Phase I of Postal Service Network Rationalization plan not living up to savings projections!

USPS Cost Cutting Ain't Cuttin' It, Mailers Group Says

"...PostCom pointed out that USPS recently estimated only about $900 million annual savings, versus its projected $1.2 billion, from Phase I of its Network Rationalization plan that closed scores of mail-processing centers. ..."   
Source: deadtreeedition.blogspot.com

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Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah): "... there are some agencies and departments that I'd actually like to get rid of."

Chaffetz supports a federal pay raise but wants something in return

"..."I still believe we have probably too many federal employees. There are some people that may need to be paid more and some who may need to be paid less, and there are some agencies and departments that I'd actually like to get rid of. It has to balance itself out," he said, adding that IT workers should draw bigger salaries to encourage them to stay in the government. ..."   
Source: www.federalnewsradio.com

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Postal Service wants authorization to further reduce its workforce

In the black? Postal Service has a 'fantastic quarter'

"...Finally, the service wants authorization to further reduce its workforce. The agency has already shrunk by about 320,000 employees since fiscal 2000, but the agency has maintained it needs legislation to let the Postal Service move from 485,000 career employees to 400,000 over the next few years. ..."   
Source: www.federaltimes.com

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Web Call: Telephone/Web conference on U.S. Postal Service Fiscal 2015 quarter 1 results

New Postmaster General and CFO Host Web Call on U.S. Postal Service Quarter 1 Financial Results

"...Fri., Feb. 6, 2015 at 11 a.m. ET. The briefing will also be available on live audio webcast (listen only) at: http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/cfo/welcome.htm. ..."   
Source: www.broadcastnewsroom.com

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Examples of a slowed-down mail service are popping up more and more

Man's fruit package rots after being delivered late by postal service

"...They arrived a week later and it wasn't pleasant. "As a matter of fact, the juice was dripping out of the box," he said. His family had to throw out the rotted fruit. Alcantara was miffed because he paid for expedited delivery, but didn't get it. "What's the use of their offering that kind of service if they cannot perform it," he said. ..."   
Source: abc7news.com

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U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill: Postal Service ' essential to rural America'

McCaskill: Postal Service ' essential to rural America'

"... McCaskill continued: “I think we all know in our gut that if we allow [the Postal Service] to be totally privatized, that it will be our rural constituency that will pay a very heavy price. And I think we have the best postal service in the world, and I think if we allow it to atrophy and say, ‘well, just let privatization take over, let it just be private,' I'm going to have a hard time explaining that to my rural constituency why we weren't there for them at this incredibly important time in the history of the postal service.”..."   
Source: www.koamtv.com

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All post offices in the Greater Boston District will be closed Tuesday (1-27-2015) due to dangerous weather conditions

Officials: No mail delivery on Tuesday (Greater Boston District)

"...In a press release, the U.S. Postal Service cited dangerous weather conditions forecast throughout the region for shutting down operations. Normal post office hours are expected to resume on Wednesday. ..."   
Source: www.metrowestdailynews.com

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Outgoing Postmaster General Suggests Using Postal Service as Lab Rats To "Reform" Pensions

Brace yourselves: Congress preps civil service reform

"...He said Postal Service reform could also serve as a precursor to governmentwide civil service reform. "I would encourage Congress to view the Postal Service as a test bed or laboratory of change that might be applied to the rest of the federal government," Donahoe said. ..."   
Source: www.federaltimes.com

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Legislation proposed to impose a two-year moratorium on U.S. Postal Service mail processing plant closures

Senators: Stop postal service cuts

"... BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 17 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) yesterday proposed legislation to impose a two-year moratorium on U.S. Postal Service plans to eliminate up to 15,000 decent-paying jobs, close more mail-sorting plants and end overnight delivery of first-class mail and periodicals...."   
Source: vtdigger.org

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New mail service standard: 36 percent of single-piece mail will be delivered in three to five days, 82 mail processing plants to close

How the new service standards may slow down much more mail than the Postal Service is saying

