 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Postal Articles |
TOP NEWS STORIES 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 Trump Slams USPS for Amazon Discounts 12.29.2017 - CNBC reports: President Donald Trump took to Twitter to blast the Postal Service for giving Amazon discounts on its packages: "Why is the United States Post Office, which is losing many billions of dollars a year, while charging Amazon and others so little to deliver their packages, making Amazon richer and the Post Office dumber and poorer? Should be charging MUCH MORE!" - Trump renews ongoing feud with Bezos - Day of reckoning for Amazon could be coming soon Naked postal worker accused of fatally shooting supervisor, killing postmaster 12.23.2017 - NY Daily News reports: "An Ohio mail carrier at risk of losing his job walked naked into a Dublin post office where he's accused of fatally shooting his boss before targeting the postmaster leading the investigation into his workplace violations. DeShaune K. Stewart sent panicked postal workers fleeing from their workplace early Saturday morning when he entered the building and allegedly gunned down his immediate supervisor, 52-year-old Lance Maurice Herrera Dempsey, police said." - Man shoots postal supervisor, then kills postmaster at different scene - Ohio postal worker facing dismissal kills two bosses - Slayings stun friends, family members - DeShaune K. Stewart Former USPS VP Sentenced After Inspectors Uncovered Lies 12.19.2017 - Linns.com reports: "The unnamed former USPS vice president sentenced to two months and fined $84,500 for making false statements on disclosure forms is William (Bill) Whitman Jr. In 2014 then PMG Donahoe hired Whitman to become vice president of communications. But four months later Whitman suddenly disappeared from USPS HQ, without any public announcement." - Indictment (PDF) - PostalMag.com discovered case in OIG report - A USPS Vice President was (quietly) sent to prison for lying on his job application - Linkedin Profile Former USPS VP Sentenced After Inspectors Uncovered Lies 12.19.2017 - Linns.com reports: "The unnamed former USPS vice president sentenced to two months and fined $84,500 for making false statements on disclosure forms is William (Bill) Whitman Jr. In 2014 then PMG Donahoe hired Whitman to become vice president of communications. But four months later Whitman suddenly disappeared from USPS HQ, without any public announcement". - Indictment (PDF) - PostalMag.com discovered case in OIG report - A USPS Vice President was (quietly) sent to prison for lying on his job application - Linkedin Profile Atlanta: Mail Carriers Worry Late Deliveries Won't Get Better Before Christmas 12.13.2017 - CBS46.com reports: "Ever since we started investigating the issue of late mail delivery throughout Metro Atlanta, CBS46 has received a flood of e-mails and phone calls from people in every corner of the viewing area, who want to talk about a personal experience that matches up with what we've been reporting. We're also getting calls from mail carriers who want to give us inside information that post office management won't tell us." - Atlanta postmaster replaced amid delivery complaints Questions and answers about changes to TSP withdrawal options 12.13.2017 - NALC reports: "The Thrift Savings Plan has released a fact sheet that answers frequently asked questions about changes to TSP withdrawal options associated with the passage of the TSP Modernization Act." Now accepting applications for the 2018 NALC Leadership Academy 12.1.2017 - NALC reports: "The Leadership Academy, open to all active NALC members, is designed to both develop and enhance the knowledge and skills that are essential for" Back pay update 12.1.2017 - NALC reports: "Here is an update on back pay for active and retired letter carriers." Tell your senators to vote ‘no’ on tax bill 11.30.2017 - NALC reports: "NALC urges you to call your senators now and tell them to oppose S. 1 when it comes to the Senate floor." Penalty Overtime Exclusion scheduled 11.28.2017 - NALC reports: "The December period during which penalty overtime regulations are not applicable consists of four consecutive service weeks." As Postal Service Fleet Ages, Reports of Fires Grow 11.24.2017 - KSTP.com reports: "There have been hundreds of fires in Grumman LLVs, or Long Life Vehicles, around the country over the years. LLVs were designed for the United States Postal Service, the primary user of the trucks. According to internal documents, the postal service is well aware of the ongoing problems with their aging fleet of mail trucks." Economics Blog: Consumer sentiment is at its highest levels since January 2004 11.22.2017 - NALC reports: "The index of consumer sentiment was 98.5 for November 2017, down 2.2 percent from October 2017 but an increase in 5.6 percent from November 2016." NALC statement on USPS’ FY2017 financial report (updated) 11.21.2017 - NALC reports: "The Fiscal Year 2017 financial report shows the underlying business strength of the U.S. Postal Service while also indicating the need to address external matters beyond USPS control. Updated to include news media coverage." House advances 'Tax Cuts and Jobs Act' 11.16.2017 - NALC reports: "The House has approved the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a bill that cuts taxes by $1.5 trillion—but has serious implications for working families nationwide." Tell the House to vote ‘no’ on tax bill 11.15.2017 - NALC reports: "The House is expected to vote tomorrow on the so-called “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” a bill that seeks to cut taxes for corporations and America’s wealthiest. Tell your rep to oppose H.R. 1—that it does anything but cut taxes and create jobs." USPS Reports Fiscal Year 2017 Results 11.14.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "The U.S. Postal Service reported revenue of $69.6 billion for fiscal year 2017 (October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2017), a decrease of $1.8 billion compared to the prior year. The lower revenues were driven largely by accelerated declines in First-Class and Marketing Mail volumes. In 2017, mail volumes declined by approximately 5.0 billion pieces, or 3.6 percent, while package volumes grew by 589 million pieces, or 11.4 percent." - Forbes: A Failed Mission - Red Ink For 11th Year in Row as Mail Slumps - USPS Reports $1.8 Billion Revenue Drop NALC statement on USPS’ FY2017 financial report 11.14.2017 - NALC reports: "The Fiscal Year 2017 financial report shows the underlying business strength of the U.S. Postal Service while also indicating the need to address." Atlanta USPS Mail Carrier Explains Late Mail Deliveries 11.09.2017 - CBS 46 reports: "She said post offices are understaffed citywide, which forces carriers to take on extra routes, and it puts them in dangerous situations when they inevitably have to deliver mail at night. The anonymous USPS employee said the tough working environment has some carriers quitting their routes at sundown, whether they're finished or not, and some are looking for new jobs altogether, which does not help the understaffing issue. She also described management treating employees worse in response to complaints about working extra hours." Help California letter carriers hurt by recent wildfires 11.6.2017 - NALC reports: "In the blink of an eye, some NALC members in California were fleeing for their lives when a firestorm hit Santa Rosa early on Oct. 9. Find out how you can help active and retired letter carriers who suffered serious property damage and loss as a result." As U.S. Postage Rates Continue to Rise, The USPS Gives the Chinese a 'Free Ride' 11.05.2017 - Forbes reports: "As the rates of the U.S. Postal Service continue on their precipitous ascent, how cheaply Chinese merchants are able to ship their products thousands of miles across the world to the USA has become emblematic of the stark trade imbalance between the countries as well as the disadvantages that American companies are up against as foreign competitors outmaneuver them in their own backyard." - Comments (10 Comments) NALC embraces AFL-CIO pledge to ‘Join. Fight. Win.’ 11.3.2017 - NALC reports: "The 28th Constitutional Convention of the AFL-CIO convened in St. Louis Oct. 22-25 and representatives from NALC were there in force." NALC challenges change to promotion pay provisions 11.2.2017 - NALC reports: "NALC has filed a national class-action grievance on USPS’s proposed revisions to the Employee and Labor Relations Manual and has appealed it to arbitration." Carriers encouraged to give through CFC (updated) 11.2.2017 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers can make charitable donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) through paycheck and annuity deductions. The campaign runs through Jan. 12." Trump Nominates Three to USPS Board of Governors 10.26.