Fresno homeowner saddened as video shows small child stealing package from doorstep

  Fresno homeowner saddened as video shows small child stealing package from doorstep

"...A Fresno homeowner’s security cameras captured video showing a small child taking a package from the porch of the home. ..."

Reference: www.sacbee.com
 

What is ‘naked packaging’? Experts say it’s luring porch pirates

  What is ‘naked packaging’? Experts say it’s luring porch pirates

"...WGN has recently learned of complaints about more deliveries, with some referred to as “naked packages.” WGN captured a flat-screen TV dropped off on a local porch with packaging showing anyone walking by precisely what was inside. Dr. Ben Stickle, associate professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University, is a porch piracy expert..."

Reference: pix11.com
 

He prevailed upon the US Postal Service to establish a post office

  He prevailed upon the US Postal Service to establish a post office

"...according to the late journalist and historian John Parris. Following his lead, officials opened not one but two post offices in the area, dubbing them Trust and Luck, and named Plemmons postmaster of the Luck branch. ..."

Reference: wncmagazine.com
 

Federal prison for impersonating a U.S. postal inspector, postmaster general

  Federal prison for impersonating a U.S. postal inspector, postmaster general

"...OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An eastern Nebraska man has been sentenced to more than a year in federal prison for impersonating a U.S. postal inspector, postmaster general and a U.S. marshal on various occasions. Jeff..."

Reference: www.usnews.com
 

Idaho Falls woman on Monday was found dead underneath a U.S. Postal Service vehicle

  Idaho Falls woman on Monday was found dead underneath a U.S. Postal Service vehicle

"...Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Idaho Falls Fire responded to the scene at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday to find an unresponsive woman underneath a mail truck on ..."

Reference: www.idahostatejournal.com
 

National Labor Relations Board ruled that Amazon’s union vote was unfair (Opinion)

  National Labor Relations Board ruled that Amazon’s union vote was unfair

"...The National Labor Relations Board ruled that Amazon’s union vote was unfair in part because a U.S. Postal Service receptacle was installed in a spot where employees could potentially be monitored..."

Reference: www.wsj.com
 

St. Petersburg postal clerk stole keys to break into PO boxes for bank fraud, DOJ says

  St. Petersburg postal clerk stole keys to break into PO boxes for bank fraud, DOJ says

"...A former Florida postal clerk is facing federal prison time after she stole post office box keys and used her access to customers’ mail in a bank fraud scheme, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Read more at: https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article256410841.html#storylink=cpy..."

Reference: www.bradenton.com
 

APWU, USPS Reach Tentative Agreement

  APWU, USPS Reach Tentative Agreement

"...Mark Dimondstein said. “The tentative National Agreement contains annual wage increases, protection of full COLAs and no-layoff protections, new opportunities for career work, gains for part time flexibles and a host of other improvements.”..."

Reference: apwu.org
 

ID theft ring recruited USPS mail carriers to steal credit cards: DA

  ID theft ring recruited USPS mail carriers to steal credit cards: DA

"...Ten people have been indicted in an ID theft conspiracy that included United States Postal Service mail carriers and netted more than $750,000, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance announced Wednesday...."

Reference: abc7ny.com
 

Ralph Nader: Ways to Save Our Historic Postal Service

  Ralph Nader: Ways to Save Our Historic Postal Service

"...This pre-payment requirement is something that no other federal government agency or private corporation attempts to do—not to mention that there is no actuarial justification for such an accelerated payment schedule. The pre-funding requirement effectively forces the Postal Service to finance a $72 billion..."

Reference: scheerpost.com
 

Postal Worker Unions Tell Congress ‘To Deliver Postal Reform Before’ Year’s End

  Postal Worker Unions Tell Congress ‘To Deliver Postal Reform Before’ Year’s End

"...Unions are pushing Congress to approve comprehensive postal reform before the end of this year, but it appears that even the Democratic-run House isn’t listening. Instead, leaders have yet to schedule a debate and vote on the measure - HR3076, and referred it to two key committees, Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. The original deadline for those panels’ action was December 3rd. Now it’s January 21st, 2022. ..."

