2009 USPS Payroll Schedule

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE PLEASE

Union Busting (Opinion)

 
OPINION: UAW busting, Southern style
"...Senate Republicans from some Southern states went to work trying to do just that, on the foreign car companies' behalf. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Bob Corker ( R-Tenn.) and Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) -- representatives from states that subsidize companies such as Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota and Nissan..."
Reference: www.latimes.com

 

Destruction of the American Working Class and the American union?

 
Reluctance to Help Detroit Reeks of Class Bias
"... Implicit in the criticism of UAW compensation packages is that union-represented automobile workers are being paid above their social class. Greedy, bad people. They are supposed to be satisfied with wages that cover only the basics -- food, acceptable clothing and housing. They are not supposed to receive pay that allows them to aspire to or dream of more...."
Reference: www.washingtonpost.com

 

Why are we seeing a shift from plastic pallets to wood?

Here is an article that explains the decrease in plastic pallets and the increase in the difficult to handle wood pallets.
The Case of the Pilfered Pallets
"...The demand for plastic resin has driven the price of reground material to as high as 60 cents per pound. A trailer load can fetch as much as $10,000. "I was recently contacted by a postmaster in a small, rural town in Oklahoma," says Vogel. "He had found hundreds of our pallets in a company's yard, waiting to be shredded... His other piece of advice is to decline to buy or use a pallet if it's stamped Property of USPS." Unless you are an authorized user, you will be breaking a federal law. ..."
Reference: www.mhmonline.com -

 

Bail-out Deal Forces Wage Cuts on Union Auto Workers

 
Historic $17.4b Detroit bailout
"...Bush said that the United Auto Workers must agree to make wages competitive with those paid by foreign-owned auto companies that have plants in the United States. But Bush sidestepped the contentious issue of defining a competitive wage. ..."
Reference: www.boston.com

 

Labor Secretary will be Hilda Solis

 
Unions praise Labor Dept. choice
"...Solis, 51, is the daughter of immigrants who were blue-collar, union workers. Her Mexican-born father was a shop steward in the Teamster's union, and her Nicaraguan mother belonged to the United Rubber Workers...."
Reference: www.sfgate.com

 

Postal Service Helps Customers Beat Rush With Online Services

 
Postal Service Helps Customers Beat Rush With Online Services
"...HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - The Christmas rush is on, and getting those presents to your loved ones can take a lot of time and money. But there are things that the United States Post Office is doing to help you save money...."
Reference: www.waaytv.com

 

Postal Service still anticipating last minute rush

 
Postal Service still anticipating last minute rush
"..."This past Saturday was slower than usual also," Jensen said. "I suspect that was because it was..."
Reference: www.gretnabreeze.com

 

USPS not given December 26, 2008 off as Feds will get

USPS not given December 26, 2008 off as Feds will get
"...The heads of executive branch departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations, or parts thereof, must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty on December 26, 2008, for reasons of national security or defense or other public need..."
Reference: The Postal Newsgroup

 

Jersey City mail handlers concerned over jobs

 
Jersey City mail handlers concerned over jobs
"...TOM MULLAHEY’S small union office is in a cavernous building that holds what might be the largest single cluster of decent-paying blue-collar jobs left around these parts...."
Reference: www.nytimes.com

 

Craft Jurisdiction for Flat Sequencing System (FSS)

 
Craft Jurisdiction for Flat Sequencing System (FSS)
"...the mail handler craft has been determined to be the primary craft to perform most of the work associated with this piece of equipment. In particular, the duties performed at the Automated Bundle Sorting Unit (ABSU), the preparation stations, the dolly maker, the dolly induction unit, as well as the removal of mail containers from the FSS machine and the movement of containers between parts of the FSS, have all been assigned to the mail handler craft. The work at the feed station of the Automatic Induction system has been assigned to the mail processors. Finally, allied duties such as clearing jams have been assigned to whichever craft can perform the work most efficiently and effectively...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Politicians Attempt to Pressure UAW to Reduce Wages

 
White House offers lifeline to automakers
"...the talks broke down over a proposal to require the United Auto Workers union to accept wage and benefit cuts to the level of workers at U.S. plants owned by foreign automakers such as Honda and Toyota. The union was willing to accept the cuts starting in summer 2011, when their current labor contract expires...demanded that the union accept lower salaries starting next year. ..."
Reference: www.sfgate.com

 

