NPMHU Bidding Procedures Modified as Negotiations Continue

  NPMHU Bidding Procedures Modified as Negotiations Continue

September 20, 2022 Memorandum (pdf)

The parties affirm that effective September 21, 2022, employees represented by the NPMHU will be allowed to bid under the new contract, whether or not the parties reach a tentative settlement, extend bargaining, or enter into impasse procedures. Successful bids on or after September 21, 2022 will be counted towards the bid maximums established in the 2022 National Agreement.

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #9

  2022 NPMHU Contract Update #9

2022 No. 9 – September 19, 2022

You are reading the ninth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

For nearly a week, the NPMHU Negotiations Team has been sequestered in the Mayflower Hotel with USPS representatives in an attempt to come to a tentative agreement on a new contract for the Mail Handler bargaining unit. The three months of contract negotiations have coalesced into these final days of bargaining. Regardless of the long and arduous road that led to this point, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains determined to fight hard for its proposals.

Even though USPS representatives have had NPMHU proposals for months, only recently have they submitted counterproposals or proposed tentative agreements. With less than forty-eight hours to go until the expiration of the contract, the Postal Service is responding to a fraction of all NPMHU proposals. In many cases, these proposals could have been the subject of tentative agreements back in July or August, if it weren’t for unexplained USPS delays.

The good news is, as evidenced by their proposed tentative agreements and counter proposals, Postal Service officials now seem willing to negotiate. Though this comes at a late hour, the NPMHU Negotiations Team is cautiously optimistic that this change in pace will result in greater progress toward a tentative agreement on a full contract.

While the start of negotiation meetings at the Mayflower proved to be difficult, bargaining sessions have improved. Both parties are meeting with greater frequency at Main Table sessions. During these meetings, USPS officials seem much more willing and able to reach tentative agreements with the NPMHU. Though a National Agreement is far from being signed, things are looking much brighter than they did just a week ago.

Outside of Main Table negotiations, small groups and subcommittees continue to meet to discuss the finer details of each proposal. These meetings, while not as official as the Main Table sessions, are key to the bargaining process. During these sessions, both parties settle their differences and draw closer to a tentative agreement on a particular issue.

In regard to economic issues, National President Hogrogian and National Secretary-Treasurer Mike Hora continue to meet with Deputy Postmaster General Douglas Tulino in smaller sessions. While those negotiations have not yet resulted in any concrete agreements, President Hogrogian maintains that these talks have been productive and have led to an exchange of ideas.

As the deadline for the contract grows closer and closer, it is imperative that both parties remain open to an earnest and thorough negotiations process. NPMHU representatives insist that their Postal Service counterparts return to the bargaining table committed to reaching an agreement. This includes continuing to respond to NPMHU proposals in pursuit of a tentative agreement, demonstrating a genuine effort to address proposals, and showing a willingness to discuss more difficult and nuanced proposals.

Though the final days of bargaining are never easy, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains resolute and determined to fight hard for all of its proposed changes to the National Agreement.

Above all, the NPMHU Negotiations Team wants to ensure that any agreement that it reaches with the Postal Service will be favorable for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, the Mail Handler craft, the Postal Service, and the American mailing public.

2022 No. 9 – September 19, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

Mail Handler (NPMHU) 2022 Contract Update #8

  Mail Handler (NPMHU) 2022 Contract Update #8

2022 No. 8 – September 16, 2022

You are reading the eighth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

In accordance with mutually agreed upon ground rules, on September 6, 2022, the NPMHU Negotiations Team and USPS representatives turned in their last non-economic proposed changes to the National Agreement. After nearly three months of exchanging proposals, and some counterproposals, both parties are discussing the minute details of their proposals.

Taken in combination, the USPS and the NPMHU have submitted more than one hundred proposed changes to the contract. Most of the proposals have been submitted by the NPMHU. With this many proposals, both parties are sure to be busy for the coming days.

What’s Happening Now?

Though the non-economic proposal deadline has passed, negotiations on this new contract are far from over. Both parties are spending the coming days negotiating the finer points of the new contract round-the-clock. Taking up residence in a local Washington, DC hotel, both parties will spend countless hours at the bargaining table and in small-group meetings hoping to reach tentative agreements on key issues.

Beyond the negotiations of the Main Table and continuing subcommittees, the small groups continue vital work in making sure that all the intricate details of each proposal are well understood and acknowledged. While they are certainly the less visible portion of bargaining, the subcommittees oversee a multitude of important topics and issues including: 204Bs, Article 16, Article 11, and MHAs.

During intense bargaining, the NPMHU Negotiations Team continues to advocate for the changes that have already been proposed. Of most importance, the union negotiators are insisting that their counterparts from the USPS come to the table prepared to bargain in good faith. Such bargaining should include agreement on reasonable proposals beneficial to both parties. President Hogrogian, as chief spokesperson for the NPMHU, continuously pushes for tentative agreements.

The NPMHU hopes that USPS will come to the final sessions of bargaining with an open mind and a genuine will to sign a complete contract. Notwithstanding this expectation, to this point USPS representatives are maintaining their air of resistance and lack of transparency. Even when proposals would have no adverse impact on the Postal Service, or would be beneficial to all parties, USPS negotiators refuse to come to tentative agreements.

