NPMHU National Contract (Current)

 NPMHU National Contract (Current)

This is the current National Contract. Current negotiations have been extended again.

Reference: issuu.com 

The Rocket City attempts to save the Huntsville Mail Processing Facility

 Huntsville mail processing center may relocate to Birmingham
"...Postal workers voiced their concerns at Wednesday night's meeting. Postal worker and Huntsville resident said if the measure passes, Huntsville will lose its historic postmark; something that is an emblem of a community...."
Reference: www.waff.com

Postal Closures Continue at Rapid Pace

 Continued efforts to keep USPS facilities open

"..."While some of these changes may be needed, we believe that it is very important to give Congress the opportunity to reform the postal service in a way that protects universal service while ensuring its financial viability for decades to come."..."

Reference: www.wwl.com 

Mail Handler Contract Negotiations

 Mail Handler Contract Negotiations

"...the parties have agreed to extend that deadline through Wednesday, December 7, 2011, and perhaps longer..."

Reference: mailhandlercontract.blogspot.com 

Local 317 - Huntsville Branch Holds Union Meeting

Local 317 - Huntsville Branch, of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union held a meeting at China Buffet on Highway 20 yesterday. Newly elected Local 317 President, Ronnie Sanders, was in attendance and welcomed by the Huntsville Mail Handlers. Discussion was lively and focused on the possible upcoming mail consolidation with Birmingham, as well as discussion on the proposed closure of the Huntsville Processing and Distribution Facility. Additionally, members discussed the process of selection of union representation at the facility and mail handlers excessing.

H.R. 2309 advances

  Oversight Committee Approves Issa-Ross Postal Reform Bill

"...a receivership-style authority takes over for USPS management with an explicit mandate to cut costs while maintaining universal service. Management is replaced..."

Reference: insurancenewsnet.com 

Contract route postal worker arrest one of many in Alabama

  Theft, mail destruction prosecutions rise for Alabama postal employees

"...Among the recent cases detailed in court records was that of Michael Ray Hyatt, a former Gadsden highway contract route postal worker who was sentenced ..."

Reference: al.com 

NPMHU 317 Election Results - 2011

Click Image Below to Enlarge

Who are the top ten highest paid leaders of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union?

 Who are the top ten highest paid leaders of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union?

"...Top Ten Highest Paid Leaders of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union ..."

Reference: www.unionfacts.com 

What was the compensation for our Local union officials? (according to unionfacts.com)

 Click here to view compensation of NPMHU 317 Officers, etc.

"...National Postal Mail handlers Local 317 Compensation, benefits, ..."

Reference: www.unionfacts.com 

Ronnie Sanders to be next NPMHU 317 President

Congratulations to Ronnie Sanders who was recently elected Local 317 State President.
 

Mail Handler Contract Negotiations Update Number 2

 Mail Handler Contract Negotiations Update Number 2

"...the Postal Service has used its current financial predicament as an excuse for launching an unprecedented attack on its employees and the collective bargaining process...."

Reference: Mail Handler Contract Negotiations 

USPS FINANCIAL CRISIS

 USPS FINANCIAL CRISIS: ENGAGING THE AMERICAN PUBLIC

"...On a matter related to retiree health benefits, and just as significant to the financial health of the Postal Service is that the USPS has massively overfunded both of its pension programs – for its workers covered under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)...."

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

Huntsville Mail Processing Facility being studied for closure

  U.S. Postal Service studying closing Huntsville's mail facility on Wall Triana Highway

"...HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- In a change from an announcement just two months ago, the Postal Service said Thursday it is considering moving all of the operations at the Wall Triana mail facility to Birmingham...."

Reference: al.com 

NPMHU, APWU, and NALC nationwide television advertisement

 NPMHU, APWU, and NALC nationwide television advertisement

"...seek to enlighten the public that it is far more than declining mail volume that has created this postal financial crisis – and to reinforce the message that Congress helped create this problem, and that Congress can take action now to fix it..."

Reference: Mail Handler Contract Negotiations  

Mail Handler and a Barber

 Barber cutting across generations

"...That same year he landed a job as a mail handler with the U.S. Postal Service but even then he continued to cut hair...."

Reference: www.ajc.com 

Announcement: Area Mail Processing Feasibility Study List

Referenced Article Contains List

 Area Mail Processing Feasibility Study List

"...On September 15, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service has reported it will release to the media an announcement identifying a list of Area Mail Processing Feasibility Studies..."

Reference: The Postal Newsgroup  

New Wage Chart

  NEW WAGE CHARTS REFLECT $978 COLA

"...The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its July 2011 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) on Thursday, August 18. Based on this release, the Postal Service has confirmed that there will be a $978 cost-of-living adjustment increase for employees covered under the NPMHU National Agreement effective pay period 20, starting on September 10, 2011. This translates into approximately forty-seven cents per hour, and will be reflected in paychecks dated September 30, 2011. ..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

Collective Bargaining begins between the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the USPS

 Collective Bargaining Begins between the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the USPS

The National Postal Mail Handlers Union bargaining team met with representatives of the U.S. Postal Service on August 30, 2011 to mark the official start of the collective bargaining process for a successor agreement to replace the 2006 National Agreement which is scheduled to expire on November 20, 2011.

