Postal Service not pursuing marijuana charges due to "small amount" (586 grams = 20.6705 ounces or 1.29191 pounds)

  USPS not pursuing charges following marijuana bust

"...Postal Inspector David Birch said because it was a small amount of marijuana, the USPS has decided to let local authorities prosecute the case...."

Reference: postal-edaily.blogspot.com  

PMG Megan J. Brennan: The next Postmaster General

  Currently the next Postmaster General (PMG), Megan J. Brennan, is the USPS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President

Megan J. Brennan (Photo: USPS)

Megan J. Brennan was named Chief Operating Officer and executive vice president in December 2010. Brennan leads the continuous improvement of the entire postal network operation as well as the allocations of people and resources. She reports to the Postmaster General.

Brennan has responsibility for the day-to-day activities of 491,000 career employees working in more than 31,000 facilities supported by a fleet of over 200,000 vehicles. She is responsible for Post Offices, delivery and retail operations, facilities and the mail processing network. Reporting to Brennan are the vice presidents of Delivery and Post Office Operations, Facilities, Network Operations, Retail Channel Operations and the seven vice presidents of Area Operations.

Previously she was vice president of Eastern Area Operations. As the senior postal official she oversaw an area that encompassed Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Kentucky, Central and South Jersey, Western New York and parts of Virginia and Indiana. Reporting to the deputy postmaster general and chief operating officer, she was responsible for postal operations, including processing and distribution, customer service and administrative operations.

A 27-year veteran of the Postal Service, Brennan served as vice president of Northeast Area Operations from May 2005 until being named vice president of Eastern Area Operations. Prior to that, she was manager of Operations Support for the Northeast Area. In this capacity, she was responsible for coordinating and integrating processing and distribution, transportation and delivery operations throughout the Northeast Area.

Brennan also held the headquarters position of manager of Field Support and Integration, where she worked directly for the Chief Operating Officer.

Brennan joined the Postal Service in 1986 as a letter carrier in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and began her management career as a delivery and collection supervisor. She has in-depth experience in both line management and support positions, having worked at the district, area and headquarters levels. She served as district manager, Springfield, Massachusetts, and plant manager for the Lehigh Valley and Reading, Pennsylvania, processing and distribution facilities.

Brennan is a graduate of Immaculata College in Pennsylvania. She is a Sloan Fellow and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.


Reference: https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/leadership/officers/coo-evp.htm

NPMHU Local 317 Election Results (November 8, 2014 Election)

  NPMHU Local 317 Election Results (November 8, 2014 Election)

Click for Election Results

Reference: NPMHU 317

Huntsville Postal Workers Protest 2015 Delaying of Mail

  Postal Workers plan Huntsville protest

"...According to the American Postal Workers Union, they're coming together to "Stop Delaying America's Mail."..."

Reference: www.waaytv.com  

Postmaster General Donahoe is Out, Megan Brennan Appointed First Female Postmaster General

  U.S. Postmaster General Donahoe to retire in February

"...United States Postmaster General, Patrick Donahoe, who has led the financially troubled U.S. Postal Service for four years, is set to retire in February 2015..."

Reference: www.reuters.com  

Are you using a good antivirus on your computer? Purchase AVG Internet Security from Amazon

 

AVG Internet Security + PC TuneUp 2014, 3-User 1-Year - ESD [Download]

AVG

With all the data breaches taking place all over the internet, are you protecting yourself with quality virus protection? If not, get AVG, Ultimate virus protection for everything you do online including banking and shopping.
Reference: AVG Internet Security + PC TuneUp 2014, 3-User 1-Year - ESD [Download]

USPS Acknowledges Cyber-Intrusion: Employee Information Released in Breach

  USPS Acknowledges Cyber-Intrusion: Employee Information Released in Breach
On November 10, 2014, the United States Postal Service notified the NPMHU of a cyber-intrusion into some of its information systems. According to the USPS, the investigation indicates that files containing employee information were compromised, including names, dates of birth, social security numbers, addresses, beginning and end dates of employment, and emergency contact information for all active employees. The Service claims that steps have already have been taken to strengthen the security of USPS systems affirming that there will be additional measures in the coming days and weeks. The Service is working closely with the FBI, the Department of Justice, Inspector General and Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team to determine the source and magnitude of the breach.

The Postal Service will be conducting stand-up talks with all employees. There are some immediate steps you can take. According to the Service, a personalized letter from the Postmaster General is being sent to your home address via First-Class Mail with an enrollment code for a credit monitoring product that is being provided to all employees free of charge for one year. The Union encourages you to take advantage of this free service. If you do not receive your letter by November 20, please contact the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) at 1-877-477-3273, and choose option 5 (option 1 for TDD/TTY), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.– 8:30 p.m., ET.

