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| Postal Articles |
TOP NEWS STORIES New Model Mail Truck Catches on Fire in Houston 5.26.2019 - ABC 13 in Houston, Texas has reported: on a USPS mail truck catching fire in a southwest Houston neighborhood. Correct us if we're wrong, but that appears to be a new model Dodge Promaster delivery vehicle burning in the video. The Promaster vehicles have been rushed into service (ahead of a planned Next Generation Delivery Vehicle program) due (in part) to hundreds of older model LLVs burning in the same fashion. USPS Reports $2.1 Billion Loss for Second Quarter 2019 5.10.2019 - USPS reports: "The net loss for the quarter totaled nearly $2.1 billion, an increase of $747 million, compared to a net loss of $1.3 billion for the same quarter last year, however, the controllable loss for the quarter was $806 million, compared to a controllable loss of $656 million for the same quarter last year." - On track to lose $7 billion this year - Postal Woes Continue Statement on Postal Service’s 2019 Q2 Financial Report 5.10.2019 - NALC reports: Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service’s 2019 Quarter 2 financial report Latest News and Updates Branch Officers Training set for Cleveland, New Orleans 5.07.2019 - NALC reports: NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that two Branch Officers Training seminars will be held later this year. One session of Branch Officers Training is set for Aug. 26-29 in Cleveland, the other for Sept. 16-19 in New Orleans. Thank a veteran 5.06.2019 - NALC reports: United Mine Workers of America of America President Cecil Roberts Jr. sent a video message encouraging NALC members and all Americans to take time to honor the men and women who served their country in the Vietnam War. House Committee Hearing on the Financial Condition of the Postal Service 4.30.2019 - The House Committee on Oversight and Reform reports: "To conserve cash, the Postal Service has defaulted on more than $40 billion in payments owed to pre-fund retiree health care expenses. However, the Postal Service's liquidity continues to dwindle and it faces challenges with having enough cash on hand to conduct its essential mission of providing universal mail service. For all of these reasons, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has placed the Postal Service's financial condition on its "high-risk list" since 2009." - USPS will be broke by 2024 without reform, PMG says, - Post Office Boss Ponders Cutting Mail Delivery to Five Days, Congress Balks - PMG Brennan Chastised by Congressman Meadows For Not Delivering Business Plan (1:23 mark) - Meadows to Brennan: You've talked to the board of governors, the two of them... Bipartisan legislation introduced to repeal USPS pre-funding mandate 4.30.2019 - NALC reports: A bipartisan group of representatives introduced the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) which would repeal the mandate that USPS “pre-fund” decades’ worth of health benefits for its future retirees. NALC files two national level grievances 4.25.2019 - NALC reports: NALC files two national level grievances on the consolidated casing initiative and USPS non- compliance with CCA employment New Mexico carrier killed on his route 4.24.2019 - NALC reports: Letter carrier Jose Hernandez, an Albuquerque, NM Branch 504 member, was shot and killed on his route Monday, April 22, after trying to defuse a dispute. Misdiagnosis: A Review of the Report of the White House Task Force on the Postal Service 4.24.2019 - NALC reports: NALC analyzes the faulty foundations of the Task Force’s findings, explains the unexamined consequences of its recommendations and summarizes an alternative reform agenda that will position the Postal Service to thrive in the 21st Century. USPS Cuts 10K Positions After Five Years of Job Growth 4.23.2019 - GovExec.com reports: "The U.S. Postal Service shed 10,000 jobs in fiscal 2018, the first time in five years the mailing agency posted a net reduction in jobs. USPS employed 634,000 people last fiscal year, according to a financial analysis released by the Postal Regulatory Commission on Monday, its lowest total since fiscal 2015. While the cash-strapped agency has trended toward a smaller workforce over the last two decades -- it has slashed 300,000 career workers since 1999 -- its total number of employees has inched up each year since fiscal 2013." PRC Releases Report on USPS Financial Condition 4.19.2019 - PostalMag.com reports: "The Postal Service reported a net loss from operations of $2.1 billion in FY 2018. This loss was largely due to the continual decline of Market Dominant volume and higher operating expenses, and is nearly $748 million more than the $1.3 billion operating loss reported in FY 2017." 2018 NALC election results upheld by Department of Labor 4.19.2019 - NALC reports: The Labor Department has advised that it has completed its investigation of the election complaints and that the investigation did not provide a basis for any further action to set aside the results of the election. The election results are now final. CVS Health joins NALC Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive as Sponsor 4.12.2019 - NALC reports: CVS Health is the newest 2019 National Sponsor for the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive APWU Enters Mediation 4.10.2019 - APWU reports: "In our continuing efforts to get the contract the members deserve, the APWU invoked mediation on April 3, 2019 - sending a letter to the Acting Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and to the Postal Service. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is a federal agency that provides public and private-sector labor-management mediation, and by law it is responsible for facilitating the APWU's demand for mediation with the Postal Service." Customer and employee rights when USPS solicits customers to change the mode of mail delivery 3.27.2019 - NALC reports: NALC is aware of an effort by the Postal Service in different parts of the country to convince customers to agree to change their mode of mail delivery to cluster box or centralized delivery. Join Team NALC Rolando for MDA 3.22.2019 - NALC reports: Join President Rolando on May 18th for the MDA Muscle Walk NALC responds to Flooding in Midwest 3.21.2019 - NALC reports: To our brothers and sisters in the areas impacted by the Midwest Flooding, we need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership in your area. Trump Proposes Cutting Postal Employees' Pay, Benefits in $100B Savings Package 3.18.2019 - GovExec.com reports: "President Trump has once again proposed a slew of changes to the operations of the U.S. Postal Service and its employees' benefits, with the White House estimating the plan would save $98 billion over the next decade. In addition to a renewed push for offering postal employees lower pay and benefits, Trump pushed changes proposed by the task force he created last year. Those include raising prices for mail and packages not deemed "essential," reducing delivery frequency, outsourcing some mail processing and licensing access