“We recognize the tough financial straits in which the Postal Service finds itself,” said National President John Hegarty, “and notwithstanding the unjustifiable actions recently taken by USPS Headquarters in asking Congress to overrule our collective bargaining agreement, we intend to work hard, in good faith, to try to reach an agreement.”

“We are not happy that the Postal Service has tried to abrogate the no-layoff clause through Congressional action, or that the Service has issued ill-advised proposals to pull out of the Federal health and retirement systems” said Hegarty, “but we intend to devote significant time and resources to try and reach a contract that is fair for the hard-working men and women whom we represent, fair for the USPS, and fair for the American mailing public.”

The NPMHU will put out periodic updates, in the form of bulletin board postings, as bargaining progresses. Please stay tuned.

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

APWU garners 740 new craft positions, locations announced

 Locations announced for 740 New Jobs in Motor Vehicle Craft

"...APWU Web News Article 096-2011, Aug. 30, 2011

In accordance with the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the USPS has agreed to establish 740 new assignments in Vehicle Maintenance Facilities. A list [PDF | XLS] provided to the union on Aug. 30 specifies the locations for the new positions and indicates whether they are Level 8, 9, or 10 Automotive Technician or Lead Technician positions.

Under the terms of the contract, the new jobs are being created so that members of the APWU bargaining unit can perform work that was previously done by contractors.

“This is good news for the APWU,” said Motor Vehicle Service Craft Director Bob Pritchard.

“Locals should immediately submit information request forms asking local management what subcontracted duties will be brought in-house to provide work for the individuals assigned to the new jobs,” he said. “That is the only way to ensure these new jobs are being posted properly.

“If additional positions are needed because of general understaffing, additional jobs — beyond 740 on the list — should be posted.”..."

Reference: www.apwu.org 

Last 2011 Mail Handler COLA for ending contract

Earlier this week, we called the National Office in an effort to garner information relating to our next COLA adjustment. Our call was transferred to Dallas H. Jones, Jr., National Representative, of the NPMHU Contract Administration Department -- National Office. Mr. Jones was not in the office so a message was left with our name, number, and a request for information on the COLA adjustment. We received no return call. UPDATE: We received a return phone call from contract administration this morning confirming the information posted below and informing us an update will be posted to the national site soon, with an updated wage chart. Additionally, the contract admin office wanted to thank Local 317 for our support. We appreciate the return call and we offer our support to our national office in our fight in preserving our wages and benefits under our national agreement in the upcoming contract negotiations.

Local 300 has posted the following information.

 COLA $978

"...The Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) was released for the month of July. The CPI-W for the month of July was 663.314. This last COLA adjustment will be an increase of $978 added to our annual salary, ($0.47 an hour) which shall be paid in September.

This shall be the last of our negotiated wage increases from the 2006-2011 National Agreement. Our current contract expires on November 20, 2011..."

Reference: www.local300npmhu.org 

NALC announces COLA, no word from NPMHU national site

 Ninth contract COLA: $978 annually

"...The ninth and final cost-of-living adjustment as negotiated under the 2006-2011 National Agreement is $978 annually, based on the July Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) announced Aug. 18 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics...."

Reference: www.nalc.org 



Check the NPMHU National Site to See if There is a COLA Update

Intentional delay of mail a new money saving option?

 Slower mail could save Postal Service $1.5B

"...Postal executives are seriously considering the idea and are expected to announce new plans regarding delivery schedules after Labor Day, according to USPS officials...."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com 

Lay-off protections one of most important contract items

 Difficult union talks begin for US mail carriers and handlers

"...For the mail handlers’ union, it will focus on job cuts associated with the USPS plans to reduce area mail processing capacity from 508 plants down to less than 200..."

Reference: mailhandlercontract.blogspot.com 

USPS to close sixty percent of mail processing plants by end of next year

 Postal Service plans to close about 300 mail processing plants

"...More than 30,000 Postal Service employees will be affected. The agency will follow requirements in union contracts in dealing with them, Williams said afterward. Attrition would take care of some of the impact, while other workers would be reassigned to jobs elsewhere, John Hegarty, president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, said later in a phone interview...."

Reference: www.federaltimes.com 

Postal Service wants to layoff and hire at the same time!

 Things that make you go, huh?

"...How can the Postmaster General propose breaking union contracts to layoff 120,000 craft employees, while at the same time hire PSE employees at half the pay and no benefits? Take the poll and leave your thoughts at Things that make you go, huh?..."

Reference: Things that make you go, huh? 

Postal Service is considering cutting as many as 120,000 jobs

 Cash-strapped USPS may cut 120,000 jobs

"...the agency also wants to pull its workers out of the retirement and health benefits plans covering federal workers and set up its own benefit systems...."

Reference: www.cbsnews.com 

NALC / Postal Arbitration

 Arbitration ahead for Postal Service, rural letter carriers union

"...“They basically want us to do the same amount of work for significantly less money.”..."

Reference: federaltimes.com  

23 postal districts move FMLA processing to HRSCC

Processing FMLA Applications

"The Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) began processing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests for employees of 23 districts and headquarters July 11. FMLA processing for all other districts nationwide will transition to HRSSC Sept. 10.

Employees who need general information regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act can click here. HRSCC staff also will be available for case-specific questions, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET.

Supervisors and managers may email requests for FMLA information to the Outlook email address designated for each Area. Click here for the list, which includes detailed contact information of districts that were affected by the move of FMLA to HRSSC last month.

