Small Parcel Sorting System (SPSS) Arbitrator Sharnoff Decision

Arbitration Snip: "... The bottom line is that the Mail Handlers remain the primary craft for dumping and loading mail onto the SPSS and for sweeping the SPSS, while the Clerks remain the primary craft for the singulating and facing work on the SPSS and for that portion of the sweeping needed for ergonomic rotation. The arbitrator reached this conclusion for various reasons, including by analogizing to the APPS and APBS machines: [T]he Arbitrator finds, in these circumstances, that the USPS, in reaching its determination to award the “singulating”/“facing” work on the SPSS to the Clerk Craft, was acting in a manner which was consistent with its determination of the award of jobs on these two machines, with the assignment of such duties to the Mail Handlers on the APPS in light of the limited amount of such work to be performed and to the Clerks on the APBS in light of the more significant amount of such work required. To that extent, the Arbitrator finds that the USPS, in awarding the “singulating”/“facing” work on the SPSS to the Clerks as the Primary Craft, based in part on the assignment of such work to the Clerks on the APBS, was not acting in a manner which was arbitrary or an abuse of its discretion...Read Full Decision Here"

Article Resource: www.npmhu.org

CITATION REFERENCE RELATING TO: Small Parcel Sorting System (SPSS): Case Nos. Q11M-6Q-J 15281315 & Q10C-4Q-J 15291805;(Small Parcel Sorting System -Merits)

Nearly 3,500 federal workers to get benefits for contracting the coronavirus at work

  Nearly 3,500 federal workers to get benefits for contracting the coronavirus at work

"... The government has agreed to pay injury compensation benefits to nearly 3,500 federal employees on grounds that they contracted the coronavirus while at work, and has granted death benefits to survivors of 14 employees for that reason...The FECA program covers about 2.7 million federal employees, including more than 600,000 in the semi-corporate U.S. Postal Service..."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com  

Next Contract Pay Increase of 1% Effective November 21, 2020

  Next Contract Pay Increase of 1% Effective November 21, 2020

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

UPDATE ON RETROACTIVE PAY

  UPDATE ON RETROACTIVE PAY

The retroactive pay due under the terms of the 2019 -2022 National Agreement will be included in the October 30, 2020 paychecks. There are multiple variables that determine how much any one employee will receive.

The retroactive general wage increase period was November 23, 2019 through April 24, 2020. The retroactive period for the March COLA increase was February 29, 2020 through April 24, 2020.

Retirees received retroactive pay for the hours that they were actively employed and worked from November 23, 2019 until their retirement date if their date was prior to April 24, 2020. This check was sent to their last office of record.

The amount an employee received was based on the following:

Actual hours worked
Step and level of pay during the retroactive pay period. For example a Level 5, Step P employee will not receive the same pay as a Level 4, Step A employee.
Overtime hours worked
Any shift differential worked, such as Sunday Premium, Night Differential, etc.
Leave Hours paid
LWOP Hours used

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

USPS encourages "paycheck checkup" due to changes in tax law

  USPS encourages "paycheck checkup" due to changes in tax law

Federal Income Tax Withholding (Link to USPS Bulletin)

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made major revisions that affected taxpayer withholding. Due to changes in the law, personal exemptions are no longer a central feature of the tax code. The Internal Revenue Service updated Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, to reflect these changes. Employees who have submitted Form W-4 in any year before 2020 are not required to complete a new form, and USPS® will continue to compute withholding based on information from the employee’s most recently submitted Form W-4.

For employees who do submit a revised Form W-4 in 2020, withholding will be based on expected filing status and standard deduction for the year. Employees can also choose to have qualified children and other dependents, multiple jobs or spouse works, and other income and deductions reflected in their withholding.

Contributions made by employees to the following programs continue to be treated as pretax monies for federal tax computations:
1. Commuter Program (CPP) up to the transit/parking pretax limits.
2. Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
3. Health Benefits (HB):
4. Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), unless the employee declined the pre-tax benefit.
5. USPS Health Benefits (USPS HB), only if the employee opted for pretax contributions.
6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
7. Health Savings Account (HSA).
8. Traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Regardless of whether employees have completed a revised 2020 Form W-4, it is recommended that they visit irs.gov and complete a “paycheck checkup” using the Tax Withholding Estimator (see irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator).

