Postmaster General Donahoe to Retire

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to retire

"...Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe will retire Feb. 1 ...The board named Postal Service veteran Megan Brennan as the new postmaster general...."    

This Article is From: yahoo.com
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Postmaster General Donahoe Stepping Down Feb. 1

Postmaster General Donahoe Says He'll Retire Feb. 1 After Leading Troubled Agency for 4 Years

"...Postmaster General Donahoe says he'll retire Feb. 1 after leading troubled agency for 4 years...."    

This Article is From: abcnews.go.com
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Postal Service should cancel AMP Phase 2 Events to prevent postal network destruction

Unions Fight Postal Service Plans To Shutter 82 Facilities, Lower Mail Standards

"...According to the postal service, the plant consolidations would most affect first-class mail. Personal letters, bills and greeting cards..."    

This Article is From: www.huffingtonpost.com
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Union wants to know why it took so long for USPS to notify union / employees of data breach

Union Accuses USPS of Illegally Keeping Its Data Breach a Secret

"...The American Postal Workers Union have sent an official complaint to the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that it was illegally kept in the dark about the major data breach revealed this week. Postal Service workers found out that hackers had stolen 800,000 employees personal data, including Social Security numbers, at the same time as the rest of the country, and their union leaders are not happy about it...."    

This Article is From: streetwise.co
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Data of more than 800,000 postal employees allegedly breached by Chinese government hackers

China suspected of breaching U.S. Postal Service computer networks

The intrusion was discovered in mid-September

USPS Employee Data Breach

"...The compromised data included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of employment and other information, officials said. Every employee from the letter carrier to the postmaster general was exposed...."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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Despite Legislative Clarity, Postal Service to eliminate intra-plant overnight commitment for collection mail

Phase II of Network Rationalization Resumes January 2015

"...Phase 2 was originally scheduled to begin February 1, 2014 with the adoption of First Class service standards that would eliminate the intra ‐ plant overnight commitment for collection mail (a mailer presort delivery option would be preserved)...."    

This Article is From: www.phoenixhecht.com
Read our latest posts! Despite lack of legislative clarity, the USPS announced on June 30, 2014 that Phase II would resume January 2015. .

12 Pounds of Marijuana Intercepted That Was being Sent via the U.S. Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service, Police Intercept 12 Pounds Marijuana; Man Charged

"...Clifton Knight of Hartford was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and possession of over 4 ounces of marijuana after authorities intercepted two packages containing a total of 12 pounds of marijuana being sent through the United States Postal Service..."    

This Article is From: www.courant.com
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Postal Service network infrastructure destruction to begin in 2015

U.S. Postal Service to restart consolidation of Oshtemo Township and other mail distribution centers

"...Postal workers petitioned legislators to fight facility closures, and the moratorium was requested by Congress and granted, Todd said. But the decision-making ultimately falls with USPS leadership in Washington, D.C., and it is moving forward...."    

This Article is From: www.mlive.com
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Postal Service continues to slow mail delivery standards as it prepares for consolidation and/or closure of 82 more processing facilities in 2015

USPS continues to modify delivery standards

"...Some standard mail has been increased from three to four days. Besides the changes to the delivery standards, the report also describes changes to operations that USPS has made since 2012, such as shutting down several processing facilities and shifting long-distance transportation of some mail from air transportation to surface transportation, and how these changes have affected the delivery time. ..."    

This Article is From: www.logandaily.com
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The postal worker vote is a huge grouping of votes that can make a difference. Vote for those that are standing up for postal workers and those that are trying to halt facility closures

Get involved before it is too late – Election Day is around the corner!

"...We are asking all members of Congress to join with a majority of the Senate and over 160 House members in urging the Appropriations Committee to place a 1-year moratorium on this wrong-headed scheme by the PMG to drastically slow down Americas mail. While our lawmakers are home, we need to deliver the message that Congress can and must act to stop these imminent, reckless, and irreversible cuts to America’s mail!..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Lack of Service Standard Change Information in Postal Service Area Mail Processing Feasibility Studies

To view the Performance Audit Report in full, cut, copy and paste the following link to your browser: https://www.uspsoig.gov/sites/default/files/document-library-files/2014/no-ma-15-001.pdf

Click above to enlarge

   

This Article is From: https://www.uspsoig.gov/sites/default/files/document-library-files/2014/no-ma-15-001.pdf
Tags: Phase 2 of the Network Rationalization, USPS Audit, Read our latest posts! .