Angry laid-off workers occupy factory in Chicago

 
Angry laid-off workers occupy factory in Chicago
"...They say they won't leave without assurances they'll get severance and vacation pay they say they are owed. About 200 union workers..."
Reference: www.kgan.com

More Reading: Republic Windows and Doors, United Electrical Workers

 

Dillard E. Reid, 81, handled mail for close to 50 years

 
Dillard E. Reid, 81, handled mail for close to 50 years
"...Mr. Reid worked for the Reading Railroad handling mail and baggage for 15 years before becoming a mail handler at the 30th Street Post Office. He retired from the Green Street Post Office in 1994 after 33 years of service...."
Reference: www.philly.com

 

Oak Creek to vote on mail processing center

 
Oak Creek to vote on mail processing center
"... The facility would be tax exempt, but the postal service is proposing to pay Oak Creek $1.4 million to compensate the city for the impact the facility would have. ..."   
Reference: www.jsonline.com Journal Sentinel Milwaukee, WI

 

536 Chattanooga USPS Employees Seek New Jobs

 
536 Chattanooga USPS Employees Seek New Jobs
"...The U.S. Postal Service will shutdown the Chattanooga Remote Encoding Center (REC) in April 2009, leaving 536 people to seek other jobs...."
Reference: www.newschannel9.com

 

...More photos from the National President John Hegarty visit

 

"...Visit to Local 317 Branch in Alabama. On September 6, 2008, National President John Hegarty visited Local 317 in Birmingham, AL..."
Reference: http://npmhu317.blogspot.com/


































 

November 2008 Postal NPMHU Contract Raise Pay Scale

November 2008 Postal Mail Handler Contract Raise Pay Scale
Click Image to Enlarge

 

U.S. Department of Labor final rule will expand FMLA for military families and clarify rules for workers and employers

 

"...Provisions in the final rule call for increased notice obligations for employers so that employees will better understand their FMLA rights, while revising the employee notice rules to minimize workplace disruptions due to unscheduled FMLA absences. The final rule also contains technical changes that reflect decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts...."
Reference: www.dol.gov

 

Jan. 2009 USPS Shipping Price Changes

 
Shipping Services January 18 Pricing Change
"...The move to January price changes for shipping services is consistent with industry standards and provides a clear picture of the affordable services we offer. Highlights for domestic shipping services include new Commercial Plus pricing, with up-front discounts for high-volume Express Mail and Priority Mail users...."
Reference: www.usps.com

 

The oldest operational post office in Alabama

 
The oldest operational post office in Alabama
"...To many, the “heart” of this town is the Mooresville Post Office. Built after 1840 of sawmill lumber and now owned by the Town of Mooresville, it is located at the corner of Lauderdale and High Streets...."
Reference: www.mooresvillealabama.com

 

Weingarten rights (video) described by USPS Law Department

 
Weingarten rights (video) described by USPS Law Department
"...Video describes employee rights relative to Weingarten..."
Reference: www.lettercarriernetwork.info

 

Visit the USPS Mail Handler Alabama Local 317 Photo Gallery

 
Visit the USPS Mail Handler Alabama Local 317 Photo Gallery
"...See pictures from Local 317 meetings, members, Local President, and more. If you would like a photo added to our site, please email it to President Leonard for approval. We thank you for your submissions. ..."
Reference: npmhu-317-photo-gallery.blogspot.com

 

Recent USPS Chicago Managers Meeting

 
Recent USPS Chicago Managers Meeting
"...This is what was discussed at a meeting of all District Managers and Plant Managers held in Chicago last week
7000 to 9000 routes have to be removed in FY 09.
Two rate increases in FY 09 packages will go up 5% in January, 1st Class will go up 4.8% in May.
Base pay will be..."
Reference: http://postalbriefing.blogspot.com as found on www.lettercarriernetwork.info

 

Craft Jurisdiction for Flat Sequencing System (FSS)

 
Craft Jurisdiction for Flat Sequencing System (FSS)
"...As set forth in the attached, the mail handler craft has been determined to be the primary craft to perform most of the work associated with this piece of equipment. In particular, the duties performed at the Automated Bundle Sorting Unit (ABSU), the preparation stations, the dolly maker, the dolly induction unit, as well as the removal of mail containers from the FSS machine and the movement of containers between parts of the FSS, have all been assigned to the mail handler craft. The work at the feed station of the Automatic Induction system has been assigned to the mail processors. Finally, allied duties such as clearing jams have been assigned to whichever craft can perform the work most efficiently and effectively...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