Until the transition is completed, employees who hand deliver their certifications to work locations within a district where FMLA processing has been transferred to HRSSC should be allowed to fax the information or be given an envelope to mail their information to HRSSC."   

Reference: usps.gov


More Reading from Amazon on FMLA:



Note: This information was garnered from the Postal Briefing news website.

Blogging Mailman Fired for Being an ‘Injustice,’ Whatever That Means

 Blogging Mailman Fired for Being an ‘Injustice,’ Whatever That Means

"...Bradford's received a hand-delivered letter from the U.S. Postal service charging him with "unacceptable conduct/failure to follow instructions." The list of offenses Bradford's committed include..."

Reference: gawker.com 

Raymond Santoro became a mail handler 17 years ago

  Cartoonish horror trilogy is his ode to Super 8 film"...he ultimately decided that he didn't like the instability of making movies so he joined the U.S. Postal Service in 1994. "It pays great, and I get a lot of vacation time," he said...." Reference: azstarnet.com 

New post office study list released today

 Expanded Access study list

Huntsville, AL - Today, the USPS announced a new Expanded Access study list. The specific link for Alabama can be found at: http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/states/alabama.htm. The listing was part of an announcement Tuesday that also introduces a new retail-replacement option called the Village Post Office, calling it an option for communities. The USPS says, "Village Post Offices would be operated by local businesses, such as pharmacies, grocery stores and other appropriate retailers, and would offer popular postal products and services such as stamps and flat-rate packaging." With the announcement, the concept of privatizing the postal service is reinforced by offering a link entitled Opening a Village Post Office, where Business establishments interested in applying for a contract with the Postal Service to start a Village Post Office in their local community can learn more about doing so. The USPS press release can be found at: http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2011/pr11_089.htm

Reference: usps.com 

Mail handler craft is down 20 percent

 Postal clerks bear the brunt of USPS downsizing "...The number of city carriers and mail handlers was down 20 percent, postmasters..." Reference: federaltimes.com 

Postal Service Consolidating in Huntsville

  Postal Service Consolidating in Huntsville "...The transition is expected to be completed by January 1, 2012. The Postal Service says some employees may be reassigned to the Birmingham processing and distribution center or to other vacant positions. ..." Reference: www.waaytv.com

Notice of Nomination Meeting for NPMHU Local 317

Local 317 will be conducting a nomination meeting for the election of Local Officers for 2011:

1. Local President and National Delegate (part-time)
2. Vice President and Alternate Delegate
3. Recording Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. State Executive Board Member
6. Branch President(s)

The Local will conduct the nomination meeting as follows:

DATE OF NOMINATION MEETING: July 23, 2011

TIME OF NOMINATION MEETING: 12:00 p.m.

PLACE OF NOMINATION MEETING: 216 N. Oporto-Madrid Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35206

Each regular member in good standing has the right to make a nomination at the nomination meeting and/or make such nomination via by mail at: P.O. Box 610250, Birmingham, AL 35261, no later than July 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

Each regular member in good standing shall only nominate one (1) candidate for each office.

Fraternally I am
[signed]
Kendrick Shaw

Judge of Election

Secure that load! It's required.

  Use shoring straps with each dispatch Shoring straps secure mail in vehicles by preventing containers and pallets from shifting or breaking during transit. When used improperly — or worse, not at all — trailer doors can be damaged and employees opening them hurt by falling mail or rolling equipment.

Currently, some facilities are experiencing a shortage of shoring straps — jeopardizing the safety of personnel and the mail. Others have more than they need.

To help alleviate the shortage and keep personnel and mail safe, every vehicle dispatch must include shoring straps — even if the vehicle is making a trip without a full load. For every dispatch:

Insert 12 shoring straps, guaranteeing a set of two is available for every 10 feet.
Keep shore straps with vehicles at all times to make sure each vehicle leaves a facility with the required number of straps.

Facilities with a surplus of serviceable shoring straps are encouraged to place the equipment — in addition to the required 12 shoring straps — with outbound vehicles.

For information about how to properly insert shoring straps, go to the Logistics Order Policies and Standard Operating Procedures website. From the home page, click on “Properly Restraining Mail Containers.” Reference: usps.gov  

Attack on Postal Service and Postal Employees

  Attack on Postal Service and Postal Employees "...On June 23, 2011, Republican Representatives Darryl Issa (R-CA), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Dennis Ross (R-FL), the chair of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service and District of Columbia, introduced their version of a postal reform bill. As introduced, H.R. 2309 would deprive postal employees of the freedom to bargain collectively, would cut the pay and benefits of current and future postal employees, and would hinder (and reduce) USPS service by expediting the closing of postal facilities and establishing a new bureaucracy to oversee the Postal Board of Governors. Within years, the bill likely would lead to privatization, or total collapse of the Postal Service.

The crux of this misguided bill is to blame the workers who provide an invaluable service to the American people, while trying to absolve the Congress from its responsibilities for the recent financial decline of the Postal Service. The principal cause of the USPS deficit over the past four years has been a yearly $5.5 billion payment mandated by Congress to pre-fund future retirees’ health benefits. Without these payments, the Postal Service would have operated at a surplus over those four years. The bill introduced by Congressmen Issa and Ross has ignored this problem, as well as billions of dollars in USPS overfunding of the CSRS program ($50 to $70 billion) and the FERS program ($6.9 billion).

