U.S. Postal Service wants its plastic crates back - Breaking News from The Birmingham News - al.com: "You know those plastic mail crates that say United States Postal Service on the side? You know, the ones sitting in the corner collecting dust or being used to store stuff at your job?
The Postal Service wants them back, and the agency is sending postal inspectors around to area businesses to collect."
December 28, 2008
December 18, 2008
Fewer Holiday Cards Being Mailed
Fewer Holiday Cards Being Mailed - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver#-#-: "There will be a little less cheer being delivered by the postman this year.
The U.S. Postal Service said it is shipping significantly less packages and cards this holiday year compared to normal. This coming a day after the busiest day of the year for the postal service.
On Monday, the U.S. Postal Service Denver mail processing center – usually one of the busiest in the nations – handled 3.1 million cards and letters. That figure was second in the nation, behind Phoenix, out of over 250 processing centers in the nation."
The U.S. Postal Service said it is shipping significantly less packages and cards this holiday year compared to normal. This coming a day after the busiest day of the year for the postal service.
On Monday, the U.S. Postal Service Denver mail processing center – usually one of the busiest in the nations – handled 3.1 million cards and letters. That figure was second in the nation, behind Phoenix, out of over 250 processing centers in the nation."
FedEx Cuts Wages, Will Other Companies Follow?
FedEx Cuts Wages, Will Other Companies Follow?: "FedEx’s announcement today of a 20% pay reduction for CEO Frederick W. Smith, 7.5%-10% cuts for other senior FedEx executives and a 5% decrease for remaining U.S. salaried exempt personnel wasn’t in direct response to easing prices. The company cited weakened economic conditions as the reasons for the wage cuts, which were accompanied by the elimination of merit-based pay increases and a suspension of 401(k) matching."
December 11, 2008
Glitch, high traffic knock Postal Service tools offline
Glitch, high traffic knock Postal Service tools offline: "A computer glitch and a huge amount of traffic combined to knock various U.S. Postal Service Web-based services offline this week.
The problems started Monday morning, according to Michael Woods, a spokesman for the Postal Service. He noted that several different online tools, including the Postal Service's popular Click-N-Ship service, were suffering outages. Some of the services were taken offline to let technicians work on the problem.
Woods said the service's IT workers weren't yet sure what caused the service problems but said that all of the services except for Click-N-Ship were back functioning properly by this morning"
The problems started Monday morning, according to Michael Woods, a spokesman for the Postal Service. He noted that several different online tools, including the Postal Service's popular Click-N-Ship service, were suffering outages. Some of the services were taken offline to let technicians work on the problem.
Woods said the service's IT workers weren't yet sure what caused the service problems but said that all of the services except for Click-N-Ship were back functioning properly by this morning"
December 02, 2008
Americans hail a postman's junk-mail jihad
Americans hail a postman's junk-mail jihad | csmonitor.com: "Numerous groups try to trim the burden of 100 billion pieces of mail a year."
November 30, 2008
November 29, 2008
Swedish PMG says he will work for free
The Associated Press: Swedish CEO says he will work for free
Lars G. Nordstrom isn't the only CEO being criticized these days for earning too much money during the world financial crisis. But he may be one of the few who has reacted by deciding to work for free.
Since becoming head of the Swedish postal service in July, Nordstrom has been paid 900,000 kronor ($110,000) a month. And that is on top of the millions he receives in a retirement package from his previous job as chief executive officer of the banking group Nordea AB.
Lars G. Nordstrom isn't the only CEO being criticized these days for earning too much money during the world financial crisis. But he may be one of the few who has reacted by deciding to work for free.
Since becoming head of the Swedish postal service in July, Nordstrom has been paid 900,000 kronor ($110,000) a month. And that is on top of the millions he receives in a retirement package from his previous job as chief executive officer of the banking group Nordea AB.
November 27, 2008
November 17, 2008
Postal Service Investigates Postmaster General's Countrywide VIP Mortgage Deal
The Postal Service is investigating whether the nation's postmaster general improperly received a sweetheart deal on a mortgage from Countrywide Financial Corp., the chairman of the service's governing board said.
