POSTAL NEWS

...from various sources.

8.20.2013

Postal Service wants to remove employees from the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program

USPS Plan to Pull Out of Fed Health Benefits Could Cost Postal Workers

"...A recent bipartisan Senate proposal to overhaul the Postal Service included a provision to allow the agency to create an independent health care benefits system for its employees. It generally accepted the Postal Service’s proposals and included the plan to shift retirees’ benefits primarily to Medicare. The Senate bill is awaiting committee markup when Congress returns from recess in September. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.govexec.com

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8.11.2013

Job scheme appears to have used recruits to target post offices

Postal inspectors looking at job scheme

"... A U.S. postal inspector has started investigating a job scheme that appears to have used recruits to target post offices in the Grand Rapids area...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.woodtv.com

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8.09.2013

Postal Pension and Health Care Benefits Under Attack In Postal Bills

Senators Introduce Postal Reform Bill With Bipartisan Support

"...The reform act would allow the Postal Service to not offer new employees access to the Federal Employees Retirement System or contribute to their Thrift Savings Plan account. It would also give USPS authority to, in consultation with postal unions, create an independent health care benefits system ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.govexec.com

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8.04.2013

Mailtenders - Postal Service may go into the alcohol serving biz

Post Office eyes alcohol deliveries to raise revenue

"..."There's a lot of money to be made in beer, wine and spirits," Donahoe said. "We'd like to be in that business." ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.cnbc.com

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8.02.2013

Gutting the Postal Service - a manufactured crisis designed to privatize an American institution?

How the Postal Service Is Being Gutted

"... Why would the USPS take such radical measures? The simple truth is that the postal service is a fundamentally sound business, though not without its challenges. If you look closely, you'll see a concerted campaign to drive USPS out of business, despite the fact that it operates without government subsidies and, potentially, at a profit. It's being subjected to a politically manufactured crisis in order to ram through drastic change. But without the USPS, citizens will face much higher costs without better service...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.fool.com

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7.30.2013

Postal Service getting complaints on mail delays, attempts spot fix by reverting to antiquated method of hand-sorting specific zips

Postal service takes action on bulk mail delays

"... Bluebonnet Publishing’s Circulation Manager Ann Reeves confirmed more than 70 email-documented instances of delivery issues from customers...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.kilgorenewsherald.com

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7.25.2013

H.R. 2748, the Postal Reform Act of 2013

Issa releases long-awaited postal reform legislation

"... In addition to a free hardship exemption, authorizes the Postal Service to create a program whereby mail reci pients whose delivery would otherwise be converted to curbside or clusterbox could maintain door delivery for a small annual fee...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.federalnewsradio.com

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7.23.2013

Postal Service customers continue to enjoy surcharge-free deliveries

Tough Economy Prompts Shipper to Add Surcharge

"... While these surcharges add to the shipping costs for customers who use FedEx services, customers of USPS continue to enjoy surcharge-free deliveries...."  Click to Read More
Source: yourpostalblog.wordpress.com

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7.14.2013

Postal Service truck carjacked

Police ID suspect accused of shooting motorist during series of carjackings in west Denver on Monday

"... The gunman then carjacked a U.S. Postal Service truck at West 24th Avenue and Julian Street, a police officer at that scene told 7NEWS. The postal worker was not harmed, police said...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.thedenverchannel.com

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7.11.2013

USPS has 100% funded pension accounts - a strong position in retiree benefit protection

Don't Expect The U.S. Post Office To Copy Britain's Royal Mail IPO

"... For perspective, the Post Office is more than 100% funded in its pension accounts, while the average large-cap company is funded at 80%–and just a fraction are 100% funded...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.forbes.com

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7.09.2013

Postal Service: the inspector general “completely fails to understand an organization in transition.”

Audit: Postal Service overtime costs topped $3.5 billion last year

"...USPS officials agreed to pursue staffing plans and other steps to reduce reliance on overtime, but said that the inspector general “completely fails to understand an organization in transition.” The Postal Service is in the midst of consolidating more than 270 processing plants ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.federaltimes.com

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6.30.2013

Valassis has rolled out its new weekend direct mail package, dubbed Spree

An Update On The Valassis/USPS NSA

"...represents essentially a proprietary partnership between the U.S. Postal Service, a government-granted monopoly, and Valassis, a public company, designed expressly to attack the newspaper industry, this effort would not garner much attention. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.netnewscheck.com

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6.27.2013

PostCom recently released a white paper on postal reform: wages and benefits of postal workers...

USPS: A wholly owned subsidiary of Mailers Inc.