Reference: www.wnylabortoday.com
 

Safer spaces: Managers honored for leadership, vision

  Safer spaces: Managers honored for leadership, vision

"...The Postal Service has presented Safety Leadership and Vision Awards to seven district managers in recognition of their efforts to foster and sustain safe working environments. The awards were presented Nov. 22 during a virtual ceremony. USPS created the Safety Leadership and Vision Awards..."

Reference: USPS News Link
 

Plymouth artist wins First Amendment suit against postal service over custom-made stamp

  Plymouth artist wins First Amendment suit against postal service over custom-made stamp

"...In April 2015, he ordered 20 custom stamps for $40 from Zazzle, an authorized vendor for the postal service, with the drawing and a caption stating “Democracy is Not for Sale.” The postal service refused to fill the order, saying it violated its ban on political content, but still printed other political stamps. ..."

Reference: www.wickedlocal.com
 

Is USPS Employee Employment Data Public Information?

  Is USPS Employee Employment Data Public Information?

Under law, *With the exception of law enforcement personnel, the following data is considered public information: the name, job title, grade, current salary, duty station, and dates of employment of any current or former Postal Service employee. Salary history may not be provided given potential links to performance information and resulting privacy interests. This information can be found on numerous 3rd party sites such as Search Postal Employee Salaries

Reference: NPMHU Local 317 Postal Employee News
 

Brandywine, MD: Postal Service tractor trailers flood neighborhood causing safety issue, children late for school...

  Postal Service tractor trailers flood neighborhood causing safety issue, children late for school...

"...The traffic mayhem the [Postal Service]trucks are causing is just a portion of Karmen Lewis’ concerns. “It's not about inconvenience. It's about safety...."

Reference: Postal eDaily
 

President Praises Unions

  Biden Administration Continues to Praise Unions

"...“When unions win, workers across the board win. That’s a fact.” Secretary Walsh stated, “It’s never been more clear [that] our economy, our community, our very own lives depend on working people…. Our country will never and must never forget that and what essential workers have done in the last eighteen months.” These words should resonate with NPMHU members..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

H.H. Holmes Murder Castle Was Converted, Rebuilt and Used as a Post Office until 1938

  H.H. Holmes Murder Castle Was Converted, Rebuilt and Used as a Post Office until 1938

"...shortly after Holmes was arrested but was largely rebuilt and used as a post office until 1938. Besides his infamous..."

Reference: postalbriefing.blogspot.com
 

OPM will allow same-sex spouses of deceased federal employees a chance to apply for survivor benefits

  OPM will allow same-sex spouses of deceased federal employees a chance to apply for survivor benefits

"...A new notice, scheduled for publication in the Federal Register Wednesday, describes how widows or widowers who meet a specific set of criteria can apply for federal survivor benefits that they were previously ineligible for or, in some cases, denied. Under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a widow or widower must have been married to a federal employee or annuitant at least nine months..."

Reference: federalnewsnetwork.com
 

The Complexities of the Special Retirement Supplement

  The Complexities of the Special Retirement Supplement

"...If you are a FERS employee and you retire on an immediate, unreduced annuity before reaching age 62, you will not only receive your basic annuity but an additional payment that represents the amount of Social Security benefit you earned while a FERS employee. It’s called the special retirement supplement (SRS). An immediate, unreduced annuity is payable to..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com
 

Alabama: Huntsville and Birmingham Postal Facilities get new technology to help with holiday packages

  Alabama: Huntsville and Birmingham Postal Facilities get new technology to help with holiday packages

"...added another new sorting machine to the Huntsville facility to help improve shipping statewide. “We are looking..."

Reference: Postal Briefing
 

U.S. Postal Service Introduces Pen Pal Project

  U.S. Postal Service Introduces Pen Pal Project

"...Each participating classroom will receive a USPS Pen Pal Project kit with a teaching poster, cards, and envelopes. By participating in the program, students will improve their writing, communication, and collaboration skills...."

