Mail Handlers Ratify 2019 National Agreement

  Mail Handlers Ratify 2019 National Agreement

The terms of the 2019 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service were officially ratified on April 7, 2020, after a short delay in counting the votes caused by the ongoing pandemic. The certified results show that over 96% of the membership approved of the new contract, with the final vote tally at 7,003 in favor of ratification and 255 in opposition to ratification.

Further details about the implementation of the 2019 National Agreement will be provided to Local Union officers and representatives as they become available.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Michigan postal worker first mail handler to die of coronavirus, union says

  Michigan postal worker first mail handler to die of coronavirus, union says

"...A postal worker for 30 years, Anthony Smith was the first known mail handler to die of coronavirus, his union said, adding he loved kids, karaoke and his job at the Detroit National Distribution Center in Allen Park. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union said Smith..."

Reference: www.freep.com  

Handling mail amid coronavirus: Low risk but wash your hands

  Handling mail amid coronavirus: Low risk but wash your hands

"...Health experts say the risks are very low that COVID-19 will remain on envelopes or packages and infect anyone who handles them. They say, however, to avoid touching your face and wash your hands after handling any..."

Reference: www.inquirer.com  

USPS mail handler at a Cleveland distribution center tests positive for COVID-19

  USPS mail handler at a Cleveland distribution center tests positive for COVID-19

"...U.S. Postal Service confirmed Monday that a mail handler at one of its Cleveland Processing and Distribution Centers has recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease, according to Naddia Dhalai, a communication specialist with the USPS...Both the CDC and the World Health Organizations said there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through mail..."

Reference: www.news5cleveland.com  

CDC Guidelines on Wearing Surgical Masks and N95 respirators

  Should we all wear face masks to fight coronavirus? CDC says no, guidelines remain unchanged

"...The current guidelines state that surgical masks and N95 respirators are not needed outside of healthcare settings, and there will be no change of that as hospitals and healthcare centers are quickly running out of personal protective equipment (PPE)..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com  

What are employers doing for their Coronavirus frontline workers? Here is one example

  What are employers doing for their Coronavirus frontline workers? Here is one example

"...Verizon Offers Enhanced Pay for Essential On-site Employees..."

Reference: yahoo.com  

UPDATE: The NPMHU Contract Ratification Vote Count Began Yesterday

  UPDATE: The NPMHU Contract Ratification Vote Count Began Yesterday

According to the NPMHU March 20 Contract Update, the delayed contract ratification vote count will resume on Monday, March 30, 2020: "The ballot verification and counting is now set to begin on Monday, March 30, 2020, one week later than previously announced, and it is expected to take the duration of the entire week or longer to finalize and certify"

Additionally, there have been numerous updates provided by the NPMHU national website. Please read here to update yourself:

Reference: NPMHU 317  

Three-dozen plus Postal Service employees have tested positive for the novel coronavirus

  With Dozens of Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, USPS Launches New Measures to Protect Employees

"...To date, 40 postal workers have contracted the virus. Many more are home on mandatory quarantine as they may have come in contact with infected individuals ..."

Reference: www.govexec.com  

BALLOT COUNT DELAYED IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

 

This change is dictated by the need for social distancing

BALLOT COUNT DELAYED IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2019 No. 12- March 19, 2020 (pdf)

2019 Contract Update #12

BALLOT COUNT DELAYED IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

**VOTING OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED**

Out of an abundence of caution, and in order to comply with local and federal health recommendations, the National Executive Board has made the decision to modify the election ratification procedures that were originally distributed in Contract Update #11 on February 10, 2020. The ballot verification and count was previously scheduled to occur on March 23, 2020. In view of the coronavirus pandemic and recommended preventative measures, it is not practical to conduct the ballot count at this time.

In order to provide a safe environment with appropriate social distancing, we will utilize less people, in a more expansive area, to conduct the verification and count. These safety measures mean that it will take significantly longer to conduct the verification and ballot count.

As previously reported, the balloting period shall extend for at least 30 days after the mailing of ballots. The ballots will be col-lected from the P.O. Office Box, verified, and counted beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the day chosen to begin the count. The Union has retained the American Arbitration Association to certify the ballot count.

The ballot verification and counting is now set to begin on Monday, March 30, 2020, one week later than previously announced, and it is expected to take the duration of the entire week or longer to finalize and certify.

The primary reason for this delay in completing the ballot count, even after it is started, is that the verification and count of ballots will be performed by fewer people, operating out of separate locations, but connecting with each other using telephone and internet connections, including video and/or camera connections. This change is dictated by the need for social distancing.