National President John Hegarty visits the workroom floor in Birmingham, AL

 
National President John Hegarty visits the workroom floor in Birmingham, AL
"...Visit to Local 317 Branch in Alabama. On September 6, 2008, National President John Hegarty visited Local 317 in Alabama. National President John Hegarty visits the workroom floor in Birmingham, AL..."
Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 317 - Birmingham, Alabama

Click to Enlarge Image
 

Book: They Carried the Mail: A Survey of Postal History & Hobbies (Paperback)

 
They Carried the Mail, Mathew J. Bowyer
"...Description: The postal system, from its beginnings in the 17th century, has been a matter of both aggravation and dependability to every man and woman in America. In They Carried the Mail, Mathew J. Bowyer presents the fascinating history of these bearers of ill and joyous tidings. "There is nothing quite like this book when Bowyer writes about the people who move the mail, their attitudes and their jobs, their gripes and their jokes."
-The Washington Star..."
Reference: www.amazon.com

 

one-time mail handler here in Lima is now the postmaster general of St Louis Missouri

Former Lima Postal Worker now in Missouri
"...Working your way up the postal ladder can characterize what Robert Cavinder has done over the years. The one-time mail handler here in Lima is now the postmaster general of St Louis Missouri...."
Reference: www.1150wima.com

 

Top Federal Postal Cop Retires in Wake of ABC News Investigation

 
Top Federal Postal Cop Retires in Wake of ABC News Investigation
"...Two weeks after being questioned by ABC News about his travel expenses and gambling habits, the head of the US Postal Service's Inspection Service abruptly announced his retirement...."
Reference: www.abcnews.go.com

 

Postal service cutbacks could affect customers

 
Postal service cutbacks could affect customers
"...The Postal Service estimates that nearly 57,000 clerks, and about 16,000 mail handlers and supervisory employees are eligible. It projects that 6,496 clerks, 1,552 mail handlers, and 693 supervisors will accept the offer...."
Reference: www.pennlive.com

 

NPMHU ELECTION ONGOING IN SOUTHERN REGION

 
ELECTION ONGOING IN SOUTHERN REGION
"...Bruce Z. Miller of Local 310 and Terry Cordle of Local 318 are facing off. ..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Vet News: Compensation and Benefits Handbook

 
DoD Develops Compensation & Benefits Handbook
DoD announced today it has developed a comprehensive handbook describing compensation and other benefits service members and their families would be entitled to upon separation or retirement as a result of serious injury or illness.

“The Compensation and Benefits Handbook is the one source of information that covers everything a seriously ill and injured service member will need during his or her recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration,” said Ronald A. Winter, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.

The handbook was compiled in cooperation with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and the Social Security Administration. Additionally; there are references to assistance provided by other governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

“The handbook describes the disability eligibility process, various program qualifications, application procedures, and numerous resources with associated contact information,” said Sharon Gunselman, policy and resource analyst for the Department of Defense.

Web sites and toll-free numbers are provided, and the electronic version includes hyperlinks. The electronic version of the handbook will be updated frequently and the hard copy of the compensation and benefits handbook will be updated annually.

The electronic version of the handbook can be found on the five Web sites listed below:

http://turbotap.org
https://www.nko.navy.mil
http://www.npc.navy.mil
https://www.aw2.army.mil
https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/AFP40/d/1073755231/Files/C&BHandbook
Reference: www.defenselink.mil

 

U.S. Postal Service is heavily unionized

Playing Political Hardball
"...the U.S. Postal Service. It is heavily unionized. During the 1950s and 60s, when Congress paid much more attention to feds, the unions, mostly the postal unions, were the political shock troops for the federal workforce...."
Reference: www.federalnewsradio.com
 

At the Postal Service, Talk of Layoffs

 
At the Postal Service, Talk of Layoffs
"...Here's another sad sign of our economic times: Never before has the U.S. Postal Service laid off workers. Now, it's a real possibility. "For the first time in history, that is being considered," said Gerald McKiernan, a USPS spokesman. Already, the Postal Service is not hiring ..."
Reference: www.washingtonpost.com

 

OPM Announces Open Season for Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts

 
OPM Announces Open Season for Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
"...Enrollees with self-only coverage will pay, on average, $4.83 more each pay period (about $125 per year) next year. Family coverage will cost an average $11.12 more per pay period. FEHB enrollees pay - on average - 30 percent of the total cost of a plan's premium, while the government pays 70 percent. This year's Open Season begins November 10 and runs through December 8, 2008, giving employees the opportunity to change or add to their portfolio of health- and family-care insurance products..."
Reference: www.opm.gov

 

No Lay off Protection for 16,000 Postal Employees ...is it coming?

