RE: U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Groff v. DeJoy (pdf)
On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in the lawsuit Groffv. DeJoy.
The case was brought by Gerald Groff, who delivered mail as a Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) from 2012 to 2019 in central Pennsylvania. Groff is a Christian who observes Sunday as the Sabbath. Citing those religious beliefs, Groff consistently refused to work on Sundays. For several years, Groff and the Postal Service attempted to find workarounds, such as having volunteers take over his Sunday slots. Eventually, however, the Postal Service began disciplining Groff for his refusal to work on Sundays, and in 2019, Groff resigned. After resigning, Groff sued the Postal Service. He argued that under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act , the Postal Service was required to reasonably accommodate his religious beliefs by exempting him from Sunday work.
Before turning to the specifics of the Court's decision, we note at the outset that the Court's decision leaves in place the longstanding recognition that it would be an "undue burden" to provide an accommodation that would violate a seniority system in a collective bargaining agreement, like the National Agreement between the NPMHU and the Postal Service.
The Court's decision did proceed to answer two principal questions:
On the first question - whether the Court should disapprove the "more than de minimis cost" test for determining whether a religious accommodation was an undue hardship - the Court disapproved of the "more than de minimis cost" language. In its place, the Court held that an employer can show that a religious accommodation creates an undue hardship under Title VII if that accommodation causes a substantial burden in the overall context of the employer's business. The Court held that this is a fact specific inquiry. "Courts must apply the test to take into account all relevant factors in the case at hand, including the particular accommodations at issue and their practical impact in light of the nature, size, and operating cost of an employer."
As to the second question - whether an employer may demonstrate undue hardship under Title VII by showing burdens on co-workers - the Court held - using language consistent with the position the NPMHU took in its amicus brief to the Supreme Court, that impact on coworkers is relevant to the extent those impacts affect the conduct of the business. The Court acknowledged that "an accommodation's effect on co-workers may have ramifications for the conduct of the employer's business, but a court cannot stop its analysis without examining whether that further logical step is shown in a particular case."
The Court concluded by sending the case back to the lower court to consider Groff's claim in Iight of the standard described above.
As we wrote to you previously, the NPMHU supports employees' rights to receive reasonable accommodations for their religious beliefs and practices, and will continue to urge the Postal Service to provide those accommodations consistent with the terms of the National Agreement.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the National CAD.
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Religious Accommodation | U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Groff v. DeJoy is a Win for the Working Class
Sunday, June 25, 2023
The U.S. Postal Service is making a massive change to the way it delivers mail and packages: ‘We are moving forward’
"...Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, an EV advocate, approves of the plan and will monitor how the USPS uses its funds. “I have long pressed the Postal Service to purchase more American-made and union-made electric delivery trucks, and I applaud today’s announcement that they will acquire new safe and efficient electric trucks that will be built by the Ford Motor Company and members of the United Auto Workers,” he said in a statement...."
This Article is From: yahoo.com
Friday, June 23, 2023
Login.gov pilot program expands nationwide
"...The Postal Service recently expanded a pilot program offering in-person identity proofing services for Login.gov at more than 18,000 Post Offices across the United States.
USPS began the pilot in February 2022 in seven locations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Login.gov is a shared service used by several federal agencies, including USAJobs and the Small Business Administration.
When using a Login.gov account, users can access applications from participating agencies. ..."
This Article is From: USPS
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Memorandum Signed Regarding General Principles on Sorting and Delivery Centers
"...These discussions have resulted in an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) “Re: General Principles on Sorting and Delivery Centers.” The MOU, dated June 20, 2023, was signed by Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino and APWU President Mark Dimondstein. The MOU makes it clear that no retail operations (window or box sections) will be reduced or closed due to the implementation of management’s S&DC plans and confirms that customers will still be able to pick up their certified mail, held mail, etc. at their local post offices. In addition, the MOU clarifies that distribution duties in the S&DCs will be categorized as function 4 operations. ..."
This Article is From: apwu.org
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Letters containing 'suspicious' white powder sent to Republican lawmakers
Letters containing 'suspicious' white powder sent to Kansas lawmakers
'...the letters containing a suspicious white powder appeared to be targeting GOP officials. ...Carrie Rahlfeldt, the communications director for the Kansas Speaker of the House, told local news station KMBC that several members of the Republican caucus received letters containing the suspicious powder. State Sen. Molly Baumgardner told the station she received a letter. "We're using our finest resources and it's being squandered because someone - or a group of people - are very deliberately trying to make a point...'
