Long-term care pause | Two-year freeze on applications

  Long-term care pause | Two-year freeze on applications

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has paused all new applications for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.

Unenrolled individuals cannot apply for the program.

The suspension period, which will run for 24 months from Dec. 19, 2022, is designed to give OPM and the John Hancock Life and Health Insurance Co., the program’s carrier, “time to thoroughly assess benefit offerings and establish sustainable premium rates that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of the benefits provided,” according to the suspension notice on the program’s website.

Current enrollees’ coverage will not change as long as they continue to pay their premiums. However, current enrollees may not increase coverage.

Those who applied for the program before the cutoff date will have their application considered and, if approved, will receive all relevant information.

For those in claims status, there is no change to coverage or claims reimbursement as long as benefits have not been exhausted.

For more information on the suspension, call LTCFEDS at 800-582-3337. For other benefits-related questions, contact the Wellness team.

Reference: USPS News Link via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama

 

NPMHU members ratify 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

  NPMHU members ratify 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

MAIL HANDLERS RATIFY 2022 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

The terms of the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service were officially ratified on March 13, 2023. The certified results show that over 84% of the membership approved the new contract, with the final vote tally at 6,617 in favor of ratification and 1,237 in opposition to ratification.

Further details about the implementation of the 2022 National Agreement will be provided to Local Union officers and representatives in the coming weeks. All members are encouraged to retain and utilize their copy of the ratification booklet until National Agreements are printed and distributed.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 -Alabama


 

Blink Charging to supply thousands of EV chargers to U.S. Postal Service

 

Blink Charging to supply thousands of EV chargers to U.S. Postal Service

From the article: "...Blink Charging will provide an initial order of 4,900 chargers to the U.S. Postal Service over three years to support the agency's rollout of electric vehicles. This week the postal service announced it will buy 9,250 electric vans from Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and 14,000 EV charging stations that will be installed at its facilities later this year. Miami Beach-based Blink..."

Article Reference: www.bizjournals.com
Blink Charging, EV Charging Contract (USPS),

 

Retirement Planning | Create your personal 'My Social Security Account' to estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive

  Retirement Planning | Create your personal my Social Security Account to estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive

"A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive. ...Create your account here"

Reference: www.ssa.gov
 

Florida: Mail Handler Assistant (MHA) in Jacksonville pleads guilty to stealing parcels of mail

  Mail Handler Assistant in Jacksonville pleads guilty to stealing parcels of mail

"The United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida has announced that Jonisha M. Williams, 36 of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to stealing deposits from the mail. ...According to the plea agreement, from Feb. 5 to Mar. 4, 2021, Williams worked as a mail handler assistant at the National Distribution Center in Jacksonville. ..."

Reference: yahoo.com
 

Huntsville Haysland Station Post Office to host career fair March 10

  Huntsville Haysland Station Post Office to host career fair March 10

"The U.S. Postal Service is looking for workers to fill open positions in Huntsville and the surrounding area. ...Alabama-Mississippi District management team and local Postmasters, managers and customer service employees will be gathering at the Haysland Post Office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 10. They'll be available to meet with the public and answer any questions that applicants may have about working for USPS. ..."

Reference: www.waaytv.com
 

Letters sticking out of mail collection boxes (Blue Boxes) are 'like a field day for a criminal'

  Letters sticking out of mail collection boxes (Blue Boxes) are 'like a field day for a criminal'

"The U.S. treasury issued a dire warning Monday about a nationwide surge in check fraud. . ..."When criminals see letters sticking out of a blue collection box, they know nothing is being done," said Frank Albergo, national president of the Postal Police Officers Association. Photos like these..."

Reference: www.cbsnews.com
 

How to keep USPS smartphones from quarantine

  How to keep USPS smartphones from quarantine

"The Postal Service is reminding employees that their USPS-issued smartphones will be placed in quarantine if they don’t keep the operating system up to date. Outdated operating systems pose a security risk that exposes smartphones and the postal network to hackers and other malicious actors. Employees must keep their USPS-issued smartphones current with the latest operating systems. The organization will place iPhones missing current or prior updates in quarantine in order to protect the postal network. Similarly, “jailbroken” iPhones or “rooted” Android phones — devices that have had a manufacturer’s software restrictions intentionally removed by the user — will also be quarantined. ..."