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

How to Increase Your FERS Annuity by 10% for Life

  How to Increase Your FERS Annuity by 10% for Life

"...If you’re in FERS, you can actually lock in a 10% increase to your retirement annuity for the rest of your life..."

Reference: federalretiree.blogspot.com  

Despite USPS announcement postal union leaders doubt recent changes will be fully restored

  Despite USPS announcement postal union leaders doubt recent changes will be fully restored

"...Paul Hogrogian, national president for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, said he doubts that machines already impacted by the postal service's reduction efforts will return to service, "especially since some have already been scrapped." Kevin Tabarus, president of NPMHU Local 300, which includes New York City and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, said he does not think DeJoy's reversal Tuesday will undo all the challenges created by recent machine removals and other changes. "I think it's too late. The network is already messed up," Tabarus said..."

Reference: www.cnn.com  

PMG DeJoy Issues Responsive Statement Concerning Continuation of Postal Services

  PMG DeJoy Issues Responsive Statement Concerning Continuation of Postal Services

RE: PMG Statement on Continuation of Postal Services (pdf)

After many days of non-stop media and congressional attention on cutbacks at the Postal Service, and just days before testifying before the key Senate and House committees with jurisdiction over postal issues, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has just issued a responsive statement concerning the continuation of postal services.

First, the statement narrowly focuses on all election-related mail that will be processed and delivered by the Postal Service during the coming days, making clear that the USPS and all of its dedicated employees are prepared to deal with any increased volume and meet all service standards during the coming months until this November’s elections.

Second, the statement announces the expansion of the ongoing task force on election mail, to include the leadership of all postal unions, including the NPMHU, to continue its work with state and local election officials across the country. This task force will ensure the coordination of state and local election mail with the requirements of mail processing and delivery and postal rules and regulations.

Finally, the PMG made clear that, from now until the November elections:

- Retail hours will not change;
- Mail processing equipment and collection boxes will remain where they are;
- No mail processing facilities will be closed;
- Overtime will continue to be approved as needed; and
- Longstanding operation initiatives that may have been in place prior to his selection as PMG will be suspended.

Ominously, the PMG also states that he “came to the Postal Service to make changes [and] significant reforms are essential.” But work on those matters “will commence after the election.” We therefore are on notice that the post-election period will be challenging and stressful (and not simply because of the usual surge of holiday volume), with the PMG essentially announcing that “reform” efforts will continue at that time. The issues discussed publicly during the past few weeks, therefore, have not been resolved, but rather have only been delayed beyond the November 2020 elections.

Thus, the full resources of the NPMHU National Office, all of its Regional representatives, and certainly its Local Unions and representatives must continue to coordinate our efforts to preserve USPS operations, protect jobs, and maintain the great service that the American public has come to expect. We urge the Locals to continue to monitor and report on any changes in mail processing or transportation operations and/or equipment that may delay or otherwise adversely affect mail service and/or violate our contractual agreements with postal management.

Attached is the full statement issued by the PMG with August 18, 2020 cover letter. Please disseminate this memorandum and its attachment as you deem appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact the National Office should you have any questions.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Second COLA set at $188

  Second COLA set at $188

Effective August 29, 2020, (Pay Period 19-2020) all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment as outlined in Article 9.3 of the 2019 National Agreement. This is the second of six possible COLA increases under the terms of the current agreement. This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) following release of the July 2020 Index, using the July 2019 CPI index as a base provides an annual increase of $188 for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 will receive the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.3 of the National Agreement.