 
USPS’ Bleak Financial Picture
And the Presidential Election
"...In response to the financial crisis, the Postal Service has announced a hiring freeze. And, in a meeting with union leaders and management association presidents, the Postmaster General pointed out that 16,000 USPS employees lack the six years of continuous service required to achieve protection against layoffs. The PMG’s message was clear: For the first time in our history, postal employees may experience layoffs...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions

 
Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions
"...The freeze follows the Postal Service's decision last month to offer early retirement to up to 130,000 clerks, mail handlers and supervisors, and comes amid increasingly dire warnings about the agency's economic outlook. USPS froze hiring at its headquarters last March...."
Reference: www.govexec.com

 

Congressman, Postal Workers Protest BMC Privatization

 
Congressman, Postal Workers Protest BMC Privatization
"...“If they get away with privatizing the BMCs, they will go on to the next group,” said Vince Tarducci, president of the Philadelphia BMC APWU Local.

“The Postal Service has embarked on a strategy to undermine parcel post,” said APWU Eastern Region Coordinator Mike Gallagher. “They will privatize us incrementally, first the BMCs, then other work,” unless the American people put a stop to their efforts...."
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

Ink Jet Modification on the AFSM 100

 
Ink Jet Modification on the AFSM 100
"...By letter dated September 4, 2008, a copy of which is attached to this memorandum, the National Office of the NPMHU has been informed that USPS management plans to modify the AFSM-100 with an Ink Jet Canceller. This modification will eventually replace all of the existing flat cancellation operations within the 010 operations nationwide...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

National Level Grievance: Lost/Stolen Laptops

 
National Level Grievance: Lost/Stolen Laptops
"...the Postal Service itself or its vendors and/or subcontractors either has lost or had stolen a laptop computer with personal information about mail handlers and other postal employees. Although to this point we have not heard about any identify theft resulting from these laptops, the issue has been discussed by union and management representatives at the National level without any resolution.

As a result, on August 25, 2008, the National Office initiated a Step 4 grievance on the issue, as reflected in the attached letter. It is the NPMHU’s position that the Postal Service should discontinue the practice of storing personal information on portable electronic equipment and should not allow such information to be physically taken off of Postal Service premises. In addition, such personal information should not be given to any vendor or subcontracted agent of the Postal Service. Further, the NPMHU believes that the Postal Service has an obligation as a responsible employer to provide credit monitoring service to the employees whose personal information may have been compromised..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

VERA Early-out USPS Update

 
VERA UPDATE

"...The VERA website on Blue and LiteBlue now has detailed information and timelines on previously announced VERA programs for Motor Vehicle, Maintenance (excluding Electronic Technicians), Rural Carrier and City Carrier positions, as well as Headquarters and Headquarters-related EAS and PCES positions. Persons accepting a VERA for these positions will have an effective retirement date of Feb. 28, 2009...."   

::► Source: liteblue.usps.gov
 

Union Spotlight: Boeing

 
Boeing Union Walks Out on Strike
Revenue Lost To Strike May Hit $100 Million a Day
"...The company's final contract proposal included a pay raise of 11% over the life of the contract, as well as a boosting of pensions by 14% to $80 a month for each year of service. Under the proposed contract, the average union member would earn roughly $65,000 a year before overtime that averages $10,000 a year or more...."
Reference: online.wsj.com

 

 
Postal Service back to work in 6 parishes
"...U.S. Postal Service resumed normal delivery and post office operations Thursday in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes. Even post offices that did not have power were open for service, with some facilities running on generators..."
Reference: www.nola.com

Gustav
 

In Memory: NORMA L. MYERS, Mail Handler

Fallen Mail Handler
JERSEY CITY - NORMA L. MYERS
"... Myers was a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service, Secaucus, for 18 years. She retired in 2002. She was a member of the U.S. Postal Workers Union. ..."
Reference: www.nj.com

 

Example: Contracting out cost more

 
Contract employees cost intel agencies more than in-house staff
"...The average contract employee employed by intelligence agencies costs 65 percent more than the average federal employee costs, a new study by the Office of Director of National Intelligence shows..."
Reference: www.federaltimes.com

 

Mail Processing Facility Discussion Board

 
Please click here to see information on consolidations and excessing. If you have information about movement of equipment, people, plant consolidations, etc. Please post it for our brothers and sisters to read in an effort to stay informed. Please let us know what kind of offers are being made and benefits provided as the P.O. continues to consolidate. Is the National Contract being followed? Are employees being forced to move great distances? Tell us what's happening.