Reference: usps.com
 

NALC and the Postal Service open negotiations for sixteenth collective bargaining agreement

  NALC and the Postal Service open negotiations for sixteenth collective bargaining agreement

" NALC and the Postal Service formally opened negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. ...Too often, we still struggle with the lack of management’s contract compliance at the local level. This leads to complications on the workroom floor, which affect morale and productivity, while needlessly costing the Postal Service money. And perhaps most importantly, crime against letter carriers is on the rise. These repeated attacks against our members are horrific, unacceptable and must be addressed through action. No letter carrier should fear for their life or safety ..."

Reference: www.nalc.org
 

ACTION NEEDED: FERS Employees: Please support a higher COLA in retirement with H.R. 866 | Equal COLA Act

 

Please share this article with other FERS employees. FERS employees get 1% less than CSRS retirees in 2023 due to discrimanatory calculation differences. This makes a huge difference over your retirement years as the difference continues to grow exponentially over time. This is your opportunity to take 5 minutes to hopefully alter your future in a positive manner. Take Action Now!

H.R. 866 | Equal COLA Act

Snippet of Article:Call or write congress on H.R. 866 "H.R. 866: To amend title 5, United States Code, to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment with respect to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System, and for other purposes. ...Call or write congress on H.R. 866"

Source: www.govtrack.us

H.R. 866

More Reading: Difference in CSRS COLA vs FERS COLA in 2023: For the year 2023, annuitants who retired under CSRS will receive 8.7 percent increase and those who retired under FERS will receive a 7.7 percent increase. The rate varies each year.

 

Contract Ratification Vote 2023 (NPMHU)

  Ballot Count Set for March 13, 2023

Ballot Count Set for March 13, 2023

The results of collective bargaining for the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and USPS will be mailed to mail handlers on January 31, 2023. Ballots will be counted on March 13, 2023. The tentative agreement contains many important gains and improvements in wages, work rules, and other benefits, and we urge you to vote “Yes” to ratify the contract.

Ratification Vote Over Terms of 2022 National Agreement Underway

Ratification procedures to certify the terms of the tentative 2022 National Agreement between the Union and the U.S. Postal Service were adopted by the National Executive Board of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and widely distributed in November 2022. All regular members who are employed by the U.S. Postal Service as of Pay Period 26-2022 are eligible to vote and were furnished with the text of the proposed changes and deletions to the National Agreement, together with ballots and return envelopes. This ratification material was mailed to each eligible voter on January 31, 2023. Any member who does not receive a ballot or the accompanying information must call the Ratification Ballot Coordinator, Neil Ryan at 202-833-9095, extension 1029, to request replacement materials.

The balloting period began on January 31, 2023, and will conclude at 9:00 a.m. on March 13, 2023, with verification and count, to be overseen by the American Arbitration Association. All members are encouraged to vote yes, in favor of ratification. The highlights of the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service are as follows:

WAGE IMPROVEMENTS:

Continuation of COLA payments (6 during the term of the Agreement)
3 General Wage Increases of 1.3%
Additional 1% increase for Steps BB, AA, and A
Over $2,700 in wage increases for Mail Handlers at top step (not including COLA)

CHANGES TO SALARY SCHEDULE:

Elimination of Step BB; new career employees start at Step AA
Shorten waiting period between all steps from 52 to 48 weeks
Overall reduction in more than 2 years to reach top step (will be less than 15 years to reach top step)

MHA IMPROVEMENTS:

Additional 1% wage increase each year
Additional $0.50 increase retroactive to November 2022
Creation of MHA Step B (additional $0.50 after 6 months)
Automatic conversion to career position after 24 months

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS:

Consecutive days off for career employees in 200+ man-year facility
Guaranteed nonscheduled day each week for MHAs and PTFs
Layoff protection for career Mail Handlers employed as of September 20, 2022
New MOU on Dignity and Respect for all employees
Annual clothing allowance increases of 2.5% with new carry-over provisions

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama



 

Scammers selling counterfeit stamps

  Scammers selling counterfeit stamps

"...One specific website — https://www.stampsshop.net — was used by a Northumberland businessman who alerted the Northumberland County District Attorney's Office. "Some big box retailers and other approved vendors who have agreements with the USPS may offer slight discounts on the purchase of U.S. Forever Stamps but discounts of 20 to 50 percent should be viewed as scams," said Stark. "If you ordered these stamps online and entered your credit card or financial account information, change your login credentials immediately."..."