Reference: www.foxnews.com
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Monday, June 19, 2023
Postal Service is closed on Monday, June 19
"Postal Service retail locations will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery except for holiday premium Priority Mail Express on Monday..."
This Article is From: www.argusobserver.com
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Teamsters Authorize Strike at UPS
(WASHINGTON) – UPS Teamsters have voted by an overwhelming 97 percent to authorize a strike, giving the union maximum leverage to win demands at the bargaining table.
The powerful vote allows the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike should UPS fail to come to terms on a strong new contract by July 31, when the union’s current National Master Agreement expires. The Teamsters represent more than 340,000 UPS package delivery drivers and warehouse logistics workers nationwide.
“This vote shows that hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are united and determined to get the best contract in our history at UPS. If this multibillion-dollar corporation fails to deliver on the contract that our hardworking members deserve, UPS will be striking itself,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The strongest leverage our members have is their labor and they are prepared to withhold it to ensure UPS acts accordingly.”
National negotiations between the Teamsters and UPS began April 17. Union representatives and rank-and-file members serve on the national negotiating committee. The UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement is the largest private-sector contract in North America. Full- and part-time UPS Teamsters are working in lockstep for a new five-year agreement that guarantees higher wages for all workers, more full-time jobs, an end to forced overtime and harassment from management, elimination of a two-tier wage system, and protection from heat and other workplace hazards.
“This strike authorization vote sends a clear message to UPS that our members are damned and determined to take necessary action to secure a historic contract that respects their dedication and sacrifice,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “Our members are the backbone of UPS, and they are the reason this corporation hauled in more than $100 billion in revenue just last year. It’s time for UPS to pay up.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
This Article is From: teamster.org
Friday, June 16, 2023
‘Cloned’ FedEx vehicles being used to transport illegal migrants into the US
"...The Border Patrol’s Santa Teresa Station Anti-Smuggling Unit received a tip about the plan, with agents and state troopers stopping vehicles, two of which were outfitted to look exactly like typical white FedEx vans. Officials arrested four smugglers involved in the scheme, as well as apprehending the 26 migrants, who were from Mexico and Guatemala, on June 8. Border Patrol sources told The Post there is a FedEx facility very close to the border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico..."
This Article is From: nypost.com
Scraping the Bottom for Employees to Drive
"...Agency’s strategy of using middlemen to cut its rates raises questions about highway safety..."
This Article is From: www.wsj.com
3 Mississippi men get prison time for robbing postal worker
"...Each of them will serve five years of supervision once released and they were ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service for the money taken in the robbery and to the postal carrier for medical costs associated with injuries he received, federal prosecutors said. ..."
This Article is From: www.foxnews.com
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Criminals seek USPS employees’ security info
"...The Postal Service wants employees and contractors to watch out for phishing emails designed to con recipients into revealing their security clearance information. Employees at several government agencies have received phishing emails in recent weeks, according to the FBI. USPS employees also have been targeted. ..."
This Article is From: usps.com
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Today is Flag Day in the United States of America
Article Title: Today is Flag Day in the United States of America
Reference Source: www.govinfo.gov
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Postal FEHB enrollees feel ‘angst’ as OPM builds USPS-only (PSHB) health insurance marketplace
"The agency is creating the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program as a separate entity from the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as required under the Postal Service Reform Act signed into law last year. ...Dimondstein, however, said there’s been some “angst” among current retirees unaware that they are exempt from a requirement for all future retirees to enroll in Medicare Part B.
“Retirees who are not in Medicare B now, are not going to be forced to be in Medicare B once this law matures, but some people don’t know that,” Dimondstein said.
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) is asking OPM to prevent as much disruption as possible in moving nearly 2 million FEHB enrollees to new health care plans offered under PSHB."
The Congressional Budget Office estimates postal enrollees in PSHB could also see slightly lower premiums since postal retirees will primarily be covered under Medicare Parts A and B. However, some USPS employees and retirees remain wary about their premiums under a new plan.
A USPS retiree told OPM that, “When I made my decision to retire, I was never told that someday I’d be forced into a different insurance plan that might cover less and cost me more.”
“We base our decision to retire on what’s available to us at the time and should never be forced to accept anything less,” the retiree wrote.