"...on January 1, 2015, the Postal Service began implementing phase two of Network Rationalization. Service standards for First Class Mail were relaxed yet further — no more overnight delivery for any single-piece mail, and an extra day of delivery time for about half of all First Class Mail. The change paves the way for closing 82 more processing plants and eliminating thousands of jobs. ..."   
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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2014: Postal Service Gains Employees For First Time In Fifteen Years

Federal Agencies Shed Nearly 20,000 Jobs in 2014

"...while the Postal Service employed just less than 600,000. USPS has begun each year with fewer employees than in the one immediately prior for 15 consecutive years, according to agency figures, but BLS data show the agency actually netted 3,000 jobs in 2014. ..."   
Source: www.govexec.com

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Better Options Exist for Postal Reform in 2015 | Commentary

"...Our founders understood that affordable, universal postal service was critical to the nation. Unfortunately, many in Congress and within the Postal Service management are willing to sacrifice service as a means of solving financial problems unrelated to its operations. ..."   
Source: www.rollcall.com

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USPS Data Breach Could Have Been For Profit – ‘Health Files’ Fetch Handsome Figures, Indicate Investigators

USPS Data Breach Was For Profit – ‘Health Files’ Fetch Handsome Figures, Indicate Investigators

"...USPS data breach that took place in November could have been orchestrated primarily for financial gains, indicated the investigators. USPS Chief Human Resources Officer Jeffrey Williamson confirmed that data stored in “a file relating to injury compensation claims” was illegally accessed and siphoned-off by hackers. Health information of as many as 485,000 USPS employees ..."   
Source: www.inquisitr.com

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We should be grateful for the U.S. Postal Service after Sony cyberattacks

Send a Letter. It's Safer.

"...And most absurdly, the Postal Service is waved off as some sort of 20th century anachronism, outdated and unnecessary in an era of email and electronic banking. This is the most facile and dangerous of the misperceptions about the service, since it ignores the very important national security function the office provides. ..."   
Source: www.usnews.com

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City of Berkeley notifies prospective buyer of Berkeley main post office that sale is cancelled

Buyer opts out of purchase of historic Berkeley Post Office

"...Hudson said they asked the Post Office for an extension, but the Post Office declined, saying they had 'things to figure out.' Asked if he was disappointed, Hudson said he was hopeful they might be able to get back at the negotiating table. 'Maybe it’s not over,' he said." ..."   
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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Two Queens postal workers stole $80,000 in cash and failed to deliver 2,500 pieces of mail

Queens postal workers steal $80K, hoard 2,500 pieces of mail in separate cases

"... admitted that she had voided money orders purchased by customers at the Far Rockaway post office and then pocketed the cash, according to a federal complaint. ..."   
Source: www.nydailynews.com

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Local postal worker ‘saves lives’

"...She put a call for help on Sebastian’s Facebook page, Sebastian’s Journey, where more than 47,000 people follow the everyday life of the tenacious tot, asking whether anyone could get in contact with their letter carrier, Quentin Keyler. ..."   
Source: www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

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Postal Service board in limbo

Senate gridlock freezes Postal Service board

"... Miller has previously called for privatizing the Postal Service but said he wouldn’t advocate for that position on the board of governors. ..."   
Source: thehill.com

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NLRB Charges Postal Service with Illegal Surveillance of Staples Protests

"... The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has charged the USPS with illegally spying on postal employees while they protested outside a Staples store in Atlanta on March 4 and 9, 2014. “Respondent has been interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed” in Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act and the Postal Reorganization Act, the board charged in a complaint issued Dec. 9. A hearing on the complaint will be held on March 11, 2015. The complaint stems from charges made by the APWU that the Postal Service dispatched managers posing as..."   
Source: www.apwu.org

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Legislative clarity needed to prevent destroying Postal Service mail processing network in 2015

Blunt, McCaskill push Postal Service to delay closure of local mail center

"... "If the USPS postpones the closures for a few months and we can get moving on postal reform early (in the) next Congress, we may be able to get the USPS to further postpone the closures until there is some legislative clarity," he said...."   
Source: www.news-leader.com

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The right to equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service.

Vintage photos of post offices and mail deliverers in N.J.

"... According to usps.com, the independent agency of the U.S. federal government has "a single, great principle: that every person in the United States – no matter who, no matter where – has the right to equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service."..."   
Source: www.nj.com

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Intoxicated Postal Worker Crashes Mail Truck

Utica postal worker charged with DWI after crashing mail truck

"...A postal worker faces drunken driving charges after her mail truck hit another mail truck in a post office parking lot. ..."   
Source: www.syracuse.com

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Former Postal Service letter carrier gets 15 years in mail truck robbery

"..."By providing her co-defendants with inside information Evans enabled a robbery that nearly killed her co-worker. Evans used her knowledge of the Postal Service for personal gain and violated the trust of the public and her fellow postal workers." ..."   
Source: www.bizjournals.com

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Delayed notification of Postal Service hacking ‘doesn’t fly’

Lawmaker: Delayed notification of postal hacking ‘doesn’t fly’

"... Lynch suggested he was not satisfied with the agency’s answers. “The way this should work is, as soon as you know that a file has been compromised and it contains personally identifiable information, Social Security numbers, that employee should be notified,” he said...."   
Source: www.washingtonpost.com

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Dangerous USPS 911 Policy May Have Caused Critical Delays in Life and Death Situation

USPS Policy May Have Caused Critical Delays in Life and Death Situation

"... the USPS’s 911 procedure prevented Macasieb from receiving emergency medical care as soon as possible. Employees said they want postal service leaders to create a new policy that encourages employees to call 911 first—then notify their supervisors and the postal police. ..."   
Source: www.nbcbayarea.com

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North Pole Postmark: Free image for your Santa letters and crafts

North Pole Postmark

North Pole Postmark

"... Santa has provided this official looking North Pole Postmark for your Santa letters and other Christmas crafts. Santa offers his official looking custom North Pole cancellation mark to be cut, copied and pasted to be adhered to the letters from Santa. Imagine..."   

Source: North Pole Postmark

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USPS's Hicksville Maintenance Facility Raided

Long Island USPS workers fired for sleeping on job when investigators raid facility, take photos of snoozers: report

"... Special agents raided the 24-hour facility early Friday, took photos of sleepers and then woke them up and fired them. Investigators started working on the case in June 2013, based on an anonymous tip...."   
Source: www.nydailynews.com

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Megan Brennan Selected as New Postmaster General

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to retire

"...Board of Postal Governors. The board named Postal Service veteran Megan Brennan as the new postmaster general. Donahoe ..."   
Source: www.pressofatlanticcity.com

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FREE! 2014 North Pole Postmark Image for your Santa letters and craft projects

"... 2014 North Pole Postmark and Christmas Cancellation for your Santa Christmas letters and your Christmas holiday crafts. Merry Christmas!..."   
Source: Free 2014 North Pole Postmark Image

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USPS Acknowledges Cyber-Intrusion: Employee Information Released in Breach

"... According to the USPS, the investigation indicates that files containing employee information were compromised, including names, dates of birth, social security numbers, addresses, beginning and end dates of employment, and emergency contact information for all active employees. The Service claims that steps have already have been taken to strengthen the security of USPS systems affirming that there will be additional measures in the coming days and weeks...."   
Source: www.npmhu.org

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Universal Service? Postal Service 7 Day Delivery if You Live in the Chosen Areas

U.S. Postal Service Adding Sunday Deliveries in Some Areas for Holidays

"...The agency, which already partners with Amazon.com Inc. for Sunday deliveries, said it will deliver to major cities and other high-volume areas seven days a week starting on Nov. 17 and running through Christmas Day. ..."   
Source: wsj.com

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More Postal Service big mailer promotions and incentives on the way in 2015

USPS 2015 Mailing Promotions and Incentives

"... Although there are fewer promotions proposed for 2015 than were offered by the USPS in 2014, the promotion periods run for longer periods of time. ..."   
Source: www.presort.com

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Robbery of postal vehicle scores prison sentence for three, but no fines

Three Houston men head to prison for robbery of postal vehicle

"... The three men had received information that the vehicle contained more than $2 million in cash and precious metals. Evidence at trial showed that the three men had been provided with a description of the vehicle, the route it would be taking and the time the vehicle would leave the post office in downtown Houston...."   
Source: www.yourhoustonnews.com