This entire week, negotiators have gathered daily to discuss contract language. With the added attendance of Acting VP of Labor Relations Thomas J. Blum of the USPS negotiations team, bargaining has ramped up to full speed, and the NPMHU Negotiations Team has spent countless hours over the past week to ensure that all proposals are duly considered and discussed.

Beyond the Main Table, President Hogrogian and other NPMHU representatives are meeting with Deputy PMG and Chief Human Resources Officer Doug Tulino to discuss the various economic proposals that the NPMHU has submitted. While no agreements have yet been reached, President Hogrogian has noted that these meetings have been encouraging.

As the contract deadline approaches, the NPMHU remains more prepared than ever to settle the new contract. It hopes that USPS will come back to the bargaining table genuinely prepared to reach an agreement. At all times, the NPMHU Negotiations Team remains committed to do what is best for mail handlers, the NPMHU, the Postal Service, and the American mailing public.

2022 No. 8 – September 16, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
 

Biden Scores Deal on Rail Strike; Will Biden Do The Same for Postal Unions?

  Biden scores deal on rail strike, but worker discontent emerges

"includes the biggest wage increases for railroad workers in more than four decades. They will receive a 24 percent pay increase by 2024, including an immediate 14 percent raise; $1,000 annual bonuses over five years; and no increases to health care co-pays and deductibles. The agreement would bring the average railroad worker’s pay to $110,000 a year by 2024."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
 

Holiday kickoff | Operation Santa gets earlier start

 

USPS News Link | Postal news and information

Holiday kickoff | Operation Santa gets earlier start

The most wonderful time of the year has received a jump start.

The USPS Operation Santa program began accepting letters from people in need on Sept. 15 — six weeks earlier than last year.

The Postal Service made the announcement at the stamp dedication celebrating the new Holiday Elves stamps in North Pole, AK. Michael Elston, secretary of the Postal Service Board of Governors, led the ceremony.

“We know this is earlier than usual, but we’re pretty excited to get the season started and we know kids around the country are eager to write to Santa, using these stamps on the envelopes,” Elston said.

The 110-year-old program provides an online channel where people can safely and securely help children and families have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not have the means. Individuals can adopt letters to Santa and send gifts anonymously.

Last year, letters could be sent beginning Nov. 1. Thousands of letters were received by the time the website, USPSOperationSanta.com, opened for letter adoption on Nov. 29, 2021. However, only 2,500 letters contained the information necessary to be posted and those letters were all adopted within 10 minutes of the site opening.

The Postal Service is hoping the extra time to send letters this year will result in many more letters available to adopt on opening day, Nov. 28.

USPS Operation Santa letters are opened and reviewed, and personal information is redacted, before they are uploaded for adoption by employees, customers and others.

Letter writers must include a first and last name and a complete return address (street address, apartment number if applicable, city, state and ZIP Code). The envelope must have a postage stamp on it to travel through the Postal Service network.

Letters should be addressed to: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888.

Reference: usps.com via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama's Mail Handler Union

Get the USPS North Pole Postmark (Postal Cancellation Mark) image free here. You can copy, save, and download our free USPS Santa North Pole Postmark for your holiday craft projects. Make your Santa letters look official with the North Pole Postmark.

 

USPS Improving safety | Post Offices to get new hazmat labels, posters

  USPS Improving safety | Post Offices to get new hazmat labels, posters

Post Offices will soon receive kits that contain a supply of labels and information designed to better identify potentially hazardous items in the mail.

The kits contain the new Label 876, HAZMAT Surface Only, which is for internal use and must not be distributed to customers.

The new labels will help improve visibility into which customers are shipping ground-eligible, hazardous materials and the number of pieces originating from retail units.

Post Offices should start using the labels immediately. Post Office managers also must maintain enough labels in stock to ensure they are always available.

The kits also contain:

• Label 876 standard operating procedures.

• An updated version of Poster 298, Domestic Hazardous Materials Warning Labels and Markings.

• A letter detailing Label 876 and the updated Poster 298.

Post Offices should place the posters at retail counters and in dispatch areas visible to all employees involved in the acceptance, delivery or dispatch of mail.

Previous versions of Poster 298 should be discarded.

The kits are part of the Postal Service’s effort to improve processes for proper identification and handling of potentially hazardous items.

For additional information, email BV6DB0@usps.gov.

Reference: usps.com
 

In Memoriam | 9/11

  Remembering the Terrorist Attack on Freedom Sept. 11, 2001

Reference: NPMHU Local 317
 

2022 Mail Handler (NPMHU) Contract Update #7

  2022 Mail Handler (NPMHU) Contract Update #7

2022 No. 7 – September 1, 2022

You are reading the seventh Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

With less than one month until the expiration of the 2019 contract between the NPMHU and USPS, bargaining between both of the parties continues in full force. As both sides prepare for their round-the-clock bargaining sessions in a few weeks, the NPMHU continues to submit proposals.

As of now, the NPMHU has submitted nearly 100 proposals for Main Table discussion. The Postal Service Negotiations team has still to submit any more proposals than its original few. With one more Main Table session before the September 6 deadline for noneconomic proposals, both sides are planning to submit their final proposals during the next few days.

