2022 NPMHU Contract Update #10

  2022 NPMHU Contract Update #10

2022 No. 10 – September 20, 2022 (pdf)

You are reading the tenth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

The final days and hours of bargaining over the terms of the NPMHU-USPS 2022 National Agreement have come to a close, with the parties unable to reach a tentative agreement over all of the terms and conditions that need to be covered by the National Agreement as of contract expiration at midnight on September 20, 2022.

Discussions are continuing, however, and thus the parties have agreed to extend their negotiations past last night’s deadline to give their bargaining representatives additional time to reach a comprehensive settlement agreement.

Though many topics have been discussed, there are still several items left for both parties to discuss. Due to these unresolved issues, the parties have agreed to extend their negotiations based on their shared hope that an overall agreement can still be reached without the interference of a third-party arbitrator.

More details about the past three months of bargaining, and the plans for future negotiations, will be shared in NPMHU publications and discussed with representatives of the Local Unions at a virtual meeting scheduled for Friday, September 23, 2022, with the NPMHU Negotiations Team.

As always, please watch your bulletin boards and the National website for the latest information.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

NPMHU Bidding Procedures Modified as Negotiations Continue

  NPMHU Bidding Procedures Modified as Negotiations Continue

September 20, 2022 Memorandum (pdf)

The parties affirm that effective September 21, 2022, employees represented by the NPMHU will be allowed to bid under the new contract, whether or not the parties reach a tentative settlement, extend bargaining, or enter into impasse procedures. Successful bids on or after September 21, 2022 will be counted towards the bid maximums established in the 2022 National Agreement.

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #9

  2022 NPMHU Contract Update #9

2022 No. 9 – September 19, 2022

You are reading the ninth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

For nearly a week, the NPMHU Negotiations Team has been sequestered in the Mayflower Hotel with USPS representatives in an attempt to come to a tentative agreement on a new contract for the Mail Handler bargaining unit. The three months of contract negotiations have coalesced into these final days of bargaining. Regardless of the long and arduous road that led to this point, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains determined to fight hard for its proposals.

Even though USPS representatives have had NPMHU proposals for months, only recently have they submitted counterproposals or proposed tentative agreements. With less than forty-eight hours to go until the expiration of the contract, the Postal Service is responding to a fraction of all NPMHU proposals. In many cases, these proposals could have been the subject of tentative agreements back in July or August, if it weren’t for unexplained USPS delays.

The good news is, as evidenced by their proposed tentative agreements and counter proposals, Postal Service officials now seem willing to negotiate. Though this comes at a late hour, the NPMHU Negotiations Team is cautiously optimistic that this change in pace will result in greater progress toward a tentative agreement on a full contract.

While the start of negotiation meetings at the Mayflower proved to be difficult, bargaining sessions have improved. Both parties are meeting with greater frequency at Main Table sessions. During these meetings, USPS officials seem much more willing and able to reach tentative agreements with the NPMHU. Though a National Agreement is far from being signed, things are looking much brighter than they did just a week ago.

Outside of Main Table negotiations, small groups and subcommittees continue to meet to discuss the finer details of each proposal. These meetings, while not as official as the Main Table sessions, are key to the bargaining process. During these sessions, both parties settle their differences and draw closer to a tentative agreement on a particular issue.

In regard to economic issues, National President Hogrogian and National Secretary-Treasurer Mike Hora continue to meet with Deputy Postmaster General Douglas Tulino in smaller sessions. While those negotiations have not yet resulted in any concrete agreements, President Hogrogian maintains that these talks have been productive and have led to an exchange of ideas.

As the deadline for the contract grows closer and closer, it is imperative that both parties remain open to an earnest and thorough negotiations process. NPMHU representatives insist that their Postal Service counterparts return to the bargaining table committed to reaching an agreement. This includes continuing to respond to NPMHU proposals in pursuit of a tentative agreement, demonstrating a genuine effort to address proposals, and showing a willingness to discuss more difficult and nuanced proposals.

Though the final days of bargaining are never easy, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains resolute and determined to fight hard for all of its proposed changes to the National Agreement.

Above all, the NPMHU Negotiations Team wants to ensure that any agreement that it reaches with the Postal Service will be favorable for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, the Mail Handler craft, the Postal Service, and the American mailing public.

2022 No. 9 – September 19, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

Mail Handler (NPMHU) 2022 Contract Update #8

  Mail Handler (NPMHU) 2022 Contract Update #8

2022 No. 8 – September 16, 2022

You are reading the eighth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

In accordance with mutually agreed upon ground rules, on September 6, 2022, the NPMHU Negotiations Team and USPS representatives turned in their last non-economic proposed changes to the National Agreement. After nearly three months of exchanging proposals, and some counterproposals, both parties are discussing the minute details of their proposals.

