POSTAL NEWS

...from various sources.

2.26.2009

USPS March 2009 COLA - Postal Cost of Living Adjustment

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Update

"...After the final month of the six-month measuring period, the fifth COLA under the 2006 National Agreement and the Operating Services Agreement will be zero. ..."    



This Article is From: www.apwu.org


Visit Our Homepage

2.24.2009

Charlotte Post Offices cut evening hours


"... USPS says it's cutting hours to save money as it faces a record declines in business. But local union president Leroy Moyer says the shorter hours will save little..."  
Source: www.wfae.org




Visit Our Homepage

2.23.2009

USPS Delivers High School Graduation Invitation...22 Years Late


"... The letter, which had been opened, carried 22 cents in postage and a June 2, 1987, postmark...."  
Source: www.ktvl.com




Visit Our Homepage

2.21.2009

SLIDESHOW: Mail must get through


"... Two decades ago this month, the United States Postal System opened its 72-acre National Center for Employee Development east of 24th Avenue SE on SH 9 in Norman. It's grown to about 500,000 square feet of office and training space in addition to a 445,000-square-foot housing facility -- and with close to 1,000 smoke-free guest rooms is the largest hotel in Oklahoma...."  
Source: www.normantranscript.com




Visit Our Homepage

2.20.2009

Postmaster General Gets Pay Bonus as Agency Falters


"... In all his total compensation -- salary, bonuses, retirement benefits and other perks -- topped $850,000, a spokesman with the U.S. Postal Service told FOXNews.com on Wednesday. At the same time, the Postal Service, an independent federal agency, is crumbling..."  
Source: www.foxnews.com




Visit Our Homepage

2.15.2009

A Postal Employee Retirement Community - Nalcrest, Florida 33856


"... Where does a postal employee go to retire? Some postal retirement seekers look to Florida for retirement living ...and where better to live than in a postal retirement community with nothing but other retired postal workers living next to you? No dogs allowed! ..."  
Source: postal-newsgroup.blogspot.com




Visit Our Homepage

Postal workers seek help to keep work


"... stop the U.S. Postal Service from deciding to move postal cancellation and some mail processing to Akron. Such a move would affect outgoing mail processed by Mansfield from the 448 and 449 ZIP codes. "It would delay all our mail," said Wendy Hammon, president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 903...."  
Source: www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com




Visit Our Homepage

Rare misprint US airmail stamp to be auctioned in Warwickshire


"... The 1918 US airmail stamp depicts the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny aeroplane flying upside down...."  
Source: www.birminghampost.net


Visit Warwick and Warwick Auction House for more collectibles.


Visit Our Homepage

2.13.2009

Laid off postal hero gets new job offer


"... Isaac Fish, 21, of Coeur d'Alene, says he has agreed to come back to work for the postal service, but at half the pay with no vacation time and benefits...."  
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com




Visit Our Homepage

APWU Denounces USPS Rate Proposal


"... “The USPS response to its financial crisis has been to cut work hours and consolidate postal facilities,” Burrus said, “and service has suffered. But management has refused to take any steps to reduce the loss of revenue from ‘worksharing’ discounts or from subcontracting.” “As a result, postal managers have no reason to expect understanding from employees — who have been asked to sacrifice time and again because of the financial crisis...."  
Source: www.apwu.org




Visit Our Homepage

2.12.2009

Spiraling down, 2 cents at a time


"... First class postage stamps will go up another 2 cents in May, the Postal Service said Tuesday... ...stock up on Forever stamps. ..."  
Source: kitchentablenomics.blogspot.com




Visit Our Homepage

FERS Sick-Leave Bill Introduced


"...The “FERS Sick Leave Equity Act” (H.R. 958), introduced by Rep. Jim Moran (D) and Frank Wolf (R), provides Federal Employees Retirement System employees a sick-leave benefit equal to that received by employees under the Civil Service Retirement System. For the purposes of determining an annuity during retirement, the benefit adds unused sick leave to the number of years an employee has worked. ..."    



