Changes Are Coming to How You Access Social Security’s Online Services

  Changes Are Coming to How You Access Social Security’s Online Services

We’re making changes to the way you access Social Security’s online services, including your personal my Social Security account. The changes will simplify your sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards. At the same time, we’re continuing to provide safe and secure access to our online services.

If you created your my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you will still be able to use your username and password to sign in. However, you will not be able to do so for much longer.

In the near future, all users will need to have an account with one of our two Credential Service Providers (CSP) – Login.gov or ID.me – to access your personal my Social Security account and other online services.

To learn more, read our press release. If you have an existing Login.gov or ID.me account, you do NOT need to create a new one. And, if you can access your personal my Social Security account through Login.gov or ID.me, you don’t need to take any action.

If you don’t have a Login.gov account

To avoid any disruptions in accessing Social Security’s online services you may want to transition your account now by signing in with your Social Security username. Our online instructions will guide you through the process of creating a new account with Login.gov. Once you successfully link your personal my Social Security account with your new Login.gov account, you’ll get a confirmation screen and have immediate access to our online services. In the future, you’ll sign in to your account with Login.gov and not your Social Security username.

Login.gov offers 24/7 customer phone and chat support to answer your questions.

We encourage you to make the transition to Login.gov or ID.me now before the username option goes away later this year.

You’ll find more helpful information here.

Please share these important upcoming changes with your family members, friends, and colleagues.

Reference: ssa.gov via NPMHU Local 317
 

USPS appoints a new historian

  USPS appoints a new historian

Stephen Kochersperger has been named USPS historian, a role he assumed on an acting basis in December.

He succeeds Jennifer Lynch, who retired last year.

Kochersperger began his USPS career more than 40 years ago, first as a clerk in Milesburg, PA, and then as postmaster of Julian, PA, where he served for 25 years.

In 2011, he became a writer/editor for the former Capital Metro Area. The next year, he joined the historian’s office at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC.

Kochersperger spearheaded two recent oral history projects: arranging interviews of employees with 50 or more years of service for the 50th anniversary of the Postal Service’s as creation an independent federal agency in 1971 and interviewing postal executives on how USPS handled delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His master’s thesis was on the postal system’s role in American independence.

Kochersperger is a distant cousin of John Wanamaker, the 35th postmaster general, and is related to Charles Kochersperger, the defendant in an 1860 court case that led to the development of the Private Express Statutes, which guarantee the Postal Service’s exclusive right to carry letters for compensation.

“Postal history is in my blood, quite literally,” he said.

Reference: USPS via NPMHU Local 317
 

New NPMHU Organizing Webpage

  New NPMHU Organizing Webpage

We have created a new webpage to provide tools for Officers and Stewards to Organize new Members into the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

This “Digital Organizing Toolkit” provides easy to follow steps to recruit new members into the NPMHU.

New Organizing Webpage Announcement (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

FedEx Express Retires 22 Boeing 757 Freighters

  FedEx Express Retires 22 Boeing 757 Freighters

"...On April 1, 2024, United Parcel Service, aka UPS (5X), announced that it was becoming the primary air cargo provider for the United States Postal Service (USPS), replacing FX in this role and ending its more than 20-year partnership with USPS. The new contract between 5X and USPS will begin in late September 2024 after the current contract between USPS and FX expires on September 29. ..."

Reference: www.airwaysmag.com
 

OPM alters its final rule for the postal health benefits plan

  OPM 'tweaks' its final rule for the postal health benefits plan '

"...OPM officials added language to Monday’s rule clarifying that a USPS annuitant or their family member must “promptly notify OPM or the Postal Service, in writing, if they choose not to enroll in or to disenroll from Medicare Part B,” and they removed references tasking the USPS as the entity to receive overseas residency documentation for beneficiaries trying to qualify for an exception to the Part B enrollment requirement “to provide more operational flexibility” to the postal service and OPM. After Jan. 1, retiring USPS annuitants, and their family members, entitled to Medicare Part A coverage must also enroll in Part B coverage as well, unless they meet one of the following exceptions: ..."

