POSTAL NEWS

...from various sources.

5.25.2012

Early Retirement and Buy Out Incentives Are Offered to Postal Mail Handlers

Mail Handlers to be offered retirement incentive

"... Mail Handlers who are eligible should be receiving a package in the mail from the Postal Service (these retirement documents will be mailed to the employee's address that USPS has on file; an employee can confirm or change his/her mailing address online by logging on to www.liteblue.usps.gov), but in general terms VERA offers apply to employees covered under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). ..."  Click to Read More
Source: Mail Handler Union

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5.18.2012

Social Security Benefits & Taxes

Social Security Benefits & Taxes

"... So after years of paying income taxes on your “contributions” you are ready to retire and collect the benefits—only to find out that they may be taxable..."  Click to Read More
Source: socialsecuritynewsgroup.blogspot.com

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5.16.2012

No postal facility closures this summer

USPS Announces ‘Modified Consolidation Plan’

"... “The Postal Service is working with its unions regarding an employee incentive offer and will announce details when final decisions are made,” but the USPS and APWU have not been negotiating about incentives, Guffey said.

The talk for employees who interact with customers says, “Some consolidation activities will begin this summer, but there will be no facilities closures this summer.” The other talks do not include this language, nor does the letter to the APWU. (In fact, the stand-up talks for other employees refer to “closing facility.”)..."  Click to Read More
Source: www.apwu.org

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5.10.2012

Buyouts for Postmasters

USPS to offer buyouts to 21,000 postmasters

"... Postmasters that accept the buyout will receive $20,000, split equally between two payments. Exiting postmasters will receive the first $10,000 payment in December 2012 and the second payment in December 2013. Splitting the incentive payment in two will allow the agency to "better manage its cash flow..."  
Source: www.federalnewsradio.com

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Fox News Inaccurate About Postal Service Again

Fox News, Wrong Again!

"... The piece is clearly designed to drum up support for a discredited House bill (H.R. 2309) sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL), and to undermine support for a bill approved by the Senate on April 25...."  
Source: www.apwu.org

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5.08.2012

Postal Closure Moratorium Best Option

Rockefeller, Manchin ask USPS to hold off on closures

"... "Despite our concerns about the legislation, we do believe that extending the existing moratorium while Congress continues to work on postal reform legislation will at least preserve services and jobs..."  
Source: www.statejournal.com

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5.04.2012

Postal Service should extend moratorium on closures and consolidations

Manchin urges USPS to extend moratorium

"...He has also suggested cost-saving measures to the USPS to achieve savings in ways that would not affect services, “including eliminating excess rental space, cutting executive compensation, and reducing advertising expenditures on luxuries like sponsorship of a NASCAR team and a Tour de France team,” his release stated...."  
Source: www.williamsondailynews.com

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5.03.2012

Postal Service total cost saving estimate drops far below plan

Revised Estimates for Network Rationalization: Where have all the savings gone?

"... With the gross savings reduced by $500 million, the new gross savings number is $2.1 billion. Subtract the $500 million for the revenue losses, and we’re left with $1.6 billion in total savings. ..."  
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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4.27.2012

Postmaster General may still rush to shutter mail processing centers after May 15

Postmaster general: No closing frenzy after May 15

"... The Postal Service, which has lost billions of dollars in recent years, could move forward with shuttering mail processing centers after May 15 and before the agency pauses its consolidation efforts later this year, Donahoe added. ..."  
Source: thehill.com

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4.25.2012

No two-year moratorium on plant closures, no supportt from Senator Manchin

Senator Joe Manchin attempts to save the Postal Service others play politics as usual

Senate passes postal bill that would end Saturday mail

"...amendment that would have extended for two years the moratorium on closings. His amendment failed to obtain the needed 60 votes on Wednesday, and he voted against the final bill. "Without the inclusion of a two-year moratorium, I will not support the final passage of the Postal Reform bill," Manchin ..."  
Source: www.chicagotribune.com

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4.23.2012

Purposeful Postal Service Destruction?

Is Congress killing the USPS?

"... this appears as if some in Congress are actually trying to destroy the postal service. Heaven help us if they succeed and we try to use one of the other carriers to get a letter to someone in rural..."  
Source: www.timescall.com

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4.17.2012

Will Senate save some mail processing plants and let some states suffer?