Wage charts will be published and widely distributed in the coming days.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Retroactive Payments Tentatively Scheduled for October 30, 2020

  Retroactive Payments Tentatively Scheduled for October 30, 2020

August 6, 2020 - The Postal Service has informed the union that it tentatively expects to make retroactive payment on contractual salary increases resulting from ratification of the 2019 National Agreement in Pay Period 22, appearing in checks dated October 30, 2020. The contract was ratified by the NPMHU membership on April 7, 2020. We share this information with the understanding that this payment date is tentative, and subject to further delay. We will share additional information as warranted.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Is the U.S. Postal Service considering closing post offices across the country?

  Is the U.S. Postal Service considering closing post offices across the country?

"...Manchin said he has received numerous reports from post offices and colleagues about service cuts or looming closures in West Virginia and elsewhere, prompting him to send a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy asking for an explanation..."The logical conclusion is that he's going to try to close some post offices," Dimondstein said of the postmaster general's belt-tightening strategies...The agreement also requires USPS to give the Treasury Department access to proprietary information about the Postal Service's private-sector shipping contracts and bars the agency from accessing the emergency funds if its "cash balance exceeds $8 billion"

Reference: www.cbsnews.com
Tags: Negotiated Service Agreements (NSA's)  

USPS and Department of Treasury Come to Terms on Loan

  USPS and Department of Treasury Come to Terms on Loan

"...It should be noted,however,that details of the terms of agreement have not been made public. The loan announcement comes on the heels of the implementation of a pilot program that is creating intentional delivery delays, and the NPMHU is concerned that the terms will include significant and permanent operational changes that would impact the membership...USPS Press Release on Treasury Loan (pdf)..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Mail Handlers Used to Poke Holes in Envelopes to Battle Germs and Viruses

  Mail Handlers Used to Poke Holes in Envelopes to Battle Germs and Viruses

"...In the collections of the National Postal Museum and on display in the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery one such paddle that was used by the Board of Health in Montgomery, Alabama, looks more like a diabolical hairbrush than a public health safety tool. The perforating paddle was used like a hammer to poke numerous holes in envelopes in order to allow the contents to get a full measure of fumigation, the second step in sanitizing the mail..."

Reference: www.smithsonianmag.com  

APWU Announces Payment of Retroactive Pay Increases

  APWU Announces Payment of Retroactive Pay Increases

"...Retroactive payments for the pay increases under the 2018-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement, have been scheduled for pay period 18-2020, paycheck dated September 4, 2020..."

Reference: apwu.org  

Louis DeJoy of Greensboro named Postmaster General, to start on June 15

  Louis DeJoy of Greensboro named Postmaster General, to start on June 15

Louis DeJoy

"...worked closely with the Postal Service for many years, I have a great appreciation for this institution and the dedicated workers who faithfully execute its mission," DeJoy said. "I look forward to working with the supporters of the Postal Service in Congress and the Administration to ensure the Postal Service remains an integral part of the United States government. Postal workers are the heart and soul of this institution, and I will be honored to work alongside them and their unions. It will be an incredible honor to serve as Postmaster General, and I commit myself to upholding the Postal Service's cherished role in our nation." DeJoy's wife, Dr. Aldona Wos, was nominated by Trump to be the country’s ambassador to Canada in February..."
Reference: www.bizjournals.com
  MORE READING:

Louis DeJoy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Louis DeJoy to become next USPS postmaster general from Linn's Stamp News

Top Republican fundraiser and Trump ally named postmaster general, giving president new influence over Postal Service from The Washington Post

Republican donor named US postmaster general from FOX News Network, LLC

USPS Board of Governors Selects Louis DeJoy to Serve as New Postmaster General from the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)

Postal Service revises Criteria for Return to Work for Employees with Confirmed case of COVID-19

  Postal Service revises Criteria for Return to Work for Employees with Confirmed case of COVID-19

"...For your information, per the CDC, options for decisions about return-to-work for individuals with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 include a test-based strategy or a non-test based strategy. The USPS is currently applying the non-test based strategy in the majority of cases..."

Reference: USPS via NPMHU  

When will new wage rates be implemented?