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "President Trump has nominated the following individuals to be Members of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service: Calvin R. Tucker of Pennsylvania, Robert M. Duncan of Kentucky and David Williams of Illinois." - Postal board finally receives three nominees to fill vacant posts USPS Ready to Deliver 15 Billion Pieces of Mail This Holiday Season 10.25.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "The U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver more than 15 billion pieces of mail this holiday season. In the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, the Postal Service also expects to deliver 850 million packages, which is more than a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year." Watch: NALC Secretary-Treasure Rhine at the AFL-CIO convention 10.25.2017 - NALC reports: "On Oct. 24, NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine delivered a speech from the floor of the AFL- CIO’s convention in St. Louis, supporting a convention resolution on promoting voting by mail." 10.18.2017 - NALC reports: "San Jose’s Mercury News: Surreal video of postal deliveries in Santa Rosa neighborhood destroyed by fire" Dramatic YouTube video posted by a professional drone pilot and photographer shows a Postal Service mail truck making requested deliveries in Santa Rosa’s fire-ravaged Coffey Park neighborhood. Help letter carriers in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands hurt by hurricanes (updated) 10.10.2017 - NALC reports: "Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—the U.S.’s island territories in the Caribbean—but despite many obstacles, letter carriers are finding ways to help." Last Remaining Postal Governor POST DATED Rate Hikes 10.06.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "The last remaining Postal Governor James Bilbray signed several POST DATED orders in November/December 2016 to raise postal rate prices in January 2018, because any price increases must be approved by the postal governors. Currently there are no postal governors because the Senate has not confirmed any new governors in a couple of years." USPS Announces New Prices for 2018 10.06.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "The United States Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission today of price changes to take effect on January 21, 2018. The new prices, if approved, include a one cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 49 cents to 50 cents. Most Shipping Services products will average a 3.9 percent price increase." - Sellers Face 6 Percent Priority Mail Rate Hike in 2018 Letter carriers recognized as 2017 Heroes of the Year 10.4.2017 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers who rescued a young man from a house fire, helped police defuse a tense standoff with an armed man, and raised money for a disabled-accessible van for a young girl, will be honored Oct. 4." Help letter carriers in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands hurt by hurricanes (updated) 10.4.2017 - NALC reports: "Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—the U.S.’s island territories in the Caribbean—but despite many obstacles, letter carriers are finding ways to help." Carriers encouraged to give through CFC 10.2.2017 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers can make charitable donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) through paycheck and annuity deductions. The campaign runs through Jan. 12." Veterans Day holiday 9.28.2017 - NALC reports: "There has been some confusion regarding on what day letter carriers who are eligible for the Veterans Day holiday will observe this holiday." Help letter carriers hurt by Hurricanes Irma and Maria 9.22.2017 - NALC reports: "Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated the U.S.’s island territories in the Caribbean, but despite many obstacles, letter carriers are finding ways to help." Letter carriers recognized as 2017 Heroes of the Year 9.21.2017 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers who rescued a young man from a house fire, helped police defuse a tense standoff with an armed man, and raised money for a disabled-accessible van for a young girl, will be honored Oct. 4." USPS OIG Report on City Carriers Working Past 6PM 9.19.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "The USPS OIG recently investigated 15 randomly selected delivery units in the Bay Valley District. The OIG selected the Bay Valley District for review because it has the fourth highest percentage of instances of carriers returning after 6 p.m. in the nation. The investigation found that only 72 percent of city carriers and CCAs in these units returned by 6 p.m. with some on the street as late as 10 p.m." Senator wants firings after postal workers accused of delaying mail delivery 9.19.2017 - The Billings Gazette reports: "Tester wrote the U.S. Postmaster General on Monday after the Office of Inspector General revealed that more than 2 billion mailed items were delayed nationwide over a year's time. Investigators also discovered postal workers manipulating mail delivery time records and inaccurately reporting delayed mail. Several postal employees, including some in Montana, reported mail being intentionally delayed so workers on another shift would have something to do." - USPS OIG Report: Delayed Mail Validation Economics Blog: CPI increases slightly in August, driven mostly by gasoline and shelter costs 9.14.2017 - NALC reports: "The Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers has remained in the range of 1.6 to 2.3 percent on an annual basis since June 2011." Economics Blog: New OIG report sheds light on post office usage, especially among the young 9.13.2017 - NALC reports: "A new study released this week indicates that there are more customers who visit post offices than official statistics show." Economics Blog: NAFTA renegotiations show differences between Canadian and U.S. wages and unions" 9.12.2017 - NALC reports: "Will Canada help end right-to-work? Nalcrest office to close on Sept. 9 in preparation for Hurricane Irma 9.8.2017 - NALC reports: "All Nalcrest buildings, including the office, will be closed beginning Saturday, Sept. 9. Normal operations will resume once it is safe to do so." Analysis: Postal woes demand jump in stamp price to 60 cents 9.07.2017 - Associated Press reports: "A 60 cent postage stamp? The U.S. Postal Service would have to boost prices for mailing letters and packages by nearly 20 percent -- the biggest one-time increase in its history -- to avoid bankruptcy and improve delivery service, an industry analysis says. That means the price of a first-class stamp could jump from 49 cents to nearly 60 cents -- if the post office gets the power to raise stamp rates beyond the rate of inflation." NALC responds to Hurricane Harvey (updated) 9.5.2017 - NALC reports: "A harm to one is a harm to all. We always take care of our own." Help postal employees hurt by Hurricane Harvey (updated) 9.5.2017 - NALC reports: "Learn how you can make an immediate donation to the Postal Employees' Relief Fund and donate postal uniforms, footwear and/or rain gear." Economics Blog: Unemployment creeps up in August 9.1.2017 - NALC reports: "The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released its employment numbers for August 2017. The economy added 156,000 jobs, falling short of the 176,000 average for 2017." NALC responds to Hurricane Harvey 8.29.2017 - NALC reports: "A harm to one is a harm to all. We always take care of our own." Agreement reached on implementing new Article 8 provisions 8.29.2017 - NALC reports: "NALC and USPS have agreed on a new memorandum of understanding." Help postal employees hurt by Hurricane Harvey 8.29.2017 - NALC reports: "Learn how you can make an immediate donation to the Postal Employees' Relief Fund." NALC: Wage Increase Update 8.23.