Reference: www.govexec.com
 

Law enforcement is spying on thousands of Americans’ mail, records show

  Law enforcement is spying on thousands of Americans’ mail, records show

"...The Postal Service approves thousands of requests every year from police officers and federal agents seeking information from Americans’ letters and packages. ...The U.S. Postal Service has shared information from thousands of Americans’ letters and packages with law enforcement every year for the past decade, conveying the names, addresses and other details from the outside of boxes and envelopes without requiring a court order."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
 

The oldest operational post office in the state of Alabama

  The oldest operational post office in the state of Alabama

"...The Mooresville Post Office in Mooresville, Limestone County, is the oldest operational post office in the state of Alabama. Several of the mailboxes have been owned by the same families since before the American Civil War, and it continues to serve local residents. ..."

Reference: encyclopediaofalabama.org
 

Senior Moment | At what age do seniors stop paying property taxes in Alabama?

  At what age do seniors stop paying property taxes in Alabama?

"...If you are over 65 years of age, or permanent and totally disabled (regardless of age), or blind (regardless of age), you are exempt from the state portion of property tax. County taxes may still be due. ..."

Reference: Alabama Department of Revenue
 

2025 Federal Retiree COLA Watch – FERS / CSRS / Social Security

  2025 Federal Retiree COLA Watch – FERS / CSRS / Social Security

"...The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 3.4 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 307.811 (1982-84=100), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For the month of April, the index increased 0.4 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. ...Trend For Estimated 2025 COLA (FERS / CSRS / Social Security): ..."

Reference: www.myfederalretirement.com
 

Further Rules Proposed for Postal Service Health Benefits Program

  Further Rules Proposed for Postal Service Health Benefits Program

"...The proposed rules also address technical issues including financial matters and integration of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage with the PSHB. ..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com
 

Chicago | NPMHU Steward, Local President and Activist Passes | Barry Romo

  Barry Romo, Anti-War Vietnam Veteran And Logan Square Activist, Dies At 76

"After graduating high school, Barry enlisted in the Army in 1966. He was sent to Vietnam in 1967 and served there until May 1968...Romo worked at a post office near O’Hare for nearly 40 years and was a union steward and president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, where he helped defend his coworkers’ rights, Clack said. ..."

Reference: blockclubchicago.org
 

Root Causes of Mail Issues in North Alabama | Looking Back At The Consolidation of the Huntsville, AL, Processing and Distribution Facility

  Consolidation of the Huntsville, AL, Processing and Distribution Facility

"The U.S. Postal Service uses the Area Mail Processing study to determine whether it should consolidate Postal Service facilities. The Huntsville, AL, Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) consolidation consisted of two phases: the originating mail consolidation (mail sent from Huntsville) and the destinating mail consolidation (mail delivered to Huntsville). The Postal Service completed the originating consolidation on December 31, 2011, but has not fully implemented the destinating consolidation. This report responds to a congressional request for a review of the consolidation. ...What the OIG Recommended: We recommended the vice president, Network Operations, continue processing Huntsville’s delivery point sequence mail at the Huntsville P&DF. We also recommended to re-evaluate staffing and resources at the Huntsville P&DF to ensure timely processing of delivery point sequence mail so fewer carriers return after 5 p.m. ..."

Reference: www.uspsoig.gov
 

USPS files unfair labor practice charges against Alabama postal workers unions

 

"...In recent years, the Birmingham post offices have been a significant source of strife for residents due to a 2011 decision to process Huntsville’s mail in Birmingham facilities. As Huntsville grew rapidly, Birmingham’s postal facilities did not grow to match, overtaxing the existing facilities and slowing down the mail.

Rep. Dale Strong, R-Alabama, sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on May 23 asking for the USPS to invest in another facility in the area. Strong said a “major cause of these inefficiencies originates from the overburdened P&DF [processing and distribution facility] in Birmingham, Alabama” and that “the facility has had to recruit outside help and reroute mail to other distribution centers.”

These ongoing problems could potentially have contributed or added to the reasons for the USPS’ recent filings. ..."