This Article is From: federalnewsnetwork.com
Monday, June 12, 2023
USPS States That Ethics Rules apply after leaving USPS
"...The rules mainly address two concerns: when former employees can interact with USPS on behalf of new employers, and how current and former employees may interact with each other. Post-employment ethics considerations include..."
This Article is From: usps.com
Friday, June 9, 2023
Trafficking operation that uses Pokémon art cases to ship in cocaine busted in New Bedford
"...A trafficking operation that used Pokémon art cases to ship in cocaine from Puerto Rico was busted in New Bedford, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday. Two New Bedford men were arrested Tuesday after a United States Postal Service inspector and New Bedford police detectives coordinated a controlled delivery of a package to an apartment on Viall Street. An undercover postal inspector posing a mail carrier brought the package to the porch. ..."
This Article is From: www.abc6.com
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Big Medicare Changes Coming For Postal Service Retirees
"...the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program... They will not be able to enroll in or continue with FEHB plans. To continue with a PSHB plan, Medicare-eligible annuitants who have retired will have to enroll in Medicare Part B, medical insurance. ...Why is the government doing this? ...this change could save the Postal Service $5.6 billion through 2031 while adding $5.5 billion in costs to Medicare during that span"
This Article is From: www.forbes.com
Monday, June 5, 2023
Residents seeing USPS issues across Mid-South
"“We’ve had two or three cases now where we have mailed a vendor a check and it’s taken four or five weeks to get to their location,” one storeowner said. ... “They just say ‘look, your regular mail carrier is out. We don’t know where your mail is at this point but we’re trying to track it’,” Nywening said. That seems to be a constant across the Mid-South. A Southaven resident still awaiting a passport on June 2, for a trip beginning June 3, made a Facebook post about her issues. ..."
This Article is From: www.localmemphis.com
Saturday, June 3, 2023
California woman busted in counterfeit postage scheme that cost USPS over $60M
This Article is From: nypost.com
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Postal Service Finalizes the 2023 Stamp Program
"...the Postal Service announced first-day-of-issue dates and locations for previously announced stamps through the end of 2023. ...Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. "
This Article is From: usps.com
Monday, May 29, 2023
Use This USPS Online Tool to Find Out If Mail Really Is Slower in Your Area
This Article is From: lifehacker.com
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Postal supervisor used USPS credit cards to buy $65K in groceries, household items, cops say
"Austin T. Mahan, 42, of the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township, is charged with misappropriation of postal funds. He appeared..."
This Article is From: www.nj.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
12,000 security mailboxes being deployed by USPS: What you need to know
"...USPS is also replacing its antiquated “arrow” locks with 49,000 electronic locks, a move that comes after the service reported that letter carriers have been targeted for their specialty keys that allow for box access. The new locks have already been installed in select cities...Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455."
This Article is From: www.al.com
Monday, May 15, 2023
PMG DeJoy updates employees in new video
"...Postmaster General Louis DeJoy discusses the next phase of the Delivering for America plan, which USPS began implementing more than two years ago. “We will accelerate the pace of our improvements and will make great gains the coming years,” DeJoy says. ..."
This Article is From: usps.com
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Postal Service high-volume mail theft incidents from mail receptacles, including blue collection boxes
"USPS will use 49,000 electronic locks to replace antiquated arrow and modified arrow lock keys, which criminals use to steal mail from secure mail receptacles to commit financial crimes, including altering checks to commit fraud.
• Preventing change-of-address fraud. In April, USPS implemented dual-authentication identity verification for online transactions and, effective May 31, the organization will offer enhanced in-person change-of-address transactions at Post Offices and retail outlets.
• Defeating counterfeit postage. USPS will fully exercise new authority to take possession and dispose of packages identified with counterfeit postage. ..."
This Article is From: usps.com
Monday, May 8, 2023
Postal Service Health Benefits Program - New Fact Sheets Released
"...The APWU has been working diligently with the USPS, the other postal unions, and OPM to ensure a smooth implementation of the PSHB Program. As a result of our combined efforts, two fact sheets have been developed to highlight the new program and answer questions for both active postal workers as well as annuitants.
APWU is committed to ensuring that APWU members (active and retired) have the resources they need leading up to the January 1, 2025 start date of the new program. As more information and educational items are released, we will be posting and distributing that information. ...
