USPS | Employees to get letter with overtime tax deduction information

  Employees to get letter with overtime tax deduction information

"...The Postal Service will send a letter in mid-January with information about a new temporary federal tax deduction for certain portions of federal overtime payments made to eligible employees.

The letter will include the employee’s qualified overtime amount for 2025. ..."

Reference: usps.com




 

Winter 2025 'The Mail Handler' Magazine | Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

  Winter 2025 'The Mail Handler' Magazine | Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. We wish you a wonderful 2026, This is the link to all the articles in The Mail Handler 2025 Winter Edition. Stay Frosty!

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

NPMHU 2025 Contract Update #12

  2025 Contract Update #12

2025 No. 12 – December 12, 2025 (pdf) You are reading the twelfth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2025 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

Discussions on economic issues between Deputy Postmaster General Douglas Tulino, National President Paul Hogrogian, and National Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Tabarus, Contract Administration Manager Teresa Harmon and NPMHU General Counsel Matthew Clash-Drexler have continued to intensify and become increasingly substantive.

Recent sessions have focused more on areas of disagreement, including the continued impact of the proportional COLA and persistent disparities between the Mail Handler wage scale and those of other postal unions. Throughout these discussions, the NPMHU Negotiations Team has consistently conveyed that securing a contract that fairly reflects the value, contributions, and lived economic realities of the membership remains its top priority.

In furtherance of that goal, the NPMHU Negotiations Team presented detailed cost analyses of its economic proposals to Deputy Postmaster General Tulino, clearly demonstrating both their reasonableness and their financial feasibility. The Team hopes that these proposals will receive serious consideration and looks to management to respond with meaningful movement that advances the parties toward an agreement.

The Postal Service is currently reviewing the NPMHU’s proposals in between bargaining sessions, and additional meetings have been scheduled to receive management’s response and to continue negotiations.

Throughout this process, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains steadfast in advocating for the best interests of the Mail Handler craft. The Team understands that fair wages and working conditions are essential not only to the well-being of the membership, but also to maintaining a strong and efficient Postal Service that serves the American mailing public. The NPMHU will continue to press for an agreement that supports the workforce and upholds the mission of the Postal Service.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317




 

Looking For Alternative Holiday Meals? Can You Mail Live Lobster? A Detailed Guide

  Can You Mail Live Lobster? A Detailed Guide

"...Lobster is one of the most prized and delicious seafood delicacies. The sweet, succulent meat makes lobster tail, lobster rolls, and other lobster dishes extremely popular. However, high-quality live lobster can be hard to find if you don’t live near the coast. This leads many seafood lovers to wonder – can you mail live lobster?

The short answer is yes, you can mail live lobster through the United States Postal Service (USPS) if you follow specific guidelines. While mailing live animals does have restrictions and regulations, it is possible to have fresh live lobster delivered right to your door.

In this detailed guide, we will ..."

Reference: tatnuckmeatandsea.com




 

In The News | Video: New robots inside Boise's USPS facility help process and handle packages during holiday rush

  New robots inside Boise's USPS facility help process and handle packages during holiday rush

"...This year, the facility has four high-tech helpers lending a hand, robotic arms installed in September that are helping keep operations efficient during peak season.

"We got these four robotic arms in September," Herron said. "It's helping to really streamline the efficiency of this by allowing for more mechanical robotics to properly identify those packages and get them down the processing machine."

The robotic arms read boxes, identify them and move them into the correct position to read barcodes before packages continue down the sorting line to be dispatched to their next destination. ..."

Reference: www.ktvb.com




 

In The News | Amazon Is Reportedly Preparing to Cut Ties With USPS as Negotiations Stall

  Amazon Is Reportedly Preparing to Cut Ties With USPS as Negotiations Stall

"...Amazon reportedly wants a four-year contract extension, while USPS wants to hold an auction for its services. If negotiations break down, the 30-year partnership could end next year...the e-commerce giant says it was surprised to find out that USPS wanted to hold an auction for some of its shipping capacity."

Reference: www.pcmag.com




 

A Great USPS Product Continues | Informed Delivery: See Photos of Your Mail Before It Arrives, Free

  Informed Delivery: See Photos of Your Mail Before It Arrives, Free

Start your mornings with a preview of your day's USPS® mail and packages with Informed Delivery® notifications:

Get Daily Digest emails that preview your mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon.
See images of your incoming letter-sized mail (grayscale, address side only)
Track and manage your packages in one convenient place.