Reference: www.alreporter.com
 

PSHB Program Video Five-part Series | The Move Is Fast Approaching

  PSHB Program Video Five-part Series | The Move Is Fast Approaching

"...USPS has released a five-part video series on the new Postal Service Health Benefits Program.

The program, also known as PSHB, will begin Jan. 1, 2025. ...The videos are also available on Keeping Posted, the website for postal retirees.

USPS is encouraging employees and retirees to watch the complete video series."

Reference: usps.com
 

Want to be in a USPS TV commercial?

  Want to be in a USPS TV commercial?

"...The Postal Service is inviting employees to audition for this year’s holiday advertising campaign.

Employees who are selected to participate could be featured in a variety of ads, including TV commercials.

The casting call is open to all employees. No prior acting experience is required.

The USPS Employee Casting website has instructions on creating and submitting audition videos and uploading a current headshot. Employees who have trouble accessing the site from a postal computer should try using a personal device or a home computer. ..."

Reference: usps.com
 

Memorial Day | May We Never Forget Their Sacrifice | A Message From LiUNA

  Memorial Day | May We Never Forget Their Sacrifice | A Message From LiUNA

"...Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Memorial Day, we come together as one union to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Their courage and dedication show us the true meaning of patriotism and service.

As we reflect on their legacy, let's renew our commitment to fight for the rights, freedoms, and values they defended.

WATCH NOW: "May We Never Forget Their Sacrifice"

We will never forget their sacrifice.

Fraternally yours,

Brent Booker
General President

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

Good Stories | After exchanging letters during the Vietnam War, the pair met for the first time 56 years later

  After exchanging letters during the Vietnam War, the pair met for the first time 56 years later

"It was happenstance how a 30-year-old U.S. solider serving in Vietnam and a 12-year-old girl from Michigan became pen pals in 1967. When Ned Felder visited an Army mail room, he received a surprise care package sent by a Camp Fire group. “Receiving mail from anyone — and especially family — was important during the war, but to receive a..."

Reference: USPS News Link
 

Alabama | Urgent Need to Return Mail Processing to Huntsville (35813), the Largest City in Alabama With Mega Increase in Huge Apartment Complexes

Note: Prior to the HSV plant closure/consolidation in 2010, Huntsville was the top performing mail processing facility in the entire state most of the time. It not only processed north Alabama mail, but also was forced to process mail from the Birmingham plant, where it again exceled in performance. Huntsville Mail Handlers fought hard to keep mail processing local, but politics overuled performance. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County, and the largest city in Alabama. The 2020 census estimated Huntsville's population at 215,070, which represents a 20% increase over the 2010 census. More than 1.2 million reside in the Huntsville metro area.

 

Congressman Dale Strong pens letter for mail distribution facility to return to Huntsville

"The letter comes after multiple reports of delays and letters being returned...Jerome Acuff of New Market said he too has experienced similar delays. He said the postal service even mishandled a time-sensitive document his lawyer sent.

“I had a piece of mail come from my lawyer. He had it stamped May 2nd and I didn’t get until May 21st,” Acuff said.

Both Acuff and Ruth said they believe these issues are due to a Birmingham Distribution facility where all mail from North Alabama goes, before it’s final stop.

Huntsville originally played home to it’s own packing and distribution facility, which was consolidated and closed in 2010. Acuff says before the closure, deliveries were quick and easy.

“Now, if I send a birthday card to someone just in Hazel Green or Meridianville, it has to go all the way down to Birmingham and all the way back up here again and they may get it a week later... maybe,” Acuff said. ..."

Reference: www.waff.com
 

US Postal Service will delay processing network consolidation plans

  US Postal Service will delay processing network consolidation plans

"...U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has agreed to pause planned further consolidation of the postal service's processing network after a bipartisan group of senators raised concerns about the impact on mail deliveries. In a letter to Senator Gary Peters made public on Monday, DeJoy said he would pause the consolidation of processing facility operations until at least January 2025.

DeJoy said the change would delay USPS cost savings..."

Reference: www.reuters.com
 

DeJoy updates the board on the Postal Service’s progress under Delivering for America

  DeJoy updates the board on the Postal Service’s progress under Delivering for America

The Postal Service is making progress in its efforts to transform facilities, reduce costs, grow revenue, engage employees and better serve customers, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told the USPS Board of Governors last week.

