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| Postal Articles |
TOP NEWS STORIES Recent letter carrier deaths from COVID-19 1.12.2021 - NALC reports: It is with sadness that NALC reports on the deaths of the following city letter carriers. Statement of NALC President Fred Rolando on Yesterday’s Events in Washington 1.7.2021 - NALC reports: “Yesterday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol, just steps from our headquarters, was a disgraceful betrayal of our democracy, our elected officials and the law enforcement personnel who protect them." PMG DeJoy Calls for New 'Tone' for USPS 1.06.2021 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "In a Jan. 4 address to postal employees, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy appeared to be setting the stage for major changes in the way the United States Postal Service operates. "As we begin the new year, I want us to set a new tone," he said in a video message. "I want to put our organization and every employee in a better position to succeed," he said." - Video 117th Congress convenes 1.3.2021 - NALC reports: Today, the House of Representatives and Senate convened the 117th Congress in-person, following months of operating remotely and voting by proxy due to COVID-19. Recent letter carrier deaths from COVID-19 12.30.2020 - NALC reports: It is with deep sorrow that the NALC shares the loss of an additional six active letter carriers and one retiree who have succumbed to coronavirus. President Rolando announces Ballot Committee 12.29.2020 - NALC reports: NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed a Ballot Committee to monitor and observe the dispatch, receipt, and tabulation of the ballots in the upcoming ratification election of the proposed 2019-2023 National Agreement between NALC and USPS. CDC Panel Designates USPS Workers as Next in Line for COVID-19 Vaccine 12.26.2020 - GovExec reports: "Postal Service employees are now slated to be in Phase 1b of vaccine distribution, as part of 49 million individuals older than 75 or part of the non-health care frontline essential workforce. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made its recommendation in a 13-1 vote, noting USPS workers were part of a group "critical to the functioning of society." COVID-19 Related MOUs Extended Until March 26, 2021 12.22.2020 - NALC reports: By joint agreement (M-01932), several COVID related memorandums of understanding have been further extended through March 26, 2021. Postal Service Pulling out All Stops to Meet Seasonal Volumes Amid Pandemic 12.15.2020 - USPS reports: "While every year the Postal Service carefully plans for peak holiday season, a historic record of holiday volume compounded by a temporary employee shortage due to the COVID-19 surge, and capacity challenges with airlifts and trucking for moving this historic volume of mail are leading to temporary delays. These challenges are being felt by shippers across the board." - Truckers are behind the scenes of the current mail crisis and it doesn’t look good - Potential nor'easter could exacerbate delays - We are slammed like never before Recent letter carrier deaths from COVID-19 and other causes 12.15.2020 - NALC reports: It is with sadness that NALC reports on the deaths of the following city letter carriers. Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando 12.3.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues USPS 'hopeful' freedom to set higher mail rates will increase revenue 12.1.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "The Postal Service is on track to receive more pricing flexibility for its mail rates, a move that its leadership says will put the agency on firmer financial footing. The Postal Regulatory Commission released a final rule Monday that would keep a price cap on market-dominant products like first-class mail, but would base the cap on changes in mail density and retirement costs." - Order (PDF) NALC, USPS Reach Tentative National Agreement 11.25.2020 - NALC reports: "The 2019 National Agreement will last 44 months, covering the period from September 20, 2019, to May 20, 2023. The agreement provides four annual general wage increases and seven cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). In addition, effective Nov. 19, 2022, a new top step (Step P) will be added to the career letter carrier pay scales, which will be $444 annually greater than Step O. The agreement also provides for the automatic conversion of city carrier assistants (CCAs) to career status no later than after 24 months of relative standing, providing full fringe benefits and peace of mind to non- career carriers. It also maintains existing protections against subcontracting and layoffs." - NALC Bulletin (PDF) NALC, USPS reach tentative National Agreement 11.25.2020 - NALC reports: Statement from President Rolando. Interest Arbitration and Collective Bargaining Update 11.18.2020 - NALC reports: The parties have agreed to reschedule interest arbitration hearing days originally scheduled this week. Postmaster General Previews New Reforms as USPS Announces $9B Loss for 2020 11.14.2020 - GovExec reports: "With the spotlight of the 2020 election behind him, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will seek to reinstitute operational and workforce changes that he said are necessary to put USPS on firmer financial footing." - The USPS Lost $9 Billion. Here's Why That Matters USPS Reports Fiscal Year 2020 Results 11.13.2020 - PR Newswire reports: "As a result of the pandemic, and to a lesser extent, secular mail declines, the Postal Service's volume from mail services, its largest sales category, declined significantly for the full year, as First-Class Mail declined 2.3 billion pieces, or 4.2 percent, and Marketing Mail declined 11.5 billion pieces, or 15.2 percent. Mail volume began to show slight improvement in the last few weeks of the year, although this was driven in part by the temporary surge in political and election mail associated with the recent general election cycle. Net loss for the year was $9.2 billion, an increase of $363 million compared to 2019. Controllable loss was $3.8 billion, an increase of $334 million compared to the prior year." - COVID-19 Weighs on Postal Finances - USPS Offers Congress, Biden administration a shot at long-term postal reform Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service's annual report for Fiscal Year 2020 11.13.2020 - NALC reports: The Postal Service has shown this year that it is "indispensable to the country." Rolando appoints new NBA, RAA 11.9.2020 - NALC reports: NALC President Fredric Rolando appointed a new national business agent (NBA) and regional administrative assistant (RAA) after Region 12 NBA Dave Napadano retired this month. Interest Arbitration and Collective Bargaining Update 11.9.2020 - NALC reports: The remaining interest arbitration hearing dates are scheduled this week and next week. Crowds Cheer Postal Workers After Biden Announced Winner 11.08.2020 - PostalMag.com reports: The news broke on the streets at about 11:00AM on Saturday, November 7th that news organizations had announced Joe Biden as winner of the 2020 presidential election. In major cities, people took to the streets to celebrate, and some postal workers found themselves in the middle of the celebrations NALC Statement on Presidential Election 11.7.2020 - NALC reports: On behalf of the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents 285,000 active and retired letter carriers around the country, we congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory today. Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando on Election Day Eve 11.2.2020 - NALC reports: Nearly one hundred million early votes have been cast, two-thirds of which have been delivered by the Postal Service and letter carriers. Interest Arbitration Update 10.28.2020 - NALC reports: This week, NALC and USPS have continued with interest arbitration hearings each day to resolve the impasse over the 2019 collective bargaining agreement. Despite Struggling With Widespread Mail Delays, USPS is Processing More Ballots on Time 10.26.2020 - GovExec reports: "For now, the efforts appear to be paying dividends: for the week Oct. 16, USPS processed 96% of in-bound ballots and 97% of outbound ballots on time. That is up from 87% and 94%, respectively, one month prior and marks a fairly consistent rise, according to data USPS made public in a recent court filing." USPS Delivering More Mail On Time After Walking Back DeJoy's Reforms 10.15.2020 - GovExec reports: "On-time delivery of First-Class mail--which included regular letters and other non-"junk" pieces--still remains far below its 2020 high point of around 93% before the novel coronavirus pandemic took hold and the 92% on-time delivery rate USPS saw over the summer before DeJoy's changes went into effect. Still, some observers see the recent rollbacks of the postmaster general's initiatives as responsible for the Postal Service's recent improved performance." Lump Sum Terminal Leave Payment for 2021 10.15.2020 - NALC reports: On September 3, 2020 the NALC and the Postal Service agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (M-01928 in the NALC Materials Reference System) Great Postal Strike 50th anniversary dinner