Friday, December 31, 2010

USPS Announces Changes To ‘Mystery Shopper Program’



"...The questions have been a source of frustration, both to window clerks and the mailing public, in part because RAs were required to ask every customer mailing a package a litany of questions – even customers they knew well and whose needs they understood.

APWU Clerk Craft Director Rob Strunk praised the decision. “Finally, a manager with authority has realized that our Sales and Service Associates can determine on their own an appropriate method for communicating with our customers...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.apwu.org Read our latest posts! .

Monday, December 27, 2010

Another Big Mailer Discount Program Begins Jan. 2

TWO USPS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS DEBUT JAN. 2

"...provides rebates of more than 5 percent for volume growth of mailers who regularly use Standard Mail and Nonprofit Mail letters and flats. Mailers who decide to participate in the incentive cannot participate in any other sale or incentive..."    postal news

This Article is From: usps.gov Read our latest posts! .

Friday, December 24, 2010

Most post Offices will close at noon today

"...All Post Offices nationwide will be open today, Christmas Eve, but most will have shortened retail lobby hours and close at noon. Mail delivery for Dec. 24 is not affected by the change. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.middletownpress.com Read our latest posts! .

A Common-Sense Plan to Save the Postal Service Pt. 1

"...So in effect, the postal service is now being run by the very worst employees, harassing and dictating to the very best. The tail is literally wagging the dog – and what makes the situation even worse is that many of the people in management know it. A lot of the people who are now in management didn’t get any respect as employees because their fellow employees saw them as lazy and inefficient. In fact, many of them wouldn’t have survived as craft employees. So now, consistent with their lack of character and immaturity, they ignore the postal service’s primary mission and give priority to their personal game of pay-back...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.veteranstoday.com Read our latest posts! .

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Holiday Mail bombs: Mail Bomb Explodes at Swiss Embassy

Terrorism in Italy: Mail Bomb Explodes at Swiss Embassy

"...However, since al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula just tried to blow up planes with packages in UPS and Fed Ex planes it might throw suspicion on that group. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: gather.com Read our latest posts! .

Mail Carrier Discovers Active Pipe Bomb

"...called out the bomb unit to neutralize the device, which was in fact an active pipe bomb..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.fox12idaho.com Read our latest posts! .

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Postal Union Helps Veterans

"...APWU’s annual Operation Santa Claus, union officers and staff stopped by the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and the Mologne House on Dec. 15 to spread holiday cheer to wounded U.S. service members. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: Military Veteran News Read our latest posts! .

Monday, December 20, 2010

Man Who Shot Postal Worker Sentenced In Bank Robbery

"...Bob Norman, a postal employee, came into the bank during the robbery and was ordered to the floor. After Abebe left the bank, he encountered Norman again outside...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.theindychannel.com Read our latest posts! .

Fort Smith Postal Workers Protest Potential Consolidation

"...The local postal workers union took to the streets of Fort Smith Saturday. They stood in front of the processing center on 74th Street, which may move more than an hour away to Fayetteville.
..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.kspr.com Read our latest posts! .

U.S. Postal Service to process 800M pieces of mail on busiest day

"...The U.S. Postal Service faces its busiest day of the year Monday, when an estimated 800 million pieces of mail will enter its system. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.bizjournals.com Read our latest posts! .

CPI-W Increases 1.3% Over Last 12 Months

"...The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 1.3 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 214.750 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index rose 0.1 percent prior to seasonal adjustment...."    postal news

This Article is From: Read our latest posts! .

Saturday, December 18, 2010

U.S. Postal Service sees busiest day Dec. 20

"...The USPS will begin collecting mail starting at 2 a.m. Dec. 20 to handle the volume...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.bizjournals.com Read our latest posts! .

Powder found in envelope at Huntsville Alabama courthouse not dangerous

FBI says powder at U.S. courthouse not dangerous

"...The FBI determined that a suspicious white powder found in an envelope in the federal courthouse on Holmes Avenue was not dangerous...."    postal news

This Article is From: al.com Read our latest posts! .

