Neither snow, nor rain, nor shootouts . . .

Pilot program offers Milwaukee postal carriers safe havens

"...Postal carriers were punched in the face, caught in shootouts and nearly run over in Milwaukee during recent months — all as they were trying to deliver the mail, officials said...."    

This Article is From: www.jsonline.com

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Postal Savings Bank ...a bit of Postal History

Mailing Our Way to Solvency

"...In 1910, Congress created a postal savings system. The Post Office offered small savings accounts to individual Americans. The system boomed during the Depression and World War II, with a balance of more than $3 billion in 1947 — almost $30 billion in today’s dollars. But F.D.I.C. insurance of private bank accounts removed the advantage of security from the postal savings system, and its fixed 2 percent..."    

This Article is From: www.nytimes.com

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USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs

USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs
"...Interest has been especially high about the reference to the possibility of layoffs – for the first time in postal history.

Let me be clear: The possibility that the Postal Service may exercise its authority to layoff career employees is real, but it would affect very few APWU-represented employees. The 2006-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement guarantees that each employee who is employed in the regular work force as of Nov. 20, 2006, “shall be protected henceforth against any involuntary layoff or force reduction during the term of this Agreement.”

The agreement also provides that “upon completion of six years of continuous service in their regular workforce” APWU-represented employees are protected against any involuntary layoff or force reduction “during any period of employment in the regular work force with the United States Postal Service or successor organization in his or her lifetime.” To receive credit for the year, an employee must have worked at least one hour (or received a call-in guarantee in lieu of work) in at least 20 of the 26 pay periods during that anniversary year.

APWU-represented employees who meet the criteria listed above are protected for the life of the 2006-2010 National Agreement or for their lifetime, and are not threatened by layoffs resulting from the significant decline in mail volume or the USPS financial difficulties...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

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Automobile Stamps: 50s Fins and Chrome stamp Series

America on the Move: 50s Fins and Chrome stamps

"...Featuring paintings by renowned automobile illustrator Art Fitzpatrick, the stamps showcase a 1957 Chrysler 300C, a 1957 Lincoln Premiere, a 1957 Pontiac Safari, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk and a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. The stamps roll out today..."    

This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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16000 Postal Employees Unprotected from Possible Layoffs

USPS’ Bleak Financial Picture And the Presidential Election
"...In response to the financial crisis, the Postal Service has announced a hiring freeze. And, in a meeting with union leaders and management association presidents, the Postmaster General pointed out that 16,000 USPS employees lack the six years of continuous service required to achieve protection against layoffs. The PMG’s message was clear: For the first time in our history, postal employees may experience layoffs...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

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Creativity in Reno

"...Judy Goza, T-2 Expediter at the Reno P&DC, won First Place for her 16” x 21” individual wall hanging at the Nevada State Fair in Reno, NV on August 20, 2008. The hand-embroidered, machine quilted wall hanging of the Reno MSC area (in 1994) for ZIP Codes 894, 895, 897, and 961, (representing the largest land area of any SCF),..."    

This Article is From: yourpostalblog.blogspot.com

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Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)

"...Vision plans will provide comprehensive eye examinations and coverage for lenses, frames and contact lenses. There are no deductibles or waiting periods. Other benefits such as discounts on lasik surgery may also be available...."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov/insure

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Ohio postal driver named nation's safest

"...COLUMBUS, Ohio—A man who drives a mail truck in Columbus has come to California for a special pickup: an award naming him the Postal Service's top driver. Herb Sharfenaker has never had an accident making mail runs for 43 years, going more than a million miles. He was honored Tuesday in Anaheim, Calif...."    

This Article is From: www.mercurynews.com

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Feds charge postmasters

"...Postmasters from communities around rural Alaska have been charged with embezzling funds over several years totaling several thousand dollars.

The crimes, involving postal employees from Noatak, Selawik, New Stuyahok, Minto, Stebbins and Hooper Bay, occurred over a period of several years, dating back to 2003, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Anchorage. ..."    

This Article is From: thetundradrums.com

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Open Season for Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts

"...Enrollees with self-only coverage will pay, on average, $4.83 more each pay period (about $125 per year) next year. Family coverage will cost an average $11.12 more per pay period. FEHB enrollees pay - on average - 30 percent of the total cost of a plan's premium, while the government pays 70 percent.

This year's Open Season begins November 10 and runs through December 8, 2008, giving employees the opportunity to change or add to their portfolio of health- and family-care insurance products.

