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Postal News June 2008

Postal News

 
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Selected News from Postalblog


Court of Appeals Keeps Alive 14-Year-Old Lawsuit Against NALC

 

Postal Service Selects First-Ever Vice President of Sustainability

 

Video: Postal Workers Protest Terrorism On The Job

 

EEOC Rules USPS Must Process Class Action Complaint For Rehab Postal Employees

 

OPM Submits Proposal To Create Short-Term Disability Insurance Program

 

To Err Is Not Human for Demoted Postal Supervisor

 

USPS Resolves Dispute With Unions Over Computer Security Rules

 

USPS Selects Former Halliburton Executive As New CIO

 

Proposed FMLA Rule Changes Would Be Major Defeat For Workers

 

APWU: Proposed FMLA Regulations Threaten Medical Privacy, Other Protections

 

Bush Administration Seeking Changes To FMLA Regulations

 

USPS to Add Surcharge for Express Mail Delivery on Sundays and Holidays

 

Big Pay Increases Approved For Top Postal Service Officers

 

Letter: Expeditor dies after on the job fall in Denver parking lot

 

Postal Workforce Stats At A Glance

 

USPS Retail Cost Cutting (PDF)

 

Postal Watchdog Files Complaint Over USPS Elimination of Bound Printed Matter Rate -

 

Former Postal Public Affairs VP Jaffer Starts Own Consulting Business

 

Former Postmaster Wins Hostile Workplace Lawsuit - But No Money

 

USPS Wants To Automate Road Tests

 

Postal Service Updates Its Transformation Plan

 

EEOC: Postal Worker Has Claim For One-Time Incident of Discriminatory Harassment

 

Postal Worker Fails to Convince Appeals Court to Overturn APWU-USPS Settlement

 

Appeals Court: Evidence of Disability for Disability Retirement

 

NALC’S Young: Good Cop/Bad Cop - Right Here In The USPS

 

Rollout of PostalPEOPLE Initiative Completed

 

Mail Handler Fired After Threatening Behavior Towards Co-Workers

 

Court Upholds Postal Supervisor’s Demotion For Altering Time-Keeping Records

 

USPS Los Angeles District Gets Approval From OPM to Offer Early Outs

 

NALC’s Young Urges Support For Harkin Amendment to Labor-HHS Bill

 

APWU: Casual Issues Disputed At National Level (PDF)

 

Arbitrator Issues Award in Rural Carriers Contract Case

 click here to read the award (PDF)   | A Short Comparison of USPS Contracts With APWU, NPMHU, NALC and NRLCA  |

 

PRC Requests Help In Developing Report on Universal Postal Service And Postal Monopoly

 

Postal Service’s Oldest Employee Still Going Strong At 93

 

OIG Recommends USPS Increase Postal Employee's Benefit Costs

 

Canadian Lottery Scheme Using Fake USPS Checks

 

APWU Questions and Answers on USPS Shared Services

 

Court To USPS: Retire Not Fire Postal Veteran With PTSD

 

Bogus USPS Early Out / Buyout Letter Making The Rounds

 

PMG Potter and USPS Executives Focus On 2008

 

USPS Threatening To Discipline Employees Over Failure to Pay Local Tax ??

 

Postal Worker Gets 2 Years for Stealing Over $400,000 In Money Orders

 

USPS Seeking Info On Automatic Vending Machine Manufacturing

 

Veterans Preference and the U.S. Postal Service

 

Supreme Court to Hear Postal Worker’s Retaliation Case

 

USPS Reports $5.4 Billion Deficit for FY 2007

 

Appeals Court Overturns Postal Worker’s Conviction for Theft

 

Fired Postal Worker Featured in Push to Expand Reservist Job Rights

 

USPS Workforce Size and Employment Categories, 1986-2006

 

Appeals Court Overturns Postal Worker’s Conviction for Theft

 

Fired Postal Worker Featured in Push to Expand Reservist Job Rights

 

USPS Responds to APWU Inquiry Regarding Absences of 3 Days or Less

 

Letter Carriers Ratify New 5-Year Contract

 

USPS Offering Cash Prizes in Automated Postal Center Sweepstakes

 

Postal Inspectors Sue USPS for Overtime Pay

 

APWU Questions USPS Medical Documentation Requirement for Absences of 3 Days or Less  

 

Arbitrator Awards $50,000 for Postal Inspectors Misconduct

 

USPS, Postmasters Reach Agreement on Pay Package

 

Notice: USPS Revised Rule for Conduct on Postal Property

 

Mail Handlers Awarded $13.8 Million for Casuals Violation

 

