NPMHU Call to Action | FERS Retirement

  NPMHU Call to Action

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The week after our productive legislative conference, the House of Representatives voted on its budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1. As we discussed during the conference, there were several provisions in the bill that targeted FERS benefits. Because of collective lobbying and grassroots efforts, the language for across the board increases to employee contributions and moving from a high-3 to a high-5 were not included in the in final bill voted out of the House. However, calls to eliminate the FERS Supplement and tying union membership to FERS contribution rates remain.

The FERS Supplement provides a bridge for those who qualify for retirement before they reach Social Security age. The elimination of the supplement puts those approaching retirement in the next few years at a financial disadvantage.

Every employee within the Postal Service and the federal government has the right to choose whether or not to join a union. Besides the payment of dues, there is no other financial requirements. However, H.R. 1 calls for new employees who elect union representation to contribution an additional 5% to their FERS benefits – bringing the total to 9.4%. This would create a financial burden for those starting their postal careers, not to mention would put them at an extreme disadvantage when it comes to job protections.

The Senate will now review the language and we need to ensure Senators understand how detrimental these changes are.

Our call to action has been updated, and I ask you use the following link to contact your Senators and let them know how harmful these provisions are. Please share the link with your members and encourage them to do the same.

https://npmhu.quorum.us/campaign/121771/

Thank you for your time and attention.

In Solidarity,

Katie Maddocks Legislative & Political Director
National Postal Mail Handlers Union

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU 317

More Reading: List of Alabama Senators

 

Huge Promise Broken to Retirees | 'No Taxes on Social Security' Removed Form Big Beautiful Bill; Will Senate Democrats Add It?

  Trump Is Already Reneging On His ‘No Tax On Social Security’ Promise

"...Donald Trump is already reneging on one of the promises he repeatedly made to a key voting bloc to win back the presidency, his vow to eliminate taxes on millions of retirees’ Social Security payments.

“No tax on Social Security benefits for our seniors,” he told rallygoers in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on Oct. 13. “And you deserve it.”..."

Trump repeated it yet again: “No tax on Social Security benefits for seniors, which is so great.” ...In reality, though, Trump and his congressional allies are offering Social Security recipients a mere fraction of the financial benefit they have been promising since last year. Instead of making Social Security benefits tax-free, House Republicans have now ... a bait and switch,” said Jason Furman, a Harvard University economics professor ...

Reference: www.yahoo.com




 

News From Other Unions | House Passes Bill to Eliminate the FERS Supplemental “Bridge” Payment

  House Passes Bill to Eliminate the FERS Supplemental “Bridge” Payment

"...H.R. 1 would eliminate the FERS annuity supplement for certain employees, which would begin to apply on January 1, 2028. The FERS annuity supplement is an earned benefit that makes it financially possible for postal workers to retire before age 62, which is when Social Security benefits begin. Essentially, this supplement is a monthly payment that helps bridge the gap between an employee’s retirement and Social Security eligibility.

For example, a postal employee age 57 who has met their years of service requirement and is eligible can retire knowing they will receive a monthly payment until their Social Security benefits begin at age 62. If the FERS annuity supplement is eliminated, many postal workers aged 57 to 62 who are eligible to retire will have a choice — take less in retirement without this supplement or continue working years longer until they can collect Social Security.

Thanks to the pressure that postal workers, labor unions, and other allies placed on members of Congress through phone calls, letters, and even trips to Washington, DC, we were able to remove two other harmful provisions in the original version of this tax-cut bill. One provision would’ve increased the FERS employee contribution rate to 4.4% for all active employees, and the other would’ve replaced the high-3 FERS annuity calculation with a high-5 calculation, which would result in a reduction in annuity payments.

The APWU stands firm against the elimination of the FERS annuity supplement..."

Reference: APWU






 

In The News | Chinese Logistics Firms (US Based) Caught Using Counterfeit USPS Labels

  US-Based Chinese Logistics Firms Caught Using Counterfeit USPS Labels

"... Two Chinese logistics firms based in New York and California have been barred from using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) over allegations that they perpetuated a years-long counterfeit postage scheme.

On May 15, the U.S. filed a civil complaint in a Brooklyn federal court alleging that YDH Express, Inc. and YDH Int’l Inc., which are based in Queens, N.Y. and Los Angeles, Calif., along with their owner, Yizhao “Harvey” Hou, conspired and committed mail fraud by shipping thousands of parcels hailing from China using their own fake USPS postage labels. ..."

Reference: sourcingjournal.com




 

In The News | Thousands of Chicks Left in Postal Service Truck Overwhelm a Delaware Shelter

  Thousands of Chicks Left in Postal Service Truck Overwhelm a Delaware Shelter

"...About 4,000 birds were found dead in the truck, and 10,000 others were stranded there for three days, state officials said. The hatchery that shipped the chicks said it did not know why the shipment had never made it to its destinations. ...The Freedom Ranger Hatchery, which raised and shipped the chicks, said in an emailed statement that the Postal Service had not explained why the chicks never made it to their destinations. The hatchery said it was unsure if it would be compensated for the loss, which has “compounding effects with the many small family farms that were counting on these birds for their summer grow out schedules.” The birds were supposed to be shipped to several states ..."