to individuals' mailboxes." - Federal Employees Would Get Less Leave Under Trump's Budget Trump's Postal Reform Proposals Met With Criticism From Lawmakers, USPS Management 3.13.2019 - GovExec.com reports: "President Trump's mandated report on overhauling the U.S. Postal Service drew a tepid response from lawmakers on Tuesday, as the agency's own leadership rejected many of the key proposals. One key area of disagreement between the administration's recommendations and lawmakers' vision for the agency surrounded the future of collective bargaining at the mailing agency." - AUDIO: Hearing on President's Postal Task Force Recommendations Postal Service Contracts Surge to Nearly $16B in Fiscal 2018 3.08.2019 - Bloomberg Government reports: "The U.S. Postal Service's commercial spending grew to $15.9 billion in fiscal 2018 from $15 billion in fiscal 2017, Bloomberg Government's USPS Contracts Dashboard shows. That's an increase of nearly $1 billion and the highest amount since fiscal 2016, when Bloomberg Government first began publishing the agency data received through a Freedom of Information Act request." RI-399 Monetary Settlement Distribution 3.06.2019 - APWU reports: "The Postal Service agreed that they would pay $14.5 million to each union (APWU and NPMHU) in consideration of the withdrawal of national level disputes. The settlement agreement calls for the unions to each make their own determination on how this money would be distributed. After consultation, much discussion, and agreement with the Clerk Craft Director, the APWU has decided that the money will be distributed in equal amounts to clerk craft employees who fall into two categories." - NPMHU Update Rap session to be held on Aug. 11 in Denver 2.27.2019 - NALC reports: NALC is making arrangements for the 2019 national conference, or “rap session,” set for Aug. 9-11 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. Part-time flexible (PTF) letter carriers Q-and-A 1.29.2019 - NALC reports: Differences between PTF and CCA classifications. The price of 'Forever' stamps just went up 1.28.2019 - CNN reports: "It just got more expensive to send mail. The price of a "Forever" stamp has gone up a nickel -- to 55 cents. While not exorbitant, the price increase is part of the biggest price jump on stamps in the United States Postal Service history. And it's a result of the pressure the agency is facing to dig itself out of a deep financial hole." USPS expands Wounded Warriors Leave 1.09.2019 - NALC reports: USPS recently updated the Wound Warriors Leave policy effective January 5, 2019. Eligible military veterans will be credited with 104 hours of Wounded Warriors Leave each leave year going forward. The FSS Slows, and the Red Ink Flows 1.06.2019 - Dead Tree Edition reports: "For the third year in a row, productivity of the U.S. Postal Service's Flats Sequencing System declined in 2018 - with no end in sight to the money-losing machines' troubles. Hourly throughputs declined 5% during Fiscal Year 2018 and are 14% below where they were five years ago, the USPS reported recently in its Annual Compliance Report. Leakage - the proportion of mail that was supposed to be run on FSS machines but wasn't - rose from 20.1% to 21.9%." APWU and USPS at Impasse on Contract 12.24.2018 - APWU reports: "The Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee had some serious concerns with the tentative agreement and sent it back to the APWU National leadership to reopen negotiations with management and attempt to address their concerns. We did just that in two meetings on Wednesday December 19, 2018 and follow up discussions on Thursday December 20th. However, we were unable to reach any changes or new agreements with the Postal Service. The APWU and USPS are now at "impasse." USPS will be open for business and mail delivery 12.21.2018 - NALC reports: USPS will be open for business and mail delivery will continue as usual Monday, Dec. 24. 2018 NALC election results update 12.10.2018 - NALC reports: The National Election Committee met on November 30 at NALC National Headquarters in Washington, DC, to review the election-result appeals that the committee received in November from two NALC members in the 2018 election of NALC national officers. Beware phishing emails posing as NALC 12.06.2018 - NALC reports: Phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data. White House Postal Task Force releases long-awaited report 12.03.2018 - NALC reports: Today, the Trump administration’s task force released its report evaluating USPS finances and operations, United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward. Trump Administration Proposes Major Overhaul of USPS 12.04.2018 - Washington Examiner reports: "The Treasury Department issued a report Tuesday calling the U.S. Postal Service "unsustainable" financially and calling for extensive changes to its operations. The recommendations include eliminating certain delivery services, allowing the Postal Service to set prices without Congress' consent, and eliminating collective bargaining over wages for USPS employees. The report suggests privatizing the USPS as a possible solution." - Seeks to Remove USPS Compensation From Collective Bargaining - Could Inflame Tensions With Amazon - Postal Task Force Report - NALC Statement - APWU - Treasury Dept. Paid The MITRE Corporation $1.6 Million to Write Report? USPS Delivery and Retail Services Suspended Wednesday, Dec. 5 12.03.2018 - NALC reports: President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed Wednesday, Dec. 5, a national day of mourning to honor the late President George H. W. Bush for his vast contributions to the United States during his lifetime. Penalty Overtime Exclusion 11.29.2018 - NALC reports: Exclusion: 12/1/18 through 12/28/18 Carriers to Receive Upgrade/Pay Schedule Consolidation 11.19.2018 - NALC reports: In accordance with the MOU Re: Pay Schedule Consolidation, all career and non-career (CCA) grade 1 city letter carriers were upgraded to their equivalent step in grade 2 effective Nov. 24. Keep it. It's yours. 11.16.2018 - NALC reports: On Nov. 15, the APWU and NALC launched a new ad showing what the public might expect from a corporate postal service if the White House plans to sell off USPS go forward. USPS Reports Fiscal Year 2018 Results 11.15.2018 - USPS reports: "The USPS reported operating revenue of $70.6 billion for fiscal year 2018, an increase of $1.0 billion compared to the prior year. The higher revenues were driven largely by continued growth in the Shipping and Packages business, where revenue increased $2.0 billion, or 10.1 percent, which more than offset revenue declines in First- Class and Marketing Mail as a result of declining volumes in that segment of its business." - $3.9 Billion Loss - 'We are not financially strong' USPS 2018 Fiscal Year Financial Report Statement 11.14.2018 - NALC reports: President Rolando's statement on the 2018 Fiscal Year financial report. California Wildfires - Ways to Help 11.13.2018 - NALC reports: NALC Disaster Relief Foundation - California Fires Message Injured on the job, then fired: Postal workers allege mistreatment by USPS 11.09.2018 - The Guardian reports: "The Guardian spoke to several former and current USPS workers, classified as non-career employees, who were fired or said they were mistreated after suffering on-the-job injuries. These temporary workers say they are uniquely vulnerable to mistreatment at a federal agency with one of the highest rates of workplace injury in the United States." Statement on election results 11.09.2018 - NALC reports: NALC President Fredric Rolando's statement regarding the midterm election Mail Truck Fires Persist in Aging Fleet Tagged for Replacement 11.07.2018 - Trucks.com reports: "Several hundred mail trucks burst into flames, burning beyond repair, in the past five years, according to a Trucks.com review of U.S. Postal Service documents and public news reports. At least six fires occurred in September and October, and 15 have been reported so far this year." Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service is wrong. We can stop it! 11.06.2018 - NALC reports: The U.S. Postal Service belongs to the American people. Let's do whatever it takes to keep it for generations to come. Amazon is launching new delivery program and hiring thousands of drivers 11.05.2018 - Business Insider reports: "For the first time, the company is planning to hire and manage thousands of full-time drivers to transport packages to customers from Amazon delivery outposts across the US, the company confirmed to Business Insider on Monday. Amazon will manage these drivers directly, meaning the company will set their wages, provide them delivery vehicles, and schedule their routes." Midterm Election Poll Times by State 11.05.2018 - NALC reports: Find your state poll schedule here NBC News report on how Vote-by-Mail improves security and turnout 11.03.2018 - NALC reports: On Friday night, NBC Nightly News aired a piece on how Oregon’s move to Vote at Home has not only engendered bipartisan support, but has led to more secure elections, a more engaged electorate and lower costs for taxpayers. Help elect labor-friendly candidates with Labor 2018 11.03.2018 - NALC reports: Join the AFL-CIO for Labor 2018 walks, phone banks and worksite actions to talk to fellow union brothers and sisters about the issues that matter to all of us. PMG Statement 11.01.2018 - NALC reports: Over the past week, the men and women of the United States Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service responded quickly and effectively to the threat of suspicious packages in the mail stream. Arrest made in explosive devices sent through the mail; don’t let guard down 10.26.2018 - NALC reports: It was reported today that a suspect has been arrested in connection with explosive packages sent through the Postal Service, even as at least two more potential devices were found in the mail stream this morning. Explosive devices discovered in mail packages; know the warning signs 10.25.2018 - NALC reports: Over the last several days, the media have reported on a number of explosive devices sent through the mail. Letter carriers and other postal workers need to know what to look for to identify any additional suspicious packages. FBI Investigating Multiple Pipe Bombs and Suspicious Packages 10.24.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: "The packages were mailed in manila envelopes with bubble wrap interior. The packages were affixed with computer-printed address labels and six Forever stamps. All packages had a return address of "DEBBIE WASSERMAN SHULTZ" [sic] in Florida." PMG Praises Employees, Law Enforcement - Arrest Made in South Florida - Missing Postmarks Add to Mystery - Two more bombs found, one at Manhattan postal facility - 'MAGAbomber' - Mailed From Postal Facility in Florida - NALC: Know the warning signs - More Packages - Two packages addressed to Biden found at Delaware postal facilities - Postal Police Play Key Role - 'Act of Terror' - Photo of Pipe Bomb - Envelope of white powder - Not delivered in traditional USPS mail? Statement: NALC opposes State Department decision to leave UPU 10.23.2018 - NALC reports: Leaving the UPU could have unintended negative consequences on American citizens and businesses and hurt the Postal Service financially. USPS Realizes Just 1/20th of Projected Savings From Network Realignment 10.18.2018 - GovExec reports: "Postal management told its regulatory body it would save $1.6 billion in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 by eliminating overnight delivery of regular, first-class mail and pushing back some of its two-day delivery to a three-day window, but the mailing agency's inspector general found it did not even come close to reaching that estimate. USPS instead saw about $90 million in savings, about one-twentieth of its estimate." - USPS OIG Report Trump administration moves to stop subsidizing Chinese mail 10.17.2018 - CNN reports: "On Wednesday, US officials will initiate a withdrawal process from the UPU, which was established in 1874 and has 192 member countries. The process to withdraw will take at least a year, and the administration intends to negotiate new rates with the group during that time. Under the current rules, the UPU sets lower rates for developing countries. It makes it possible to mail a package from Beijing to New York for less than it costs to send it from San Francisco to New York, for example." - Bloomberg: Trump is Right - China Regrets - Trump is trying to screw up your cheap international shipping - UPU Statement - USPS Praises Trump's Move Former NALC Vice President Hutchins has died 10.17.2018 - NALC reports: Former NALC Vice President Lawrence “Larry” G. Hutchins Sr. died on Oct. 9. He was 87. Missing: Letter Carrier Kierra Coles 27 y/o Female 10.16.2018 - NALC reports: Kierra Coles is a Letter Carrier for the USPS. She is 27 years old, 5'4" and 125 pounds, with a tattoo of a heart on her right hand, and another that says 'lucky libra' on her back. Statement: U.S. Mail: Not For Sale Nationwide Rallies 10.15.2018 - NALC reports: Statement from President Fredric Rolando, NALC Richmond postal workers push for earlier workday 10.14.2018 - WRIC reports: "Employees tell 8News, right now they begin their day at 9 a.m., forcing them to deliver mail after the sun sets. "And the carriers are going to be out there in the dark," said USPS employee Robin Richardson. "And we're looking, we're basically out here demonstrating for the safety and the customers. The customers don't want to get their mail this late and we don't want to be out there this late." NALC national elections 10.11.2018 - NALC reports: The National Election Committee, appointed at the Detroit National Convention to conduct the election of national officers for NALC for four-year terms, has announced the results. Branch Officers Training set for Jan. 7-10 in Orlando, FL 10.10.2018 - NALC reports: NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that Branch Officers Training will be held January 7-10, 2019, in Orlando, FL. NALC responds to Hurricane Michael Helping to account for each other's needs is the beginning point for assistance. 