Outside the Main Table sessions, members of the NPMHU Negotiations Team continue to assess and bargain issues in the critical subcommittee meetings. Most recently, the subcommittees focusing on 204B/Group Leaders and MHAs met to discuss the logistics of the NPMHU proposals. Postal Negotiators and CAD Representatives have used these meetings to discuss how proposed changes might be implemented and executed.

Supplementary to the usual bargaining activity, NPMHU and Postal officials heard presentations from Postal management about USPS finances and logistics. On August 23, NPMHU representatives traveled to Postal HQ to listen to a presentation given by VP of Network Operation Robert Cintron, and VP of Processing and

Maintenance Operations Mike L. Barber. The presentation discussed changes in USPS logistics and operations that have occurred over the last few years, and how they will be affected by Postmaster General DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan.

The Negotiations Team also was privy to another presentation on August 31 concerning the financial health of the Postal Service and its plans in the coming fiscal period. Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Joseph Corbett explained the changing dynamics of USPS finances over the last three years, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Postmaster General’s “Delivering for America” plan.

During both meetings, National President Paul Hogrogian made sure to ask each presenter important questions about the impact of USPS logistical and financial decisions on Mail Handlers and other USPS employees.

On September 1, NPMHU and Postal Negotiations team met for their penultimate Main Table session before the last week of round-the-clock bargaining. During this meeting, the NPMHU Negotiations Team submitted what is likely to be its final set of non-economic proposals for Main Table consideration. Like with the other proposals, these proposals will be assigned to the appropriate subcommittee and discussed in-depth.

As the proposal deadline of September 6 draws closer, the NPMHU team expects to receive additional proposals from the Postal Service, as well as some counterproposals to the changes that the Union hopes to make to the National Agreement. On September 12, NPMHU and USPS negotiators will check into the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. For the next week, both parties will continue to negotiate, around-the-clock if necessary, with the sincere hope of reaching an agreement by the midnight deadline on September 20.

Despite being occupied by the 2020 National Convention and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPMHU remains optimistic that this round of negotiations will yield a contract that is good for the NPMHU, the Mail Handler Craft, the USPS, and the American mailing public. Please continue to check your bulletin boards for continuing updates on negotiations for the 2022 National Agreement.

2022 No. 7 – September 1, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) will replace FEHB coverage for postal employees, annuitants and eligible family members

  Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) will replace FEHB coverage for postal employees, annuitants and eligible family members

"...PSHB would make the same plans available and on the same coverage terms as in the FEHB but with their premiums determined separately. ..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com
 

USPS Lists Hundreds of Post Offices and Other Facilities Where It Will Consolidate Operations

  USPS Lists Hundreds of Post Offices and Other Facilities Where It Will Consolidate Operations

"...The changes will take place as soon as next month. More than 200 post offices and other U.S. Postal Service facilities are set to shed some of their operations as soon as this year as the mailing agency seeks to consolidate those functions at larger buildings, according to documents shared by management. ..."

Reference: www.govexec.com
 

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #6

  2022 NPMHU Contract Update #6

2022 No. 6 – August 23, 2022

You are reading the sixth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

As the NPMHU National Office returns to Washington, DC after a productive National Convention, our bargainers are eager to return to the negotiations table. Throughout the Convention, members of the Negotiations Team had been working behind the scenes to continue bargaining. The end of the Convention created an opportunity to resume bargaining at the Main Table.

On August 17, the NPMHU Negotiations Team returned to Postal Service HQ to resume Main Table Negotiations, where it delivered Article 32 proposals to USPS representatives. The next day, the NPMHU hosted USPS at its HQ in the AFL-CIO building, where both parties further discussed the NPMHU’s proposals and their finer details.

To date, the NPMHU has given representatives of USPS management over 75 proposals, totaling nearly 100 pages of written text. Conversely, USPS representatives have issued the NPMHU less than 10 proposals. In addition to their lack of genuine proposals, USPS representatives have displayed a much less cooperative atmosphere and stalled progress in genuine negotiations.

As the NPMHU Negotiations Team attempts to reach agreements on contract language governing work rules and operational matters in Main Table discussions, USPS representatives are calling for the referral of these proposals to the much lengthier and bureaucratic process for approving economic proposals. Trying to delay bargaining by pushing these proposals all the way up to highest ranking officials in the Postal Service has stalled negotiations at the Main Table.

When the Postal Service is not looking to delay issues to the final economic bargaining, it shows a poignant lack of urgency in coming to tentative agreements on simple issues. This delay occurs even when a proposed change in the contract is — by the admission of members of the USPS negotiating team — already a practice employed by management.

Subcommittees also seem to be stalled, as management shows a fundamental lack of understanding of NPMHU proposals, often belaboring the same point even after a contrary understanding has been reached. Combined with stagnation at the Main Table, it suggests that the USPS fundamentally misunderstands the NPMHU proposals and positions.

On numerous occasions, President Hogrogian has asked the USPS representatives to come to prompt tentative agreements on any issues that would not have an adverse impact on postal operations, or would save USPS money, or which have routinely been granted to other crafts. In these instances, USPS representatives to this point have displayed a noted resistance and lack of transparency as to why.