In 2009, 10 fee-for-service plans and a number of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) will expand coverage of hearing benefits for adults. This enhancement follows OPM's challenge last year to health carriers - which a number accepted - to improve the coverage of diagnostic tests and hearing aids for children in 2008.

Often cited as a model health-care system, the FEHB Program is not immune to external factors that influence the cost of medical care. In fact, two private studies predict medical costs next year will rise between 9.6 percent and 10.6 percent, with the aging population, the rise of prescription drug costs and patient demand for services fueling much of the increase.

Next year's rise in the average FEHB premium is significantly less than rate hikes some are predicting for large, employer-sponsored private-sector programs.

Premiums, including the government share and the enrollee share, will increase an average 7.0 percent next year. Overall, the average enrollee share of the premium will increase 7.9 percent. Twenty percent of FEHB enrollees would see their share of premiums rise by less than 5.0 percent, based on 2008 enrollment data.

Enrollees in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option, the most popular FEHB plan choice, would see their share of the premium increase 12.9 percent for self-only coverage and 13.4 percent for self and family coverage...."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov

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Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions

"...The U.S. Postal Service has indefinitely frozen all hiring, promotions and other personnel changes in its latest response to a worsening financial position.

"A freeze on all organizational structure changes is effective immediately," USPS Chief Human Resources Officer Anthony Vegliante wrote in a Wednesday memorandum to agency officials. "The freeze includes position upgrades, additions to complement, position neutral exchanges, and requests for new positions."..."    

This Article is From: www.govexec.com

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Chambersburg postal worker injured in accident is recovering at home

"...a bizarre accident while he was delivering mail Saturday afternoon on Highland Avenue. Diller was flown to York Hospital's shock trauma unit after being hit by a car and pushed into a bay window by a vehicle..."    

This Article is From: www.publicopiniononline.com

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Fort Scott post office makes changes to mail sorting system

"...This agreement provides steps that are to be taken in such an instance occurs. Those employees who's jobs may be eliminated will be moved to another opportunity within the Fort Scott Post Office or will be given a job at a different post office within a 50 mile radius. Some of the employees in the afternoon/evening shift made the decision to accept early retirement before the changes were announced. Others have been offered early retirement and were given to the end of September to make their decision. ..."    

This Article is From: www.fstribune.com

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The doggy-dog world of a postal carrier

"...Just why dogs hate carriers so much remains a mystery. Some carriers have a theory that it has something to do with smell, while others feel it’s more territorial. “Dogs bark and the carrier leaves, or maybe it’s the smell of the mail that’s been touched by so many people,” Gowans said...."    

This Article is From: sunpost.net

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Federal and USPS Retirement Annuity

Retirement Information & Services

"...As a current or former employee of the Federal Government, you can find general and personal information about retirement benefits and make changes concerning your annuity payment. ..."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov

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2009 COLA for Federal, Military and Social Security Retiree

COLA Still Up

"...on track for a 6.0 percent cost of living adjustment in January, 2009. Last month the COLA, which is based on the rise (and sometimes fall) of the Consumer Price Index, indicated a 6.2 percent retiree increase for 2009. ..."    

This Article is From: www.federalnewsradio.com

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United States Postal Service (USPS) - History 101

"...The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States government (see 39 U.S.C. § 201) responsible for providing postal service in the US. Within the United States, it is ordinarily referred to as the "Post Office", "Postal Service", "U.S. Mail" or "USPS"...."    

This Article is From: en.wikipedia.org

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Disability Benefits Under CSRS and FERS

How Much Will Federal Employee Disability Benefits Be?

"...FERS uses a different benefit formula that takes into account any Social Security disability benefits for which you may be eligible.

During your first year of disability, FERS will pay you 60% of your high-3 average salary minus 100% of an approximation of any Social Security benefit for which you qualify. No COLA's will be paid during this year.

(Note that Social Security disability payments and the reduction in your FERS benefit will not begin until 5 months after you qualify for Social Security disability. You will receive full FERS benefits during this period.)

During your second and any future years until age 62, your basic FERS benefit will amount to 40% of your high-3 salary. If you are entitled to Social Security disability benefits, your FERS annuity will be reduced by 60% of the approximate amount of your Social Security benefit. COLA's match the inflation rate if it is 2% or less. If the inflation rate is more than 3%, the COLA will be 1% less than the inflation rate.

The total FERS and Social Security benefit you receive will be equal to at least 40% of your high-3 salary plus 40% of your Social Security disability benefits. You may also get your Thrift Savings Plan account when you become disabled.