Company Tests Popcorn Vending Machine at NJ Postal Facility

 

"Kelly Girl" Arbitration Award to Cost USPS Nearly $20 Million

 

USPS BOG Chairman Gets Blue-Collar Name Tag

 

Postal Supervisor Fired For Rewarding Employees Non-Worked OT Loses Appeal

 

Court Excludes AMS Specialist Position From APWU Bargaining Unit

 

Flat Sequencing System (FSS) Strategy

 

USPS: Boston District's New Mystery Shopper Board Game

 

USPS Performance Scores at Record Levels

 

USPS Seeks Private Companies For New Priority Mail Care Package Program

 

Former USPS Contractor Nabbed in NJ Postmasters Scheme

 

Postal Employees Cry Foul Over Alleged USPS Privacy Violations

 

Photo: Semi-Automated Postal Robotic Delivery Vehicle

 

USPS Deployment of Automated Postal Centers Put On Hold

 

USPS Seeks Vendors for Postal Package Processing System

 

Video: USPS Infomercial

 

Postal Supervisor’s Retaliation Lawsuit Dismissed

 

Video: NALC Branch #709: Reno Picket Against Contracting Out

 

New CSRS, FERS Retirement System Goes Online in 2008

 

NALC, NRLCA Presidents Debunk PMG Letter Justifying Contracting Out Mail Delivery

 

PMG: USPS Strongly Opposes the 'Mail Delivery and Protection Act'

 

Photo: Postal Window Clerk and A Very Strange Mail Package

 

OSHA partnership helps reduce ergonomic injuries at USPS

 

USPS Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire Website Launched

 

Court Affirms Enforcement of Unfair Labor Charges Against USPS

 

Senator Collins Introduces Postal Resolution Reaffirming Protections of Sealed Mail

 

NAPUS: Is Mail Service at Risk?

 

USPS Awards Contract to Protect Employee Personnel Records

 

NALC Young: It’s time to stop the ‘run amok’ OIG

 

Postal Service Awards $874.6 Million Contract for Flat Sequencing System

 

Unofficial Transcript of NALC Rap Session

 

Recent EEOC Decisions Involving Postal Employees

 

Postal Employees Know Your Rights  

 

Postal Worker Fired After Second Violation of USPS Zero Tolerance Policy

 

Postal Employees Should Think Twice Before Appealing Case to MSPB

Kenneth Jones vs. US Postal Service, illustrates why postal employees should think twice before appealing their discipline to the Merit Systems Protection Board. 

 

New Book: Beware of Cat: And Other Encounters of a Letter Carrier

Postal Worker Fired After Second Violation of USPS Zero Tolerance Policy

Bush Plan Would Cut Tax-Free Employer-Provided Health Insurance

MSPB Overturns Postal Worker’s Removal for $45,000 Stamp Stock Shortage

Postage Rate Hike in 2008?

Postal Service: ‘Intelligent Mail’ Fully Operational By 2009

Video: Signed, Sealed and Delivered-  Labor Struggle in the Post Office

USPS: New Postal Law-The Financial Impact

Can Bush Open Mail Without Warrant?

 Former Postal Worker Charged in FEHB Scheme to Defraud USPS and NALC

Un-Merry Christmas
Postal Service Terminates Disabled Iraq War Veteran for Unacceptable Attendance

Letter to the Editor - Mismanagement at Royal Oak Carrier Unit

FedEx and DOT at Stalemate in Dispute Over Disclosure of Postal Contract Data -

USPS, APWU Reach $5.3 Million Agreement in Anthrax Travel Grievance

 Postal Worker Fired for Refusing to Work on DBCS Machine

Postal Nurse Charged With Defrauding USPS

Five-Year Postal Employees Stats At a Glance

Big Win For APWU in MS-47 Maintenance Case - "Custodial Jobs Protected"

 

June 30, 2008

PMG Potter Announces Reorganization At USPS Headquarters

New Shipping and Mailing Services, Customer Relations groups created - The Postmaster General today announced several key Headquarters organizational changes designed to “strengthen our position in an extremely competitive marketplace,” he said. Postcom: USPS' New Organizational Chart (PDF) |

Town Protests Post Office Closure
(Vermont) - "Today was the last day of the Ripton Post Office, and the first day of our community protest against its closure. We gathered at the General Store, as per email and blog planning. We picked up our mail for the last time, bought coffee and snacks from Sue and Dick, listened to Bonnie finish her final sorting, and shared information about the latest developments. |

 