Reference: www.usps.com




 

USPS News LINK | She realized a customer was about to be defrauded and stopped it

  She realized a customer was about to be defrauded and stopped it

"Retail Associate Tashirah Taylor prevented the woman from losing $2,000...An older customer recently purchased two $1,000 money orders at the Glen Ridge, NJ, Post Office. ...she showed the Postal Service employee a letter that would accompany the money orders she was mailing.

Taylor recognized the letter as part of a sweepstakes scam. She..."

Reference: USPS News LINK




 

NPMHU 2025 Contract Update #11

  2025 Contract Update #11

2025 No. 11 – December 5, 2025 (pdf)

You are reading the eleventh Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2025 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

Since the contract negotiation deadline has been extended, discussions about economics between Deputy Postmaster General Douglas Tulino, Vice President of Labor Relations Mike Elston, National President Paul Hogrogian, National Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Tabarus, Contract Administration Manager Teresa Harmon and NPMHU General Counsel Matthew Clash-Drexler have continued to gain momentum. The conversations in recent sessions have become increasingly focused, detailed, and substantive.

Throughout these meetings, the NPMHU Negotiations Team has repeatedly and unequivocally underscored the importance of addressing the long-standing issues in the wage scale for both career employees and MHAs. The team has also emphasized the significant impact of the proportional COLA, which continues to disproportionately affect those at the lower end of the scale. National President Hogrogian continues to ensure that the Postal Service understands that these are central priorities at the bargaining table which must be addressed during this bargaining cycle.

Although the dialogue has been productive, the parties remain far apart on several key economic questions. The NPMHU Negotiations Team has made clear that meaningful movement on these issues is essential and will continue pressing for proposals that accurately reflect the value and contributions of the membership.

Additional bargaining dates have been scheduled, and we expect to provide further updates as those meetings take place. As always, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains fully committed to securing real and lasting improvements for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, the Mail Handler Craft, the Postal Service, and the American mailing public.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317




 

USPS Operation Santa Program Begins Today

  USPS Operation Santa Program Begins Today

"...Read letters to Santa and help make a holiday wish come true. Sign up now so you’re ready when letter adoption begins on November 17!...Help make holiday wishes come true by adopting a letter and finding the ideal gift to send through our convenient online catalog or on your own."

Reference: www.uspsoperationsanta.com




 

In The News | Chicago | Wilmette Post Office Closed Indefinitely After Roof Collapse

  Wilmette Post Office Closed Indefinitely After Roof Collapse

"...Chicago area are today dealing with the aftermath of an unexpected turn of events, as the local post office at 1241 Central Avenue has been forced to close its doors due to a roof collapse following..."

Reference: hoodline.com




 

Congressman introduces bill to rename Alabama post office to honor Tuskegee Airmen

  Congressman introduces bill to rename Alabama post office to honor Tuskegee Airmen

"...The bill would name the Tuskegee Post Office at 401 North Elm Street to the “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office.” ...“Designating the Tuskegee Post Office as the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of these trailblazing heroes, and I’m proud to do this on my first Veterans Day with the full support of Alabama’s congressional delegation,” Figures said. “The Tuskegee Airmen, whom I especially honor on my first Veterans Day"

Reference: www.al.com




 

Arbitrator Brogan's Decision in Update MOU Dispute

  Arbitrator Brogan's Decision in Update MOU Dispute

"...National Arbitrator Maggie Brogan's decision in the RI-399 dispute concerning application of paragraph 10(a) - the "unless'' clause - of the 2018 Update MOU. Click here for PDF. ...One of the local jurisdictional practices that was inconsistent with a National-level craft determination was the Automated Flat Sorting Machine, the AFSM 100, as enhanced in 2006 with automatic induction and automatic tray handling (Al/ A THS). A 2006 National-level craftdetermination by the Postal Service assigned the primary jurisdiction of the feed station to the clerk craft, the primary jurisdiction of the load and prep stations to the mail handler craft, and the primary jurisdiction of the employee operating the A THS to the mail handler craft. Notwithstanding that determination, there were a number of places where the clerks continued to perform the prep station work assigned to the Mail Handler craft. Accordingly, when inventories were created... "

Reference: www.npmhu.org




 

UPS and FedEx ground some cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster

  UPS and FedEx ground some cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster

"...American delivery firms UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded part of their fleets of cargo planes after a mid-take-off crash in Kentucky on Tuesday left at least 14 people dead.

