Protecting the wealthy while slamming the working class

 

The new compromise budget is seen by unions as a scheme by Reps. Paul Ryan and Boehner to raid the pensions earned by workers.

Union leaders slam federal budget deal

"...In a letter to budget bargainers Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Ryan, a coalition of unions and other groups-including the Laborers, AFGE, AFSCME, the Fire Fighters, the Letter Carriers, the Mail Handlers/Laborers, the Machinists, the Postal Workers, the Air Traffic Controllers, NTEU, the Government Employees and the Rural Letter Carriers-said pension cuts are "simply unacceptable."..."

Reference: peoplesworld.org  

What Does the UPS Union Contract Look Like? (PDF Document)

  National Master United Parcel Service Agreement
Excerpt:

Reference: teamster.org  

More late mail and some residents claim they are not getting mail service

  Residents report late mail deliveries

"...a larger-than-usual load of greeting cards, letters and packages to mail carriers' loads, and some residents are not receiving their mail until after dark, if at all. Willard Lemonds of Cape Girardeau has not seen his mailbox flag pushed down over the last couple days because his mail has not been delivered...."

Reference: www.semissourian.com  

Mark Stevens, Mail Handler, 46, St. Paul Park (Obit)

  Mark Stevens, 46, St. Paul Park

"...In 1997, Mark started his career with the United States Postal Service as a mail handler until his death. Mark made and had a great number of friends there which he enjoyed...."

Reference: www.albertleatribune.com  

Former Montgomery postal mail handler gets 10 year sentence for shooting

  Ex-postal worker gets 10-year sentence for shooting at co-workers

"...Darby was a former part-time mail handler. He had pleaded guilty to attempted assault, discharging a gun during a violent crime and possession of a firearm in a federal facility. ..."

Reference: www.tuscaloosanews.com  

Funeral held for murdered postal carrier; killer still on the loose

  Funeral held in Rock Hill for slain postal worker
"...Barnette was murdered Nov. 23. He was shot multiple times while delivering the mail..."
Reference: www.wsoctv.com  

Nalcrest, Florida Retirement Community Open To Mail Handlers

  NALC Retirement Community Opened to Mail Handler Retirees

Nalcrest, Florida

"...Attention Mail Handler Retirees --- See the attached letter from NALC President Fred Rolando regarding openings at the NALC retirement community located in Nalcrest, Florida. An application form is also attached...."
Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Open Season: Federal Health Plans for singles

  The single life: Celebrating Open Season

"...the Consumers' Checkbook Guide to Federal Health Plans 2014 , says the good news for workers, retirees and survivors is that all the FEHBP plans are good. But some are too expensive. He says most people can save $1,000 to ..."

Reference: www.federalnewsradio.com  

Upcoming NPMHU Union Dues Increase

^ Click for full article  ^

Unfair Labor Practice Challenging USPS Lean Mail Processing Project Resolved

  Unfair Labor Practice Challenging USPS Lean Mail Processing Project Resolved

"...The Unfair Labor Practice regarding the lean mail project has been resolved; see attached letter from the Manager, Contract Administration Department, T. J. Branch for additional details. ..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Mail Handlers to receive tiny pay increse of 1% ; MHAs to receive 2%

  Mail Handlers to Receive Wage Increase Effective November 16, 2013

Mail Handler Pay Chart - Nov. 2013

"...As provided for in Article 9.1 of the NPMHU 2011 National Agreement, the wage scales for all Mail Handler employees will be adjusted upward effective November 16, 2013. This is the first of three guaranteed wage increases provided for in the 2011 contract. Specifically, with regard to career employees: “Effective November 16, 2013 – the basic annual salary for each grade and step of Table One and Table Two shall be increased by an amount equal to 1.0% of the basic annual salary for the grade and step in effect on February 15, 2013.” In addition, in accordance with Article 9.7 of the National Agreement, the hourly wage rate for Mail Handler Assistant (MHA) employees also will be increased, as follows: “The hourly rates for MHAs shall be adjusted by the general increases provided for in Article 9.1. In addition, MHAs will receive the following adjustments: Effective November 16, 2013, the hourly rates for all grades shall be increased by 1.0%.” The hourly wage rate for MHAs will therefore be increased by a total of 2.0% effective November 16, 2013. Click here to view or download a chart which reflects the new wage rates, for both career and MHA Mail Handlers, resulting from these November 16, 2013 contractual increases. ..."
Reference: www.npmhu.org

Postal Plan To Alter Healthcare For Employees (Video)

  State of the Postal Service (Oct 8, 2013)

"...A message to all employees of the United States Postal Service from Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe. ..."