Post Offices In Wisconsin Closed For Holiday July 4 and 5
In anticipation of reduced customer traffic at postal retail units and in an effort to reduce expenses, most post offices in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula will be closed for retail sales Friday and Saturday. Post Offices are also closed July 5 in  St. Louis | Arkansas | Illinois |

 

Alabama: Feds indict postal employees for thefts

Town overwhelmingly opts to keep post office


June 29, 2008

A heroic letter carrier

Rural mail carrier may have saved child's life

Asbestos discovery shutters Alpha post office indefinitely


June 28, 2008

Letter Carrier Gets Horsedrawn Farewell

After 30 years of delivering mail for the Albany Post Office, Cindy Royse was thrilled to celebrate her retirement by spending her last day of work making deliveries from a carriage. |  

 

'Person of Interest' Hatfill to Get $5.8 Million in Anthrax Lawsuit

Contract Custodian Gets Probation for Mail Theft

Postal Window Clerk accused of stealing $38,000

Live From the ACMA Forum: So Long, Saturday Mail Delivery?

Live From the ACMA Forum: "Do Not Mail" a Hot Potato


June 27, 2008

Ethanol Postal Trucks Not Working Out in SF

An eco-friendly choice has not been working out as planned for the U.S. Postal Service in San Francisco. Dozens of flex-fuel mail trucks are stuck using gasoline, because there is still no supply of E85 ethanol. |  

 

USPS offering FREE wooden post if customers will move their mailboxes

Wyoming Mountain Depicted on Colorado Stamp?

Pittsburgh Man Accused in Postal Worker's Shooting

Postal pains: Residents grow weary of inconsistent mail service

June 26, 2008

House Committee Approves Study On Ending Saturday Mail Delivery

The House Appropriations Committee today approved an amendment offered by Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA-1) that would require the United States Postal Service to study the cost-effectiveness and fuel consumption of a five-day delivery system and consumer demand of Saturday postal delivery.  |

 

APWU: USPS ‘Network Plan’ Would Adversely Effect Postal Workers, Service

The Postal Service’s latest plan to realign its mail processing, transportation, and retail network “would adversely affect APWU-represented employees and disrupt mail service to the American public,” APWU President William Burrus said in an update for union members. “Regrettably, postal management has developed a business plan that relies almost exclusively on reducing work hours as a means of remaining financially solvent,” he noted. “This is a failed strategy and it cannot sustain America’s mail service. USPS submitted to Congress its Network Plan [PDF], | USPS Network Plan Seen Lacking Details by Some |  

 

 

EEOC: Postal Worker Was Not Provided Smoke-Free Vehicle

According to a recent EEOC decision:  A San Francisco, Calif. Trailer Tractor Driver was "discriminated against on the bases of disability and in reprisal for prior protected EEO activity under Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when management did not accommodate his disability when it failed to provide him with a smoke free tractor trailer designated for his use."  USPS provided a smoke-free truck but other co-workers still smoked in the truck. The Postal Worker was "obsessed about the notion that others smoked in his truck to the point that he slept at work in order to watch the truck. EEOC awarded the Postal Worker over 4 years back pay and $95,000 in compensatory damages. |  

 

USPS Seeks Independent Contractors For EEO investigations

USPS is soliciting individuals with the right skill sets and availability to invest numerous hours a week to conduct EEO investigations in accordance with EEOC regulations and USPS quality and timeliness standards. Selected individuals will be home-based independent contractors, located throughout the United States, who will enter into Ordering Agreements with the USPS to provide investigative services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement. An investigator is paid on a “per case” basis, generally $1100, on successful completion of the case. Investigator performance will be evaluated by USPS NEEOISO management and depending on case complexity, investigators usually average from 4 to 7 cases per month."  PR Reader: How would such a person have the necessary independence to be objective? |  

 

Mail Carrier Charged With Breach of Trust

APWU: AFL-CIO to Endorse Obama for President

Bremerton: Postal Service may sell historic downtown building

PRC seeks comment on updated USPS service performance measurement plan

 

June 25, 2008

USPS Introduces Cartoon Characters to Warn Children to 'Stay Away From the Truck' - The 30-second PSA features fast-paced humorous action to make children and parents aware of how important it is to always “stay away from the truck.” It is part of a broader child awareness safety program from the Postal Service and two of its unions, the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Rural Letter Carrier’s Association. Video |  

 

Federal Register: Administrative Practice and Procedure, Postal Service

Odor shuts down Oaklyn post office

Embattled Detroit Mayor to Meet with Postal Employees
Popular Santa Cruz letter carrier moving to Florida
Twice-A-Day Postal Service
Gas Prices Draining Post Office Fuel Budget