PSHB Employee Fact Sheet
PSHB Annuitant Fact Sheet April 2023
"
This Article is From: apwu.org
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
3 indicted in Alabama mail thefts involving stolen keys
"...illegally sold keys that allowed others to open and pilfer Birmingham-area mailboxes. The indictment filed Thursday in federal court in Birmingham accuses Keaundria Janae Gresham, 30, of Pleasant Grove, a letter carrier at a local post office, of selling two keys for $3,000 each to Derrell Allen Matthews, 25, of Birmingham. What the U.S. Postal Service calls “arrow keys” open mail collection boxes. ..."
This Article is From: www.kansascity.com
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Netflix to end its DVD-by-mail service after 25 years
"...The growth of Netflix’s video streaming service has been slowing down over the past year, prompting management to put more emphasis on boosting profits. That focus may have also contributed to the decision to close an operation that was becoming a financial drain. But the DVD service was once Netflix’s biggest money maker. ..."
This Article is From: www.krqe.com
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Parcel Volume in U.S. Hits Projection a Year Ahead
Parcel Volume in U.S. Hits Projection a Year Ahead
'...FedEx saw the biggest U.S. parcel volume falloff in 2022, according to Pitney Bowes’ annual index, and while overall domestic volume last year was down by 2.2%, the pandemic bump in ecommerce helped it outpace the 2019 projection by hitting the target a year ahead of schedule. Pitney Bowes forecast parcel volume growth will be cut in half from 2023-2028, from a 10.8% CAGR in the trailing five years to a “most likely” CAGR of 5%, out of three different scenarios, “driven by market normalization, inflation and economic uncertainly.”...'
Reference: multichannelmerchant.com
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Postal service woes becoming dangerous. Our leaders need to speak up about it.
"The non-service all over town was so pervasive it became the talk of the comprehensive planning meeting that night, and the talk was not civil. ..."
This Article is From: yahoo.com
Friday, March 31, 2023
NPMHU COLA 1 of 3 Retro Effective November 19, 2022, Pay Period 25-2022 (and retroactively applicable)
"...This is the first of three-scheduled general wage increases as outlined in the 2022 National Agreement. In addition to the general increases provided in Section 9.1 ..."
This Article is From: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
New York: Postal Service investigating report of employee bringing gun to post office
"...U.S. Postal Inspection Service is aware of a recent report of an employee of the DeWitt, NY Post Office possessing a firearm while on postal property. Postal Inspectors responded and are currently investigating. ..."
This Article is From: www.localsyr.com
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The Postal Service will issue a stamp in 2023 honoring Chief Standing Bear
This Article is From: USPS
Monday, March 27, 2023
How scammers are selling counterfeit stamps on Facebook ads
"The U.S. Postal Service has teams of forensic scientists who can catch the subtle differences between a real postage stamp and a fake one, however, an average person could easily make that mistake and use a counterfeit stamp, which is a federal crime. Other legitimate retailers such as Costco, Walgreens, and CVS are permitted to sell postage stamps at a discount by law, so it is possible to get postage stamps for slightly cheaper. However, the discount is always very slight, and the stamps themselves are legitimate and authorized by the U.S. Postal Service. ..."
This Article is From: www.foxnews.com
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Postal Facts updated for 2023
"Did you know that more than 1,400 USPS-owned buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Or that the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp has raised nearly $95 million since 1998? Or that USPS employs nearly 63,000 veterans? These tidbits of knowledge and more can be found in that smorgasbord of USPS history, statistics and trivia known as Postal Facts, which has been newly updated for 2023. The information can be found at facts.usps.com, a graphics-rich site you can also download as a PDF. ..."
This Article is From: usps.com
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Suspicious powder sent to Manhattan DA’s office
"The Manhattan District Attorney’s office received a parcel containing an eerie white powder inside an envelope on Friday. ...The grand jury proceedings scheduled to meet the following Wednesday were canceled. ...The discovery came three days after a bomb threat had shut down the courthouse at 60 Centre Street"
This Article is From: www.oann.com
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Massachusetts postal worker sentenced for attempting to bribe boss to participate in trafficking cocaine
"John Noviello, 61, of Nashua N.H. was sentenced to one day in prison and three years of supervised release for offering to pay his boss $1,750 per kilogram of successfully delivered cocaine, according to the United States Attorney’s Office of Massachusetts. ..."
This Article is From: www.foxnews.com
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
U.S. Postal Mail Carrier allegedly attacked by minor with machete
"The USPS letter carrier was out delivering mail during Tuesday's nor'easter when the juvenile male attacked him. ...The juvenile male was charged with two counts of juvenile assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of juvenile simple assault, and one count of juvenile breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. Police did not release the name or age of the suspect. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is also investigating the attack. “The safety and well-being of Postal Service employees is a top priority..."