Perhaps even more problematic, when the NPMHU comes to the Main Table sessions or to numerous subcommittee meetings, it is unsure who has the authority to reach agreements on some of the issues being discussed. As the USPS tries to refer proposals to the economic table, its negotiation team seems less and less able — or willing — to reach any tentative agreements.

As the contract deadline approaches, with 30 days remaining until September 20, 2022, the NPMHU hopes that USPS will be open to discussing more options at the Main Table and agreed upon subcommittees, as well as being more forthcoming and transparent as the parties strive to reach agreements on subsidiary issues. As always, the NPMHU Negotiations Team will strive to do what is best for the NPMHU, the Postal Service, and the American mailing public.

2022 No. 6 – August 23, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $2,455

  Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $2,455

Effective August 27, 2022, all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment as outlined in Article 9.3 of the 2019 National Agreement. This is the last of six possible COLA increases under the terms of the current agreement. This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) following release of the July 2022 Index, using the July 2019 CPI index as a base. The increase will appear in paychecks dated September 16, 2022 (Pay Period 19-2022).The resulting calculation provides an annual increase of $2,455 or $1.18 per hour for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 will receive the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.3 of the National Agreement.

Reference: NPMHU.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

USPS board game debuts | The Great American Mail Race

  USPS board game debuts | The Great American Mail Race

"...The Postal Service introduced The Great American Mail Race, a licensed board game, at the Gen Con Indy 2022 gaming conference in Indianapolis on Aug. 4. The game allows players to race around a board that shows a map of the United States, using different methods — including the Pony Express, steamboats, hot air balloons and vehicles — to deliver mail and packages. “The Great American Mail Race is a fun, interactive game that celebrates the Postal Service’s rich history and shows how we continue to deliver for America..."

Reference: usps.com
 

2022 Contract Update #5

  2022 Contract Update #5

2022 No. 5 – August 5, 2022

You are reading the fifth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

After almost one month, bargaining between the NPMHU and the Postal Service continues in full force. As of now, the NPMHU and USPS have met for five main table bargaining sessions and numerous subcommittee meetings.

While the main table meetings represent the most important part of contract negotiations, the subcommittee meetings remain an invaluable medium for addressing individual issues and topics. At the commencement of contract negotiations, both parties agreed to subcommittees to handle MHA topics, Article 12, Group Leaders and 204Bs, MOUs, Article 32, and Article 11. Each subcommittee considers relevant proposals and creates a much more productive narrative at the main table.

To date, the NPMHU has presented the Postal Service with over 70 proposed changes to the National Agreement, ranging from Articles 1-17, 24, and 26. These proposals aim to address many of the issues that the NPMHU is determined to address in the new agreement. This includes the use of 204Bs, MHA issues, and subcontracting or outsourcing. The Negotiations Team is confident that these proposed changes address the prevailing issues that affect all Mail Handlers.

The NPMHU Negotiations team has also received a few proposals on behalf of USPS management. While these changes are few in comparison with what the NPMHU Negotiations Team has submitted, they embody the changes that management hopes to implement. The Postal Service’s proposed changes aim to cut the cost of USPS operations at the facility level.

As both parties move deeper into the negotiation process, formal stipulations are being discussed at the main table and in subcommittees. While the Negotiations Team plans to submit more proposals, its attention has turned to fighting hard to ensure that its present proposals are accepted by USPS. The details of each proposal are now taking center stage and proposals are being discussed at length and negotiated by both sides.

Of utmost importance to the Negotiations Team are issues addressing 204Bs. A preponderance of the proposals submitted by the NPMHU hope to curb the use of 204Bs and to prevent inexperienced and newly hired MHAs from attaining 204B status in their first year. Similarly, the Negotiations Team has suggested that the use of Group Leaders within the Mail Handler craft be increased in order to reduce the use of 204Bs

Similarly, the Negotiations Team has prioritized proposals affecting MHAs and recently converted full-time career employees, including better pay and the repair of the wage scales that have adversely affected MHAs and those on the lower end of the wage scale.

As the NPMHU gathers in Denver for its delayed—but not denied—National Convention, main table bargaining has temporarily been suspended. However, even as key National Officers gather in Denver, subcommittee meetings and off-the-record negotiations continue. The Negotiations Team plans on continuing these fruitful discussions while the NPMHU hosts its National Convention.

Although President Hogrogian is simultaneously serving as Chairman of the National Convention and the NPMHUs chief spokesperson in bargaining, he remains intimately involved in the details of contract negotiations. Similarly, the entire Negotiations Team is committed to continuing bargaining at full force.

As the NPMHU and USPS continue negotiations, please watch your bulletin boards for the latest information!

2022 No. 5 – August 5, 2022 (pdf)

..."

Reference: NPMHU.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

NPMHU CONVENTION KICK'S OFF MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2022

  NPMHU CONVENTION KICK'S OFF MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2022

"...Keep up with the NPMHU Convention..."

