Postal Service wants to cut workers' comp benefits

USPS could save millions under plan to revamp workers' comp

"...Under a draft proposal by the Labor Department, workers' comp benefits would be cut to ..."    

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

USPS network consolidation process uses computer modelling

USPS to run continuous checks on mail plant numbers

"...the last few quarters volumes have stabilized to some degree to around 170bn pieces a year..."    

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

Google and others to have input on postal future

Google execs, tech experts focus on future of Postal Service

"...Google executives, social media experts and some of the most passionate tech evangelists are planning to meet in Crystal City in mid-June to sort out how to save and remake the nation’s mail delivery service...."    

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

Support your local community

Post Office merger war on workers

"...In an economy where we are on the dawn of recovery, every dollar that supports local jobs is a critical dollar. However, the U.S. Postal Service has begun..."    

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

'Statue of a Falling Working Class' Stamp

The Postal Service hits a jackpot of irony

"...So while this official use of an unofficial Statue of Liberty may have been unintended, we now have three billion reminders of what its torch of freedom actually stands for: not the pursuit of happiness traditionally associated with a job or career suited to one's abilities, but the right to risk one's money on a toss of the dice or a shot at the lottery. ..."    

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

Small towns losing their 'lifelines' as Post Offices close across the country

Surprise Letter Tells Earlville City Leaders Town Post Office is Closing

"...“It’s a shame,” Cornwell said. Both he and his parents used the post office all their lives. “Earlville is going to lose the only lifeline it has. ”..."    

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

What happens in Vegas ...ends up on a postage stamp!

Nina In New York: Tramp Stamp?

"...post office regrets the error and is “re-examining our processes...I’d like to see how they re-examine their processes. I recommend typing “REAL + Statue of Liberty” into Google Image Search next time...."    

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

General RIF Notice could be issued on April 28, 2011 (USPS)

According to the USPS Organizational Changes website, if necessary, "Employees who could be impacted by a RIF in their competitive area will be advised in writing that a RIF may need to be conducted within their competitive area. The notice will provide the potential RIF effective date."

Additionally, according to the 2011 Organizational Redesign Information At-A-Glance website chart, in the event of a need for the RIF, September 9, 2011, will be the RIF effective date. "At the close of business on this date, separations as a result of the RIF process will become effective. "

This Article is From: Read our latest posts! .

USPS special Incentive offer quickly approaching deadline

"...Eligible employees should note that April 25, 2011, is the opt-in deadline for the Special Incentive Offer, as described in the Incentive FAQs. Employees who want to leave under the voluntary early retirement (VER) — as well as optionally-eligible employees (those who have reached their minimum retirement age and service requirements) and those who wish to voluntarily resign — must notify USPS of their decision by April 25.

By now, VER-eligible employees should have received an “Annuity Estimate and VER” offer letter in the mail...."    

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

This year tax returns are due Monday, April 18

Tax Day 2011

"...Most Post Offices nationwide will maintain regularly scheduled operating hours on April 18. Customers can go online at usps.com and click on “Locate a Post Office” to verify operating hours of Post Offices for April 18 and to locate alternate sites to purchase stamps and conduct postal business. ..."    

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

Postal Service Honors Vegas Statue of Liberty in Screw Up

Statue of Liberty stamp error: Las Vegas replica honored instead

"...Talk about screw ups. The Statue of Liberty pictured on a new U.S. stamp is not the neoclassical icon on Liberty Island in New York Harbor but the replica at the New York New York Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada...."    

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

Postal Service Announces Civil War Stamp Series

Postal Service begins Civil War Stamp Series

"...The Postal Service today will issue the first two stamps of an annual series of Forever stamps that recognize key events of the Civil War...."    

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

Warning about Change of Address scam

US Postal Service Warns About Change of Address Website Scam

"...What he didn't notice was the fine print on usps-change-address.com that says the site is not affiliated with the United States Postal Service...."    

This Article is From: www2.wspa.com Read our latest posts! .

Postal Service delivers in rain, sleet, snow or Government Shutdown

Government shutdown would spare essential services

"...The federal government’s partial shutdown because of a budget standoff would affect a wide range of offices and employees. Postal service... is not among the services to be affected...."    

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

Those overtime hours could be killing you

Working Overtime Could Increase Risk for Heart Disease, Researchers Say

"...on a consistent basis were 67 percent more likely to develop coronary illnesses than those who worked only seven or eight hours.