10.9.2018 - NALC reports: USPS Set to Run Out of Postal Retiree Health Care Funding in 12 Years 10.03.2018 - GovExec reports: "The USPS will run out of money to pay for its retirees' health care in 12 years if Congress does not take action to address the funding shortfall, according to a new audit of the benefit program. Funding for former postal employees has long been a sticking point in the fight to get the mailing agency's finances back on firmer footing, and for the last 10 years USPS has faced a requirement to prefund the benefit for future retirees." H. Res. 993 reaches 219 cosponsors 10.3.2018 - NALC reports: A bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives has cosponsored House Resolution 993. U.S. Mail: Not for Sale rallies being organized 9.28.2018 - NALC reports: The list of rally locations is being updated daily. Please see if a rally is planned near you and sign up to attend. Dozens of Senators Push Measure to Block Trump's USPS Privatization Plan 9.20.2018 - GovExec reports: "A bipartisan group of senators representing more than one-quarter of the upper chamber this week put forward a measure to block the Trump administration from moving forward with its plans to privatize the U.S. Postal Service. The resolution (S.Res. 633) follows a companion in the House introduced this summer with 190 signatures from members of both parties, including more than three dozen Republicans." Senate resolution introduced on USPS privatization 9.20.2018 - NALC reports: A bipartisan group of senators introduced a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 633) calling on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Postal Service remain an independent agency of the federal government and not be subject to privatization. What to do if you do not receive an NALC ballot 9.12.2018 - NALC reports: If you are eligible to vote and do not receive a ballot by Friday, Sept. 21, or if you have spoiled your ballot or need another ballot for any reason, you must notify a branch officer to request a duplicate ballot. NALC responds to Hurricane Florence 9.12.2018 - NALC reports: Helping to account for each other's needs is the beginning point for assistance. NALC ballots being mailed 9.12.2018 - NALC reports: Ballots are currently being prepared, inserted and mailed. All ballots are expected to be mailed by September 14. Amazon is 20,000 vans closer to replacing the post office 9.06.2018 - CNNMoney reports: "We've been really blown away by the number of people who approached us," Amazon's Dave Clark told CNNMoney. "We expected a lot of interest but the sheer volume -- the tens of thousands of people who actually went all the way through the process to make themselves eligible for the program -- has been really humbling." The influx of applications pushed Amazon to accelerate and expand its plans by ordering 20,000 Sprinter vans from Mercedes-Benz." - "Bad news for the already struggling post office" USPS Board of Governors activity in Senate and White House 8.30.2018 - NALC reports: On August 28, 2018, the Senate confirmed the nominations of David Williams (D) and Robert Duncan (R) to serve as members of the U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors, each for one term. Federal judge overturns Trump administration’s anti-federal union orders 8.28.2018 - NALC reports: On Saturday, a federal judge invalidated key provisions in three executive orders the Trump administration issued in May, which had made it easier for agencies to fire federal workers and placed strict limits on union activities. President Trump sets goals on international pricing/customs at UPU Congress 8.28.2018 - NALC reports: The memorandum calls to improve the “terminal dues,” the fees postal operators charge for delivering mail from other operators (e.g., the Royal Mail of the U.K. or China Post), and to negotiate changes in customs procedures for postal shipments. NALC Statement on USPS Q3 Financial Report for FY 2018 8.10.2018 - NALC reports: NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, covering the months of April, May and June of 2018. USPS Reports $1.5B Loss, Growth in Package Volume and Revenue 8.09.2018 - USPS reports: "First-Class Mail revenue declined by $134 million, or 2.2 percent, and Marketing Mail revenue increased by $63 million, or 1.6 percent. Total mail volume declined by a combined 397 million pieces, or 1.2 percent, compared to the same quarter last year. Shipping and Packages revenue increased by $475 million, or 10.2 percent, on volume growth of 102 million pieces, or 7.5 percent." - Post Office Losses Narrow to $1.5B, While Revenue Rises National Arbitration Award Issued on August 6th 8.09.2018 - NALC reports: In an award issued on August 6, 2018, national arbitrator Stephen Goldberg vacated the Postal Service’s unilateral changes to certain provisions of the Employee and Labor Relations Manual. Vote NO on Prop A 8.07.2018 - NALC reports: Today in Missouri, a significant vote on Proposition A is taking place at the voting booth. Branch Officers Training set for Sept. 17-20 in Minneapolis 8.03.2018 - NALC reports: NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that Branch Officers Training will be held September 17-20 in Minneapolis. Step credit for former TEs to be recalculated 8.01.2018 - NALC reports: USPS has agreed to recalculate eligible employees’ TE service by dividing their total TE days by 360. Grievance on delayed CCA backpay resolved 8.01.2018 - NALC reports: The parties have settled a national-level grievance on the delay in retroactive payment to certain city carrier assistants following ratification Interpretive dispute on CCA Holidays settled, eligible CCAs to receive retroactive holiday pay 7.31.2018 - NALC reports: The parties agreed that eligible CCAs will receive holiday pay for holidays after the first wage increases under the terms of the 2016-2019 National Agreement. Promotion Pay and Hold in Place dispute settled 7.30.2018 - NALC reports: This settlement (M-01893) lifts the hold in place instituted by USPS. In all offices, CCAs who have at least 30 months of relative standing on 9/1 to be converted to career status 7.30.2018 - NALC reports: NALC and USPS have settled a national level grievance regarding CCAs hired over the contractual caps. Capital Metro Area FSS Report Cast Doubt on Entire Program 7.27.