June 24, 2008

California: Postal Worker Killed In Collision

(Los Angeles) A letter carrier was killed today when she was thrown from her mail truck and then crushed when it landed on top of her, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman said today. Video|   | Mail carrier killed in crash mourned | Mail carrier killed in Texas |  

 

Postmaster determined to fix system |  

Photo: Letter Carrier With Child In Mailbag

Teen Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Mail Carrier

Capital One files complaint against USPS over NSA (PDF)

APWU: Six More U.S. Representatives Co-Sponsor Mail Network Protection Act

On-Line Data delivers when it comes to mail

ASK!: US postal trucks don't need license plates

Gas Prices Draining Post Office Fuel Budget

Rock Hill post office robbed for 2nd time since 2006

A ZIP-Code Screen For Catalog Customers

USPS picks Verizon for Networx tasks

Postal Service Expands Access
The stations are called Contract Postal Units and were opened in the city as a response to the population surge in East Baton Rouge Parish (Louisiana) since Hurricane Katrina, said Judith A. Brining, customer relations coordinator for the U.S. Postal Service in Baton Rouge. “Like our online services, Contract Postal Units are just another access channel for our customers,” Brining said. Although the Postal Service is always evaluating the need for new post offices, there are currently no plans to build any in the Baton Rouge area, Brining said. |  

 

Postal work was a 'family' thing for Ida Maltry

Mail Collection Box Thefts Investigated in Greenville

Floods slow delivery, service

Ex-Trinidad postal worker indicted

High gas prices hitting Postal Service hard

RFD changed mail service forever

Wisconsin's Flood Problems

Mailbox thief caught on tape

Postal worker hurt in Antioch crash

Postal Bulletin 6/19/08 Issue

Local USPS Policy On Personal Items Annoys Postman

Roger Wood, who has delivered mail in Greenwich (CT) for the past 27 years, said he and others were recently told to remove personal items from the work stations where they sort mail for their routes. In his case, that meant taking down several pictures, one of which is a composite of himself, his son and his grandsons, who are all Marines, wearing their uniforms. There were other images, too, one of which conveys the heroics of his grandson Casey O'Brien, who earned a Purple Heart for serving in Iraq. O'Brien, a lance corporal, holds the helmet he was wearing when it was struck by a bullet. . |  

 

APWU: Union to Re-Run Two NBA Races

Snail mail gets a digital make-over

Postal worker recognized for flawless driving record

'Mailbox bombs' spur Postal Service to warn people of potential injury

Postal worker accused of stealing gift cards

Mail Delivery as Economic Bellwether
Delivering mail adds extra effort in a flood

 

June 19, 2008

Postal Service Submits Network Plan to Congress (PDF)

.. the submission to Congress of this Network Plan which addresses the establishment of performance goals; describes the changes to the Postal Service’s processing, transportation, and retail networks necessary to allow it to meet those performance goals; summarizes the Postal Service’s vision for rationalizing its infrastructure and workforce; discusses policies governing reemployment within the agency and early retirement for employees who may be displaced as a result of network rationalization; and explains the future role of various alternative postal retail service access channels. Network rationalization raises the prospect of change that could affect postal employees working in mail processing plants. The Area Mail Processing consolidations and proposed Bulk Mail Center network reconfiguration will involve numerous site-specific employee impact determinations which cannot be quantified until the changes proposed for particular facilities have been identified and thoroughly analyzed. (postcom.org)  |  

 

USPS OIG Seeks Vendor to Develop Study On Mail Markets and  the Green Movement - "Standard Mail is now the Postal Service’s largest mail category in terms of volume. It is also the mail class most associated with advertising and catalog pieces. Many observers view Standard Mail as the Postal Service’s key to future success. However, fundamental changes are taking place. Growing environmental concerns on the use of paper mail for advertising and potential consumer backlash are threatening demand for such mail. Tolerance of advertising mail may also be diminishing. Other influential groups are now staking their claims. In this light, the OIG seeks to study and report on the changing Standard Mail market, the influence of the Green Movement, and the rise of new stakeholders. The goal is to develop a study, which examines strategy and strikes a balance among competing stakeholder concerns.  This study and report may be critical to the future success of the Postal Service." (6/19)|  

 

Postal Manager and Supervisor Fired for Misuse of Government Credit Cards - "Hickmon, a manager at the Postal Service since at least 2001, was removed from service for improperly using his government credit card, making false statements during the investigation of that use, failing to schedule a supervisor on two occasions, and improperly altering an employee’s time in the system. Mr. Powe’s removal was based on two charges—failure to follow Postal Service regulations and policies regarding official travel by an employee with a cancelled government charge card, and unauthorized use of his wife’s government travel charge card." Powe v. U.S. Postal Service (PDF) | Hickmon v. U.S. Postal Service (PDF) |  