Senate seeks to salvage U.S. Postal Service

"... Left out of the bill was a proposal to raise the price of a first-class postage stamp by 5 cents, to 50 cents, to help pay for the added cost of keeping low-performing post offices and mail processing centers open...."  
Source: www.cbsnews.com

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3.31.2012

Buy your own ZIP code

Town for sale: Buy your own ZIP code

"... The town of Buford, Wyo., will be auctioned April 5, according to the Casper Tribune newspaper...."  
Source: www.inman.com

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3.28.2012

Postmaster General plan would push postal retirees onto Medicare

Expert: USPS pullout would jeopardize federal health insurance program

"... "Just to break even, the USPS will have to reduce benefits or increase premiums by about one-tenth," Francis said. "The costs of a pullout to the USPS will exceed $1 billion annually just to maintain current levels of benefits and premiums. And over time, as the postal workforce ages further, the costs will rise sharply."..."  
Source: www.federaltimes.com

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3.21.2012

Postal Service Retirement Announcements Coming Soon...

Politics, Network Optimization and Early Retirement

"...As Senator Susan Collins’ speech on the Senate floor indicated, the Postal Service’s announcements that it is going ahead with its network optimization plan shortly after the moratorium expires on May 15th ..."  
Source: cepobserver.com

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3.15.2012

"utter disaster" caused by Mail Processing Facility closure according to...

Closure of Frederick Mail Processing Facility 'utter disaster,' according to director of union organization

"...sent to Baltimore to be sorted, has been an “utter disaster,” overwhelming the Baltimore plant and leading to mail delays ..."  
Source: http://articles.herald-mail.com/2012-03-10/news/31144429_1_postal-service-s-baltimore-mail-delays-zip

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3.13.2012

Large mailers entrenched in the mail system may soon have to conform

US Postal Service Cutbacks May Impact Large Customers

"... Large customers entrenched in the mail system may soon have to conform to a new arrangement if the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) consolidates mail processing centers and eliminates most local "overnight" delivery of first-class mail service this year...."  
Source: lbbusinessjournal.com

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3.08.2012

USPS suspends plans to close more than 200 processing plants

USPS suspends plans to close processing plants

"... Postal Service has suspended plans to close more than 200 processing plants..."  
Source: www.nbc12.com

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3.03.2012

Postal contract provision is protecting employees from USPS attacks

Nearly 900 postal service jobs on chopping block in New Orleans

"... "There is a contract provision that states that no one can be transferred more than 50 miles. That's a hurdle the postal service will have to find employment for employees within a 50-mile radius."..."  
Source: www.wwltv.com

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2.29.2012

Overnight delivery of First Class Mail being degraded

Local mail impacted by closing of Bemidji processing center

"...will see is the loss of the overnight commitment of first-class mail..."  
Source: www.ifallsdailyjournal.com

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2.23.2012

Perhaps it’s time for the People of the United States to take the U.S. Postal Service to court

A Civil Action: The People of the United States vs. The U.S. Postal Service

"...Another area of potential environmental impact is the socioeconomic impact on communities. During the Advisory Opinion process for the RAOI, the Postal Service was dismissive of concerns that losing a post office would have significantly negative impacts on a community. ..."  
Source: www.savethepostoffice.com

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2.19.2012

USPS could offer both early retirement and buyout incentives to encourage employees to leave

Postal Service again eyes buyouts, early retirements

"... early retirements and buyout offers as a way to slash its staff by 66,000 employees this year and another 51,000 next year. Combined, the planned cuts..."  
Source: www.federaltimes.com

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2.14.2012

Postal Service Statement on White House budget

PMG thanks President for recognizing need for reform

"... refunding to USPS over a period of two years, $10.9 billion in overpayments to the Federal Employees Retirement System;
allowing USPS to transition to five-day per week delivery starting in 2013;..."  
Source: usps.gov

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2.10.2012

Cuts to Federal and Postal pensions approved by House Panel

House Panel Approves Bill To Cut Postal, Federal Pensions

"... “This bill is an outrageous attack on postal and federal employees,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey. “Some politicians are quick to cut benefits for middle-class workers, but they fight to the death to protect tax breaks for the super-rich.”..."  
Source: www.apwu.org

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1.25.2012

Postal Service: “Our baby boomers are retiring, and we need replacements”

USPS announces job openings in Upstate

"... Harry Spratlin, spokesman for the USPS Greater South Carolina District, told GreenvilleOnline.com the jobs are open primarily because of attrition...."  
Source: www.greenvilleonline.com

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Postal early retirement and disability

Early out or disability retirement?