Reference: yahoo.com
 

USPS Ground Advantage Product to streamline, simplify package options

 

"...As part of its strategy to enhance its shipping offerings, USPS has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of its intention to replace First-Class Package Service with USPS Ground Advantage. According to the Feb. 10 filing with the commission, the improved ground product, which is expected to launch in the summer, will feature service standards of 2-5 days for packages up to 70 pounds. USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground and First-Class Package Service will be incorporated into USPS Ground Advantage. ..."

Reference: usps.com
 

PostalEase Transactions Reactivated | Mandatory Stand-Up Talk

  PostalEase Transactions Reactivated

Re: Mandatory Stand-Up Talk - PostalEase Transactions Reactivated (pdf) Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Please find attached a copy of the above-reference Mandatory Stand-Up Talk. Due to the successful addition of the multifactor authentication for LiteBlue, the Postal Service has reactivated the ability for employees to change their net to bank and allotment through PostalEase.

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

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317


 

Ring Mailbox Sensor is a battery-powered motion sensor that sends you real-time notifications via the Ring app when your mailbox opens

Article Title: Ring Mailbox Sensor is a battery-powered motion sensor that sends you real-time notifications via the Ring app when your mailbox opens

Snippet of Article: "...When connected to Ring Bridge, Ring Mailbox Sensor allows you to receive a real-time notification in the Ring app or via connected Alexa-enabled device whenever your Mailbox Sensor detects motion. ..." Reference: Amazon  

U.S. Postal Service Trucks, trailers get new barcodes

  U.S. Postal Service Trucks, trailers get new barcodes

The USPS Logistics team has installed new barcodes on nearly 95 percent of the Postal Service’s fleet of owned and leased trailers and box trucks. The new 99V barcodes use two-dimensional data matrices, which are also known as QR codes, and are replacing traditional barcodes.

Reference: usps.com

 

LiteBlue and PostalEASE application Fraud Alert Update | Net to Bank and Allotment functionalities have been disabled online in the...

  LiteBlue and PostalEASE application Fraud Alert Update

The LiteBlue and PostalEASE applications have not been compromised. A limited number of employees have reported unusual account activity involving their PostalEASE accounts, which has been attributed to their prior interaction with the fake LiteBlue websites.

As an additional precaution, the Net to Bank and Allotment functionalities have been disabled online in the PostalEASE application accessed externally through LiteBlue via a personal computer as of Dec. 29, 2022, until further notice.

Fraud Alert Update Stand-Up Talk 12/30/2022 (pdf)

Payroll Deductions Update Stand-Up Talk 1/20/2023 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

Multifactor Authentication Now Required for LiteBlue Access

  Multifactor Authentication Now Required for LiteBlue Access

On Sunday, January 15, the USPS is deploying the MFA (Multifactor Authentication) solution for LiteBlue as an additional security measure to protect employees’ IDs, passwords, and other personal data from unauthorized access and misuse. At this time, employees are required to sign up for MFA to obtain access to LiteBlue. As a part of the MFA implementation, there are a few steps employees must complete. These steps include:

1. Reset their Self-Service Profile (SSP) password.
2. Verify answers to security questions.
3. Verify the last four digits of their Social Security Number (new security enhancement).
4. Establish MFA preferences.

Protecting LiteBlue
Multifactor authentication now required

To protect employees and the organization from cybercriminals, the Postal Service will require multifactor authentication (MFA) for access to LiteBlue after Jan. 15. Multifactor authentication is an identity verification method in which users provide two or more confirmation factors to gain access to an online account. It is frequently used by banks and other institutions dealing with sensitive personal information.

When employees log into LiteBlue, they will be required to set up their MFA preferences. Once an employee’s MFA setup is enabled, these ID confirmation factors will be required each time he or she logs in.