update 10.13.2020 - NALC reports: NALC has postponed the Great Postal Strike 50th anniversary dinner until it is safe to hold the event. Election mail task force update for letter carriers 10.1.2020 - NALC reports: NALC and the other postal unions and management associations continue to meet with the Postal Service to prepare for the anticipated increase in election mail this fall. USPS instructs employees to restore extra mail trips and some processing machines 9.25.2020 - GovExec reports: "The U.S. Postal Service has informed employees they should restart late and extra trips between facilities and reconnect some processing equipment as the agency attempts to come in compliance with a national injunction aimed at rolling back widespread mail delays ahead of the election." - The USPS claimed it can't restore some mail sorting machines because it 'dismantled' them USPS elects not to implement payroll tax deferral 9.23.2020 - NALC reports: The Postal Service has notified NALC that it will not implement the temporary employee payroll tax deferral established by a recent Presidential Executive Order. Election mail task force update 9.23.2020 - NALC reports: Over the past several months, there has been a concerted effort by some to cast doubt on the security of vote by mail and on the ability of the Postal Service to meet the expected surge in vote by mail this year. LA Times: Rigid Dispatch Schedules Brought Postal Chaos 9.21.2020 - LA Times reports: "Workers who spoke to The Times described troubling details about how the rigid schedules have played out: Some trucks have traveled empty, and mail left behind has accumulated at massive processing centers, creating backlogs in a system that is not designed to store mail." COVID-19 Related MOUs Extended Until End of Year 9.18.2020 - NALC reports: By joint agreement (M-01929), several COVID related memorandums of understanding have been further extended through December 31, 2020. DOL revises the definition of intermittent FMLA leave under the FFCRA 9.17.2020 - NALC reports: On April 1, 2020, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued the implementing regulations pertaining to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Washington Post: Newly revealed USPS documents show an agency struggling to manage Trump, Amazon and the pandemic 9.17.2020 - Washington Post reports: "The documents, which mostly span March and April, depict an agency in distress, as its deteriorating finances collided with a public-health emergency and a looming election that would be heavily reliant on absentee ballots. During that period, the USPS occasionally relied on the legal counsel of well-connected Republicans, including Stefan C. Passantino, who once served as a top White House lawyer under President Trump." - American Oversight published Megan Brennan emails in August (used by Washington Post story) - White House axed plan to send five masks to every household Postal Employees Skeptical as Top Officials Testify They Were 'Appalled' Over Mail Delays 9.16.2020 - GovExec reports: "Top U.S. Postal Service officials testified in court on Wednesday they were "appalled" and "concerned" about decisions made at the local level that led to widespread mail delays, though employees on the front lines said the late deliveries were a result only of workers following direction from headquarters." Tell the Senate to provide USPS Covid Relief: Call Your Senator Now 9.10.2022 - NALC reports: The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would provide $25 billion in financial relief to the Postal Service. Now it’s up to the Senate to take action. More Headlines for PMG DeJoy 9.07.2020 - Multiple news agencies are reporting on a Washington Post article that accuses PMG DeJoy of reimbursing former employees for GOP donations. DeJoy spokesman Monty Hagler told the Post that DeJoy consulted a former Federal Election Commission general counsel to ensure that he "complied with any and all laws" and that DeJoy was "never notified" about employees feeling pressured, and several employees told the Post on the record they didn't feel pressured and bonuses were "rigid and well-established." (Forbes) CNN Headline: Washington Post: DeJoy Reimbursed Former Employees for GOP Donations | The Hill: Schumer Calls for Investigation | NYT: Arrangement described by 3 former employees; 2 executives say they never heard of such an arrangement | Bloomberg: Democratic AGs demand probe | House Dems Demand DeJoy's Immediate Suspension and Launch Probe | Trump Supports Probe | Trump says DeJoy should lose his job if fundraising allegations are proven For Leave Year 2021, Maximum Annual Leave Carryover Amount Increased from 440 Hours to 520 Hours 9.3.2020 - NALC reports: NALC and the Postal Service have agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that increases the maximum allowable annual leave carryover amounts outlined in the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM). Families First Coronavirus Response Act Impact on Retirement and Thrift Savings Plan 9.1.2020 - NALC reports: The NALC has received notification from the Postal Service that leave taken under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is not eligible for retirement and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) deductions. USPS - SER initiative update 9.1.2020 - NALC reports: On July 31, 2020, USPS notified NALC of a new delivery initiative titled the Post Office Sortation Equipment Rationalization (SER) National-Level Grievance over Expedited Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS) Settled 9.1.2020 - NALC reports: NALC and the Postal Service have settled national-level case Q16N-4Q-C 20345187 concerning the Postal Service’s implementation of a test of the delivery initiative entitled Expedited Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS). Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando 8.31.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues NALC responds to Hurricane Laura and California Fires 8.28.2020 - NALC reports: To our brothers and sisters in the areas that have been impacted by Hurricane Laura or the California fires, we need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership in these areas. Texas letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 8.25.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 56-year-old letter carrier Paulino Huerta III, a member of Branch 2562, passed away Monday, August 24, from complications related to coronavirus. Postmaster General blames inaction from Congress for USPS financial problems 8.24.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told House lawmakers on Monday that the Postal Service hasn't adjusted as quickly as expected to ongoing efforts to cut late and extra trips between mail processing facilities and local post offices, resulting in mail delays." - C-SPAN Video - Oral Statement of USPS Board of Governors Chairman - Updates: DeJoy Spars With Democrats House Passes Delivering for America Act in Unprecedented Vote 8.22.2020 - NALC reports: Today, the House of Representatives made their way back to Washington on a Saturday during August recess, during a pandemic, to pass the Delivering for America Act (H.R. 8015). DeJoy Testifies Before Congress, Commits to Delivering Election Mail on Time 8.21.2020 - NBC News reports: "Postmaster General Louis DeJoy committed to delivering ballots and election mail on time in testimony before the U.S. Senate on Friday, his first public statement since the U.S. Postal Service has come under intense scrutiny for extensive mail delays." - C-SPAN Video - USPS Chief: Election mail will be handled securely and on time - WSJ - The Guardian - NPR - Sen. Rosen Grills DeJoy - Sen. Carper Yells Expletives - Sen. Lankford: Post office's woes not caused by COVID Branch 373 member passes away from coronavirus 8.21.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 68-year-old retired letter carrier Melvin Stahmer, a member of Branch 373 in Iowa City, IA, recently passed away from complications related to COVID-19. Boston letter carrier passes away while delivering his route 8.21.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 54-year old letter carrier and Branch 34 member James Wu passed away August 18, 2020, while delivering his route. READ: House Democrats Release Revised USPS Bill, Tout More Than 200 Sponsors 8.20.2020 - CNN reports: "House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney of New York officially released Wednesday the House Democrats' US Postal Service proposal, which the chamber will vote on in an unusual Saturday session, touting the more than 200 members of Congress who have co-sponsored the legislation." - NALC: House Voting on Postal Relief This Weekend House voting on USPS relief this weekend: Call your rep and urge “Yes” vote 8.19.2020 - NALC reports: The House of Representatives is returning from August recess to vote on a bill that would provide $25 billion in financial relief to the Postal Service. Statement of NALC President Fredric v. Rolando on Joint Covid-19 Election Integrity Task Force 8.18.2020 - NALC reports: Today, I am pleased to announce that the NALC will begin working with the Postal Service in a joint labor management task force to meet the challenges posed by the Covid-19 virus with regard to handling of election mail. NALC files national-level grievance regarding Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation 8.17.2020 - NALC reports: NALC initiated a national-level grievance regarding the Postal Service's unilateral implementation of the delivery initiative called Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation (SER). Postal Service Backs Down as 20 States Sue 8.14.2020 - CNN reports: "Embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy reversed course Tuesday, saying that all changes being made to the Postal Service would be suspended until after the November 3 election, just as 20 Democratic states announced plans to file federal lawsuits. DeJoy said that some of the deferred decisions mean that retail hours at post offices will not change, mail processing equipment and blue collection boxes will remain in place and no mail processing facilities will be closed." Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Statement - NYT - WSJ - CNBC USPS Chief Acknowledges 'Unintended Consequences' of Policy Changes 8.14.2020 - CNN reports: "Postmaster General Louis DeJoy acknowledged to United States Postal Service employees this week that recent procedural changes have had "unintended consequences," but described them as necessary. "Unfortunately, this transformative initiative has had unintended consequences that impacted our overall service levels," DeJoy wrote in a memo sent this week and obtained by CNN." - Letter: Path Forward Moraga, CA Letter Carrier Thaddeus Tito Brantley passes away while delivering his route 8.13.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Thaddeus Tito Brantley passed away NALC endorses Biden-Harris 8.13.2020 - NALC reports: Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), released the following statement regarding the NALC Executive Council’s endorsement of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president and vice president of the United States. Branch 36 letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 8.13.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 48-year-old letter carrier Michael Hunt Sr., a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away Tuesday, August 11, from complications related to coronavirus. The 2020 General Election: America Can Count on the U.S. Postal Service 8.12.2020 - NALC reports: NALC has created a new fact sheet on The 2020 General Election: America Can Count on the U.S. Postal Service. USPS REALIGNS ITS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 8.12.2020 - NALC reports: Over the next several weeks, the Postal Service will transition to a new organizational structure consisting of three separate operating sectors: Retail & Delivery, Logistics and Processing, and Commerce. House Oversight chair introduces bill to reverse organizational changes at USPS 8.12.2020 - CNN reports: "The Delivering for America Act, introduced by House Oversight and Reform chairwoman Carolyn Maloney of New York, is the latest action over the agency's cutbacks and slow mail service ahead of the 2020 election in November that is already upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Republican donor and ally to the President, on Friday announced a hiring freeze on leadership positions in the agency and a reorganization of top leaders." - Forbes USPS Announces Major Restructuring 8.7.2020 - USPS News Link reports: "In an effort to operate in a more efficient and effective manner and better serve customers, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy today announced a modified organizational structure for the U.S. Postal Service. The new organizational structure is focused on three operating units and their core missions: Retail and Delivery Operations, Logistics and Processing Operations and Commerce and Business Solutions." - USPS Reports $2.2 Billion Loss for Third Quarter - PMG DeJoy Opening Remarks to Board of Governors - BillMoyers.com: 'Friday Night Massacre' - Democrats React to USPS Shake-Up: 'Sabotage' and 'Partisan Games' - USPS Reassigning or Displacing 23 Postal Executives - NYT - NPR USPS Requesting VERA for Non-Bargaining Employees 8.7.2020 - USPS News Link reports: "These organizational changes do not initiate a reduction in force, and there are no immediate impacts to USPS employees. However, to prepare for future changes, the Postal Service has implemented a management hiring freeze and will be requesting future Voluntary Early Retirement Authority from the Office of Personnel Management for non-bargaining employees." - USPS seeks early retirements, management hiring freeze NALC files national-level grievance regarding USPS delivery initiative 8.7.2020 - NALC reports: NALC initiated a national-level grievance regarding the Postal Service's unilateral implementation of the delivery initiative test Democrats Demand USPS Reverse Rules Slowing Delivery 8.6.2020 - The Stamford Advocate reports: "Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill told negotiators for President Donald Trump on Wednesday that preserving funding for the U.S. Postal Service and removing new rules that have slowed delivery times are essential ingredients of a new coronavirus relief bill in a year when millions of Americans plan to vote by mail." - Letter to PMG DeJoy From Pelosi and Schumer - Pelosi Statement - Postal Service's Election Role Becomes Flashpoint in Stimulus Talks USPS looks to reduce letter carriers’ casing equipment 8.6.2020 - NALC reports: This morning, the Postal Service sent NALC a copy of a stand-up talk for city letter carriers intended to explain the goals of its latest unilateral delivery initiative. It is called Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation (SER). Branch 450 gold card member passes away from coronavirus 8.6.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to have recently been informed that 89-year-old retired letter carrier and NALC gold card member Robert Moe, a member of Branch 450 in Bellingham, WA, died on Friday, March 20, from complications related to COVID-19. House panel calls new postal chief to explain delays 8.4.2020 - Associated Press reports: "The House Oversight Committee has invited the new postmaster general to appear at a September hearing to examine operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service that are causing delays in mail deliveries across the country." - Trump vows executive order on mail voting Phoenix letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 8.3.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 59-year-old letter carrier Olivia Meraz, a member of Branch 576 in Phoenix, passed away Thursday, July 30, from complications related to coronavirus. Statement from NALC on Service Issues 7.31.2020 - NALC reports: The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) thanks the American people for their long-term support and appreciation of the service our members provide to homes and businesses throughout the country. Senate Leadership Unveils New Covid Relief Package, Ignores the Postal Service 7.30.2020 - NALC reports: Two and a half months after the House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions, or “HEROES” Act (H.R. 6800) Branch 157 member and long-time union activist passes away from coronavirus 7.29.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 70-year-old retired letter carrier Raymond “Doc” Dougherty, a member of Branch 157 in Philadelphia, died on Saturday, July 4, from complications related to COVID-19. USPS, Treasury reach agreement on $10B coronavirus relief loan 7.29.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "Four months after Congress approved a $10 billion loan for the Postal Service under the CARES Act, the Treasury Department and USPS leadership have struck a deal on the terms of that loan. According to the terms of the loan, released by top Democrats in the House and Senate, USPS has agreed to give Treasury access to its biggest negotiated service agreements with industry partners." - USPS will provide Treasury with proprietary info on NSAs - Terms (PDF) USPS to initiate office activities study 7.29.2020 - NALC reports: The Postal Service will begin conducting a study of city carriers’ office activities DeJoy Issues Statement on Operational Excellence 7.29.2020 - USPS News Link reports: "Postmaster General Louis DeJoy issued a statement July 27 on the Postal Service's efforts to achieve operational excellence and financial stability: "The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," DeJoy writes. "We are currently unable to balance our costs with available funding sources to fulfill both our universal service mission and other legal obligations. Because of this, the Postal Service has experienced over a decade of financial losses, with no end in sight, and we face an impending liquidity crisis." - Linn's: PMG DeJoy Says Postal Service Must Make Changes Reno Letter Carrier Eugene Arao dies after being struck by lightning 7.27.