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: "The Postal Service has indicated that it will take some time to calculate the back pay for the more than 210,000 letter carriers, but that all back pay will be processed and paid as soon as practicable. On Aug. 19, career letter carriers began earning the first two cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) payable under the new contract that were effective Sept. 3, 2016, and March 4, 2017, as well as the 1.2 percent general wage increase that was effective Nov. 26, 2016." Wage increase update 8.23.2017 - NALC reports: "With a new National Agreement between NALC and USPS now in effect, learn more about the calculation and scheduling of cost-of-living adjustments, general wage increases and back pay calculations." USPS reports Fiscal Year 2017 3rd quarter results 8.10.2017 - NALC reports: "NALC President Fredric Rolando: “Today’s financial report shows the underlying business strength of the U.S. Postal Service while also indicating the need to address external matters beyond USPS control.” Demand that the Labor Department fully implement the overtime pay rule 8.9.2017 - NALC reports: "Lobbyists in Washington, DC, are attempting to do take overtime pay away from millions of working families who finally became eligible to earn it pay just last year." New NALC-USPS Contract is Ratified 8.7.2017 - NALC reports: "The active membership of the National Association of Letter Carriers has overwhelmingly ratified the proposed 2016-2019 National Agreement with the United States Postal Service. By a margin exceeding 16 to 1, eligible members voted to accept the tentative agreement that was announced on May 12. The vote to ratify was 78,935 to accept the agreement versus 4,732 to reject it, as reported by NALC's Ballot Committee chaired by Joseph DeRossi." 19th biennial CLUW convention: Sept. 6-9 in Detroit 8.7.2017 - NALC reports: - "The theme for the 19th biennial convention of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) is “WOMEN: Taking It To The Streets.” Ratification ballot update for observing the receipt and tabulation of the ballots 7.30.2017 - NALC reports: - "Information for NALC members in good standing who wish to observe the receipt and tabulation of the ballots on the proposed tentative 2016-2019 National Agreement between NALC and USPS." Ratification ballot update 7.28.2017 - NALC reports: - "The U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, has denied the request of two NALC members for a preliminary injunction that would have deferred the counting of ballots on the proposed tentative 2016-2019 National Agreement between NALC and USPS." Efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act will continue 7.28.2017 - NALC reports: - "The debate will continue on efforts to dismantle Obamacare, so it remains imperative that letter carriers continue call the Washington, DC, and home-district offices of their senators and tell them both senators to oppose such efforts." Tell the Senate to Vote “No” on Efforts to Dismantle the Affordable Care Act 7.26.2017 - NALC reports: - "It is imperative that letter carriers continue to make calls to their Senators’ Washington, DC and state offices, especially to Republican Senators from Maine, Alaska, Nevada, West Virginia and Ohio who hold the critical votes in this matter." Act now to stop Senate health care bill 7.25.2017 - NALC reports: - "Tell your senators to start over on a bipartisan bill to strengthen health care, not destroy it." House committee spending blueprint targets letter carriers 7.24.2017 - NALC reports: - "The House Budget Committee released its adopted FY2018 budget resolution, training its sights on postal and federal employee benefits and targeting the U.S. Postal Service for massive cuts." Watchdog: Postal Service broke law by letting employees do Clinton campaign work 7.19.2017 - Fox News reports: - "According to the report, roughly 97 NALC members requested the leave without pay to participate. The NALC, which endorsed Clinton last June, compensated those USPS workers using the Letter Carrier Political Fund, the union's PAC." - USPS improperly enabled workers - Postal Service showed 'institutional bias' by letting workers help Clinton - Wisconsin letter carrier to testify on political campaigning by postal workers - USPS financially imploding as new political scandal emerges - NALC Statement - USPS OIG: Oral Statement on USPS Actions During the 2016 Campaign Season (PDF) - VIDEO: Wisconsin Letter Carrier Timm Kopp Testifies - Postal Service taking a 'hands off' approach to future union political activity NALC statement regarding July 19 Senate hearing 7.19.2017 - NALC reports: - "Here is NALC’s statement regarding the July 19 Senate hearing on action during the 2016 campaign season and implications for the Hatch Act." NPMHU Secures Delay of Proposed Involuntary Reassignments 7.18.2017 - NPMHU reports: - "The NPMHU has been recently informed by Postal Headquarters that the September 2017 "move date" will be pushed back and that no Mail Handler will be involuntarily reassigned out of his/her installation until, in all likelihood, at least February 2018. Postal management has agreed to use this extended period to discuss with the unions ways to minimize and even eliminate the involuntary reassignments of Full-Time career employees out of their current installations." Federal Employee Call-In Day: Tuesday, July 18 7.15.2017 - NALC reports: - "Learn how you can help fight back against White House FY 2018 budget proposals that take aim at letter carriers and other federal employees." Postal Worker Dies After Collapsing on Route 7.14.2017 - The TriStateUpdate reports: - "Family members confirm to 13 News that a loved one who is a postal worker died while delivering mail, after collapsing on a front porch. Charleston Fire says that a postal worker was transported to an area hospital after receiving a call that someone passed out from heat exhaustion. Family members identify that man as Ronnie Bowles." Ratification balloting update 7.14.2017 - NALC reports: - "Check out the latest information regarding the balloting on the ratification of the tentative 2016- 2019 National Agreement between NALC and the U.S. Postal Service." 75 million pounds: Impressive national Food Drive results 7.14.2017 - NALC reports: - "NALC’s 25th annual food drive, held on Saturday, May 13, collected 75 million pounds, the third- highest total in the event’s history." Rural Carrier Associate Kills Himself at Rolla, Missouri Post Office 7.10.2017 - The Rolla Daily News reports: "The man was identified as Benedict Benito, an employee of the post office. Benito had taken hostages prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Rolla Chief of Police Sean Fagan said two other post office employees were caught inside the building, and a third employee showed up after Benito arrived, but was able to run away." - Man found dead inside post office after standoff Another Postal Reform Effort Fades Away 6.28.2017 - Linn's Stamp News reports: - "It's hardly a surprise to many in Washington's postal community, but the lawmaker who crafted the House's bipartisan postal legislation says his bill appears dead. That is what departed House Oversight chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told The Hill newspaper shortly before his resignation from Congress became effective June 30." Senate delays vote on flawed health care bill 6.27.2017 - NALC reports: - "Thanks to the overwhelming opposition voiced by letter carriers, working people and the general public, the Senate has delayed action on the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 until after Congress' Fourth of July recess." Senate Republicans finally reveal their health care bill 6.23.2017 - NALC reports: - "Rather than providing better coverage at lower premiums, the Better Care Reconciliation Act would strip millions of Americans of health insurance coverage to pay for massive tax cuts for corporations and the nation’s wealthiest. Learn how you can respond." Redesigned Heat Safety Tool app released 6.19.2017 - NALC reports: - "The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have collaborated to update OSHA’s original Heat Safety Tool app for smartphones." APWU Geared Up to Fight Back Against USPS Reductions in Service and Jobs 6.17.2017 - The APWU reports : - "Throughout the country, the Postal Service has launched an all-out