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: "It is unclear whether processing flats on FSS is actually more cost-efficient than using AFSM. The Postal Service does not have any current studies or analyses to establish the financial benefit or workhour savings achieved when flats mail is processed on the FSS instead of the AFSM. Processing flats mail on AFSM machines and having the carriers manually sequence the flats may be less expensive than processing flats using FSS machines." NALC Participates in Capitol Hill Briefing Opposing Postal Privatization 7.27.2018 - NALC reports: NALC Executive Vice President, Brian Renfroe, participated in a briefing panel on Capitol Hill hosted by A Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal Service, opposing postal privatization. Unanimous Resolution Against USPS Privatization 7.27.2018 - NALC reports: A resolution was unanimously passed by the AFL-CIO executive council on July 26th, condemning Postal Service Privatization The NALC Guide to Identifying Intentional False Editing of Clock Rings available online 7.27.2018 - NALC reports: The NALC Guide to Identifying Intentional False Editing of Clock Rings was created to assist union representatives when investigating grievances concerning clock ring edits that impact letter carriers’ pay. Election Committee Appointed 7.24.2018 - NALC reports: President Fredric Rolando appointed a National Election Committee to oversee the conduct of the 2018 election of national officers. Friday Convention Chronicle 7.23.2018 - NALC reports: On the closing day of the 71st biennial convention, speakers from both sides of the political aisle energized the delegates meeting in Detroit as they prepared for the return to their cities and branches. Thursday Convention Chronicle 7.19.2018 - NALC reports: Whether bringing their message to voters and to Congress, feeding hungry families through the Letter Carrier Food Drive or working for social and economic justice, letter carriers meeting in Detroit renewed their commitment to creating a better world. Wednesday Convention Chronicle 7.18.2018 - NALC reports: Delegates demonstrated that when union members use the democratic process to forge a common goal, they fulfill the promise of solidarity. Appeals court upholds dismissal of lawsuit 7.18.2018 - NALC reports: On July 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. upheld the dismissal of a 23-year-old lawsuit against certain former national officers and the NALC. Tuesday Convention Chronicle 7.17.2018 - NALC reports: Standing shoulder to shoulder in unity, delegates to NALC's 71st biennial convention in Detroit on Tuesday celebrated the power of solidarity and heard from union leaders who pledged their support in the struggles ahead. Convention Chronicle: 'The challenges of our time' 7.16.2018 - NALC reports: The 71st biennial convention began with a rigorous assessment of the challenges facing letter carriers—especially political, legislative and regulatory—and a call to action by NALC President Fredric Rolando to the delegates gathered in Detroit. House resolution introduced on USPS privatization 7.16.2018 - NALC reports: Bipartisan representatives introduced a House Resolution (H. Res. 993) calling on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Postal Service remain an independent agency of the federal government and not be subject to privatization. Postal Carrier Found Dead in Truck During Sweltering Heatwave 7.09.2018 - Fox 10 reports: "The USPS is talking about the hot weather and its policies for postal workers after a long-time postal carrier was found dead in her truck during the extreme heat in Woodland Hills Friday. Temperatures went up to about 117 degrees in the Woodland Hills area on Friday, but at this point it isn't known if heat was a factor in Peggy Frank's death." - Found Unresponsive While Seated in Postal Vehicle Say “Thank You” to our veterans 7.09.2018 - NALC reports: Come and write a thank you message on a postcard at the NALC Veterans Group booth at the NALC Convention in Detroit. Rejecting Agency's Offer, Postal Supervisors Fight for a Bigger Pay Raise 7.09.2018 - GovExec.com reports: "A major U.S. Postal Service group is challenging the pay raises offered by the agency, appealing to a third party to offer more significant salary increases to tens of thousands of postal workers. The raises will affect most of the 45,000 supervisors, managers, postmasters and technical specialists covered under the Executive and Administrative Schedule represented by the National Association of Postal Supervisors." USPS Faces Difficult Choices on How to Spend Its Limited Resources 7.02.2018 - GovExec.com reports: "The U.S. Postal Service has deferred spending on capital investments on things like vehicles and mail processing equipment over the last 10 years, according to a new report, and will likely face difficult choices on how to invest its limited funds over the next decade." - GAO Report (PDF) NALC Convention: Remember to register for the Blood Drive 6.29.2018 - NALC reports: Reminder for anyone attending the Convention, please remember to register for the Blood Drive. The National Association of Letter Carriers and the American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the national convention in Detroit. Delegates to the convention are encouraged to schedule an appointment. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in every community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and almost everyone will need blood in their lifetime. Drive Details: Site: Cobo Center Address: 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48226 Room Name: 140 DEF Date: Tuesday, July 17 Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Coordinator Phone Number: 313-549-7051 Click here to make an appointment (click red arrow to see times and sign up) Amazon Launching Nationwide Delivery Service Program 6.29.2018 - Long anticipated, Amazon is launching a nationwide delivery service program to end its reliance on last mile shippers such as UPS, FedEx, and the USPS. The program will develop hundreds if not thousands of small business owners who will deliver the packages as part of their own business. Under the program, Amazon gets its packages delivered and the small business owners manage all the details including hiring, background checks, payroll, pay and benefits, training, vehicle maintenance, insurance, legal and regulatory issues etc. etc. - Amazon's new grassroots delivery network could sidestep UPS, USPS - Bezos says you can make up to $300K a year - Only Amazon Packages - Amazon Business Opportunity Website - Business Opportunity Brochure (PDF) - Archives: FedEx Sued By Drivers Clarified as Independent Contractors Supreme Court attacks workers’ rights in Janus decision 6.27.2018 - NALC reports: In a narrow 5-4 decision Wednesday, the Supreme Court once again sided with corporate special interests and against America’s working families. NALC Convention: Shuttle schedule 6.27.2018 - NALC reports: Complimentary shuttle service is provided between many of the NALC hotels and the Cobo Center. Senate Appropriations preserves 6 day 6.22.2018 - NALC reports: The committee preserved NALC’s long-standing language preserving six-day mail delivery, following similar preservation of language from the House committee last week. Trump Administration Proposes Privatizing Postal Service 6.21.2018 - FOX Business reports: "The president has been critical of the Postal Service, particularly regarding its relationship with e-commerce giant Amazon. The government is expected to make recommendations on privatization reforms in August. It promises to maintain strong regulatory oversight of the agency to ensure fair competition and prices for customers." - Plan (PDF, Page 68) - NALC Statement - APWU Statement - White House's Plan for the Postal Service: Fix It, Then Privatize It - Stamps. com shares drop 10% on announcement NALC's statement on OMB's proposal to