What Happens if You do Not Have a Beneficiary Form on File?

Many people, over time, forget about updating their important beneficiary forms. Everyone should visit your postal records and verify that your beneficiary forms are up to date. If not, we suggest that you submit you do so as soon as possible.

If you do not have a valid beneficiary form on file, benefits will be paid in the order of precedence as noted on the beneficiary form—check each form for the exact wording that would apply. For example, this is the order of precedence from the TSP-3, Thrift Savings Plan Designation of Beneficiary:

1. To your widow or widower.
2. If none, to your child or children equally, and descendants of deceased children by representation.
3. If none, to your parents equally or to the surviving parent.
4. If none, to the appointed executor or administrator of your estate.
5. If none, to your next of kin who is entitled to your estate under the laws of the state in which you resided at the time of your death.   


Source: liteblue.usps.gov

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Staples: Latest Retailer Affected By A Payment Card Data Breach

Staples Becomes The Latest Retailer Affected By A Payment Card Data Breach

Read More on Staples

"...Today, it appears you may be able to add Staples to the growing list of retailers who have discovered fraudulent activity related to a data breach in their stores. In Staples’ case, however, the company is currently investigating a “potential issue” in select locations in the Northeastern U.S. The news was first reported by Brian Krebs, the security expert who broke the story of Target’s credit card breach which ended up affecting up to 110 million consumers..."    

This Article is From: techcrunch.com
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Unified message to PMG Donahoe and the Board of Governors: Stop Delaying America’s Mail!

National Day of Action; Friday November 14, 2014

Stop Purposely Delaying the Mail!

"...Together, the four postal unions have united forces to protect service, fight for our livelihoods, and defend our great national treasure, the U.S. Postal Service. ..."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org
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Print a 2014 North Pole Postmark for your Santa letters

Print a 2014 North Pole Postmark for your Santa letters
  Feel free to cut, copy and paste the 2014 North Pole Christmas Postmark and Cancellation for your Christmas letters and other Christmas craft ideas. Merry Christmas! Visit the 2014 North Pole Postmark site.
 

This Article is From: rocket-city.us
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Mailman 1946 Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Postal Worker's Daily Routine

"Designed to show primary grade pupils how the United States post office system operates. Follows both a city and a rural mailman on their appointed rounds and explains graphically to children how postmen sort mail and deliver it. Also the great social responsibility of Uncle Sam's letter carriers."

Public domain film from the Prelinger Archive, slightly cropped to remove uneven edges, with the aspect ratio corrected, and mild video noise reduction applied. The soundtrack was also processed with volume normalization, noise reduction, clipping reduction, and/or equalization (the resulting sound, though not perfect, is far less noisy than the original).

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Where do employees with "priority consideration" due to facility closures fall into this "pecking order"?

‘Pecking Order’ Set for Filling New Positions in POStPlan Offices

"...The APWU and USPS have agreed on a “pecking order” for filling newly created positions in POStPlan Installations. A recent arbitration award will result in the creation of 9,000 new Clerk Craft jobs in six-hour and four-hour offices affected by the POStPlan. The pecking order is based on the arbitration award and the subsequent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). ..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Union Challenges Planned Closures and Consolidations via National Level Grievance

NPMHU Challenges Planned Closures and Consolidations via National Level Grievance

"...The National Postal Mail Handlers Union has initiated a Step 4 grievance concerning violations arising from the Postal Service's plans to close or consolidate approximately 82 facilities starting in January 2015. In particular, the NPMHU believes that the Postal Service's decision to close or consolidate these facilities is a violation of Handbook P0-408, Area Mail Processing (AMP) Guidelines, which is incorporated into the National Agreement through Article 19...."    

This Article is From: National Postal Mail Handlers Union
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Miami Postal Carrier Robbed at Gunpoint for cluster box keys (video)

Miami Postal Worker Robbed at Gunpoint

"...The crime was quick as two men, one of whom was armed, approached the letter carrier and demanded the keys to open mailboxes in apartment complexes...."    

This Article is From: www.nbcmiami.com
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Hefty Back Tax Bill For Postal Workers (Scranton)

Hefty Back Tax Bill For Postal Workers

"...Many employees of the U.S. Postal Service are getting quite a surprise right now: notices that they owe taxes that were supposed to be taken out of paychecks but weren’t...."    