Taken in combination, the USPS and the NPMHU have submitted more than one hundred proposed changes to the contract. Most of the proposals have been submitted by the NPMHU. With this many proposals, both parties are sure to be busy for the coming days.

What’s Happening Now?

Though the non-economic proposal deadline has passed, negotiations on this new contract are far from over. Both parties are spending the coming days negotiating the finer points of the new contract round-the-clock. Taking up residence in a local Washington, DC hotel, both parties will spend countless hours at the bargaining table and in small-group meetings hoping to reach tentative agreements on key issues.

Beyond the negotiations of the Main Table and continuing subcommittees, the small groups continue vital work in making sure that all the intricate details of each proposal are well understood and acknowledged. While they are certainly the less visible portion of bargaining, the subcommittees oversee a multitude of important topics and issues including: 204Bs, Article 16, Article 11, and MHAs.

During intense bargaining, the NPMHU Negotiations Team continues to advocate for the changes that have already been proposed. Of most importance, the union negotiators are insisting that their counterparts from the USPS come to the table prepared to bargain in good faith. Such bargaining should include agreement on reasonable proposals beneficial to both parties. President Hogrogian, as chief spokesperson for the NPMHU, continuously pushes for tentative agreements.

The NPMHU hopes that USPS will come to the final sessions of bargaining with an open mind and a genuine will to sign a complete contract. Notwithstanding this expectation, to this point USPS representatives are maintaining their air of resistance and lack of transparency. Even when proposals would have no adverse impact on the Postal Service, or would be beneficial to all parties, USPS negotiators refuse to come to tentative agreements.

This entire week, negotiators have gathered daily to discuss contract language. With the added attendance of Acting VP of Labor Relations Thomas J. Blum of the USPS negotiations team, bargaining has ramped up to full speed, and the NPMHU Negotiations Team has spent countless hours over the past week to ensure that all proposals are duly considered and discussed.

Beyond the Main Table, President Hogrogian and other NPMHU representatives are meeting with Deputy PMG and Chief Human Resources Officer Doug Tulino to discuss the various economic proposals that the NPMHU has submitted. While no agreements have yet been reached, President Hogrogian has noted that these meetings have been encouraging.

As the contract deadline approaches, the NPMHU remains more prepared than ever to settle the new contract. It hopes that USPS will come back to the bargaining table genuinely prepared to reach an agreement. At all times, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains committed to do what is best for mail handlers, the NPMHU, the Postal Service, and the American mailing public.

2022 No. 8 – September 16, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

Biden Scores Deal on Rail Strike; Will Biden Do The Same for Postal Unions?

  Biden scores deal on rail strike, but worker discontent emerges

"includes the biggest wage increases for railroad workers in more than four decades. They will receive a 24 percent pay increase by 2024, including an immediate 14 percent raise; $1,000 annual bonuses over five years; and no increases to health care co-pays and deductibles. The agreement would bring the average railroad worker’s pay to $110,000 a year by 2024."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
 

Holiday kickoff | Operation Santa gets earlier start

 

USPS News Link | Postal news and information

Holiday kickoff | Operation Santa gets earlier start

The most wonderful time of the year has received a jump start.

The USPS Operation Santa program began accepting letters from people in need on Sept. 15 — six weeks earlier than last year.

The Postal Service made the announcement at the stamp dedication celebrating the new Holiday Elves stamps in North Pole, AK. Michael Elston, secretary of the Postal Service Board of Governors, led the ceremony.

“We know this is earlier than usual, but we’re pretty excited to get the season started and we know kids around the country are eager to write to Santa, using these stamps on the envelopes,” Elston said.

The 110-year-old program provides an online channel where people can safely and securely help children and families have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not have the means. Individuals can adopt letters to Santa and send gifts anonymously.

Last year, letters could be sent beginning Nov. 1. Thousands of letters were received by the time the website, USPSOperationSanta.com, opened for letter adoption on Nov. 29, 2021. However, only 2,500 letters contained the information necessary to be posted and those letters were all adopted within 10 minutes of the site opening.

The Postal Service is hoping the extra time to send letters this year will result in many more letters available to adopt on opening day, Nov. 28.

USPS Operation Santa letters are opened and reviewed, and personal information is redacted, before they are uploaded for adoption by employees, customers and others.

Letter writers must include a first and last name and a complete return address (street address, apartment number if applicable, city, state and ZIP Code). The envelope must have a postage stamp on it to travel through the Postal Service network.