Still, the study authors noted that other factors were considered in their analysis such as age, cholesterol levels and whether or not a patient smokes...."    

This Article is From: www.kgoam810.com Read our latest posts! .

Postal Service acknowledges problems in closure of Ohio sorting facility, transfer of mail

"...A U.S. Postal Service report acknowledges that problems have accompanied the closing of a mail processing center in Lima (LY'-muh) in northwest Ohio...."    

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

Catalog Mail Likely to see postage increase

Catalog Mailers May Get Hit With Massive Postal Increase

"...The attributable cost of Standard Mail flats in fiscal 2010 exceeded revenue by $577 million, resulting in a cost coverage of 82% with a loss of 8.2 cents per piece. The ACD directs the USPS to devise a plan to improve the cost coverage of Standard Mail flats...."    

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

Fear that postal bosses are trying to bypass the regulation process to close post offices

USPS proposes streamlining review process for closing post offices

"...The computerized system announced Thursday would allow top officials in Washington to begin reviewing sites by the summer and assess a location’s feasibility within 138 days — a sharply shorter period of review, Granholm said. ..."    

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

Fake Postal Service E-mail is a Trojan downloader

Fake USPS E-mails Deliver Trojan

"...E-mails claiming to come from the United States Postal Service (USPS) are currently being used to deliver a Trojan downloader...."    

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

New Deputy Postmaster General

Deputy Postmaster General Named

"...Stroman, who most recently served as staff director, Committee on Oversight and Government Relations at the U.S. House of Representatives, will lead all outreach and communications with congressional and mailing industry leaders as well as help ensure that every customer experience is a positive one..."    

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

A look back at the anthrax investigation

Anthrax Redux: Did the Feds Nab the Wrong Guy?

"...a postal worker at the Brentwood Road mail facility in Washington, DC, was doing his best to convince his coworkers to relax. Mail handlers had little to fear as long as they took precautions, according to talking points distributed by the government..."    

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

This post is courtesy of The Postal Newsgroup

The highly anticipated March 25 USPS announcement is referenced below as found on the USPS' website. The largest majority of the information was put out yesterday (March 24, 2011) detailing the district closings, the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), The financial incentive programs being offered to eligible career non-bargaining employees in targeted groups at Headquarters, Headquarters-related Field Units, Area Offices and Customer Service District Offices (Administrative). However, the additional information provided in the following announcement that stands out boldly is 'additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.' Read below to see the official release. Stay tuned and we will provide further internal information as it trickles out.

March 25 Postal Announcement

The Announcement
PMG ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF SEVEN DISTRICTS
I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure.

As part of the ongoing redesign of the Postal Service, PMG Pat Donahoe yesterday announced USPS will close 7 of its 74 district offices. This reflects continuing alignments within the organization to achieve core business strategies and, when fully implemented, will help realize approximately $750 million of annual cost savings (Link Extra, 3/23).

The district offices scheduled for closure — Columbus, OH, (Eastern Area); Southeast Michigan in Troy, MI, and Northern Illinois in Carol Stream, IL (Great Lakes Area); Southeast New England in Providence, RI (Northeast Area); South Georgia in Macon, GA, and Albuquerque in Albuquerque, NM (Southwest Area); and Big Sky in Billings, MT (Western Area) — house only administrative functions that will be assumed by surrounding district offices. The closures will not affect customer service, mail delivery, Post Office operations or ZIP codes.

“I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure. One that is fair to our employees and one that will meet the future needs of our customers and the mailing industry,” said Donahoe.

This organizational redesign builds on previous PMG announcements that include a 16 percent reduction in officer ranks, realigning revenue-generating business units, closing the Southeast Area Office, and further reducing the employee complement by about 7,500 positions.

While yesterday’s announcement focused on the administrative and executive corps, additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.   

Reference: usps.gov
emphasis (bold-print) added by The Postal Newsgroup


March 25 Postal Announcement, USPS March 25 Announcement,

'Maria', the Golden Pond U.S. Mail Boat

Mariah, The Barn Find Of The Century

"...This little Mail boat blew me away.. It blew us all away.. What a cool boat.. This is the find! First there is only ONE! Not three.. It’s got lettering all over it.. And is a plain Jane type boat.. mmm Jane Fonda..."    

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

Postal Service to cut front-line supervisory positions

USPS offering $20,000 buyouts, shutting seven district offices

"...Donahoe has said will eliminate some 7,500 administrative, postmaster and front-line supervisory positions. ..."    

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

Follow and comment on the 'USPS $20,000 Special Incentive Conversation' at Federal Soup

"...What angers me about this offer is the typical disrespect by the Postmaster General and the organization as a whole, in offering $5,000 more than was offered to craft members last year. To offer this only to non-bargaining unit employees alone is an insult to all craft members...."    

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

Issa to Examine Postal Service Union Contract

"...After reaching an agreement on a 4-½ year contract with one of its biggest labor unions, the USPS is being asked by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the House Oversight chairman, to appear before the watchdog committee to answer questions about the labor agreement...."    

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

Postal Service must re-examine labor agreements to lower costs

USPS must re-examine labor agreements to lower costs

"...Efforts to reduce the work force through attrition and early retirement incentives "simply have not resulted in the changes necessary to maintain a self-funding Postal Service," said Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., who chairs the House subcommittee that oversees the agency...."    

This Article is From: Read our latest posts! .

Rep. Issa feels postal union pay cuts, increase in employee health costs, and reductions not enough

Issa orders hearing into “missed opportunity” USPS union deal

"...critics have suggested the deal gives too much to the USPS management, particularly in terms of wage cuts for new workers and reduced healthcare contributions, Republican Congressman Darrell Issa said today he believed it did not do enough to help the Postal Service improve its financial situation...."    

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

USPS 2011 $20,000 Special Incentive Offer only for targeted non-bargaining employees

2011 Special Incentive Offer

"...What are the basic details of the 2011 Special Incentive Offer?

On March 23, 2011, the Postal Service announced a Special Incentive offer for the following targeted groups:

Career non-bargaining employees assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Field Units, including PCES and attorneys
Career non-bargaining employees assigned to Area Offices, including PCES
Career non-bargaining employees assigned to District Customer Service Offices (the offer includes PCES in closing districts only)..."    

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

Lawmakers question APWU 3.5% pay raise over four and a half years as excessive?

"...there would be a slight increase in employees' share of contributions to health benefits..."    

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

Bargaining unit employees angered as non-bargaining unit employees get bigger buyout incentive

On March 23, 2011, the USPS announced a $20,000 special retirement incentive to specific non-bargaining unit employees [ https://liteblue.usps.gov/humanresources/organizationalchanges/oc_specialincentivefaqs.shtml? ] after offering only $15,000 in an offer last year that included bargaining unit employees. Why the special treatment while touting huge deficits?

Radiation levels were detected at the New York and San Francisco mail centers

No Radiation Found in Hawaii Mail (Yet?)

"...Although low levels of radiation have been found in mail from Japan at two of five United States Postal Service international service centers, no radiation has been detected at the Honolulu center yet...."    

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

Briefings on the APWU Tentative Agreement

"...Members of the union’s Negotiating Team will conduct briefings on the Tentative Agreement in the locations listed..."    

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

Chestnut Hill Post Office Robbed

Armed Robbery at Chestnut Hill Post Office

"...An armed robbery brought Philadelphia Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service to the Chestnut Hill Post Office, 8227 Germantown Avenue, Wednesday afternoon...."    

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

FedEx calls Japan's Narita a no-fly zone

"...Widespread destruction, a lack of fuel and infrastructural problems have urged FedEx to reverse its decision on 11 March to continue accepting freight to Japan...."    

This Article is From: www.aircargonews.net Read our latest posts! .

APWU Contract (Tentative)

Highlights of the New APWU Contract (Tentative Agreement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement)

"...key components of the tentative agreement between the U.S. Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union for the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The four-and-half year contract, which will expire at midnight on May 20, 2015, must be ratified by members of the APWU...."    

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

Read more on the tentavive APWU contract agreement (awaiting ratification)

"...To read the latest news and commentary on the APWU tentative agreement, please view..."    

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

APWU Contract Deal?

APWU Contract Deal? Contract Negotiations Update for March 14, 2011

"...No official news of a contract agreement ..."    

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

Postal Truck Burns

Fire Department responds to postal vehicle fire

"...According to the official report, some mail was lost as a result of the fire. A mailbox near the postal vehicle was also damaged. ..."    

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

Postal Service Discrimination Case

Postal Service ordered to pay fees in case of discrimination

"...Ms. Faul filed a federal Equal Employment Opportunity complaint in 2002 alleging that women in the Carthage post office were treated less favorably than men...."    