Reference: convention.npmhu.org
 

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #4

  2022 NPMHU Contract Update #4

2022 No. 4 – July 19, 2022 You are reading the fourth Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

The concept of collective bargaining is at the heart of organized labor. By the turn of the twentieth century, American laborers utilized their bargaining power as the primary tool for economic justice. Though management utilized vast and powerful resources, the ability to bargain collectively provided labor with a powerful tool to fight back.

In 1935, as a part of the New Deal program, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ensured the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) – sometimes referred to as the Wagner Act. Its passage explicitly granted workers the right to bargain collectively. However, by 1947, the American government had passed the Taft-Hartley Act, which vastly curtailed the collective bargaining power of organized labor.

Despite this setback, the power of organized labor was extended in 1962, when President Kennedy issued Executive Order 10,988, which first granted federal employees the right to collective bargaining rights. This right was expanded to the Postal Service with passage of the Postal Reorganization Act (PRA) of 1970 – which is the framework by which the USPS and the NPMHU govern their bargaining.

The bargaining process begins when one party (either the USPS or NPMHU) serves written notice to the other of the desire to modify an agreement. Under Article 39 of our National Agreement, this notice must be served between 90 and 120 days from when the contract expires. For this contract, which expires on September 20, 2022, that meant the parties had to be notified somewhere between June 20 and July 20.

The parties then spend three to four months negotiating through different proposals – which are submitted both by management and the union. If USPS and the NPMHU come to a tentative agreement, that agreement is put forth to the NPMHU membership for a vote-by-mail ballot as mandated in the NPMHU National Constitution. If the tentative agreement is accepted by the membership, it becomes the new governing document between the USPS and mail handlers.

If the NPMHU and USPS fail to come to an agreement or the tentative agreement is rejected by the membership, then the PRA leaves other options. The most popular of these options is for both parties to settle on dispute resolution procedures on their own. If the legal teams cannot agree in procedures to resolve their dispute, this activates another provision in the PRA.

First, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) would establish a 3-person fact finding panel that would then have 45 days in which to investigate the bargaining dispute and issue a report of its findings. If an agreement still has not been reached after the fact-finding panel, the PRA requires the establishment of an arbitration board within 90 days of contract expiration. This board generally consists of three members – one appointed by the Union, one appointed by the Postal Service, and a third (neutral) member.

The arbitration board holds a hearing in which both sides have the chance to present evidence in support of their claims. The board is required to make a decision 45 days after its appointment, which, as the PRA states, will be “conclusive” and “binding.” It will determine the terms of the new agreement. Therefore, the National President usually hosts a meeting of the Local Unions and receives their advice before entering arbitration.

As the NPMHU and USPS continue negotiations, please watch your bulletin boards for the latest information!

2022 No. 4 - July 19, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317
 

USPS-themed board game, puzzle released

  USPS-themed board game, puzzle released

The Postal Service now offers two licensed products designed to appeal to game and puzzle enthusiasts:

• A U.S. stamps edition of the Monopoly board game allows players to buy, sell and trade some of the most memorable stamps in history.

The game, which launched in the spring, features USPS-inspired tokens, including a collection box, a roll of stamps and packages. Players can also set up Post Offices and distribution centers.

The game, which sells for $44.99, is available at usps.com.

• U.S. Stamps of the ’80s, a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, features a 19-by-27-inch collage that includes stamp releases such as Desert Cactus Plants (1981), Olympics (1984), Special Olympics (1987) and Dinosaurs (1989).

The puzzle sells for $17.99 and is available on usps.com.

The Op, a board game and puzzle company, created both products.

Reference: USPS via NPMHU Local 317 | Alabama

AMAZON: SAVE $$ HERE! NOTE FROM POSTAL EMPLOYEE NEWS: You can get the game for a less expensive price on Amazon. Amazon's price for Monopoly: U.S. Stamps Edition Officially-Licensed United States Postal Service is $40.49 with free shipping on Amazon Prime.

 

NPMHU and USPS Reach Agreement on Pilot Program to Return Terminal Handling Services (THS) Work to the Mail Handler Craft

  NPMHU and USPS Reach Agreement on Pilot Program to Return THS Work to the Mail Handler Craft

The 2019 National Agreement includes a MOU on subcontracting, part of which states the following: “Under the 2019 National Agreement, the parties commit to re-establishing their Subcontracting Committee and continuing their discussions about the possibility of returning mail handler work from the Surface Transportation Centers (STC), Mail Transport Equipment Service Centers (MTESC) and the bedloading project. The Committee will consider all relevant factors when discussing the issue outlined above, to include cost, operational efficiency, availability of equipment, and qualification of employees. In addition, any MHA employees utilized as referenced in paragraph 1 will not count against existing non-career caps.”

Based on this MOU, the parties at the National level have been engaged in ongoing discussions about these subjects as well as other subcontracted work. Most recently, discussions have been focused on the Terminal Handling Services which has been subcontracted in most locations since 2001.

We are pleased to announce that the National parties have reached their first agreement on insourcing or returning some of the terminal handling service work to the mail handler craft starting with a one-year pilot program in certain postal facilities. The first installation where the THS work will be returned to postal operations at the West Valley P&DC in Phoenix, AZ. The details of this pilot program is outlined on the attached Memorandum of Understanding.