Employees can click on “Multifactor Authentication” on the LiteBlue login page at www.LiteBlue.usps.gov for more information and to view support materials. The Postal Service provided the following resources pertaining to Multifactor Authentication for LiteBlue:

Multifactor Authentication Posters (pdf)

Multifactor Authentication for LiteBlue - Mandatory Stand-up Talk (pdf)
Multifactor Authentication for LiteBlue- Home Mailer (pdf)
Multifactor Authentication for LiteBlue- Updated User Guide (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Closes Jan. 15, 2023

  Combined Federal Campaign Closes Jan. 15, 2023

https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/welcome

"...Overseen by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Combined Federal Campaign is the official workplace giving campaign for federal employees and retirees. Last year, the CFC celebrated its 60th anniversary. Since its inception, the CFC has raised more than $8.6 billion for charities and people in need. CFC pledges make a real and meaningful difference to a countless number of individuals throughout our communities, our nation, and the world. Some people might say it takes an extraordinary person to care enough to give, but it's more common than you think, and it's easy! Anyone can be a changemaker through the CFC. Find a CFC approved charity HERE..."

Reference: givecfc.org
 

A gilded route | Minnesota carrier happy to take the high road

  A gilded route | Minnesota carrier happy to take the high road

"...Daniel Nerka knows he’s got it good. “Can’t get any better than delivering on the Hill,” the St. Paul, MN, letter carrier said. Nerka is referring to Cathedral Hill, which gets its name from the magnificent beau..."

Reference: USPS News Link

 

Right to Strike? It’s still against the law for federal workers to walk out on the job

  Right to Strike? It’s still against the law for federal workers to walk out on the job

"...Though Nixon drove a hard bargain while the strike was in progress, his government did not retaliate against those who walked out. Not a single striking worker was fired. Nobody was fined or jailed for acting against federal law. But when labor laws were amended in 1978, allowing collective bargaining for federal workers, provisions that made it illegal to strike stayed in the law. It’s still against the law for federal workers to walk out on the job. But the strike reminded the government—and the nation—of the power of rank-and-file workers. ..."

Reference: www.history.com
 

The right to strike is on trial in the Supreme Court

  The right to strike is on trial in the Supreme Court

"...At stake is a 64-year-old precedent that shields workers and unions from state lawsuits while they pursue unfair labor practice claims in the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). If unions have to defend against costly lawsuits, it will likely discourage them from going on strike. ...Glacier Northwest “is about corporations using the legal system to try to deny workers their inherent power,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement. "

Reference: truthout.org
 

Know Your Weingarten Rights | The Right to Request Representation During an Investigatory Interview

  Know Your Weingarten Rights | The Right to Request Representation During an Investigatory Interview

"...Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees’ right to “self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid and protection”

Among the rights protected by Section 7 is the right of union-represented employees, upon request, to have their representative present during an interview that the employee reasonably believes could lead to discipline. This right was first articulated by the Supreme Court in the case, NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc. In that case, the Court found that Section 7 of the NLRA protects employees who refuse to submit to certain interviews without a requested representative present. 

An employee’s requested representative, which may be a union steward, business agent or officer, or fellow employee, is often referred to as a “Weingarten representative.” Weingarten representatives are entitled to provide advice and active assistance to employees during investigatory interviews. Employees’ right to request their representatives are frequently referred to as “Weingarten rights.” 

Employers violate the NLRA if they proceed with an investigatory interview while refusing an employee’s request or retaliate against them for making the request.

..."

Reference: www.nlrb.gov


 

Postal Mail Handlers, Local 317 | UnionFacts.com

  Postal Mail Handlers, Local 317 | UnionFacts.com

Basic Information, Financials, Spending, Members and News, Leaders and Salaries...

Reference: www.unionfacts.com
 

NLRB Charges 10 Roads Express for Violations of the National Labor Relations Act

  NLRB Charges 10 Roads Express for Violations of the National Labor Relations Act

"...The charges against 10 Roads Express include threats against workers of pay cuts, route cuts, and withholding bonuses. They also include threatening to discharge drivers for engaging in legally protected union activities. The company also unlawfully promised workers better health care benefits and improved terms and conditions if they rejected union representation. The company’s attempts to halt workers’ plans to build a union ultimately failed when a majority of workers voted..."