This Article is From: www.apwu.org,


Visit Our Homepage

2.11.2009

Postal Service to conduct area mail processing study


"... consolidating some operations of the processing and distribution facilities in Utica and..."  
Source: www.wktv.com




Visit Our Homepage

Post office to remove several collection boxes


"... Indianapolis - The United States Postal Service is removing 55 mailboxes on streets across the city..."  
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com




Visit Our Homepage

2.10.2009

USPS EXPANDS ITS POSTAL HISTORY WEBSITE


"... USPS just launched its “new and improved” Postal History website, featuring more than 100 papers on postal history, historic images and photos, and resources..."  
Source: liteblue.usps.gov
Visit the website HERE




Visit Our Homepage

2.09.2009

USPS Rolls Out Abraham Lincoln Stamps


"... His image has appeared on more than 50 U.S. postage stamps..."  
Source: www.ktnv.com




Visit Our Homepage

FedEx Freight Lays Off 900


"... The cuts were made at 150 of the company's 475 terminals and represent roughly 2.6 percent of approximately 34,500 employees...."  
Source: www.trafficworld.com




Visit Our Homepage

Return to sender


"... Privatization is not the answer, nor is five-day delivery, but listening to USPS and Postal Union Officials’ proposals may be a good starting point...."  
Source: news.bostonherald.com




Visit Our Homepage

Three Pulaski County Men Arrested in 2008 Postal Truck Robbery


"... a three-count indictment charging them with violations of Robbery of a Post Office/Postal Employee, Receipt of Stolen Property, and Aiding and Abetting. The indictment was returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Arkansas...."  
Source: arkansasmatters.com




Visit Our Homepage

USPS workers on the picket line to fight for their jobs


"... a three-year USPS mail processor whose position could be on the chopping block. "From work and to travel and taking care of my family, that's going to be really really hard for me," Crosier said. The issue is about the USPS proposal: ..."  
Source: www.abcactionnews.com




Visit Our Homepage

Postal workers rally to keep Industry facility open


"... Postal workers kicked off a campaign Saturday to prevent the US Postal Service from taking steps they fear will lead to the closure of the Industry Processing and Distribution Center on Gale Avenue. Dozens of workers and American Postal Workers Union leaders gathered at the Ontario ..."  
Source: www.sgvtribune.com




Visit Our Homepage

2.02.2009

USPS 5-Day Delivery Week Could Hurt E-Commerce


"... Now that e-mail has taken the place of snail mail for many personal and business communications, the U.S. Postal Service is swimming in red ink. The solution? Cut deliveries to five days a week. That's what Postmaster General John Potter proposed to Congress earlier this week. That could mean trouble for e-commerce companies like Netflix, which depends on speedy delivery...."  
Source: www.ecommercetimes.com




Visit Our Homepage

1.30.2009

Obama Moves to Reverse Bush’s Labor Policies


Article Title: Obama Moves to Reverse Bush’s Labor Policies
Snippet from Article: "...The orders he signed, which union officials say will undo Bush administration policies that tilted toward employers, would require federal contractors to offer jobs to current workers when contracts change, and would make it more difficult for federal contractors to discourage union activities...."
Source: www.nytimes.com

Visit Our Homepage

1.28.2009

Postal Hearing Results

The following links relate to today's Hearing and the future of the Postal Service. You must read carefully and completely to understand the dynamics of the situation in full.

  • STATEMENT OF POSTMASTER GENERAL/CEO JOHN E. POTTER BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, FEDERAL SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE JANUARY 28, 2009
    "...Contracts with the two unions that alone represent almost 75 percent of our 652,000 career employees – the American Postal Workers Union and the National Association of Letter Carriers – do not expire until late 2010 and late 2011. We cannot wait until then to address what are pressing needs today. So I am proposing to union leadership that we begin talks now to create needed levels of workforce flexibility. ..."
    Article Reference Source: www.intelisent.com

  • Key Points Made By Witnesses before the
    Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security
    "... Senator Susan Collins:

    * Enactment of PAEA was an arduous process.
    * We need to continue the nation's universal postal services. Mail is still a key part of the nation's economic infrastructure.
    * The current recession has placed the Postal Service back on the congressional agenda.
    * The question has been raised as to whether the Postal Service is trying to use this crisis as a way of pulling away from PAEA.
    * The PAEA retiree payments were a key part of the negotiating to make PAEA possible.
    * A rwo-year reprieve is doable. Beyond two years make take too much pressure off the USPS to respond to its other challenges.
    * GAO has been disappointed with the USPS' responses. GAO expressed frustration with the USPS' lack of transparency.
    * Very disappointed that the proposed solution is the elimination of the six-day a week delivery requirement. Service cutbacks also can impact mail volume adversely.
    * Already received many complaints from publishers in Maine. Service has been compromised.
    * I don't know how you can ask for relief while proposing cutbacks in service that could precipitate further losses.
    * I'm very concerned about the lack of the Postal Service's financial transparency. You're coming to Congress for relief with the needed transparency. This is unacceptable.
    ..."
    Article Reference Source: www.postcom.org

  • Video: Title: The Impact of the Economic Crisis on the U.S. Postal Service
    "... U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
    Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security
    ..."
    Article Reference Source: hsgac.senate.gov