Your basic FERS disability benefit will be recomputed at age 62. At that time, you will receive your accrued FERS retirement benefit. In this case your accrued FERS benefit would be based on years of service that include the time you were receiving disability benefits. Also, the average salary used would be based on what you were earning at the time you became disabled, increased by all cost-of-living adjustments under FERS during that period. ..."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov

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Disability Retirement Under the Civil Service Retirement System CSRS

Computation of Benefits

"...The "earned annuity" is simply the sum of 1.5 percent of the highest 3 years' average salary (high-3) times the first 5 years of service, plus 1.75 percent of the high-3 times the next 5 years, plus 2 percent of the high-3 times service over 10 years. ..."    
This is a non-technical summary of the laws and regulations on the subject. It should not be relied upon as a sole source of information.

This Article is From: www.opm.gov (RI-83-4)

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House moves to stop black market sales of tobacco

"...require Internet and other remote sellers to verify the age and identity of purchasers to cut down on sales to minors. Delivery of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco through the U.S. Postal Service would be ended...."    

This Article is From: ap.google.com

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Mark of the Eagle final episode launches

"...total upheaval of society as we know it is a ragtag band of office workers and one dedicated letter carrier. The final episode of Mark of the Eagle premieres today on USPS TV On Demand and it’s a climax like never before seen in the annals of man-vs.-machine-with-a-postal-hero-lore. It’s like “The Office meets The Terminator” — with a dash of Lord of the Rings thrown in...."    

This Article is From: www.markoftheeagle.com

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Marijuana Stamp

Marijuana defendants receive tax bill from state for plants

"..."In the entire history of the program, I think all of the stamps we have sold as far as we know have gone to stamp collectors..."    

This Article is From: www.myrtlebeachonline.com

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Mail carrier under investigation for identity, mail theft

"...Do you suspect theft? Postal customers in the Carey area who suspect they may have been a victim of identity theft or mail theft are encouraged to review their credit history at www.annualcreditreport.com and to contact the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General at 1-888-877-7644 or to visit www.uspsoig.gov...."    

This Article is From: www.theprogressortimes.com

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Beach police seek man who tried to steal postal truck

"...man took the purse, ran toward a mail carrier’s truck and demanded the vehicle, Long said. The carrier fled...."    

This Article is From: hamptonroads.com

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USPS Pounds Own Coffin Nails

"...Seattlest, Seattle - We hear that--in addition to uprooting friendly neighborhood mailboxes--the USPS is saving money by removing stamp vending machines from post offices across..."    

This Article is From: seattlest.com

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TSP August 2008 Rates of Return

"...These returns are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. The performance data shown represent past performance, which is not a guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so that investors' shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost...."    

This Article is From: www.tsp.gov

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Flags of Our Nation

Second Set of Three-Year Multi-Stamp Series Issued

"...In addition to the stamps, there is an impressive Flags of Our Nation Collector’s Folder available for purchase, Item #786575 for $29.95. The special folder is specifically designed to preserve and display all 60 stamps in the Flags of Nation series. The Collector’s Folder comes with a coil of 50 stamps from Set 1 (the first 10 designs) and mounts for all 60 stamps in the series. You may purchase separately a coil of 50 stamps only from Set 2 (the second 10 designs) to add to the folder...."    

This Article is From: www.usps.com

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Postal Strike of 1970

"...Only once before has there been a national postal strike. During a crippling two-week walkout in 1970, President Nixon called in federal troops, and discovered that soldiers could protect the mail but not deliver very much of it. Avoiding a similar calamity this week became the No. 1 item on the Government agenda...."    

This Article is From: www.time.com

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Pneumatic Mail

"...image, showing the pneumatic mail department in the basement of an American post office. The practice of loading mail into canisters and shooting them through tubes with compressed air dates back to the nineteenth century. A pneumatic message line linked the London Stock Exchange and a telegraph company in 1853, and there was a pneumatic telegraph and mail system in London soon after...."    

This Article is From: Post Office Postcards

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Postal Service prepares for Gustav

"...Houston, TX —The Postal Service is preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Gustav by advising customers to mail today or tomorrow to ensure timely processing of mail destined for delivery outside the local area...."    

This Article is From: www.kbmt12.com

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Ohio lawmakers hold DHL hearing

"...The field meeting was held to collect testimony on a planned business deal that’s projected to cause an astounding loss of 7,400 to 9,700 jobs based in and around Wilmington...."    

