Wednesday, December 30, 2009

USPS sees net loss of $255M for November


"...a net loss of $255 million for November, and a $476 million net loss for October and November, the first two months of its 2010 fiscal year. ..."    



This Article is From: www.dmnews.com

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Fallen Paris National Guard soldiers honored at Iraq post office


"...Four soldiers from the 1544th Transportation Company based in Paris were honored posthumously for their support of postal operations in Iraq during the dedication of a new post office Dec. 17 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq...."    



This Article is From: www.jg-tc.com

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

EEOC Holds that Employees Cannot Be Discriminated Against Due to Perceived Limitations of a Disability


"...EEOC Appeal No. 0720070077 (November 13, 2009), the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reinforced the notion that federal agencies cannot discriminate against disabled employees based on subjective opinions of their limitations and abilities. Federal Employers ..."    



This Article is From: www.fedsmith.com

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2007 slaying of Carnation family haunts survivors


"...He was a big, strong guy and a really caring guy." Erica admired Wayne and Judy Anderson from the start, Mantle said. Judy Anderson was a well-liked postal carrier in Carnation, and her husband was a veteran Boeing engineer. But, her family said, relations..."    



This Article is From: seattletimes.nwsource.com

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In the mail: CNY readers defend U.S. postal system

Postal service works hard to deliver in timely manner

"...Having dealt with several European mail services over 20 years or so, I can say with absolute assurance I know of no better postal service than ours. It’s not cheap, but it’s reliable and pretty much guaranteed to get the mail where it belongs in a reasonable amount of time...."    



This Article is From: blog.syracuse.com

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Pa. man on house arrest robs post office


"...removed the ankle bracelet so he could leave home, then put it back on after the robbery. ..."    



This Article is From: www.timesleader.com

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Wytheville post office suspect has a 'mean streak', criminal history


"...holding three people hostage in a Wytheville post office. Court records from Florida also detail a violent history for the 53-year-old, who served four years of a 12-year prison sentence for shooting another ex-wife and was also convicted of lewd and lascivious ..."    



This Article is From: www.roanoke.com

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Mother of gunned down Post Office worker Craig Hodson-Walker tells her uplifting story


"...After Craig's death, the Post Office part of the business was closed down, but a few weeks later PO chiefs acknowledged that the people of Fairfield in Worcestershire were not going to allow those who carried out Craig's murder to stop them from going on with village life as they had before...."    



This Article is From: www.dailymail.co.uk

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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Joe Namath's Dogs Attack UPS Driver


"...former UPS driver filed a lawsuit against Namath, seeking at least $15,000 for injuries he says he sustained when three dogs attacked him..."    



This Article is From: www.postchronicle.com

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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Truck Carrying Mail Overturns, All Lanes Open


"...Alamance County, NC-- A semi contracted with the US Postal Service is slowing traffic on I-85 southbound near Mebane Oaks Rd. The truck belongs to Mail Carriers of America...."    



This Article is From: www.digtriad.com

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Union’s opposition to excessive workshare discounts

A Clear Picture

"... For 1,000 automated letters, which cost the USPS $6.17 to process in delivery sequence, the Postal Service “forgives” $105 in discounts for a portion of the work required to sort the mail into delivery seuqence, resulting in a loss of $98.83 per 1,000 automated letters. That amounts to a loss of $98,830 for every 1 million letters.

I have repeatedly expressed the union’s opposition to excessive workshare discounts that shift the costs of postal services from large mailers to individual users. And I have frequently pointed out that the law governing the USPS stipulates that discounts must not exceed the postal cost avoided.

Despite the outrageous USPS giveaways to major mailers, our critics suggest that the Postal Service’s financial crisis can be addressed by reducing employee wages!!!..."    



This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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USPS' Santa ready to hang up the red hat


"...Santa Claus is better known within the U.S. Postal Service as Doug Fischer. The 28-year USPS veteran has donned the red suit and the snow-white beard for the last 12 years to help deliver Express Mail packages on Christmas Day...."    



This Article is From: www.9news.com

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USPS mail collection box stolen in Phoenix


"...collection box was recovered with most of the outgoing still inside...."    