This Article is From: wnep.com
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The Second Amendment at the post office: The Right to Carry (Bonidy v. United States)

Bonidy v. United States: The Second Amendment at the post office

"...By definition, persons who have been issued a concealed carry permit have been authorized to carry a handgun for lawful protection almost everywhere in a state. They do not become more dangerous when they set foot in a post office. Nor does the licensed carry of a firearm impose any greater risk than does carrying in other public places...."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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As Postal Service destroys the U.S. mail network, great real estate deals abound (41 properties for sale)

USPS Properties For Sale

"...The USPS expressly reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any or all expressions of interest or offers to purchase the property (the “Property”), and/or terminate discussions with any entity at any time with or without notice. The USPS shall have no legal commitment or obligation to any entity reviewing the marketing materials or making an offer to purchase the Property unless and until written agreement(s) for the purchase of the Property have been fully executed, delivered and approved by the USPS, and any conditions to the USPS's obligations have been satisfied or waived...."    

This Article is From: www.uspspropertiesforsale.com
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Thank goodness Issa's chances for his postal destruction proposals appear to fade

Hopes dimming for postal service reform

"...Issa said last week that Senate Democrats might be willing to deal on postal reform if they lose control of the chamber in November. But for now, he added that he didn’t think that his favored proposal would even make it through the House, despite estimating that 90 percent of GOP lawmakers supported it.

“Zero Democrats are willing to do it,” Issa said. “And candidly, 90 percent of Republicans doesn’t get us to 218.”..."    

This Article is From: thehill.com
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Non full-time USPS worker faces 114 felonies for mail theft

USPS worker faces 114 felonies for mail theft

"...said Osburn is assigned to the Rose City Park Post Office, did not have a dedicated route, and is not a full-time employee...."    

This Article is From: koin.com
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UPS Shooting In Birmingham Kills 3, Including Gunman

UPS Shooting In Birmingham Kills 3, Including Gunman

"...BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The man who killed two former co-workers and then himself at a UPS shipping center Tuesday had told some people that he was having problems at work but never suggested the situation might turn violent, his pastor said...."    

This Article is From: www.huffingtonpost.com
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Postal Service forced to hire or convert thousands of employees to full-time after violating agreemnet

APWU Wins Major Victory on Staffing ‘POStPlan’ Offices

"...The APWU has won a major victory on staffing in post offices affected by the “POStPlan” – a victory that will result in the creation of at least 9,000 new Clerk Craft jobs within 90 days.

In a ruling dated Sept. 5, Arbitrator Stephen B. Goldberg concluded that jobs in four- and six-hour post offices must be assigned to clerks – not Part-Time Postmasters or Postmaster Reliefs (PMRs). A Sept. 22 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines procedures for implementing the award.

The ruling and MOU establish a minimum of 3,000 new Level 6 career jobs in six-hour offices and Level 18 offices. Positions in the six-hour offices must be staffed with full-time employees. The ruling and MOU also establish more than 6,000 new Level 6 non-career jobs in four-hour offices, to be filled by Postal Support Employees (PSEs). The union expects thousands of additional new career jobs to be created as the process unfolds...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Late mail deliveries perplex Postal Service customers

Getting your postal mail in the evening in West Seattle lately? Here’s why

"...Last night, our U.S. Postal Service mail arrived at 6:30 pm. A few nights earlier, it arrived after 8 pm. Several WSB readers have e-mailed mentioning the same thing, and wondering why they’re getting deliveries so much later than before. ..."    

This Article is From: westseattleblog.com
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Postal Service postpones forced shift to centralized mailbox locations (cluster boxes) in Deadwood and Lead

USPS postpones mail delivery changes in Lead, Deadwood

"...The U.S. Postal Service announced Thursday that it’s postponing plans to discontinue home delivery service to 533 addresses in Lead and 218 in Deadwood, switching to centralized mailbox locations next month...."    

This Article is From: www.bhpioneer.com
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Towns across the nation are concerned about the destruction of the USPS mail processing network

Petition Seeks to Save E. 38th St. Post Office

"..."I'm doing this not just for myself, I'm doing it for my family, I'm doing it for my neighbors, and I'm doing it for my city," said concerned Erie resident, Jason Brendel, of a petition he's helping spotlight online. "Because I believe that the more people we have working, the better."

The petition has hundreds of signatures, and simply asks for support in keeping the post office open. The petition can be viewed HERE in Erie. ..."    

This Article is From: www.yourerie.com
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What kind of a safety and economic firestorm would this have caused with all the low-placed mail containers in post offices and processing plants?