Reference: apwu.org
 

USPS Issues Additional Guidance re: PostalEase and LiteBlue (Updated)

  USPS Issues Additional Guidance re: PostalEase and LiteBlue

January 12, 2023- We received the following update regarding the LiteBlue/PostalEase security issues:

The USPS Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) and the Eagan Accounting Service Center’s LiteBlue recovery process ensures the monies recovered from financial institutions will be promptly repaid to the employees impacted by the fake websites.

As of yesterday, CISO has received confirmation there were 368 instances in pay period 26 where employees accessed fake LiteBlue websites and had their IDs and passwords hacked, with that number dropping to 195 in pay period 1. Please note some employees may be included in both groups.

The Eagan ASC has provided a rough estimate of $322,000 in recovered funds. Unfortunately, not all the stolen money will be recovered. It is the position of the Postal Service that they will not be reimbursing employees for any funds lost due to the criminal activity involving the fake LiteBlue websites.

We are told that following notice of the unauthorized activity, Eagan immediately sent out letters of indemnity to the financial institutions, and aggressively worked with them to recover the stolen monies. The OIG’s and Inspection Service’s criminal investigations continue.

Once the financial institutions return the recovered monies to the Eagan ASC via electronic funds transfers, the ACS will cut checks to the impacted employees. All recovery checks are being mailed to the impacted employees’ duty stations of record.

CISO and the postal vendor are working to implement the new LiteBlue security features that include multi-factor authentication, projected go-live on January 15, 2023. The new LiteBlue access protocol will require the additional identification step to enhance system security.

We will continue to keep you updated as we receive more information.

January 4, 2023- USPS, Office of the Inspector General, and Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) discovered fake LiteBlue website which closely resemble LiteBlue. (pdf)

Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) has just confirmed the tentative date for implementing the new “multi-factor” protocol for enabling the restoration for access to LiteBlue is Sunday, January 15, 2023. The multi-factor access will mirror the additional ID authentications required by banks, insurance companies, etc. when accessing and completing transactions on similar platforms.

Impacted employees continue to be contacted by representatives from the Eagan ASC, Inspection Service, OIG and/or CISO as part of the on-going investigation. We will post additional details when known.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama


 

USPS Issues Additional Guidance re: PostalEase and LiteBlue

  USPS Issues Additional Guidance re: PostalEase and LiteBlue

January 4, 2023- USPS, Office of the Inspector General, and Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) discovered fake LiteBlue website which closely resemble LiteBlue. (pdf)

Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) has just confirmed the tentative date for implementing the new “multi-factor” protocol for enabling the restoration for access to LiteBlue is Sunday, January 15, 2023. The multi-factor access will mirror the additional ID authentications required by banks, insurance companies, etc. when accessing and completing transactions on similar platforms.

Impacted employees continue to be contacted by representatives from the Eagan ASC, Inspection Service, OIG and/or CISO as part of the on-going investigation. We will post additional details when known.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama


 

2023 Federal Pay Raise: 4.6% (NOTE: Excludes Postal Workers Who's Unions are Responsible for Pay Negotiations)

  2023 Federal Pay Raise: 4.6%

"...Under the terms of that letter, the federal pay raise for 2023 will be an across-the-board base pay increase of 4.1% and locality pay increases to average 0.5%. ..."

Reference: www.fedsmith.com
 

USPS Issues Employee Communications Update Regarding PostalEASE Website Fraud

  USPS Issues Employee Communications Update Regarding PostalEASE Website Fraud

Please see the latest information that we just received regarding the PostalEase website fraud. FRAUD ALERT ** Postal Service Releases Mandatory Stand-Up Talk Regarding Fake LiteBlue Websites (pdf) Securing Your Personal Data Employee Mailer (pdf) - Letter to be sent to all postal employees making them aware of the potential risk. Keeping Your Private Information Secure Employee Handout (pdf) - Handout to be included in letter to all employees to provide examples of fake sites and steps on how to update personal contact information. PostalEASE Website Fraud: Impacted Employee Notification (pdf)- Letter to be sent to only impacted employees notifying them of their situation and share information and next steps. Please note, Headquarters is also preparing a Stand-Up Talk to support these communications. Additonal information will be shared when made avaialble to the NPMHU.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama