“This attempt at trickery shows that the ‘Don’t Buy Staples’ movement is having an effect.”

Statement by Mark Dimondstein President, American Postal Workers Union on Staples Announcement on ‘Pilot Program’ Performing USPS Work

"...A Staples announcement on July 14 indicating that the company is terminating its no-bid deal with the U.S. Postal Service and replacing it with an “approved shipper” program is a ruse. Staples and the USPS are changing the name of the program, without addressing the fundamental concerns of postal workers and postal customers. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.

The Staples announcement and a letter from the USPS dated July 7 make it clear: They intend to continue to privatize postal retail operations, replace living-wage Postal Service jobs with low-wage Staples jobs, and compromise the safety and security of the mail...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Former Shelby County postal worker from Birmingham area sentenced for money order "kiting scheme"

Money order scheme gets former Shelby County postal worker home detention and probation

"...36, of Birmingham, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Hopkins to five years of probation, including six months home detention, for his guilty plea to six counts of theft of U.S. Postal Service money orders and one count of theft of government property. ..."    

This Article is From: www.al.com
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How much can the Postal Service offer as an early retirement incentive (VSIP)? Lump-sum payments up to $25,000 as an incentive to voluntarily separate

How much can the Postal Service offer in an early retirement incentive (VSIP)? $25,000

"...The Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment Authority, also known as buyout authority, allows agencies that are downsizing or restructuring to offer employees lump-sum payments up to $25,000 as an incentive to voluntarily separate. When authorized by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), an agency may offer VSIP to employees who are in surplus positions or have skills that are no longer needed in the workforce who volunteer to separate by resignation, optional retirement, or by voluntary early retirement, if approved. By allowing employees to volunteer to leave the Government, agencies can minimize or avoid involuntary separations through the use of costly and disruptive reductions in force (RIFs). Agencies such as the Department of Defense that have been granted agency-specific VSIP authority are not required to seek OPM approval for their use of this option...."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov
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Are Postal Mail Service Standard Changes and Mail Processing Plant Closures Deteriorating Customer Satisfaction?

Rating the U.S. Postal Service on Customer Satisfaction

"...measures for Priority Mail, Express Mail and Parcel Select," but that the agency did not meet any of those goals in fiscal 2013. ..."    

This Article is From: www.ecommercebytes.com
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Postal Early Retirement 2014 ... With Incentives buyout for Postmasters

Postal Service offers postmasters early retirements ahead of RIFs

"...The Postal Service is offering buyouts and early retirement options to more than 3,000 postmasters before it proceeds with a reduction-in-force (RIF) in early 2015...."    

This Article is From: www.federaltimes.com
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American Postal Workers to Launch Vigorous Campaign Against Plant Closures, Consolidations

APWU to Launch Vigorous Campaign Against Plant Closures, Consolidations

"...“I believe the decision to resume plant closures is a purposeful attack by the Postmaster General, who is retaliating because he could not get five-day delivery. He’s also frustrated by the union’s powerful campaign against the deal between the USPS and Staples,” Szeredy said.

Ignoring the Possibilities

The Postal Service claims the plant closures will generate $750 million in annual savings. “Yet he is ignoring a report by the USPS Office of Inspector General that says the Postal Service could generate $9 billion by offering basic financial services without any cuts to traditional postal service,” Szeredy said. “Something is wrong with this mentality.”

“The Postmaster General also neglects to mention that the USPS earned a profit from operations in fiscal year 2013 and in the first two quarters of 2014,” she added.

Donahoe claims that there have been steep declines in first-class mail, Szeredy pointed out, “yet he fails to tell the public that the USPS has already given away 60 percent of first-class mail processing to Pitney Bowes and other pre-mail sort houses.”..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
Bolding added.
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PMG: Mail processing plant closures announced again

Plant closures on again

After recently announcing a two year moratorium on plant closures, the PMG has recanted that idea and has again announced a return to shuttering hundreds of much needed mail processing facilities. The PMG cited a three year decline in first class mail volume as well as exigent price increases or a lack thereof as the reasoning. In a short video to employees, the PMG OFFERED NO DETAILS on what impacts the new closures will have on employees. It appears the postal service is unsure of what it is going to do, but they are going to do it anyway. Stay tuned for an update when more details are available.    

'Must See' Video on Postal Privatization and the 'Staples' Store Deal

The Video the PMG Doesn't Want You to See
"...The Postal Service’s propaganda machine has been working overtime in recent months, with workers forced to watch videos featuring Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe spewing falsehoods about “the state of the business” and the deal with Staples. APWU President Mark Dimondstein takes on the PMG’s claims in a new video that every postal worker should see. But while management can require employees to view his message while they’re on the clock, the union can’t. So make sure your co-workers hear the truth! Please show the video in swing rooms, cafeterias, at union events, and wherever postal employees get together...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe supports agenda to fund roads for cut to five-day delivery

USPS supports five-day delivery swap with highway fund boost

"...a budget accounting trick that would finance road projects by preventing a future bailout of the U.S. Postal Service. But the top postal official says he couldn’t be more pleased. “We not only need five-day delivery,” Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said..."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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Revised Annuity Employees (RAE), a new code on PS 50 Forms

New Code on Form 50 Reflects Bigger Deduction for Retirement
"...The new designation reflects that the employees were hired as career employees on or after Jan. 1, 2013, and are covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) as Revised Annuity Employees (RAE). In accordance with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, career employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2013, pay more for their retirement benefits than their predecessors. ..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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APWU NBA challenged the re-election of Robert Sulentic to Staples’ board of directors

Staples Execs Get an Earful at Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

"...APWU National Business Agent Shirley Taylor challenged the re-election of Robert Sulentic to Staples’ board of directors, noting that he has an apparent conflict of interest. Sulentic is also CEO of CBRE, the giant real estate firm that holds an exclusive contract to sell post offices and other USPS facilities...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Article: House plan would steal from the broke U.S. Postal Service to pay for road and transit projects

Postal Service Funds Would Go to Highways Under House GOP Proposal

"...House Republicans are constructing a proposal to keep thousands of road and transit projects from grinding to a halt this summer by transferring funds into the nation's nearly depleted Highway Trust Fund from the already money-losing U.S. Postal Service...."    