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that Letter Carrier Eugene Arao, a member of Reno, NV Branch 709, died after being struck by lightning on Saturday, July 25th. Last week, Eugene celebrated his 22nd year with USPS. He worked at the Reno Post Office, and was a veteran of the United States Army. He leaves behind his wife of 27 years and three sons. "On behalf of the NALC, we mourn the loss of Brother Arao," NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “We send our thoughts and prayers to Eugene’s wife and his sons, the rest of his family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones.” NALC: USPS Announces New ESAS Delivery Initiative Test 7.21.2020 - NALC reports: "Under the test, there is to be no casing of mail in the morning. Letter carriers will withdraw hot case preferential flats and are expected to route them in order of delivery on the street. Upon returning to the office, carriers will complete the normal return-to-office afternoon duties. After completion of these duties, carriers will then case and pull down all mail distributed to the route in preparation for the next day's delivery." USPS reduces morning office time for letter carriers for more consistent delivery - GovExec: USPS Tests More Mail Delivery Changes as Lawmakers Push Back Looking to Cut Costs, New USPS Leader Takes Aim at Overtime and Late Trips 7.15.2020 - GovExec reports: "This operational pivot is long overdue and today, we are talking about the first step in a journey we must take together, for the health and stability of the Postal Service," management wrote in a prepared "stand-up talk" delivered to employees around the country in recent days. "The shifts are simple, but they will be challenging, as we seek to change our culture and move away from past practices previously used." - USPS warns staff of temporary mail delays as it cuts soaring delivery costs - Federal Times COVID-19 Related MOUs Extended Until Late September 7.14.2020 - NALC reports: By joint agreement (M-01924), several COVID related memorandums of understanding have been further extended through September 25, 2020. Branch 385 member passes away from coronavirus 7.09.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 72-year-old retired letter carrier Raymond Earl Moore, a member of Branch 385 in Youngstown, OH, died on Sunday, April 5, from complications related to COVID-19. Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Provide $25 Billion to USPS 7.06.2020 - GovExec reports: "The Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act (S. 4174), introduced by Sen. Susan Collins, R- Maine, and cosponsored by Sens. Diane Fienstein, D-Calif., Steve Daines, R-Mt., Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Jon Tester, D-Mt., would provide $25 billion to the mailing agency on the condition the funds be used to cover COVID-19 related losses or expenses." Bipartisan Postal Relief Bill Introduced in Senate 7.02.2020 - NALC reports: Today, Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the “Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act” (S. 4174) to provide funding to the Postal Service to help offset Covid-related financial losses. Branch 1081 member passes away from coronavirus 6.25.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 60-year-old letter carrier Kerry Morrissey, a member of Branch 1081 in Ames, IA, passed away Saturday, June 13, from complications related to COVID-19. USPS Retreats From Dire Financial Forecast 6.25.2020 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "Package volume had soared as much as 80 percent ahead of levels a year ago, much to the amazement of postal officials, but more recently has been around 60 percent, according to Stephen Kearney, executive director of the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers. Financial officials at USPS headquarters at L'Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., now expect mail volumes to remain 20 percent to 25 percent below pre-coronavirus levels, Kearney said." - USPS finds surprising financial upside in pandemic M-01923 Consolidated Casing Update 6.18.2020 - NALC reports: In accordance with M-01923 in NALC’s Materials Reference System (MRS), USPS has selected thirty- one Consolidated Casing test sites to be returned to their original route structure no later than July 31, 2020. USPS gets new leader as it deals with big financial concerns 6.15.2020 - MarketPlace reports: "North Carolina businessman Louis DeJoy is scheduled to take over as the new head of the U. S. Postal Service Monday. It's a job that has come under a lot of political scrutiny, especially now that more people may be voting by mail due to COVID-19. There are also big financial concerns: The Postal Service had an $11 billion shortfall last year, and says it could be worse this year because of COVID-19." - Trump ally takes over crisis-ridden Postal Service - Linn's: New PMG Takes Office June 15 - Louis Dejoy self-made billionaire - Logistics Expert - Philanthropist 2020 Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive 6.15.2020 - NALC reports: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NALC has postponed the food drive until it is safe to hold it. In the meantime, the donor drive is a chance to contribute to food banks in your community. Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic 6.08.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consolidated Casing Grievance Settled 6.04.2020 - NALC reports: NALC and the Postal Service have settled a national-level grievance regarding the Postal Service’s unilateral testing of Consolidated Casing. Statement of NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on justice for George Floyd and civil unrest 6.01.2020 - NALC reports: The senseless killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis last week was not just a tragedy for his family, it was an assault on America’s people of color, who include tens of thousands of NALC members, and an affront to human decency. Update regarding Branch Elections 6.01.2020 - NALC reports: The pandemic may prevent some Branches from conducting normal elections of officers and delegates Pressure for USPS Funding Ramps Up as Budget Outlook Worsens 5.27.2020 - GovExec reports: "Mnuchin suggested the agency may not need the $10 billion loan authorized by Congress, though the numbers paint a different picture. While package volume jumped 35% in April compared to the previous year, it is a more labor-intensive, and therefore less profitable, product. Operating revenue for the Postal Service fell by about 4% in the month, while costs grew by 10%." Deputy Postmaster General Ron Stroman Resigns 5.15.2020 - NALC reports: Stroman, the longest serving DPMG in history, will resign on June 1st after 42 years of public service in the Postal Service and the legislative branch of our government. Chicago letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 5.14.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Unique Clay passed away from complications related to coronavirus Interest Arbitration dates scheduled 5.14.2020 - NALC reports:The interest arbitration hearing dates for a new collective bargaining agreement scheduled for May, June, and July were previously postponed due to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic 5.13.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. House introduces fourth major response package to pandemic 5.12.2020 - NALC reports: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey introduced the “HEROES” Act USPS board set to lose quorum as deputy postmaster general resigns 5.13.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "Following Stroman's departure, the USPS board will no longer have enough members to reach a quorum, but its members have delegated authority to a Temporary Emergency Committee, which legally allows the four remaining Senate-confirmed governors to engage in all of the board's normal decision-making." - USPS board again loses its quorum amid further leadership turmoil Pandemic forces cancellation of the Honolulu Convention 5.12.2020 - NALC reports: At the direction of the NALC Executive Council, we have notified the convention center, convention hotels and various convention vendors of our decision to cancel the convention, which was to be held Aug. 17-21, 2020 in Honolulu, Hawaii. NALC's statement on USPS Q2 financial report 5.08.2020 - NALC reports: A statement from NALC President Fredric Rolando USPS Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results 5.08.2020 - USPS reports: "Although the pandemic did not have significant impact on our financial condition in our second quarter, we anticipate that our business will suffer potentially dire consequences for the remainder of the year, and we are already feeling those impacts during the last half of March. At a time when America needs the Postal Service more than ever, the pandemic is starting to have a significant effect on our business with mail volumes plummeting as a result of the pandemic," said Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan." - Barron's: USPS Loses $4.5 Billion in Quarter, And More Pain is Coming - CNN: USPS warns coronavirus threatens its survival Pennsylvania letter carrier passes away while delivering his route 5.07.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Gary Drais Jr. passed away while delivering his route. NYC letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 5.07.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Theresa Torres passed away from complications related to coronavirus. South Hackensack, NJ letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 5.07.