U.S. Postal Service agrees to resume delivery to homes with low mail slots "...post office sent letters to area households, outlining the draconian demands and saying the change was needed to prevent injury to the carrier. Postal regulations call for mail slots to be at least 30 inches above the base of the door..."    

This Article is From: www.nydailynews.com
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Postal Pete

Postal Pete: Great Jeep Prices for Postal Delivery

Postal Pete

"...You just can't beat Postal Pete for Jeep prices. Postal Pete is Postal Employee friendly...."    

This Article is From: http://www.postalpete.com/
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Union Busting Congress and Privateers helped create a financial disaster with the U.S. Postal Service

Save the Postal Service

"...“Nutty” is the new normal in our nation’s capital and Exhibit A is how Congress — with its union-busting mentality — helped create a financial disaster with the U.S. Postal Service and refuses to enact legislation that can provide a fix...."    

This Article is From: magicvalley.com
Read our latest posts! Congressional Union Busting Privatizers helped create a financial disaster with the U.S. Postal Service .

Postal Service has fouled in Post Office relocation process. Will State Officials and Unions take action to repair the damage done?

IG: USPS not following proper process for post office relocation

"...The IG reviewed 33 of 114 relocation project from fiscal 2011 through 2013 and found that 25 new site selections weren't announced until after the public comment and appeals period ended. And two of the site selections had no announcement dates...."    

This Article is From: www.fiercegovernment.com
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Get ready for the destruction of the Postal Service unless our elected congress steps up to halt plant closures

Reid joins effort to stop postal closures

"...The Postal Service said this summer that it would start consolidating as many as 82 processing facilities at the beginning of 2015, on top of the 141 the agency has already shut down in recent years...."    

This Article is From: thehill.com
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Charges dropped against 3 individuals fighting against the destruction of the Postal Service

Charges dropped against 3 ‘postal protectors’

"...“Postal management is tearing apart the infrastructure of the public postal service,” said Partridge, a retired letter carrier. Vowing further direct actions, Partridge declared that “we plan to escalate this fight to save our national treasure.”..."    

This Article is From: nwlaborpress.org
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Postal reform proposals drawing consumer anger

Postal reform bill seeks to save agency money: 2 proposals drawing consumer anger

"..."Buried in the bill is a section that would create cluster mail boxes for all neighborhoods, and that's just not a practical solution," said local Rep. Susan Davis...."    

This Article is From: www.10news.com
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Project Wing: Google Testing Drone Delivery - Here's How It Works

Inside Google's Secret Drone-Delivery Program

Click Image to See Video

"...Now, Google will begin growing the program in an ultimate push to create a service that will deliver things people want quickly via small, fast “self-flying vehicles,” as they like to call them. ..."    

This Article is From: www.theatlantic.com
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Postmaster General Donahoe Wants To Cut Postal Services, Like Residential Mailboxes and Saturday Delivery

Postal Service Changes Coming to Neighborhoods

"...“Eventually we will go to five-day mail delivery,” said Donahoe. He says by cutting back on one day of delivery, the Postal Service can save billions of dollars, but that’s not all. “We’re looking at changes with mailboxes,” said Donahoe, “some more flexibility in terms of what we do with centralized boxes.” Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Postal-Service-Changes-Coming-to-Neighborhoods-272963671.html#ixzz3BfRGp3pA Follow us: @nbcsandiego on Twitter | NBCSanDiego on Facebook ..."    

This Article is From: www.nbcsandiego.com
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UPS data breach compromises credit, debit cards used in 51 stores

UPS data breach compromises credit, debit cards used in 51 stores

"...A spokeswoman for UPS says the information includes names, card numbers and postal and email addresses from about 100,000 transactions..."    

This Article is From: www.oregonlive.com
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USPS delivery management system (DMS): Keeping Postal Delivery Employees Fenced-In

Postal Service geo-fence tech promising, but not quite ready

"...Geo-fence technology leverages global positioning system signals to create virtual geographic zones that ensure delivery personnel stay on schedule and on their routes...."    

This Article is From: fedscoop.com
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Mail processing facility consolidation schedule released (phase-two)

Postal Service releases schedule of plant consolidations set for 2015

"...The Postal Service has released a schedule showing when the phase-two mail processing plants will be consolidated next year. The spreadsheet shows the date on which each type of mail will be relocated from a closing facility to a gaining facility...."    