This Article is From: www.nationaljournal.com
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Contrary to the wishes of the citizens the Postal Service serves, House Committee Passes Destructive Issa Bill

Committee Passes Controversial Issa Bill

"...May 21, 2014 - The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee members passed the latest postal bill offered by Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA), which would end “door delivery” for 15 million postal customers. The vote, which passed along party lines 18-13, occurred less than 48 hours after it was introduced." title="Committee Passes Controversial Issa Bill ..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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FedEx Rate Hike: An example of why privatizing the Postal Service would cost you

FedEx Hike in Ground Rates Could Boost Business for U.S. Postal Service

"...FedEx Corp.’s recent decision to incorporate package size in the pricing of its ground service will result in a significant boost in shipping costs – but it could also open up competitive opportunities for the U.S. Postal Service...."    

This Article is From: www.forbes.com
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Other unions joining the fight against privatization of public services

‘Stop Staples’ Campaign Gathers Momentum

"...The American Federation of Teachers Michigan (AFT Michigan) voted at its convention on May 17 to endorse the boycott. Citing “a common battle against privatization” of public services, delegates voted unanimously to take their business elsewhere. “Members of our union want safe, secure, high-quality service when we go to the post office – not a low-wage, high turnover operation where employees have little or no training and no qualifications to handle sensitive letters and packages,” said David Hecker, president of AFT Michigan. “And nobody understands better than teachers, staff, and faculty how much we all have to lose when essential public services – like schools and post offices – are put in the hands of private companies with lower standards.”..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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World War II-era letter turned up in the mail again recently

Mail mystery: Muskegon post office looking for family to open World War II-era letter

"...There was a more recent postmark on the letter -- from Minneapolis 2013 – printed over the old. "We think somebody put it back into the mail stream," Rowe said. A vintage sealing material..."    

This Article is From: www.mlive.com
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Why is the Postal Service downplaying an operating profit since October 2012?

USPS Reports $1 Billion Operating Profit in First Half of Fiscal Year

So Why is Postal Management Cutting Service?

"...The positive balance sheet continues the steady progress in the finances of the Postal Service, which has been operating at a profit since October 2012. A dramatic increase in online shopping has sparked an explosion in package volume and revenue, while a gradually rebounding economy has stabilized letter revenue.

“All of this good news exposes an ugly truth,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Postal management’s zeal for cutting service and outsourcing operations in a thinly-veiled attempt at piecemeal privatization.”..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Consideration on Issa's destructive postal bill is put on hold indefinitely

Consideration of Postal Bill Postponed "...May 7, 2014 - Consideration by a House Committee of a new postal bill sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) , which was scheduled for May 7, has been postponed indefinitely. "We must remain vigilant," said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. "The bill proposed by Rep. Issa is extremely detrimental to the Postal Service, to postal workers and to the people of the country." For more information about the bill, click here...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Google Launches 'Google Shopping Express' as an Inexpensive Delivery Service in LA & NYC

Google Launches Delivery Service in LA & NYC

"...Customers can sign up for a six-month trial for free, unlimited deliveries. Otherwise, there is a $4.99 per store fee. There’s no minimum purchase and Google says it will not raise item prices. Orders can be placed online or via mobile apps...."    

This Article is From: www.foxbusiness.com
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The Dismantling of the U.S. Postal Service

Deride and Conquer: Dismantling the USPS

"...assault on government control last attempted by private carriers in the mid-1840s, the Postal Service's detractors have mounted a new, more promising offensive in the present era. To their credit, they have enjoyed some success by redefining the terms of engagement, and by reconstituting the nature and mission of the US postal system from its historical role as a civil service entity to a Frankenstein-like corporate/government hybrid with most of the downsides, and few of the advantages of both...."    

This Article is From: www.truth-out.org
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Shooting at FedEx facility in suburban Atlanta

'Rambo' gunman injures 6 at FedEx facility, kills self

"...KENNESAW, Ga. -- A package handler decked out "Rambo-style," with an assault rifle and bullets strapped to his chest, opened fire on fellow employees at a FedEx facility in suburban Atlanta early Tuesday, wounding six people -- three critically -- before killing himself...."    

This Article is From: www.usatoday.com
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Too many craft employees were passing Exam 955; USPS Scheme Overturned

‘Rescoring’ of Promotion Exams Violated Contract, Arbitrator Rules

Exam 955

"...The rescoring occurred after the Postal Service concluded that too many bargaining unit members were passing the exam, despite repeated assurances to the union during bargaining that the test had been validated and studied extensively...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) doesn't work so well for one customer

Bamboozled: Postal service customer says he didn't get what he paid for, wants to set up a sting

"...Aleman contacted his lawyer, whose office is on the route that should have received the post cards. The lawyer and his secretary said they never received the card, Aleman said. Aleman tried a second mailing to a different route March 10. It went to 647 addresses..."    