Instead, the bill is aimed at the destruction of collective bargaining between the Postal Service and its unions. It would establish a new, politically-appointed governing body, called the Postal Service Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority, each and every time that the Postal Service were late in any payments owed to the federal government for more than 30 days. Under certain circumstances, this “Authority” could require the immediate renegotiation of an existing collective bargaining agreement, and also could reject, modify, or terminate one or more terms of an existing collective bargaining agreement. In particular, the bill as drafted states that, “[n]otwithstanding any other provision of law,” the Authority could require the renegotiation of an existing collective bargaining agreement “to achieve specific economic savings and workforce flexibility goals.” The bill goes on to state that, “after meeting and conferring with the appropriate bargaining representative,” the Authority may reject, modify, or terminate the terms or conditions of an existing collective bargaining agreement if the Authority concludes that a prompt and satisfactory agreement is unlikely, and that the rejection, modification, or termination is reasonable and necessary for the Postal Service to be a financially viable provider of universal postal service to the Nation and is designed to achieve the specific economic savings or workforce flexibility goals (as the case may be) that were set by the Authority. In short, the bill would decimate collective bargaining, and replace bargaining with the unilateral imposition of wages, hours, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition, if ever adopted, the bill would lead to the wholesale downsizing of the Postal Service. The USPS would reduce to a 5-day delivery schedule, and would require the Postal Service to close retail and mail processing facilities and thereby force savings of more than $2 billion per year. The bill also includes a proposal initiated by Senator John McCain (R-AZ), to increase each employee’s contribution to the cost of health care and life insurance premiums.

“This bill is not the serious legislative effort that is needed to rescue the Postal Service,” said National President Hegarty. “It ignores the major financial issues that have been identified by most postal observers, and instead reads like an anti-worker and anti-union position paper written by ideologues. At a time when bi-partisan support is coalescing around Representative Stephen Lynch’s bill (HR 1351), the NPMHU had hoped that committee leaders would stop playing politics with the Postal Service, its workers, and the communications network that is so valuable to the nation.”
The NPMHU will be joining with other postal unions and other stakeholders to oppose this misguided effort at “reform,” and will continue to press for meaningful changes in the law to allow the Postal Service to prosper through and after the current economic downturn. ..." Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union, www.npmhu.org  

“credence” to the belief the Postal Service makes decisions “without considering public comments

  Editorial: USPS Error Gets Ross’ Attention "...In his letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahue, Ross said the letters give “credence” to the belief the Postal Service makes decisions “without considering public comments.” In fact, he said, it appears “the only error was in the premature sending of the letters.”..." Reference: www.swtimes.com  

Who are the postal employees that received pro sports season tickets?

  Postal Service spent thousands on pro sports tickets, auditors say "...Auditors singled out the sports tickets, which consisted of six season tickets for a National Basketball Association team..." Reference: www.washingtonpost.com  

Does Rep. Darrell Issa want to void postal union contracts?

  D.C. model for the U.S. Postal Service? "...Issa wants to do something similar for the Postal Service, with the creation of a panel that could override the postmaster general, void union contracts..." Reference: federaltimes.com  

Birmingham postal supervisor pleads guilty to $300,000 kickback scheme

  Birmingham postal supervisor pleads guilty to $300,000 kickback scheme "...A vehicle maintenance supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges he defrauded the government of more than $300,000 in a billing kickback scheme..." Reference: al.com  

Retired Postmaster General Jack Potter to lead two of the Washington area’s busiest airports

  Ex-USPS exec Jack Potter to lead airports authority "...Potter, who will be paid a salary of $350,000 plus a signing bonus, takes over at a difficult time for the airports authority. The self-supporting entity has been criticized for its management..." Reference: www.washingtonpost.com  

USPS stops payments to retirement plan (FERS)

  The U.S. Post Office Just Stopped Putting Money Into Its Pension Fund "...the U.S. Post Office said Wednesday it will suspend this years remaining $800 million contribution to its Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)...." Reference: www.businessinsider.com  

Injured Mail Handler Fights For Medical Benefits (Georgia)

  Injured Postal Worker Fights For Medical Benefits "...Garrett had been working at the Hapeville postal facility for 16 years. Then, in April 2009, a 100-pound box full of mail fell from an overhead conveyor belt and hit him in the head...." Reference: www.wsbtv.com  

Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way on Tuesday for significant cuts to collective bargaining rights

  Wisconsin ruling limits collective bargaining among public workers "...The Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way on Tuesday for significant cuts to collective bargaining rights for public workers..." Reference: www.stltoday.com  

USPS Palatine Processing and Distribution Center Images

  Images: Behind the Scenes at the USPS Palatine Processing and Distribution Center "...Mail handler Laurie Swanson sorts letter trays at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center...." Reference: www.dailyherald.com  

What does Postal Service-APWU contract mean for other postal unions?