This Article is From: www.kswt.com

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Affidavit: Anger at government motivated Wytheville post office suspect


"...made a decision to 'end it' at a Post Office in Wytheville, Virginia. Taylor admitted to firing one of the handguns he was carrying numerous times in the post office and also admitted to holding the hostages..."    



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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Post Office Hostage Standoff in Virginia is Over

Police say Va. post office hostage standoff over

"...WYTHEVILLE, Va. -- State police say a daylong standoff at a small-town Virginia post office has ended with three hostages being released and a suspect in custody...."    



This Article is From: wvgazette.com

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Wytheville, Virginia Post Office Hostage Situation Taking Place Now


"...There also are reports that the man has a "device" and it appears the man's car, parked outside the office, is equipped with some type of device, Crewe said. He did not elaborate on what the device could be...."    



This Article is From: www.cnn.com

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U.S. Post Office warns of email scam


"...Chief Postal Inspector William R. Galligan, notifies the recipient that a “parcel from DHL courier service has been stopped for security reasons” and “Our scanning system has detected that your parcel contains a confirmable ATM card to the tune of $1.5 million dollars.” ..."    



This Article is From: www2.counton2.com

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Sylvia Writes Santa A Disturbing Letter Concerning Mice


"...“Santa Claus is accepting mail again,” Sylvia informed me.

“I didn’t know that Santa wasn’t accepting mail. After all, that’s his job,” I said. “Kids write to him asking for Christmas presents and, if they’ve been good, Santa brings them what they want on Christmas Eve. That is, if their requests are reasonable and have been properly processed with the correct postage.”..."    



This Article is From: www.stpns.net

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Express Mail Can Get it There on Time


"...Customers searching for reliable overnight delivery of holiday gifts can look to Express Mail from the U.S. Postal Service to get it under the tree in time.

Express Mail service offers reliable, affordable next-day delivery to most locations, plus free tracking and proof of delivery. The last recommended day for mailing holiday gifts by Express Mail is Dec. 23...."    



This Article is From: www.melodika.net

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Post Office hours Dec 24 & 31, 2009

POST OFFICES CLOSING EARLY ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE

"...Post Offices will be open on Christmas Eve, December 24, and New Year’s Eve, December 31, however, many will shorten retail lobby hours and close at 12:00 noon. Regular mail delivery will take place though Collection Box pickup times scheduled after noon on these days will be moved to 12:00 noon.

Customers needing service after 12:00 noon on either December 24 or December 31 should contact their local post office for information on locations of post offices that will maintain normal retail hours and lobby collections on these days. Post Office phone numbers can be obtained from our Find a Post Office tool or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Post Offices will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009, and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2010. No delivery service (except for Sunday and Holiday Premium Express Mail) is scheduled for these holidays. Regular retail service and mail delivery will resume on the days following the holidays, December 26, 2009 and January 2, 2010...."    



This Article is From: United States Postal Service

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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Canada Post's cheaper service pays off with Christmas parcels


"...cheaper usually pays off when it comes to sending Christmas parcels with Canada Post. On Dec. 10, the Star sent eight identical..."    



This Article is From: www.thestar.com

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Friday, December 18, 2009

Sick leave credit for FERS employees


"...Postal employees who retire under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) will receive credit for their unused sick leave when they retire. The new provision — which became effective Oct. 28 with the president’s signing of the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act — will be phased in over four years.

FERS employees who retire between now and Dec. 31, 2013, will receive a 50-percent ..."    



This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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Pittsfield Mail Concerns Return to sender Trying to get answers from Postal Service frustrating


"...the reputation of the Postal Service -- traditionally one of the most reliable and trustworthy institutions in the land -- continues to come under fire from critics who are unhappy with allegedly sluggish, hit-or-miss service bordering on indifference. ..."    



This Article is From: www.berkshireeagle.com

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

$190 postage for gifts paid by mystery man

Yes, Memphis, there really is a Santa Claus

"...He was there to open a post office box, Bethes said, and after he'd finished his paperwork, he asked about the package...."    



This Article is From: www.commercialappeal.com

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Will USPS Flat Rate Boxes Save You Money?


"...if it fits, it ships for one rate to any state in the country. But are you really saving money with the boxes? When Carole Willisch heard about the Flat Rate boxes, she thought she could save some money sending her Christmas gifts...."    