In the event that federal or local government health officials invoke additional restrictions or quarentines such as a lockdown or shelter in place order, the NEB could be forced to delay the count further as appropriate. All ballots received from eligible members during the extended voting period will be counted.

All Local Unions may still send observers to be present at the collection, verification, opening, and counting of the ballots. However, said observations will only be made available by video feed to the National Office

Reference: www.npmhu.org

 

CDC says coronavirus RNA found in Princess Cruise ship cabins up to 17 days after passengers left

  CDC says coronavirus RNA found in Princess Cruise ship cabins up to 17 days after passengers left

"...Coronavirus RNA survived for up to 17 days aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, living far longer on surfaces than previous research has shown, according to new data published Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...The RNA, the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID-19, “was identified on a variety of surfaces in cabins..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com  

APWU has a new arbitrated contract

  APWU has a new arbitrated contract

"...Increased Compensation – General Wage plus COLA Increases, Step Increases, PSE Wage Increases, Click here to read the full award..."

Reference: apwu.org  

Ratification Packet Error: MHA Rate at Level 4, Effective in November 2021 Lower Than Stated

  Ratification Packet: Error in MHA Rate at Level 4, Effective in November 2021

This memorandum is to inform all Local Unions of an error contained in the ratification materials relating to the tentative agreement to govern the terms of the 2019 National Agreement. In particular, those ratification materials incorrectly state that the MHA Level 4 wage rate will be $17.36 per hour effective in November 2021, the third year of the agreement, when that revised rate should be listed as $17.32. See 2-28-2020 memorandum (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

  Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

"...A U.S. Postal Service employee at a Federal Way distribution center has tested positive for the coronavirus. A USPS spokesperson confirmed with media that the employee works at the Seattle Network Distribution Center at 34301 9th Ave. S. in Federal Way..."

Reference: www.seattleweekly.com  

Mail Handlers Union Releases Ratification Procedures; Ballots to Mail on February 18, 2020

  Mail Handlers Union Releases Ratification Procedures; Ballots to Mail on February 18, 2020

NPMHU RELEASES RATIFICATION PROCEDURES

BALLOTS TO MAIL ON FEBRUARY 18, 2020

* * *

BALLOT VERIFICATION AND COUNTING

SET FOR MARCH 23, 2020

2019 No. 11 – February 10, 2020 (pdf)

The following procedures have been adopted by the National Executive Board of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, pursuant to Article V, Section 9 of the NPMHU National Constitution, to govern the referendum vote that will be held to ratify the terms of the tentative 2019 National Agreement between the Union and the U.S. Postal Service.

1. All regular members who are employed by the U.S. Postal Service as of the last pay period of January 2020 shall be eligible to vote. It will take a majority of the votes properly cast to ratify the tentative agreement.

2. The voting shall be by mail ballot in postage-guaranteed return envelopes that are pre-addressed to a Post Office Box rented for the collection of such ballots. Voters will be asked to set forth their name, their address, their Local Union, and the last four digits of their employee identification number on the return envelope, but not on the inside envelope containing their secret ballot.

3. All eligible voters will be furnished with the text of any proposed changes and deletions, together with their ballots and return envelopes, as soon as practicable after the tentative agreement has been reached. It is the present intention of the National Office to mail these materials to all eligible voters no later than sixty (60) days after the date on which a tentative agreement is announced.

4. The balloting period shall extend for at least thirty (30) days after the mailing of ballots. The ballots will be collected from the Post Office Box, verified, and counted beginning at 9:00 a.m. on that day. The Union shall retain the American Arbitration Association or a similar organization to certify the ballot count. All Local Unions may send observers to be present at the collection, verification, opening, and counting of the ballots.

5. Any member who does not receive a ballot or the accompanying information must call the Ratification Ballot Coordinator at 202-833-9095, extension 1029, to request those materials.

6. The results of the voting will be announced publicly after the final ballot count is available. Copies of the official ballot count will be furnished to all Local Unions for posting.

7. All envelopes and ballots, together with other pertinent records pertaining to the vote, shall be maintained by the National Office for at least one year.

2019 No. 11 – February 10, 2020 (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT (PDF)

  SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT (PDF)

Click Above For Summary

Reference: www.npmhu.org

NPMHU AND USPS ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

  NPMHU AND USPS ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

2019 Contract Update #10 (pdf)

NPMHU AND USPS ANNOUNCE

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

ON TERMS OF 2019 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

* * *

TELECONFERENCE FOR LOCAL UNIONS

SET FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

2019 No. 10 – January 21, 2020:

You are reading the tenth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2019 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed about the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

National President Paul Hogrogian and National Secretary-Treasurer Michael Hora today announced that representatives of the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service have reached a tentative agreement over the terms of their 2019 National Agreement.