Rest assured that the NPMHU is doing everything possible to ensure that the Postal Service takes appropriate steps to minimize the adverse effects of this privacy failure. Watch your bulletin boards, U.S. Mail and Union publications for additional information.

For more information, please read:

USPS Cyber Intrusion and Employee Data Compromise Employee Frequently Asked Questions

USPS Newsbreak: Notification of cyber intrusion and employee data compromise

Reference: www.npmhu.org

USPS employee data breach reported, data of over 500,000 employees and customers allegedly compromised

  U.S. Postal Service employees' information compromised in latest data breach

"...Postal Service spokesman David Partenheimer said personal information that might have been obtained in the attack includes employees' names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, emergency contacts and other information...."

Reference: jacksonville.com  

NPMHU Prevails in Lead Clerk National Arbitration

  NPMHU Prevails in Lead Clerk National Arbitration

November 7, 2014- We are extremely pleased to announce that the NPMHU has prevailed in its National arbitration against the Postal Service over the ability of the Postal Service to allow Lead Clerks to supervise or in any way to assign or direct the work of members of the Mail Handler craft.

Arbitrator Das' Award makes two important findings:

First, Arbitrator Das stressed, as the Postal Service was forced to concede, that Lead Clerks "are not authorized to perform supervisory functions ... including decisions about hiring, promotion, discipline, approval of leave, the resolution of grievances, and employee evaluations. "

Second, Arbitrator Das made clear that, absent negotiations between the Postal Service and the NPMHU, the Postal Service cannot utilize Lead Clerks to direct or guide the work of Mail Handlers.

A complete copy of the award and the Union's notification to the field is available for your review.

Reference: www.npmhu.org  

Stats on 2014 Midterm Elections: A clearly divided country

  Midterm Elections 2014 Exit Polls

Stats on 2014 midterm elections identify a deeply divided country. The GOP overtakes the House and Senate.

Reference: wsj.com  

David Koch: “We propose the abolition of the governmental Postal Service."

 

David Koch of the extremely wealthy Koch brothers are investing heavily in agendas that only make the rich richer and the rest of us are paying for it. Although there is nothing wrong with people protecting and growing wealth, there is a problem with doing so off the backs of the blue-collar worker. Midterm elections are next month, please educate yourself before simply voting on unsubstantiated claims and promises. Although we will not go so far as to tell you who to vote for, we do suggest doing an internet search of legitimate resources to determine who is behind specific agendas. Please vote not only at the polls, but by where you shop and spend your money.

Astounding: David Koch's 1980 VP Run: Kill Medicare, Social Security, Minimum Wage, Public Schools

"...“We propose the abolition of the governmental Postal Service. The present system, in addition to being inefficient, encourages governmental surveillance of private correspondence. Pending abolition, we call for an end to the monopoly system and for allowing free competition in all aspects of postal service.”..."

Reference: www.dailykos.com  

Reminder: Don't forget to vote in the Local 317 election

  NPMHU Local 317 Election

NPMHU 317

You should be in receipt of your ballot for the NPMHU Local 317 Election. Thanks in advance for participating in the election process for the future leaders/representatives of the mail handler craft.
Reference: npmhu317.blogspot.com

Postal unions continue the battle against the degradation of America's postal service

  Postal unions continue fight plant-closure battle

"...Mail processing plants are not only needed to continue to maintain high delivery standards, such as overnight and prompt delivery, but they’re also the livelihood of countless workers. With 82 plants slated to close nationwide—..."

Reference: kokomoperspective.com  

In spite of Alabama's anti-union politicians, Mercedes Benz identifies the value of unions

  In spite of Alabama's anti-union politicians, Mercedes Benz identifies the value of unions

"...The MBUSI plant in Tuscaloosa County is the only Daimler plant in the world that does not currently offer employee representation. Organized by MBUSI employees, UAW Local 112 offers workers the opportunity for a voice in the workplace that aligns with Daimler AG's global commitment to the German principle of "co-determination" between management and employees..."

Reference: Huntsville Economic Development  

Jacksonville Postal Facility to Absorb Gainesville Mail

  Jacksonville USPS sorting facility to take on Gainesville mail

"...Most people we found dropping off mail at Jacksonville's main sorting facility had no idea anything would be changing with their mail. But the King Street sorting facility is getting set to take on new responsibility: handling mail not only from this region but Alachua County area too when the sorting faculty in Gainesville closes...."

Reference: www.actionnewsjax.com  

NPMHU Challenges Planned Closures and Consolidations via National Level Grievance

  NPMHU Challenges Planned Closures and Consolidations via National Level Grievance

The National Postal Mail Handlers Union has initiated a Step 4 grievance concerning violations arising from the Postal Service's plans to close or consolidate approximately 82 facilities starting in January 2015. In particular, the NPMHU believes that the Postal Service's decision to close or consolidate these facilities is a violation of Handbook P0-408, Area Mail Processing (AMP) Guidelines, which is incorporated into the National Agreement through Article 19.