"...If the Postal Service offers early retirement, can I take the offer and retire while on workers’ comp? ..."  
Source: federaltimes.com

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1.20.2012

Limited-edition collectible commemorative

U.S. Postal Service celebrating Alabama's football national championship

"... Postal Service is accepting orders for limited-edition collectible commemorative envelopes at $10..."  
Source: al.com

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1.09.2012

Postal Service says mail to get even slower

Mail expected to slow as Postal Service deals with losses

"...Scheduled to begin this spring, the changes would virtually eliminate any chance of first-class mail arriving the next day, postal officials said, and also would mean delays for newspapers and magazines. ..."  
Source: www.wpcva.com

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1.02.2012

Mail processing facility cuts could disrupt delivery of everything

Papers feel the pinch: Postal Service cuts would disrupt weekly deliveries

"...If the U.S. Postal Service closes 252 mail processing centers, five in Wisconsin, and slows first-class service next spring, it could disrupt delivery of everything from mail shoppers to Netflix DVDs nationwide. ..."  
Source:

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12.30.2011

Postal Service is the best-performing...

U.S. Postal Service ranked tops (yes, you read that right)

"...At the end of a dismal year for the U.S. Postal Service, let’s end on an upbeat note: For all its problems, the nation’s mail carrier is the best-performing among major developed countries. ..."  
Source: federaltimes.com

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PRC: "ongoing institutional bias within the Postal Service"

PRC Blasts USPS Retail Closure Plan

"... The Postal Service unveiled its list of more than 3,600 facilities post offices, stations and branches — about 11 percent of its retail network — targeted for closure studies on July 26, 2011 and its goal was to make final determinations by the end of 2011. Under pressure from legislators on Capitol Hill, however, the USPS announced a five-month moratorium on the closure of post offices and mail processing facilities. The delay until May 15, 2012, is intended to give Congress more time to adopt legislation that would address the USPS financial crisis without drastic cuts in service...."  
Source: www.apwu.org

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12.28.2011

Moratorium On Processing Facility Closures Only Until May 15, 2012

US Postal Service, Senators Agree On Moratorium On Facility Closures

"...The U.S. Postal Service and 15 U.S. senators struck a deal Tuesday to put a moratorium on post office closures until May 15, 2012, halting, for now, the possible shutting of thousands of locations. ..."  
Source: wsj.com

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12.16.2011

Huntsville Leaders Plead to Keep Vital Postal Facility Open (with video)

Huntsville mail processing center may relocate to Birmingham

"...Huntsville resident Ray Dunavant said if the measure passes, Huntsville will lose its historic postmark; something that Dunavant says is an emblem of a community. Dunavant also worried about medications being sent without an overnight ..."  
Source: WAFF via Rocket City

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12.14.2011

Congress needs more time to prevent destruction of Postal Service

Postal Service to delay cutbacks until mid-May

"... agency said it would hold off on closings by several weeks to give Congress more time to pass legislation that would give it more authority and liquidity to stave off bankruptcy. The Postal Service, which is expected to default Friday..."  
Source: www.sltrib.com

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12.09.2011

Postal Worker Shot

Postal Service Worker Injured After Pellet Gun Shooting in Manistee

"... The investigation continues after a shooting Wednesday afternoon sent a postal worker to the hospital.
..."  
Source: www.9and10news.com

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12.05.2011

Montgomery Postal Shooting

Ala. postal worker opens fire in mail room

"... A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, Clark Morris, said the man showed up for work at the Winton Blount Post Office and began firing shots in the mail processing room about 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Montgomery...."  
Source: www.cbsnews.com

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11.30.2011

Mail processing center closings could cause mail service disruptions

Commercial mail disruptions possible as postal reform continues

"... service disruptions could occur as the agency works to reduce its costs through mail processing center closings and contend with a loss of $5.1 billion in its fiscal year. ..."  
Source: www.btobonline.com

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11.25.2011

Postal Service Protection Act (S. 1853 )

Sen. Sanders’ Bill Addresses USPS Crisis

"... Protect mail-processing facilities by requiring strict standards for delivering first-class mail. ..."  
Source: www.apwu.org

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11.16.2011

USPS set to resume FERS contributions

Postal Service will resume FERS retirement contributions next month

"...The U.S. Postal Service will resume payments in December to its Federal Employees Retirement System ..."  
Source:

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11.08.2011

Paid suspensions for managers

Colby postmaster, postal supervisor suspended with pay

"...involved a violation of the External First Class Measurement System, which the postal service uses to monitor delivery times ..."  
Source: www.salina.com

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