Reference: community.federalsoup.com

 

Mail Processing Facility Consolidations

 
No. 2 Oakland County project: U.S. Postal Service Processing Center -
"...consolidated four mail processing centers that were located in Troy in one new 806,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art mail processing facility in Pontiac...."
Reference: www.mlive.com - by Carol Marshall | Oakland Business Review

 

Other Union Recommends NOT Taking Current Early Out Offer

 
No Incentive ...no go!
"...APWU Recommends not taking the early out offer without an incentive..."
Reference: postal-news-network.blogspot.com

 

Postal Employee Sentenced to Death - Bac Lieu, Vietnam

 
Thanh Nien Daily, Vietnam - Death sentence upheld for postal employee embezzling $937000
"...A court of appeals in the southern province of Bac Lieu yesterday upheld the death sentence of a former treasurer of the provincial post office for skimming ..."
Reference: www.thanhniennews.com

 

New Mail Handler Pay Scale (effective August 30, 2008)

 

"...The fourth of ten guaranteed cost-of-living adjustments to be paid to all mail handlers under the 2006 National Agreement has been set at $1,477, based on changes in the National Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the period running from January 2008 through July 2008. This is the largest COLA in the history of collective bargaining with the Postal Service, and reflects recent increases in the cost of energy and food. This COLA is being added to wages effective August 30, 2008, and will be reflected in paychecks on September 19, 2008. The COLA of $1,477 represents an increase of 71 cents per hour..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

VER Annuity Letter (Actual Received Document)

 

VER Annuity Estimate Letter

The VER letter below (click to enlarge) was received on Thursday, August 21, 2008. The letter was graciously provided by a mail handler union member to share with others. Personl information has been deleted.

Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 317, Birmingham, AL


 

2012 Mail Handler National Convention

 
2012 Mail Handler National Convention to be held in Portland, Oregon
"...The 2012 National Convention is especially important, as it also will celebrate the Union’s 100th anniversary. Some delegates offered enticing video presentations of their hometowns, while others stepped to the microphone to explain why their locale is the best place to honor the Union’s centennial. Possible sites included: Anchorage, AK; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Hawaii; Las Vegas, NV; Monterey, CA; New York, NY; Portland, OR; and Puerto Rico. After lengthy and often animated debate, the delegates narrowed it down to two sites: Hawaii and Portland, Oregon. The final vote selected Portland, Oregon as the official site for the 2012 National Convention. ..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

NPMHU National Convention Day Six

 
Day Six: Saturday, August 16, 2008
"...selected Portland, Oregon as the official site for the 2012 National Convention. Having settled on the site for the next Convention, the delegates quickly turned their attention to the last order of business, the Report of the Resolutions Committee. During its work in Washington, DC last month, the Committee reviewed all resolutions properly submitted. The Committee left those dealing with legislative and political issues to the Legislative & Political Committee, but discussed and voted on the remainder, recommending the following three resolutions for adoption..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

USPS Video: Mark of the Eagle

 


 

VER Eligibility Letter

 
Are you a Mail Handler eagerly awaiting a "Voluntary Early Retirement" letter? A VER eligibility letter was to have been mailed to eligible Mail Handler's, as well clerk craft employee's, on August 18, 2008. Go to the following link to follow the discussion on this subject.

Reference: VER Discussion Board at FederalSoup

 

1630-ColorCodes IHD Aug6v2 2008

  Read the article here

Reference: www.scribd.com

 

Mail Handler Convention Delegate Blog

 

Here is a nice blog written by a Mail Handler brother from the Houston P&DC. The blog covers the National Convention with a personal twist via family photos and a descriptive accounting of the convention. Visit the blog link below:

yourpersonaldelegate.blogspot.com/


 

NPMHU National Convention Update

"...Davis. “The architects of our Constitution recognized the need for a government-run postal system that provided universal access and affordable prices to all Americans. In fact, I’m not sure that some people are aware of it, but the U.S. Constitution actually lists the establishment of Post Offices before it talks about granting congressional authority to declare war or to set up a federal judiciary. And so our founding fathers knew that a postal system, government run, . . . was important. The history of the Postal Service is firmly entwined in the history of the development of this country.”
Convention by the day:
# Day One: Monday
# Day Two: Tuesday Part 1
# Day Two: Tuesday Part 2
# Day Two: Tuesday Part 3
# Day Three: Wednesday
# Day Four: Thursday
# Day Five: Friday ..."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org

 

Mail Handler COLA Update

 

NPMHU postal employees will receive a Cost-Of-Living Adjustment of $1,477 and will be effective Aug. 30, 2008. The COLA will be in checks Pay Period 19-08 which is Sept 19, 2008. This equates to a 71-cent per hour increase ($56.80 per pay period).
 