 

NALC Branch President Sent To Prison For Embezzlement Of Union Funds - Graham Vane was the president of the San Mateo (Calif.) branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers from 2002 until 2006. Prosecutors say during that time he ran up $150,000 in credit card expenses for family travel, massages, jewelry, dental work, groceries and his wife's cellphone bills which he claimed were all "union-related expenses". A U.S. District Court judge sentenced him to 15-months in prison. |  

 

WA: Orting wants themed post office

Iowa Post office sets up central distribution point

FedEx Posts a Loss and Issues a Cautious Forecast

Postal service warns of liquid explosives in mailboxes

Overnight delivery becomes a luxury

USPS Governor Ellen Williams reappointed

Postal Relief Fund to Aid Midwest Flood Victims

Floodwaters Force Beloit Post Office To Higher Ground
The Postal Monopoly and the First Amendment “Right to Receive” Ideas

Postal Service Hold Prices As Costs Climb
Postal service offering reward for details about IL vandalism

You've got mail? Maybe not, if you live in Arizona City
 

 USPS Moving to Consolidate Saturday Operations?
"A U.S. Postal official says processing mail sent in Fort Smith on Saturdays at its Fayetteville facility isn't the first step toward moving all Fort Smith processing to northwest Arkansas. The practice began Saturday, as part of a nationwide move to consolidate Saturday operations
, said Leisa Tolliver-Gay, spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Service in Little Rock. Harrison processing is also being moved to Fayetteville on Saturdays, while Russellville and Jonesboro Saturday mail will be processed in North Little Rock, Tolliver-Gay said. Tolliver-Gay said the move is being made because of low mail volumes on Saturdays, created by the absence of most business mail."  |  

 

USPS Spending A Lot For Gas Prices

Win, Place and Show in the TSP
Residents in Guam outraged at Postal Service
Postal Worker, Neighbor rescue man from house fire

Overall, a postage stamp is still a bargain

Will Postal Reform Need Reform In the Future? (PDF)
National League of Postmasters: "If the days of increasing mail volumes are over, the USPS will have to keep its cost increases below the CPI," says David Straus, a partner with law firm Thompson Coburn LLP and the postal counsel for American Business Media. "When 80 percent of your costs are labor-related and when Congress seems to interfere whenever USPS wants to eliminate redundancy in its physical plants, it will be extremely difficult to live within the price cap without reducing service. And service reductions could accelerate volume loss. There’s some concern that the USPS won’t be able to survive long-term within the CPI-based price cap established by the new law because its added pricing and service flexibility will not be able to offset declining volume, Straus adds."
|  

 

NALC: 'Contracting Out' Moratorium Extended To September 30 

NALC President Young announced that he has obtained agreement from the Postal Service to extend the moratorium on delivery subcontracting called for by the Article 32 Committee Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the National Agreement through September 30, 2008, the end of the USPS Fiscal Year.  Young said another list of affected CDS routes that will be converted to regular delivery in June will soon be released. |  

 

Former New Jersey Postmaster Gets Prison for Stamp Fraud Scheme - A former Postmaster in Absecon was sentenced today in connection to deceiving the U.S. Postal Service and abusing his position. The former postmaster was sentenced to five months in federal prison followed by five months of home confinement and ordered to make payments of restitution amounting to $115,000 to the U.S. Post Office after pleading guilty to making false entries and reports of moneys or securities related to the stamp vending machines he oversaw. |  

 

Mail Found in Trash: Spartanburg Postal Worker Being Investigated

Dog Pushes Open Window, Attacks Mail Carrier

Contract COLA:  NALC $956 | APWU and Mail Handlers $936

USPS Contractor charged with workers' comp fraud
AFL-CIO Leaders to Meet with Sen. Obama

Iowa and Wisconsin Flooding Mail Service Updates

DMA Report: E-mail Outpaces Postal Mail
Semi carrying mail involved in accident



Petrol Prices Pinching Postal Service
Soccer moms and commuters aren't the only ones feeling the bite of rising fuel costs - every time the price of gasoline goes up a penny it costs the Postal Service $8 million. "We are definitely feeling the pressure," Deputy Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe told The Associated Press. Transportation cost the post office $6.5 billion in 2007, $500 million more than the year before. Donahoe didn't say what prices the agency has been able to negotiate, but even though it is less than retail, it still goes up over time. Another step is simply packing the mail more tightly. If you can cram mail that used to go into four trucks into three, that's one truck that's not burning diesel fuel, Donahoe explained. USPS Considering Bicycle Routes in Warm-Weather States
  or some letter carriers can walk or take a bus from the post office to their delivery route rather than driving|  