In recent months, the organization has activated several regional processing and distribution centers, made improvements to more than 20 local processing centers and launched 25 sorting and delivery centers.

The centers, which support the organization’s new operational model, are part of the broader Delivery for America plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence.

“This effort has been engaged with historic intensity by the postal leadership and its employees across the country to carry out a long overdue transformational change,” DeJoy said.

He delivered his remarks during the board’s May 9 meeting in Washington, DC, where he also discussed the organization’s new environmental sustainability goals, as well as efforts to reduce transportation costs, combat postal crime and implement organizational changes to better compete in the marketplace.

Additionally, DeJoy explained how USPS has reduced its projected 10-year losses from nearly $160 billion to $65 billion, with strategies to reduce these losses further.

“The Delivering for America plan has changed this organization in so many positive ways,” DeJoy said. “It represents the Postal Service’s commitment as an independent agency to evolve our services to enable us to cover our costs by selling our products and services. This is what we must continue to do to survive — we must evolve — and that means change.”

The Postal Service encourages employees to read DeJoy’s complete message, which is posted on the USPS Newsroom website.

Reference: USPS via NPMHU Local 317
 

Mail Handlers to Receive Night Shift Differential Increase

  Mail Handlers to Receive Night Shift Differential Increase

May 10, 2024- As provided for in Article 8.7 of the NPMHU 2022 National Agreement, effective May 18, 2024 (PP12-24); the flat dollar amount at Steps A through P at each pay grade for night shift differential in Tables Three and Four shall be increased by 1.5%, the flat dollar amount at Steps A of Table 3 and Steps BB and AA for Table Four through P at each pay grade for night shift differential in Tables Three and Four shall be increased by 2.0%. All increases will be applied to the most recent night shift differential table preceding the increase. The increase is applicable for time worked between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This is the second of three Night Shift Differential increases negotiated in the 2022 National Agreement.

Night Shift Differential Hourly Rates (PDF)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317
 

NPMHU Nationwide Organizing Campaign

  NPMHU Nationwide Organizing Campaign

Although the National Postal Mail Handlers Union enjoys a high rate of membership across the country, there remain some mail handler craft employees who are not yet members of the NPMHU. Since all mail handlers share in the rewards and benefits that are provided by the NPMHU -- through its work in collective bargaining, and through its efforts to represent craft workers in various other forums -- we’re sure you will agree that all Mail Handlers should do the right thing, and join the ranks of the NPMHU.

In an effort to unify our membership during these difficult and uncertain times, and to increase the collective strength of our great Union, the NPMHU Committee on the Future has initiated a nationwide organizing campaign. The theme of this campaign is “Join the Union, Join the Fight – Benefits, Protection, Membership!” There are some who take for granted the hard-fought salary and benefit package that Mail Handlers enjoy. Many of those individuals do not recognize and value the hard work that NPMHU representatives provide, day in and day out, to secure and maintain the postal careers that we have in place. It’s very important that we all work together to make the non-member hold-outs understand that they have their mail handler positions only because of the strength and commitment of the NPMHU – and that the time has come for them to join and support the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

The National Office is has distributed to the Local Unions monthly updated reports that list the names of all non-members. We encourage all to review the online organizing materials during discussions with non-members.

So, urge all mail handlers to Join the Union, Join the Fight – Benefits, Protection, Membership!

NPMHU Nationwide Organizing Campaign (pdf)

New “Join The NPMHU” Webpage

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317
 

USPS is getting better at hiring, but half of non-career postings still have no applicants

  USPS is getting better at hiring, but half of non-career postings still have no applicants

"...U.S. Postal Service is improving its hiring practices and onboarding employees more quickly, according to a new report, but is still struggling to recruit applicants for large swaths of positions across the country. USPS..."

Reference: www.govexec.com
 

NPMHU COLA | When are our next two COLA's?

  NPMHU COLA | When are our next two COLA's?

