536 Chattanooga USPS Employees Seek New Jobs

 
536 Chattanooga USPS Employees Seek New Jobs
"...The U.S. Postal Service will shutdown the Chattanooga Remote Encoding Center (REC) in April 2009, leaving 536 people to seek other jobs...."
Reference: www.newschannel9.com

 

...More photos from the National President John Hegarty visit

 

"...Visit to Local 317 Branch in Alabama. On September 6, 2008, National President John Hegarty visited Local 317 in Birmingham, AL..."
Reference: http://npmhu317.blogspot.com/


































 

November 2008 Postal NPMHU Contract Raise Pay Scale

November 2008 Postal Mail Handler Contract Raise Pay Scale
Click Image to Enlarge

 

U.S. Department of Labor final rule will expand FMLA for military families and clarify rules for workers and employers

 

"...Provisions in the final rule call for increased notice obligations for employers so that employees will better understand their FMLA rights, while revising the employee notice rules to minimize workplace disruptions due to unscheduled FMLA absences. The final rule also contains technical changes that reflect decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts...."
Reference: www.dol.gov

 

Jan. 2009 USPS Shipping Price Changes

 
Shipping Services January 18 Pricing Change
"...The move to January price changes for shipping services is consistent with industry standards and provides a clear picture of the affordable services we offer. Highlights for domestic shipping services include new Commercial Plus pricing, with up-front discounts for high-volume Express Mail and Priority Mail users...."
Reference: www.usps.com

 

The oldest operational post office in Alabama

 
The oldest operational post office in Alabama
"...To many, the “heart” of this town is the Mooresville Post Office. Built after 1840 of sawmill lumber and now owned by the Town of Mooresville, it is located at the corner of Lauderdale and High Streets...."
Reference: www.mooresvillealabama.com

 

Weingarten rights (video) described by USPS Law Department

 
Weingarten rights (video) described by USPS Law Department
"...Video describes employee rights relative to Weingarten..."
Reference: www.lettercarriernetwork.info

 

Visit the USPS Mail Handler Alabama Local 317 Photo Gallery

 
Visit the USPS Mail Handler Alabama Local 317 Photo Gallery
"...See pictures from Local 317 meetings, members, Local President, and more. If you would like a photo added to our site, please email it to President Leonard for approval. We thank you for your submissions. ..."
Reference: npmhu-317-photo-gallery.blogspot.com

 

Recent USPS Chicago Managers Meeting

 
Recent USPS Chicago Managers Meeting
"...This is what was discussed at a meeting of all District Managers and Plant Managers held in Chicago last week
7000 to 9000 routes have to be removed in FY 09.
Two rate increases in FY 09 packages will go up 5% in January, 1st Class will go up 4.8% in May.
Base pay will be..."
Reference: http://postalbriefing.blogspot.com as found on www.lettercarriernetwork.info

 

Craft Jurisdiction for Flat Sequencing System (FSS)

 
Craft Jurisdiction for Flat Sequencing System (FSS)
"...As set forth in the attached, the mail handler craft has been determined to be the primary craft to perform most of the work associated with this piece of equipment. In particular, the duties performed at the Automated Bundle Sorting Unit (ABSU), the preparation stations, the dolly maker, the dolly induction unit, as well as the removal of mail containers from the FSS machine and the movement of containers between parts of the FSS, have all been assigned to the mail handler craft. The work at the feed station of the Automatic Induction system has been assigned to the mail processors. Finally, allied duties such as clearing jams have been assigned to whichever craft can perform the work most efficiently and effectively...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

National President John Hegarty visits the workroom floor in Birmingham, AL

 
National President John Hegarty visits the workroom floor in Birmingham, AL
"...Visit to Local 317 Branch in Alabama. On September 6, 2008, National President John Hegarty visited Local 317 in Alabama. National President John Hegarty visits the workroom floor in Birmingham, AL..."
Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 317 - Birmingham, Alabama

Click to Enlarge Image
 

Book: They Carried the Mail: A Survey of Postal History & Hobbies (Paperback)

 
They Carried the Mail, Mathew J. Bowyer
"...Description: The postal system, from its beginnings in the 17th century, has been a matter of both aggravation and dependability to every man and woman in America. In They Carried the Mail, Mathew J. Bowyer presents the fascinating history of these bearers of ill and joyous tidings. "There is nothing quite like this book when Bowyer writes about the people who move the mail, their attitudes and their jobs, their gripes and their jokes."
-The Washington Star..."
Reference: www.amazon.com

 

one-time mail handler here in Lima is now the postmaster general of St Louis Missouri

Former Lima Postal Worker now in Missouri
"...Working your way up the postal ladder can characterize what Robert Cavinder has done over the years. The one-time mail handler here in Lima is now the postmaster general of St Louis Missouri...."
Reference: www.1150wima.com

 

Top Federal Postal Cop Retires in Wake of ABC News Investigation

 
Top Federal Postal Cop Retires in Wake of ABC News Investigation
"...Two weeks after being questioned by ABC News about his travel expenses and gambling habits, the head of the US Postal Service's Inspection Service abruptly announced his retirement...."
Reference: www.abcnews.go.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

 

NPMHU ELECTION ONGOING IN SOUTHERN REGION

 
ELECTION ONGOING IN SOUTHERN REGION
"...Bruce Z. Miller of Local 310 and Terry Cordle of Local 318 are facing off. ..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Vet News: Compensation and Benefits Handbook

 
DoD Develops Compensation & Benefits Handbook
DoD announced today it has developed a comprehensive handbook describing compensation and other benefits service members and their families would be entitled to upon separation or retirement as a result of serious injury or illness.