The precise terms of the settlement, which will cover the three-year period from September 21, 2019 through September 20, 2022, will be released at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, when the NPMHU National Officers will conduct a nationwide telephone conference call with the Presidents from all thirty-seven Local Unions. At the same time, the terms of the agreement will be posted on the NPMHU website, and will be mailed to thousands of Local Union officers and representatives throughout the country. Details about the teleconference will be sent separately to all Local Presidents.

The National Executive Board will approve procedures providing for a ratification vote by all members. The package circulated with that ballot will contain the precise wording for all of the additions and deletions contained in the new National Agreement.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

RI-399 Settlement Update

  RI-399 Settlement Update

As of December 20, 2019, the National Office has received over 600 claims, and as previously announced we will continue to accept claims until January 17, 2020. As we process each appeal, a member of the National staff may have the occasion to contact claimants by phone and in writing to request additional documentation to seek or clarify details of the pending appeals. Local Presidents will be copied on all written requests for additional information.

We have provided each Local Union with a list of all mail handlers who have filed appeals from within each respective Local through December 20, 2019. We will periodically update and distribute the list. With that list, Locals will be able to confirm that the National Office has received an appeal from each mail handler listed within the Local.

December 20, 2019 Memorandum to Local Presidents (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

2020 Union Plus Scholarship Available

  2020 Union Plus Scholarship Available

2020 Union Plus® Scholarship Program

New and returning applicants: Click here to create a new application or to login.

Logged in users: click on "Continue with Application" link.

Application deadline: 12:00pm (noon, Eastern Time), Friday, January 31, 2020.

Since 1991, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $4.5 million to students of union families. Over 3,000 union families have benefited from our commitment to higher education.

This program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation, which is sponsored by Union Privilege.

The Union Plus Education Foundation is funded in part by donations from Capital One N.A., the provider of the Union Plus Credit Card (You do not need to be a Union Plus Credit Card holder to apply for this scholarship.)

Award amounts: $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2020. Students may re-apply each year.

Award date: May 31, 2020. During the first week of June 2020 award recipients will be notified by postal mail, and all applicants will be sent email notification.

Eligibility criteria:

Current and retired members of unions participating in any Union Plus program, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations) are eligible. Grandchildren are not eligible unless a legal dependent (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31, 2020.

Members of participating unions from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible.

The applicant must be accepted into a U.S. accredited college, university, community college, technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Awards must be used for the 2020 - 2021 school year.

Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

TSP Two-step authentication mandatory before the end of 2019

  TSP Two-step authentication mandatory before the end of 2019

"...All TSP participants must have validated contact information and use two-step authentication to log into My Account before the end of 2019. You can avoid interruption to your account access by..."

Reference: The Federal Newsgroup  

Department of Labor: Federal Contract Mail Haulers: What are some Laws/Acts are you covered by?

  U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Mail Hauler Failed to Pay Employees Prevailing Wages and Fringe Benefits in Alabama and Mississippi

"..."No federal contractor should gain an economic advantage by paying employees below the prevailing wages and fringe benefits their contract requires," said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Juan Coria, in Atlanta, Georgia. "Federal service contracts spell out employers' responsibilities when they bid on these jobs. We encourage all employers to review their legal obligations and to contact the Wage and Hour Division for compliance assistance. Violations like these can be avoided." The SCA requires contractors and subcontractors performing services on prime contracts in excess of $2,500 to pay service employees in various classes no less than the wage rates and fringe benefits found prevailing in the locality, or the rates, including prospective increases, contained in a predecessor contractor's collective bargaining agreement. For more information about the FLSA, SCA, and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Employers who discover overtime or minimum wage violations may self-report and resolve those violations without litigation through the PAID program. Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd..."

Reference: www.dol.gov  

2018 List of Top U.S. Postal Service Suppliers

  2018 List of Top U.S. Postal Service Suppliers

"...Mail haulers Hoovestol Inc., and its affiliated company Eagle Express Lines, again took second place with $480 million in revenue, freighting an additional $28 million from last year. We no longer consolidate entries from three separate companies held by parent Salmon Companies Inc., so the next largest ground carrier is Postal Fleet Services Inc. with $161 million in revenue. Wheeler Bros., Inc., which provides automotive parts for the Postal Service’s aging fleet, had $171 million in revenue to latch down the no. 8 spot..."