This Article is From: www.boston.com
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Postal Service Saviour DeJoy Doing Amazing Job!
"“DeJoy may be the only person on earth who could have delivered these wins for America’s beloved, beleaguered agency,” the article states, explaining how he has drawn upon his previous experience as a CEO and political fundraiser. Additionally, the article notes that some early criticisms of DeJoy proved erroneous. The 3,900-word piece is available on Time’s website, in the magazine’s March 27 print edition and on Apple News, where it appears under the headline “The Mail Man — Initially cast as a Trumpian villain, Louis DeJoy is delivering for the Postal Service, and Democrats.” The article concludes by indicating the Postal Service still has a long way to go, but DeJoy plans to keep working to turn the organization around. As he tells Time: “I don’t like to leave a job undone.”..."
This Article is From: usps.com
Friday, March 17, 2023
Long-term care pause | Two-year freeze on applications
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has paused all new applications for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.
Unenrolled individuals cannot apply for the program.
The suspension period, which will run for 24 months from Dec. 19, 2022, is designed to give OPM and the John Hancock Life and Health Insurance Co., the program’s carrier, “time to thoroughly assess benefit offerings and establish sustainable premium rates that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of the benefits provided,” according to the suspension notice on the program’s website.
Current enrollees’ coverage will not change as long as they continue to pay their premiums. However, current enrollees may not increase coverage.
Those who applied for the program before the cutoff date will have their application considered and, if approved, will receive all relevant information.
For those in claims status, there is no change to coverage or claims reimbursement as long as benefits have not been exhausted.
For more information on the suspension, call LTCFEDS at 800-582-3337. For other benefits-related questions, contact the Wellness team.
Reference: USPS News Link via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
NPMHU members ratify 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
MAIL HANDLERS RATIFY 2022 NATIONAL AGREEMENT
The terms of the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service were officially ratified on March 13, 2023. The certified results show that over 84% ...
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Employee Hatch Act Violation
"OSC filed a complaint for disciplinary action with the Merit Systems Protection Board charging a rural mail carrier in California with violating three provisions of the Hatch Act when, in August 2020, she intentionally removed and discarded 66 pieces of presorted deliverable mail intended for delivery on her route because the pieces were sent by a political party or the campaign of a candidate for partisan political office. According to the complaint, the carrier placed the mail in an undeliverable mail bin from which it would have been thrown away, but an attentive employee at the post office noticed an unusual quantity of political mail in the bin and alerted a postmaster. In a settlement agreement, the carrier admitted that OSC would have been able to prove that she violated three provisions of the Hatch Act—the prohibitions on engaging in political activity while on duty or in the federal workplace and the prohibition on using one's official authority to interfere with or affect the results of an election. The carrier agreed to resign from USPS and accept a one-year debarment from federal employment as a penalty for violating the Hatch Act. ..."
This Article is From: U.S. Office of Special Counsel
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Monday, February 27, 2023
Cyclist Blamed For His Own Death During Trial Of a USPS Truck Driver Who Killed Him
"“I’m happy he was charged with something, but a misdemeanor takes almost no consideration that my husband died,” Brimer told Streesblog in 2121. “He ran my husband down with a mail truck. The charge of ‘failure to yield’ doesn’t even suggest that a man died. It’s more like, ‘Whoopsie, I guess I didn’t look.'” Defense manipulated the truth, blamed the cyclist Fast forward to this week. The trial of Sergei Alekseev resulted in a conviction on the “failure to yield” misdemeanor charge, but not before Alekseev’s defense attorney blamed Williamson for being run over, even though the cyclist clearly had the right of way and was riding in a bike lane. ..."
This Article is From: www.yahoo.com
Salvaged American flag an emblem of hope in KY
"...among the debris, a group of postal workers and volunteers discovered that the Post Office’s U.S. flag — tattered and torn but still in one piece — survived. “It was an emotional day for us,” said Ginger Rosenbury, a maintenance manager who assisted with recovery and cleanup. When the team found the flag, they knew they wanted to do something special for Mayfield Postmaster Joshua Jenkins. “We witnessed how he put his whole heart and soul into helping his employees and the Postal Service” after the..."