This Article is From: www.savethepostoffice.com
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20Stamps will turn your photos into real postage stamps

20Stamps App Will Turn Photos Into Real US Postage Stamps

20Stamps app

"...20Stamps - the world’s first app to turn your favorite photos into real US postage stamps...."    

This Article is From: Android and iPhone Apps and News
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Postal Shooting: Albuquerque co-workers wrestle the shooter to the ground when the gun was fired.

Albuquerque postal service employee fires gun at work, arrested

"...One employee who contacted News 13 on Monday says he saw it all happen and watched his co-workers wrestle the shooter to the ground when the gun was fired. Customers say the news is disturbing. “There’s some kind of an dynamic that’s happening within the U.S. Postal Service that leads people to that,” said Rush...."    

This Article is From: krqe.com
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Alleged post office delays draw attention; Postal Service says its not so

Alleged post office delays draw attention; local facility to receive cuts after Jan.

"...Allegations of intentional delays at the Cape Girardeau mail processing facility prompted a letter from U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt on Thursday to postmaster general Patrick Donahoe. ..."    

This Article is From: www.semissourian.com
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Don’t buy school supplies at Staples

Don't Buy From Staples

"...If it is allowed to continue, the Staples deal will replace public post offices with private, for-profit companies whose decisions will be motivated solely by the bottom line. And it will replace good, stable jobs our communities need with low-pay, high-turnover, part-time positions that hurt our economy. That would be bad news for workers, consumers and the American people. ..."    

This Article is From: The American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
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Postal Service would have posted a net income of $10 million in quarter ending June, 30 2014 if not for...

Postal Service reports $2 billion loss

"...The USPS' financial filings said the adjustment to workers' compensation expense -- an exercise that is on paper rather than a reflection of actual costs -- counted as a $540 million expense. The agency's retiree commitments for the quarter totaled $1.43 billion. Without those two expenses the agency would have posted a net income of $10 million. ..."    

This Article is From: www.timesdispatch.com
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Joan Tittle: Stamp Collector

Meet a Postal Service groupie, the woman who will collect every stamp

"...Tittle is a stamp collector, though collector is too dull a word to describe her pursuit. A few years after she retired from being a high school gym teacher in 1993, she began traveling around the country attending as many “first day of issue” ceremonies as possible. Civil War stamps, Kwanzaa stamps, Joe DiMaggio stamps — she wants them all. And not just the stamps. Tittle collects the souvenir envelopes the stamps come in..."    

This Article is From: www.washingtonpost.com
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Is Your State Senator Stepping Up To Save Your Postal Infrastructure or Silently Allowing Its Destruction?

The Senate Can Help Stop Service Cuts and Plant Closures
"...A move by the USPS that will slow America’s mail service and that threatens tens of thousands of jobs requires an urgent response, said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. On June 30, the USPS announced its intention to close and consolidate 82 mail processing facilities in 37 states throughout the country beginning in January 2015. On Aug. 1, the USPS posted a notice in Federal Register announcing that the consolidations will eliminate overnight mail delivery..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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Help!! Send this message NOW to stop the slowing of the mail and the destruction of the Postal Service. We need your help please.

Send your senators a message now to help save the Postal Service

"...While the Postmaster moves forward with his disastrous scheme to dismantle the postal network, Congress has the power to undo his plans -- but they need to hear from us!

Work is underway in the Senate to prevent USPS from going forward with its decision to close and consolidate 82 mail processing facilities nationwide. Send your senators a message today in support of Senator Tester's letter urging swift action on postal closures!..."    

This Article is From: capwiz.com
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Amazon Sunday Delivery Facts

Amazon Sunday delivery: Key facts to know as USPS rolls out service nationally
"...The Sunday work is performed primarily by “non-career employees,” which is lingo for part-time employees. A U.S. Postal spokesman said these employees most likely would not receive as many hours as they do if it were not for Sunday delivery. Because of this, you will often see them not in uniform...."    


This Article is From: www.geekwire.com
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Amazon Prime (One Year Membership) .

It's time to ‘Dump the Postmaster General!’

The Postmaster General (USPS)

It's time to ‘Dump the Postmaster General!’
"...After noting that some have called Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe’s actions criminal, and a clear violation of the law that created and maintains the Postal Service as a fundamental right of the people, APWU President Mark Dimondstein called the PMG “Wall Street’s Trojan Horse, the privatizer from within.”..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org
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“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. ..."    

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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...."    

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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 ..."    

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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.”..."    

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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.”..."    

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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...."    

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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...."    

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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...."    

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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

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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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