solicit your financial support of Breakthrough T1D formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Back in 1997, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union adopted JDRF as its official national charity..."

Reference: NPMHU




 

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

NPMHU Statement on PMG Dejoy's Resignation

  NPMHU Statement on PMG Dejoy's Resignation

"...A month after announcing his intention to step down as Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy told the United States Postal Board of Governors his last day in the role was Monday, March 24, after almost five years of service.

As the Postal Service continues to be an intrinsic part of every American’s daily life, the Board of Governors should remain cognizant of this value and the work that Mail Handlers and all postal employees do as they work to find Mr. DeJoy’s successor. ..."

Reference: NPMHU




 

Friday, March 21, 2025

Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits | Paintings of Postman Joseph Roulin and His Family

  Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits

Amazon | Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits
"...Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) once wrote, “What I’m most passionate about…is the portrait, the modern portrait.” This passion flourished between 1888 and ’89 when, during his stay in Arles, in the South of France, the artist created a number of portraits of a neighboring family—the postman Joseph Roulin; his wife, Augustine; and their three children: Armand, Camille, and Marcelle. Van Gogh’s tender relationship with the postman and his family..."

Reference: Museum of Fine Arts Boston




 

Friday, March 14, 2025

NPMHU Statement on USPS/DOGE Agreement

  NPMHU Statement on USPS/DOGE Agreement

On the night of Monday, March 10, the Postmaster General (PMG) and Deputy PMG met with members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the United States Postal Service Headquarters. Mail Handlers have seen the DOGE team dismantle federal agencies, impacting services provided to Americans across the country, and are therefore rightly concerned about the potential impact on the work of the Postal Service generally and the work of the more than 54,000 dedicated mail handlers across the country. Our response will be guided by the following principles.

First and foremost, the independence of USPS – and its governance by the Board of Governors – must remain.

Second, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) will fight any attempts to privatize our work. Our processing and distribution work is vital within the postal network, and privatization or subcontracting of our jobs would jeopardize not only the earned pay and benefits of mail handlers across the country, but also the flow of service that postal customers and the public at large rely upon every day. Privatizing the Postal Service will threaten customers’ ability to receive packages and letters ranging from Social Security checks, necessary medications, government correspondence, and mail from loved ones.

Finally, while we have been told that the Postal Service will not grant DOGE access to employee records and data, should this not be the case, the NPMHU stands ready, along with the other postal unions, to take all necessary action to protect the privacy of our members.

The NPMHU will remain cautious and vigilant and is prepared to fight against any ill-conceived attempts by DOGE to dismantle this American institution.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317




 

Postal Service signs cost-cutting deal with DOGE

  Postal Service signs cost-cutting deal with DOGE

"The United States Postal Service said it has signed a deal with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut costs at the agency. ...told congressional leaders in a letter that he had signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut jobs and spending at the agency that has long since lost money. ...DOGE team asked about the big problems facing the Postal Service. He cited various issues including miscalculations and mismanagement ..."

Reference: thehill.com




 

Some facilities to garner more equipment | U.S. Postal Service unveils new vehicles and machines at Norfolk facility

  U.S. Postal Service unveils new vehicles and machines at Norfolk facility

"...The main feature of the delivery center is a large package sorting machine that almost stretches the length of the room.

With surprisingly little noise, the machine can sort 4,300 packages into 112 mail bins by location, according to the USPS. By hand, humans could only sort around 250 packages per hour, so the machines amount to a more than 17-fold increase in productivity.

“This is the game changer for delivery in the Postal Service,” Stefanowicz said. ..."

Reference: www.pilotonline.com




 

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Pictures | Philadelphia Mail Cats

  Philadelphia Mail Cats

Photo of Flatrate the cat, courtesy of Felix Smith/@usps.pspsps, the Philadelphia Mail Cats account on Instagram.
Courtesy of Felix Smith/@usps.pspsps
"...an Instagram page that lights up feeds and hearts: Philadelphia Mail Cats, known as @USPS.pspsps. (The latter half of the handle phonetically spells the sound people make to get a cat’s attention). It’s run by Felix Smith, a local letter carrier documenting his interactions with neighborhood cats along his route. In between delivering our very important mail on time, Smith manages to offer some furry friends treats and pets, admire them peacefully napping or let them air their grievances, and even advocate for their rights as (unofficial) employees. Smith has also helped to rescue cats and find them a forever home. ..."