This Article is From: usps.com
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Thursday, February 23, 2023
Royal Mail Bosses Admit to Tracking Postal Workers
"...The head of Royal Mail told Parliament that his company has used technology to track the speed of postal workers, including for how long they stood still. Appearing before the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer Simon Thompson said the exercise was to avoid cases of work overload and not to..."
This Article is From: www.bloomberg.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Negative Home Value Impact | People Do Not Want to Buy Homes With Cluster Mailboxes
"USPS customers don’t like and don’t want this change. People want their mail delivered to their home. ...consumers and businesses place the highest value on maintaining delivery to the door and/or curb, rather than delivery to cluster boxes or parcel lockers..." https://mail-boxes.blogspot.com/2023/02/cluster-boxes-centralized-delivery-vs.html" title="Cluster Boxes (Centralized Delivery) vs Mail Delivery to the Home Can Impact Home Value">
This Article is From: Mailboxes
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Indiana man who threw steel wheelbarrow on dying grandpa and stomped head to ‘finish him off’ convicted of murder on victim’s birthday
"An obituary said Huffman, a former employee with the United States Postal Service, was a “loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather” who “enjoyed spending time with and caring for his family.”...deliberated for just over five hours before finding Trent D. Kreegar guilty on one count of murder and one count of aggravated battery in the horrific Sept. 5, 2021 death of Robert Earl Huffman Jr., prosecutors announced. The date of Kreegar’s conviction also happened to be the day that his grandfather would have turned 69. ..."
This Article is From: www.msn.com
Fighting fake postage | Rule change sought to combat fraud
"The Postal Service has filed notice in the Federal Register, seeking to change mailing standards to combat a surge in counterfeit postage. Counterfeit postage is any marking or indicia that has been made, printed or otherwise created without USPS authorization that appears to indicate that valid postage was paid. Under the proposed revision to Section 604.8.4 of the Domestic Mail Manual, articles in the mailstream with fraudulent postage will be considered abandoned and may be opened and disposed of at the Postal Service’s discretion. Consumers who are victims of online vendors using counterfeit postage will need to seek recourse from the vendor. “As the most trusted government agency in the nation"
Sunday, February 19, 2023
NPMHU | Contract Ratification Vote 2023
The results of collective bargaining for the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and USPS will be mailed to mail handlers on January 31, 2023. Ballots will be counted on March 13, 2023. The tentative agreement contains many important gains and improvements in wages, work rules, and other benefits, and we urge you to vote “Yes” to ratify the contract.
Ratification Vote Over Terms of 2022 National Agreement Underway
Ratification procedures to certify the terms of the tentative 2022 National Agreement between the Union and the U.S. Postal Service were adopted by the National Executive Board of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and widely distributed in November 2022. All regular members who are employed by the U.S. Postal Service as of Pay Period 26-2022 are eligible to vote and were furnished with the text of the proposed changes and deletions to the National Agreement, together with ballots and return envelopes. This ratification material was mailed to each eligible voter on January 31, 2023. Any member who does not receive a ballot or the accompanying information must call the Ratification Ballot Coordinator, Neil Ryan at 202-833-9095, extension 1029, to request replacement materials.
The balloting period began on January 31, 2023, and will conclude at 9:00 a.m. on March 13, 2023, with verification and count, to be overseen by the American Arbitration Association. All members are encouraged to vote yes, in favor of ratification. The highlights of the 2022 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the U.S. Postal Service are as follows:
WAGE IMPROVEMENTS:
Continuation of COLA payments (6 during the term of the Agreement)
3 General Wage Increases of 1.3%
Additional 1% increase for Steps BB, AA, and A
Over $2,700 in wage increases for Mail Handlers at top step (not including COLA)
CHANGES TO SALARY SCHEDULE:
Elimination of Step BB; new career employees start at Step AA
Shorten waiting period between all steps from 52 to 48 weeks
Overall reduction in more than 2 years to reach top step (will be less than 15 years to reach top step)
MHA IMPROVEMENTS:
Additional 1% wage increase each year
Additional $0.50 increase retroactive to November 2022
Creation of MHA Step B (additional $0.50 after 6 months)
Automatic conversion to career position after 24 months
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS:
Consecutive days off for career employees in 200+ man-year facility
Guaranteed nonscheduled day each week for MHAs and PTFs
Layoff protection for career Mail Handlers employed as of September 20, 2022
New MOU on Dignity and Respect for all employees
Annual clothing allowance increases of 2.5% with new carry-over provisions
Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama
Thursday, February 16, 2023
APWU: Third COLA Increase Announced
"In accordance with the 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), career employees represented by the APWU will receive a $0.10 per hour cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), effective March 11, 2023. The increase is the result of a rise in the January Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). It will appear in paychecks dated ..."