  When will new wage rates be implemented?
As per the NPMHU National Office, The new wage rates, which will reflect the November 2019 general wage increase and the March 2020 COLA payment, will be implemented in Pay Period 10, which begins on April 25, 2020. However, The date for issuing back payments to apply these new rates on a retroactive basis to November 2019 or March 2020, as applicable, is still unknown, but the National Office will post those dates as soon as they are determined.
Reference: npmhu317.blogspot.com

Implementation Dates for the 2019 National Agreement Released

  Implementation Dates for the 2019 National Agreement Released

Implementation Dates for 2019 National Agreement: Part 1 (pdf)

The NPMHU and the Postal Service have agreed on most of the implementation dates for the 2019 National Agreement, which was recently ratified by the membership.

As reflected in the attached letter from Doug Tulino, USPS Vice President for Labor Relations, all work rules revised by the 2019 National Agreement will take effect on Saturday, April 25, 2020, unless the National Agreement includes another date. Another date is included in the agreement on various subjects, and some are dependent on the USPS payroll system. Listed below is the information we now have to share:

1. The new wage rates – which will reflect the November 2019 general wage increase and the March 2020 COLA payment – will be implemented in Pay Period 10, which begins on April 25, 2020.

2. The date for issuing back payments to apply these new rates on a retroactive basis to November 2019 or March 2020, as applicable, is still unknown, but the National Office will post those dates as soon as they are determined.

3. The new night differential rates, and the new rules on MHA overtime, will begin in Pay Period 11, which begins on May 9, 2020.

4. The date for conversion of MHAs to career under the one-time conversion program for MHAs with 2.5 years of service will be June 6, 2020.

5. The last date for casual employees on the rolls will be July 31, 2020.

6. The effective date for deeming all newly hired MHAs to be hired on a Saturday at the start of the pay period during which they begin work, solely for relative-standing-based-conversion to career, will be May 9, 2020.

7. The start date for measuring cumulative changes in starting time for a bid under revised Article 12.3B6 is the date of ratification, or April 7, 2020.

8. Because of the ongoing pandemic, the dates for LMOU Implementation under Article 30 have been reset to the sixty-day period from September 2, 2020 to October 31, 2020. A separate memo and attachment will be circulated on this issue.

9. The eligibility of MHAs for various types of health insurance is scheduled as follows: First, the Postal Service shall continue to provide the USPS Noncareer Health Plan with self-only, self plus one, and family options for the duration of this Agreement. There will be a special enrollment period for MHAs to gain access to the USPS Noncareer Health Benefits plan, running from June 6, 2020 to July 3, 2020, with benefits effective on July 4, 2020. The Postal Service contribution for self-only insurance is the greater of (a) $125 per pay period or (b) the minimum required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and applicable regulations. For self plus one or family coverage, the USPS bi-weekly contribution is equal to 65% of the total premium for any MHA who wishes to participate in the USPS Plan during each MHA’s initial year of non-career employment. After an MHA’s first year of employment, the Postal Service will make a bi-weekly contribution equal to 75% of the total premium for either self plus one or family coverage. MHAs may elect to make their health care contributions on a pre-tax basis.

Second, after an initial appointment for a 360-day term and upon reappointment to another 360-day term, an eligible noncareer MHA may elect to participate in the FEHB Program. For most health plans, the total expense would have to be covered completely by the employee, but the Postal Service will make a contribution toward the total premium for any eligible MHA who selects the Mail Handler Benefit Plan (MHBP) Value Plan or MHBP Consumer Option. For self-only enrollment, this contribution shall be equal to, but no greater than, the dollar amount of the Postal Service’s contribution toward self-only coverage for MHAs under the USPS Plan. For self plus one or family coverage, the contribution shall be equal to, but no greater than, the dollar value of 75% of the total premium for self plus one or family coverage under the USPS Plan. Such participation (after one year of service and upon reappointment to another 360-day term) in the FEHB Program becomes generally available on April 25, 2020, and becomes applicable to any particular MHA upon reappointment to another 360-day term or upon a qualifying life event under FEHB rules (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child). Again, MHAs may elect to make their health care contributions on a pre-tax basis.