Reference:
 

OPEN SEASON OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON

  OPEN SEASON OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON

The Federal Health Benefits Open Season provides an opportunity for career mail handlers to make changes to their health insurance coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). During open season, you may make changes to your health insurance including changing plans, enroll if not enrolled, cancel enrollment, or select and change your coverage options (Self Only, Self Plus One or Self and Family).

The USPS has made Consumers’ Checkbook® Guide to Health Plans available to all postal employees and retirees at no charge. Checkbook Guide summarizes thousands of facts about the available health plans to simplify your choice. To access Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, go to: liteblue.usps.gov/planselection. This online tool takes you through a few simple steps to find the best health plan for you and your family. Find every plan available to you ranked by estimated costs and more.

Open season adjustments may be made using PostalEASE, which can be accessed online at liteblue.usps.gov or by calling HRSSC 1-877-477-3273, option 1. FEHBP Open Season begins on November 8, 2021 and ends on December 13, 2021.

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

President Hogrogian Issues Official Call for Bargaining Proposals

Official Call for Bargaining Proposals (pdf)

Fillable bargaining proposal form (pdf)

With preparations underway for negotiations over the terms of the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the Postal Service, the National Office is issuing its official call for bargaining proposals from all members and Local Unions.

To be fully considered prior to the onset of negotiations, proposals must be submitted by January 28, 2022. Although formal bargaining is not scheduled to begin until June, the Union’s Field Negotiating Committee will be meeting for a full week in February 2022 to review all submitted proposals and outline the changes in the National Agreement that should be proposed by the NPMHU.

To be sure, planning for collective bargaining is a continuous process at the National Office, as the National Officers and representatives working in the Contract Administration Department routinely identify and collect proposals for improving the language currently found in the 2019 National Agreement. But an equally important aspect of preparing for bargaining is the collection and review of proposals generated by mail handlers across the country.

Thus, National President Paul Hogrogian has issued this official call for bargaining proposals from the membership, the Local Unions, and other subordinate bodies of the NPMHU. 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 January 28, 2022. The National Office also has issued a form that can be used to submit proposals.

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 January 28, 2022, using the following address:
National Postal Mail Handlers Union
ATTN: 2022 Negotiations
815 16th Street, NW, Suite 5100
Washington, DC 20006
  

::► Source: www.npmhu.org
END

White House clarifies USPS workers will be subject to vaccine mandate

  White House clarifies USPS workers will be subject to vaccine mandate

"...US Postal Service workers will have to get a COVID-19 vaccine or be tested weekly after President Biden mandated the shot for federal workers – despite an earlier report claiming the more than 600,000 letter-carriers and administrative staff were exempt. The White House issued a clarification late Thursday after the Washington Post, citing an official, reported USPS workers were not required to get the shot and were only being “strongly encouraged” to do so..."

Reference: nypost.com  

20th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks

  20th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks

Today our nation looks back two decades to September 11, 2001 when cowardly terrorists launched a barbaric attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center. We pause to commemorate and reflect on the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who were killed and to remember and honor all the heroes, many of them LIUNA members, who risked their own safety to save lives and to help our country recover and rebuild. While much was lost, we can also gather strength from the unity and courage America demonstrated to the world. As our world continues to change, we will face new challenges and threats to our freedoms. While 9/11 memorials fittingly soar to the sky, let us remember that the most profound salute to those who were lost and to future generations will always be the living tribute of one united and indivisible American nation. On behalf of myself, General Secretary-Treasurer Armand E. Sabitoni, and the entire LIUNA General Executive Board, we remember those lost on September 11 and share our sincere gratitude with those who responded with such courage and strength to the terrible attacks.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $1,934; Effective August 28, 2021 (Pay Period 19-2021)

  Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $1,934

Effective August 28, 2021 (Pay Period 19-2021), 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 fourth 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 January 2021 Index, using the July 2019 CPI index as a base, and will provide an annual increase of $1,934 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.