Letters should be addressed to: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888.

Reference: usps.com via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama's Mail Handler Union

Get the USPS North Pole Postmark (Postal Cancellation Mark) image free here. You can copy, save, and download our free USPS Santa North Pole Postmark for your holiday craft projects. Make your Santa letters look official with the North Pole Postmark.

 

USPS Improving safety | Post Offices to get new hazmat labels, posters

  USPS Improving safety | Post Offices to get new hazmat labels, posters

Post Offices will soon receive kits that contain a supply of labels and information designed to better identify potentially hazardous items in the mail.

The kits contain the new Label 876, HAZMAT Surface Only, which is for internal use and must not be distributed to customers.

The new labels will help improve visibility into which customers are shipping ground-eligible, hazardous materials and the number of pieces originating from retail units.

Post Offices should start using the labels immediately. Post Office managers also must maintain enough labels in stock to ensure they are always available.

The kits also contain:

• Label 876 standard operating procedures.

• An updated version of Poster 298, Domestic Hazardous Materials Warning Labels and Markings.

• A letter detailing Label 876 and the updated Poster 298.

Post Offices should place the posters at retail counters and in dispatch areas visible to all employees involved in the acceptance, delivery or dispatch of mail.

Previous versions of Poster 298 should be discarded.

The kits are part of the Postal Service’s effort to improve processes for proper identification and handling of potentially hazardous items.

For additional information, email BV6DB0@usps.gov.

Reference: usps.com
 

In Memoriam | 9/11

  Remembering the Terrorist Attack on Freedom Sept. 11, 2001

Reference: NPMHU Local 317
 

2022 Mail Handler (NPMHU) Contract Update #7

  2022 Mail Handler (NPMHU) Contract Update #7

2022 No. 7 – September 1, 2022

You are reading the seventh Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

With less than one month until the expiration of the 2019 contract between the NPMHU and USPS, bargaining between both of the parties continues in full force. As both sides prepare for their round-the-clock bargaining sessions in a few weeks, the NPMHU continues to submit proposals.

As of now, the NPMHU has submitted nearly 100 proposals for Main Table discussion. The Postal Service Negotiations team has still to submit any more proposals than its original few. With one more Main Table session before the September 6 deadline for noneconomic proposals, both sides are planning to submit their final proposals during the next few days.

Outside the Main Table sessions, members of the NPMHU Negotiations Team continue to assess and bargain issues in the critical subcommittee meetings. Most recently, the subcommittees focusing on 204B/Group Leaders and MHAs met to discuss the logistics of the NPMHU proposals. Postal Negotiators and CAD Representatives have used these meetings to discuss how proposed changes might be implemented and executed.

Supplementary to the usual bargaining activity, NPMHU and Postal officials heard presentations from Postal management about USPS finances and logistics. On August 23, NPMHU representatives traveled to Postal HQ to listen to a presentation given by VP of Network Operation Robert Cintron, and VP of Processing and

Maintenance Operations Mike L. Barber. The presentation discussed changes in USPS logistics and operations that have occurred over the last few years, and how they will be affected by Postmaster General DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan.

The Negotiations Team also was privy to another presentation on August 31 concerning the financial health of the Postal Service and its plans in the coming fiscal period. Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Joseph Corbett explained the changing dynamics of USPS finances over the last three years, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Postmaster General’s “Delivering for America” plan.

During both meetings, National President Paul Hogrogian made sure to ask each presenter important questions about the impact of USPS logistical and financial decisions on Mail Handlers and other USPS employees.

On September 1, NPMHU and Postal Negotiations team met for their penultimate Main Table session before the last week of round-the-clock bargaining. During this meeting, the NPMHU Negotiations Team submitted what is likely to be its final set of non-economic proposals for Main Table consideration. Like with the other proposals, these proposals will be assigned to the appropriate subcommittee and discussed in-depth.

As the proposal deadline of September 6 draws closer, the NPMHU team expects to receive additional proposals from the Postal Service, as well as some counterproposals to the changes that the Union hopes to make to the National Agreement. On September 12, NPMHU and USPS negotiators will check into the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. For the next week, both parties will continue to negotiate, around-the-clock if necessary, with the sincere hope of reaching an agreement by the midnight deadline on September 20.

Despite being occupied by the 2020 National Convention and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPMHU remains optimistic that this round of negotiations will yield a contract that is good for the NPMHU, the Mail Handler Craft, the USPS, and the American mailing public. Please continue to check your bulletin boards for continuing updates on negotiations for the 2022 National Agreement.

2022 No. 7 – September 1, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org via NPMHU Local 317