Additional details available at this link. (pdf)
Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union

This is an example of why the need for labor union's exist

  Wal-Mart raises healthcare costs, cuts benefits for some part-timers

"... Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the biggest U.S. private sector employer, said on Tuesday that its 1.3 million workers would have to pay more for healthcare and it would end benefits for some part-time staff in a move that could prompt other companies to follow suit...."

Reference: www.reuters.com  

Postal Service spent more than $33 million while not following its policy and contract requirements on cloud computing technologies

  USPS cloud systems don’t comply with established standards, OIG says

"...Released Sept. 4, the report said the agency spent more than $33 million while not following its policy and contract requirements. “Without proper knowledge of and control over applications in the cloud environment, the Postal Service cannot properly secure cloud computing technologies and is at increased risk of unauthorized access and disclosure of sensitive data,” the report said...."

Reference: fedscoop.com  

Southeastern and Northeastern US to Take Disproportionate Hit in Next Round of Mail Processing Facility Closures

Data map found on govexec.com identifies heavily unionized portions of the United States, as well as extreme population growth areas, will face the biggest attacks on service and displacement of the working-class in the next round of mail processing facility closures. Will economic and service impacts in these areas be as severe as many expect?


One Map to Show Where USPS Will Cut 7,000 Jobs

Map found on Government Executive

"...Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has endorsed a proposal to reverse plans by the U.S. Postal Service to close an additional 82 facilities in 2015...."
Reference: www.govexec.com

Mail Handlers Cost of Living Adjustments to be Effective September 6, 2014

  Mail Handlers Cost of Living Adjustments to be Effective September 6, 2014
Effective on September 6, 2014, all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive both the second and fourth of seven possible cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments as outlined in Articles 9.3 and 9.7 of the 2011 National Agreement. These two COLA increases are based on: 1) the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base following release of the July 2013 Index (this amount totaled $540, and as prescribed in the Fishgold Arbitration Award, the implementation of this COLA increase was delayed by one year); and 2) the upward change in that Index Base following release of the July 2014 Index (this amount totaled $687, but was not subject to a deferral period). Taken together, these two COLA adjustments resulted in an annual increase of $1,227 for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 have received the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.7 of the National Agreement.

View Updated Wage Charts

Click Chart Above to Enlarge

Click Chart Above to Enlarge

Reference: www.npmhu.org

Letter to All House Members: Support the Preservation of First-Class Mail Delivery Standards and Moratorium on Plant Closures

  Dear Colleague Letter Sent to All House Members Seeking Moratorium on Postal Closures
The primary message of an NPMHU-endorsed August 15, 2014 “Dear Colleague” letter by Congressman David Joyce sent to all House members is to Support the Preservation of First-Class Mail Delivery Standards. In response to the United States Postal Service’s plans to close 82 mail processing facilities throughout 37 states in January of 2015, Representative Joyce writes, “[w]e ask you to support our efforts in obtaining a one-year moratorium on the closure of these 82 processing facilities and the preservation of First-Class mail delivery standards while Congress continues to work on comprehensive postal reform.” The letter highlights the degradation of mail service, and the possible elimination of up to 15,000 Postal Service jobs. It is hoped that this one-year moratorium will give Congress the time it needs to enact the comprehensive postal reforms that are necessary for the Postal Service to function effectively into the future.

Read the August 15, 2014 “Dear Colleague” letter. (pdf)
Reference: www.npmhu.org

Consumer Price Index Data for July 2014

  Consumer Price Index Summary

"...The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 1.9 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 234.525 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index fell 0.1 percent prior to seasonal adjustment...."

Reference: www.bls.gov  

Schedule for plant consolidations released

  Postal Service releases schedule of plant consolidations set for 2015

"...The Postal Service has released a schedule showing when the phase-two mail processing plants will be consolidated next year. The spreadsheet shows the date on which each type of mail will be relocated from a closing facility to a gaining facility. As the schedule shows, the process would begin in January 2015 and continue until October, with much of the activity taking place next summer. ..."

Reference: www.savethepostoffice.com  

Albuquerque Postal Shooting

  Post office shooting: Man went after supervisor

"...in the vehicle maintenance facility. It's unclear if the suspect worked in that part of the post office or not. Police did say the shooting occurred inside a fenced off area...."

Reference: www.koat.com  

One-Year Moratorium Sought on Postal Service Mail Processing Plant / Facility Closures

  50 Senators Call for Moratorium on USPS Facility Closures
"...So without congressional reform, the post office has already consolidated 141 mail-processing facilities since 2012 and more closures are expected, which the bipartisan group wants to halt by including a provision on the omnibus or continuing resolution Congress is likely to pass before the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year. “In the absence of Congressional compromise, the Postal Service will propose more sweeping changes to its operations,” the letter warned...."
Reference: rollcall.com

NPMHU Local 317 2014 Nomination Meeting for Local Officers: Notification Letter

August 8, 2014



To: Members of Local 317
Subject: National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local #317
      2014 Nomination Meeting for Local Officers

We The Judges of Election have received a protest from a member in good standing of Local 317 concerning the notification of the nomination meeting.