*Updated wage charts forthcoming

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

NPMHU and USPS Reach Agreement to Convert 6,596 MHAs to Career Full-time Regular by August 14, 2021

 

Memorandum of Understanding Re Additional Mail Handler Staffing – June 21, 2021 (pdf)

Linked above is a new MOU just signed by the NPMHU and the Postal Service to provide for additional Mail Handler staffing, in large part by converting 6,596 Mail Handler Assistants to full-time regular career employment no later than August 14, 2021. Also attached is a chart listing the 245 facilities in which these 6596 conversions will take place and the number of conversions that will take place in each listed facility.

As set forth in the MOU, the Postal Service has agreed to convert 6596 MHAs to career status, in the listed facilities, by August 14, 2021. In exchange, the parties agree to extend the exception period for the continued employment of MHAs in excess of the 24.5% installation cap until July 16, 2021 as set forth below. MHAs hired in excess of the 24.5% installation cap for COVID related reasons remain subject to a separate MOU.

1. The parties agree to extend the exception period for the continued employment of MHAs in excess of the 24.5% installation cap as set forth below:

A. Facilities other than those listed on the attached table that are in excess of the 24.5% installation cap will separate Peak MHA hires (i.e., MHAs hired for reasons unrelated to COVID-19) on or before July 16, 2021, following the procedures of the current National Agreement.

B. Installations that plan to convert five or fewer non-career employees to career status in accordance with the attached table will be permitted to retain the number of Peak MHA hires above the 24.5% installation cap equal to the amount of conversions listed in the table beyond July 16, 2021. After the above-referenced conversions are completed and accounted for in the MHA cap, those retained Peak MHA hires above the 24.5% installation cap will be separated on or before August 27, 2021 following the procedures of the National Agreement. All other Peak MHA hires in these facilities will be separated on July 16, 2021, following the procedures of the current National Agreement.

C. After the above-referenced conversions are completed and accounted for in the MHA cap, facilities listed on the attached table that are in excess of the 24.5% installation cap and which plan to convert more than five non-career employees to career status in accordance with the attached table will separate any non-COVID related MHA hires on or before August 27, 2021 following the procedures of the current National Agreement.

Additionally, we have agreed that the exception period for the 2021 peak season for exceeding the 24.5% limitation as set forth in Article 7.1 B3, will be expanded by one additional accounting period. This additional accounting period must be adjacent to the two accounting periods previously identified to the Union under Article 7.1B3 for 2021 and the Postal Service shall notify the Union, at the National level and at the appropriate installation, of the selected additional accounting period for each installation no later than July 30, 2021.

Also see attached a copy of the Questions & Answers that have been agreed to for this MOU Re: Additional Mail Handler Staffing – June 21, 2021. Please contact the National CAD should you have any questions.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Did you use Emergency federal employee leave on or after the April 29 finalized guidance?