  What does Postal Service-APWU contract mean for other postal unions? "...“We expect to see the same type of framework in those contracts that we’ve been able to negotiate with the APWU,” Donahoe said. ..." Reference: federaltimes.com  

Open Season for Long Term Care Insurance

  Open Season for Long Term Care Insurance "...Premiums are based on your age when your application is received. Certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage, but once approved, your coverage will continue into retirement provided that you pay the premiums. You need to apply to find out if you qualify for coverage under this program. Premiums are set with the expectation that they will be sufficient, but they are not guaranteed. The premium for your group (for example, those with the same plan design or set of benefits) may only increase if it is determined to be inadequate. While the group policy is in effect, OPM must approve an increase in premium. ..." Reference: www.npmhu.org  

North Alabama tornadoes did not stop post office

  North Alabama tornadoes did not stop post office "...During, what has been called the most powerful tornado ever recorded in US history, the Postal Service continued to process and deliver mail. One customer said..." Reference: News Postal  

Mail delivery continues, check list for changes in impacted areas

  Mail delivery continues, check list for changes in impacted areas "...HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - The U.S. Postal Service continues to deliver mail in accessible areas despite the deadly wave of tornadoes that plowed through the state Wednesday. ..." Reference: al.com  

Follow the National Postal Mail Handler Contract Negotiations and Related News

  Follow the latest news and information relating to the upcoming National Postal Mail Handlers Union Contract Negotiations at the NPMHU 317 developed blog at: http://mailhandlercontract.blogspot.com/

Postal Carrier 'does his business' in yard while on route

  Postal carrier uses bathroom in yard on route "...But when he spotted that mail carrier out his front window..he witnessed him doing something unthinkable in broad daylight..." Reference: www.kltv.com  

Royal Wedding official commemorative stamps from Royal Mail

  Royal Wedding official commemorative stamps from Royal Mail "...Royal Mail is proud to issue the official commemorative stamps to mark the wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. A Royal Wedding is a major event of national importance and celebration and Royal Mail stamps are a unique way to mark such a happy occasion...." Reference: www.royalmail.com  

USPS defends union deal

  USPS defends union deal ahead of grilling in Congress "...The deal, which still requires ratification by the union members after its eight-month negotiation, adopts a two-year pay freeze but then a wage increase of 3.5% over three years...." Reference: postandparcel.info  

March 2011 COLA of $20 and New Wage Chart

  March 2011 COLA of $20 and New Wage Chart "...the new wage charts – effective beginning on March 12, 2011 – reflecting the March 2011 COLA of $20. The next COLA adjustment is scheduled for September 2011...." Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Anthrax Redux: FBI Admits to Holes in Its Biggest Case Ever

  Anthrax Redux: FBI Admits to Holes in Its Biggest Case Ever "...By mid-October, four more people had been diagnosed with anthrax, and Leroy Richmond, a postal worker at the Brentwood Road mail facility in Washington, DC, was doing his best to convince his coworkers to relax. Mail handlers had little to fear as long as they took precautions, according to talking points distributed by the government,..." Reference: www.wired.com  

March 25 Postal Announcement

This post is courtesy of The Postal Newsgroup

The highly anticipated March 25 USPS announcement is referenced below as found on the USPS' website. The largest majority of the information was put out yesterday (March 24, 2011) detailing the district closings, the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), The financial incentive programs being offered to eligible career non-bargaining employees in targeted groups at Headquarters, Headquarters-related Field Units, Area Offices and Customer Service District Offices (Administrative). However, the additional information provided in the following announcement that stands out boldly is 'additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.' Read below to see the official release. Stay tuned and we will provide further internal information as it trickles out.

March 25 Postal Announcement

The Announcement
PMG ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF SEVEN DISTRICTS
I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure.

As part of the ongoing redesign of the Postal Service, PMG Pat Donahoe yesterday announced USPS will close 7 of its 74 district offices. This reflects continuing alignments within the organization to achieve core business strategies and, when fully implemented, will help realize approximately $750 million of annual cost savings (Link Extra, 3/23).

The district offices scheduled for closure — Columbus, OH, (Eastern Area); Southeast Michigan in Troy, MI, and Northern Illinois in Carol Stream, IL (Great Lakes Area); Southeast New England in Providence, RI (Northeast Area); South Georgia in Macon, GA, and Albuquerque in Albuquerque, NM (Southwest Area); and Big Sky in Billings, MT (Western Area) — house only administrative functions that will be assumed by surrounding district offices. The closures will not affect customer service, mail delivery, Post Office operations or ZIP codes.

“I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure. One that is fair to our employees and one that will meet the future needs of our customers and the mailing industry,” said Donahoe.

This organizational redesign builds on previous PMG announcements that include a 16 percent reduction in officer ranks, realigning revenue-generating business units, closing the Southeast Area Office, and further reducing the employee complement by about 7,500 positions.

While yesterday’s announcement focused on the administrative and executive corps, additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.   

Reference: usps.gov
emphasis (bold-print) added by The Postal Newsgroup


March 25 Postal Announcement, USPS March 25 Announcement,

USPS to close 7 district offices

  7,500 workers, $20,000 buyouts "...The seven offices that are closing are Columbus, South East Michigan, Northern Illinois, South East New England, South Georgia, Big Sky and Albuquerque...." Reference: cnn.com  

PMG Donahoe looking for a 400,000 (+/-) workforce

  U.S. Postal Service Cutting 7,500 Jobs, Closing 7 Offices "...The Postal Service has a workforce of almost 575,000 after cutting about 230,000 jobs through attrition since 2000. Donahoe told a congressional subcommittee earlier this month that the agency will eventually have a workforce in the “400,000 range.” ..." Reference: www.bloomberg.com  

$20,000 buyout offer, but not for you

  2011 Special Incentive Offer for targeted non-bargaining employees "...What are the basic details of the 2011 Special Incentive Offer?