assault on our jobs and is blatantly violating the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in their staffing of post offices. The USPS is reducing service to the community and disrupting the lives of postal workers by reducing duty assignments (reversions and abolishments) and issuing excessing notices potentially affecting hundreds of post offices and thousands of employees." APWU Wins National Level Arbitration Award On POStPlan MOU 6.08.2017 - The APWU reports: - "Arbitrator Goldberg issued an award in a national-level case over what remedy was due for the Postal Service's failure to staff 'POStPlan' offices following an original award on September 5, 2014 and a MOU negotiated afterward. Arbitrator Goldberg held that the Postal Service must make whole all postal employees in the Clerk Craft bargaining unit who were denied craft work as a result of the USPS' failure to follow the POStPlan MOU." Are Postal Service retiree obligations too big to move? 6.05.2017 - Federal Times reports: - "The magnitude of the U.S. Postal Service's unfunded liabilities for its retiree pensions and health benefits imperils the agency and its workforce. Now a Congressional proposal seeks to brighten the agency's future finances - by shifting these liabilities onto federal taxpayers through the Medicare system." Trump administration releases FY2018 budget plan 5.23.2017 - NALC reports: - "The Trump administration’s budget plan for Fiscal Year 2018 proposes cuts for the Postal Service and for active and retired federal employees." Trump Suggests USPS Cut Retirement, Health Benefits in $46 Billion Savings Package 5.24.2017 - GovExec reports: "While lawmakers have sought to maintain delivery standards, however, Trump would allow USPS to "reduce mail delivery frequency 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." Contract ratification update: Rap session announced 5.23.2017 - NALC reports: - "So that the tentative National Agreement can be fully discussed with branch and state leaders prior to the ratification voting, the 2017 National Conference—better known as a “rap session”—will be held June 14-15 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City." Trump's Budget Calls for Major Hits on Federal Employee Retirement Programs 5.19.2017 - The Denver Post reports: "Trump's fiscal 2018 budget would: Increase Federal Employees Retirement System contributions from workers by 1 percentage point each year until they equal the government's contribution. Base future retirement benefits on the average of the high five years of salary instead of the current high three. Eliminate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for current and future FERS employees. Eliminate supplement payments for FERS employees who retire beginning in 2018." - Purported Trump budget doc zeroes out federal employee benefits - Republicans gearing up for major changes to federal pay and benefits Tentative National Agreement is reached 5.12.2017 - USPS reports: "The National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service have reached tentative agreement on a national labor contract, covering 213,000 active city letter carriers across America." 25th annual Letter Carriers’ ‘Stamp Out Hunger®’ Food Drive is Saturday, May 13 5.12.2017 - USPS reports: "The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the country's largest single-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need." USPS Reports 2017 2nd Quarter Results 5.10.2017 - USPS reports: "Although the U.S. Postal Service posted modest controllable income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 of $12 million, it fell well short of the $576 million that it had for the same quarter last year. This reduction was driven by the April 2016 expiration of the exigent surcharge, which would have generated approximately $500 million in additional revenue during the quarter had it remained in place, and to a lesser extent, a $69 million increase in controllable operating expenses." NALC statement on USPS’ quarterly financial report 5.10.2017 - NALC reports: - "On May 10, the USPS released a report on its financial performance for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2017 (January, February and March of 2017). NALC President Fredric Rolando has issued a statement about the report." An update on the Nabisco/Mondelēz boycott 5.5.2017 - NALC reports: - "The BCTGM-led Nabisco/Mondelēz boycott campaign grows stronger thanks to the solidarity, combined efforts and collective strength of NALC members and the more than 12.5 million working people in the 55 unions of the AFL-CIO." Letter Carriers: Where's The Contract? 4.26.2017 - PostalMag.com reports: - "Letter Carriers across the U.S.A. are beginning to grumble about the lack of a new contract. The last contract expired almost a year ago on May 20th, 2016. The length of time, without the contract going to arbitration, is unusual. Carriers are concerned about missing out on wage increases and cost-of-living allowances." Postal Rate Fight Continues as Publishers Battle USPS "Stupidity Tax" 4.12.2017 - Publishing Executive reports: -"FSS prepared Periodicals flats in FY2016 cost an average of almost 17 cents per piece more than CR [carrier route] presorted flats cost in non-FSS zones," Stralberg wrote, citing the USPS's own data. "The average cost added by FSS flats to Periodicals costs in FSS zones is 10.5 cents per piece," an increase of about 40%." 4.7.2017 - NALC reports: - "NALC members crucial to achieving majority bipartisan co-sponsorship of House door delivery resolution." Thanks in large part to the efforts of NALC members, House Resolution 28, urging the House of Representatives to take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for business and residential customers, now has a bipartisan majority of 218 co-sponsors. Obamacare repeal fails 3.25.2017 - NALC reports: - "President Trump and Speaker of the House Ryan withdrew the American Health Care Act before a scheduled vote in the House on Friday. “This is good news for millions of working families,” says NALC President Rolando." NALC submits comments in PRC’s rate-setting review 3.23.2017 - NALC reports: - "The Postal Regulatory Commission’s (PRC) required 10-year review of the way USPS sets its prices for postage and postal products is underway, with NALC making an official submission to the agency before the public comment window closed on March 20." House Panel Approves Postal Service Finances Legislation 3.17.2017 - The Hill reports: - "The bill would automatically enroll eligible USPS retirees in Medicare, make reforms to the Postal Service's governance, bolster the use of centralized delivery, allow the USPS to increase postal rates by 1 cent for a first-class stamp and to provide non-postal services to state and local governments." - Postal Service Reform Act Takes Another Step Forward in House Filmmakers set out to tell letter carriers’ stories 3.2.2017 - NALC reports: - "A group of international artists based in Los Angeles is putting together a collection of letter carriers' stories and hopes to create a library of videos and podcasts." Trouble at the Kansas Stamp Cave 3.02.2017 - Linn's Stamp News Reports: "The way United States postal inspectors are telling it, Khalid M. Hussain, the longtime manager of the Stamp Fulfillment Services center in Kansas City, Mo., ran a rogue operation for years that sold U.S. mint stamps overseas at deep discounts. At the same time at his offices in the underground stamp center known as "the caves," Hussain was giving away, or selling at discounted prices, philatelic products sent to his facility for disposal or destruction." Former NALC Dir. of Life Insurance O’Connor has died 3.2.2017 - NALC reports: - "Former NALC Director of Life Insurance Michael J. O’Connor, a member of Boston Branch 34, died on Feb. 28. He was 77" Dowdy retires; Preston named new Region 13 NBA 2.27.2017 - NALC reports: - "NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Region 13 Regional Administrative Assistant Vada Preston to serve as that region’s national business agent, effective March 6. Preston replaces the retiring Tim Dowdy." NALC opposes Mulvaney as OMB director 2.15.2017 - NALC reports: - "NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the nomination of Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget, a unit of the White House charged with developing the administration’s annual budget proposal." Postal reform update: A changed political landscape requires a new strategy 2.12.2017 - NALC reports: - "Postal reform has strong bipartisan support and our goals have not changed. Our strategy, of course, will have to change to reflect the new political landscape in Washington, DC." NALC statement on USPS’ Q1 financial report for FY 2017 2.9.2017 - NALC reports: - "NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the Feb. 9 release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial report for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2017, covering the months of October, November and December of 2016." Rolando testifies about postal legislation before House committee 2.8.2017 - NALC reports: - "On Feb. 7, NALC President Fredric Rolando testified before a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Postal Service Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 756)." House panel displays bipartisan unity over bill to save the Postal Service 2.07.2017 - Washington Post reports: "Much of what the bill would do is in the weeds of postal finances, dealing with the nitty- gritty of health benefits for employees and retirees, pensions, governance and contracting. Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan said the provision requiring postal retirees to fully participate in Medicare is key because that "would essentially eliminate our unfunded liability for retiree health benefits," which has been a major driver of postal doldrums." - Video and Testimony - NALC: All Four Postal Unions Urge Committee to Adopt Legislation - Postal Unions Agreeing to Have Postal Employees Segregated Into Separate FEHBP Risk Pool (PDF, page 5) - APWU: A Positive Step Forward Rolando to testify Tuesday on Capitol Hill 2.6.2017 - NALC reports: - "NALC President Fredric Rolando is among those called to testify at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing Tuesday on the recently introduced postal bill, The Postal Service Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 756)." Bipartisan postal reform bills reintroduced 2.2.2017 - NALC reports: - "Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA) have reintroduced postal bills similar to ones introduced in the 114th Congress. NALC President Fredric Rolando has been invited to a Feb. 7 House committee hearing on both bills." House Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Postal Reform Legislation Centralized/Curbside Delivery, Postal FEHBP Plans, Medicare for Retirees, Private Sector Pay for PMG, DPMG 2.1.2017 - House.gov reports: "Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee leaders introduced H.R. 756, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2017. The bill addresses unfunded liabilities of the USPS, makes reforms to keep mailing costs affordable for consumers, and encourages innovation, all without additional borrowing capacity from the U.S. taxpayer." - APWU Reviewing Legislation - Major Mailing Organization Backs - Legislation Introduced to Reform Postal Employees' Benefits OMB and OPM say USPS exempt from hiring freeze 2.1.2017 - NALC reports: - "On Tuesday, the acting directors of the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum to provide guidance regarding the hiring freeze instituted by President Donald Trump on Jan. 23." House Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Postal Reform Legislation Centralized/Curbside Delivery, Postal FEHBP Plans, Medicare for Retirees, Private Sector Pay for PMG, DPMG 2.1.2017 - House.gov reports: "Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee leaders introduced H.R. 756, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2017. The bill addresses unfunded liabilities of the USPS, makes reforms to keep mailing costs affordable for consumers, and encourages innovation, all without additional borrowing capacity from the U.S. taxpayer. Chaffetz: Postal reform bill needed to reform 'unsustainable' trajectory 1.26.2017 - Federal News Radio reports: "Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman, told lawmakers Tuesday at a goal-setting organizational meeting that last year's efforts served as a "good starting point" for getting a postal reform bill on President Donald Trump's desk within the next two years." Postal Service Pushes Back Against Trump Hiring Freeze 1.25.2017 - Linns.com reports: "In a brief statement Jan. 25, Postal Service spokesman David Partenheimer told Linn's: "In view of our independent status, past Executive Orders imposing hiring freezes on Executive Departments and Agencies have not applied to the Postal Service. We have reached out to the Administration to discuss this matter." - NALC tells members Trump freeze shouldn't affect CCA conversions - NAPS Reaches Out to USPS HQ for Info Forever Stamps Will Cost More Starting Sunday 1.22.2017 - USA Today reports: "The last increase came in January 2014 when it went from 47 cents to 49 cents. Then last April, the Postal Regulatory Commission ordered the USPS to drop its prices for the first time in 97 years. Postmaster General Megan Brennan protested, saying, "given our precarious financial condition and ongoing business needs, the price reduction required by the PRC exacerbates our losses." So now the price is going back up again on January 22nd. Postcards, letters mailed to other countries and heavier letters aren't affected." Food Drive’s ‘Family Circus’ art revealed 1.19.2017 - NALC reports: "Enthusiasm for the 25th anniversary Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive is running high as this year’s official “Family Circus” artwork is revealed." Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) news 1.19.2017 - NALC reports: "The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its latest figures, and NALC has updated its COLA calculations for retired letter carriers and for FECA beneficiaries. Branch officers get trained in Phoenix 1.14.2017 - NALC reports: "A three-and-a-half day of educational seminar, tailored to assist branch presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, recording secretaries, financial secretaries and trustees in the performance of their duties, took place recently in Phoenix. USPS to End Service at Staples 1.05.2017 - Bloomberg reports: "Following union-backed boycotts and an adverse labor board ruling, the United States Postal Service has agreed to curb a controversial arrangement allowing private employees to provide its services at Staples Inc. stores. USPS spokeswoman Darlene Casey told Bloomberg that the Postal Service would end its relationship with Staples in order to comply with a National Labor Relations Board judge's ruling." - APWU Led the Charge New rule could alter postal workers' pension payment plans 12.28.2016 - FederalNewsRadio reports: "Postal employees could see a fairer system when making pension payments. The Office of Personnel Management proposed a new rule saying the Postmaster General and Treasury Department can work together to determine what percentage postal employees should pay into the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Civil Service Retirement System, rather than using standards it applies to all agencies." - Federal Register Notice USPS and Mail Handlers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement Wage Increases of 1.2%, 1.3% and 1.3% 12.18.2016 - NPMHU reports: "The contract will cover a period of three years and four months. At its core, the tentative agreement will continue to protect the jobs and living standards of all career mail handlers employed by the Postal Service, both now and in the future. The agreement also has substantial improvements for more than 5,000 Mail Handler Assistants (MHAs)." - Summary of Tentative Agreement - Special Edition Update Cost-of-living adjustment updates 12.15.16 - NALC reports: "Based on today’s release of the November 2016 Consumer Price Index, the projected 2018 retiree COLA will be 0.1 percent, and the projected 2017 Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) COLA will be 1.9 percent." ‘Wounded Warriors Leave’ update 12.12.2016 - NALC reports: "On Nov. 5, certain veterans who begin or resume a civilian career with USPS following military service became eligible for “Wounded Warriors Leave.” USPS has released a Management Instruction—policy guidelines and standard procedures for administering it." All Nine Vacancies Exist on Postal Board 12.11.2016 - USPS reports: "In calendar year 2016, the Board of Governors operated under authority delegated to the Temporary Emergency Committee (TEC), which included one Governor, the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General. The TEC will continue in existence until the Board is again able to assemble a quorum." 