This Article is From: www.nj.com
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FedEx California Accident Update: "no evidence" of a pre-collision fire, contrary to a witness report, authorities said on Sunday.

'No evidence' of pre-collision fire in deadly California crash: NTSB

"...An investigation into the northern California crash between a FedEx truck and bus that killed 10 people last week has turned up "no evidence" of a pre-collision fire, contrary to a witness report, authorities said on Sunday...."    

This Article is From: www.reuters.com
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Drug smuggler used postal service to smuggle drugs through express mail wrapped in children's bedding

Police arrest Yonkers man who smuggled drugs using postal service and stored it in Bronx day care centers and other places

"...Juan Valdez, 45, was busted Thursday on a slew of charges. He's accused of moving drugs through express mail wrapped in children's bedding. He used various locations, including Bronx day care centers, to stash the drugs, cops said...."    

This Article is From: www.nydailynews.com
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Postal Service changes delivery standards in spite of Postal Regulatory Commission advisory opinion

Goldway Says USPS Dissed Mailers With Load Leveling

"...“We had a situation where the USPS wanted to change delivery standards for certain types of mail and delay them, and they asked us about it and it was determined that most thought it needed more study. But the Postal Service issued an announcement that they were going to go national with this program anyway,” Goldway told attendees..."    

This Article is From: www.dmnews.com
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Was FedEx truck on fire before crash?

NTSB: FedEx truck didn't appear to brake before crash

"...Also, the truck was already on fire before the deadly crash, witnesses told two California TV stations. Bonnie and Joe Duran, who were driving in a Nissan Altima in front of the bus, told KNBC-TV Los Angeles they saw flames behind the cab of the truck before it crossed the median..."    

This Article is From: www.usatoday.com
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Postal Service 'mail standard service change' for DSCF Standard Mail

News Byte: USPS Standard Mail Load Leveling Begins

"... the Postal Service is extending what was a three-day delivery expectation to a four-day delivery expectation. This change is designed to allow a more balanced distribution of DSCF Standard Mail across delivery days...."    

This Article is From: www.dmnews.com
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What caused FedEx truck to cross median causing explosion killing up to 10?

Answers sought after fiery wreck kills 10

"...At least 10 people are dead after a FedEx truck slammed into a charter bus full of high schoolers in Northern California on Thursday afternoon. The investigation is underway as to what caused the fatal accident...."    

This Article is From: www.usatoday.com
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Accident involving FedEx truck and bus kills at least nine

9 killed when truck, bus carrying students collide head-on

"...At least nine people died Thursday when a bus carrying Los Angeles-area high school students for a tour of Humboldt State University was struck head-on by a FedEx truck..."    

This Article is From: www.latimes.com
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Civic leaders want answers on botched mailing

Juniper Park Civic Association says U.S. Postal Service destroyed or failed to mail hundreds of its magazines

"...The civic group mailed out over 1,000 copies of the magazine but many were never delivered or destroyed. They want postal service officials to investigate...."    

This Article is From: www.nydailynews.com
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The U.S. Mail Is Being Used As A Huge Drug Dealer

Holder: Postal Service Mail Used For ‘Shocking’ Amount Of Drug Dealing

"...Attorney General Eric Holder told a Senate committee on Thursday that there is a “shocking” number of people who are using the U.S. Postal Service to send illegal drugs around the country...."    

This Article is From: cbslocal.com
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Postal Service has no place to park after it rented its garage space to another delivery agency, says article

Postal trucks hog parking spots in Murray Hill

"...For weeks, streets near the Post Office’s East 36th Street truck facility have been clogged with delivery trucks that have no official place to park after the cash-strapped agency rented some of its garage space to another delivery agency...."    

This Article is From: nypost.com
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Maintenance Craft PSE Conversion to Career - Steps Outlined

Maintenance Memo Outlines Steps For PSE Conversion to Career

"...A March 28 agreement with the USPS [PDF] outlines the procedure for the conversion of Maintenance Craft Postal Support Employees to career, Maintenance Craft Director Steve Raymer has announced...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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2 Time Purple Heart Vet Claims Corruption After Firing At Fayetteville, Tennessee Post Office

Former War Vet Turned Mail Carrier Claims Post Office Corruption After Firing

Karah Adams

"...a cover to get rid of her after she wouldn’t go along with post office corruption she called “blatant.” “A lot of stuff that goes on in the Fayetteville Post Office, it is intimidation and harassment at its best,” said Adams. “I did my job and I did it well.”..."    

This Article is From: whnt.com
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Postal Buyout 2015? - PMG Says the USPS will not offer early retirement or buyout incentives

USPS Slashing 10,000 Jobs in 2015

"...USPS will not offer early retirement or buyout incentives, Patrick Donahoe said at the National Postal Forum, instead relying exclusively on not filling positions after employees separate from the agency. ..."    

This Article is From: www.govexec.com

Fact Check: How accurate are statements by the PMG and the Post Office as a whole? You decide. The article referenced above claims the USPS will be reducing employee numbers by "relying exclusively on not filling positions after employees separate from the agency." So in a fact check on this statement we find this announcement not long after the aforementioned article: Post Office Hiring in Memphis. An additional check on the USPS careers site identifies hiring in many crafts, albeit it is obvious the postal service is attempting to shift to a more non-career workforce to replace employees. Giving the PMG partial credit in his statement, the article does mention '2015', so maybe beefing up the workforce in '2014' will lend accuracy to the statement of reductions in '2015'. (LOL)

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Sanctity of the Mail: President Jimmy Carter Puts His Trust in The United States Postal Service For Secure Communication

Carter says he hand-writes letters to avoid US surveillance

"...Former US President Jimmy Carter has said he hand-writes letters to foreign and US leaders in an effort to evade what he described as pervasive US electronic surveillance...."    