Next NALC COLA

 
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.5 percent in July, prior to seasonal adjustment. The July level of 216.304 (1982-84=100) was 6.2 percent higher than in July 2007. This equates to $1,498 annually. The COLA will be effective the pay period beginning August 30 and received in checks on September 19. The new COLA is equivalent to 72 cents per hour ($57.60 per pay period).


Latest CPI-W Release from the BLS

CPI Reference: www.bls.gov

 

The new COLA is equivalent to 72 cents per hour, or $57.60 per pay period.

FMLA Recertification Requirements Appealed to Arbitration by APWU

 
Dispute Over USPS FMLA Recertification Requirements Appealed to Arbitration
"...over the Postal Service's policy of requiring employees to automatically submit new medical certification for an FMLA-covered condition simply because the leave year has ended..."
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

NPMHU National Convention Day One

 
Day one (Monday)
"...Day One of the NMPHU National Convention convened at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2008, attended by all members of the National Executive Board and 360 delegates representing all 37 Local Unions..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

2008 NPMHU National Convention Update

 
Read More on the National Convention
"...On August 11, at Disney’s Victorian-inspired Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando, Florida. From now until then, more than 350 delegates, many accompanied by enthusiastic family and friends, will be arriving in Orlando, presenting their credentials as properly elected delegates, and registering for the Convention. As issues before the Convention are discussed and debated, amendments considered, and votes counted, the delegates will work diligently to prepare our Union for the changes bound to come in the next four years...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

FERS Sick Leave Bill

 
House Moves on FERS Sick Leave Credit Bill
"...The legislation (HR 1108) has the following formula that would kick in upon retirement: any FERS employee who retires within three years after the bill is signed into law by the President would receive credit at retirement for ¾ of their accumulated unused sick leave. If the employee retirees after the three year window, full credit for 100% of unused sick leave would be granted. The credit cannot be used for retirement eligibility. The bill would be prospective and not affect persons who retire before it is signed into law...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Why so many wood pallets?

 
Pallet Lessons from the USPS
"...Over the past year, leakage and budget concerns have led the USPS to re-evaluate its purchasing practices. The USPS has begun purchasing wood pallets, INCA presswood pallets and some low-priced plastic pallets. Peter Grau, a contractor to the USPS, said, “The action to purchase wood pallets over plastic pallets is due to budget constraints and asset management issues with plastic pallets. ..."
Reference: Pallet Lessons from the USPS

 

Mail Handler COLA Update

 

The next Mail Handler COLA will not be calculated until the release of the July 2008 data. July 2008 CPI data are scheduled to be released on August 14, 2008 at 8:30 am Eastern Time.
Reference for CPI data: http://www.bls.gov/CPI/#news

 

[NPMHU] Third Update on VERA: Voluntary Early Retirement

 
Click Here to Read the Full Article
"... on August 22, a VER offer packet will be sent to all eligible employees containing a cover letter, an application, and a list of questions and answers. Interested employees will have from August 25 to September 30 to submit their application. It is important to note that September 30 is the date when an employee's voluntary choice to retire becomes irrevocable.
The Postal Service in meetings on this subject has assured the Union that there will be “group counseling” as soon as possible, at which information packets will be passed out; also, information has been posted on the Postal Services’ LiteBlue website, portions of which we have downloaded and are attached to this memo. ..."

* Timetable
* Sample Annuity Estimate Cover Letter
* Sample Offer Letter
* Sample Irrevocability Statement
* Questions and Answers
* Publication 164 - Compensation, Relocation Benefits, and Reinstatement Policies for Career employees in Transition: Q's and A's


Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Outsourcing

 
USPS Unable to Justify Outsourcing, GAO Finds
"...The report pointed out that, under the terms of the collective bargaining agreements, when the Postal Service is contemplating outsourcing, it “must consider five factors: public interest, cost, efficiency, availability of equipment, and qualification of employees – and must determine whether outsourcing will have a ‘significant impact’ on work performed by postal employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.”

