USPS set to appeal postal rate increase rejection

  USPS set to appeal postal rate increase rejection "..."We have a fundamental disagreement with the PRC's interpretation of the law," said Postmaster General John Potter, according to DMNews. "This action is an investment in our future. We need to understand and define the rules under the current law..." Reference: www.overnightprints.com  

Postmaster General Announces Retirement

  A LETTER TO ALL EMPLOYEES FROM POSTMASTER GENERAL JACK POTTER "...I have reached a point in my life where it is time to move on to other things. Pat Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer, will become our new Postmaster General when I “end tour” Dec. 3...." Reference: usps.gov  

Huntsville Branch Union Meeting

  "The union meeting will be held at the China Buffet on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 11:00 AM." Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union 317  

Deadlines for Holiday Mailing to Deployed Troops

  Deadlines for Holiday Mailing to Deployed Troops "...Those who would like to mail holiday packages to friends and loved ones in the military will want to take note of the following dates, which have been recommended by the Military Postal Service Agency. Holiday shopping will have to be done early, with the earliest deadline for Hannukah packages due in less than three weeks...." Reference: usnavyseals.com  

First open season since health reform is around the corner

  First open season since health reform is around the corner "...will affect government workers. From Nov. 8 to Dec. 13, FEHBP participants can alter their health, dental, vision and flexible spending account benefits; switch plans; or cancel their enrollment without penalty...." Reference: www.govexec.com  

Second Early Out Payment Scheduled for Oct. 29

  Second Early Out Payment Scheduled for Oct. 29 "...part of the negotiated Early Out Incentive agreement are entitled to receive an additional $5,000, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 29, 2010..." Reference: The Postal Newsgroup  

Victims identified in Henning Post Office Shooting

  Victims of postal shooting identified "...Dunavant, a district attorney in Henning, told United Press International the victims were Judy Spray and Paula Robinson. Dunavant said the employees died in an apparent robbery..." Reference: www.upi.com  

Tennessee Post Office Shooting

  Two Shot and Killed Inside Henning Post Office "...found the two women’s bodies after entering the post office Monday morning and then made the call to police...." Reference: www.myfoxmemphis.com  

Mail Handler November 2010 Contractual Salary Pay Increase

  "...Effective November 20, 2010 – the basic annual salary for each grade and step shall be increased by an amount equal to 1.2% of the basic annual salary for the grade and step in effect on September 2, 2006.
For purposes of applying the November 24, 2007, February 16, 2008, November 22, 2008, November 21, 2009 and November 20, 2010 salary increases, the basic annual salary for Steps AA and P in effect on September 2, 2006, shall be assumed to be as follows: Grade 4, Step AA — $27,830: Grade 4, Step P — $46,296: Grade 5, Step AA — $29,295: Grade 5, Step P — $47,268...." Reference: 2006-2011 Mail Handler National Contract  

Note: Italicizing and bold print added for emphasis by this website.

2010 APWU Contract Negotiations

  2010 APWU Contract Negotiations "...Stay informed! It is wise to keep up with the 2010 APWU Contract Negotiations. Although the APWU is a separate contract with many different issues and contract language, we should educate ourselves by keeping an eye on the tone the USPS sets toward the employees. Forewarned is forearmed! ..." Reference: contractnegotiations.blogspot.com  

How does your local union rank on the web?

  How does your local union rank on the web? As a union member, we often ask, "Are we being provided up-to-date information relating to the postal service and the union?" ...if you are a member of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union with Local 317 of Alabama, you are being served the most up-to-date and relative information available. Under the leadership of our Local President, Jessie Leonard, your local web presence is ranked in the top ten globally on the three most popular search engines. On Google, a search for "National Postal Mail Handlers Union", at this writing, results in a placement of number six out of about 20,800 results. On Yahoo, our Blog comes up number five out of 202,000 results for "National Postal Mail Handlers Union", while over at Bing, the result for National Postal Mail Handlers Union results in a number five placement. Reference: npmhu317.blogspot.com  

2011 Open Season for Health Benefits for Federal and Postal Employees

  2011 Open Season for Health Benefits for Federal and Postal Employees "...The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that this year’s open season for health benefits, dental and vision insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts will run from November 8 through December 13, 2010. This open season will give federal employees and retirees the opportunity to change their health-care coverage and employees who are not enrolled, but are eligible to participate, the opportunity to elect coverage. OPM also announced the use of a new claims database that will make it easier to reduce the growth in health care costs...." Reference: www.opm.gov