USPS hiring temp mail handlers after offering $15,000 to reduce mail handler staffing nationwide

 USPS looks to fill 45 temp positions

"...After nearly closing the William Street processing center in Buffalo in a move geared towards consolidation, the USPS is now putting out the "help wanted" sign...."

Reference: www.wivb.com 

...Potential Excessing of Mail Handlers

 Focus on Network Changes and Potential Excessing of Mail Handlers

The NPMHU magazine The Mail Handler has an article titled Focus on Network Changes and Potential Excessing of Mail Handlers. This is recommended reading for anyone in the Mail Handler craft considering the current Postal Service climate. The article can be found in a two-part PDF document as follows:

• Network Changes 1 of 2 (177 Kb)


• Network Changes 2 of 2 (177 Kb)
  

The article covers items such as "(e.g., veteran preference versus seniority; retreat rights versus voluntary assignments; part-time employees versus employees from other crafts). Given the immense amount of excessing, withholding, and reassigning that is taking place, many issues are arising for the first time, and the contract language simply is unclear. But the Article 12 Task Force continues to be a useful forum for discussing all of these issues, settling some, and setting up
methods for resolving the others." The article also references "the NPMHU's production and distribution of a comprehensive paper on the "Rights and Benefits of Mail Handlers Upon Reassignment To Other Installations Under Article 12." This paper was circulated to all Local Unions, and was included in a recent issue of Union Time. The paper covers a host of topics, including how to seek annuity or severance benefits, and how to obtain relocation benefits."

Reference: NPMHU  

November 2009 Mail Handler Wage Increase Pay Scale

The November 2009 Mail Handler Wage Increase Pay Scale can be found by clicking the image below. This is the fifth of six general wage increases to be paid to all mail handlers under the 2006 National Agreement and will be implemented effective November 21, 2009. The increase will be reflected in paychecks on December 11, 2009. Please also note that, as required by Article XIV, Section 3 of the National Constitution and Article VIII, Section 2 of the Uniform Local Union Constitution, mail handlers will see an automatic membership dues increase of fifty cents ($.50) per pay period, effective with this November 2009 negotiated wage increase. Of this amount, forty cents ($.40) per pay period will be sent to the Local Union, and ten cents ($.10) per pay period will be retained by the National Office in the form of increased per capita tax.


Reference: NPMHU 317

 

PRIORITY MAIL FLAT RATE BOX CAMPAIGN FEATURES EMPLOYEE T-SHIRTS

 
PRIORITY MAIL FLAT RATE BOX CAMPAIGN FEATURES EMPLOYEE T-SHIRTS
"...By now, some 500,000 employees — including full-time letter carriers, rural carriers, mail handlers and APWU employees — have received Priority Mail Flat Rate Box campaign T-shirts. In the past, letter carriers have been issued T-shirts to wear in place of their uniform shirts to support marketing efforts. The success of those pilot programs helped bring this much more ambitious program to life...."
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

 

USPS Data On Postal Employees Approved For VER

 
USPS Data On Postal Employees Approved For VER
"...VER Group 1 includes clerks, mail handlers and initial level supervisors of mail processing and customer service. The group has 72,000 eligible employees. The application deadline was Sept. 30. USPS has approved the applications of 3,685 employees, whose retirement date is Dec. 31, 2008...."
Reference: www.postalreporter.com

 

Jersey City mail handlers concerned over jobs

 
Jersey City mail handlers concerned over jobs
"...TOM MULLAHEY’S small union office is in a cavernous building that holds what might be the largest single cluster of decent-paying blue-collar jobs left around these parts...."
Reference: www.nytimes.com

 

Postal service cutbacks could affect customers

 
Postal service cutbacks could affect customers
"...The Postal Service estimates that nearly 57,000 clerks, and about 16,000 mail handlers and supervisory employees are eligible. It projects that 6,496 clerks, 1,552 mail handlers, and 693 supervisors will accept the offer...."
Reference: www.pennlive.com

 

National Level Grievance: Lost/Stolen Laptops

 
National Level Grievance: Lost/Stolen Laptops
"...the Postal Service itself or its vendors and/or subcontractors either has lost or had stolen a laptop computer with personal information about mail handlers and other postal employees. Although to this point we have not heard about any identify theft resulting from these laptops, the issue has been discussed by union and management representatives at the National level without any resolution.

As a result, on August 25, 2008, the National Office initiated a Step 4 grievance on the issue, as reflected in the attached letter. It is the NPMHU’s position that the Postal Service should discontinue the practice of storing personal information on portable electronic equipment and should not allow such information to be physically taken off of Postal Service premises. In addition, such personal information should not be given to any vendor or subcontracted agent of the Postal Service. Further, the NPMHU believes that the Postal Service has an obligation as a responsible employer to provide credit monitoring service to the employees whose personal information may have been compromised..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org