Although much of the information obtained and being discussed by the NPMHU is subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, should you have any questions on these matters, please do not hesitate to contact the National CAD.

Terminal Handling Services Staffing Pilot – July 13, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 | Alabama
 

Amazon | Mail Handler - Multi Tasking Postal Shirt

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Amazon | Mail Handler - Multi Tasking Postal Shirt

Get your Mail Handler Tshirt from Amazon

Reference: Amazon

END ADVERTISEMENT

 

USPS hosting centralized job fair in Huntsville, Alabama

  USPS hosting centralized job fair in Huntsville

"HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Interested in working for the post office? An upcoming job fair will bring several local post offices across North Alabama to one place for easy access. On Saturday, July 9, the USPS will be hosting a job fair in the parking lot of the Huntsville General Mail Facility (3408 Wall Triana Highway). Officials will be on-site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. sharing information about open delivery and/or retail positions in Athens, Decatur, Elkmont, Florence, Hartselle, Harvest, Huntsville, Madison, and Owens Cross Roads. All of these jobs pay $18-$19/hour. ..."

Reference: whnt.com
 

Amazon: Postal Worker American Flag Hat | Postal Worker Gift Hat

  Amazon: Postal Worker American Flag Hat | Postal Worker Gift Hat

"...$5.09 Size: One Size 100% Polyester Product Material: Polyester Unisex Aldult Baseball Cap,Lightweight, Breathable, Comfortable To Wear Throughout The Season.Great Idea For Gifts For Family And Friends. Classic Baseball Caps For Men And Women. Pair It With Your Favorite Jeans, T-Shirt Or Top, It Is A Great Choice. Add To Your Clothing Collection. Sun Protection-Protect The Skin From Harmful Uv Rays And Keep It Cool In Summer. Ideal For Exercise, Running, Hiking, Biking, Walking, Gardening And Daily Wear Professional And Friendly Customer Service. Add To Shopping Cart And Buy With Confidence ..."

Reference: www.amazon.com
 

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #3

  2022 Contract Update #3

2022 No. 3 – July 6, 2022 You are reading the third Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining. On June 29, 2022, representatives from the NPMHU Negotiations Team and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) met for the second session of main table bargaining at NPMHU Headquarters in the AFL-CIO building (Washington, DC). Both groups returned to the bargaining table hoping to continue the spirit of positive cooperation that had been established in the first session. During this second substantive meeting, the NPMHU Negotiations Team presented their first set of proposed changes to the current contractual language in the 2019 National Agreement. Representatives of the USPS were given the opportunity to ask questions and to clarify any points of the NPMHU proposals that they might not have understood. President Hogrogian, acting as chief spokesperson and with the occasional assistance of CAD Representatives and NPMHU Counsel, provided USPS with details about the nature of each proposal. The proposals presented by the NPMHU were extensive and aimed to improve the quality of work for every Mail Handler. Submitted amendments included: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Dignity and Respect Updating the non-discrimination policy Updating the MOU regarding deaf and hard of hearing Mail Handlers Greater protections and privileges for Mail Handler Assistants (MHAs) A more efficient and effective overtime policy Better regulation of management’s use of 204Bs During the coming weeks, both the NPMHU Negotiations Team and USPS representatives, acting through various subcommittees, will address these issues and further discuss these new proposals. Who’s at the Table? Members of the NPMHU Negotiations Team include President Hogrogian; National Secretary-Treasurer Michael Hora; National CAD Manager Teresa Harmon; National CAD Representatives Neil Ryan, Thomas Ruther, and Eugene Horton; and our legal team from the NPMHU General Counsel’s office. USPS management is represented by chief spokesperson Patrick M. Devine, as well as a dozen other representatives and legal counsel. What’s Next? Main table negotiations will continue this coming week, with other full sessions scheduled through July 29, when representatives of the USPS and the NPMHU will return to USPS Headquarters to receive the Postal Service’s proposals. At that time, members of the NPMHU Negotiations team will ask their own clarifying questions. Both on-the-record bargaining sessions and off-the-record subcommittee meetings will be routinely scheduled throughout the summer. Behind the scenes, the NPMHU Negotiations Team will be caucusing constantly to ensure that all the issues and proposals being prioritized in this round are carefully considered. As talks continue, the NPMHU’s bargaining team will strive to ensure that the next National Agreement is good for the membership, consistent with the continued health and prosperity of the Postal Service, and beneficial to the American mailing public. Future editions of this Contract Update will outline some of what is being discussed this year, highlighting developments in negotiations as they occur. Please check your bulletin boards for more bargaining information throughout the coming weeks and months. 2022 No. 3 – July 6, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

OPM Data Breach Class Action Settlement

  OPM Data Breach Class Action Settlement

If You Were Subject to the Data Breaches of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and Its Contractor, and You Experienced an Out-of-Pocket Loss After the Breaches, You Could Be Eligible for a Payment from a Class Action Settlement.

A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit about the data breaches of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (“OPM”) and its security contractor that allegedly compromised personal information of then-current and former federal government employees and contractors, as well as certain applicants for federal employment. The Defendants in the case—OPM and its contractor Peraton Risk Decision Inc. (“Peraton”)—deny that they did anything wrong but have agreed to settle the lawsuit. The Court has not decided who is right.