This Article is From: www.bbc.com

The U.S. Mail is the most secure communication standard that exist. Sanctity of the mail is taken very seriously by postal employees.

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Whatever happened to the much needed 'stamp vending machines'

The U.S. Postal Disservice

Photo Courtesy of Etsy

Why is it you cannot go to the lobby of a U.S. Post Office and purchase a stamp after-hours? Well it seems the Postal Service decided to remove the stamp vending machines citing the expense required to repair and replace the antiquated machines. The Postal Service has attempted to quietly 'play it off' that changes in U.S. currency to prevent counterfeiting made it too costly to update machines to handle new bills, as well as a decline in first-class mail. Although the not-so-naive customer identifies it as a move to privatizing another once great service. Of course the elimination of stamp machines has come at a greater cost in convenience and loss of revenue generated by eliminating that convenience. The postal service came up with a plan to eliminate its 23,000 vending machines by 2010.

To this day, you still hear customers grumbling during 'after hours' stops to local Post Office lobbies, complaining about the absence of a stamp vending machine. Many are actually angry that when at the spur of the moment they want to make a quick run to the local Post Office after hours to mail a quick letter or birthday card only to find they now have to go to a 'convenience store' to buy a book of stamps, stand in line, fight the traffic, only to have to return to the Post Office to mail the letter because the Postal Service has not only removed the stamp machines, but have also removed the majority of the freestanding blue boxes where people could quickly mail letters. As one customer remarked, "It's like the U.S. Postal Service is purposely attempting to anger us so we become frustrated with the lack of convenience so that we are forced to turn to private retail businesses to pick up a stamp. It just seems the Postal Service should now be called the U.S. Postal Disservice! Why would a business want to turn customers away from a business model that worked so well at one time and is still needed and desired just as much today? It just doesn't make sense."    
This Article is From: The Postal Newsgroup
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PMG Donahoe said the concept of a separate health plan for postal employees is a ‘dead issue’

Postal Service to reduce workforce by 10,000

"...The bill does not allow the Postal Service to break off from the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program as the Postal Service had suggested previously...."    

This Article is From: www.federaltimes.com
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Postal truck flips in accident

USPS truck collides with car, flips over in SE Houston

"...accident Friday afternoon in southeast Houston involving a United States Postal Service truck and..."    

This Article is From: www.khou.com
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Unopened 'leased' post office has cost the USPS $180,000

U.S. Postal Service pays $180,000 for unopened post office

"...The Postal Service pays Brian McCarthy Family LTD $30,916.87 annually to lease a 1,500-interior-square-foot property inside the McCarthy Flowers building, according to a spreadsheet provided by the agency. The lease agreement lasts through May 2023. ..."    

This Article is From: thetimes-tribune.com
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Staples’ Decision to Close 225 Stores: Further Proof That It ’s a Bad Idea To Move U.S Post Offices into Staples Stores

Staples’ Decision to Close 225 Stores: Further Proof That It ’s a Bad Idea To Move U.S Post Offices into Staples Stores

"..."This proves, more than ever," said APWU President Mark Dimondstein, "that it’s a bad idea to turn public services over to a private company that can close stores at will, with no public input and no public comment. "Staples currently has a no-bid, sweetheart deal to operate postal counters — staffed by poorly trained, low-wage, high-turnover employees — at more than 80 of its stores," he said. "The U.S. Postmaster General has said he plans to expand this “pilot plan” to 1,500 U.S. Staples’ stores. And bills pending in Congress would make it easier to close and sell off U.S. Post Offices," he added. ..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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White House Backs Toxic 'Carper' Postal Overhaul

White House Backs Major Postal Overhaul

"...Their plan would require eligible retirees to use Medicare as their primary health care provider. ..."    

This Article is From: www.govexec.com
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Americans want the post office to stay exactly the way it is

USPS: Americans Still Love Mail

America Loves The Postal Service 'As Is'

"...The report from the U.S. Postal Service found Americans want the post office to stay exactly the way it is. Even though the agency is currently in a financial bind, residents still love sending and receiving letters. ..."    

This Article is From: www.wics.com
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Quad/Graphics Inc. to shave USPS rate increases through 'new investments'

Quad makes investments to counter postal rate hike

"...Because Quad ships so many pieces of direct mail and publications, over the years it has created such a tight relationship with the U.S. Postal Service that Quad in some ways effectively acts as an extension of the Post Office. Quad pre-sort magazines and catalogs, which creates efficiencies for the Post Office "mail-stream" and entitles Quad to bulk mailing discounts...."    

This Article is From: www.jsonline.com
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Mail Handlers to get small COLA increase

Mail Handlers to Receive Wage Increase Effective March 8, 2014

"...This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base following release of the January 2013 Index. As prescribed in the Fishgold Arbitration Award, the implementation of this COLA increase was delayed by one year. This Consumer Price Index change resulted in an annual increase of..."    

This Article is From: National Postal Mail Handlers Union via NPMHU 317

Follow this conversation at Federal Soup

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Postal Employees Temporarily Spared From Harsh Upheavals As Excessing Related to Area Mail Processing (AMP) Events Placed on Indefinite Hold

All Article 12 Excessing Related to Area Mail Processing Events Placed on Indefinite Hold

"...(February 24, 2014) All excessing related to Area Mail Processing events has been place on an indefinite hold. The Postal Service is releasing the residual vacancies withheld for placement of employees who were potentially impacted by AMP events...."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org
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Canada Post Workers Fighting to Save Door-to-Door Delivery

Canadian Postal Workers Battle to Save Door-to-Door Delivery

"...A single letter stamp, currently 63 cents, would rise to $1 per stamp on March 31 (85 cents if you buy in bulk, 75 cents if you use a meter machine, and under 70 for large-volume mailers). And within five years, everyone would have to walk to a “community mailbox” to pick up their mail...."    

This Article is From: truth-out.org
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Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe notified of mail delivery complaints and extraordinarily long lines at post offices

Officials react to complaints of postal delays

"..."This is a very serious issue," Mikulski wrote in her letter. "Constituents report that they are waiting for prescription medications which are a week overdue." Hours later, other Maryland lawmakers, including Sen. Ben Cardin and Reps. Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John Delaney, as well as Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents the District of Columbia as a delegate in Congress, signed a similar letter to Donahoe...."    

This Article is From: baltimoresun.com
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Inspector Clouseau from the 'Pink Panther' busted robbing Post Offices?

Mask leads to arrest in Delaware County post office robberies

"... post office in Yeadon on January 22nd and then robbed the Darby branch with a gun on the same day. Investigators were able to track Thomas down because of the mask he was wearing, one that resembled bumbling Police Inspector Clouseau from the 'Pink Panther' series. ..."    

This Article is From: go.com
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Postal Service real estate deals lead to 'conflict of interest' possibilities, could cost the Postal Service, says OIG

Watchdog criticizes Postal Service for lack of ‘arm’s length’ real estate deals

"...“CBRE conflicts of interest could lead to financial loss to the Postal Service and decrease public trust in the Postal Service’s brand,” the Postal Service Inspector General’s office said Wednesday in a “management alert” that strongly recommends that the arrangement be scrapped...."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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27 post offices across the metro Atlanta area open on Presidents' Day

Marietta Post Office Open on Presidents' Day

"...In an effort make up for missed operational days last week due to the winter storm, the USPS is opening up 27 offices across the metro Atlanta area on Monday...."    

This Article is From: marietta.patch.com
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Mail Bomb May Have Been Planted Instead Of Mailed

Tennessee man accused of killing in-laws with bomb

"...Investigators did not cite a motive for the bombing. They said they were running tests on the explosive materials, which appear to have been planted rather than delivered by a mail or package service...."    

This Article is From: www.latimes.com
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Mail Bomb That Killed Retired Tennessee Lawyer and His Wife Came With Note

Police find note attached to mail bomb that killed Tennessee lawyer, wife

"...Investigators looking into the mail bomb that killed a retired lawyer at his Tennessee home Monday, and his wife days later, may have found a clue amid the debris: a note officials believe was attached to the bomb...."    Police find note attached to mail bomb that killed Tennessee lawyer, wife

This Article is From: www.foxnews.com
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Suspected Mail Bomb Kills Retired Tennessee Lawyer John Setzer

Retired lawyer killed after package sent to home explodes

"...On the Setzers' quiet rural street, neighbors were terrified about whether a bomb might arrive in their mailbox. Some told WZTV that officers went house-to-house Monday night to check mailboxes for devices...."    

This Article is From: www.cnn.com
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Reefer Madness: Postal Inspectors make big marijuana bust

Postal inspectors, police seize more than 60 pounds of marijuana mailed to two area residents

"...In one case a Maple Heights man had more than 50 pounds of marijuana mailed to an office space he rented in Beachwood and to his home. Postal inspectors also..."    

This Article is From: www.cleveland.com
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Postal Service: small arms ammunition order (Solicitation Number: 3CD-14-A-0009)

U.S. Postal Service Announces Giant Ammo Purchase
"...Post Office joins other federal agencies stockpiling over two billion rounds of ammo..."    

This Article is From: www.infowars.com
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Postal GameFly thief pleads guilty

Boston Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over 200 GameFly Games

GameFly

"... of Dorchester, Massachusetts, has pled guilty to charges of stealing over 200 GameFly games from the mail, between July and November 2012...."    

This Article is From: www.escapistmagazine.com
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Postal Bill Debated in Senate Committee, But Thankfully This Destructive Bill Has Not Moved Forward As Currently Structured

Senate Committee Begins – But Doesn’t Complete – Debate on Postal Bill

"...There is no word on when — or if — the committee will reconvene to finish consideration of the legislation, S. 1486. Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee meeting, Jan. 29, 2014 Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee meeting, Jan. 29, 2014 “The bill would be devastating for postal workers and the people of the country..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Apparently the Postal Service is replacing career employees with noncareer workers

The disappearing postal workforce: Counting up the losses

"...Since 2000, the Postal Service has shed 300,000 career jobs — a drop of almost 40 percent. The Postal Service eliminated 37,400 jobs in fiscal 2013 alone. And it’s not going to get any better. Over the next few years, postal jobs are going to keep disappearing — at a faster rate than in any other sector of the labor force. According to the Occupational Outlooks Handbook just put out by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, by 2022 the number of clerks, mail processing workers, and letter carriers will decline another 28 percent — 139,000 more jobs gone...."    

This Article is From: www.savethepostoffice.com
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Mail thief picks wrong mailbox and wrong man to mess with

Thief picks wrong mailbox, man to mess with

Keith Jardine [myspace photo]

"...Stealing mail is a bad idea, especially when it’s from Keith Jardine. He’s a champion MMA fighter and at 6-foot, 2-inches tall, 185 pounds, and someone you don’t want coming after you...."    

This Article is From: krqe.com
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USPS postpones mail service standard changes to a later, yet to be determined date - will give 90 day notice prior to new implementation date

Revised Service Standards for Market-Dominant Mail Products; Postponement of Implementation Date

"...the postponement of the implementation date for the revised service standards for market-dominant mail products that were scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2014, as part of the Network Rationalization initiative. The new implementation date will be announced by the Postal Service in the Federal Register at least 90 days before it takes effect...."    

This Article is From: www.federalregister.gov
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The Postal Service postpones consolidations and changes to mail service standards

A step in the right direction in the saving of the United States Postal Service!

In an article from the American Postal Workers Union, "The Postal Service announced in the Federal Register on Jan. 24 that it is postponing Phase 2 of its latest mail processing consolidation plan, which was slated to begin on Feb. 1. The USPS is also delaying implementation of changes to service standards that would have further slowed the mail, to the detriment of customers and postal workers."
Mail processing facility closures were contingent upon revisions to mail service standards changes. The postponement of service standard changes are a major victory for the citizens of the United States of America, employees of the Postal Service and mailers alike. It is obvious that the citizens of this country have spoken loudly and want to save the timely delivery and universal mail service to all patrons. To have purposely slowed the mail in this country would have been a disservice to everyone and would have only led to the possible destruction of the Postal Service as well as a move toward privatization which we all realize would lead to exorbitant rate increases for first-class mail. This decision may be a realization that our government is actually listening to the desires of the citizens of this great country and will preserve an institution that is vital to the infrastructure of our country. We applaud the intelligent decision to, at least, temporarily put a halt to the destruction of the United States Postal Service and the network as we know it today. The Postal Service is like the United States Military, as it was not designed to be a 'for profit' entity, but was constructed to provide an efficient and effective service to its citizens.

   

This Article is From: The Postal Newsgroup
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Six Sigma: Postal Service touting program of failure to managers?

Is the Postal Service becoming too dependent on a management program that has been discounted by some as a proven failure? It appears they are employing 'Six Sigma' heavily^[1], but history and the S&P 500 may be proof as to why the Postal Service may be investing in the wrong direction with Six Sigma. Read more on the process and you decide.

Six Sigma

"...In fact, of 58 large companies that have announced Six Sigma programs, 91 percent have trailed the S&P 500 since, according to an analysis by Charles Holland of consulting firm Qualpro (which espouses a competing quality-improvement process). ..."    

This Article is From: wikipedia.org
^{[1]Note: Cached version of cited USPS job opportunity from Linkedin is at http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:U8jOpKGuW_UJ:www.linkedin.com/jobs2/view/9897339+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us}

Link Appreciation Return: http://postalaffairsblog.intelisent.com/six-sigma-postal-service-touting-program-of-failure-to-managers/

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A request from the Postal Service to change delivery service standards for a large portion of Standard mail

How slowing down Standard Mail paves the way for ending Saturday delivery

"...documents released this week to the PRC indicate that the plan may have another purpose — preparing the way for ending Saturday delivery. In the Request, the Postal Service explains the rationale for the plan this way: “By changing the service standard for DSCF Standard Mail..."    

This Article is From: www.savethepostoffice.com
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Postal Service continues employee reductions as it intentionally slows the mail

Fewer Jobs, Longer Wait Times: The New Postal Service Slogan?

"... While an individual mailer dropping off a postcard may not be affected by this proposal, most large mailers would feel the delay. The revised delivery schedule would impact about 32 percent of overall mail, or 62 percent of standard mail. The Postal Service called its plan “load leveling..."    

This Article is From: www.govexec.com
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Postal mail service standards changing?

Service Standards for Destination Sectional Center Facility Rate Standard Mail

"...The revisions would change the service standard (a) from three days to four days for Standard Mail pieces that..."    

This Article is From: www.menafn.com
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Postal Service app store makeover will deliver software access for workers

USPS app store makeover delivers software access for workers

"... USPS, said employees can request access to two types of applications: packages and products that are licensed, such as Microsoft’s Visio, and Web-based applications such as USPS’ eCareer and its time and attendance system...."    

This Article is From: gcn.com
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More postal related delivery issues that need to be resolved...

USPS hate mail

"...“My understanding is the Post Office has been declining to deliver these packages and sending them back to shippers, and it seems to be getting more and more acute,” Stanford said. “I’ve heard gut-wrenching stories of people waiting on critical packages lost in limbo. How can we improve this? Right now it’s just unacceptable. It’s not servicing the residents of our community.”..."    

This Article is From: planetjh.com
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Postal Service shipping and package services grew to $12.5 billion in fiscal year 2013

USPS Exceeded Holiday Package Delivery Volume

"...the USPS’s shipping and package services grew to $12.5 billion in fiscal year 2013, representing approximately 19% of its revenues. The USPS said package volume grew by 210 million pieces (6%), and that fiscal year revenues increased $923 million...."    

This Article is From: multichannelmerchant.com
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Soldier finally wins back pay from U.S. Postal Service

FM soldier wins battle against USPS for owed back pay

Military Vets in the U.S. Postal Service

"...The worst part of the fight isn't overseas. It's a seven-year-old battle on the home front. "I was just serving my country and they fired me for doing that," said Erickson. Sgt. Major Erickson thought he was protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights act. ..."    