The UPS aircraft burst into flames shortly after take-off..."

Reference: www.bbc.com




 

Ted Cruz Introduces New Act | S. 3107 (IS) - Upholding a Secure Postal System Act

  Text | S. 3107 (IS) - Upholding a Secure Postal System Act

"...Mr. Cruz (for himself, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, and Mrs. Capito) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs...To require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit reports to Congress on theft of mail and United States Postal Service property, and for other purposes. ..."

Reference: www.govinfo.gov
Ted Cruz



 

Alabama Postal Worker Killed in Crash

  ‘Devoted’ postal carrier killed in Pickens County crash

"...A postal carrier was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Pickens County.

Alabama State Troopers identified the victim as April F. Box. She was 57 and lived in Aliceville. The wreck..."

Reference: AL.com




 

OPM | Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program Quick Facts

  Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program Quick Facts

"...The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program is a separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

PSHB provides health benefits plans to eligible Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members. Postal Service employees and Postal Service annuitants are no longer eligible to enroll or continue enrollment in an FEHB plan as of January 1, 2025, and must have enrolled in a PSHB plan to maintain health coverage through the Postal Service.

If a Postal Service employee or Postal Service annuitant is covered under a family member’s FEHB plan not through the Postal Service, they can continue that coverage after January 1, 2025.

Former Postal Service employees and their family members who are on Temporary Continuation of Coverage prior to January 1, 2025, through their FEHB plan will continue with that FEHB plan after January 1, 2025...READ MORE"

Reference: www.opm.gov




 

BENEFEDS | Federal Benefits Enrollment, Updates (FEDVIP, FLTCIP, FSAFEDS)

  BENEFEDS | Federal Benefits Enrollment, Updates (FEDVIP, FLTCIP, FSAFEDS)

Prepare for Open Season!

The 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season begins November 10. It's your annual opportunity to enroll in or change your Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) dental and/or vision plan.

Reference: www.benefeds.gov




 

In The News | Half of Missouri ZIP codes see postal service cuts under consolidation plan

  Half of Missouri ZIP codes see postal service cuts under consolidation plan

"By ending evening collection, the USPS plan delays processing of some mail by a day (Meg Cunningham/The Beacon). ...Under a recent consolidation effort by the U.S. Postal Service, though, rural areas farther away from processing hubs are seeing more reductions in service compared to their urban counterparts, even in areas that haven’t technically seen parts of the plan go into effect yet. “The mail, it’s awful. Sometimes we don’t even get things that were sent to us,” said Leah Lawson, vice president of the Bank of New Madrid in southeast Missouri. ..."

Reference: www.yahoo.com




 

A new film shows how postal inspectors brought an employee’s killer to justice

  A new film shows how postal inspectors brought an employee’s killer to justice

"...The Postal Inspection Service has released a documentary about the agency’s investigation into the tragic death of a USPS employee in 2019.

The 28-minute film, “Ambush in Andrews,” tells the story of Irene Pressley, an Andrews, SC, rural carrier who was shot and killed while delivering mail.

The Inspection Service’s investigation showed that a drug dealer ..."

Reference: news.usps.com




 

OPM | Open Season is November 10 – December 8, 2025

 

"...Please note: The Federal Benefits Open Season ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Monday December 8, 2025 for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS). Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) ends at 11:59 pm, per the location of your electronic enrollment system, on Monday December 8, 2025. ...Visit BENEFEDS.gov"

Reference: www.opm.gov




 

U.S. Postal Service warns public of unexpected packages showing up on doorsteps

  U.S. Postal Service warns public of unexpected packages showing up on doorsteps

"...The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is warning consumers to be aware of scams connected with packages delivered to people who did not order them.

Con artists use these packages, often billed as containing free merchandise, to perpetrate various “brushing scams..."

Reference: www.silive.com




 

Alabama | Huntsville to be used as a field test site to test postal workers as census-takers

  Census Bureau to test using postal workers as census takers in 2030 field trials next year

"The Census Bureau plans to use U.S. postal workers as census takers...The field tests will be conducted next year in western Texas; tribal lands in Arizona; Colorado Springs, Colorado; western North Carolina; Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Huntsville, Alabama. The unpublished Federal Register notice didn’t say which locations would test postal workers as census-takers who interview people about the race, sex, age, type of housing and relationships in their households. ...kicking around for some time, given the knowledge that postal workers often have of the neighborhoods where they deliver mail. "

Reference: AP News




 

NPMHU 2025 Contract Update #10

  2025 Contract Update #10

2025 No. 10 – September 23, 2025 (pdf)

You are reading the tenth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2025 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep Mail Handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

National President Paul Hogrogian and National Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Tabarus will hold a national teleconference with representatives of the Contract Administration Department and all NPMHU Local Union Presidents to discuss developments in ongoing contract negotiations between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service over the terms of their 2025 National Agreement.

