Sunday, December 31, 2017

Trump Takes On Amazon and the Postal Service Again, Urging ‘Much More’ in Postage Fees

Trump Takes On Amazon Again, Urging ‘Much More’ in Postage Fees

"...Amazon regularly uses the Postal Service to complete what’s called the “last mile” of delivery, with letter carriers dropping off packages at some 150 million residences and businesses daily. It has a network of more than 20 “sort centers” where customer packages are sorted by zip code, stacked on pallets and delivered to post offices for the final leg of delivery. While full details of the agreement between Amazon and the Postal Service are unknown -- the mail service is independently operated and strikes confidential deals with retailers..."    


This Article is From: www.bloomberg.com
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Sunday, December 24, 2017

In final holiday push, UPS grabs its accountants to deliver packages

In final holiday push, UPS grabs its accountants to deliver packages

"...UPS had to supplement those workers this year by calling in employees from various desk jobs with little notice. Some are delivering packages using their personal vehicles. A shift to online shopping coupled with a tight market for seasonal workers left gaps in manpower across the delivery network..."    


This Article is From: http://www.foxnews.com
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Saturday, December 23, 2017

Police: Naked man kills Post Office supervisor early Saturday

Police: Naked man kills Post Office supervisor early Saturday

"...Police say a naked United States Postal Service employee shot a supervisor to death early Saturday morning at a post office before attacking and killing another supervisor at her home..."    


This Article is From: http://nbc4i.com
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Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Tesla Secures Its Largest Order of Semi Trucks Yet With UPS

Tesla Secures Its Largest Order of Semi Trucks Yet With UPS

"...Shipping giant UPS announced this morning that it has pre-ordered 125 all-electric Tesla Semi trucks. The order is the largest yet for the truck, trumping last week’s order of 100 vehicles from PepsiCo. It adds to a growing list of big-name companies who have signed on for the truck..."    


This Article is From: fortune.com
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Monday, December 4, 2017

Politicians make sure they will not get elected again: Their Shameful Tax Plan

U.S. Senate Seems to Have the Votes to Pass their Shameful Tax Plan

"...Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) acknowledged that the Republican drive to cut taxes for the wealthy is the prelude to a larger attack on Social Security and Medicare. On Wednesday, he told a group of lobbyists that hiking the deficit with the GOP tax bill is the first step in dismantling the programs. Responding to a question from Politico interviewers about how to address the federal deficit, he replied, “We have to do two things. We have to generate economic growth which generates revenue, while reducing spending. That will mean instituting structural changes to Social Security and Medicare for the future...Sen. Rubio may have just told a secret that he was not supposed to spill,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “The GOP strategy of increasing the debt and then saying we need to cut Social Security and Medicare usually flies under the radar..."    


This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Postal worker shot in the head while on the job dies

Postal worker shot in the head while on the job dies

"...United States Postal Services worker died after being shot in the head Monday night, Channel 2 Action News reported. The shooting occurred outside a post office..."    


This Article is From: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Thursday, November 16, 2017

Amazon has privately blamed the U.S. Postal Service for grocery delivery issues that led to Amazon Fresh changes

Amazon has privately blamed the U.S. Postal Service for grocery delivery issues that led to Amazon Fresh changes

"...Specifically, Amazon officials have told several food brands that the USPS had delivered an unreliable experience to customers with too many late or missed deliveries, according to people familiar with the discussions. With no other good delivery options for fresh food in these areas, Amazon decided to shut down the service..."    


This Article is From: www.recode.net
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Monday, November 6, 2017

As U.S. Postage Rates Continue To Rise, The USPS Gives The Chinese A 'Free Ride'

As U.S. Postage Rates Continue To Rise, The USPS Gives The Chinese A 'Free Ride'

"...almost impossible not to be amazed at how cheaply China-based merchants are selling products for: xlr cables for $.99, a necklace for $.78, 10 watch batteries for $.78 -- all with postage included. Perhaps you may feel a little suspicious or even a touch indignant about these low prices, as you know that ..."    


This Article is From: www.forbes.com
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Friday, November 3, 2017

NPMHU Files Charges with NLRB RE: Function-1 Scheduler And USPS Failure to Provide Information

NPMHU Files Charges with NLRB RE: Function-1 Scheduler And USPS Failure to Provide Information
NLRB charge
"...alleging that the Postal Service has failed to bargain in good faith by providing all of the relevant information requested by the National Union. The National Contract Administration Department has been pressing the Postal Service for months seeking information and worksheets relevant to the application of the Function-I Scheduler in any and all mail processing facilities that may be affected by this management tool..."    