Reference: www.inquirer.com




 

Join our Postal Brothers and Sisters Across the Nation on March 23rd to Protect our Jobs and our Service

  Join our Postal Brothers and Sisters Across the Nation on March 23rd to Protect our Jobs and our Service

On Sunday, March 23, NALC branches are hosting local rallies to say "Hell no!" to dismantling the Postal Service. With branches holding events nationwide on the same day, we are sending a clear, unified message: Hands off USPS! Visit the official website here.
Why are we fighting? Download the NALC flyer.

Reference: www.npmhu.org


 

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Appalachian Trail stamp ceremony set for Feb.28

  Appalachian Trail stamp ceremony set for Feb.28

"...The Postal Service will dedicate its Appalachian Trail stamps on Friday, Feb. 28, in Dawsonville, GA.

The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Eastern at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, located at 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road. ...Pre-Order"

Reference: news.usps.com




 

USPS announces 'refined' service standards and cost reductions

  USPS announces refined service standards and cost reductions

"...“The Postal Service has been historically burdened by service standard regulations...The relative impact on service standards, leaving more than 80 percent of market-dominant volume unchanged ...The Postal Service’s fact sheet has more information."

Reference: news.usps.com
More Reading: * Postal Service to implement RTO and new service standards despite PRC recommendations
* PRC |Service Standards for Market-Dominant Mail Products





 

Do you know how PSHB and Medicare work together? USPS will offer an informational webinar throughout the year (BC/BS Webinar)

  Do you know how PSHB and Medicare work together? USPS will offer an informational webinar throughout the year

USPS employees may participate in a webinar that will help explain how the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and Medicare work in retirement.

The session, “PSHB and Medicare in Retirement,” will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern on the following Mondays: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8.

Representatives from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the webinar.

Participants must register before each event on the webinar website.

Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.

Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.

Reference: news.usps.com via NPMHU Local 317




 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Trump is 'Not Going to Touch' Entitlement Programs

  Trump: 'Not Going to Touch' Entitlement Programs

"...President Donald Trump vowed Wednesday that his administration is "not going to touch" entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, but didn't rule out that spending cuts can come through rooting out fraud and waste in the programs. "We are going to look for fraud..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com




 

Wage Charts Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025)

  Wage Charts Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025)

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $416



Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025) all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment as outlined in Article 9.3 of the 2022 National Agreement. This is the fifth of six possible COLA increases under the terms of the current agreement. This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) following release of the January 2025 Index, using the July 2022 CPI index as a base. The resulting calculation provides an annual increase of $416 for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 will receive the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.3 of the National Agreement.

Mail Handler Wage Charts Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025) PDF



Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317
* clickable Links added





 

Sunday, February 23, 2025

$100,000 Reward | U.S. Postal Inspection Service still on the lookout for mail, bank fraud suspect

  U.S. Postal Inspection Service still on the lookout for mail, bank fraud suspect

"...BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The U.S. Postal Inspection Service needs your help finding a bank and mail fraud suspect and you could get $100,000 in return.

Central Alabama Crimestoppers says Rhashema Shantae Shackleford, also known as Rhashema Deramus, is wanted on outstanding felony warrants for bank fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud.

U.S. Postal Inspector Julie Nicholson-Morgan says it all started when Shackleford allegedly stole some checks from the mail.

While her last known address was in Montgomery, she could be anywhere. ..."

Reference: www.wbrc.com




 

In The News | Administration Studies USPS Transfer to Commerce Department

  NO EXECUTIVE ORDER TARGETING USPS IN THE WORKS

Postal Service braces for potential takeover by Trump's Commerce Department

"...new commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, “will be looking” at the U.S. Postal Service. ...In December, Lutnick first discussed his plans with President Donald Trump to dissolve USPS leadership and fold the agency into the Department of Commerce, according to one of the sources.

No executive orders targeting the Postal Service are in the works, according to two White House officials, though they acknowledged there have been talks about ways to make it more efficient along with the rest of the federal government."

Reference: www.nbcnews.com
 

Postal Primer: Overview of the USPS Board of Governors (PDF; congress.gov; Jan. 7, 2025. )

  Postal Primer: Overview of the USPS Board of Governors

"...The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is under the direction of the Postal Board of Governors, which USPS describes as “comparable to a board of directors of a private corporation.” Created by the Postal Reorganization Act in 1970 (P.L. 91-375), the board consists of the postmaster general, the deputy postmaster general, and nine governors appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. This In Focus provides an overview of the board, including its statutory authorities, current members, and pending nominations. ..."