Reference: USPS

 

APWU Elects New President

  Dimondstein Wins Presidency

"...Mark Dimondstein was elected the new president of the American Postal Workers Union in a hotly-contested race that ended Oct. 7. His “Members First” team won most of the offices they sought, defeating incumbents. ..."

Reference: www.apwu.org  

Shift change not adverse employment action

  Shift change not adverse employment action

"... Employers should be aware, however, that shift changes or transfers can constitute adverse employment actions if, for example, an employee is transferred to a “dead end” job. It is always prudent to consult with counsel in order to properly determine whether any shift change or transfer may be considered an adverse employment action...."

Reference: www.lexology.com  

Union files Unfair Labor Practice against the USPS: Unlawful Formation of Lean Mail Processing Teams

  NPMHU Files Unfair Labor Practice Against USPS for Unlawful Formation of Lean Mail Processing Teams

On September 18, 2013 President Hegarty notified Local Presidents of an unfair labor practice filed by the NPMHU against the United Stated Postal Service. Specifically, the Union asserts that the USPS violated Sections 8(a)(1) and 8(a)(2) of the Act through the unlawful formation and domination of labor organizations in the form of so-called Lean Mail Processing Teams. As of now, the matter is being investigated by Region 5 of the NLRB in Baltimore, MD, with NPMHU witnesses scheduled to be interviewed next week. Additional details will be disseminated to the Locals as appropriate.

Click here for more information and a copy of the charges filed with the NLRB. (PDF)

Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

Tim Costello recognized as top 3 'District Manager of Year'

  Postal Customer Council recognizes Tim Costello top 3 'District Manager of Year'

Tim Costello

"... Timothy R. Costello, District Manager, Alabama District, is the recipient of the "PCC District Manager of the Year" Bronze Award. ..."
Reference: www.wsfa.com

Colorado flooding impacts postal facilities

  Postal facilities relocated due to flooding

"...A number of post offices have been impacted due to the flooding and road closures in Colorado. The Postal Service has relocated several facilities and addresses...."

Reference: www.9news.com  

2013 Mail Handler Pay Increase

click here for contract language referenced above

Reference: NPMHU.org

Postal early-out VER and plant re-rankings coming

  NAPS engages USPS in dialogue regarding processing plant re-ranking

"...A VER will be offered to all field EAS employees. The VER offer includes all area and district EAS employees. VER-eligible employees will be mailed retirement applications and annuity estimates during the week of September 16-20...."

Reference: www.naps.org  

Disturbing attack on USPS employee benefits launched

  Postal Service IG Puts Retirement and Leave Benefits Under the Microscope

"...The USPS’ inspector general posted the requests on the FedBizOpps, asking for a supplier with “subject matter expertise” to develop a report that compares the Postal Service’s leave and paid holiday program and retirement benefits to those offered by “major private-sector companies.”..."

Reference: www.govexec.com  

USPS wants to force you out of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program!

  USPS Plan to Pull Out of Fed Health Benefits Could Cost Postal Workers

"...“The differences in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums under the USPS plan -- on their own, or in combination with lower coverage levels for some services -- could lead to higher total costs for some postal employees and non-Medicare-eligible retirees, including those who would have lower premiums under the USPS plan,” GAO wrote in its report...."