This Article is From: www.localnews8.com

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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Monday is Busiest Mailing Day of the Year for the Post Office


"...The Monday two weeks prior to Christmas is the busiest mailing day each year, as people finish their cards and packages over the weekend and drop them in the mail to make sure they arrive before the holiday...."    



This Article is From: www.fayobserver.com

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Friday, December 11, 2009

The 10 industries with the largest wage and salary employment declines, 2008-18


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Postal Service will have lost 98,000 jobs by the year 2018. That is a decline of 13%! The data is from the National Employment Matrix.
   



Reference: www.bls.gov

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

APWU, Other Federal Unions Assail Senate Bill’s Excise Tax on Healthcare


"...“This tax would result in huge benefit cuts, and increased co-pays and deductibles for federal and postal employees,” Burrus said. “It is absolutely the wrong way to pay for this legislation. Health insurance reform simply should not be financed by burdening workers and the middle class with an excise tax.”

The two reports conclude that the “average” plans would try to avoid the excise tax, and would shift costs to employees...."    



This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

GAO Report:: U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Postal Service Relatively Limited Results from Recent Revenue-Generation Efforts


"...USPS debt increased at the end of fiscal year 2009 by the annual statutory limit of $3 billion, bringing outstanding debt to $10.2 billion. At this rate, USPS will reach its total $15 billion statutory debt limit in fiscal year 2011. (4) USPS projects annual deficits over $7 billion in fiscal years 2010 and 2011, and continuing large cash shortfalls. PAEA and implementing regulations gave USPS more flexibility to set prices, test new postal products, and retain earnings. USPS has broad latitude to set rates that take effect unless the Postal Regulatory Commission finds the rates would violate legal requirements, such as a price cap that generally limits rate increases for most mail to the rate of inflation. Except for annual rate increases, USPS revenue-generation actions since PAEA was enacted have generally achieved limited results compared to USPS's deficits...."    



This Article is From: www.gao.gov

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Monday, December 7, 2009

Federal Times Gregg Carlstrom ask: USPS employee? Filed a grievance?

 
Federal Times: USPS employee? Filed a grievance?
"...Time for one of my periodic “I’m looking for postal employees…” posts. I’m working on a story about the Postal Service’s labor grievance process, and I’m looking for postal employees who have filed grievances against USPS. Don’t care what the outcome was — whether you won, you lost, or the complaint is still pending.

If you’re interested in talking — anonymously, of course — e-mail me here...."
Reference: federaltimes.com

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Stephens County Ex-Postal Employee Under Investigation


"...A spokesman for the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service said a mail carrier in Duncan will likely face federal charges for crimes committed on the job...."    



This Article is From: www.news9.com

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Postal Service Truck, SUV and Tom Brokaw Vehicle Involved in Fatal Accident



Suejas Estrada, attempting to avoid a spool of cable on the Bruckner expressway in the Bronx, slammed into a Postal Service truck today. Sadly, Suejas Estrada was ejected from the vehicle and killed. A Volvo station wagon, driven by Tom Brokaw and his wife Meredith, hit the rear of the postal vehicle while attempting to avoid the SUV. Tom Brokaw and his wife were uninjured. Tom, Meredith, and the driver of the Postal Service vehicle were visibly shaken by the accident and extremely saddened by the death of Suejas Estrada.    


This Article is From: The Postal Newsgroup

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Soldier’s Mom Sues USPS


"...United States Postal Service returned the letter, Written in red ink was the word”deceased”. Najbar, who lives Duluth, Minnesota, ended up learning through the Red Cross that her son Sam Eininger was in fact ..."    



This Article is From: militaryvetnews.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Don't forget it's open Season for your 2010 benefits


"...It’s Open Season — the time of year when employees can sign up for benefit programs, change enrollments or cancel their participation in Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Vision and Dental insurance plans, (FEDVIP) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and the Annual Leave Exchange (ALE) program. Most FEHB plans will include premium and benefit changes for 2010. Check your current health plan to see if your premiums are increasing. ..."    



This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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Monday, November 30, 2009

Credit Card Solicitations on the Decline, USPS Hurting


"...With the declining amount of postage that’s being sent via the mail each month, the Post Office will likely have to rely on funds provided by taxpayers through the general fund in order to maintain operations. Some have even gone as to far as suggesting that the post office decreases mail delivery to three days a week in order to decrease their costs. Meanwhile, American consumers are now declining credit cards offers ..."    