2017 Branch Officers Training sessions—update 12-6-2016 - NALC reports: The two sessions of NALC’s Branch Officers Training scheduled for 2017 are now full. Brian Renfroe appointed EVP; Christopher Jackson named dir. of city delivery; other appointments 12.2.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Director of City Delivery Brian Renfroe as executive vice president effective Dec. 5. Region 1 National Business Agent Christopher Jackson will become director of city delivery on Jan. 2." Postal Reform Could Re-Emerge in the Lame Duck Congress 11.23.2016 - GovExec reports: "The Postal Reform Act fully integrates postal retirees' health care with Medicare, requires most employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to select a plan specific to USPS workers, phases out to-the-door delivery for business customers and increases postal rates, among other changes. It is a good compromise for making the agency more financially solvent, the aide said, but does not place a strong enough emphasis on service." Collins, King Among Senators Calling for Postal Changes 2016 Penalty Overtime Exclusion period 11-16-2016 - NALC reports: "The December period during which penalty overtime regulations are not applicable consists of four consecutive" NALC Health Benefit Plan is best fit for letter carriers and their families 11.16.2016 - NALC reports: "Season for choosing a health plan through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is Nov. 14 through Dec. 12." USPS Reports Increasing Loss for 2016 11.15.2016 - DMN reports: "The USPS reported a net loss of $5.1B for its 2016 fiscal year (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016), once again calling attention to the $5.8 billion retiree health benefit prefunding obligation that is responsible for the widening gap. The net loss increased from $5.06B and the obligation increased from $5.7 billion in 2015." - USPS Statement - NALC Statement - Linn's: $610 Million Operating Profit - WSJ: Growth in Package Volume Led to Higher Spending Trump Upset Promises Massive Change in Government 11.09.2016 - GovExec reports: "Trump's unexpected victory sent shockwaves throughout the country and the world, and will likely do the same for federal agencies. Trump has promised to institute a government-wide hiring freeze on his first day in office and to change civil service laws to ease the firing of disloyal workers." - Trump and the federal workforce: Five key issues - Rolando: "We face a lot of uncertainty." NALC President Rolando’s statement on 2016 election results 11.9.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC President Fredric Rolando has issued a statement about the results of the 2016 election for president and for members of Congress." Voting rules for USPS employees 11.8.2016 - NALC reports: "Voting rules for USPS employees" The Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) provides for postal employees to be excused and paid administrative leave to vote or register to vote in elections when certain conditions are met. 2017 Branch Officers Training sessions set 11.4.2016 - NALC reports: "Two sessions of NALC’s Branch Officers Training have been scheduled for 2017." 2017 Retiree COLAs: 0.3% 10.18.2016 - NALC reports: "The 2017 cost-of-living adjustments for Civil Service Retirement System and Federal Employees Retirement System benefits will be 0.3 percent and will become effective in January 2017." Letter carriers join UNITE-HERE picket in DC 10.14.2016 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers in Washington, DC, joined members from a host of other unions today for a solidarity picket, organized by UNITE-HERE, in support of that union’s workers at Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas." 10.14.2016 - NALC reports: "October 2016 job and unemployment figures, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by The Washington Post." Postal Employees' Relief Fund: Taking care of our postal family 10.07.2016 - NALC reports: " Postal Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF) helps active and retired postal employees whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable as a result of a major natural disaster, displacing the employees and their families for an extended period of time." Consider donating during the Combined Federal Campaign 10.07.2016 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers can make charitable donations through the world’s largest annual workplace giving program, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)." Rolando letter addresses postal reform issues raised on a recent radio program 10.05.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC President Fredric Rolando has sent a letter to an author who made a number of inaccurate statements about the10 House'spostal reform bill—and NALC's position on it—on a recent radio program." USPS Plans to Hire 35,000-40,000 Seasonal Workers 10.03.2016 - Post and Parcel reports: "USPS said that, "where it makes sense", it will "offer experienced employees additional work hours, as that can be more cost effective than training a new employee for a short time frame". USPS added that it is also looking to "recent retirees" to "come back and help deliver holiday cheer" because "they have virtually no learning curve, and can hit the ground running as they make some extra cash during the holidays." Postal Workers Hit With Steep Increase for Health Benefits 9.29.2016 - GovExec reports: "U.S. Postal Service employees will pay an average of 11.7 percent more for their premiums -- or $16.32 per paycheck -- a slight decrease from the 2016 bump. Self-only enrollees will pay 11.5 percent more; self-plus-one, 12.9 percent; and self-and-family, 11.6 percent. The government share will increase by just 2.8 percent. J. David Cox, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said the premium increases were unacceptable." Today is National Voter Registration Day 9.27.2016 - NALC reports: "Today is National Voter Registration Day, when volunteers, celebrities and organizations from all over the country like NALC will be hitting the streets for coordinated efforts designed to create pervasive awareness of voter registration opportunities." USPS Inspector General Reports Massive Increases in Delayed Mail 9.19.2016 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "A new internal USPS report has documented a huge increase in delayed mail resulting from the United States Postal Service's efforts to cut its costs. The report by the Postal Service's Office of Inspector General disclosed that the Jan. 5, 2015, order to eliminate overnight first-class mail service and to lengthen delivery times boosted the amount of "delayed mail" dramatically, reduced mail performance scores, and cut mail processing productivity while increasing transportation costs." USPS OIG Background | Report (PDF) Letter carriers recognized as 2016 Heroes of the Year 9.19.2016 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers who rescued residents from burning homes, saved a young boy who had darted onto a busy highway and stopped an assault and robbery targeting several women will be honored on Sept. 21 in Washington, DC." Lyerly appointed Reg. 9 RAA 9.19.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed West Coast Florida Branch 1477 member Don Lyerly as a regional administrative assistant for NALC Region 9, effective Sept. 26." Latest retiree, FECA COLA projections released 9.16.2016 - NALC reports: "2017 Retiree COLAs Projection: 0.3% as of September 2016; 2017 FECA COLA Projection: 1.8%" Consider donating during the Combined Federal Campaign 9.16.2016 - NALC reports: "Letter carriers can make charitable donations through the world’s largest annual workplace giving program, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)." State of Working America Data Library 9.14.2016 - NALC reports: "The Economic Policy Institute has a great employment statistics website called The State of Working America Data Library, which contains information that may be of interest to letter carriers who are looking at economic trends." O’Malley retires 9.12.