Friday, December 17, 2010

Postal Service Christmas Holiday Hours 2010

POST OFFICES OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE, MOST WILL CLOSE AT NOON

"...All Post Offices nationwide will be open Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31, but most will shorten retail lobby hours and close at noon. Mail delivery for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 is not affected by the change.

Revised hours will be posted at each Post Office and commercial customers are asked to check with their Bulk Mail Acceptance Unit for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 hours of operation.

Customers may call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) for information about specific Post Offices. In addition, mail should be deposited into blue collection mailboxes before noon for early pick-up on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Customers requiring postal services later that day are encouraged to contact their local Postmaster.

Post Offices will be closed Saturday, Dec. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 1. Express Mail only will be delivered on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day in most major metropolitan areas. Post Offices will be open regular hours on Monday, Dec. 27, and Jan. 3...."    postal news

This Article is From: usps.gov Read our latest posts! .

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Mailbox Bombs Found

"...home-made bombs planted in mailboxes have Albermarle County..."    postal news

This Article is From: Mailboxes Read our latest posts! .

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Medical Marijuana Shipment Seized

"...Spring City Post Office lawmen were waiting. The man who police say sent the eight-pound package of premium, medical-grade marijuana didn't think about the intense smell it would produce..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.newschannel9.com Read our latest posts! .

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Postal worker delivers mail in the buff

"...postal carrier says he simply wanted to cheer up a woman on his mail rounds who seemed "stressed out."..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.wfrv.com Read our latest posts! .

Monday, December 13, 2010

Petri asks for extension on public commentary for mail processing move

"...Many of those at the Nov. 23 meeting in Oshkosh criticized the Postal Service for not supplying adequate information on the rationale for the move from Oshkosh to Green Bay, especially since an earlier study explored moving the Green Bay operation to Oshkosh...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.thenorthwestern.com Read our latest posts! .

Postal Consolidation

Community should go to bat for local jobs, service

"...The U.S. Postal Service is considering taking Texarkana’s mail processing operations and consolidating them with operations in Shreveport.
..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.texarkanagazette.com Read our latest posts! .

Saturday, December 11, 2010

FBI seeks to delay anthrax review

"...intended to contest and challenge the independent NAS panel’s draft findings. If these new documents were relevant to the NAS’ review, why were they previously undisclosed and withheld?”..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.bioprepwatch.com Read our latest posts! .

For many in Massachusetts, it’s a postal disservice

"...to the dismay of many of the town's 900 residents, the US Postal Service closed its local branch, located most recently inside a general..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.boston.com Read our latest posts! .

Friday, December 10, 2010

New Postmaster General reveals new USPS executive team


"...identified four, core business strategies: strengthening the business to customer channel; improving the customer experience; growing the package business; and becoming a leaner, faster, smarter organisation...."    postal news
This Article is From: postandparcel.info Read our latest posts! .

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

USPS morns tragic employee loss

PO Box Opened for Slain Miami Letter Carrier Condolences
Click below to enlarge please

Virus acts like email from U.S. Postal Service

"...It's an email claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service, but take a second look before opening the attachment. It's actually the latest virus attacking computers. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.whptv.com Read our latest posts! .

Medical evidence needed for disability retirement applications under FERS or CSRS

Medical Evidence for Disability Retirement

"...here is a large body of case law on the subject and every situation is different. However, here are some questions that must be answered by the medical documentation you include with your application in order to be granted disability retirement by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.federal-law.com Read our latest posts! .

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Miami Postal Shooting

Search continues in postal worker shooting

"...60-year-old Bruce Parton was shot Monday afternoon. His body was found in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The shooter took off in the mail truck..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.miamiherald.com

Miami Postal Shooting

Read our latest posts! .

APWU: "anti-union newspaper wants Congress to tilt the scale against workers"

The Washington Post: Wrong Again!

"...To bolster its case, The Post claimed that USPS labor costs are excessive without acknowledging that processing and delivering more than 170 billion of pieces of mail annually remains an inherently labor-intensive operation — despite the increased use of automation. The media conglomerate also failed to acknowledge that USPS labor costs as a percentage of total expenses have declined from 86 percent to 78 percent; USPS productivity is at an all-time high, and more than 100,000 employees have been trimmed from the rolls in the last 2 ½ years.