There also is the general FEHB open season during the months of November and early December each year. The National Office will continue to circulate information about implementation of the 2019 National Agreement during the coming weeks, as such information becomes available.

Please disseminate this information as you deem appropriate. Should you have any questions, please contact the National CAD Representatives.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

NPMHU Mourns Passing of Sam D’Ambrosio, Former Vice President and National Shop Steward Trainer

  NPMHU Mourns Passing of Sam D’Ambrosio, Former Vice President and National Shop Steward Trainer

Sam D’Ambrosio

It is with great sadness that the NPMHU National Office announces the death of the beloved Sam D’Ambrosio, former Eastern Region Vice President and National Shop Steward Trainer for the NPMHU. Sam retired in 2013, and subsequently moved with his wife Dee from Pittsburgh, PA to Phoenix, AZ so they could be near his son, his daughter-in-law, and his two grandchildren.

Sammy started his career as a Mail Handler in Pittsburgh, PA, working at the Bulk Mail Center and Network Distribution Center. He served three terms as President of Local 322, and was first elected Eastern Region Vice President of the National Union in 1992, a position that he maintained for six terms or 24 years. During those years, Sam served as Chair of the Union’s Constitution Committee and Chair of the Union’s Field Negotiating Committee on too many occasions to count, and also served as part of the Union’s National Negotiations Team in negotiations and arbitration leading to the 2011 National Agreement. Also during those years, Sam worked on National grievances, served as Shop Steward Trainer, conducted training on casuals, FMLA, OSHA, arbitration advocacy, jurisdictional issues, and a host of other matters, and helped draft the first few versions of the Contract Interpretation Manual. His accomplishments were routinely recognized by the membership, as he was re-elected without opposition and by acclamation of the delegates on many occasions.

Only a small part of Sam could be explained by his resume and his Union achievements. Sam also possessed a unique personality that filled every room he entered, enjoyed every restaurant he visited, and made him a friend to thousands of Mail Handlers across the country.

Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Sam’s wife Dee and the rest of the D’Ambrosio family. As further details become available, they will be shared with the Local Unions and the entire membership.
Reference: www.npmhu.org

Mail Handlers Ratify 2019 National Agreement

  Mail Handlers Ratify 2019 National Agreement

The terms of the 2019 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service were officially ratified on April 7, 2020, after a short delay in counting the votes caused by the ongoing pandemic. The certified results show that over 96% of the membership approved of the new contract, with the final vote tally at 7,003 in favor of ratification and 255 in opposition to ratification.

Further details about the implementation of the 2019 National Agreement will be provided to Local Union officers and representatives as they become available.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Michigan postal worker first mail handler to die of coronavirus, union says

  Michigan postal worker first mail handler to die of coronavirus, union says

"...A postal worker for 30 years, Anthony Smith was the first known mail handler to die of coronavirus, his union said, adding he loved kids, karaoke and his job at the Detroit National Distribution Center in Allen Park. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union said Smith..."

Reference: www.freep.com  

Handling mail amid coronavirus: Low risk but wash your hands

  Handling mail amid coronavirus: Low risk but wash your hands

"...Health experts say the risks are very low that COVID-19 will remain on envelopes or packages and infect anyone who handles them. They say, however, to avoid touching your face and wash your hands after handling any..."

Reference: www.inquirer.com  

USPS mail handler at a Cleveland distribution center tests positive for COVID-19

  USPS mail handler at a Cleveland distribution center tests positive for COVID-19

"...U.S. Postal Service confirmed Monday that a mail handler at one of its Cleveland Processing and Distribution Centers has recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease, according to Naddia Dhalai, a communication specialist with the USPS...Both the CDC and the World Health Organizations said there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through mail..."