Reference: www.govexec.com  

Fishgold Arbitration Q&A - your MHA questions answered

  Questions and Answers 2011-2016 Fishgold Arbitration Award

Over the course of the past six months, the National Contract Administration Department, along with our National Shop Steward Trainer, has been working diligently with the Postal Service to flesh-out and resolve many of the issues that arose as a result of the Fishgold Award. As a result, we are pleased to provide the jointly developed Questions and Answers document, which was finalized on August 7, 2013. To assist the parties with implementation of the 2011 Fishgold Arbitration Award, the Q&A memorializes our mutual understanding of the 44 most prevalent issues that could be agreed upon.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

UPS cargo plane crashes on approach to Birmingham, Alabama airport

  Lynchburg woman among 2 dead in UPS plane crash in Alabama

"...A UPS cargo plane crashed Wednesday morning in an open field just outside an airport in Birmingham, Ala...."

Reference: www.tennessean.com  

NPMHU Reacts to Latest Version of Congressman Issa's Postal Reform Legislation

  NPMHU Reacts to Latest Version of Congressman Issa's Postal Reform Legislation

"...Some of the most onerous portions of H.R. 2748, as marked-up: CHANGES LAYOFF LANGUAGE IN NEXT NATIONAL AGREEMENT CONSOLIDATES PROCESSING PLANTS INCREASES HEALTH BENEFIT COSTS FOR EMPLOYEES DOES NOT MAINTAIN SERVICE STANDARDS INTERFERES WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING DOES NOT FAIRLY ADDRESS FERS OVERPAYMENTS MAINTAINS ROADBLOCKS TO SEEKING ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR USPS COFFERS ALLOWS FIVE-DAY DELIVERY AND FORCES USE OF CLUSTER BOXES INSTEAD OF DOOR DELIVERY All mail handlers are urged to write to their Members of Congress, to urge a vote against the Issa legislation...."

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

$25,000 postal buyout incentives? Removal of lay off protection? ...it's being discussed

  House Democrat’s New Postal Reform Bill Finds Some Common Ground

"...Issa, Cummings called for the Postal Service to be able to lay off employees, though Issa’s bill goes further in nullifying existing and future collective bargaining agreements. Cummings’ bill would also grant USPS the authority to offer buyout incentives through 2016 -- providing voluntarily separated employees with $25,000 or an extra one-to-two years of credited service...."

Reference: www.govexec.com  

Former Montgomery, Alabama part-time mail handler pleads guilty in shooting

  Ex-Alabama postal worker pleads guilty in shooting

"...Federal officials say a former Montgomery postal worker has pleaded guilty to shooting at two co-workers in December 2011...."

Reference: timesfreepress.com  

Postal Inspectors bust Birmingham, Alabama synthetic pot operation

  Dragnet from Ala. synthetic pot bust reaches Ga.

"...BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — US Postal Inspectors and agents from the Alabama ABC Drug Task Force swarmed a squalid efficiency..."

Reference: The Postal Briefing  

Important! Sign The Petition to Save The Postal Service

  ********** We Need Your Help Please **********
TAKE ACTION NOW: Sign The Petition to Save The Post Office

"...links that will take you to the “We The People” web site where you can sign the petition to save the Postal Service. This is in support of Congressman Peter DeFazio’s bill (HR 630), known as the “Postal Service Protection Act” (and the companion Senate bill, S-316, sponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders), which will prevent post offices from shutting down, preserve overnight delivery standards, stop the unnecessary pre-funding mandate for the Retiree Health Benefits Fund, return pension overpayments to the Postal Service, and save decent middle-class jobs. Please take a couple of minutes to support this important effort...."

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

PMG wants Mail Handlers to reopen contract negotiations, yet mail handlers have given up too much already

  NPMHU Responds to PMG Donahue's Request to Reopen Negotiations

"...(May 10, 2013) - President John Hegarty responds to Postmaster General Donahoe’s request to reopen contract negotiations. President Hegarty’s letter reads, in part; “While we are always willing to work with the Postal Service to achieve cost savings, and to find new revenue streams, we cannot accommodate your request to reopen contract negotiations. Mail handlers already have contributed to the recent financial restructuring of the Postal Service; it is now up to Congress to authorize additional rate increases, to return the Postal Service’s pension overpayments, and to eliminate the onerous financial obligations imposed by the PAEA.” ..."

Reference: /www.npmhu.org