Reference: www.globenewswire.com  

Stop the Postal Sell-off: Say NO to a Privatizer as the Postmaster General

  Stop the Postal Sell-off: Say NO to a Privatizer as the Postmaster General

In light of the Administration’s influence on the Board and the White House’s demonstrated hostility to the mission of the public Postal Service, we have serious concerns that the Board could appoint an outright privatizer as the next PMG. We’re organizing postal workers, allies and members of the public onto a petition to the Postal Board of Governors. We think this is a crucial front in our struggle to preserve quality, affordable, public Postal Service and the many thousands of community-sustaining jobs USPS supports.

In July 2018 the White House announced proposals to privatize the Postal Service. Now Postmaster General Megan Brennan has announced her departure as Postmaster General in January 2020. The Postmaster General has wide powers to shape the mission of USPS and there is a real risk that Brennan’s successor could hand over parts of the service to private, profit-making corporations and prepare it for a wholesale sell-off. The people will rightly expect a new Postmaster General who will uphold the Postal Service’s public mission and will work to preserve and enhance our national treasure.

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY

We, the undersigned, believe in a public Postal Service committed to providing quality service to everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, at reasonable and uniform rates. Our United States Postal Service is an essential part of the fabric of the country and a source of good, living wage jobs for our communities. We call on you to appoint a Postmaster General who is fully committed to universal service and the public ownership of the Postal Service.

Download a PDF version of the petition here.

Sign the petition online via APWU link to Grand Alliance

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Santa's Official Address

  Santa's Official Address

"...help kids write letters to Santa, making sure they include any relevant details,such as age, shoe size, home address, etc.Don’t worry, we will hide private information from the public. For some inspiration, we’ve included letters to Santa from last year. Make sure envelopes have postage and are addressed correctly, as shown..."

Reference: www.uspsoperationsanta.com
More Reading: Print a North Pole Postmark for your Christmas Crafts
 

NPMHU Launches Mobile App

  NPMHU Launches Mobile App

mobile App in the App store

November 13, 2019- The National Office is pleased to announce the launch our official NPMHU mobile App. We’ve heard from more and more members that use smartphones to stay connected. They would like to have an NPMHU App to get their information; we are pleased to provide this communication tool. You can access the latest news, updates, events, and information of organizational importance. In addition, the App will access photos and videos that are posted on the website.

The App will also have significant value when it comes to the 2020 Convention. A component of the App will be specific to Convention updates, reports, and activities, but more on this in the coming months. The platform supports iPhone and Android devices. You can now download the App from Apple App Store or Google Play store—simply search for NPMHU and get connected. You can also use your smartphone to scan the QR Code shown on this page to acquire a direct link to the NPMHU mobile App in the App store.
Reference: www.npmhu.org

Settlement Reached on Interpretive Dispute Concerning MHA Holiday Pay

  Settlement Reached on Interpretive Dispute Concerning MHA Holiday Pay

"...The NPMHU and the Postal Service have reached a pre-arbitration settlement on the interpretive dispute concerning payment to Mail Handler Assistants or MHAs for retroactive holidays during the first year of the 2016 National Agreement. The Case No. is Q16M-6Q-C 17583292.

The issue in this dispute was the effective date of the provisions of Articles 11 .1 and 11.3 of the National Agreement, as well as the subsection of the MOU on Mail Handler Assistant Employees governing Article 11 issues for MHAs. Together, these provisions guarantee that MHAs receive pay for up to six holidays per year, but there was a dispute concerning the beginning date for application of these provisions. As a result of this settlement, the parties have agreed that eligible MHAs will receive holiday pay for three (3) holidays during the first year of the 2016 National Agreement, which ended on May 20, 2017. Thus, current MHAs or Mail Handlers who were on the rolls as MHAs on Thanksgiving Day 2016, Christmas Day 2016, and/or New Year's Day 2017 will receive retroactive holiday pay for these holidays in accordance with Articles 11.1 and 11.3 of the 2016 National Agreement. Management had taken the position that the provisions of Article 11 only applied after ratification of the Agreement, which occurred in February 2017, and this settlement is a compromise of the parties' respective positions.

The payments owed will be made as soon as administratively practicable. Any cases being held on this issue at the Local or Regional level are resolved on the same basis.