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is saddened to learn that Danilo Javier passed away from complications related to coronavirus. Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando on the Appointment of Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General 5.07.2020 - NALC reports: On behalf of 210,000 active city letter carriers who serve in every city and town across the United States, I congratulate Louis DeJoy on his appointment as the 75th postmaster general. Top Republican Fundraiser and Trump Ally Named Postmaster General 5.07.2020 - Washington Post reports: "The Postal Service's Board of Governors confirmed late Wednesday that Louis DeJoy, a North Carolina businessman who is currently in charge of fundraising for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, will serve as the new postmaster general." - USPS Board Names Logistics Executive as New Postmaster General - He's a billionaire! - Greensboro Businessman - Louis DeJoy - His house is one of top results at Google (for DeJoy search) - Wife Aldona Wos Nominated by Trump to Be Ambassador to Canada NALC letter to USPS Board of Governors’ regarding legislative relief 5.05.2020 - NALC reports: NALC and other postal unions sent a letter to the USPS Board of Governors Bipartisan poll demonstrates overwhelming support of direct funding to USPS 5.01.2020 - NALC reports: Today, North Star Opinion Research and Hart Research Associates, two leading Republican and Democratic public opinion firms, released the findings of a national poll. California Letter Carrier Alex De Mateo involved in fatal vehicle accident while delivering his route 4.29.2020 - NALC reports: NALC has learned that letter carrier Alex De Mateo was involved in a fatal vehicle accident while delivering his route Letter carrier deaths due to coronavirus now up to 10 4.29.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that six more letter carriers have recently passed away due to complications related to coronavirus Indianapolis Letter Carrier Angela Summers killed on her route 4.28.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Angela Summers, an Indianapolis Branch 39 member and shop steward at the Linwood Station, was shot while delivering her route on Monday, April 27 and passed away that evening. NALC commemorates Workers Memorial Day 4.28.2020 - NALC reports: April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, the day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. NALC proudly stands with the other unions of the AFL-CIO to renew the ongoing fight for strong safety and health protections on the job. Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Administration’s Attack on the Postal Service 4.25.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has released a new statement to NALC members that includes updates on COVID- 19 and NALC’s response to recent comments from President Trump about the Postal Service. Trump threatens to block coronavirus funding for USPS if they don't raise prices 4.24.2020 - FOX News reports: "President Trump on Friday threatened to block financial help to the USPS unless it raises package shipping prices on retail giants like Amazon. "The postal service is a joke," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that he thinks they "should raise the price of a package by approximately four times." - APWU: Shame on them - Mnuchin says he looks forward to seeing the postal board recruit a new postmaster general and executing on postal reform - Trump later tweets that he would never let the Postal Service fail White paper: The Postal Service and the COVID-19 Crisis 4.20.2020 - NALC reports: NALC has created a white paper on the legislative needs of the Postal Service for the COVID-19 crisis. COVID-19 4.16.2020 - NALC reports: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far-reaching consequences for letter carriers and the Postal Service. With new information coming quickly and changing rapidly, NALC has created this depository of information for letter carriers. 4.16.2020 - NALC reports: ACTION NEEDED: Congress must strengthen and protect the Postal Service during the COVID-19 crisis Click here to find your senators and representative Branch bi-weekly dues rosters 4.12.2020 - NALC reports: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NALC membership department has been unable to mail out the bi- weekly dues rosters since PP 6 of 2020. The bi-weekly dues roster information is now available to certain branch officers through the Member’s Only portal. Coronavirus is Threatening One of Government's Steadiest Services: The Mail 4.09.2020 - NY Times reports: "Megan J. Brennan, the postmaster general, told lawmakers on the House Oversight and Reform Committee that the agency would need $25 billion in federal grants to cover lost revenue from the pandemic, plus an additional $25 billion to update aging infrastructure. Another $14 billion is needed to pay off long-term debt related to a retirement benefits program, along with $25 billion in unrestricted borrowing authority, she said, according to officials familiar with the information she shared privately." - GovExec: USPS Requests $75 Billion in Emergency Funds to Keep Agency Alive Pasadena, TX letter carrier passes away 4.09.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 69-year-old letter carrier Johnny Tamayo, a member of Branch 3867 in Pasadena, TX, passed away Saturday, April 4, from complications related to coronavirus. President Trump is Being Misinformed About the Postal Service 4.08.2020 - NALC reports: At a time when the heroic workers of the USPS are braving infection to serve the country during an unprecedented national crisis, it is imperative that representatives of the federal government have a fundamental understanding of the value of the USPS Scarsdale, NY letter carrier passes way 4.08.2020 - NALC reports: Carrier Martin Harris passed away April 5 Lawmakers Renew Their Plea for a Postal Service Bailout 4.08.2020 - FedSmith reports: "One Postal Service estimate shows that the additional borrowing authority would enable it to operate only through the end of this summer. As the coronavirus continues to worsen, the Postal Service projects a possible 50% decline in mail volume between now and the end of the current fiscal year," stated the letter." Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic 4.03.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manhattan letter carrier passes way 4.03.2020 - NALC reports: 63-year-old letter carrier Frank Leong, a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away recently from complications related to COVID-19. USPS reports postal employees' deaths from coronavirus, 'not immune' to financial downturn 4.01.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "With the Postal Service now tracking the deaths of its employees from the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to a growing list of those who have tested positive for the virus, the agency is doing everything it can to continue normal operations -- even in the most extraordinary circumstances. The USPS Board of Governors held a moment of silence Wednesday for postal employees who have died of complications from COVID-19, the illness caused by the current strain of the virus." Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive Postponed 3.27.2020 - NALC reports: The 28th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, scheduled for May 9, 2020, has been postponed. What's in the $2 Trillion Senate Deal (for the Postal Service)? 3.26.2020 - WSJ reports: "The financially strained U.S. Postal Service is getting a $10 billion Treasury loan to help the mail carrier during the pandemic. The Postal Service is only allowed by law to raise its net debt by $3 billion a year, so the bill loosens that restriction. But it does come with some strings attached. Mainly, the Postal Service can only use the financing for operating expenses and not to pay down outstanding debt. The bill also requires the Postal Service to prioritize medical shipments and allows temporary delivery points to protect workers and recipients of mail." - Bill lets the US Post Office take a page from Amazon's delivery playbook Statement by NALC President Fredric Rolando: The Postal Service is vital in this crisis 3.26.2020 - NALC reports: In a major public health crisis like the one we face today, the Postal Service is essential and deserves fair relief Bronx letter carrier passes away from coronavirus 3.26.