On March 23, 2011, the Postal Service announced a Special Incentive offer for the following targeted groups:

Career non-bargaining employees assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Field Units, including PCES and attorneys
Career non-bargaining employees assigned to Area Offices, including PCES
Career non-bargaining employees assigned to District Customer Service Offices (the offer includes PCES in closing districts only)..." Reference: usps.gov  

Highlights of the New APWU Contract (Tentative Agreement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement)

  Highlights of the New APWU Contract (Tentative Agreement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement) "...key components of the tentative agreement between the U.S. Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union for the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The four-and-half year contract, which will expire at midnight on May 20, 2015, must be ratified by members of the APWU.
Wages: There will be across-the-board pay increases of..." Reference: contractnegotiations.blogspot.com  

APWU Agreement

  "...visit http://contractnegotiations.blogspot.com/ to read about the APWU Tentavive Agreement..." Reference: contractnegotiations.blogspot.com  

National Postal Mail Handlers Union Pac Expenditures (2010 Election Cycle)

  National Postal Mail Handlers Union Pac Expenditures (2010 Election Cycle) "...Top Vendors/Recipients...Issa For Congress, Friends Of Jason Chaffetz, ..." Reference: www.opensecrets.org  

Daylight Saving Time

  Daylight Saving Time: Spring ahead, stay on track "...Sleep problems triggered by Daylight Saving Time, which kicks in at 2 a.m. Sunday, when clocks are moved forward an hour, can occur for a week or two and are greater for "morning larks and night owls," says Dr. Anita Valanju Shelgikar, a U-M sleep medicine specialist...." Reference: usatoday.com  

From the wartime '40s, two letter eye-openers

  From the wartime '40s, two letter eye-openers "...A retired Iowa farmer receives a letter sent by his brother from California's Camp Roberts in 1943. Shortly later, the camp gets a missive postmarked in Alabama in 1944 and addressed to a woman who had worked at the Red Cross hospital there...." Reference: latimes.com  

Yes, the Postal Service intends to cut 30,000 positions this year

  Yes, the Postal Service intends to cut 30,000 positions this year "...Donahoe said his goal is to downsize the Postal Service by 30,000 people this year, mostly through attrition. He added that if further reductions-in-force or buyouts..." Reference: federaltimes.com  

March 25, 2011 Announcement:: Retirements, Incentives, Buyouts, Management Reductions

  Postal Service to cut 7,500 positions this month, 30,000 by end of year "...Postal Service resorts to using a buyout offer, it will be ..." Reference: postalearlyretirement.blogspot.com  

Montgomery postmarked letter arrives 66 years later

  Postmarked letter arrives in California 66 years later "...A letter postmarked Montgomery, Ala., apparently left the post office just fine, but by the time it arrived in California 66 years later, the Red Cross hospital named in the address had long since been torn down..." Reference: usatoday.com  

Mail Truck Headed to Birmingham and Vehicle Collide, Killing One

  Woman killed in collision "...a truck contracted to haul U.S. mail. Officials said the truck was heading south to Birmingham to make a delivery, while the Toyota SUV was traveling north. Bowen was pronounced dead at the scene by Colbert County Coroner Carlton Utley...." Reference: www.timesdaily.com  

Postal jobs in Huntsville are safe but city may lose its postmark

  Postal jobs in Huntsville are safe but city may lose its postmark "...Responding to a question from Lynn Pratt, a postal employee in Hazel Green whose husband also works for the postal service, Mitchell left no doubt about job security.

"Everyone who has a job right now will continue to have a job," Mitchell said. "We don't anticipate anyone losing their job. I guarantee you that."..." Reference: al.com  


Comments:
"For casual employees and other temporary employees, this is great news. Reading the National Labor Contracts signed by the U.S. Postal Service, it would normally make a casual or temporary employee fear for their jobs, as it appeared if there were any excessing from the facility, casual and temporary employees would either have to be removed or not hired back. It is so refreshing to hear Bill Mitchell put his job on the line by 'guaranteeing' that "Everyone who has a job right now will continue to have a job." Thanks sir!"

Video of meeting concerning moving outgoing mail operations from Huntsville

 Postal Worker Meeting to Discuss Future

Clicking the title link above will take you to the WHNT news story of the Community Meeting concerning moving outgoing mail operations from Huntsville to Birmingham. Reference: www.whnt.com  

Job cuts coming for the Postal Service?

  Congressmen call for job-cutting priority at USPS "...For Republicans on the subcommittee in particular, this meant significant reductions in the USPS workforce...." Reference: postandparcel.info  

National Postal Mail Handlers Union supports Wisconsin union members

  National Postal Mail Handlers Union supports Wisconsin union members "...As the situation in Wisconsin continues to boil over, and as several other states have now indicated that they too wish to restrict or eliminate collective bargaining for certain groups of public employees, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union is committed to standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the labor movement.

“This has long ago ceased to be about balancing the budget, if it ever was,” said National President John Hegarty. “In Wisconsin, and now in many other states, this is nothing more than retribution by the right wing against the labor unions for exercising their right to support the candidates of their choosing in last fall’s elections.”