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC Executive Vice President Timothy C. O’Malley retired on Aug. 19." Rare Life Insurance Open Season for Federal Employees Beginning 9.01.2016 - Washington Post reports: "Federal employees will have a rare opportunity in September to join or to increase existing coverage in the government-sponsored life insurance program without restrictions. The open season in the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance program, which will continue through September, will not apply to retirees, however." Coverage of NALC's 70th Biennial Convention in L.A. 8.31.2016 - NALC reports: "Looking for information about NALC's recent national convention in Los Angeles? Click here to find links to the daily Convention Chronicle, photos, videos and more." Rare FEGLI open season starts Sept. 1 8.22.2016 - NALC reports: "In September, career letter carriers will have a rare chance to increase their federal group life insurance, without undergoing a major life event, through an open season for Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)." Convention updates 8.17.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC Convention Updates Page" NALC statement on USPS' FY2016 Q3 report 8.10.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC President Fredric Rolando released a statement following the U.S. Postal Service's announcement of its financial results for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2016". USPS Reports Steep 3rd Quarter Loss 8.09.2016 - Investor Politics reports: "The US Post Office (USPS) has reported third-quarter results that paint an ugly picture of the agency's business. Earnings for the Postal Service's third-quarter lowered to a loss of $1.57 billion, marking a 268% increase compared to last year's third quarter, when the agency lost $586 million." Convention grievance moratorium 8.8.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC and USPS have agreed to a 31-day moratorium on time limits for the processing of all grievances at the local, regional and national levels due to the 70th biennial NALC Convention." Important reminder about registration for convention delegates 8.1.2046 - NALC reports: "L A change in the convention registration process means that all delegates to NALC’s 70th biennial gathering in Los Angeles will be required to register individually." Obama honors ‘Postal Heritage Day’ 7.28.2016 - NALC reports: "On July 26—Postal Heritage Day—a tribute written by President Obama said that “postal workers deserved to be recognized for the essential services they have provided.” L.A. convention-week tours (update) 7.26.2016 - NALC reports: "Delegates to NALC’s convention in L.A. can take advantage of several tours of popular area attractions. However, some tours could be canceled if not enough delegates sign up." Celebrate ‘Postal Heritage Day’ on July 26 7.20.2016 - NALC reports: "The 2014 NALC Convention in Philadelphia approved a resolution to observe July 26 as “Postal Heritage Day,” noting that the U.S. Postal Service traces its roots to an act of the Second Continental Congress on July 26, 1775." House OGR leaders introduce and mark up bipartisan postal bills 7.14.2016 - NALC reports: "On July 12 the House committee with USPS oversight advanced two postal reform measures. The Congressional Budget Office will analyze both first; Congress could take them up when it returns to Washington, DC, after Labor Day." Postal reforms receive stamp approval from House committee 7.13.2016 - Federal News Radio reports: "The Postal Service Reform Act of 2016 would ease the ailing agency's financial burdens by addressing its unfunded liabilities, which the GAO estimated to be $78.9 billion at the end of 2015. It would encourage flexibility and innovation in products and delivery methods, keeping prices affordable while hopefully cutting costs and boosting revenue." NALC statement on House Postal Service Reform Act of 2016 7.13.2016 - NALC reports: Statement from NALC President Fredric Rolando in response to the Postal Service Reform Act of 2016 (H.R. 5714), a bipartisan bill introduced July 12 by leaders of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee APWU: We Have a New Contract! 7.11.2016 - APWU reports: "The new contract provides protections against layoffs for all career employees (who were on the rolls as of July 8), puts limits on more subcontracting, and converts many noncareer employees in maintenance and motor vehicle crafts to career status. Employees will have to pay higher health insurance premiums, and career employees will receive a 3.8 percent wage increase over the life of the contract." - New 40-Month Contract Gives Employees 3.8 Per Cent Raise - USPS-APWU Arbitration Decision Puts Moratorium on Plant Consolidations and Outsourcing Retail House Republicans Block Effort to Deliver Mail Faster and Keep USPS Facilities Open 7.08.2016 - GovExec reports: "The House late Wednesday blocked a measure to require the U.S. Postal Service to revert back to the delivery standards it maintained before 2012, which the mailing agency said would have cost it $1.5 billion annually. A committee had unanimously approved an amendment to a spending bill last month to require the Postal Service to deliver mail more quickly, but Rep. Jason Chaffetz used a legislative tactic known as a "point of order" to block the measure." - Linn's: House Rejects Effort Do not put yourself in danger from excessive heat and sun 7.1.2016 - NALC reports: "NALC urges letter carriers to learn about heat safety and pay close attention to the warning signs of overexposure to the sun and heat." Stakeholders Voice Concerns Over Latest Postal Reform Efforts 6.29.2016 - GovExec reports: "The reaction to the proposal, however, does not instill as much confidence. Stakeholders across the mailing industry have weighed in, with many either voicing either pointed criticisms or refraining from announcing any support. The Postal Service itself has declined to endorse the bill, saying only it is still reviewing the draft." - Congress Tries Again - Taxpayer and Consumer Groups Voice Skepticism Americans help letter carriers set record with 24th annual Food Drive results 6.21.216 - NALC reports: "The National Association of Letter Carriers announced today that the 24th annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, held on Saturday, May 14, collected more than 80 million pounds of food." House committee releases postal reform ‘discussion draft’ 6.17.2106 - NALC reports: "The leaders of the House committee with USPS oversight have released a discussion draft of a potential postal reform bill. NALC’s initial review has revealed a number of shortcomings and omissions—and at least one provision we simply cannot support." AFL-CIO votes to endorse Clinton for president 6.17.2016 - NALC reports: "The general board of the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO has voted to endorse Hillary Clinton for president of the United States." Convention hotel update: Hotels added 6.15.2016 - NALC reports: "The original block of hotels for the 2016 National Convention in Los Angeles filled quickly, so NALC has recently added two hotels to this block." Letter establishes carrier academies in all USPS districts 6.11.2016 - NALC reports: "On June 2, NALC and USPS signed a joint letter that establishes carrier academies in all USPS districts." Lawmakers Again Try to Make USPS Deliver Mail Faster, Keep More Facilities Open 6.11.2016 - GovExec reports: "A House committee on Thursday advanced a measure to reinstate U.S. Postal Service delivery standards from 2012, which would effectively halt any of the agency's desired facility closures. The unanimously approved amendment would restore the delivery standards in place in 2012, meaning most first-class mail not leaving a city would have to be delivered overnight." NALC endorses Hillary Clinton for President 6.9.2016 - NALC reports: “Following a tremendously hard-fought primary process,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said in statement, “NALC is proud to endorse former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to serve as the next president of the United States.” Amazon Ramping Up Own Delivery Service 6.08.2016 - PostalMag.com reports: "Amazon.com is ramping up a Uber-style delivery service that is already taking parcels away from delivery by the USPS. The new service (Amazon Flex), now operating in major markets, uses independent contractors to deliver "blocks" of packages for earnings between $18-25 per hour, plus tips! The contractors are wearing UPS- style shirts with the Amazon.com logo." OSHA’s summer heat safety campaign begins 6.1.2016 - NALC reports: "OSHA has kicked off its summer campaign to inform employers and employees about the dangers of working in the heat. The campaign will continue its annual outreach to highlight how heat-related worker fatalities are entirely preventable. In 2014 alone, 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the job." Congress Set to Address Financial Plight of USPS 5.11.2016 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "There is something new in the air these days in Washington, and it isn't the aroma of spring flowers. It's the idea that after years of delay, Congress is about to address the long-standing financial plight of the United States Postal Service, a situation lawmakers largely created with a 2006 law. Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan, not one to make rash promises, acknowledged May 10 that she was "cautiously optimistic" that lawmakers might finally address her agency's financial woes." - Draft Bill Coming Soon - Won't Touch Tech USPS Has Not Saved as Much as Expected From Cutting Post Office Hours 5.06.2016 - GovExec.com reports: "USPS neglected to factor in potential revenue losses when suggesting it would save $500 million annually by keeping post offices open two, four or six hours per day instead of eight hours, according to the Government Accountability Office. Even without factoring in the net effects, the Postal Service has lowered its projected savings from half a billion per year to $337 million annually due to increased labor costs, a 35 percent reduction. Survey Finds Turmoil in Postal Workforce 4.28.2016 - Inside Sources reports: "A survey of postal employees conducted last year for the United States Postal Service paints a dire picture of the state of the organization's workforce. Gallup, which was paid $1.8 million by USPS to conduct the survey, presents a comparison to the results of similar surveys of millions of workers at hundreds of other companies in recent years. Across a range of questions addressing satisfaction in the workplace, the USPS scores in the 1st percentile, the very bottom, of the survey results. NRLCA, USPS National Agreement Has Been Ratified 4.14.2016 - NRLCA reports: The 2015-2018 NRLCA-USPS Tentative National Agreement Has Been RATIFIED, reports the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. The contract includes annual general wage increases, a reduction in the employer share of health premiums, and a new category of rural carriers (Assistant Rural Carrier) to perform weekend and holiday duties. USPS Delivery Woes Confirmed by New Postal Regulatory Commission Report 4.08.2016 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "A new report confirms what a lot of postal customers have been saying for months: mail service isn't as good as it used to be. That's the verdict that the Postal Regulatory Commission delivered March 28, declaring there has been "a recent dramatic decline of service performance" for single-piece letters and postcards, and that all forms of first-class mail had failed to be delivered as quickly as promised." - Report (PDF) Postmaster General Unveils USPS Digital Strategy 3.21.2016 - USPS reports: Speaking at the National Postal Forum in Nashville, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan unveiled the Postal Service's plan to "lead an information and technology-driven reinvention of mail." "The Postal Service is investing in our digital strategy, because there are limitless opportunities when we combine the power of mail with the ubiquity of mobile," said Brennan." - National Postal Forum - Viewpoint: Meet the post office of the future Amazon deliveries and at-risk workers lead to more accidents and injuries at the USPS 3.08.2016 - Save the Post Office reports: "Last week the Postal Service shared some information with the Postal Regulatory Commission about accidents and safety issues. As one might expect, the increased use of all those recently hired postal workers - 117,000 in 2015 - is leading to more injuries and accidents Slower Service, Higher Costs: USPS's Phase 2 Debacle 2.20.2016 - Dead Tree Edition reports: "The U.S. Postal Service's aborted attempt to save money by consolidating its processing facilities backfired: It actually increased costs in 2015, USPS officials recently acknowledged. Higher transportation expenses from Phase II of the USPS's "Network Rationalization" effort more than wiped out the program's savings on labor and parts." - PostalMag.com Archives 2011: DFW numbers based on contracting out USPS MVS to HCR Routes USPS and NRLCA Reach Tentative Agreement on Contract 2.11.2016 - Business Wire reports: "The agreement covers the period from May 21, 2015, to May 20, 2018, and provides for significant improvements to and protections for rural letter carriers' terms and conditions of employment. A majority of the voting NRLCA membership must ratify the agreement for it to become effective." USPS Reports 2016 First Quarter Results 2.09.2016 - USPS reports: "The U.S. Postal Service reported operating revenue of $19.3 billion for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 (October 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015), an increase of $613 million or 3.3 percent over the same period last year. The increase was driven by the record volume of packages delivered during the 2015 holiday season. The first quarter is typically the strongest quarter of the fiscal year for the Postal Service." - Linn's: USPS Reports $1.3 Billion Profit Postal worker bosses come to blows after name-calling, cops say 2.05.2016 - Lehigh Valley Live reports: "Two U.S. Postal Service supervisors exchanged blows at a Lehigh County facility after one called the other a "lazy bitch," according to Pennsylvania State Police. Nancy Toledo called co-worker Qiana Reid the derogatory term, and the two then came to blows in front of another employee, troopers said." PMG Outlines Plan for USPS Financial Stability 1.21.2016 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "Making her first appearance before a congressional committee, Brennan outlined a four-point plan she said was endorsed by major stakeholders in the mailing community that could make the Postal Service financially stable in five years. In addition to keeping the current stamp rates, that plan would give the USPS increased authority to provide new products, recalculate retiree benefits, and make Medicare the primary health carrier for postal retirees, thus cutting the Postal Service's costs." - Federal Times: USPS Reform is Long Overdue, Stakeholders Say - Washington Post: Postal Reform Consensus Develops; 5-Day Delivery Dead - GAO: Financial Challenges Continue (PDF) - Exigent Rate Increase Is Likely to Be Baked Into New Postal Reform APWU: Contract Arbitration to Begin Feb. 17 Goldberg Selected as Arbitrator 1.13.2016 - APWU reports: "Stephen B. Goldberg has been selected as the neutral arbitrator and will preside over the case. Goldberg served as the neutral arbitrator for the 2000-2003 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the last time an APWU contract was decided in arbitration. Since then he has amassed extensive experience as a national-level postal arbitrator. Goldberg will convene a preliminary meeting on Jan. 20 to discuss "ground rules" for the hearing." Trucks on Fire: USPS Long Life Vehicles Outlive Their Lifespan 1.11.2016 - Save the Post Office reports: "Just last week, another LLV went up in flames in Tyler, Texas, and nearly 2,000 pieces of mail were destroyed. Along with videos of letter carriers tossing packages and pictures of cars crashing into post offices, images of postal trucks on fire have become an Internet meme." Holiday Shipping Boosted Overtime 1.07.2016 - Dead Tree Edition reports: "U.S. Postal Service employees were unusually busy during late December, which apparently confirms projections that the agency's package business experienced dramatic growth during the holidays. In the pay period from Dec. 13 to Dec. 26, overtime increased 15% over the same period last year, while total workhours were up more than 6%, according to a USPS report released this week." |