Reference: www.news5cleveland.com  

CDC Guidelines on Wearing Surgical Masks and N95 respirators

  Should we all wear face masks to fight coronavirus? CDC says no, guidelines remain unchanged

"...The current guidelines state that surgical masks and N95 respirators are not needed outside of healthcare settings, and there will be no change of that as hospitals and healthcare centers are quickly running out of personal protective equipment (PPE)..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com  

What are employers doing for their Coronavirus frontline workers? Here is one example

  What are employers doing for their Coronavirus frontline workers? Here is one example

"...Verizon Offers Enhanced Pay for Essential On-site Employees..."

Reference: yahoo.com  

UPDATE: The NPMHU Contract Ratification Vote Count Began Yesterday

  UPDATE: The NPMHU Contract Ratification Vote Count Began Yesterday

According to the NPMHU March 20 Contract Update, the delayed contract ratification vote count will resume on Monday, March 30, 2020: "The ballot verification and counting is now set to begin on Monday, March 30, 2020, one week later than previously announced, and it is expected to take the duration of the entire week or longer to finalize and certify"

Additionally, there have been numerous updates provided by the NPMHU national website. Please read here to update yourself:

Reference: NPMHU 317  

Three-dozen plus Postal Service employees have tested positive for the novel coronavirus

  With Dozens of Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, USPS Launches New Measures to Protect Employees

"...To date, 40 postal workers have contracted the virus. Many more are home on mandatory quarantine as they may have come in contact with infected individuals ..."

Reference: www.govexec.com  

BALLOT COUNT DELAYED IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

 

This change is dictated by the need for social distancing

BALLOT COUNT DELAYED IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2019 No. 12- March 19, 2020 (pdf)

2019 Contract Update #12

BALLOT COUNT DELAYED IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

**VOTING OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED**

Out of an abundence of caution, and in order to comply with local and federal health recommendations, the National Executive Board has made the decision to modify the election ratification procedures that were originally distributed in Contract Update #11 on February 10, 2020. The ballot verification and count was previously scheduled to occur on March 23, 2020. In view of the coronavirus pandemic and recommended preventative measures, it is not practical to conduct the ballot count at this time.

In order to provide a safe environment with appropriate social distancing, we will utilize less people, in a more expansive area, to conduct the verification and count. These safety measures mean that it will take significantly longer to conduct the verification and ballot count.

As previously reported, the balloting period shall extend for at least 30 days after the mailing of ballots. The ballots will be col-lected from the P.O. Office Box, verified, and counted beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the day chosen to begin the count. The Union has retained the American Arbitration Association to certify the ballot count.

The ballot verification and counting is now set to begin on Monday, March 30, 2020, one week later than previously announced, and it is expected to take the duration of the entire week or longer to finalize and certify.

The primary reason for this delay in completing the ballot count, even after it is started, is that the verification and count of ballots will be performed by fewer people, operating out of separate locations, but connecting with each other using telephone and internet connections, including video and/or camera connections. This change is dictated by the need for social distancing.

In the event that federal or local government health officials invoke additional restrictions or quarentines such as a lockdown or shelter in place order, the NEB could be forced to delay the count further as appropriate. All ballots received from eligible members during the extended voting period will be counted.

All Local Unions may still send observers to be present at the collection, verification, opening, and counting of the ballots. However, said observations will only be made available by video feed to the National Office

Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

CDC says coronavirus RNA found in Princess Cruise ship cabins up to 17 days after passengers left

  CDC says coronavirus RNA found in Princess Cruise ship cabins up to 17 days after passengers left

"...Coronavirus RNA survived for up to 17 days aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, living far longer on surfaces than previous research has shown, according to new data published Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...The RNA, the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID-19, “was identified on a variety of surfaces in cabins..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com  

APWU has a new arbitrated contract

  APWU has a new arbitrated contract

"...Increased Compensation – General Wage plus COLA Increases, Step Increases, PSE Wage Increases, Click here to read the full award..."