This Article is From: www.wnewsj.com

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USPS Mail Processing Facility Consolidations

No. 2 Oakland County project: U.S. Postal Service Processing Center

"...During planning, the USPS also saw some opportunities to incorporate some of the processing functions from its Flint and Detroit centers into Pontiac, but during construction, Congress intervened to review the plan...."    

This Article is From: www.mlive.com

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Watchdogs question US Post Office outsourcing system

"...The US Postal Service's outsourcing tactics are questionable and accountability is spotty. Those were the major conclusions of a Government Accountability Office report issued to Congress this week that specifically said the USPS does not have a comprehensive mechanism for measuring outsourcing results, including any actual savings; therefore, it could not provide information on the effectiveness of its outsourcing programs. ..."    

This Article is From: www.networkworld.com

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Potter addresses NAPUS convention

GROWING OUR SUCCESS

"...“The economy is going to come back,” Potter said. “Our biggest opportunity for growth is with small- and mid-sized businesses. That’s your expertise. Keep doing what you’re doing to show these folks how we can help them grow their businesses.”..."    

This Article is From: usps.gov

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Postal Early Out Retirement Packages being received

"VER Packets in the mail"    

This Article is From: community.federalsoup.com

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Mark of the Eagle: Episode 2

After a narrow escape from the onslaught of office equipment, Ed, the letter carrier, must unite the people of this office for one final stand. Come back on Monday September 1, 2008 for Mark of the Eagle: Episode 3!


Episode 1

From: YouTube

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USPS Human Resources Report on VER

"...National Retirement Counseling System Annuity Estimate. This information details the postal voluntary early out retirement annuity statement that was mailed to eligible employees. ..."    

This Article is From: VER-Annuity-Estimate-Calc.html

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What Do I Do With An Inherited Stamp Collection?

"...The value listed in most stamp catalogs represent what a dealer would charge you if you went to them to purchase that stamp. It is their selling price, not their buying price. It does not take into account volume discounts, past business dealings with the dealer, or any other thing that establishes you as a frequent customer. For example, most of the 20 cent catalog values that you see in Scott's Standard Postage Stamp Catalog, for example, are the minimum value and are simply for the dealer's time and effort to secure that one stamp. ..."    

This Article is From: www.stampsofdistinction.com

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How Does Your TSP Stack Up?

"...Envious outsiders cite the TSP's low-administrative fees, the 5 percent match available to FERS employees and the presence of the never-has-a-bad-day G-fund. They include people like John Bogle...."    

This Article is From: www.federalnewsradio.com

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Shipping Assistant: More Reasons to Love the Post Office

"...the Post Office has released a full and robust application called Shipping Assistant (SA). Though still free, it offers many of the features of the paid services. For some sellers, this might be all they need, despite its shortcomings and a few feature implementations that are just plain silly. Keep in mind, however, if you want full functionality, you must rent a Pitney Bowes Mailstation 2 for $19.99/month...."    

This Article is From: www.auctionbytes.com

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The Mail Handlers Update: COLA AT $1,477

New Mail Handler Pay Scale

"...The fourth of ten guaranteed cost-of-living adjustments to be paid to all mail handlers under the 2006 National Agreement has been set at $1,477, based on changes in the National Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the period running from January 2008 through July 2008. This is the largest COLA in the history of collective bargaining with the Postal Service, and reflects recent increases in the cost of energy and food. This COLA is being added to wages effective August 30, 2008, and will be reflected in paychecks on September 19, 2008. The COLA of $1,477 represents an increase of 71 cents per hour...."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org

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Georgia hero saluted with special postal service honor

"...Famed University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker can add another accolade to his already long list of honors. Walker, now a 46-year-old businessman and philanthropist, who rose to greatness as a national high school football star in Wrightsville, is the latest person to receive a commemorative cachet from the U.S. Postal Service.
..."    

This Article is From: www.macon.com

Herschel Walker

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VER Calculation Criteria

Learn more about some of the criteria used to calculate VER:

This information is attached to the VER Annuity Statement Letter:

Source: VER Letter

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USPS offers commemorative DNC envelopes for sale

"...Five Denver post offices are offering for sale to the public a beautiful souvenir commemorative envelope in celebration of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), to be held Aug. 25-28 in the Mile High City...."    