This Article is From: www.americanbankingnews.com

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Boy Scouts Stamp - “Celebrate Scouting” commemorative stamp


"...In 2010, the Postal Service will return the favor, recognizing the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts of America with its “Celebrate Scouting” commemorative stamp (Link, 11/12). Scheduled for release in July, the stamp pays tribute to the organization that promotes adventure, skill building, leadership, personal development, and community service...."    


This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Hatch Act problems?


"...They also allege that Ruane faxed his election reports using post office equipment. The Hatch Act covers all civilian employees in the executive branch of the federal government, including employees of the United States Postal Service. Ruane’s position does fall under the restrictions of the Hatch Act...."    



This Article is From: hudsonreporter.com

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USPS/NAPS Announce New Interim Supervisor Selection Program


"...program to identify and select initial level supervisors in Customer Services and Processing & Distribution to alleviate some of the problems that the field is experiencing with vacant positions..."    



This Article is From: naps.org

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Philadelphia Metro District hit all six of its performance targets


"...EXFC overnight was 96.52 percent, two-day 94.01 percent, and three-day 93.07 percent. Delivery Confirmation Priority Mail-Retail (DCPM-R) surface was 96.47 percent, DCPM-R Air was 93.67 percent and Express Mail 97.56 percent...."    



This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Washington man sues Postal Service over firing


"...A former supervisor sued the U.S. Postal Service, claiming he was fired for refusing a late shipment of Netflix DVDs...."    



This Article is From: seattletimes.nwsource.com

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Free Dunkin Donuts Coffee for Mail Carriers


"...November 25, Dunkin' Donuts is serving free coffee to any United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier. Any mail carrier wearing an official uniform or showing their union card identification can visit participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout the country for a free coffee, any size, no strings attached...."    



This Article is From: blogs.courant.com

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Postal comment draws suspension

Union chief told customers to call congresswoman about lines

"...By MANDY BOLEN Citizen Staff
A 23-year U.S. Postal Service veteran in Key West was suspended for improper conduct after he advised postal customers to contact their congresswoman if they were unhappy with long lines and..."    


This Article is From: keysnews.com

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Postal service improves lighting at Camp Hill Post Office after Harrelson murder


"...Tony Harrelson, 46, a Royster Trucking driver from Dadeville, was shot and killed on duty at the Camp Hill Post Office between 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 2...."    



This Article is From: www.thedadevillerecord.com

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Best way to get your name off mailing lists


"...To get your name off mailing lists, go to the Direct Marketing Association’s consumer Web site, at www.dmachoice.org. Click on “Register for eMPS” to opt out of unsolicited junk e-mail. ..."    



This Article is From: www.dmachoice.org

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Stay out of the US Postal Service's National Change of Address database ...Big Brother is watching


"...When you move, stay out of the U.S. Postal Service’s National Change of Address database. Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy at the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, advises that you file a temporary change, good for six months, which won’t be entered into the database. During that time, tell everyone who needs to know your new address. .."    



This Article is From: www.consumerreports.org

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USPS redesigns to aid Mac users


"...hassle came when trying to do all this with an Apple Macintosh computer and Mac OS X version 10.6. The Postal Service's site says its Web service is geared toward computers running Microsoft's Internet Explorer and does not support Apple's Safari Web browser...."    



This Article is From: www.washingtontimes.com

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Federal Disability Retirement: As a Medical Issue, Medical Treatment Must Be Followed


"...Federal and Postal employees to obtain Federal Disability Retirement benefits often get lost in the morass of meeting the legal criteria for their clients, forgetting that, first and foremost, the entire process begins with the medical condition and the appropriate treatments for that condition. ..."    



This Article is From: www.fedsmith.com

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Current List of Stations/Branches Under Review as of November 20, 2009


"...The USPS has updated the Station/Branch Consolidation Initiative List. 241 offices still remain on the list. Click here to see the updated list...."    


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Thursday, November 19, 2009

USPS' possible-closings list about to get shorter


"...On Friday, there will be a new list released by the government agency that contains a smaller number of branches still subject to consolidation...."    



This Article is From: www.news-sentinel.com

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