"... Postal reform, the PostCom way: The first three principles, presumably the most important given their place at the top of the list, directly attack the wages and benefits of postal workers: pull postal workers from their federal health care program, allow the Postal Service to offer a defined contribution retirement plan instead of FERS ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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6.16.2013

Issa's proposed postal bill is disturbing

Issa’s Draft Bill ‘Deeply Disturbing,’ APWU Says

"... A draft postal bill released by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) on June 13 would punish postal workers, privatize major portions of the USPS, and deprive the American people of vital services, said APWU President Cliff Guffey...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.apwu.org

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6.13.2013

‘Protect Overnight Delivery Act’ introduced by Rep. DeLauro

Rep. DeLauro to Introduce ‘Protect Overnight Delivery Act’

"... “The elimination of overnight delivery standards and consolidating processing facilities will have a disastrous impact on local and national unemployment,” Rep. DeLauro wrote. “The USPS is a major employer around the country and employs over 500,000 workers. With an unacceptably high unemployment rate, it would be particularly inopportune for the USPS to close these facilities...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.apwu.org

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Drexler: Be wary of sending important documents through the mail

Postal mix-up delays IRS payment

"... The same mix-up happened to five other people in the Spring Hill area, which prompted Drexler to issue a warning to his Hernando County neighbors: Be wary of sending important documents through the mail. It may be worth it to go the extra step to ensure the correspondence is protected. - See more at: http://hernandotoday.com/he/list/news/postal-mix-up-delays-irs-payment-20130612/#sthash.XYquZoay.dpuf..."  Click to Read More
Source: hernandotoday.com

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6.10.2013

Postal Service selling off buildings

Downtown post office closure leaves Northfield frustrated with USPS

"...The postal service has been trying to sell the building, leading to speculation and some concern about who might purchase it, and what use they have in mind. The city says purchase offers for the building have gone unanswered. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.startribune.com

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6.05.2013

Individual accused of raping postal worker

Dennis Carpenter accused of raping postal worker

"... The man who allegedly raped a young postal worker in Silver Spring last month was arrested Tuesday...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.wjla.com

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6.02.2013

Kurbwatt electric postal van

Quirky Kurbwatt electric postal van from 1980s surfaces on eBay

"...Originally built by Grumman, this Kurbwatt is one of 50 electric vans sold to the US Postal Service in Cupertino, CA, during the 1980s. There are three days left to bid, if a project car like this is up your alley. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: green.autoblog.com

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5.21.2013

Postal Shooting: Killer believed his mail was being diverted to his estranged wife

Complaint outlines alleged plot to kill letter carrier

"...With a rifle, extra ammunition and lighter fluid, he hid in a treeline like a sniper to wait for the letter carrier to make her delivery. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.news.ruralinfo.net

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5.19.2013

Body found inside burning vehicle thought to be postal worker

Body in burning vehicle may be murdered San Jacinto County mail carrier

"... The victim is thought to be a female postal worker who was involved in a possible assault. The name and age of the postal worker are not being released at this time..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.yourhoustonnews.com

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5.16.2013

Postal consolidation cuts continue displacing employee's and families

USPS has plans to cut Madison mail-handling jobs

"... The proposed cuts at the Madison processing center on Milwaukee Street would result in an increase of 24 clerk and handler jobs in Milwaukee, and an increase of 14 supervisor jobs, according to a limited summary. The net loss would be 16 non-management jobs...."  Click to Read More
Source: madison.com

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5.15.2013

Another Ricin Incident (Spokane)

Another Ricin Incident Hits Spokane

"... Preliminary lab tests indicated the presence of ricin on two suspicious letters in Spokane WA, the Postal Service told the APWU on May 15. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.apwu.org

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4.28.2013

Sinkhole swallows retirement dreams of retired postal worker

Louisiana sinkhole shatters calm, prompts buyouts on the bayou

"... The Romeros bought their home in 1991 as a getaway retreat, and moved in fulltime in 1996. “We decided we enjoyed it so much we wanted to retire here,” said Nick. For several years, the couple drove back and forth to jobs in Baton Rouge, some 50 miles away. Nick is retired from the U.S. Postal Service, and Brenda a retired loan closing manager...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.publicintegrity.org

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4.27.2013

Postal Service relocations and closures continue at speedy pace

What's up in the Heights? The Postal Service relocates a post office, forgets to tell anyone

"... for some reason, the Postal Service has not included this relocation in its discussions with city officials, and there hasn’t been an announcement about a public meeting or comment period. The Postal Service seems to be treating the Washington Bridge closure as a done deal. That’s because it is...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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4.26.2013

Canada Post claims trademark on the term “postal code”

Canada Post claims exclusive use of the words "postal code"

"... Canada Post disagrees. The crown corporation now argues that the very term “postal code” is subject to a trademark owned by Canada Post. Anyone using the term “postal code,” therefore, does so at their own risk. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: boingboing.net