Thye next COLA effective date is the second full pay period after the release of the July 2024 Index (CPI). The National Contract identifies the two COLA effective dates as follows

Reference: NPMHU Local 317
 

NPMHU Contract Interpretation Manual v.6

  NPMHU Contract Interpretation Manual v.6

Link to CIM v.6

I am pleased to announce that the NPMHU-USPS Joint Contract Interpretation Manual (CIM) Version 6 has been completed and is being released today. The printing of the hard copy of the CIM is underway. The electronic (pdf) version has been released today, and is posted on the National website under the Member Resources tab.

The National Office will be bulk-shipping printed CIM 6 Manuals to each Local Union Headquarters. The number of CIM’s shipped to each Local Headquarters will include one CIM for each identified Union Representative, with additional copies for future Shop Stewards.

The Contract Administration Department is currently working diligently “linking” each source document referenced in the CIM to the actual citation in the manual. When CIM Version 6 with resources is complete, the National Office will post the CIM Version 6 with resources on the National website, where it shall be available on MAILS.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 -Alabama


 

USPS reminds employees of zero-tolerance policy

  USPS reminds employees of zero-tolerance policy

The Postal Service is reminding employees that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding workplace threats and violence.

The organization is committed to cultivating a positive and safe work environment that’s free of threats, intimidation, bullying and violence for all employees.

To help fulfill this commitment, a threat assessment team is available to respond to threats, assaults and potential violence at all postal locations. These teams are located at district and area offices and USPS headquarters in Washington, DC.

Team members are trained to assess the potential of danger or harm, whether implied or direct. The goals are to reduce risks to employees and the Postal Service, discourage inappropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.

Employees who’ve been threatened or believe they’re in a potentially unsafe situation that involves a co-worker, contractor, customer or management — or employees who are experiencing a domestic violence situation that could pose a threat in the workplace — should notify their immediate supervisor, the local threat assessment team and the Postal Inspection Service.

The zero-tolerance policy and reporting procedures are distributed by every district, area and headquarters by the end of March each year at all USPS locations.

All facilities must permanently post the policy on bulletin boards and in other prominent locations. The Postal Service wants all managers and supervisors to deliver a mandatory stand-up talk to employees to ensure they know how to contact their local threat assessment team.

The USPS social media policy stipulates that the use of social media must abide by all postal policy concerning appropriate conduct and threats of violence in the workplace.

Employees should report emergency situations to the Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or call 911. The Inspection Service number is monitored 24/7.

Reference: USPS via NPMHU Local 317
 

Terry R. West Obituary | Mail Handler

  Terry R. West Obituary | Mail Handler

"Greenfield, MA - Terry R. West was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 8, 1954, the middle child of Julia Bell Smith and Ford Ratliff West. The family moved to Decatur, Alabama where he played on a championship football team, graduated from high school and formed lifelong friendships. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1977. Semper Fi.

Graduating from the University of Alabama in 1982 with a degree in accounting, Terry briefly worked for the IRS. Deciding a desk job was too boring, Terry took a job as a mail handler with the United States Postal Service. He moved truckloads of mail in the Hartford, CT postal facility. If your mail delivery seems a little slower lately, it's because Terry retired at the end of last year. ..."

Reference: www.legacy.com


 

Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program Special Enrollment Period (SEP) April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024

  Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program Special Enrollment Period (SEP) April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024

"During the PSHB SEP, eligible annuitants and family members may enroll in Medicare Part B without paying a late enrollment penalty. The one-time PSHB SEP is from April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024. Individuals eligible for the PSHB SEP will receive notification by U.S. Mail™ in March 2024.

All required information must be returned in the envelope provided and postmarked by Sept. 30, 2024. ...You can get ..."

Reference: www.keepingposted.org
 

Leonard Karl Soliday Obituary | Retired Huntsville Mail Handler

  Leonard Karl Soliday Obituary | Retired Huntsville Mail Handler

"...Having lived in the Ardmore area for 18 years, Mr. Soliday was of the Christian faith and enjoyed fishing, car races and cooking. He proudly served in the United States Navy, retiring after 23 years and was also employed by the United States Postal Service. ..."

Reference: quadcitiesdaily.com