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 50-year-old letter carrier Rakkhon Kim passed away Wednesday Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic 3.25.2020 - NALC reports: President Rolando has a statement to letter carriers covering many of the evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to contacting your shop steward, branch officer or NBA, NALC has a new resource for members to ask pandemic questions. AFL-CIO Executive Council's Statement on COVID-19 Pandemic 3.25.2020 - NALC reports: “Working People's Demands in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic” OLMS advisory on LM filings 3.25.2020 - NALC reports: The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) has issued an advisory regarding the reporting requirements concerning LM filings. With Dozens of Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, USPS Launches New Measures to Protect Employees 3.23.2020 - GovExec reports: "As more than three-dozen U.S. Postal Service employees have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the agency is taking new steps to protect employees who remain concerned they do not have the proper resources to stay safe. USPS has struck memoranda of understanding with its employees' labor unions, which give non-career workers access to 80 hours of paid leave, enable individuals to take leave if they are vulnerable to COVID-19 or to care for loved ones, and allow some groups of employees to work remotely." NPMHU: 13 Postal Employees Have COVID-19 3.20.2020 - NPMHU reports: "There are currently 13 postal workers who are confirmed to be COVID-19 positive. NPMHU representatives have been meeting on a regular basis with their counterparts to discuss the Postal Service's response to the outbreak of the virus. Postal management has stated that they will follow the guidance of the "health experts" such as CDC and HHS." 3.19.2002 - NALC reports: President Rolando sends letters to branch and state presidents granting dispensation Dispensation Letters Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic 3.18.2002 - NALC reports: President Fredric V. Rolando has issued a statement to letter carriers covering many issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. NALC and USPS agree to two new MOUs on leave during the COVID-19 pandemic 3.18.2002 - NALC reports: Today, NALC and USPS agreed to two new MOUs expanding leave for letter carriers during the COVID- 19 pandemic. NALC Bulletin: Coronavirus precautions 3.14.2002 - NALC reports: Make sure you do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19 by understanding precautions you can take. This information is based on guidelines issued by the CDC. NY: Two White Plains USPS Employees Test Positive for Coronavirus 3.14.2020 - News 12 Westchester reports: "Many employees within the facility (Westchester P&DC) say they are concerned for their health and safety and are not looking forward to returning. "People have families to go home to," says USPS maintenance mechanic Harold Brown. "We have kids. We have elderly people that we're around, young people and it's not right." - Mandatory Stand-Up Talk APWU Has a New Contract 3.12.2020 - APWU reports: Three annual general wage increases totaling 3.4% over the life of the Agreement: - 1.3% effective November 24, 2018 (Retroactive) - 1.1% effective November 23, 2019 (Retroactive) - 1% effective November 21, 2020 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) - $624 or $.30/hour COLA will be applied retroactive to August 31, 2019 - $166 or $.08/hour COLA will be applied retroactive to February 29, 2020 - Future COLAs will be applied in September 2020, March 2021 and September 2021 - COLAs to date add $790 annually or $0.38 per hour to base pay. Full Award (PDF) - Dimondstein Video New date set for dinner to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike 3.11.2020 - NALC reports: NALC has rescheduled the dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike USPS preps for coronavirus with updated pandemic flu plan 3.09.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "If coronavirus hits a local community, USPS urges facility medical personnel, working with installation heads or attendance control officers, to monitor sick leave for "observable trends that may indicate a COVID-19 outbreak among postal employees. Personnel who arrive at work obviously ill, or who become ill at work with COVID- 19 type symptoms should be released from work," the memo states." - NALC postpones dinner celebrating 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike - APWU meets with USPS - Coronavirus Pandemic Policy - Postal Service Pandemic Influenza Plan (PDF) Dinner to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike postponed 3.09.2020 - NALC reports: NALC has postponed the dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike scheduled for March 21 Turnover high among non-career USPS, dissatisfaction with supervisors cited 2.26.2020 - FedWeek reports: "Those employees who left in 2019 had worked just 81 days for USPS on average, it added. The main reasons they cited in exit surveys were inflexible schedules, dislike of supervisors, and the physical demands of the work. Working too many or too few hours also was cited." NALC and USPS have mutually agreed to postpone a national-level grievance 2.21.2020 - NALC reports: A national-level grievance regarding the delay in implementing Arbitrator Goldberg’s Award in Case No. Q15C-4Q-C 17697250 will be postponed The NALC Veterans Guide is now available 2.20.2020 - NALC reports: NALC created the NALC Veterans Group to provide access to information and tools specific to veterans’ rights and benefits within the Postal Service. Trump 2021 Budget Proposes $97B USPS Savings Package, Including Pay and Service Cuts 2.11.2020 - GovExec reports: "The White House included in its fiscal 2021 budget proposal all of the recommendations made by a task force President Trump created in 2018 to put USPS on a better course, saying the reforms would save the mailing agency from an existential threat. Absent changes, the administration estimated the agency would lose $7 billion this year and $8 billion per year through 2030." Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service's 2020 Quarter 1 financial report 2.07.2020 - NALC reports: The Postal Service’s financial report for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 underlines the need for congressional action on common-sense legislative reform. USPS Reports 1st Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results 2.07.2020 - USPS reports: "The net loss for the quarter totaled $748 million, a decrease in net loss of $789 million, compared to a net loss of $1.5 billion for the same quarter last year. Controllable loss for the quarter was $387 million, compared to a controllable loss of $103 million for the same quarter last year." USPS Fairness Act passes House 2.5.2020 - NALC reports: Today, the House of Representatives passed the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) in a 309 to 106 vote. As letter carriers know, this bipartisan bill seeks to end the mandate for the Postal Service to prefund retiree health care decades in advance. The Postal Record magazine is now available as a digital flipbook and an audiobook 2.5.2020 - NALC reports: NALC's monthly magazine, The Postal Record, is now available in a viewable and downloadable flipbook on the NALC website. Nolan selected as neutral arbitrator 2.5.2020 - NALC reports: A neutral arbitrator has been selected Resources on CCA to PTF Conversion 1.31.2020 - NALC reports: CAU has compiled a number of helpful links Mail Handlers, USPS Reach Tentative Contract Agreement 1.23.2020 - NPMHU reports: "The 2019 National Agreement will cover a period of three years, and will expire at midnight on September 20, 2022. All career Mail Handlers will receive four general wage increases during the term: the first, retroactively effective to November 23, 2019, will be 1.1%; the second, effective on November 21, 2020, will be 1.0%; the third, effective on November 20, 2021, will be 1.0%; and the fourth, called a special pay adjustment, also effective on November 20, 2021, will be 0.8%." CCAs With 30 Months Will Be Converted to Career Status 1.23.2020 - NALC reports: "NALC and USPS have settled a national-level grievance regarding non-compliance with the contractual caps on the employment of City Carrier Assistants (CCAs). This settlement provides that all city carrier assistants in any size office with 30 months of relative standing on February 15, 2020, will be converted to career status within 60 days from the signing of the agreement on January 22, 2020." USPS Overstated Savings of Workforce Shift While Turnover Increased 1.22.2020 - FedWeek reports: "The Postal Service over-stated savings from shifting to lower-paid and less tenured employees and reducing services, and did not account for some side effects such as increased turnover, the GAO has said. Meanwhile, that report said, clerk and mail handler overtime nearly doubled, and the number of grievances rose by 6 percent per year on average over that period." USPS Releases Five-Year Business Plan 1.16.2020 - Federal News Network reports: "In an effort to course-correct from more than a decade of net financial losses, the Postal Service on Wednesday released its long-awaited five year-business plan. The sweeping document comes nearly eight months after Postmaster General Megan Brennan told members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee that she and the USPS Board of Governors would release a 10-year business plan to address a $125 billion shortfall the agency expects to face over that period." GovExec: Changes alone will not save the USPS - Lexington Institute Analysis - Broad in scope and vision, brimming with business management keywords, but short on actual substance or specifics: Five-Year Strategic Plan (PDF) REPORT: Puerto Rico Postal Employees Working Under Dire Conditions After Earthquake 