  May 10, 2021: Mandatory Stand-Up Talk for Emergency federal employee leave

The Postal Service wants to help youunderstand Emergency Federal Employee Leave(EFEL), a new leave category that provides workerswith leave related tothe coronaviruspandemic.EFELleave is availableto youthrough Sept. 30, or until the federalfund to reimburseagencies for the cost of this leave is exhausted. All Emergency Federal Employee Leaveis conditional on money being available in thefund to reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of leave.Youmust substitute with other available paid leave,or use leave without pay,to repay the Postal Servicefor the cost of any Emergency Federal Employee Leavehours for which it is not reimbursed. Youshould also know that your Emergency Federal Employee Leavehours will be subtractedfrom thecreditable service used to computeyourfederal civilian retirement annuities. The law imposes limits on the amount of this emergency leave anemployee may take,and on the compensation an employee may receive in a single pay period for Emergency Federal Employee Leavehours.Thequalifying reasons include seeking a medical diagnosis when suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, quarantiningor isolatingunder a medicalprovider’s orders, andothers.To find the full list of qualifying reasons, go to the COVID-19 Employee Resources pageon LiteBlue, and review the list on the Employee Notification and Leave Request Form. Postal employees who are seeking to use Emergency Federal EmployeeLeavemust submitthree separateforms:•PS Form 3971, Request for or Notification ofAbsence, indicating Emergency Federal Employee Leaveand for whichof the qualifying reasons they must take leave; •COVID-19 Emergency Federal Employee Leave Employee Notification and Leave Request Form; •and anEmployee Agreement in Connection with Emergency Federal Employee Leave, provided under Section 4001of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any employee who has used Emergency Federal Employee Leaveprior tobeing notified of the document requirements isrequiredto supply the above documents retroactively.For moreinformation aboutEmergency Federal Employee Leave—includingthe forms you’ll need to complete—go to the COVID-19 Employee Resources page on LiteBlue.You’ll need your employee identificationnumber and password to log in.You can find the Emergency Federal Employee Leave page by looking under Hot Topics onthe LiteBlue home page.Thank you for listening, and for all you do every day.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Mail Handlers to Receive Night Shift Differential Increase

  Mail Handlers to Receive Night Shift Differential Increase

May 8, 2021- As provided for in Article 8.7 of the NPMHU 2019 National Agreement, effective May 8, 2021, the flat dollar amount at each pay grade and step for night shift differential in Tables Three and Four shall be increased by an amount equal to 2% of the flat dollar amount for the grade and step in effect on May 9, 2020. The increase is applicable for time worked between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Career employees shall be paid additional compensation at the applicable flat dollar amount at each pay grade and step in accordance with Tables Three and Four. This is the second of three Night Shift Differential increases negotiated in the 2019 National Agreement.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Considering Retirement Now or in the Future? An Informative Resource for Retirees and Future Retirees

  Considering Retirement Now or in the Future? An Informative Resource

"...The Federal Retirement News and Reference Source is an informative resource for retirement information. Providing retirement news snippets from various sources for federal employees, postal employees, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who receive Social Security . Your resource for retirement living, investment, employment, health care, and retirement leisure. - Stay Informed!..."

Reference: Federal Retirement News and Reference Source  

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $416/Year or 20 Cents/Hour

  Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $416/Year

Effective February 27, 2021, (Pay Period 06-2021) 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 third 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 January 2021 Index, using the July 2019 CPI index as a base provides an annual increase of $416 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 CHART (Effective PP06-2021) pdf

CURRENT WAGE CHART TAB

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Several Postal Service price changes will take effect Sunday, Jan. 24

  Several Postal Service price changes will take effect Sunday, Jan. 24

Here are the current and new retail prices:
• First-Class Mail letters (additional ounces): 15 cents (current), 20 cents (new)
• First-Class Mail letters (metered 1 ounce): 50 cents (current), 51 cents (new)
• First-Class Mail domestic postcard stamps: 35 cents (current), 36 cents (new)
• First-Class Mail letters (1 ounce): 55 cents (no change from current price)
• First-Class Mail Flats (1 ounce): $1 (no change from current price)
• Priority Mail small flat-rate box: $8.30 (current), $8.45 (new)
• Priority Mail medium flat-rate box: $15.05 (current), $15.50 (new)
• Priority Mail large flat-rate box: $21.10 (current), $21.90 (new)
• Army/Air Post Office and Fleet Post Office large flat-rate box: $19.60 (current), $20.40 (new)
• Priority Mail regular flat-rate envelope: $7.75 (current), $7.95 (new)
• Priority Mail legal flat-rate envelope: $8.05 (current), $8.25 (new)
• Priority Mail padded flat-rate envelope: $8.40 (current), $8.55 (new)

The changes will raise overall Priority Mail service prices approximately 3.5 percent and overall Priority Mail Express service prices 1.2 percent, while Mailing Services product prices will rise approximately 1.7 percent.

The changes, which the Postal Service proposed in October and November, were approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission late last year.

Reference: usps.com