  • Area offices to reduce staffing levels
    "... With this action, complement at Area Offices has been reduced – some vacant positions have been eliminated, while other occupied positions are impacted. Starting this week, employees occupying impacted positions will be notified and given information and guidance...."
    Article Reference Source: www.postalnewsblog.com
  • Postal Announcement, Big Meeting ...No, it's a Hearing on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on the U.S. Postal Service


    "... The hearing is set to examine how the current financial crisis is hurting business at the U.S. Postal Service, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will hold the hearing at 2:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, in his Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management..."  
    Source: postal-edaily.blogspot.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.27.2009

    DMA, Direct Mailers Urge Postal Relief


    "...The letter states that the current financial crisis could cause either dramatic cutbacks in service or an increase under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. ..."  
    Source: www.mediabuyerplanner.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.26.2009

    Most postal workers refuse anthrax vaccine


    "... postal workers were shaped partially by fears of being "guinea pigs," disagreements among public health agencies about whether the vaccine should be recommended, physician advice, low perceived risk of infection and conflicting reports from national media organizations...."  
    Source: www.upi.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    ‘Magic Man’ postal clerk Ross retires


    "... delivering smiles as well as mail. Anglea said that whenever Ross would meet someone, he would tell them, "Have a great day, and make the best of it!"

    In addition to his work at Vanderbilt, Ross also earned a reputation as a magician..."  
    Source: www.insidevandy.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    Postal service to offer same-day delivery of The Detroit News


    "... The Detroit News will be available for same-day delivery via the U.S. Postal Service beginning March 30 -- the day home delivery stops on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    In addition, residents in more than 200 senior care homes in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties ..."  
    Source: www.detnews.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.24.2009

    Significant Changes Expected; Sacrifices Must Be Shared, Burrus Says

    Postal News


    "... crisis that is confronting the Postal Service, and the substantial impact it will have upon postal employees. Although some in the postal community dismissed my warnings as alarmist..."  
    Source: www.apwu.org




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.23.2009

    Stamp vending machines shut down in Appleton


    "... part of a U.S. Postal Service plan announced in 2006 to eliminate all stamp vending machines by 2010...."  
    Source: www.chicagotribune.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    USPS Sees Drop in Volume


    "... study to determine whether or not the current resources the service has are still needed...."  
    Source: www.whsv.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.21.2009

    Stamp enthusiasts share oddities, history


    "... The first stamps were used in 1840 in England. They were called the Penny Blacks and Twopenny Blues. Before they were issued, people had to pay for letters and packages when they received them. By making the sender prepay for postage, it ensured letters got to where they were going. ..."  
    Source: www.chroniclejournal.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.18.2009

    $50,000 Reward: robbery at Fairfield, Alabama post office

    "...Robinson said the U. S. Postal Service is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information and services that lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects..."  
    Source: blog.al.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    USPS "Big Announcement" a Dud

    USPS Big Announcement

    OPINION - Apparently the "Big Announcement" from the United States Postal Service either never existed or maybe just delayed because the bigwigs didn't like the fact that news of an announcement had been leaked in advance. Whatever the case, nothing came to fruition relative to the news. The "Big Announcement" at this point is that there is not a big announcement according to an article over at "The National Spending Journal."
    REFERENCE: The Postal Newsgroup

    Visit Our Homepage

    1.15.2009

    Cher wants Sonny’s image on stamp, and she’s staying put at Caesars


    "... the top USPS folks are now considering the idea and think it could eventually happen. But first there’s a ton of bureaucratic government red tape to go through..."  
    Source: www.lasvegasweekly.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.14.2009

    Man "Going Postal" Leaves Suspicious Items in Post Office


    "...the case of a 36-year-old man who created a disturbance ..."  
    Source: www.todaystmj4.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.13.2009

    Arrests Over Post Office Shooting (UK)


    "... He lived and worked at the village post office alongside his parents, Ken and Judy, both 56. He was engaged to be married to Lisa Bundy, who he had known for 10 years...."  
    Source: news.sky.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    alleged USPS announcement on Jan. 16, 2009


    "... Unfortunately there appears to be little information supported by referenced evidence. ..."  
    Source: postal-edaily.blogspot.com




    Visit Our Homepage

    1.11.2009

    Postal workers to share lottery winnings


    "... employees, who work at the U.S. Postal Service's main processing plant in Roanoke, are Dana Harris, Frank Mauceri and Jeffrey Young of Roanoke; Kim Holbrook of Lynchburg; Amanda Walkup of Troutville; Alfred Wray of Boones Mill; Robert Viers of Christiansburg and Steven Braxton of Bedford...."  
    Source: www.roanoke.com




    Visit Our Homepage