privatize the Postal Service 6.21.2018 - NALC reports: “This report takes direct aim at numerous agencies including USPS under the guise of reforming and restructuring for the 21st century,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. Economics Blog: Federal Reserve increases target interest rates 6.15.2018 - NALC reports: On June 13, 2018, the Federal Reserve raised the target federal funds rate range by another 0.25%, bringing the target range to 1.75%-2.00% (up from Notice to prospective candidates in the 2018 NALC election (updated) 6.15.2018 - NALC reports: In accordance with federal law, NALC has arranged for Blue Bulldog Digital to handle requests by candidates for national office in the 2018 NALC election to distribute campaign literature by e-mail. Update on Trump executive orders attacking federal employees 6.12.2018 - NALC reports: NALC's analysis has concluded that the three executive orders do not apply to the Postal Service or its unions, a conclusion that was confirmed in writing by officials of the Office of Personnel Management. Postal Stakeholders Are Impressed With Trump's Task Force So Far 6.08.2018 - GovExec.com reports: "President Trump's task force to overhaul the U.S. Postal Service is up and running, and despite concerns that its members would simply follow the direction preset by the tweeter-in-chief, stakeholders in the postal community are impressed with seriousness and attention to detail with which the group has approached its undertaking." NALC submits postal workforce recommendations to White House 6.06.2018 - NALC reports: In a meeting with the White House today, NALC President Fred Rolando delivered policy recommendations to the White House Task Force on the Postal Service. Hellman to retire; Rolando to appoint Stewart 6.05.2018 - NALC reports: Brian Hellman, director of the NALC Health Benefit Plan, announced that he will retire after the 71st Biennial Convention in Detroit in July. USPS Delivery Satisfaction Numbers Trending Downward 6.03.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: USPS delivery satisfaction numbers are trending downward according to the USPS OIG Spring 2018 Semiannual Report to Congress released at the end of May. The report shows declining numbers for customer satisfaction in all areas except one. Executive orders on federal employees 5.31.2018 - NALC reports: NALC is currently investigating if the executive orders issued by President Trump on Friday May 25 have any impact on the Postal Service. We will report our findings as information becomes available. Trump Pressured USPS to Jack Up Shipping Rates for Amazon 5.18.2018 - NY Post reports: "President Trump personally pressured Postmaster General Megan Brennan to double the charges Amazon and other firms pay to ship packages, a new report said Friday. Brennan resisted Trump's demand, explaining "in multiple conversations" that the rates are set in contracts and that any changes would have to be approved by regulators, the Washington Post reported." - Amazon briefly hit session low after report OPM proposes retirement changes 5.16.2018 - NALC reports: OPM sent a letter to Paul Ryan making four legislative recommendations that, if enacted, would require current and future federal employees to make larger pension contributions, and also would scale back retirement benefits for current retirees. USPS gets whacked with a $1.3 billion loss as it struggles to keep up with Amazon 5.11.2018 - Business Insider reports: " Perhaps even more troublesome is that the USPS posted such a large loss during a period in which package volumes increased by 5%. While that uptick most likely explains the $364 million increase in compensation expenses due to what it describes as "additional hours incurred to support the labor-intensive package business as well as contractual wage adjustments," it also raises the question of why the volume surge wasn't able to bridge the controllable-income gap." - Packages Weigh on USPS as Losses Grow - USPS Press Release NALC statement on USPS Q2 financial report for FY 2018 5.11.2018 - NALC reports: NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the May 11 release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, covering the months of January, February and March of 2018. Notice of nominations for NALC national officers 5.07.2018 - NALC reports: Nominations for national officers of the National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO, will be held on Wednesday, July 18, at the national convention in Detroit. For New Addresses, USPS Will No Longer Deliver to Your Door 5.04.2018 - GovExec.com reports: "The U.S. Postal Service will no longer deliver mail to the door for new addresses, pushing mail recipients to instead cluster their mailboxes in a centralized area. The new policy marks a sharp shift as the agency continues to find ways to cut costs and follows through on a proposal for which it has long advocated." - USPS Notice NALC president appoints trustee and national business agent 5.04.2018 - NALC reports: Rolando appoints Mack Julion and Javier Bernal to fill vacancies 2016-2019 NALC-USPS National Agreement 5.04.2018 - NALC reports: The 2016-2019 NALC-USPS National Agreement is now available online. The PDF includes bookmarks and hyperlinks to make navigating the document easier. In Rural America, the Postal Service is Already Collapsing 5.03.2018 - The Nation reports: "It's in towns like Jessica's that the Postal Service is most indispensable as a public institution, but rural areas are also where the agency's recent cutbacks have been the most debilitating. As the USPS has phased in workforce cuts over the past decade, it has created what amounts to a labor shortage at the country's smaller stations. Across rural America, routes are vacant, offices are understaffed, and turnover rates are high." A soaring federal deficit spells danger for letter carriers 5.03.2018 - NALC reports: On April 17, the Congressional Budget Office issued its latest budget outlook. It found that the federal budget deficit is exploding, thanks mostly to the 2017 tax cut, but also due to the 2018 spending bill adopted earlier this year. “It’s the pre-funding, stupid!” 