The public-sector unions in Wisconsin have already indicated their willingness to work with the Governor, and to chip in and do their part to balance the budget. Apparently, that’s not good enough for Governor Walker, who is insisting that they also give up most of their collective bargaining rights.

We have fielded numerous calls to the National Office asking how our members can get involved. The AFL-CIO has a link on its website regarding protests going on in cities across the country: http://www.aflcio.org. Jobs With Justice also has a listing of events on their web site at http://www.jwjblog.org/2011/02/worker-solidarity-rallies-planned/. Please be advised that any activity on your part should be off-the-clock.

The NPMHU encourages all of its members to stay informed, and to support these workers in whatever way they see fit. ..." Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union  

Daytona Beach postmark ending

  "...Nick Mosezar, president of Local 318 of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union that represents Florida, said he was not surprised at the decision. "The Postal Service is in a slash mode," said Mosezar, whose office is in Orlando. ..."
Reference: www.news-journalonline.com  

Huntsville Union Meeting Today

  Huntsville Union Meeting Today There will be a union meeting at 11:00 AM. The primary topic of discussion will surely focus on the proposed consolidation of the Huntsville Processing and Distribution Facility and the upcoming Community meeting to discuss the consolidation. The meeting will be held at the China Buffet on Highway 20.  

Huntsville Alabama Hammered By Mail Delays

  Huntsville Alabama Hammered By Mail Delays
"...Postal Service spokesman Joseph Breckenridge. "This certainly was a lesson for us, and we're going to be taking this lesson into account...We don't have the extra resources that we used to have, and we're down to the bare essentials we need in order to do the job...." Reference: Rocket City News  

RI-399 Jurisdiction Case Law with citings

  RI-399 Jurisdiction Case Law with citings "...TRENTON METROPOLITAN AREA LOCAL OF THE AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION, AFL-CIO, Appellant in 08-4084,
v.
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, Appellant in 08-3941.
NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION, AFL-CIO (Intervenor in D.C.), Appellant in 09-1333...." Reference: www.leagle.com  

Federal Duck Stamp Collecting

1940 Federal Duck Stamp

Federal Duck Stamp Collecting "...An oft overlooked collectible stamp is the Federal Duck Stamp. The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, often known as “Ducks Stamps,” are pictorial stamps produced by the Postal Service for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These stamps are not valid for postage. Originally, these stamps were created in 1934 as the federal licenses required for duck hunting and hunting migratory waterfowl.

In addition to serving as a hunting license and a conservation tool, the Federal Duck Stamp also..." Reference: Federal Duck Stamp Collecting  

2011 Mail Handler Contract Official Call for Bargaining Proposals

Click for Form

Submit Your Proposals for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Contract

If you have any proposals that you would like to have considered for the upcoming round of bargaining, now is the time to submit them to the National Office. Every proposal submitted will be fully analyzed by the NPMHU’s Field Negotiating Committee and the National Negotiations Team while the Union develops its opening bargaining proposals.

All proposals should set forth the Article, Section, Paragraph, and/or Page of the National Agreement that you are suggesting should be changed; the specific language you would like to see added to, or deleted from, the current National Agreement; and your specific reasons for suggesting the change. If you have supporting evidence or documentation that you believe would support the change that you propose, please submit those materials to the National Office along with your proposals.

The National Office is asking that all proposals be submitted as soon as possible, but in no event later than March 31, 2011. The National Office also has issued a form that can be used to submit proposals. Copies of that form have been mailed to all Local Unions and all Local Union officers and stewards, and can be downloaded on the NPMHU website. (Click here to get PDF of proposal form.)

Once again, proposals from any member (or group of members) and any Local Unions or other subordinate body should be submitted to the National Office by March 31, 2011, using the following address:


National Postal Mail Handlers Union
2011 Contract Negotiations
1101 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036



Reference Source: www.npmhu.org


Tags: Mail Handler Contract Negotiations 2011, National Postal Mail Handlers Union Contract

Postal Service Mail Volume Increases a huge 707 million pieces

  Postal Service Begins 2011 with Loss in First Quarter "...Total mail volume increased a modest 707 million pieces or 1.5 percent for the first quarter of 2011..." Reference: www.usps.com  

U.S. Postal Service Considers Moving Some Huntsville Operations To Birmingham

  U.S. Postal Service Considers Moving Some Huntsville Operations To Birmingham "...resulted in an excess number of employees and equipment in some mail processing operations.

In November, the Postal Service began a study at the Huntsville Processing and Distribution Facility to determine how easy and effective it would be to consolidate some operations to the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center. ..." Reference: WHNT News  

USPS RIF and VER Informational Website Announced

USPS HR Organizational Changes Website Announced

In the event of RIF and/or VER, all relevant information – including timelines and guidance - will be posted on the Organizational Changes Website as soon as details are finalized. Watch for internal communications such as LINK articles and stay tuned to this website for any and all HR-related updates.