This Article is From: apwu.org
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
USPS offers new approach to career conferences
"This year, USPS will offer employees enhanced experiences at the conferences, including networking opportunities and interactive sessions designed to equip participants with the tools and resources to take the next step in their professional development. “Our organization has a long history of developing and promoting its employees from within. Attending a career conference is a great opportunity for you to learn more about what career opportunities the Postal Service has to offer you and gain some skills and tools to help you get there,” said Jenny Utterback, Organization Development vice president. ..."
This Article is From: usps.com
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Bienvenido | USPS
"Estampillas de USPS Nuestras estampillas celebran la vida, el arte y la cultura. Encuentre sus estampillas favoritas en lÃnea. Precios de las Estampillas: Forever: $0.63 | Tarjeta postal: $0.48 Comprar ahora Our Priority Is You ® USPS sigue comprometido a proporcionar a todos los clientes servicios esenciales de envÃo y correo. ..."
This Article is From: es.usps.com
Postal Service intention to replace First-Class Package Service with USPS Ground Advantage
"...USPS has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of its intention to replace First-Class Package Service with USPS Ground Advantage. According to the Feb. 10 filing with the commission..."
This Article is From: NPMHU Local 317
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Friday, February 10, 2023
Alabama | UPS plane stuck off taxiway at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
"...UPS plane is stuck off the taxiway at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Thursday morning. Spokesperson Kim Hunt said the accident happened around 5:10 a.m. when the 767 was trying to make a turn. ..."
This Article is From: www.wsfa.com
Thursday, February 9, 2023
21 Most Valuable Stamps: Rare Stamps Wanted By Collectors
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This Article is From: luxe.digital
Monday, February 6, 2023
Postal pairing Watch bands, phone cases available
This Article is From: USPS
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Thursday, February 2, 2023
UPS, FedEx, Amazon partner Flytrex | Flytrex Granted FAA Approval for Long-Range Commercial Drone Deliveries
"...in other words, the certification allows companies to launch and operate long-range commercial drone delivery services without a limit on size or scope. Flytrex joins Alphabet’s Wing, UPS Flight Forward, Amazon Prime Air and Zipline as the only firms with such an approval. There are still some restrictions on what Standard Part 135 Air Carriers can do—for example, they must receive authorization for each type of operation they want to conduct. But the certification is considered the most lenient regulatory framework available for drone delivery..."
This Article is From: www.flyingmag.com
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Ring Mailbox Sensor is a battery-powered motion sensor that sends you real-time notifications via the Ring app when your mailbox opens
APWU: Department of Labor Announces New FECA Procedures for COVID-19 Cases
"...The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) expired on January 27. The APWU has opposed the expiration of those provisions of the act that protected federal workers who contracted COVID-19 (COVID). We are providing the following as information to members on the new procedures for COVID-related workers’ compensation (OWCP) claims through the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)...."
This Article is From: apwu.org
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Alabama civil rights activist's son indicted on voter fraud charges
"...The charges were announced Wednesday by Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill and District Attorney Michael Jackson. Jackson said Turner is accused of running multiple ballots through a voting machine during the May 2022 Democratic primary election. He is also accused of breaking state law as regards using absentee ballots, Jackson said. Turner was seen with a "stack" of absentee ballot material at the post office, he said. ..."
This Article is From: www.foxnews.com
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Friday, January 27, 2023
Alabama | Huntsville postal employee indicted on federal charge for destroying, withholding mail
"The indictment says Alexander Dockery destroyed, detained and delayed letters, postcards, packages and other mail... Dockery’s arraignment is set for Feb. 9. "
This Article is From: www.waaytv.com
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Woman pleads guilty for past mailing of ricin to President Donald Trump
"A Canadian-French dual national has pleaded guilty to charges that she mailed threatening letters containing the poison ricin to then-President Donald Trump, as well as eight Texas law enforcement officers, in 2020. Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier, 55, faces over 21 years in prison if a judge agrees to accept the terms of her plea... There is no place for political violence in our country...'We hope this resolution will serve as a warning that using our mail system to send a toxic substance and other threats of this type will cost you your freedom for many years.'"