It has come to our attention that the nomination meeting held on July 19, 2014 was not in accordance with the National Constitutions of the NPMHU. This letter is serving notice that the before mention meeting and all of the nominations are rescinded immediately. This is also to advise all members in good standing of Local 317 of the NPMHU that a new meeting will be held on September 6, 2014 and will be at 12:00pm. The meeting will conclude following the reading of all properly mailed nominations and nominations from those on the floor at the commencement of the meeting. The meeting will be held at: Local #317 Headquarters, 216 Oporto Madrid Blvd; Birmingham, Alabama 35206. Nominations shall be made in the following order:

1. Local President
2. Vice President
3. Recording Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. State Executive Board Member(s)
6. Branch President(s)

A candidate shall not be entitled to simultaneously run for more than one office in the local union, except candidates for Branch President who may also run for one other position, which entails membership on the Executive Board. Branch President must be nominated and elected by members in good standing from their branch.

If you are unable to attend the Nomination Meeting you must send your nomination(s) via registered, certified or express mail to:

• Judges of the 2014
• Election of Officers of Local #317
• P.O. Box 610630
• Birmingham, Alabama 35206

Nominations made in advance of the Nomination Meeting by other methods, such as regular mail, facsimile, or hand delivery will not be accepted. Mailed nominations must be received by the Nomination Meeting and shall be read by the Judges at the Nomination Meeting. No member may not nominate more than one (1) candidate for each office. If a member nominates more than one (1) candidate for a particular office, all nominations for that office by that member shall be null and void. A member need not be present at the Nomination Meeting in order to be nominated. After the nominations have been completed, the judges shall determine whether or not each nominee possesses all of the qualifications for serving as an officer. Any member in good standing wishing to protest the eligibility of a nominee must communicate his/her objections to the Judges as soon as possible, but in no case later than five (5) days after the close of nominations.

What lengths will they go to crush a whistle-blower?

  USPS Sued By Feds For Labeling Whistle-Blower A Drug-Using “Terrorist”
"...This is when, says the DOL, the USPS management began to engage “in a concerted effort to pressure the county prosecutor’s office to criminally prosecute” the employee because he’d contacted the authorities about his safety concerns.

The complaint states that USPS supervisors told people the employee was a drug user, dangerous, unstable, and “a terrorist” with no factual evidence to back up these statements...."
Reference: consumerist.com

  Union Plus Supports Union Families with $20K Student Loan Giveaway

Union Plus $20K Student Loan Giveaway

The $20K Student Loan Giveaway is the latest way Union Plus is showing its commitment to Union families and higher education. Union Plus will put a major dent in the student loan debt of three lucky winners who will receive a grand prize of $10K or one of two $5K loan payments. Plus, more prizes of courses, consultations and books - provided by The Princeton Review - will also be awarded.

Eligible entrants can register and receive all contest and program details at this link.

Register to win by August 15, 2014. Terms and Conditions
Reference: www.npmhu.org

The US Postal Service announces plans to resume plant closings and consolidations

  USPS announces plans to resume plant closings and consolidations

(June 30, 2014) The Union was notified this afternoon that the Postal Service plans to reinstitute the “Network Rationalization Plan” starting next year, in January 2015. You will recall that many of the plant closings and consolidations were put on hold earlier this year, in February 2014, when the Postal Service announced in the Federal Register that it was suspending any further implementation of its changes to service standards.

This news is very disturbing, and continues a pattern of foolhardy actions by the USPS in a misguided “cut to survive” strategy that will ultimately lead to the demise of the Postal Service. It also represents the Service’s latest attempt to threaten Members of Congress with adverse consequences in their home districts if the Postmaster General does not get the legislation he is supporting.

You will recall that in prior rounds of closings and consolidations the National Office disseminated guidance to the Local Unions and all union representatives on how best to react to the various situations that may arise as a result of a particular closing and/or consolidation. We plan to update those materials, and will distribute them again during the coming weeks.

The National Office plans to work closely with all of our Local Unions to develop the best strategy to combat this ill-advised action by the PMG. Rest assured that we will insist on full compliance with the National Agreement, and that all contractual provisions will be enforced against the Postal Service should it proceed down this road.

Click here to view the correspondence received today, which includes a list of facilities that are targeted.

Click here to view the Network Rationalization Stand-Up Talk narratives provided by the USPS.

Click here to view the list of planned consolidations.

Reference: National Postal Mail Handlers Union