5.01.2018 - NALC reports: Much of the recent press coverage on USPS has focused on Amazon packages, falling letter mail volume and postal retirement costs, but the real driver of postal finances is the Congressional mandate to pre-fund retiree health premiums decades in advance. CCA back pay update 4.30.2018 - NALC reports: The Postal Service has confirmed that the approximately 6,000 former CCAs who did not receive their back pay for time worked as a CCA during the back pay period on February 23 will receive this payment in their May 4 paychecks. Former TE step advancement 4.25.2018 - NALC reports: In accordance with the 2016 National Agreement, any CCA who was employed as a TE after Sept. 29, 2007 and has been, or will be, converted to a career position may be eligible for a one-time advancement to a higher Make a contribution toward your MBA retirement plan before April 16 4.16.2018 - NALC reports: April 16 is the last day to make a contribution to a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA for the 2017 Tax Year Food Driver poster orders deadline extended until April 20 Trump, Having Denounced Amazon's Shipping Deal, Orders Review of Postal Service 4.13.2018 - NY Times reports: "President Trump abruptly issued an executive order on Thursday demanding an evaluation of the Postal Service's finances, asserting the power of his office weeks after accusing Amazon, the online retail giant, of not paying its fair share in postage. In the executive order, Mr. Trump created a task force to examine the service's "unsustainable financial path" and directed the new panel to "conduct a thorough evaluation of the operations and finances of the USPS." - Text of the Executive Order - The Hill - CNBC President issues executive order to evaluate USPS finances 4.12.2018 - NALC reports: President Trump issued an executive order to form a task force charged with evaluating the finances of the U.S. Postal Service including pricing, policies and workforce costs. 2018 NALC Guide to Route Inspections 4.10.2018 - NALC reports: The 2018 NALC Guide to Route Inspections has been printed and is being shipped to each NALC Branch and the 15 National Business Agents’ offices. USPS Could Owe Payouts to As Many As $130K Employees After Class Action Ruling 4.09.2018 - GovExec reports: "The U.S. Postal Service will soon have to make a payout to as many as 130,000 current and former employees as part of a class-action lawsuit, with an anti-discrimination oversight body finding the mailing agency created a program to rid its rolls of employees injured on the job under the guise of trying to accommodate them." Promotion pay grievance update 4.7.2018 - NALC reports: A national class-action grievance was originally scheduled to be heard January 30. Unfortunately, this hearing was unexpectedly canceled by the arbitrator. NALC has received proposed dates for rescheduling and we expect to have a firm date shortly. MDD Load Truck feature 4.6.2018 - NALC reports: If a letter carrier is instructed to load or deliver their parcels in a manner inconsistent with the procedures outlined in Handbook M-41, he or she should follow those instructions but inform a local union representative for further investigation. Safety Ambassador Program 4.5.2018 - NALC reports: NALC advises all NALC activists to not volunteer to serve as a Safety Ambassador or participate in the newly developed Safety Ambassador Program. CCA back pay update 4.4.2018 - NALC reports: NALC has filed a national level grievance regarding former CCAs who have not received their back pay to date. Recent presidential tweet storm 4.3.2018 - NALC reports: Letter carriers deserve to know the facts about the Postal Service with respect to the president’s latest tweets. EEOC finds USPS practiced disability discrimination 4.3.2018 - NALC reports: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has found the Postal Service National Reassessment Process (NRP) subjected approximately 130,000 injured-on-duty employees to a pattern and practice of disability discrimination. Notice to prospective candidates in the 2018 NALC election 4.3.2018 - NALC reports: In accordance with federal law, NALC has arranged for Kelly Press to handle requests by candidates for national office in the 2018 NALC election to distribute campaign literature by e-mail. Trump Escalates Attack on Amazon and Postal Deal 3.31.2018 - Politico reports: "President Donald Trump continued to needle Amazon on Saturday, claiming the internet commerce giant maintains an advantageous relationship with the U.S Postal Service amounting to a "scam" worth "billions of dollars." "While we are on the subject, it is reported that the U.S. Post Office will lose $1.50 on average for each package it delivers for Amazon," the president wrote on Twitter."- Amazon and UPS Have Been Quietly Fighting Over Post Office's Cost Structure - Deal set to expire in October - Ex-PMG Donahue Disputes Trump - Trump Attacks Could Prompt Amazon to Move Away From Using USPS - As Trump Attacks Amazon/USPS, He Fails to Fill Postal Governing Board - Why Trump can't tell the USPS what to do - Bernie Sanders Agrees With Trump - Trump's Right - Trump keeps up Twitter assault on Amazon - Talk About Fake News: The Flawed Citigroup Analysis - Herman Cain: Postal Woes Aren't Amazon's Fault Senators introduce bill to stabilize, improve Postal Service 3.23.2018 - Dover Post reports: "Sens. Tom Carper, D-Delaware; Jerry Moran, R-Kansas; Heidi Heitkamp, D-North Dakota; and Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, introduced on March 22 The Postal Service Reform Act of 2018: Improving Postal Operations, Service, and Transparency to stabilize, preserve and improve the U.S. Postal Service." - Retiree Health Premiums and Postal Reform - Postal Reform Bill Would Impact Health Insurance - Concerns About Medicare Plan - GovTrack S. 2629 - GovExec - APWU Statement - Carper Press Release - Bill Would Create New Health Benefits Program for Postal Employees - NALC Lauds Bipartisan Effort - Printing Industries Applauds - Business Community Supports NALC lauds bipartisan effort to advance postal reform legislation 3.23.2018 - NALC reports: NALC thanks and commends the bipartisan authors of this proposed legislation for working to strengthen the Postal Service. America’s letter carriers appreciate the significant improvements contained in the bill over prior reform efforts. Convention hotel update 3.22.2018 - NALC reports: The original block of hotels for the 2018 National Convention in Detroit is currently full. NALC is aware of the issue and is working to add additional hotels for convention delegates. Carriers Not Happy About New Scanning and Loading Directive 3.16.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: "City and Rural Carriers on workroom floors and in online forums are expressing much displeasure about a new time-wasting parcel scanning and loading program that has carriers scanning all parcels while loading in order to determine where to place the parcels in the vehicle." Parcel Bombs Strike Austin 3.12.2018 - Associated Press reports: "Two package bomb blasts a few miles apart killed a teenager and wounded two women in Austin on Monday, less than two weeks after a similar attack left a man dead in another part of the Texas capital. Investigators said the bombings are probably connected, and they are looking into whether race was a factor because all of the victims were minorities." - Not Delivered By a Mail Service Hatch Act social media and email guidance for federal employees 3.2.2018 - NALC reports: The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has updated it’s Hatch Act Social Media and Email Guidance for federal employees. Letter carriers should review this guidance to avoid inadvertent Hatch Act violations. March President's Message: Countdown to Detroit 3.1.2018 - NALC reports: NALC branches are meeting to elect delegates to the NALC’s 71st Biennial Convention in Detroit. NALC is battling on multiple fronts on all the major issues affecting letter carriers and their families—issues that are sure