 

Letter: Dad Was Mailman To Remember

Remember when the mail carrier was highly respected and was on the same par as preachers and doctors? I do, and my father, Jubal Early Moss, Jr., affectionately known as "Mr. J.," held that distinction as the mail carrier for rural route No. 1.Remember when the mail carrier would take messages to a friend or relative "down the road" (not in envelopes, no stamps) or give you a ride? Or pick up the loaf of bread from the grocery on his way to your address? I do. To the tune of efficiency and government regulations, the mailman of today rushes from house to house, wearing cool khakis and color-coordinated knee socks and missing all the day-to-day involvement in the lives of his patrons. |  

Mystery surrounds postal worker deaths

The post office in Euless is still reeling from the mysterious deaths of two Postal Service employees last weekend. Adrian Johnson and Mike McCormack were best friends who delivered the mail in Euless longer than just about anyone: Johnson for 33 years, McCormack for 34. The two men were found dead early Sunday morning in a burned-down outbuilding in Jones County near Abilene. |  

 

New postal complex could speed up mail

Do-it-yourself post office proves popular

Former Hill District postman admits to stealing, forging checks

37 years, 4 months, 19 days late and 82 miles off course

APWU: Dispute Filed Over USPS Failure to Provide Notification of Subcontracting to Locals

More Charges For Former Postal Worker Accused of OWCP Fraud

Among the accusations lodged against Mr. Garcia is that he claimed work-related injuries in 1996 left him unable to work. He collected more than $150,000 in disability payments from the Postal Service and misrepresented his medical condition to doctors, according to the indictment. Prosecutors say Mr. Garcia earned about $230,000 a year starting in 2000 and had a net worth of $2.28 million.|  

Union Campaign Against Violent Stereotype Met With Silence by Postal Management - "The union has learned that the Postal Service has designated a franchise business called - you guessed it - Goin’ Postal as a partner in the USPS Approved Shipper Program. The national union learned about the partnership from local editors Mike Mazurkiewicz, (Saint Paul's Postmark) and Cathy Hanson (Minneapolis' Northern Light), who ventured into a Goin' Postal outlet in their area. When they identified themselves to a manager as postal workers offended by the company's name, they were informed that the company plans to open 4,000 stores nationwide." GoinPostal.com  |  

 

Former Postmaster Gets Probation For Embezzlement

A former postmaster was sentenced to two years probation in United States District Court, Paducah, Kentucky for misappropriation of postal funds. While working as the Ledbetter Postmaster in Livingston County, she embezzled funds received from money order transactions. The total amount of funds converted for unauthorized use was approximately $3,835.12.  |  

 

Former District Manager decides against running for governor

Gas spike spurs post office to scrap drive-thru

Teamsters Win Most Votes in DHL Gateway Election

Mail carrier attacked

Cedar Rapids Post Office Suspends All Mail

Animal cruelty or business as usual?

Delivering on absence management at Royal Mail

Mail delivery problems in Arizona City

Brighton postmaster returns from Iraq tour

Postal Service attempts to overcome severe flooding

Ex-mail carrier gets probation for not delivering mail



June 10, 2008

NALC: Obama Invited To National Convention For Endorsement Vote - A resolution will be introduced in Boston, at our national convention in July, to support Barack Obama for president. Given his progressive views and outstanding record fighting for working people over the years, and given Sen. McCain's poor record on matters affecting America's workers, I have no doubt that Sen. Obama will win the enthusiastic support of our members.  |  

 

High Gas Prices Deliver Postal Woes
"When the cost of gasoline increased from $3.99 a gallon to $4, the U.S. Postal Service had to pony up an extra $8 million in order to fuel its nationwide fleet of vehicles. According to Karen Mazurkiewicz, postal representative for western New York, that is the amount of money the Postal Service absorbs for every penny increase in the price of gasoline at the pump. The numbers can be difficult to grasp. Mail carriers burn through 1.5 million gallons of gasoline a day with an anticipated yearly cost of $2.3 billion for 2008 - an increase from $1.7 billion in 2007." Texas pair stole, sold postal gasoline | UPS drivers save gas by turning right | note: Gas prices in my area:$4.39- $4.69 4.49-$5.23 per gallon.  |  