Who’s in the Settlement? You are receiving this email because you may be a Class Member. You are a Class Member if your personal information was compromised as a result of the breaches of OPM’s electronic information systems in 2014 and 2015 or the breach of Peraton’s electronic information systems in 2013 and 2014; and if, after May 7, 2014, you suffered an out-of-pocket expense or lost Compensable Time: (1) to purchase a credit monitoring product, credit or identity theft protection product, or other product or service designed to identify or remediate the data breaches at issue in this case; (2) to access, freeze or unfreeze a credit report with a credit reporting agency; or (3) as a result of an identity theft incident or to mitigate an identity theft incident.

What does the Settlement provide? Defendants will pay $63,000,000 into a Settlement Fund, which will be distributed to Class Members who submit Valid Claims. Class Members who submit Valid Claims will receive $700 or the actual amount of the claim—whichever is higher—up to a maximum of $10,000. If the total value of all Valid Claims, plus any incentive awards to Named Plaintiffs, exceeds the Settlement Fund, then the value of those individual claims will be reduced in equal proportion.

What are your options? If you are a Settlement Class Member, you must fill out and submit a Claim Form to qualify for a payment. You can quickly and easily file your claim online here. You can also download a paper Claim Form from the website or get one by calling the Claims Administrator at 1-855-917-3567. The completed Claim Form must be submitted online or by mail postmarked no later than December 23, 2022.

If you are a Class Member and you don’t want benefits from the Settlement, and you want to keep your right to sue Defendants on your own about the legal issues in this case, then you must take steps to get out of the Settlement. This is called excluding yourself from—or “opting out” of—the Class. If you do not exclude yourself from the Settlement, you will remain in the Class and will give up the right to sue Defendants for the claims resolved by the Settlement. Your request for exclusion must be submitted by mail postmarked by September 9, 2022. If you do not exclude yourself from the Settlement, you may object to the Settlement if you do not like any part of it. The deadline to object is September 9, 2022. The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing at 10:00 a.m. on October 14, 2022. At this hearing, the Court will consider whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. If there are objections, the Court will consider them. The Court will listen to people who have asked to speak at the hearing. You may attend at your own expense, or you may also pay your own lawyer to attend, but it is not necessary.

This notice is a summary. The Settlement Agreement and more information on the lawsuit and your rights are available at www.OPMDataBreach.com or by calling toll-free 1-855-917-3567.

Reference: NPMHU.org via NPMHU Local 317
 

Several North Alabama post offices to host job fairs on July 8

  Several North Alabama post offices to host job fairs on July 8

"If you’ve ever wanted to work for the post office in North Alabama, July 8 may be your chance to snag a job. ...job fairs will be held at eight USPS locations in north and northwest Alabama next Friday, July 8. All hiring events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each location. Apply online at usps.gov/careers..."

Reference: whnt.com
 

Birmingham postal inspector says someone local tried mailing thousands of counterfeit checks

  Birmingham postal inspector says someone local tried mailing thousands of counterfeit checks

"...BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Local postal inspectors are warning of a mail scam that could be on it’s way to your mailbox. Earlier this week, local US Postal Inspector, Tony Robinson, found four tubs filled with thousands of counterfeit postage and checks... “Inside is a letter that says ‘congratulations’,” Robinson said. “A lot of times it may be like a..."

Reference: www.wbrc.com
 

The Official and Final Version of the 2021-2024 APWU-USPS Collective Bargaining Agreement Has Been Published

  APWU Contract 2021-2024

"The official and final version of the 2021-2024 APWU Collective Bargaining Agreement has been completed. The linked PDF is being made available for immediate use. The file is fully searchable and bookmarked. ..."

Reference: apwu.org
 

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #2

  2022 NPMHU Contract Update #2

2022 No. 2 – June 23, 2022

You are reading the second Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

On June 22, 2022, representatives from the NPMHU Negotiations Team and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) met for the first session of main table bargaining at Postal Service Headquarters in Washington, DC. Both groups entered into the meeting with sincere optimism for positive and productive negotiations in the coming sessions. The purpose of these meetings at this early stage of the proceedings is to introduce and explain all of the parties’ official bargaining proposals.

During this first substantive meeting, each side discussed their objectives and priorities. The NPMHU and the Postal Service finalized the written ground rules governing this round of collective bargaining, the nature of the subcommittees and their respective leadership, and the best ways to facilitate an efficient and fruitful round of contract negotiations.

Both parties are eager to present their proposed changes to the current contract. Acting in his capacity as chief spokesperson for the NPMHU, National President Paul Hogrogian reiterated some of the changes that the union will seek in the new contract:

Fixing the broken wage scale for new career employees that worsens with every Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Addressing the issues surrounding Mail Handler Assistants, including conversion, pay, and insurance Curtailing subcontracting, outsourcing, and privatization
Minimizing the use of temporary supervisors and other unnecessary details
Who’s at the Table?

Members of the NPMHU Negotiations Team include President Hogrogian; Secretary-Treasurer Michael Hora; National CAD Manager Teresa Harmon; National CAD Representatives Neil Ryan, Thomas Ruther and Eugene Horton; and our legal team from the NPMHU General Counsel’s office. USPS management was represented by chief spokesperson Patrick M. Devine, as well as a dozen other representatives and legal counsel.