Reference: apwu.org  

Ratification Packet Error: MHA Rate at Level 4, Effective in November 2021 Lower Than Stated

  Ratification Packet: Error in MHA Rate at Level 4, Effective in November 2021

This memorandum is to inform all Local Unions of an error contained in the ratification materials relating to the tentative agreement to govern the terms of the 2019 National Agreement. In particular, those ratification materials incorrectly state that the MHA Level 4 wage rate will be $17.36 per hour effective in November 2021, the third year of the agreement, when that revised rate should be listed as $17.32. See 2-28-2020 memorandum (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

  Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

"...A U.S. Postal Service employee at a Federal Way distribution center has tested positive for the coronavirus. A USPS spokesperson confirmed with media that the employee works at the Seattle Network Distribution Center at 34301 9th Ave. S. in Federal Way..."

Reference: www.seattleweekly.com  

Mail Handlers Union Releases Ratification Procedures; Ballots to Mail on February 18, 2020

  Mail Handlers Union Releases Ratification Procedures; Ballots to Mail on February 18, 2020

NPMHU RELEASES RATIFICATION PROCEDURES

BALLOTS TO MAIL ON FEBRUARY 18, 2020

* * *

BALLOT VERIFICATION AND COUNTING

SET FOR MARCH 23, 2020

2019 No. 11 – February 10, 2020 (pdf)

The following procedures have been adopted by the National Executive Board of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, pursuant to Article V, Section 9 of the NPMHU National Constitution, to govern the referendum vote that will be held to ratify the terms of the tentative 2019 National Agreement between the Union and the U.S. Postal Service.

1. All regular members who are employed by the U.S. Postal Service as of the last pay period of January 2020 shall be eligible to vote. It will take a majority of the votes properly cast to ratify the tentative agreement.

2. The voting shall be by mail ballot in postage-guaranteed return envelopes that are pre-addressed to a Post Office Box rented for the collection of such ballots. Voters will be asked to set forth their name, their address, their Local Union, and the last four digits of their employee identification number on the return envelope, but not on the inside envelope containing their secret ballot.

3. All eligible voters will be furnished with the text of any proposed changes and deletions, together with their ballots and return envelopes, as soon as practicable after the tentative agreement has been reached. It is the present intention of the National Office to mail these materials to all eligible voters no later than sixty (60) days after the date on which a tentative agreement is announced.

4. The balloting period shall extend for at least thirty (30) days after the mailing of ballots. The ballots will be collected from the Post Office Box, verified, and counted beginning at 9:00 a.m. on that day. The Union shall retain the American Arbitration Association or a similar organization to certify the ballot count. All Local Unions may send observers to be present at the collection, verification, opening, and counting of the ballots.

5. Any member who does not receive a ballot or the accompanying information must call the Ratification Ballot Coordinator at 202-833-9095, extension 1029, to request those materials.

6. The results of the voting will be announced publicly after the final ballot count is available. Copies of the official ballot count will be furnished to all Local Unions for posting.

7. All envelopes and ballots, together with other pertinent records pertaining to the vote, shall be maintained by the National Office for at least one year.

2019 No. 11 – February 10, 2020 (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT (PDF)

  SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT (PDF)

Click Above For Summary

Reference: www.npmhu.org

NPMHU AND USPS ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

  NPMHU AND USPS ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

2019 Contract Update #10 (pdf)

NPMHU AND USPS ANNOUNCE

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

ON TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

* * *

TELECONFERENCE FOR LOCAL UNIONS

SET FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

2019 No. 10 – January 21, 2020:

You are reading the tenth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2019 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed about the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

National President Paul Hogrogian and National Secretary-Treasurer Michael Hora today announced that representatives of the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service have reached a tentative agreement over the terms of their 2019 National Agreement.

The precise terms of the settlement, which will cover the three-year period from September 21, 2019 through September 20, 2022, will be released at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, when the NPMHU National Officers will conduct a nationwide telephone conference call with the Presidents from all thirty-seven Local Unions. At the same time, the terms of the agreement will be posted on the NPMHU website, and will be mailed to thousands of Local Union officers and representatives throughout the country. Details about the teleconference will be sent separately to all Local Presidents.

The National Executive Board will approve procedures providing for a ratification vote by all members. The package circulated with that ballot will contain the precise wording for all of the additions and deletions contained in the new National Agreement.

Reference: www.npmhu.org