Reference: crsreports.congress.gov




 

Friday, February 21, 2025

Statement of National President Paul V. Hogrogian, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, on 'Potential' Executive Order

  Statement of National President Paul V. Hogrogian, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, on Potential Executive Order

The Washington Post has reported that the Trump Administration is contemplating issuing an Executive Order firing the Postal Board of Governors and placing the United States Postal Service under the control of the Commerce Department.

Such a change would be the first step in destroying the Postal Service – an institution central to more than 166 million households and businesses. The Postal Service, through the work of its 640,000 employees, is responsible for ensuring that every American receives packages and mail ranging from Social Security checks, necessary medications, government correspondence, packages, and mail from loved ones. The Postal Service is an institution that is ingrained in our Constitution and older than the United States of America itself.

On behalf of the more than 54,000 mail handlers across the country, we will not stand by while the Trump Administration attacks this critical public resource. Firing the Board of Governors and seeking to privatize the work of the Postal Service will do nothing other than harm the American people who rely on the Postal Service every day.

The reported Executive Order does not serve the United States Postal Service and it does not make America great.

Reference: www.npmhu.org
    MORE READING:
  1. Trump is reportedly planning a Postal Service takeover. The White House denies any such executive order is in the works; fortune.com
  2. Trump Is Planning to Take Control of the Postal Service, Officials Say; www.wsj.com
  3. Trump expected to take control of USPS, fire postal board, officials say; www.washingtonpost.com




 

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Stamp Collecting | 10 Rarest & Most Valuable Stamps That Could Make You a Millionaire

  Stamp Collecting | 10 Rarest & Most Valuable Stamps That Could Make You a Millionaire

"...Stamp collecting, or philately, is a fascinating hobby that combines history, art, and monetary value. For centuries, collectors have sought after rare stamps, some of which are now worth millions. Stamps are more than just postage—they represent historical events, famous personalities, and cultural milestones.

One of the biggest stamp auctions in history is set to take place in October, featuring the collection of William H. Gross, one of the most renowned philatelists. As anticipation builds in the stamp-collecting community, let’s explore 10 of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world. ..."



Reference: theoctant.org




 

Chenise LeDoux Named Southern Area 'Acting' Vice President

  Southern Area has a new vice president | Chenise LeDoux takes the position on an acting basis

USPS Image of Chenise LeDoux, Southern Area Acting Vice President, Feb. 2025.
"...LeDoux is responsible for retail and delivery operations in 11 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a workforce of more than 124,000.

She most recently was rural delivery director. ..."

Reference: news.usps.com




 

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

United States Postal Service Announces Tenure Plan of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

 

United States Postal Service Announces Tenure Plan of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

USPS Image of PMG DeJoy 2025
From the article: "...The United States Postal Service is today announcing that Louis DeJoy, America’s 75th Postmaster General, has notified the Postal Service Board of Governors that it is time for them to begin the process of identifying his successor. The Governors of the Postal Service, working with key stakeholders, will now begin the process of identifying an appropriate candidate to serve as the next Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service. ..."


Article Reference: USPS Press Release
2025 Tenure Plan of PMG DeJoy,Louis DeJoy,








 

Monday, February 10, 2025

Chicago | $100K reward offered for mail thief impersonating a postal mail carrier

  $100K reward offered in Loop mail theft

"CHICAGO – The local division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on Tuesday offered a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a mail thief.

The suspected thief, shown in photos released by the USPIS, stole mail from a corporate building in the Loop in December, the agency said. Earlier this month, while dressed as a USPS mail carrier, the same person allegedly attempted to steal mail from a different Loop office building, but was unsuccessful. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com




 

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Stamp Collecting | Top 5 Rare George Washington Stamps Worth Thousands – Are You Holding One?

  Top 5 Rare George Washington Stamps Worth Thousands – Are You Holding One?

"...1. 1932 3-Cent Violet George Washington Stamp

Estimated Value: Up to $5,000

One of the most valuable George Washington stamps is the 1932 3-cent violet stamp. This stamp is famous among collectors due to its historical significance and scarcity.

It is printed on distinctive purple or violet paper, which makes it stand out.
The stamp features a portrait of George Washington with striking black eyes.
It has a hand-stamped cancellation mark, adding to its uniqueness. ...
"

Reference: theoctant.org




 

USPS reports first-quarter financial results

  USPS reports first-quarter financial results

"Operating revenue was $22.5 billion, up 4.1 percent...“We are encouraged by our strong revenue and cost control trajectory, as we continue to implement the Delivering for America transformation and modernization plan, which contributed to our net income during the quarter,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

“By steadily improving our product portfolio, we are increasing our competitive position in the shipping marketplace. ...The Postal Service’s Feb. 6 news release has more information."

Reference: usps.com