to be debated in Detroit. (PDF) APWU Reaches $49 Million Dollar Settlement With USPS on POStPlan Violations 2.24.2018 - The APWU reports: "The dispute was initiated after the Postal Service admittedly failed to honor their agreement that after December 22, 2014, the 'POStPlan' Remotely-Managed Post Offices (RMPOs) open 4 or 6 hours a day would be staffed with bargaining unit clerks, and Level 18 offices would be staffed with career employees. Long after the agreement, Postmaster Reliefs (PMRs) were still working in 4 or 6 hour RMPOs across the country and Level 18 offices reported still using PSEs instead of career employees." Amazon's Rise Has Pushed Mail Clerks and Carriers to the Breaking Point 2.21.2018 - The Nation reports: "Amazon was able to make a deal to ship its packages through USPS at cut-rate prices, because the company preemptively sorts and labels packages by postal route. But transporting and distributing these packages still takes clerks much longer than sorting letters, which can be fed through a machine. If the clerks are delayed, the station's carriers will be delayed in starting routes, which are already longer than ever thanks to the packages filling up their satchels and trucks. Many won't deliver their final box until well after the sun has set." CCA backpay update 2.20.2018 - NALC reports: As letter carriers eligible for retroactive pay began reviewing their earnings statements over the weekend, errors were discovered. NALC has been and will continue to work with USPS to identify those affected and correct the errors as soon as possible. Join us to fight for our freedom 2.20.2018 - NALC reports: Thousands of workers and allies will march in Washington, DC, and in cities nationwide on Feb. 24 as part of the Working People’s Day of Action. NALC President Rolando walking for MDA 2.20.2018 - NALC reports: On May 19, NALC President Fredric Rolando will take a few steps to help “Deliver the Cure” for muscular dystrophy by participating in a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Muscle Walk fundraiser in Alexandria, VA. Find out how you can help. Trump Suggests USPS Cut Retirement, Health Benefits in $80B Savings Package 2.15.2018 - GovExec reports: "Trump's proposals largely mirrored those submitted in his last budget, as well as legislation that has been introduced in Congress. While lawmakers have sought to maintain delivery standards, however, Trump would allow USPS to "reduce mail delivery frequency from six days to five days where there is a business case for doing so." That proposal would likely face pushback in Congress, especially from lawmakers representing rural areas, and even postal management has dropped its proposal to eliminate mail delivery on Saturdays." - NALC: Budget Targets Letter Carriers and Their Families Fourth COLA set at $520 2.14.2018 - NALC reports: The fourth contract COLA is finalized today at $520 annually with the release of the January 2018 CPI-W. Trump administration’s 2019 budget targets letter carriers and their families 2.13.2018 - NALC reports: While breaking campaign promises by calling for massive cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, the administration’s new budget also calls for gutting the Affordable Care Act and aims direct attacks on federal and postal employees and their agencies. USPS Reports First Quarter 2018 Results 2.09.2018 - USPS reports: "Net loss for the first quarter totaled $540 million, compared to net income of $1.4 billion, for the same period last year. In the first quarter 2018, package volumes grew by 111 million pieces, or approximately 7%, while mail volumes declined by approximately 2.0 billion pieces, or approximately 5%, continuing a multi-year trend of increasing package volume and declining letter volumes." NALC statement on USPS Q1 financial report for FY 2018 2.9.2018 - NALC reports: NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the Feb. 9 release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, covering the months of October, November and December of 2017: Economics blog: Unemployment holds at 4.1 percent but problems remain in the labor market 2.7.2018 - NALC reports: The data released on Friday points to continuing lags in the labor market and its implications for unemployed workers even in the so-called economic expansion. Convention registration materials mailed 2.5.2018 - NALC reports: The Delegate Eligibility Lists and registration forms were mailed out to all branch secretaries as of Feb. 2. Make a contribution toward your MBA retirement plan before April 16 1.31.2018 - NALC reports: April 16 is the last day to make a contribution to a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA for the 2017 Tax Year Food Drive promotional artwork available 1.31.2018 - NALC reports: The Family Circus cartoon for the 2018 Food Drive is available on the Food Drive tool kit. Food Drive task No. 1: Register 1.23.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: The deadline for branches to register for the 26th annual Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive is March 1. New USPS Postage Rates Take Effect January 21 1.21.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: The new prices include a one cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 49 cents to 50 cents. Postcard stamps and metered letters also have a one cent increase. The changes will raise Mailing Services product prices approximately 1.9 percent, and most Shipping Services products will average a 3.9 percent price increase. USPS remains open despite government shutdown 1.20.2018 - NALC reports: The Postal Service has confirmed in a tweet that the shutdown will not affect USPS or its employees. OSHA: Employers must post injury/illness summary beginning Feb. 1 1.18.2018 - NALC reports: OSHA reminds employers of their obligation to post job-related injuries and illnesses logged during 2017. Each year, between Feb. 1 and April 30, the summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted. CCA back pay update 1.16.2018 - NALC reports: The Postal Service has notified NALC that the retroactive payments for city carrier assistants resulting from implementation of the 2016-2019 National Agreement will be delayed by one pay period. Update on legal action concerning 2017 ratification balloting 1.13.2018 - NALC reports: Legal claims challenging the conduct of the 2017 contract ratification vote have been dismissed by the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. NALC response to White House tweet on the Postal Service 1.9.2018 - NALC reports: If the president truly wants to make the Postal Service “smarter and richer,” he has the power to do so. USPS to Offer VER to Eligible Mail Handlers and Clerks 1.04.2018 - PostalMag.com reports: The Postal Service will extend voluntary early retirement (VER) offers to eligible mail handlers and clerks, beginning Jan. 8. The offers will contain three retirement-effective dates from which eligible employees may choose: Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 31. - APWU: Insufficient Notice - APWU: Letter Details VERA Eligibility Requirements (PDF) - NPMHU |