This Article is From: www.nbc-2.com
Meta Tags: military service, Military service and the United States Postal Service, How does the postal service treat military veterans?, Sgt. Major Erickson, Postal back pay fights, Merit Systems Protection Board, Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights act,
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Please do your postal business at your local post office, help save this great service

A New Year’s Resolution: Support the People’s Post Office

"...It means working to ensure that the post office continues to be a good place to work — with job security, decent wages, and good benefits — and remembering that the post office provides jobs to thousands of veterans, minorities, the disabled, and women. It means doing your postal business at your local post office, not some Village Post Office or the postal counter in Staples, and it means challenging workshare discounts, outsourcing, and all the other forms of piecemeal privatization. ..."    

This Article is From: www.savethepostoffice.com
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Alabama mail processing plant consolidations causing delayed and late mail; Issue being addressed says Birmingham Postmaster

Birmingham Post Master addresses late mail delivery

"...Allison says over the past few months, even more zip codes have been added to the Birmingham plant. "During the time of the post office right now we've been doing some consolidations. So we've consolidated Huntsville plant into the Birmingham plant here. ..."    

This Article is From: www.abc3340.com
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Watch UPS Tetris In 24-Hour Holiday Delivery Time-Lapse

Watch UPS Tetris In 24-Hour Holiday Delivery Time-Lapse

Reference: http://www.animalnewyork.com/2013/watch-ups-tetris-24-hour-holiday-delivery-time-lapse/

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Manhattan post office robbed by postal worker

Postal worker arrested for robbing Manhattan post office at knifepoint

"...pulled a knife on two women who were closing up a Washington Heights post office Tuesday, law enforcement officials say. Sable fled with about $2,000 and was arrested several hours later...."    

This Article is From: www.nydailynews.com
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IG says Postal Service not ready for increase in package volume over next 4 years

USPS not ready for increase in package volume over next 4 years, IG says

"...If the Postal Service can't handle the higher volume, it will have long term financial implications as well since potential patrons could choose another delivery source, the report says...."    

This Article is From: www.fiercegovernment.com
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Postal Service volume so heavy they are even processing mail on Sunday

Postal Service works on Sunday to clear holiday backlog

"...For the first time ever, post offices in Dallas, Forth Worth, and Arlington were open and processing mail on a Sunday...."    

This Article is From: www.wfaa.com
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NJI Postal Mail Facility Fire; Small Amount of Mail Damaged

Some packages damaged in fire at NJ postal center

"...Postal Service spokesman George Flood says employees were evacuated when the fire began in a mail processing machine at the New Jersey International & Network Distribution Center..."    

This Article is From: www.philly.com
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Mail sorting delays raise concerns in Alaska community

Mail sorting raises concerns in Alaska community

"...U.S. Postal Service spokesman Ernie Swanson said Ketchikan's sorting equipment gave out and it's not practical to replace it right now...."    

This Article is From: www.newsobserver.com
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New Mail-Sorting Process Causing Unnecessary Delays in Alaska

New Mail-Sorting Process Causing Unnecessary Delays in Ketchikan

"... The result is that my office has received numerous complaints from local governments and businesses concerned about timely delivery of bills and receipt of payments for taxes, utilities, goods, and services.” “I would urge you to review the decision to fly Ketchikan-bound mail hundreds of miles from Ketchikan to Juneau and back to Ketchikan..."    

This Article is From: www.sitnews.us
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Postal Service expecting a higher than normal mail volume on Mondays...

Holiday Rush: USPS Announces Sunday Processing, Deliveries

"...The USPS is expecting a higher than normal mail volume on Mondays during the holidays “Normally, we do not cancel and process mail on Sundays, but we are expecting our local mail volume to increase from about..."    

This Article is From: fox8.com
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Staffing problems at Skagway post office in Alaska being addressed

Juneau postal clerks brought in to help with Skagway mail

"...sent a couple clerks from Juneau to help ease staffing problems at the Skagway post office...."    

This Article is From: www.adn.com
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Vote Delayed on Bill That Would Alter Postal Employee Health Care Plan and Other Major Postal Changes

Vote Delayed on Reform Effort

"...provisions in the 2013 Postal Reform Act that would restructure its health care plan, shift to a six-day package / five-day mail delivery model..."    

This Article is From: www.fedweek.com
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Postal Service puts workers in danger with late deliveries

USPS puts workers in danger

"...The plant closures have resulted in increased travel times, with mail taking longer to get to local post offices and pushing back carrier start times from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Once the mail arrives at local offices, there are now fewer clerks to sort the mail to routes and fewer carriers to cover existing and vacant routes, resulting in many carriers working shifts of more than 12 hours, and well into the evening hours...."    

This Article is From: socialistworker.org
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Why are postal carriers subjected to "after dark' deliveries in these dangerous times?

Postal Workers Worried About Safety After Dark
"...darkness and later starts – because of slower processing due to facility consolidations – means carriers are on the streets well after dark. “There were several carriers still on the street after 10 o’clock ..."    

This Article is From: cbslocal.com
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Alabama mail processing plant consolidation allegedly causing mail delays

Mail carriers apologize for late delivery

"...“Our trucks have been late from Birmingham,” Cheatham said. “The Postal Service has consolidated Huntsville and Tuscaloosa in Birmingham, and they haven’t been able to work all the load.” As of 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Cheatham said the Alexander City Post Office had yet to receive its Birmingham mail shipment. ..."    

This Article is From: www.alexcityoutlook.com
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Postal mail carrier shot dead while delivering mail

U.S. Postal Service worker fatally shot in Prince George’s County

"...A U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was shot and killed Saturday night while on his rounds..."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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Texas actress accused of mailing ricin-laced letters gets plea deal

Woman accused of mailing ricin to Obama gets plea deal

"...A Texas actress accused of mailing ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has reached a plea deal with federal..."    

