USPS Declines to continue bargaining with union

 CONTRACT TALKS STALL: Impasse Declared

"...(January 20, 2012) National negotiations between the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the U.S. Postal Service over the terms of their 2011 National Agreement have stalled, and the parties have been unable to agree to another extension of the deadline for their bargaining. (Two prior extensions previously had changed the original November 20, 2011 expiration of the National Agreement to December 16, 2011 and January 20, 2012, respectively.)

The parties at the National level are still discussing how they will proceed from this point forward, pursuant to their joint authority to establish dispute resolution procedures; the terms of the 2011 National Agreement will remain in effect until the completion of those procedures. Under the statute that governs postal negotiations, if both sides agree, the parties may first engage in mediation and, if unsuccessful, go to binding interest arbitration. As noted, the parties currently are discussing how they will proceed.

The National Office of the NPMHU appreciates the patience and support of the membership. More information will be shared with the Local Unions next week...."

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

Huntsville Alabama Loses Identity

  Madison County Commission opposes closing mail processing center on Wall Triana Highway

"...commission adopted a resolution Friday in support of keeping the mail-processing facility here open. Chair Mike Gillespie said the resolution would be sent to the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors..."

Reference: The Postal Newsgroup 

Past Postal Employee Passes

 Heard Around Town January 2012

"...We were so very sorry to hear of the death of Bill Agnew, of Lebanon, Tn. Bill lived in Huntsville years ago and worked as a postal worker here. His sister is Jane Tippett, and his children are William Agnew and Netrean Morris. The family was very close and he will be missed so much...."

Reference: huntsville.about.com 

NPMHU National Contract (Current)

 NPMHU National Contract (Current)

This is the current National Contract. Current negotiations have been extended again.

Reference: issuu.com 

The Rocket City attempts to save the Huntsville Mail Processing Facility

 Huntsville mail processing center may relocate to Birmingham
"...Postal workers voiced their concerns at Wednesday night's meeting. Postal worker and Huntsville resident said if the measure passes, Huntsville will lose its historic postmark; something that is an emblem of a community...."
Reference: www.waff.com

Postal Closures Continue at Rapid Pace

 Continued efforts to keep USPS facilities open

"..."While some of these changes may be needed, we believe that it is very important to give Congress the opportunity to reform the postal service in a way that protects universal service while ensuring its financial viability for decades to come."..."

Reference: www.wwl.com 

Mail Handler Contract Negotiations

 Mail Handler Contract Negotiations

"...the parties have agreed to extend that deadline through Wednesday, December 7, 2011, and perhaps longer..."

Reference: mailhandlercontract.blogspot.com 

Local 317 - Huntsville Branch Holds Union Meeting

Local 317 - Huntsville Branch, of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union held a meeting at China Buffet on Highway 20 yesterday. Newly elected Local 317 President, Ronnie Sanders, was in attendance and welcomed by the Huntsville Mail Handlers. Discussion was lively and focused on the possible upcoming mail consolidation with Birmingham, as well as discussion on the proposed closure of the Huntsville Processing and Distribution Facility. Additionally, members discussed the process of selection of union representation at the facility and mail handlers excessing.

H.R. 2309 advances

  Oversight Committee Approves Issa-Ross Postal Reform Bill

"...a receivership-style authority takes over for USPS management with an explicit mandate to cut costs while maintaining universal service. Management is replaced..."

Reference: insurancenewsnet.com 

Contract route postal worker arrest one of many in Alabama

  Theft, mail destruction prosecutions rise for Alabama postal employees

"...Among the recent cases detailed in court records was that of Michael Ray Hyatt, a former Gadsden highway contract route postal worker who was sentenced ..."

Reference: al.com 

NPMHU 317 Election Results - 2011

Click Image Below to Enlarge

Who are the top ten highest paid leaders of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union?

 Who are the top ten highest paid leaders of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union?

"...Top Ten Highest Paid Leaders of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union ..."

Reference: www.unionfacts.com 

What was the compensation for our Local union officials? (according to unionfacts.com)

 Click here to view compensation of NPMHU 317 Officers, etc.

"...National Postal Mail handlers Local 317 Compensation, benefits, ..."

Reference: www.unionfacts.com 

Ronnie Sanders to be next NPMHU 317 President

Congratulations to Ronnie Sanders who was recently elected Local 317 State President.
 

Mail Handler Contract Negotiations Update Number 2

 Mail Handler Contract Negotiations Update Number 2

"...the Postal Service has used its current financial predicament as an excuse for launching an unprecedented attack on its employees and the collective bargaining process...."

Reference: Mail Handler Contract Negotiations 

USPS FINANCIAL CRISIS

 USPS FINANCIAL CRISIS: ENGAGING THE AMERICAN PUBLIC

"...On a matter related to retiree health benefits, and just as significant to the financial health of the Postal Service is that the USPS has massively overfunded both of its pension programs – for its workers covered under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)...."

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

Huntsville Mail Processing Facility being studied for closure

  U.S. Postal Service studying closing Huntsville's mail facility on Wall Triana Highway

"...HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- In a change from an announcement just two months ago, the Postal Service said Thursday it is considering moving all of the operations at the Wall Triana mail facility to Birmingham...."

Reference: al.com 

NPMHU, APWU, and NALC nationwide television advertisement

 NPMHU, APWU, and NALC nationwide television advertisement

"...seek to enlighten the public that it is far more than declining mail volume that has created this postal financial crisis – and to reinforce the message that Congress helped create this problem, and that Congress can take action now to fix it..."

Reference: Mail Handler Contract Negotiations  

Mail Handler and a Barber

 Barber cutting across generations

"...That same year he landed a job as a mail handler with the U.S. Postal Service but even then he continued to cut hair...."