Postmaster General John E. Potter is one of several prominent current and former U.S. officials who received discounts and other benefits from the mortgage giant. The Postal Service has hired an outside investigator to review the deal, which reportedly included one shaved point and waived fees for Potter's $322,700 loan.
"We're taking it seriously enough that we wanted it reviewed and we didn't want it done internally," the chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors, Alan Kessler, told The Associated Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g3sWBsvnG_4zNdpFh71iWer3CVpAD94GJEL00
Postmaster General John E. Potter is one of several prominent current and former U.S. officials who received discounts and other benefits from the mortgage giant. The Postal Service has hired an outside investigator to review the deal, which reportedly included one shaved point and waived fees for Potter's $322,700 loan.
"We're taking it seriously enough that we wanted it reviewed and we didn't want it done internally," the chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors, Alan Kessler, told The Associated Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g3sWBsvnG_4zNdpFh71iWer3CVpAD94GJEL00
November 09, 2008
Postal worker sent home for wearing Obama T-shirt
WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Postal worker sent home for wearing Obama T-shirt: "A U.S. Postal worker says he was sent home Saturday after refusing to take off a Barack Obama T-shirt.
Fifty-year old Roger Thompson works at the main post office in downtown Jackson. Thompson said workers were told Friday that they could not wear President-Elect Obama T-shirts, hats or other paraphernalia.
He says the post office plant manager told employees they would receive disciplinary action if they wore Obama attire because some workers complained that it upset them. He feels his rights are being violated."
Fifty-year old Roger Thompson works at the main post office in downtown Jackson. Thompson said workers were told Friday that they could not wear President-Elect Obama T-shirts, hats or other paraphernalia.
He says the post office plant manager told employees they would receive disciplinary action if they wore Obama attire because some workers complained that it upset them. He feels his rights are being violated."
November 03, 2008
Postal Service won't close Sioux City mail center
Sioux City Journal: Postal Service won't close Sioux City mail center: "The U.S. Postal Service will not close the mail processing and distribution center in Sioux City, USPS officials announced this morning.
For many months, some Sioux Cityans feared the processing center located on the city's south side could be closed. In April 2006 USPS officials said it was possibile the center could be consolidated with another one 80 miles north in Sioux Falls, S.D."
For many months, some Sioux Cityans feared the processing center located on the city's south side could be closed. In April 2006 USPS officials said it was possibile the center could be consolidated with another one 80 miles north in Sioux Falls, S.D."
November 02, 2008
Don't blame post office for misdelivered mail
islandpacket.com | Don't blame post office for misdelivered mail: "Postal customers on Hilton Head Island should not be allowed to use multiple addresses. Some customers believe it is their right to use whatever they want for an address.
The post office is a company trying to make money. Like any company, it has evolving technology. There are many machines taking the places of employees. These machines read an address from the bottom up. This means that there is a proper address format. The format would be first line, name; second line, street address with unit number if applicable; third line, city, state and ZIP code."
The post office is a company trying to make money. Like any company, it has evolving technology. There are many machines taking the places of employees. These machines read an address from the bottom up. This means that there is a proper address format. The format would be first line, name; second line, street address with unit number if applicable; third line, city, state and ZIP code."
October 29, 2008
PRC Chairman Predicts 5% Rate Hike for 2009
PRC Chairman Predicts 5% Rate Hike for 2009: "Although the 2006 Postal Reform law restored a semblance of normalcy to annual postal rate increases, many catalogers are wondering what they can expect in terms of a rate hike in May 2009.
Dan G. Blair, chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, offers his educated prognostication: “It appears that the average increase for each class of mail will be approximately 5%. The actual rate cap will depend upon the behavior of the monthly CPI (Consumer Price Index) between now and December.
The cap is based on an average over two consecutive 12-month periods, Blair says. “The current value (as of Oct. 21) is 4.4%, and we’ve witnessed an upward trend over the past year.”"
Dan G. Blair, chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, offers his educated prognostication: “It appears that the average increase for each class of mail will be approximately 5%. The actual rate cap will depend upon the behavior of the monthly CPI (Consumer Price Index) between now and December.