Reference: www.nytimes.com




 

Memorial Day, we pause as one union to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

  Memorial Day, we pause as one union to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

"...Their sacrifice reminds us of the true cost of freedom—and inspires us to stand united as a nation and a union, fighting for dignity, justice, and a better future for all.

WATCH NOW: "May We Never Forget Their Sacrifice"

We remember their sacrifice. We honor their service. We carry their legacy through the strength of our union. ..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org




 

Mail Handlers Receive Night Shift Differential Increase

  Mail Handlers Receive Night Shift Differential Increase

As provided for in Article 8.7 of the NPMHU 2022 National Agreement, effective May 17, 2025 (PP12-25); the flat dollar amount at each pay grade and step for night shift differential in Tables Three and Four shall be increased by 2.0%. All increases will be applied to the most recent night shift differential table preceding the increase. The increase is applicable for time worked between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This is the third of three Night Shift Differential increases negotiated in the 2022 National Agreement.

Night Shift Differential Hourly Rates (PDF)

Reference: www.npmhu.org




 

From USPS News Link | Your Postal Service duties come first | There are rules that restrict some outside activities

  From USPS News Link | Your Postal Service duties come first | There are rules that restrict some outside activities

"...USPS is reminding employees that outside activities should not conflict with their official Postal Service duties.

Under the federal executive branch’s standards of ethical conduct and the USPS Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct, employees should avoid all conflicts of interest, and never use their Postal Service title or authority, or postal property, in connection with outside activities.

For example, a USPS employee should never:

• Work for or with any..."

Reference: news.usps.com

* Links Added For Reference Only

 

NPMHU President Hogrogian Joins Members of Congress to Speak Out on Cuts to FERS

  NPMHU President Hogrogian Joins Members of Congress to Speak Out on Cuts to FERS

"...Retirement benefits for most Mail Handlers are currently under attack with the budget reconciliation package calling for increases to employee contributions with no corresponding increase to benefits; changing annuity computation from “high 3” to “high 5” average salary; eliminating the FERS supplement for those who are eligible to retire before they qualify for Social Security; and, tying FERS contribution rates to union membership for new hires.

NPMHU and these groups have been educating members of the House on how these changes would be devastating to Mail Handlers, and all postal and federal employees. ..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org




 

See Where Union Dues For NPMHU Local 317 is Spent Working For You (unionfacts.com)

  See Where Union Dues For NPMHU Local 317 is Spent Working For You (unionfacts.com)

"The Center for Union Facts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fights for transparency and accountability in America’s labor movement. ...See the facts for NPMHU Local 317, Birmingham AL, from unionfacts.com. Identify where your union dues are spent in categories such as Basic Info, Financials, Spending, Members/Dues, and Leaders/Salaries. ...This info is accurate as of the May 12, 2025 update. "

Reference: unionfacts.com




 

USPS reports second-quarter financial results

  USPS reports second-quarter financial results

"...Net loss for the quarter totaled $3.3 billion, compared with a net loss of $1.5 billion for the same quarter one year ago. Results for the quarter were affected by unfavorable noncash workers’ compensation adjustments of $1.2 billion, due to actuarial revaluation and discount rate change factors that are not controllable by the Postal Service; increased compensation and benefits expense of $449 million; and higher other operating expenses of $124 million, partially offset by lower transportation expenses of $116 million. “As we mark 250 years of service to the nation, our organization continues to face economic headwinds. We are working diligently to control costs..."

Reference: usps.com




 

North Alabama | Site selection underway for new post office in Big Cove, Hampton Cove

  North Alabama | Site selection underway for new post office in Big Cove, Hampton Cove

"... site selection process is underway for the new U.S. Post Office in the Big Cove-Owens Cross Roads area, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s office told AL.com on Wednesday.

“I am glad USPS agrees with my calls for a new post office in the 35763 zip code,” Strong said in a statement. “It is long overdue to keep pace with Madison County’s unprecedented population growth in this area. My constituents deserve efficient and reliable mail delivery services, and I am hopeful that USPS will accomplish this for Hampton Cove..."

Reference: www.al.com




 

Statement of National Postal Mail Handlers Union National President Paul V. Hogrogian on the Appointment of David Steiner to USPS Postmaster General

  Statement of National Postal Mail Handlers Union National President Paul V. Hogrogian on the Appointment of David Steiner to USPS Postmaster General

During its open session on May 9, the United States Postal Service Board of Governors announced the appointment of David Steiner as the seventy-sixth Postmaster General.

Mr. Steiner previously served as the CEO of Waste Management and currently sits on the board of FedEx, a role he is expected to leave by the time he joins USPS in July. As the NPMHU prepares to go into collective bargaining with USPS, we are anxious to see how Mr. Steiner will negotiate with our Union to protect our pay and benefits, ensure workplace safety, and fight any threats of privatization that would impact not only Mail Handlers but also postal customers.

The NPMHU is encouraged by Mr. Steiner’s commitment in maintaining the Postal Service as an independent establishment of the executive branch. The NPMHU looks forward to having a productive relationship with Postmaster General Steiner while we jointly work to maintain the Postal Service’s status as one of the most trusted agencies of the Federal Government. We will educate Mr. Steiner on the needs of Mail Handlers to successfully process the mail and how any changes to the network cannot be disruptive to the service standards our customers expect. It is the number one priority of NPMHU to protect our members while promoting the sustainability of the Postal Service.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317