1.12.2020 - PostalMag.com reports: "PostalMag.com has received a report from a USPS employee in Puerto Rico about damage and unsafe working conditions following the magnitude 6.4 earthquake on January 7th, 2020." White House Tasks Agencies With Getting Injured Feds Back on the Job Faster 1.11.2020 - GovExec reports: "All agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service, will face a requirement to improve or maintain performance in a series of areas, including total injury and case rates, time lost due to injury and sickness, and filing claims in a timely manner. Agencies will have to increase the rate of employees who return to work within 45 days after traumatic injuries and ensure employees get back on the job more quickly in cases of moderate-to-severe injury or illness." Houston letter carrier shot on his route 1.9.2020 - NALC reports: NALC is saddened to learn that letter carrier Adrian Jackson, a member of Branch 283 in Houston, Texas, was shot multiple times on his route December 28. PMG Brennan to Delay Planned Jan. 31 Retirement From USPS 1.6.2020 - Linn's reports: "Postmaster General Megan Brennan has agreed to delay her planned Jan. 31 retirement to give the United States Postal Service additional time to seek her replacement. Postal Service spokesman David Partenheimer said in a Jan. 6 press release: "The Postmaster General's new retirement date has not been determined. An announcement will be made at a later date." - Could indicate USPS is looking for someone outside the organization USPS Could Privatize As Early As Next Year 12.27.2019 - Fortune reports: "The new leadership will be handpicked and approved by the Board of Governors: a group of five men, three of whom were appointed by Trump. Once the new leadership is in place, the board will also be tasked by the Trump administration with creating a package of large, structural changes intended to help the ailing Postal Service. Those changes will likely include privatizing and selling pieces of the public service off, according to the APWU." PRC publishes revised notice of proposed rulemaking 12.5.2019 - NALC reports: In early December, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued a revised proposed rulemaking for the system that regulates the rates and classes of the Postal Service’s Market Dominant products. Senate Introduces Companion Repeal Bill, House Bill Reaches Critical Mass 12.3.2019 - NALC reports: Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the USPS Fairness Act (S. 2965), a bill to repeal the mandate to prefund postal retiree health benefits. The bill is identical to House legislation. Consolidated Casing Leads to Portland Protest (Includes Customer and Carrier Statements) 12.01.2019 - PostalMag.com reports: Close to fifty residents of North Portland's 97217 zip code area rallied outside the Kenton Post Office today to protest their erratic, unreliable and haphazard mail delivery. Since late September, North Portland's mail delivery has been a mess. Mail is arriving days late, in the dark, to the wrong address, and with constantly changing letter carriers. A "PILOT" project, called "Consolidated Casing," has been forced on residents and businesses in the zip code." - Community members rally against USPS test program Penalty Overtime Exclusion Period 11.27.2019 - NALC reports: Information for 2019 Update on Contract Negotiations 11.22.2019 - NALC reports: Update on the 2019 contract negotiations Postal Service records $8.8 billion loss for fiscal 2019 Farewell Bonus for PMG 11.14.2019 - Linns.com reports: "The United States Postal Service's board of governors convened Nov. 14 with a quorum of presidentially appointed members for the first time since 2014. "It's a milestone for us," said board chairman Robert M. Duncan, who noted that a "temporary emergency" board had been overseeing the USPS. But the board's first public meeting produced little to cheer about because the USPS disclosed it recorded a staggering $8.8 billion loss in the 2019 fiscal year ended Sept. 30." ...but sales are growing - Losses double from last year - USPS statement - NALC Statement of NALC President Fred Rolando On USPS Financial Results for FY 2019 11.14.2019 - NALC reports: The large loss posted by the U.S. Postal Service in Fiscal Year 2019 ($8.8 billion) is largely the result of external factors, not the normal operations of Decision in Pay Consolidation Case 11.6.2019 - NALC reports: The arbitrator rejected NALC’s position that this change meant that employees from other crafts in grades equivalent to the former City Carrier Grade 1 could no longer be excessed into the letter carrier craft under Article 12 of the National Agreement. Case Consolidation Lawsuit Dismissed 11.6.2019 - NALC reports: U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg concluded that the court lacked jurisdiction to issue the preliminary injunction that NALC requested, which would have halted the Initiative pending the outcome of the national-level arbitration. Six carriers honored as NALC's Heroes of the Year 11.1.2019 - NALC reports: Letter carriers who saved people from car accidents or home fires, helped rescue a teenager who had been abused for months by her captors, or turned a personal tragedy into a campaign to help others, were among those honored on Oct. 30. Branch Officers Training set for Jan. 27-30 in Washington, DC 10.23.2019 - NALC reports: NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that Branch Officers Training will be held January 27-30, 2019 in Washington, DC. Post Office Fiddles While Its Mail Trucks Burn 10.21.2019 - Trucks.com reports: "Mail trucks are burning at an alarming rate, and the only people who seem to think it's a problem are the letter carriers who must drive the aging vehicles. Twenty-six of the U.S. Postal Service's aging Grumman LLV delivery trucks have caught fire so far this year. That makes 145 since 2014. If the mail truck were a vehicle model that consumers purchased from a dealer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would have long ago launched an investigation and issued a recall." NALC mourns passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings 10.17.2019 - NALC reports: The National Association of Letter Carriers sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Rep. Elijah Cummings of Baltimore, following his death today. Former Region 7 National Business Agent Eugene “Gene” McNulty died 10.17.2019 - NALC reports: McNulty served as NBA from 1979 to 1994. USPS Announces Retirement of PMG Brennan 10.16.2019 - USPS reports: "As Postmaster General, Brennan advanced technology and customer-centric strategies to invest in the future of the Postal Service and to shape growth opportunities for the organization and the industries it serves. These strategies encompassed better use of data and technology, improved speed-to-market of product and service innovations, continuously improved processes throughout the organization, and fully engaged and leveraged the talents of the organization's 635,000-employee workforce." - Postmaster general who was target of Trump's ire announces retirement - Linns. com PMG Brennan announces retirement 10.16.2019 - NALC reports: NALC congratulates Postmaster General Brennan on her retirement. The printed version of the 2019 Letter Carrier Resource Guide is now available to order 10.9.2019 - NALC reports: The 2019 Letter Carrier Resource Guide, a comprehensive guide for every letter carrier, combines, updates, and replaces the 2016 City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide and the 2014 Letter Carrier’s Guide. How a Broken Pay System Forced Postal Supervisors to Take USPS to Court 9.30.2019 - GovExec reports: "NAPS went to court because the Postal Service has violated the law's requirement that it pay managers and supervisors a salary comparable to the pay of their private sector counterparts and that it pay them more than the workers they supervise. These managers and supervisors help to assure the prompt and efficient delivery of mail and the reliability of postal operations." Update on NALC’s Case Consolidation Lawsuit 9.25.2019 - NALC reports: U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg heard arguments today UPU endorses compromise to let US set prices for incoming foreign mail 9.25.2019 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "The day after the Universal Postal Union rejected a Trump administration plan for dealing with a flood of mostly Chinese packages, it overwhelmingly endorsed a compromise plan that will allow the United States -- not the UPU -- to set the prices for incoming foreign mail. "This is a big deal," declared Peter Navarro, who led President Trump's assault on the current international mail system." - NYT: US will remain in treaty after emergency talks U.S. to remain in the Universal Postal Union 9.25.2019 - NALC reports: Delegates to a Special Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reached an agreement on reforms UPU endorses compromise to let US set prices for incoming foreign mail 9.25.2019 - Linn's Stamp News reports: "The day after the Universal Postal Union rejected a Trump administration plan for dealing with a flood of mostly Chinese packages, it overwhelmingly endorsed a compromise plan that will allow the United