Reference Source: USPS HR Organizational Changes Website

Tags: USPS HR Organizational Changes Website, USPS Voluntary Early Retirement Information, USPS Reduction in Force Information,

FSS Staffing Reference

  FSS goes online at Illinois Plant "...It takes a team of eight mail handlers and two clerks to operate one FSS machine. For many employees, this is a new assignment, involving extensive training. FSS operators line up the mail, clear jams and keep things flowing while the machine is working, so there’s no down time...." Reference: usps.gov  

North Bay postal processing and distribution center consolidation concerns

  Postal employees raise voices for Petaluma mail center "...Mail handler Joey Rayos sorts mail at the opening unit mail prep area of the United States Postal Service's North Bay postal processing and distribution center ..." Reference: www.pressdemocrat.com  

Andre Baumann, Mail Handler, Passes

  Andre Baumann, Mail Handler, Passes "...Andre Baumann of Wood-Ridge passed away Saturday, Jan. 8. He was 55 years old. Mr. Baumann was a former resident of Rutherford. He worked for the United States Postal Service International and Bulk Mail Center in Jersey City for over 32 years. He was also a member of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 300...." Reference: www.northjersey.com  

Is the Postal Service considering moving mail processing operations out of the Rocket City?

  Is the Postal Service considering moving mail processing operations out of the Rocket City? "...it would not be in the best interest of Huntsville, Alabama for the USPS to consolidate the facility. In fact, the public outrage over such a move should outweigh any such action. The Huntsville Processing and Distribution Facility is vital to Madison County and the Rocket City. ..." Reference: Rocket City News  

Postal Early Retirement Buyout Incentives Coming?

  USPS shrinks workforce, changes "...If the goal of 7,500 jobs is not reached through voluntary retirements, Donahoe might look at financial incentives for retirement...." Reference: Postal Newsgroup  

Former Postmaster General Back at Work

  Head of U.S. Chamber ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ About Economic Recovery "...Donahue announced a new project, headed by former Postmaster General of the United States Jack Potter, to open up global supply chains and logistics for American companies. ..." Reference: www.theepochtimes.com  

Memo Referencing Early Retirements, Reduction in Force, Closing of Southeast Area Office, and other structure changes

  Memo Referencing Early Retirements, Reduction in Force, Closing of Southeast Area Office, and other structure changes
The Postmaster General has announced via memo, organization structure changes, a Reduction in Force, a Voluntary Early Retirement Program, and the closing of the Southeast Area Office.  

USPS To Offer Early Retirement

  USPS To Offer Early Retirement "...a much larger process that will involve every organization within the Postal Service,” said Donahoe. “As we continue our restructuring, we anticipate that a reduction in force (RIF) and a voluntary early retirement (VER) process will be initiated by the end of this fiscal quarter,” said Donahoe. ..." Reference: www.postalreporternews.net  

How do I request USPS Administrative Leave for a 'Community Disaster?

  How do I request USPS Administrative Leave for a 'Community Disaster? "...B.2 - Community Disaster You have indicated that your absence is for a community disaster such as snow, fire, flood, or a civil disorder. You must exercise reasonable diligence to report to work. If Administrative Leave is not approved, and you are unable to report to work, Go to B.1.a ..."



Excerpt from USPS* Reference Card [click above]


* Reference: This information is derived from a 'postal reference card' provided to employees of the u.s. postal service. This information reproduced and is provided as a postal employee leave reference resource for educational and archival purposes. This site and the sites linked to, are not affiliated with the U.S. Postal Service and we accept no liability for the accuracy of the information.

USPS Not Paying New Jersey Postal Employees For Missing Work Due To Snowstorm

  USPS Not Paying New Jersey Postal Employees For Missing Work Due To Snowstorm "...The following is a message from a Cranford, New Jersey NALC Union Steward: Postal employees from the Cranford, New Jersey postal facility were told that they would not be paid Administrative Leave for Monday’s (December 27, 2010) snowstorm. The employees were told to use their personal leave to be excused for that day. The decision not to pay postal employees Administrative leave came down from the USPS District Office...." Reference: PostalReporter News Blog  

U.S. Postal Service Headquarters

USPS Headquarters

 
Where is the U.S. Postal Service Headquarters?

USPS Headquarters Address and Phone Number

• 475 L'Enfant Plaza
• Washington D.C., DC 20536
• Address current as per Google Maps on the date of this posting
  

Postal Early Retirement in the works?

  "...Rumors and speculation on another postal service early retirement are beginning to flood the internet and post office workroom floors across the nation...." Reference: Postal Early Retirement 2011  

Postal Employment Verification

  Postal Employment Verification To verify your postal service employment, this site will assist you in providing this information to a lender or anyone you need to provide USPS Employment Verification. Reference: Postal Employment Verification  

Salaries for Postal Employees

  Search for Postal Employee Salaries
Curious about how much a specific postal employee salary is? Take a look at the postal employee salary search. Want to know how much your USPS plant manager is paid? How much does your MDO at your postal facility gets paid. What about your rural carrier or your supervisors pay for working for the postal service. Want to see how much this salary search for postal pay says you are making? Don't know the name or salary for everyone at your plant, simply type in the zip for your plant.Reference: Postal Employee Salary Pay Search

Oldest continually operating post office in Alabama

  Road Trip: Huntsville, Ala. "...few miles west of Huntsville to Mooresville. This tiny town off Exit 2 on I-565 was incorporated in 1818, when Alabama was still a territory. Mooresville has been using the same wooden cabin as a post office since 1840. It is one of the oldest continually operating post offices in the country and contains post boxes that predate the building itself...." Reference: www.ajc.com