If outsourcing will have a significant impact on postal employees, the USPS “must compare the costs of performing proposed work with postal employees and with a contractor, notify the affected union that it is considering outsourcing and consider union impact before making a decision.”..."
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

NPMHU Second Update on VERA: Voluntary Early Retirement

 
Late last week the USPS announced some additional details regarding the early retirement for mail handlers. Click here for the full Article, and links to frequently asked questions: Read More.
 

NPMHU President Hegarty Testifies on USPS Network Realignment Issues

 


National President John Hegarty appeared before the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia on July 24, 2008, to provide the views of the NPMHU on the recently-issued USPS Network Realignment Plan. Read More.
 

(Some) Unofficial Local 317 Election Results

 
Unofficial Reported Results

State Vice President: John Alexander

State Representative: James Morris

Huntsville P&DF Local Branch President: Alex Dockery

Congratulations to the incoming elected officials! Also, thanks for a job well done by our outgoing officials.

 

Anthrax Biodefense

 

"...Ivins' lawyer and some of the scientist's colleagues say he was innocent. But officials at the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Saturday were confident they had the right man, though they said they were still weighing how and when to seek an end to the grand jury investigation.

"That's not a decision we're going to make lightly," one Justice Department official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Saturday.

"There won't be a rush to judgment."

Ivins' lawyer, Paul Kemp, said by e-mail on Saturday that reports that his client had been considering a plea bargain were "entirely spurious."..."
Reference: www.chron.com

 

NPMHU VERA Update 2

Voluntary Early Retirement

 

"...On Aug. 18, an annuity estimate will be mailed to all VER-eligible employees from Eagan, MN. In addition, on Aug. 22 a VER offer packet will be sent to all eligible employees containing a cover letter, an application and a list of questions and answers. Interested employees will have from Aug. 25 to Sept. 30 to submit their application. It’s important to note that Sept. 30 is the date when an employee's voluntary choice to retire becomes irrevocable...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

NPMHU 317 Election Dates (Modification)

 

August 2, 2008, Count Official Ballots

August 3, 2008, Post Official Results

 

COLA Update: (CPI) for June 2008

 
Contract COLA: $1,330

"...The actual COLA will reflect the increase in the CPI between January and July 2008. It will be payable the second full pay period following the release of the July 2008 index..."   

Source: www.nalc.org

 

Burrus to VER-Eligible Employees: ‘DON’T GO’

 

"...With news that eligible employees will soon be receiving notice from the Postal Service about an offer of Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), APWU President William Burrus is advising union members to delay making a decision as long as possible.

“The decision about when to retire is a personal one that is influenced by family obligations and lifestyle,” Burrus said. “But the attractiveness of ending a career early should be weighed with consideration of factors that may not be readily apparent.”

In addition to life-long annuity reductions, he said, employees should realize that the Postal Service offer is being made because of the prospect of heavy financial losses in the current fiscal year and beyond. “The opportunity to retire early may be tempting, but it is not being offered for the employee’s benefit: It is intended to improve the financial condition of the Postal Service.”

“An employee who retires after 25 years of service can expect to receive an annuity of less than half of the average basic salary of the last three years,” Burrus said. He noted that this would exclude most of the time period covered by the 2008 upgrade and the September 2008 Cost-of-Living Adjustment, which is expected to be over $1,000 — one of the largest in postal history.

“Employees who can work for another 15 years before reaching their annuity maximums can expect pay hikes over that time equal to the nearly $18,000 in raises over the past 15 years,” Burrus said of the increase from $34,000 to September’s $52,000.

“The USPS would save about $1 million in salary, benefits, and retirement annuity for each such employee,” he said.

“Those who take the early-out offer will allow the Postal Service to avoid these future obligations, while receiving a significantly lower annuity for the balance of their lives — and lives of their survivors.” The annuity reduction would be “substantial,” he said, and cannot be justified unless the Postal Service offers an incentive.

“We have discussed incentives with the Postal Service,” Burrus said, “but, so far, management has refused to consider any kind of bonus in conjunction with the early-out offer.” The discussions with management are continuing, he said.

“We do not oppose Voluntary Early Retirement per se,” Burrus said, “but we believe incentives should be offered and all eligible employees should be included.”

“And we expect that if a sufficient number of employees do not accept the early-out, the Postal Service will still face a significant deficit, and will still be forced to find ways to reduce the workforce. We will be having continuing discussions with postal management,” he said, “and these discussions will be influenced by the number of employees who voluntarily retire without incentives.”