The nationwide telephone call with Local Presidents from all thirty-six Local Unions will be held at 2:00 p.m. (eastern standard time) on September 24, 2025. Details about the teleconference has been sent separately to all Local Presidents.

Should a settlement be reached in the coming days or weeks, it will be subject to a ratification vote by all members, conducted in accordance with procedures adopted by the National Executive Board.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317




 

In the News | Mail theft in River Oaks starts investigation at local post office

  Mail theft in River Oaks starts investigation at local post office

"Post office management are still looking for suspects...HOUSTON (KIAH)–Residents in River Oaks may have noticed missing mail this month after USPS found several P.O. boxes empty and open. The incident happened at the post office at 1900 W Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019. ..."

Reference: cw39.com




 

Negotiations with the NPMHU will continue | USPS, union extend contract talks

  Negotiations with the NPMHU will continue | USPS, union extend contract talks

"...USPS and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) have agreed to extend contract negotiations...contract with the NPMHU expired at midnight on Sept. 20 ..."

Reference: USPS News Link




 

2025 Contract Update #9

  2025 Contract Update #9

2025 No. 9 – September 21, 2025 You are reading the ninth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2025 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

The final days and hours of bargaining over the terms of the NPMHU-USPS 2025 National Agreement have come to a close, with the parties unable to reach a tentative agreement over all of the terms and conditions that need to be covered by the National Agreement as of contract expiration at midnight on September 20, 2025.

Discussions are continuing and the parties have agreed to extend their negotiations past last night’s deadline to give their bargaining representatives additional time to reach a comprehensive settlement agreement

Though many topics have been discussed, there are still several items left for both parties to discuss. Due to these unresolved issues, the parties have agreed to extend their negotiations based on their shared hope that an overall agreement can still be reached without the interference of a third-party arbitrator.

More details about the past three months of bargaining, and the plans for future negotiations, will be shared in NPMHU publications and discussed with representatives of the Local Unions at a virtual meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with the NPMHU Negotiations Team.

As always, please watch your bulletin boards and the National website for the latest information.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317




 

2025 Contract Update #8

  2025 Contract Update #8

2025 No. 8 – September 19, 2025 (pdf) You are reading the eighth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2025 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

On September 19th, Vice President of Labor Relations Mike Elston and NPMHU President Paul Hogrogian signed multiple tentative agreements in a hopeful show of progress.

Despite this display, USPS representatives continue to resist bargaining in good faith – opposing proposals that would improve the efficiency and operations of the Postal Service.

The NPMHU Negotiations Team will not be deterred. They have drafted numerous revisions to their proposals in hopes of reaching a compromise. Regardless, USPS representatives maintain a noted resistance and lack of transparency. The reasons for their refusal to cooperate are often unstated and therefore unclear.

Beyond the main table, discussions on economic issues have been slow and difficult but will continue until we can get a negotiated deal that meets our priorities.

National President Hogrogian and the rest of the Negotiations Team will keep fighting tirelessly for proposals that will benefit the Union, the craft, and the general mailing public. They’re prepared to work around the clock so that, by the time the deadline expires at midnight on Saturday, they can confidently say they’ve done everything in their power to advocate for meaningful change. They hope that the Postal Service will change their attitude soon, as to not squander this opportunity to reach an agreement in everyone’s best interests.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317




 

NPMHU Bidding Procedures

  NPMHU Bidding Procedures

Dear Brother and Sisters: Please attached PDF of the above-reference NPMHU Bidding Procedures.

Attached is a letter from the Postal Service, confirming that effective September 21, 2025. employees represented by the NPMHU will be allowed to bid under the new contract, whether the parties reach a tentative settlement, extend bargaining, or enter impasse procedures.

Successful bids on or after September 21, 2025, will be counted towards the bid maximums established in the 2025 National Agreement.

Please disseminate this information as you deem appropriate. Should you have any questions contact the Contract Administration Department.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317