November 4, 2019 - Memorandum to Local Presidents re: Pre-Arbitration 4 Settlement on 2016-2017 Holiday Pay for MHAs (pdf)

..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

How do postal union contract settlements compare to other skilled/non-skilled labor contracts

  How do postal union contract settlements compare to other skilled/non-skilled labor contracts

Even with GM not doing so well and having to shutter 3 plants, the UAW ratified a deal that shows the company really does appreciate their workforce. Yes, even during difficult times, GM and the UAW know how to motivate a strong group of craft employees. Even though skilled labor will reap higher pay, the unskilled craft employees garner the same benefits by ratifying the new four (4) year contract. And the union did not toss aside those at shuttered plants where the union said it negotiated assistance packages for workers at Lordstown, Warren and Baltimore transmission plants, including $75,000 payments for eligible production workers and $85,000 for skilled workers who retire. There are also buyout options for those not eligible to retire. Additionally, employees will garner an $11K signing bonus, $60K for early retirement at non-closing plants. Also, as important, no change in the existing health plan provided and no additional cost to members. All of this is addition to a $12,000 cap on profit sharing being eliminated. All profits earned by GM in North America will generate payments to members. The contract also provides two 3% raises and two 4% bonuses. And for all the naysayers that think that unions are bad for business, GM shares were up about 1% during after-market trading following reports of the ratification. The stock closed at $36.74, up 2.57%. The union contract ratification is a win-win-win for GM, UAW (union), and investors. Additionally, the customer wins with continued quality manufacturing by a well motivated, well paid workforce. Now it's your turn U.S. Postal Service. We have listened to the Postmaster General compliment the great job employees do so how about putting your money where your bread is buttered ...the workers.

Reference: NPMHU 317  

Postmaster General Megan Brennan Announces Retirement

  Postmaster General Megan Brennan Announces Retirement

"... The NPMHU congratulates Postmaster General Megan Brennan on her pending retirement and thanks her for her 33 years of service to the United States Postal Service. Brennan is the seventy-fourth Postmaster General and the first woman to hold the office; she assumed the position on February 1, 2015. While we have not always agreed on everything, the NPMHU appreciates the openness and honesty through which she conducted herself in her dealings with the NPMHU, especially in collective bargaining. We hope that whoever becomes the next Postmaster General continues Brennan’s productive relationship with the NPMHU. The NPMHU wishes Megan success in her future endeavors.

PMG Megan J Brennan's retirement announcement (pdf)

..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

RI399 Settlement to be Paid on October 4, 2019

  RI399 Settlement to be Paid on October 4, 2019

On June 26, 2018, the NPMHU, APWU and USPS reached a tripartite agreement Re: Update of Regional Instruction (RI) 399 Procedures.

With certain exceptions, the MOU effectively withdrew and administratively closed all cross-craft grievances that were pending in the RI- 399 process prior to September 1, 2017. The Update MOU also provided for monetary payments to mail handlers and clerks in consideration of the withdrawal of these grievances. The parties have agreed that $14,500,000 will be distributed among mail handlers designated by the NPMHU. The settlement and monetary payment distribution details were widely released and are also posted at npmhu.org.

The USPS will make payment on this settlement in the final pay period of the 2019 fiscal year; thus, the settlement will be included in the October 4, 2019 paycheck.

The National Office has established a union-run appeal procedure for any claims that may be filed (1) by Mail Handlers who do not receive a monetary payment on October 4, 2019 but who believe they should have been listed amongst the eligible, or (2) by eligible Mail Handlers who receive a payment on October 4, 2019 but believe they did not receive the proper number of shares authorized. The decisions made by this appeal procedure will be final and binding.

The appeal procedures will be discussed in detail during the upcoming SAMLU meeting in Washington, DC. Appeal forms are linked below.

September 16, 2019 Memorandum to Local Presidents (pdf)

RI399 Appeal Form (Fillable pdf)

RI399 Appeal Form (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

A look back at the last GM/UAW 2015 Contract Summary for hourly workers

  A look back at the last GM/UAW Contract Summary for hourly workers

As the UAW continues to strike for a fair share of GM's huge profits for present and future hourly workers and postal unions strive for a decent wage and benefits, it's a good time to see what the past UAW contract garnered for its members in their last contract (2015). Some of the contract wins included an $8,000 signing bonus, 3% wage increase the first year, 4% lump sum in the second year, 3% wage increase in the third year, and a 4% lump sum in the last year. Additionally, performance bonuses, quality bonuses, $500 retiree gift cards, $60,000 bonus for up to 4,000 taking a retirement. A legal Services Plan. Enhanced relocation benefits and more to include profit sharing. And of course they have pensions and great health benefits as well. Read it here: https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/64171_UAW-GM-Hourly-Highlights-Revp-11-final.pdf

Reference: uaw.org