Reference: www.ajc.com 

Announcement: Area Mail Processing Feasibility Study List

Referenced Article Contains List

 Area Mail Processing Feasibility Study List

"...On September 15, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service has reported it will release to the media an announcement identifying a list of Area Mail Processing Feasibility Studies..."

Reference: The Postal Newsgroup  

New Wage Chart

  NEW WAGE CHARTS REFLECT $978 COLA

"...The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its July 2011 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) on Thursday, August 18. Based on this release, the Postal Service has confirmed that there will be a $978 cost-of-living adjustment increase for employees covered under the NPMHU National Agreement effective pay period 20, starting on September 10, 2011. This translates into approximately forty-seven cents per hour, and will be reflected in paychecks dated September 30, 2011. ..."

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

Collective Bargaining begins between the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the USPS

 Collective Bargaining Begins between the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the USPS

The National Postal Mail Handlers Union bargaining team met with representatives of the U.S. Postal Service on August 30, 2011 to mark the official start of the collective bargaining process for a successor agreement to replace the 2006 National Agreement which is scheduled to expire on November 20, 2011.

“We recognize the tough financial straits in which the Postal Service finds itself,” said National President John Hegarty, “and notwithstanding the unjustifiable actions recently taken by USPS Headquarters in asking Congress to overrule our collective bargaining agreement, we intend to work hard, in good faith, to try to reach an agreement.”

“We are not happy that the Postal Service has tried to abrogate the no-layoff clause through Congressional action, or that the Service has issued ill-advised proposals to pull out of the Federal health and retirement systems” said Hegarty, “but we intend to devote significant time and resources to try and reach a contract that is fair for the hard-working men and women whom we represent, fair for the USPS, and fair for the American mailing public.”

The NPMHU will put out periodic updates, in the form of bulletin board postings, as bargaining progresses. Please stay tuned.

Reference: www.npmhu.org 

APWU garners 740 new craft positions, locations announced

 Locations announced for 740 New Jobs in Motor Vehicle Craft

"...APWU Web News Article 096-2011, Aug. 30, 2011

In accordance with the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the USPS has agreed to establish 740 new assignments in Vehicle Maintenance Facilities. A list [PDF | XLS] provided to the union on Aug. 30 specifies the locations for the new positions and indicates whether they are Level 8, 9, or 10 Automotive Technician or Lead Technician positions.

Under the terms of the contract, the new jobs are being created so that members of the APWU bargaining unit can perform work that was previously done by contractors.

“This is good news for the APWU,” said Motor Vehicle Service Craft Director Bob Pritchard.

“Locals should immediately submit information request forms asking local management what subcontracted duties will be brought in-house to provide work for the individuals assigned to the new jobs,” he said. “That is the only way to ensure these new jobs are being posted properly.

“If additional positions are needed because of general understaffing, additional jobs — beyond 740 on the list — should be posted.”..."

Reference: www.apwu.org 

Last 2011 Mail Handler COLA for ending contract

Earlier this week, we called the National Office in an effort to garner information relating to our next COLA adjustment. Our call was transferred to Dallas H. Jones, Jr., National Representative, of the NPMHU Contract Administration Department -- National Office. Mr. Jones was not in the office so a message was left with our name, number, and a request for information on the COLA adjustment. We received no return call. UPDATE: We received a return phone call from contract administration this morning confirming the information posted below and informing us an update will be posted to the national site soon, with an updated wage chart. Additionally, the contract admin office wanted to thank Local 317 for our support. We appreciate the return call and we offer our support to our national office in our fight in preserving our wages and benefits under our national agreement in the upcoming contract negotiations.

Local 300 has posted the following information.

 COLA $978

"...The Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) was released for the month of July. The CPI-W for the month of July was 663.314. This last COLA adjustment will be an increase of $978 added to our annual salary, ($0.47 an hour) which shall be paid in September.

This shall be the last of our negotiated wage increases from the 2006-2011 National Agreement. Our current contract expires on November 20, 2011..."

Reference: www.local300npmhu.org 

NALC announces COLA, no word from NPMHU national site

 Ninth contract COLA: $978 annually

"...The ninth and final cost-of-living adjustment as negotiated under the 2006-2011 National Agreement is $978 annually, based on the July Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) announced Aug. 18 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics...."

Reference: www.nalc.org 



Check the NPMHU National Site to See if There is a COLA Update

Intentional delay of mail a new money saving option?

 Slower mail could save Postal Service $1.5B

"...Postal executives are seriously considering the idea and are expected to announce new plans regarding delivery schedules after Labor Day, according to USPS officials...."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com 

Lay-off protections one of most important contract items

 Difficult union talks begin for US mail carriers and handlers

"...For the mail handlers’ union, it will focus on job cuts associated with the USPS plans to reduce area mail processing capacity from 508 plants down to less than 200..."

Reference: mailhandlercontract.blogspot.com 

USPS to close sixty percent of mail processing plants by end of next year

 Postal Service plans to close about 300 mail processing plants

"...More than 30,000 Postal Service employees will be affected. The agency will follow requirements in union contracts in dealing with them, Williams said afterward. Attrition would take care of some of the impact, while other workers would be reassigned to jobs elsewhere, John Hegarty, president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, said later in a phone interview...."

Reference: www.federaltimes.com 

Postal Service wants to layoff and hire at the same time!

 Things that make you go, huh?

"...How can the Postmaster General propose breaking union contracts to layoff 120,000 craft employees, while at the same time hire PSE employees at half the pay and no benefits? Take the poll and leave your thoughts at Things that make you go, huh?..."

Reference: Things that make you go, huh?