This Article is From: npmhu317.blogspot.com
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Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Veterans' Day Observed on Saturday November 11: Postal Retail and Delivery Closed

Veterans' Day Observed on Saturday November 11: Postal Retail and Delivery Closed

"...Each year, Veterans' Day is celebrated on Nov. 11. For 2017, the holiday falls on a Saturday. There has been some confusion about when the Postal Service will observe the holiday because it has a six “business” day week. For clarification, USPS Retail and Delivery will be closed on Saturday, November 11, 2017. It will be business as usual on Friday, November 10, 2017...UPDATE: Veterans’ Day is not one of the negotiated holidays PSEs receive pay for..."    


This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017

They got you again! Think you are getting a pay raise? Think again.

Federal employee health insurance premiums to rise by 6.1 percent

"...The nearly two-thirds of enrollees covered by a Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan will pay $7.17 more per biweekly pay period next year than last year for self-only coverage; $17.04 more for self plus one other person and $17.72 for self and family coverage..."    


This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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More Reading: In relation to the story above, let's take a look at the last COLA a postal Mail Handler received and compare it to your expected health insurance cost:
  • Estimated COLA increase for a Mail Handler: Approximately $10.38 Biweekly pay period
  • Estimated increase in Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Plan: $17.04 more for self plus one other person and $17.72 for self and family coverage Biweekly pay period

  • Wow! That's a pretty good beating!...and that example does not include the amount the government will increase the portion you will pay toward your insurance, etc. And if you think that is a big hit, just wait and see of the GOP is able to harm you even more with the 2018 Budget attacks on federal retirement, SRS, high three and more. .

    Friday, October 6, 2017

    House Budget is an attack on FERS employees more so than CSRS, cuts G Fund rate, ends SRS, raises employee contributions again

    House advances 2018 budget resolution with federal retirement cuts

    "...elimination of supplemental payments to employees who retire before age 62; A switch to a defined contribution pension plan for new federal employees; reduce the G fund’s rate of return..."    


    This Article is From: federal-employees.blogspot.com
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    Tuesday, September 5, 2017

    Hunt for U.S postal carrier's shooter continues

    Hunt for U.S postal carrier's shooter continues

    "...The family of mail carrier Ed McDaniel, who was shot in West Charlotte on August 31st while just doing his job..."    


    This Article is From: www.fox46charlotte.com
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    Tuesday, August 22, 2017

    APWU Announces 2017 COLA Increase

    Second Significant COLA Increase of 2017 Announced

    "...In accordance with the 2015-2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement, career employees represented by the APWU will receive a 13 cents per hour cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective September 2. The increase is the result of an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). The increase will appear in paychecks dated September 22, 2017 (Pay Period 19-2017), and will total $270.00 per year..."    


    This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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    Tuesday, August 15, 2017

    Letter Carriers president questions Postal Service management

    Letter Carriers president questions Postal Service management

    "...A two-cent cut in the price of a first-class stamp, which cut Postal Service revenue by $500 million in the last three months and $1.5 billion in the first nine months of its current fiscal year, put USPS back in the red so far this fiscal year, a top postal union leader says. Had the cut not slid through, due to inaction by postal management last year, the service would have earned almost $1.4 billion through the first three quarters of the year, rather than losing $55 million in that time, adds National Association of Letter Carriers (link is external) President Fredric Rolando..."    


    This Article is From: www.workdayminnesota.org
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    Tuesday, August 8, 2017

    FDA to step up fentanyl targeting at postal facilities

    FDA to step up fentanyl targeting at postal facilities

    "...To enhance FDA's ability to detect opioid analgesics illegally entering the country via the mail, the agency is deploying roughly three dozen employees to international mail facilities run by the U.S. Postal Service, according to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb's recent internal remarks..."    


    This Article is From: www.pharmacist.com
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    Wednesday, July 26, 2017

    House Budget Goes Beyond White House Blueprint

    House Budget Goes Beyond White House Blueprint

    "...As anticipated, the 2018 House Budget is in the same mold as the White House budget – it punishes workers and the working-class, while giving big payouts to the rich. The resolution instructs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (which has jurisdiction over the Postal Service and postal/federal employee annuity benefits) to cut $32 billion in the programs and agencies they oversee during ten years. Like the White House proposal, the House budget recommends big pay cuts to postal workers through increased Federal Employee Retirement System pension contributions and eliminating the special retirement supplement (which helps federal retirees who retire before they are eligible for Social Security benefits). These two proposals alone will take thousands of dollars out of the pockets of postal workers and retirees. Even more egregious, the House plan calls for replacing guaranteed pension benefits..."    