This Article is From: www.kxrm.com

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USPS authorized to offer more voluntary early retirements

ANOTHER VERA APPROVAL

"...offer voluntary early retirement to all Headquarters and Headquarters-related employees — that includes service centers, organizational units and Area offices — in EAS and PCES positions...."    

This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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Junk Mail Being Used to Track New Orleans Recovery

"...The Greater New Orleans Community Data Center has linked the number of homes actively receiving Valassis Communications' RedPlum direct mail promos to a Google map incorporating Street View...."    

This Article is From: blog.wired.com

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VER Letter / Early Retirement Discussion Board

If you are one of the many people trying to get information on the upcoming Voluntary Early Retirement, the following source is a great place to stop by and get a feeling for what others are thinking and what is going on at different facilities across the country. Here is a snippet of one post. Click the link to read more.

"...I have no doubt that if I sign the dotted line and mail it in, I will be accepted. KCMO is doing a lot of abolishing of Tour 2 jobs, jobs around our area are being abolished and those employees excessed to our plant, also casuals are being fired left and right..."    
Please post to the link to let us know what is taking place in your area! Help keep others informed.

Source: community.federalsoup.com

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Mail Handler Convention Update

"...Davis. “The architects of our Constitution recognized the need for a government-run postal system that provided universal access and affordable prices to all Americans. In fact, I’m not sure that some people are aware of it, but the U.S. Constitution actually lists the establishment of Post Offices before it talks about granting congressional authority to declare war or to set up a federal judiciary. And so our founding fathers knew that a postal system, government run, . . . was important. The history of the Postal Service is firmly entwined in the history of the development of this country.”
Convention by the day:
# Day One: Monday
# Day Two: Tuesday Part 1
# Day Two: Tuesday Part 2
# Day Two: Tuesday Part 3
# Day Three: Wednesday
# Day Four: Thursday
# Day Five: Friday ..."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org

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USPS To Request VER Authorization For Additional Positions

In a letter to Ted Keating, President of the National Association of Postal Supervisors USPS wrote:

"...we have made a decision to request authorization for additional positions, including those that you are recommending. It is important to reiterate however that there is no approval from OPM regarding additional EAS positions at this time...."    

This Article is From: www.postalreporter.com

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In Historic Speech, NALC’s Young Emphasizes ‘Need to Work Together’

APWU 19th Biennial Convention News Bulletin #01-2008, Aug. 19, 2008

"...“Something’s got to change, and we’ve got make it happen,” Young said during an address to APWU delegates on the first day of the convention. “The men and women of the NALC are ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women of the APWU to make sure that it does.” Young said that the most important thing was to get America’s perspective back in order...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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USPS cuts employee hours

USPS cuts employee hours in response to mail volume loss

"...Due to initiatives to reduce work hours and overtime, compensation expenses for the US Postal Service dropped by $247 million — or about 2.5% — in the third quarter compared to the same period last year, according to a financial report that the USPS has filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission...."    

This Article is From: www.dmnews.com

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Mail processing changes in Maine

Mail service shifts some mail processing in Maine

"...Richard B. Reed Jr., president of the Bangor Area Local 536 of the American Postal Workers Union, wrote a letter to a number of postal customers indicating that the switch will adversely affect mail delivery. "The mail is shipped by truck between (the two facilities) and the extra travel time would add an automatic one day to the delivery process in the best-case scenario," Reed wrote. "The employees here at EMP&DF do not feel that is in the best interest of the customer."..."    

This Article is From: www.boston.com

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Request for consideration to include all additional EAS field positions as part of a Voluntary Early Retirement (VER)

Mr, Ted Keating, President,
National Association of Postal Supervisors requested USPS seek additional authorization to include more EAS positions for VER eligibility

This Article is From: www.naps.org

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APWU and NPMHU COLA

APWU and NPMHU postal employees will receive a Cost-Of-Living Adjustment of $1,477 and will be effective Aug. 30, 2008. The COLA will be in checks Pay Period 19-08 which is Sept 19, 2008. This equates to a 71-cent per hour increase ($56.80 per pay period).


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Next NALC Postal Contract COLA...

 
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.5 percent in July, prior to seasonal adjustment. The July level of 216.304 (1982-84=100) was 6.2 percent higher than in July 2007. This equates to $1,498 annually for NALC postal employees covered under the National Contracts. The COLA will be effective the pay period beginning August 30 and received in checks on September 19. The new COLA is equivalent to 72 cents per hour ($57.60 per pay period).


Latest CPI-W Release from the BLS

CPI Reference: www.bls.gov

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