USPS OIG Semiannual Report to Congress
OIG closed 3,754 investigations and management took administrative action on 1,398 OIG investigations led to 778 arrests and indictments, $95 million in long-term cost avoidances in the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, $13 million in fines, restitutions, and recoveries, of which more than $9 million went to the Postal Service. The OIG’s Workplace Environment team receives referrals involving workplace environment and operational issues from multiple sources.. Complaints reviewed by the team include sexual harassment; discrimination; harassment and intimidation; nepotism; mail delivery and processing; and workplace safety issues. Workplace Environment closely coordinates efforts with management to ensure Postal Service employees have a stress-free and adversity-free work environment. This process has been successful in assisting employees and the OIG in resolving workplace issues that may have a negative impact on employee moral and productivity, or that may not have been addressed until an EEO is filed or other adverse consequences occur.  |  

 

A smaller carbon footprint?
"With help from IBM Global Business Services, the Postal Service in 2006 created a program to target inefficient highway routes driven by tractor trailers. In many cases, these trucks were operating at 60 percent capacity. In two years, the Postal Service has saved 1.2 million gallons of gasoline, primarily diesel, and reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 28 million pounds. It’s also cut emissions of carbon monoxide by 60,000 pounds and nitrogen oxide by 400,000 pounds."
|  

 

Impasse over mail facility resolved

USPS Shows Benefits Of Digital Signage On Driving Self-Service Adoption

Catalog opt-out programs spark debate

Waco resident upset over possible closure of 'unprofitable' post office

End of an era? Main Cleveland post office to close

No more snow, rain, nor heat...

Japan looking to go green with electric postal cars

Postal center plans biohazard drill

Postal worker charged in jewelry theft at work

Pit bull owner faces lesser charges in mail carrier attack

Union vote tonight for 400 DHL workers


June 9, 2008

Blue mailboxes are still a rarity along streets of New Orleans

California man faces prison for mail box ‘fishing’

 

June 8, 2008

Marin snapshot: Red-letter day every day

On this Day: U.S. Postal Service Attempts ‘Missile Mail’ for First and Last Time

Murray Comarow Comments on Universal Postal Service and the Postal Monopoly (PDF)

June 7, 2008

Birmingham mayor pitches end to Saturday mail delivery
The U.S. Postal Service should eliminate Saturday mail deliveries to conserve fuel and save millions of dollars, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford said Friday. Langford said he would contact U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, with his cost-saving proposal and ask him to research the possibilities and draft legislation. "If you get a letter on Saturday there's nothing you can do about it until Monday anyway," Langford said. "We've got to look at every way possible to conserve gasoline. |  

 

eNAPUS: PRC Traveling Road Show (PDF)

A mail-strom in Kensington

APWU: Mail Network Protection Act Gains Six More Co-Sponsors
Mail Finally in Great Falls
Postmaster apologizes for unnecessary PO box rules
Postal Service technology can be helpful


June 6, 2008

Protest Management Harassment/Terrorism On The Job

NALC Branch 214 : San Francisco postal workers will again picket against management  on June 20th to stop the growing harassment and terrorism by postal bosses on the job. Every employee at every level of the Postal Service should be treated at all times with dignity, respect and fairness. The need for the USPS to serve the public efficiently and productively, and the need for all employees to be committed to giving a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, does not justify actions that are abusive or intolerant. “Making the numbers” is not an excuse for the abuse of anyone. Those whose unacceptable behavior continues will be removed from their positions.  |  

 

The healthcare bill you don't know about at the Postal Service

Pundits are chalking up the recent one-cent increase in first-class postage as the latest business decision to be devoured by rising gasoline prices, but the truth is that the U.S. Postal Service -- and South Florida's taxpayers -- have more at stake than piles of undelivered mail because of unfilled fuel tanks. The USPS is accruing expensive retiree healthcare bills amounting to billions and growing at a rapid rate. And with the sore fingers and knees caused by repetitious sorting and delivery movements, it's a safe bet that mail carriers will use their promised insurance benefits to the fullest. |  

 

Church Still Fighting to Operate Postal Station
The company, Sincerely Yours, was created for the purpose of operating a postal station in downtown Manchester. When the company put religious displays in the station, Bertram Cooper objected and filed the lawsuit. Cooper said the displays and religious symbols in the station on Main Street violated his First Amendment rights guaranteeing separation of church and state. |  

 

Problem Solver: Mail Gets Delivered On Time

Letter Carrier Ends Up in Chubbuck Canal

Jeep Carrying Mail Ends Up in Canal in Bannock County

Dispute with Postal Service goes to Congress

Postal Bulletin 6/05/08 Issue

Please don't call -- or write

Ros-Lehtinen seeks meeting over Grove post office complaints

Mail Carrier Attacked By Pit Bull
Mailman Helps Police Arrest 5 Burglary Suspects
Postmaster leaves her stamp on Devon