“The Compensation and Benefits Handbook is the one source of information that covers everything a seriously ill and injured service member will need during his or her recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration,” said Ronald A. Winter, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.

The handbook was compiled in cooperation with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and the Social Security Administration. Additionally; there are references to assistance provided by other governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

“The handbook describes the disability eligibility process, various program qualifications, application procedures, and numerous resources with associated contact information,” said Sharon Gunselman, policy and resource analyst for the Department of Defense.

Web sites and toll-free numbers are provided, and the electronic version includes hyperlinks. The electronic version of the handbook will be updated frequently and the hard copy of the compensation and benefits handbook will be updated annually.

The electronic version of the handbook can be found on the five Web sites listed below:

http://turbotap.org
https://www.nko.navy.mil
http://www.npc.navy.mil
https://www.aw2.army.mil
https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/AFP40/d/1073755231/Files/C&BHandbook
Reference: www.defenselink.mil

 

U.S. Postal Service is heavily unionized

Playing Political Hardball
"...the U.S. Postal Service. It is heavily unionized. During the 1950s and 60s, when Congress paid much more attention to feds, the unions, mostly the postal unions, were the political shock troops for the federal workforce...."
Reference: www.federalnewsradio.com
 

At the Postal Service, Talk of Layoffs

 
At the Postal Service, Talk of Layoffs
"...Here's another sad sign of our economic times: Never before has the U.S. Postal Service laid off workers. Now, it's a real possibility. "For the first time in history, that is being considered," said Gerald McKiernan, a USPS spokesman. Already, the Postal Service is not hiring ..."
Reference: www.washingtonpost.com

 

OPM Announces Open Season for Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts

 
OPM Announces Open Season for Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
"...Enrollees with self-only coverage will pay, on average, $4.83 more each pay period (about $125 per year) next year. Family coverage will cost an average $11.12 more per pay period. FEHB enrollees pay - on average - 30 percent of the total cost of a plan's premium, while the government pays 70 percent. This year's Open Season begins November 10 and runs through December 8, 2008, giving employees the opportunity to change or add to their portfolio of health- and family-care insurance products..."
Reference: www.opm.gov

 

No Lay off Protection for 16,000 Postal Employees ...is it coming?

 
USPS’ Bleak Financial Picture
And the Presidential Election
"...In response to the financial crisis, the Postal Service has announced a hiring freeze. And, in a meeting with union leaders and management association presidents, the Postmaster General pointed out that 16,000 USPS employees lack the six years of continuous service required to achieve protection against layoffs. The PMG’s message was clear: For the first time in our history, postal employees may experience layoffs...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions

 
Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions
"...The freeze follows the Postal Service's decision last month to offer early retirement to up to 130,000 clerks, mail handlers and supervisors, and comes amid increasingly dire warnings about the agency's economic outlook. USPS froze hiring at its headquarters last March...."
Reference: www.govexec.com

 

Congressman, Postal Workers Protest BMC Privatization

 
Congressman, Postal Workers Protest BMC Privatization
"...“If they get away with privatizing the BMCs, they will go on to the next group,” said Vince Tarducci, president of the Philadelphia BMC APWU Local.

“The Postal Service has embarked on a strategy to undermine parcel post,” said APWU Eastern Region Coordinator Mike Gallagher. “They will privatize us incrementally, first the BMCs, then other work,” unless the American people put a stop to their efforts...."
Reference: www.apwu.org

 

Ink Jet Modification on the AFSM 100

 
Ink Jet Modification on the AFSM 100
"...By letter dated September 4, 2008, a copy of which is attached to this memorandum, the National Office of the NPMHU has been informed that USPS management plans to modify the AFSM-100 with an Ink Jet Canceller. This modification will eventually replace all of the existing flat cancellation operations within the 010 operations nationwide...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

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

 

VERA Early-out USPS Update

 
VERA UPDATE

"...The VERA website on Blue and LiteBlue now has detailed information and timelines on previously announced VERA programs for Motor Vehicle, Maintenance (excluding Electronic Technicians), Rural Carrier and City Carrier positions, as well as Headquarters and Headquarters-related EAS and PCES positions. Persons accepting a VERA for these positions will have an effective retirement date of Feb. 28, 2009...."   

::► Source: liteblue.usps.gov
 

Union Spotlight: Boeing

 
Boeing Union Walks Out on Strike
Revenue Lost To Strike May Hit $100 Million a Day
"...The company's final contract proposal included a pay raise of 11% over the life of the contract, as well as a boosting of pensions by 14% to $80 a month for each year of service. Under the proposed contract, the average union member would earn roughly $65,000 a year before overtime that averages $10,000 a year or more...."
Reference: online.wsj.com

 

 
Postal Service back to work in 6 parishes
"...U.S. Postal Service resumed normal delivery and post office operations Thursday in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes. Even post offices that did not have power were open for service, with some facilities running on generators..."
Reference: www.nola.com

Gustav
 

In Memory: NORMA L. MYERS, Mail Handler

Fallen Mail Handler
JERSEY CITY - NORMA L. MYERS
"... Myers was a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service, Secaucus, for 18 years. She retired in 2002. She was a member of the U.S. Postal Workers Union. ..."
Reference: www.nj.com