This Article is From: www.yahoo.com
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Saturday, January 21, 2023
Mailb Self Adhesive Reflectiveox Numbers (Decal Die Cut, Classic Style, Vinyl Waterproof Numbers, )
This Article is From: Amazon
Friday, January 20, 2023
FEHB and Medicare Webinar to be held Jan. 26, 2023
"Postal Service employees can participate in an upcoming webinar to learn about the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Medicare.
The session, “Medicare and FEHB,” will be held Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. EST.
Representatives from GEHA, a not-for-profit provider of health plans for federal employees, will conduct the webinar and explain how Medicare works with FEHB plans, including information on Medicare parts A, B, C and D.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website. After signing up, directions will be emailed to each registrant.
Following the session, registrants will receive an email with a link to an archived recording, along with the slides shown.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees may only participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
For more information, contact the USPS Health and Wellness team at healthandwellness@usps.gov."
This Article is From: usps.com
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Tuesday, January 17, 2023
New Yorkers should be vigilant amid 'rise' in mail theft, AG says. How to protect yourself
"...New Yorkers should be on the defensive against mail theft amid recent rises in stolen mail, including checks and credit cards..."
This Article is From: www.lohud.com
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Monday, January 16, 2023
A gilded route | MN carrier happy to take the high road
"...Daniel Nerka knows he’s got it good. “Can’t get any better than delivering on the Hill,” the St. Paul, MN, letter carrier said. Nerka is referring to Cathedral Hill..."
This Article is From: USPS News Link
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Cyber incident hits UK postal service, halts overseas mail
"...The British government’s National Cyber Security Center said it’s aware of the incident and is working with Royal Mail and the National Crime Agency “to fully understand the impact.” Services for mail coming into the country are operating with minor delays, Royal Mail said. ..."
This Article is From: apnews.com
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4-year-old discovered missing after postal carrier finds her sister, Oklahoma cops say
"...A postal carrier spotted a 5-year-old girl outside her home and reported the incident to an Oklahoma police department, then authorities learned the child’s younger sister was missing. A search began for the girl’s sister — Athena Brownfield, 4 — but investigators have been unable to find her, authorities said. “This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and right now our top priority is locating her...."
This Article is From: www.kansascity.com
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Wednesday, January 11, 2023
$10K reward offered for USPS vehicle stolen in Madison County at the Brownsboro Post Office
"...MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – A reward for information about the burglary of the Brownsboro Post Office and theft of a vehicle is being offered by federal officials. ...The number of the stolen vehicle is 0330344. If you have any information about this crime, please contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455, section “law enforcement” and reference Case No. 3946263."
This Article is From: whnt.com
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Friday, January 6, 2023
Be Prepared | How to Order More Free COVID-19 Tests From the Post Office
"...The federal government has resumed sending out free at-home test kits. ...Though the program was paused, the White House reserved a supply of test kits. With COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations rising again, new shipments started going out on Dec. 19. ...For more on COVID-19, learn why the expiration date on your test kit might be wrong."
This Article is From: www.cnet.com
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Monday, December 26, 2022
USPS Issues Employee Communications Update Regarding PostalEASE Website Fraud
"...Please see the latest information that we just received regarding the PostalEase website fraud. FRAUD ALERT...Letter to be sent to only impacted employees notifying them of their situation and share information and next steps. Please note"
This Article is From: NPMHU Local 317
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Wednesday, December 21, 2022
FBI reimbursed Twitter for doing its dirty work on users
"FBI paid Twitter $3.4M for doing its dirty work on users, damning email shows...The email notes that the funds will be used by Twitter on “[law enforcement]-related projects” including “LE training, tooling, etc.” The reports by Shellenberger and fellow independent journalists Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss, have revealed extensive collaboration and employee overlap between Twitter and the FBI, who Taibbi reported last week treated the social media company as a “subsidiary” and repeatedly reported supposed “misinformation.”"
This Article is From: nypost.com
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Monday, December 19, 2022
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests this winter
This Article is From: www.boisestate.edu
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Packages and mail may be delivered at night this holiday season
"...U.S. Postal Service is looking to hire about 28,000 seasonal workers and is installing 137 new package sorting machines in an effort to avoid shipping delays. But postal worker representatives say Americans could see after-dark or even nighttime deliveries over the holidays...Lawmakers have been trying to implement reform within the mailing agency amid widespread complaints about mail service slowdowns. ...'We need to make sure that the Postal Service is reliable and that people are on deck doing their jobs.'"
This Article is From: www.cbsnews.com