Any suggestion that postal workers are the cause of USPS difficulties is belied by these facts. The Post’s call to use USPS financial difficulties to wrest concessions from workers — in the midst of ongoing contract talks — is nothing short of outrageous...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.apwu.org Read our latest posts! .

Why Oshkosh was on Post Office hit list (Letter)

"...Fact is that from January 27 through September 1 of this year, USPS has racked up total OSHA fines to more than $4.6 million. In fact, USPS has accrued nearly $1 million dollars more in fines since September 1st. Is it merely coincidence that amount of savings in closing the Oshkosh center is comparable to the OSHA fines?..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.thenorthwestern.com Read our latest posts! .

Monday, December 6, 2010

Postal Service achieved huge savings by slashing career employees

U.S. Postal Service Chief tells Senate customers come first
"...the Postal Service achieved $3 billion in spending reductions in 2010, for a three year total of $10 billion and despite reaching the lowest career complement since 1970..."    postal news
This Article is From: whattheythink.com Read our latest posts! .

Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Postal Service is vital to America

If you are looking for a great action and adventure movie that inspires the American spirit as well as identifying the vital need for a postal service, then the 'The Postman' (1997) is the movie to watch. The movie kindles the American spirit while reinforcing the fact that rural post offices are the vital glue that binds our great country together. The movie is a strong argument against the current U.S. Postal Service trend of closing rural post offices which in turn is destroying the promise of Universal Service to our nation. You can order the movie from Netflix who describes 'The Postman' as taking place in the year 2013, amidst the desolation of a decimated, post-apocalypse United States, rogue groups of armed men prey on individuals. The largest of these -- the Holnists, led by General Bethlehem (Will Patton) -- seeks to rule the country. They capture a drifter (Kevin Costner), who escapes at first chance and stumbles on an abandoned mail Jeep. He begins delivering its letters, eventually restoring hope and inspiring revolution. You can also order The Postman [Blu-ray] from Amazon ...it might even make a nice stocking stuffer for that postal employee in your life.  
Read our latest posts! .

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mail Processing Consolidations Anger Public, But They Continue

USPS study gets fiery crowd reaction

"..."They said there was going to be no impact, and now it takes three days for mail to go from Victoria to Victoria," Smarr said. "If that's 'no impact,' I am truly concerned about what they're saying about this plan."..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.victoriaadvocate.com Read our latest posts! .

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Postal Service to consolidate operations

"..."Misguided postal officials have taken a meat ax to good mail delivery in southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "Our economy is working toward rebound and I would like to see justification for this decision before it proceeds any further...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.herald-dispatch.com Read our latest posts! .

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

2010 Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations

2010 Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations
"...Pursuant to §39 U.S.C. 3686(d), the Postal Service hereby reports that during calendar year 2009 the following persons received compensation in the amounts listed in excess of the rate for level 1 of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of Title 5:

Nicholas F. Barranca $9,150

Robert F. Bernstock $73,300

Joseph Corbett $73,300

Michael J. Daley $29,665

Patrick R. Donahoe $57,671

Steven J. Forte $30,946

Mary Ann Gibbons $23,300

Timothy C. Healy $13,939

Jerry D. Lane $5,100

John E. Potter $69,533

Anthony J. Vegliante $34,923

David C. Williams $8,568

George W. Wright $16,866..."    postal news
This Article is From: www.usps.com

Tag: 2010 Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Perhaps a Postal early retirement program?

Chaffetz calls Postmaster General’s retirement package ‘ridiculous’

"...“There probably are going to be need some taxpayer funds needed,” he said. “Perhaps an early retirement program to get rid of some..."    postal news

This Article is From: dailycaller.com Read our latest posts!
Tags: Postal early retirement, USPS early out retirement 2011, Postal early out, postal early out rumors, USPS early retirement

Incoming Postmaster General Taking Over Mail Service in Disarray

"...Burrus, who is no longer the lead negotiator for his union, said wages and a policy that protects employees from layoffs after six years of service have been key points of contention...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.foxnews.com Read our latest posts! .