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4.24.2013

Charges dropped against wrongly accused 'ricin' mailing suspect

Former ricin suspect happy with vindication as probe continues

"...Did someone try to frame Elvis impersonator Paul Kevin Curtis by sending ricin-tainted letters to President Barack Obama and other officials? ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.cnn.com

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4.18.2013

Arrest made in ricin letter mailing attack

Man arrested for sending letter to Obama with poisonous substance; father tells The News he's shocked at son's involvement

"... The fact the scare resulting from the potentially deadly letters followed so soon after the Boston attack was eerily reminiscent of the anthrax mailings that came on the heels of 9/11...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.nydailynews.com

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4.17.2013

Tainted letters sents to President and Senator had same language

Another Intercepted 'Ricin' Letter Sent to President Obama

"...both letters included the phrase: "To see a wrong and not expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance." Both were signed, "I am KC and I approve this message."..."  Click to Read More
Source: democraticunderground.com

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4.16.2013

Ricin laced letter sent to Sen. Roger Wicker

Envelope sent to Roger Wicker tests positive for ricin

"...sorted at a Washington facility, USPS trucks it to a New Jersey irradiation facility operated by Sterigenics, a company known for its medical sterilization equipment. The Postal Service said it spends about $12 million annually on irradiation ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.washingtonpost.com

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4.14.2013

Tax Day Is No Big Deal at Post Office Anymore

No post office rush on tax day

"... But some taxpayers still prefer to file the old-fashioned way. They just have to remember they no longer have until midnight Monday to get the right postmark. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.courierpress.com

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4.01.2013

Postal Service Creative Agency Business Remains Under Parent 'Interpublic Group'

U.S. Postal Service Names McCann Creative Agency of Record

"...for an agency whose North American operations struggled for the past several years to make it into any new business pitches -- let alone actually manage to win one -- it's good news ..."  Click to Read More
Source: adage.com

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3.30.2013

Deconstruction of the Postal Service accelerated

Postal Service to close more than 50 mail-processing centers

"...The U.S. Postal Service announced on Wednesday that it would close more than 50 mail-processing centers this year, accelerating a consolidation plan ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.washingtonpost.com

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3.25.2013

Postal Mail Processing Facility helps community save turtles

Postal Service Cuts Past Red Tape To Save Turtles In Trouble

"... Barrack contacted the South Florida Water Management District, which dispatched an inspector. The inspector verified that the pipe where the turtles were getting trapped did indeed belong to the U.S. Postal Service, which has a mail processing facility nearby...."  Click to Read More
Source: miami.cbslocal.com

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3.22.2013

GAO: USPS is legally compelled to “continue six-day delivery...

GAO Says USPS Must Comply with Six-Day Provision

"... Through this interpretation, the USPS is legally compelled to “continue six-day delivery and rural delivery of mail at not less than the 1983 level. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.dmnews.com

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3.11.2013

Continuing Resolution bill ties $100 million in appropriations to 6 day and rural mail delivery

Issa says new USPS delivery schedule can go ahead

"... bill language ties $100 million in appropriations to 6 day and rural mail delivery. The language is a standard clause Congress has included in spending bills since late 1982..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.fiercegovernment.com

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3.04.2013

United Parcel Service Becomes #202 Most Shorted S&P 500 Component, Replacing 3M

United Parcel Service Becomes #202 Most Shorted S&P 500 Component, Replacing 3M

"... In our new rank based on the most recent short interest data from NASDAQ, United Parcel Service Inc (NYSE: UPS) has taken over the position of #202 most shorted S&P 500 component, from 3M Co (NYSE: MMM) which is now in the #134 spot...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.forbes.com

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2.26.2013

Armstrong's legal team: USPS knew or should have known about the doping issues

Lance Armstrong to challenge USPS about what it knew

"... The person close to Armstrong's defense said that as doping allegations swirled around the USPS team, the USPS didn't investigate or file for a false claim but instead offered to hire a public-relations firm to boost its image...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.usatoday.com

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2.23.2013

Postal Support Employees (PSEs) to receive raises of 2.5 percent effective Nov. 16, 2013

Cost-of-Living Raises Set for March

"... Postal Support Employees (PSEs), who are not eligible for COLAs, received an across-the-board increase of 2 percent on Nov. 17, 2012. PSEs will receive additional raises of 2.5 percent effective Nov. 16, 2013, and 2.5 percent effective Nov. 15, 2014...."  Click to Read More
Source: www.apwu.org

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84 percent were strongly opposed to ending Saturday delivery

New survey shows over 80 percent oppose ending Saturday delivery

"... Save the Post Office conducted its own survey over the past week, and it shows something completely different: 84 percent were strongly opposed to moving to five-day delivery. (Thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out the survey.) We conducted this survey because the Postal Service’s survey seemed biased. ..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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