    This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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    Friday, July 14, 2017

    Too Dangerous to Serve? Glassell Park's notorious Drew Street

    U.S. Postal Service suspends service to Glassell Park's notorious Drew Street after shooting

    "...Postal Service has stopped delivering mail to a neighborhood in Glassell Park once considered among the most dangerous in Los Angeles after a carrier was nearly shot there last month, a USPS official said. “Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of our employees..."    


    This Article is From: www.latimes.com
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    Wednesday, July 5, 2017

    Stolen Postal Truck Among Finds at New Orleans 'Chop Shop'

    Stolen Postal Truck Among Finds at New Orleans 'Chop Shop'

    "...New Orleans detectives have recovered a U.S. Postal Service truck and five other stolen vehicles at a "chop shop" where thieves disassemble stolen cars for parts..."    


    This Article is From: www.usnews.com
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    Wednesday, June 28, 2017

    Thank God for Unions: UPS to Freeze Pension Plan for Non-Unionized Employees

    UPS to Freeze Pension Plan for Non-Unionized Employees

    "...United Parcel Service Inc. plans to freeze pension plans for thousands of nonunion employees in an attempt to help a retirement fund that’s straining under a $10 billion deficit. The package delivery service is expected to announce measures to corral the rising pension obligations to its workforce Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people people familiar with the matter..."    


    This Article is From: www.newsmax.com
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    Wednesday, June 14, 2017

    Multiple People Shot at San Francisco United Parcel Service (UPS) Facility

    Multiple people shot in San Francisco at UPS facility

    "...Sources tell ABC7 News at least three people were shot at the facility and have multiple victims have been transported to the hospital. San Francisco police are advising residents in the area to shelter in place..."    


    This Article is From: abc7news.com
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    Monday, May 22, 2017

    Postal Service Deleted Customer Complaints Around Christmas

    Postal Service Deleted Customer Complaints Around Christmas

    "...The U.S. Postal Service automatically deleted customer complaints on social media just before Christmas, according to a recent audit. A report released last week by the inspector general found the Postal Service has poor management of its accounts on Facebook and Twitter..."    


    This Article is From: freebeacon.com
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    Wednesday, May 10, 2017

    Retirement dilemma: How do FERS employees know they are financially ready?

    Retirement dilemma: How do FERS employees know they are financially ready?

    "...A reoccurring mantra is shared again and again from federal employees, “I don’t know what to do or where to go to find the answers I need.” What training they do receive seems to come late ..."    


    This Article is From: federalnewsradio.com
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    Tuesday, May 2, 2017

    Postal carriers will pick up food donations May 13

    Postal carriers will pick up food donations May 13

    "...Residents can participate by leaving a bag of nonperishable food next to their mail boxes before delivery on May 13. Letter carriers will collect the food and volunteers will sort, pack and deliver the donations to the food bank’s main warehouse...."    


    This Article is From: tucson.com
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    Thursday, April 13, 2017

    Sketch Released of Suspect in Postal Worker Armed Robbery

    Sketch Released of Suspect in Postal Worker Armed Robbery
    "...The sketch of one of two armed robbers who targeted a postal worker in Fort Lauderdale was released Wednesday. U.S. Postal Inspection Service officials are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest of the two suspects...."    

    This Article is From: www.nbcmiami.com
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    Tuesday, March 14, 2017

    Postal Service Making Boxes Tamper-Proof To Thwart Mail 'Fishing'

    Postal Service Making Boxes Tamper-Proof To Thwart Mail 'Fishing'

    "...The U.S. Postal Service is retrofitting its boxes with slots instead of pull-down "snorkels" in an attempt to thwart folks who "fish" for cash or checks in the mail..."    


    This Article is From: dailyvoice.com
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    Friday, March 10, 2017

    Postal career inspires author to write children's book

    Postal career inspires local author to write children's book
    Houser Post Office: Mail on the Farm
    "...The result is called "Houser Post Office: Mail on the Farm," and features a goat postal carrier who delivers mail to the other farm animals. "The book was inspired by the Chicken and Egg Festival..."    