APWU Contract Negotiations Resume

"...conversation focused on returning subcontracted work to postal employees, as well as discussing issues related to workforce structure, and pay and benefits...."    postal news

This Article is From: APWU Contract Negotiation News
Read our latest posts!

Monday, November 29, 2010

OSHA Fines USPS For Safety Violations in Los Angeles

"...The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the Postal Service $220,000 for willful and serious safety violations at the International Service Center in Los Angeles, CA...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.apwu.org Read our latest posts! .

Shop for shipping — cheapest rates a weighty matter

"...If you are sending a package that is small or lightweight, your best buy may be the U.S. Postal Service. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.cantonrep.com Read our latest posts! .

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Postmaster General earns nearly a quarter-million dollars in incentive pay in 2010

USPS to tie pay, bonuses to finances

"...paid Mr. Potter $228,088 in extra incentive pay this year and more than $150,000 in incentive pay combined to four other high-ranking executives, records show...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.washingtontimes.com Read our latest posts! .

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Radioactive Package Found (FedEx)

FedEx finds missing radioactive package

"...FedEx on Friday found a package containing radioactive material that went missing a day earlier..."    postal news

This Article is From: cnn.com

Tag: FedEx Radioactive, Radioactive Package, Radioactive Parcel,

Read our latest posts! .

Friday, November 26, 2010

Which shipping company treats packages best – FedEx, UPS, or USPS?

"...devised a few special shipments with three major carriers like FedEx
, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (USPS). Inside several boxes Popular Mechanics included a three-axis accelerometer, thermometer, and a data logger..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.geek.com Read our latest posts! .

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

APWU Contract Extended to Dec. 1

"...Although the union’s national negotiating team has full authority to reach a tentative agreement with management, the Rank and File Bargaining Committee has the power to veto any such agreement. If the committee approves a tentative agreement, under the terms of the union constitution it must be ratified by the majority of union members voting in a mail-ballot referendum. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.apwu.org Read our latest posts!

tag: APWU Contract Negotiations Update, APWU Contract Negotiations, Postal Union Contract,

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Family wins lawsuit against Postal Service

"...A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Postal Service to pay $11.6 million to a former Monroe woman and her son who were seriously injured in a collision caused by a postal worke..."    postal news

This Article is From: www.onlineathens.com Read our latest posts! .

Sunday, November 21, 2010

USPS facing “most serious threat in its 200-year history”

"...Congressman Darrell Issa, who is widely tipped to head up the Oversight and Government Reform Committee when the new Congress returns in January, mirrored Senator Carper’s calls for urgent cuts to the USPS...."    postal news

This Article is From: postandparcel.info Read our latest posts! .

Friday, November 19, 2010

Details slim as public hearing nears on Oshkosh mail consolidation to Green Bay

"...Meier said everything about the effort to cut costs and find efficiencies feels like another card added to a deck stacked against the Oshkosh mail processing operation...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.thenorthwestern.com Read our latest posts! .

Outgoing postmaster general's golden parachute

"...Postal unions also argue that workers are being unfairly asked to make financial concessions while top executives earn six-figure salaries and retirement payouts. ..."    postal news

This Article is From: washingtonpost.com Read our latest posts! .

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Gas vapors under Miles City Post Office prompt evacuation order

"...the U.S. Postal Service will bring a mobile unit from Great Falls so the post office can operate until vapors are mitigated. Postal operations and customer retail service will move to 715 Haynes Ave. beginning on Friday, according to a press release from the Postal Service...."    postal news

This Article is From: billingsgazette.com Read our latest posts! .

USPS considers moving processing center out of Batesville

"...considering moving some of its mail processing operations from the Batesville Post Office to the Northeast Arkansas Mail Processing Center in Jonesboro...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.kait8.com Read our latest posts! .

Monday, November 15, 2010

A history of parcel bombs

"...In June 1939 50 letter-bombs exploded in postboxes and post offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester...."    postal news

This Article is From: www.economist.com Read our latest posts! .