Hey, Mr. Postmaster
Former Postal Employee Arrested


June 5, 2008

APWU Pauses for Impromptu Celebration of Obama’s Win

APWU officers and staff paused briefly Wednesday afternoon to celebrate Barack Obama’s apparent nomination as the Democratic Party candidate for president. “We want to acknowledge the historic nature of June 3, 2008,” said union President William Burrus. “We endorsed Sen. Obama,” he noted, “and it looks like we made the right call. ”Will NALC endorse Obama after Clinton concedes on Saturday? | Photo: Enthusiasm for McCain is overwhelming  |  

 

Former Pennsylvania mail carrier indicted
Letter carrier punched in face in Reading PA
Nancy Culleton retires after nearly 33 years with Valier Post Office

Yucaipa post office burglarized


June 4, 2008

Ask President Burrus: Negotiate Code of Conduct For Management? - Why can’t the APWU negotiate a national agreement on the Code of Conduct of Managers and their abuse of power against APWU members? I work in the Palatine P&DC. In this facility a manager feels he can yell, demean, swear, and treat employees like they are dirt. This appears to be condoned by higher-level managers. |  

ASFM-100 Work Awarded Back to Clerk Craft at Trenton P&DC

Effective May 28, 2008, US District Court Judge Joel A. Pisano issued his decision regarding enforcement of the American Postal Workers Union/United States Postal Service pre-arbitration Settlement Agreement, dated October 28, 2005, for AFSM staffing at the Trenton P&DC. Judge Pisano stated, “The Settlement Agreement provides for the clerk craft to have primary jurisdiction over the positions on the AFSM-100 machines and that, in the event work requires less than six employees to staff the machines, the remaining positions on the machines will be staffed by clerk craft only. |  

 

Post office won't help you vote

With the presidential election coming, wouldn't it be great if people could pick up voter registration applications and vote-by-mail requests at their local post office? The local chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers thought it was a gem of an idea, but needed permission from officials at the Postal Service headquarters in Washington. Both parties were surprised at the answer: no. Postal policy does allow government agencies to use available space in post offices for a fee, he said, but the elections office request didn't indicate it was willing to pay or provide a person to supervise the brochures and applications. |  

 

IN: Postal Worker charged with stealing 21,000 pieces of mail

GAO:  USPS Can Improve Recycling (PDF)

Japan Post looking to switch fleet to electric cars

What's the real story behind DHL's revamped US plans?

Postal workers compete in Safety Rodeo Championships


June 3, 2008

 Postal Workers Union To Fight DHL-UPS Deal

The American Postal Workers Union is organizing opposition to an air freight carrier's plan that could eliminate 6,000 jobs in Wilmington. The union held a forum Sunday to discuss the announcement that DHL wants to hire United Parcel Service to take over U.S. air transport of DHL packages.  Ohio governor looking at possible DHL antitrust issues |  

 

Record 73.1 Million Pounds Collected in Letter Carriers' National Food Drive

Mailers work to 'green' their marketing


June 2, 2008

APWU Testimony Kicks Off Controversy

Recent APWU testimony on Capitol Hill about the Postal Service’s obligation to provide “universal service” to all Americans seems to have stirred up a controversy. Addressing a House subcommittee on May 8, APWU Legislative Director Myke Reid expressed the union’s concern about actions by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), “which has undertaken, through private contractors, to study the Postal Service’s universal service obligation.” The PRC has hired contractors who favor privatizing essential USPS operations, Reid testified, noting that the individuals selected have expressed hostility to fundamental elements of universal service — the postal monopoly and uniform rates. |  

 

PRC approves Life Line Screening NSA

The Postal Regulatory Commission has recommended approval of a proposed negotiated service agreement (NSA) with Life Line Screening that would allow mobile health screening service providers to earn discounts for Standard Mail letter volumes that exceed specific volume thresholds.In a decision also dated May 29, the USPS Board of Governors approved a NSA with The Bradford Group. The agreement will provide the fine collectibles direct marketer with discounted rates on Standard Mail letters and flats solicitations based on specific volume thresholds. |  

 

Sour Economy Stems Tide Of Direct Mail Solicitations

Postal Service strives to turn around losses

First-class service Postmaster loves every aspect of his job

New postal chief has mail in his blood

20-year postal veteran gets big job promotion

Mailers work to 'green' their marketing

Congresswoman to oppose Postal Service's move to Oak Creek

Postal Service honors heroes

 

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