“In this uncertain economy, there is no reason to make a hasty decision,” Burrus said. “Energy and medical costs are escalating, which will make it extremely difficult to survive on a fixed income. One simply has to consider the financial disincentives to retire early, especially without an upfront monetary incentive.”

“As employees who meet the eligibility criteria think about their choices, I ask that they forgo making a quick decision. At this time, the union’s recommendation to eligible employees is that unless you have compelling personal reasons to retire early, DON’T GO.” ..."
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

[NPMHU] First Update on VERA: Voluntary Early Retirement

 

"...The National Office has learned that the Postal Service has formally been granted authority by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to offer a VERA to certain postal employees during the period from June 30, 2008 through June 30, 2009...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Mailboxes Vandalized in Meridianville Alabama

 
Mailbox Mayhem
"...now has a new mailbox... Hoping this one will last. "Went yesterday afternoon and bought a new mailbox..says indestructable vandalism-proof.... we'll see," said Irons. Neighbors also say someone took a mailbox and smashed the windows of a car. Reports have been filed with the Madison County Sheriff's Office..."
Reference: www.whnt.com

 

National Postal Mail Handlers Union Leaders Meet with Sen. Obama

NPMHU President Hegarty Meets With Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama





Pictures of NPMHU President Hegarty with Sen. Obama




 

Post Office Pushes The Envelope In Pojoaque

 
Post Office Pushes The Envelope In Pojoaque

No Mail Delivered To Residents

"...Those with a Pojoaque address can pick up mail from a van parked on West Guiterrez Street between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m..."    

Source: www.koat.com

 

USPS Seeks Contract EEO Investigators

 
Solicitation Number: 072368-del-eeo

"...Selected individuals will be home-based independent contractors, located throughout the United States, who will enter into Ordering Agreements with the USPS to provide investigative services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement. Individual Task Orders assigning the investigation of particular complaints of discrimination may be issued under the Ordering Agreement in a "fee for service" arrangement. There is no guarantee of work or the number of cases assigned. An investigator is paid on a “per case” basis, generally $1100, on successful completion of the case..."    

NEEOISO

Source: www.fbo.gov, Solicitation Number: 072368-del-eeo

Resource for Training: http://www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov
 

USPS Network Plan and the Impact on the Postal Employee

 

The following are excerpts from the June 2008 USPS Network Plan relative to employee impact. Again, these are only excerpts, you must read the plan in its entirety to fully understand the excerpts in their proper context. However, it is obvious that the USPS workforce is in for substantial changes:

"...By measuring local mail processing equipment performance against national
benchmarks, Machine Performance Scorecards give local managers a
convenient metric against which to analyze machine and operator performance..."

"...the Postal Service is evaluating the relocation of various mail
processing operations..."

"...assuming the removal of existing
equipment in Bulk Mail Centers, the availability of BMC floorspace for other
operations may affect surrounding Processing & Distribution Centers. If Flats
Sequencing Systems and bundle sortation equipment are deployed to BMCs, the
P&DCs will experience a reduction in flat and bundle processing..."

"...Should the implementation of the Network Plan
make it necessary to apply these processes, all Postal Service career employee
personnel actions will follow a general sequential escalation of impact and will
comply with applicable rules and regulations, including Veterans’ Preference
laws..."

"...d. Voluntary Early Retirement Provisions
Under these provisions, the Postal Service requests authority from the
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to offer eligible impacted
employees opportunities to apply for voluntary early retirement. It is the
Postal Service’s policy to request such voluntary early retirement authority
from OPM even for impacted employees covered by collective bargaining
agreements that do not contain voluntary early retirement provisions..."

"...Qualified employees who are involuntarily separated due to organizational
changes, and who are not eligible to apply for discontinued service retirement or
optional retirement, receive severance pay..."

"...The Area Mail Processing consolidations and proposed Bulk Mail Center network
reconfiguration will involve numerous site-specific employee impact
determinations which cannot be quantified until the changes proposed for
particular facilities have been identified and thoroughly analyzed. The Postal
Service considers that, for purposes of its Network Plan, it has sufficient flexibility
with which to make the workforce changes that may be necessary. To the extent
that implementation of the plan requires the accomplishment of workforce
reductions more expeditiously than can be achieved through attrition..."

The above information is taken from the USPS POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT § 302 NETWORK PLAN, June 2008

Reference: postal-newsgroup.blogspot.com