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Guidelines for Mail Processing Closures: 'Handbook PO-408 - Area Mail Processing Guidelines'

Handbook PO-408 - Area Mail Processing Guidelines

USPS Area Mail Processing Guidelines

"... When it is deemed necessary to reverse an AMP, the gaining facility must complete a narrative statement and provide detailed information on the need to change. The narrative is sent to the area office for concurrence. The area vice president (AVP) will send a letter to the Headquarters senior vice president (SVP) Operations with an explanation of the reasons for the reversal and impacts expected from the change.

The narrative must address the following:

* Service impact.
* Community impact.
* Staffing impact and requirements.
* Replacing budget hours and volume back into an office formerly consolidated into the gaining facility.
* Changes in automation utilization and impacts on the automation mailstream.
* Replacement of equipment.
* Impact of reinstating transportation.

The request must also include a detailed action plan, including a timeline of intended actions for accomplishing the reversal. ..."   
Source: usps.com

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Postal service investigates missing mail

"... On Oct. 8, three letters were planted in his delivery to bait him. When he was confronted in his truck at about 10 a.m., three letters had been opened and an open can of beer was found. His mail from the previous day had not yet been delivered...."   
Source: www.news.ruralinfo.net

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The Story of The Legendary Barefoot Mailman of Palm Beach County

Barefoot Mailman

...most famous, of the barefoot mailmen was James E. “Ed” Hamilton, who had come to Hypoluxo from Cadiz, Kentucky (Trigg County) in 1885. Hamilton became the barefoot route contractor when E. R. Bradley quit in 1887. Hamilton disappeared while walking the barefoot route soon after October 10, 1887. Hamilton was not feeling well when he passed through Hypoluxo on October 10. When Hamilton had not returned to Lake Worth at the end of the week, a search was started. Hamilton's possessions, including all of his clothes, were found on the north bank of the Hillsboro Inlet. He had never arrived at the Hillsboro lighthouse, south of the inlet. The boat that Hamilton used to cross the inlet was missing. He was presumed to have drowned or been taken by a shark or alligator while trying to swim across the inlet to retrieve his boat from the far side. His body was never recovered.[12] A "stranger from the north", identified by Hillsboro lighthouse keeper Charles Coman, was suspected of having taken Hamilton's boat across the inlet and leaving it on the south side. The stranger was later charged with tampering with government property (Hamilton's row boat). Tried in Federal Court in Jacksonville, the "stranger" was acquitted and therefore his name was never entered in the court records... Reference: Wikipedia

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Will Postal facility closures and mail service standard changes destroy the newspaper industry?

Newspaper Subscribers May Be the Unseen Victims in USPS Plant Closings

Investors Business Daily

"... The U.S. Postal Service should evaluate the impact of slower service to newspaper subscribers before proceeding with 2015 closings of mail processing plants, National Newspaper Association President John Edgecombe Jr., said this week. Edgecombe is the publisher of The Nebraska Signal in Geneva, NE...."   
Source: www.perryvillenews.com

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Man caught on camera trying to break into post office boxes

Man caught on camera trying to break into post office boxes; in separate case, woman arrested for allegedly stealing mail

"... A would-be thief is caught on camera trying to break into post office boxes at the USPS site on 4th Avenue South...."   
Source: q13fox.com

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Upcoming consolidations will harm businesses financially

Cherrybell postal center can still be saved

"... Our total sales are $200 million a year. If we lose two days in getting our billings paid (one for the bill to go out and one for the payment to come back), this could cost us $80,000 per year. This is more than we have made per year in half of the years in our history...."   
Source: tucson.com

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Finally, a win for the American working class: Postal Service forced to hire/convert to full-time workers

Postal Service to Add Thousands of Union Jobs in 2014

"... Thanks to an independent arbitration ruling earlier this month, USPS will add or convert at least 9,000 jobs previously held by part-time, non-union employees to bargaining unit positions. At least 3,000 of those jobs will be filled by full-time, career employees, according to the American Postal Workers Union...."   
Source: www.govexec.com

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