States -- not the UPU -- to set the prices for incoming foreign mail. "This is a big deal," declared Peter Navarro, who led President Trump's assault on the current international mail system." - NYT: US will remain in treaty after emergency talks Yet Another Impasse at the Postal Service as Two More Labor Contracts Expire 9.23.2019 - GovExec reports: "USPS and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union have agreed to extend talks, though the union said the number of tentative agreements the two sides have so far reached is "relatively limited." The National Association of Letter Carriers, meanwhile, declared an impasse in its talks." NALC reaches impasse with the Postal Service in negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement 9.20.2019 - NALC reports: On Sept. 20, 2019, negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement between NALC and USPS came to an impasse. The current collective-bargaining agreement remains in force pending final resolution of the parties’ collective-bargaining dispute. NALC responds to Tropical Storm Imelda 9.20.2019 - NALC reports: To our brothers and sisters in the impacted areas that have been affected by Tropical Storm Imelda, we need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership in this area. NALC and the labor movement fight for human rights 9.18.2019 - NALC reports: The Solidarity Without Borders initiative will bring labor leaders from around the country to the border to shine a light on the plight of families seeking asylum or facing deportation and to bring attention to the conditions in U.S. detention facilities. Court Rules Postal Service's Largest-Ever Price Increase is Illegal 9.13.2019 - GovExec reports: "The five-cent increase -- a 10% jump -- was the largest-ever hike for a stamp and the largest by percentage since 1995. The court, in an opinion written by Circuit Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee who formerly worked in the White House as director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, called the hike "remarkable" and lacking in justification." - Will prices now drop? - DC Circuit grants postal watchdog's challenge to PRC's approval of rate hike Letter carrier Mary Granados killed in Odessa, Texas 9.1.2019 - NALC reports: "We are deeply saddened by the senseless murder of Odessa, TX Branch 3964 letter carrier Mary Granados," NALC President Fredric Rolando said. NALC Files Lawsuit on Consolidated Casing Initiative 8.29.2019 - NALC reports: "NALC today filed a lawsuit against the Postal Service in the federal district court in Washington D.C. The suit asks the court to issue an injunction stopping the Postal Service from continuing its Consolidated Casing Initiative until NALC's pending national level grievance is resolved. The grievance over consolidated casing is presently scheduled for arbitration in December. Further developments will be reported as they occur." - Shake-Up Alarms Union of Mail Carriers: Extreme exhaustion, physical pain and mental stress NALC responds to Hurricane Dorian 8.29.2019 - NALC reports: We need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership Connecticut letter carrier killed on his route 8.23.2019 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 59-year-old letter carrier Daniel Nacin was killed in a car accident on his route USPS Fairness Act reaches bipartisan majority 8.17.2019 - NALC reports: H.R. 2382 passes 218 co-sponsors, but more work needed to reach 290 NALC Legislative Action Center unveiled 8.15.2019 - NALC reports: NALC launched the Legislative Action Center today Rap Session held in Denver 8.13.2019 - NALC reports: President Rolando led the national Rap Session, Aug. 9-11 in Denver Seventh COLA set at $624 8.13.2019 - NALC reports: The seventh contract COLA was finalized at $624 USPS Loses $2.3B in 3rd Quarter Amid Newly Ominous Signs for Its Business 8.10.2019 - GovExec reports: "It was the first quarterly volume decline for packages in nine years, USPS Chief Financial Office Joe Corbett said. Companies like Amazon are increasingly establishing their own networks for last-mile delivery, damaging the Postal Service's Parcel Select business." - NALC Statement Statement on Postal Service's 2019 Q3 Financial Report 8.09.2019 - NALC reports: Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service's 2019 Quarter 3 financial report NRLCA-USPS National Agreement Has Been RATIFIED 8.07.2019 - USPS reports: "Highlights of the agreement include annual general wage increases, a reduction in the employer share of health premiums, additional operational flexibility to use rural carrier associates, and enhanced health benefits for eligible non-career rural carrier employees. In addition, the agreement includes a comprehensive memo of understanding on the implementation of a rural carrier standards study." - NRLCA Postal Supervisors Sue for Better Pay 7.29.2019 - GovExec reports: "The National Association of Postal Supervisors filed its lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for D.C. on behalf of the 45,000 supervisors, managers, postmasters and technical specialists that make up its members. NAPS is seeking pay increases that would be mostly retroactive, covering the period from 2016 through 2019." - NAPS Files Lawsuit Action needed: Tell your Representative to repeal pre-funding mandate today! 7.23.2019 - NALC reports: Thousands of letter carriers and postal employees are joining together for a ‘Day of Action’ Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive a resounding success 7.19.2019 - NALC reports: The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which took place on Saturday, May 11, collected 75.7 million pounds of food—third-highest total in the drive’s 27 years. Postal Service Floats Big Cuts to Employee Pay, Leave and Benefits New postal workers would no longer earn a pension 7.02.2019 - GovExec reports: "USPS included a hike to the employee contribution level for pensions in a first draft of a 10-year business plan presented to lawmakers and stakeholders, according to multiple people who were briefed on it, as well as phasing out pensions altogether for new hires in favor of a defined-contribution system only. The Postal Service is looking to cut the amount of paid time off employees receive by merging annual and sick leave and pitched a popular proposal with demonstrated bipartisan backing to require all postal retirees to enroll in Medicare as their primary insurance provider." NALC, USPS formally open 2019 bargaining talks 6.26.2019 - NALC reports: The leaders of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the United States Postal Service formally opened negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement today. Letter Carrier Resource Guide is available online 6.24.2019 - NALC reports: The Letter Carrier Resource Guide combines the 2016 City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide and the 2014 Letter Carrier’s Guide into one new, improved, and updated publication. Valuable information for all letter carriers at every stage of their career. Louisiana letter carrier killed on his route 6.24.2019 - NALC reports: NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Antonio Williams, a Shreveport, LA Branch 197 member, was shot and killed while delivering his route on Saturday, June 22. Mail Processing Overtime Audit Finds USPS Way Over Plan 6.22.2019 - The USPS OIG reports: "Specifically, the Postal Service planned for about 18.5 million overtime workhours and 767,000 penalty overtime workhours for FY 2018. The actual overtime workhours used were 26.7 million (44 percent over plan) and the actual penalty overtime workhours used were 1.7 million (126 percent over plan). This occurred, in part, due to implementation of the F1 Scheduler at the beginning of FY 2018." - 5 billion less pieces, 5,000 less employees, overtime costs up $257 million! - GovExec: After dramatic workforce reductions, Postal Service sees spike in overtime hours Postal Service Wants to Slash Benefits for Postal Workers 6.18.2019 - HuffPost reports: "The change to pension contributions would amount to a cut in take-home pay for hundreds of thousands of workers, while saving the agency nearly $7 billion. The change in employee leave policy would combine vacation with sick days, likely resulting in fewer overall days off for workers. That element is estimated to save the agency more than $5 billion." House resolution supporting door delivery reaches majority of support 6.14.2019 - NALC reports: A bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives has now cosponsored House Resolution 23, which expresses the sense that the U.S. Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery. 2020 NALC Leadership Academy Application period is open 6.12.2019 - NALC reports: The application period for participation in the Leadership Academy in 2020 is now open. The application period ends on Aug. 31, 2019. NRLCA Reaches Tentative Agreement With USPS for Three-Year Contract 5.30.2019 - NRLCA reports: The Tentative Agreement must be ratified by a majority of the voting membership of the NRLCA to become effective. The contract includes a 4.2% total compensation increase for the term of the agreement 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%." |