    This Article is From: www.moultonadvertiser.com
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    Friday, March 3, 2017

    APWU Deaf/Hard of Hearing Conference is May 2

    APWU Deaf/Hard of Hearing Conference is May 2

    "...The 2017 APWU Deaf/Hard of Hearing Conference will be held in Washington, DC at Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University on May 2, 2017. This one-day conference will address the unique problems and concerns in the workplace, union, and society that deaf and hard of hearing members face. The goal is to open doors for better communication, better representation, better training, a better workplace, a better union, and building friendship...."    


    This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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    Friday, February 24, 2017

    Fedex extends express air transportation contract with USPS

    Fedex extends express air transportation contract with USPS

    "...modified contract is expected to generate revenue of approximately $1.5 billion per year for Fedex express * Says contract modification extends agreement through September 29, 2024..."    


    This Article is From: www.reuters.com
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    Friday, February 10, 2017

    Should your health and wallet fear new postal bill that radically changes health plans?

    Should your health and wallet fear new postal bill that radically changes health plans?

       


    The newly proposed postal reform bill, known as 'H.R.756 - Postal Service Reform Act of 2017' has many different aims and goals, one of them being the radical change to the healthcare options for postal workers and the apparent removal of a postal workers opportunity to participate in a multitude of plans in the federal healthcare insurance options. It appears the reform bill will force employees into postal employee only plans or plan. Of course, we know very little on this attempt by the Postal Service to develop their own plan and then, upon retirement, place retirees in a medicare plan. What does all of this mean to the postal worker and retiree? Will out-of-pocket expenses for the postal worker/retiree radically rise over time? We know that medicare forces people to pay larger fees in many circumstances. We feel this will drastically reduce competition and increase prices due to fewer healthcare options for postal workers as well as opening the door to future changes to health care plans for for federal workers. The reform plan will force postal workers to enroll in a postal plan. That scares us. Do you think this plan will help postal workers and retirees get better and less expensive care with good coverage or do you think the goal is to place more expense on the worker/retiree in an effort to lower agency costs? You can look at it as similar to the changes that took workers/retirees out of CSRS and then placing them in FERS. If you think that was a good change, you may like it. However, you may see it as a big problem for the working class in the end. Our bet is that the plan helps corporate America more than the worker.


    This Article is From: The Postal Newsgroup
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    Tuesday, January 31, 2017

    TSP Tip: Warren Buffett bought $12 billion of stock after Trump won

    Warren Buffett: I bought $12 billion of stock after Trump won

    "...Buffett revealed that he has bought $12 billion of stock for his company Berkshire Hathaway Inc since the Republican Donald Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election..."    


    This Article is From: www.reuters.com
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    Monday, January 30, 2017

    Beware of using postal blue boxes when mailing checks

    Beware of using postal blue boxes when mailing checks

    "...Beware of putting your mail in the U.S. Postal Service blue boxes. Even though the collection boxes are on federal property and breaking into them is a federal crime, that hasn't stopped the thieves. I've heard from a few people including Inez, Dennis, and Shirley in Colorado Springs. They were forced to change their bank accounts, cancel credit cards, and contact merchants to have late payments forgiven..."    


    This Article is From: gazette.com
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    Monday, January 16, 2017

    National Postal Museum director to retire, after 6-month goal turned to 14 years at helm

    National Postal Museum director to retire, after 6-month goal turned to 14 years at helm

    "...Allen Kane had zero experience in museum administration when he became director of the National Postal Museum in 2002. He wasn’t a stamp collector, either. But Kane knew the U.S. Postal Service, having spent 30 years working there..."    


    This Article is From: www.dailyprogress.com
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    Friday, January 6, 2017

    Has your pay increased 2.9 percent over the last 12 months like average hourly earnings across America?

    Postal Newsgroup: As a postal worker you are representative of skilled blue collar union jobs in America. Why are your wages rapidly losing ground to average wages while you work for an organization who leads in the U.S. parcel delivery market? We don't have the answers but these are the questions that should be pointed at your management team as well as your unions. The following article details the status of jobs and wages in the U.S., but does the data accurately report the stats of the average worker. Something must be lost in the details ...or is it computer GIGO theory? Garbage In, Garbage Out.

    Tepid Hiring, but Jobs Report Shows Sustained Wage Growth


    "...the bigger story in Friday’s report was a better-than-expected showing for hourly earnings, a missing link for many workers until recently in the recovery from the recession. Average hourly earnings rose 0.4 percent in December, bringing the 12-month increase to 2.9 percent, the best annual performance since the recovery began in mid-2009..."    

    This Article is From: www.nytimes.com
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