What’s Next?

Main table negotiations will continue on June 29, 2022, when representatives of the USPS and the NPMHU will meet at NPMHU Headquarters for a full day of presenting and explaining proposals to amend the National Agreement. At that time, both parties hope to begin their discussions on a host of topics with a full exchange of ideas. The parties also have formed several subcommittees, which will meet in their own sessions. These meetings are off the record and focus on particular portions of the National Agreement, considering any related proposals as a group. Several subcommittees have so far been formed, including subcommittees on Articles 11, (Holidays), 12 (Principles of Seniority, Posting, and Reassignments), 32 (Subcontracting), Mail Handler Assistants, and Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent (MOUs and LOIs).

On-the-record bargaining sessions will be routinely scheduled throughout the summer. Behind the scenes, the NPMHU Negotiations Team will be caucusing constantly to ensure that all the issues and proposals being prioritized in this round are carefully considered.

Future editions of this Contract Update will outline some of what’s being discussed this year, highlighting developments in negotiations as they occur. Please check your bulletin boards, the mobile app and npmhu.org for more bargaining information throughout the coming weeks and months.

2022 No. 2 – June 23, 2022 (pdf)

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317
 

2022 Contract Negotiations Update for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)

  2022 Contract Negotiations Update for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)

2022 NPMHU Contract Update #1

You are reading the first Contract Update produced and distributed by the NPMHU during the course of 2022 negotiations. These updates, along with the Union’s magazine and monthly bulletins, will keep mail handlers throughout the country informed and involved in the issues raised during this round of bargaining.

Bargaining has officially begun! By the time this is posted, representatives from the NPMHU Negotiations Team and the Postal Service will have met for the Opening Session of this round of bargaining taking place on Friday, June 10, 2022.

The Field Negotiating Committee meetings in February and this month’s meetings of the National Executive Board have produced a final package of proposals—the majority of which were submitted by members from across the country—to amend or create new provisions throughout the NPMHU National Agreement. It is our hope that these improvements will be considered, understood, accepted, and implemented by the USPS for the betterment of all mail handlers. Over the course of the next three months, our bargaining team will present each of these proposed changes during negotiations.

During Friday’s session to officially open 2022 bargaining, NPMHU National President Paul Hogrogian and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy gave opening statements setting the foundation for this year’s bargaining process. Excerpts from these statements will be available on the NPMHU website, npmhu.org, in the coming days.

Who’s at the Table?

This year’s Negotiations Team for the union will consist of President Hogrogian; Secretary-Treasurer Michael Hora; Manager of the Contract Administration Department Teresa Harmon; National CAD Representatives Neil Ryan, Thomas Ruther and Eugene Horton; and our legal team from the NPMHU General Counsel’s office. USPS management will be represented by Vice President of Labor Relations Thomas J. Blum and chief spokesperson Patrick M. Devine, as well as a host of other representatives and and legal counsel.

BARGAINING OVERVIEW

Our current National Agreement is set to expire on September 20, 2022. The goal is to obtain a tentative National Agreement, subject to membership ratification, by that date, but previous rounds of bargaining have often been extended to allow the parties to continue meeting to finalize their collaboration. However, if no final agreement is reached, and the parties reach impasse, there are alternative dispute resolution procedures to determine the changes to the National Agreement through final and binding interest arbitration.

Looking back on prior rounds of negotiations, the Union has presented its non-economic proposals first, followed by the Postal Service’s non-economic proposals. That often leads to a series of reactions and counter-proposals that will be drafted during the bargaining process.

While those subjects are being fully discussed, the Union will then develop and present its economic proposals: those which directly impact wages, benefits, premiums, and differentials. More specifically, the parties will treat Articles 9 and 21 as the key economic provisions, but will also include parts of Article 26 (clothing allowance) and Article 8 (night differential and Sunday premium pay) in the focused economic discussion.

On-the-record bargaining sessions will be routinely scheduled throughout the summer. Behind the scenes, the NPMHU Negotiations Team will be caucusing constantly to ensure that all of the issues and proposals being prioritized in this round are carefully considered. Future editions of this Contract Update will outline some of what’s being discussed this year, highlighting developments of negotiations as they occur. Please check your bulletin boards for more bargaining information throughout the coming weeks and months.

2022 Contract Update #1 (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org via NPMHU 317
 

Postal Service notified NALC of its intent to conduct testing of electronic bikes (eBikes) for mail delivery

  Postal Service notified NALC of its intent to conduct testing of electronic bikes (eBikes) for mail delivery

"...Testing began on August 7th, in two offices in Florida, Miami Beach and Open Air Station in St. Petersburg and will continue for approximately six months. Both locations included in the test have existing bicycle routes. The test includes two different models of eBike, both manufactured by Coaster Cycles. Currently, USPS is testing one model in Miami Beach while both are being tested in St. Petersburg. While there are still many things to consider and evaluate with these new eBikes, NALC is hopeful that the Postal Service will continue exploring eco-friendly options for city delivery. ..."

Reference: www.nalc.org