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

USPS Clarifies Reductions, only 7,500 cuts

Despite reports, Postal Service not cutting 30,000 jobs

"...Donahoe suggested USPS would likely see the departure of about 30,000 total employees this year, because 22,500 of them retire or leave the agency on average each year...."    

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

USPS Postal Announcement March 25, 2011

Postal Service to cut 7,500 positions this month, 30,000 by end of year

"...The U.S. Postal Service will announce March 25 a downsizing of approximately 7,500 supervisory, managerial and postmaster positions. Most of those positions are filled, but many are not..."    

This Article is From: Federal Times Read our latest posts! .



Tags: early retirement offers and buyouts

APWU Presidents Gather in Washington

"...presidents will be visiting the offices of their U.S. senators and representatives Today, to discuss efforts to ensure the financial stability of the Postal Service as well as other issues of importance to APWU members and working families. ..."    

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

Birmingham Bound Mail Truck and Vehicle Collide, Killing One

Woman killed in collision

"...collided head-on with a truck contracted to haul U.S. mail. Officials said the truck was heading south to Birmingham to make a delivery, while the Toyota SUV was traveling north.

Bowen was pronounced dead at the scene by Colbert County Coroner Carlton Utley...."    

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

Postal pland would severely compromise postal employee federal retirement funds

Postal Service aid plans would jeopardize federal retirement funds, watchdog says

"..."The proposals would cause the government to assume responsibility for USPS retiree benefit expenses without a corresponding increase in government oversight," he said.

Worse, "if this became common practice, the financial soundness and integrity of the trust funds would be severely compromised..."    

This Article is From: Read our latest posts! .

Postal Service will be out of money by October 2011

USPS: We'll Be Out Of Money By October

"...The AP reports the Postmaster General broke the news to the House Oversight subcommittee on the postal service. ..."    

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

Postal Service wants to move some Huntsville, Alabama Mail Operations to Birmingham

Postal officials: Process move cost saving

"...“It doesn’t seem appropriate to me that Huntsville, Ala., would be the one that would lose the postmark. It seems like it would be more effective and more cost efficient for everything to move to Huntsville as opposed to that,” said Huntsville resident Ray Dunavant. ..."    

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

Postal job cuts coming?

Congressmen call for job-cutting priority at USPS

"...work force reductions had to be the “primary focus” of the Postal Service, its unions and Congress to improve financial stability.

And, noting that negotiations between the Postal Service and its unions were currently underway, he added that in his opinion it was not enough to cut staff numbers by attrition and early retirements...."    

This Article is From: Read our latest posts! .

As USPS spills money on consolidation studies, Manilla moves in

Hearst Names Kliavkoff CEO Of Manilla; The Plan: Disrupt The Postal Service

"...Essentially, we’re challenging the US Postal Service’s business.”

In terms of measuring the space, businesses spend about $30- $35 billion a year in the U.S. mailing nearly 48 billion account notices, statements, offers and bills ..."    

This Article is From: Postal News Read our latest posts!


Read More: Manilla

Public Unions In Wisconsin, Elsewhere Are Scapegoats: Expert

"...AFL-CIO president, talks with retired postal worker Judy Bukowski outside Wisconsin's State Capitol in Madison. Love them or hate them, public-employee unions are certainly at the center of the policy..."    

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

Huntsville Alabama Hammered By Mail Delays

"...Postal Service spokesman Joseph Breckenridge. "This certainly was a lesson for us, and we're going to be taking this lesson into account...We don't have the extra resources that we used to have, and we're down to the bare essentials we need in order to do the job." ..."    

This Article is From: Rocket City News Read our latest posts! .

Postal Service '100 percent behind bypass mail'

"...It is more than just a mail service; it is food, supplies, and medicine for our communities..."    

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

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Crosses the Line in Attack on Working Class

APWU Stands in Solidarity with Embattled Workers

"...“We know if they succeed in Wisconsin, we and other workers will be next,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey. “We must stand in solidarity with the workers in Wisconsin.”

On Feb. 12, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) introduced legislation that is being called an “attack on basic rights” by labor leaders across the country. Walker’s legislation would destroy collective bargaining for state workers, undermine middle-class jobs by lowering wages, shrinking benefits, and weakening unions.

Among other assaults on the working class, Walker’s bill would block academic staff and faculty from being represented by a union in collective bargaining, and state employee unions would only be allowed to negotiate over wages. This would take away employees’ ability to file grievances and bargain over benefits such as health care, job security, and workplace protections...."    

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