This Article is From: www.chicagotribune.com
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Celebrate the Holy Day of Gingerbread House

USPS ad for ‘holiday stamps’ omits Christmas — includes Kwanzaa, Hanukkah

USPS.com

"..recent U.S. Postal Service advertisement to sell “holiday stamps” curiously omitted a Christmas or Christian-themed message, yet included portrayals of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa....."    

This Article is From: www.washingtontimes.com
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Stamp collectors and the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee riled over stamp choice

Harry Potter stamp riles Postal Service panel, traditional stamp collectors

"...The dispute caps more than a year of friction between the Postal Service and the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, named by the postmaster general to help make sure that the Amer­ican experience is properly ­portrayed. ..."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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Holiday Gift Idea: Melissa & Doug Stamp and Sort Mailbox

www.amazon.com

"...Get the Melissa & Doug Stamp and Sort Mailbox for your younger children. A great learning toy! Enjoy the thrill of receiving personal mail every day with this wooden mailbox activity set. With 6 letters and 6 removable stamps, it’s fun to sort the mail into the mailbox, and then open the door with the wooden key for special delivery. ..."    

This Article is From: www.amazon.com
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Internet is providing increased revenue opportunities for the United States Postal Service

Congressional fiasco is the lone black mark for the Postal Service

"...The Postal Service has an operating profit through the first three quarters of fiscal 2013. The agency — which gets no taxpayer money, instead generating its own revenue by selling stamps — has earned $330 million more this year than..."    

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

Who says mail volume is down? USPS expects record holiday for mail

U.S. Postal Service Predicts Record Holiday — FedEx and UPS Will Shine
"...The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) expects to ship 15 billion pieces of mail and packages between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. USPS management claims this will be a record. The number represents a surge of 12% from last year...."    
This Article is From: 247wallst.com Read our latest posts! .

Postal Highway Contract Route (HCR) contractors overpaid for fuel to the tune of $61.5 Million, says IG

Postal Service Overpaid Truckers $61.5 Million for Their Gas

"...According to the inspector general, the Postal Service failed to identify fuel overpayments by contractors on Highway Contract Routes (HCR), which covers more than 17,000 drivers...."    

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

Important dates for the 2013 HQ & Field Consolidation/Closing

Important dates for the 2013 HQ & Field Consolidation/Closing

"...Qualified employee selections will be made during this period for the 10/15 – 10/30 job postings. Job applicants will be informed in the usual manner if they were or were not selected for the position. On November 29, 2013, VER applicants complete the Acknowledgement of Irrevocability and Application for Immediate Retirement, and send to the HRSSC (Human Resources Shared Service Center) per instructions provided in the offering packet. After your forms are received at the HRSSC (must be received no later than 8:30 PM EST on November 29, 2013) you will be mailed additional forms required to complete the retirement process and information needed to schedule your retirement information session. Proof of mailing is recommended (for example, delivery confirmation) when submitting your application within seven (7) days of the irrevocability date. ..."    

This information is From: LiteBlue at https://liteblue.usps.gov/humanresources/organizationalchanges/oc_2013_consolidationclosing_aag.shtml? Read our latest posts! .

Make 'Mad $tacks' off of USPS real estate

Dianne Feinstein Delivers Postal Profits to Hubby

"... in light of the rumored Feinstein & Blum U.S. Postal Service deal — were apparently made in vain. Therefore, I will now urge my grandchildren to comprehensively study just one book, How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, hire a great photographer for those close-up moments, and prepare to receive unimagined riches. ..."    

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

2013 North Pole Postmark for you

2013 North Pole Postmark

"...Feel free to copy our 2013 North Pole Postmark and Christmas Cancellation for your..."    

This Article is From: northpolepostmarkcancellation2013.blogspot.com Read our latest posts! .

Going Postal: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's husband sells post offices to his friends, cheap.

Going Postal: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's husband sells post offices to his friends, cheap.

Going Postal... (Amazon)

"...Peter Byrne’s e-book, Going Postal: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's husband sells post offices to his friends, cheap. National award-winning investigative journalist Peter Byrne reports that the husband of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has been selling post offices at bargain basement prices—often to his own business partners. Richard C. Blum is the chairman of CBRE Group Inc., the largest commercial real estate firm in the world. In 2011, the Postal Service awarded Blum's company an exclusive contract to sell off postal real estate in cities and towns across America. Byrne's in-depth investigation details the many apparent conflicts of interests driving the CBRE deals. It brings to light a scathing government audit of Blum's contract that is being ignored by the Obama administration. The investigation reveals how Senator Feinstein pressured the Postmaster General to stop a postal construction project, and to favor the interests of a developer working with her husband's firm. Byrne explains why the Post Office is not really broke and how powerful forces on Capitol Hill are angling to franchise the U.S. Mail monopoly. We learn that the post office executives in charge of Blum's contract have been up to a financial shenanigans of their own. This is first class investigative reporting on a vital issue of the day that you will not find anywhere else...."    
This Article is From: www.amazon.com Read our latest posts! .

Rare Opportunity: Only 100 sheets of special 'corrected' 2013 Inverted Jenny stamps printed

Inverted Jenny Stamp - with a possible rare surprise
"...The Postal Service announced that it has additionally printed 100 additional sheets of stamps of the recently issued Inverted Jenny stamp but with the plane flying right-side up. These very limited edition stamps were circulated with the recent issue of the most famous “misprinted” stamp. Customers who have recently purchased the new Inverted Jenny stamp could have a very limited edition of the famous stamp...."    
This Article is From: Inverted Jenny Read our latest posts! .

Video: USPS plan to alter employee healthcare

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