The cap is based on an average over two consecutive 12-month periods, Blair says. “The current value (as of Oct. 21) is 4.4%, and we’ve witnessed an upward trend over the past year.”"
October 27, 2008
Postal Service Looks To Cut 40,000 Jobs In First Layoff In History
KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |Postal Service Looks To Cut 40,000 Jobs In First Layoff In History: "'We lost 2 billion dollars and like any other business we have to stay afloat.' And to keep from sinking, the United States Postal Service is considering cutting thousands of jobs nationwide. Lavelle Pepper with the post office in Shreveport says they too are feeling the affects of the same disease hitting the country... a struggling economy. 'We employ about 685,000 people. If we do layoffs it would include clerks, carriers, mail handlers across all crafts.'"
Cops nab alleged burglar with aid of postal worker
The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA - Cops nab alleged burglar with aid of postal worker: "The sharp eye and quick response of a worker at the Portage post office with aid by an in-store alarm system aided police in the quick apprehension of an alleged burglar as he left a pharmacy with a bottle of prescription painkillers in hand."
October 22, 2008
Report of shooting stops mail
Report of shooting stops mail for 52 Harvey homes :: The SouthtownStar :: News: "A report of shots fired followed by nearly two weeks of miscommunication has left 52 Harvey households with empty mailboxes.
The U.S. Postal Service suspended mail delivery to homes near 151st and Marshfield in Harvey after a postal carrier said she was caught in crossfire Oct. 10 while working her regular route, said Jose Aguilar, a postal service spokesman."
The U.S. Postal Service suspended mail delivery to homes near 151st and Marshfield in Harvey after a postal carrier said she was caught in crossfire Oct. 10 while working her regular route, said Jose Aguilar, a postal service spokesman."
October 19, 2008
Postal service cutbacks could affect customers
Postal service cutbacks could affect customers - Midstate PA Local News, Weather, Sports & Entertainment - PennLive.com: "Although more people prefer e-mail to snail mail and more businesses are likely to fax than ship, the mail -- what remains of it -- has to be delivered six days a week. The U.S. Postal Service expects to end the year with a decline of 9 billion pieces of mail versus last year.
In a press release, Postmaster General John Potter said the best way to cope is to reduce work hours. That could take several forms, including fewer staff working fewer hours."
In a press release, Postmaster General John Potter said the best way to cope is to reduce work hours. That could take several forms, including fewer staff working fewer hours."
October 17, 2008
Top Federal Postal Cop Retires in Wake of ABC News Investigation
ABC News: Exclusive: Top Federal Postal Cop Retires in Wake of ABC News Investigation
Two weeks after being questioned by ABC News about his travel expenses and gambling habits, the head of the US Postal Service's Inspection Service abruptly announced his retirement.
Two weeks after being questioned by ABC News about his travel expenses and gambling habits, the head of the US Postal Service's Inspection Service abruptly announced his retirement.
October 13, 2008
The Changing Postal Landscape:
The Changing Postal Landscape: What Mailers Need to Know: "Postal reform is the best thing that ever happened to direct mailers: True or false?
Both answers are correct, depending on how you mail.
The 2008 rate hike was reasonable. But last year’s wasn’t, nor was the one before that—least of all for catalogers. And there are many other postal variables that make planning difficult for anyone using the mail stream."
Both answers are correct, depending on how you mail.
The 2008 rate hike was reasonable. But last year’s wasn’t, nor was the one before that—least of all for catalogers. And there are many other postal variables that make planning difficult for anyone using the mail stream."
Neither Snow, Nor Rain, Nor Anthrax... - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Contributor - Neither Snow, Nor Rain, Nor Anthrax... - NYTimes.com: "IMPORTANT planning for responding to a future anthrax attack has quietly been under way since the last attacks seven years ago. A key part of this effort has been figuring out how best to deliver prophylactic antibiotics quickly to the people living in the city that is attacked"
October 12, 2008
Next step for USPS: Layoffs? - FederalTimes.com
Next step for USPS: Layoffs? - FederalTimes.com: "Will there be layoffs at the U.S. Postal Service? That’s the buzz among the agency’s 670,000 workers as signs grow that the agency is sliding further into financial trouble."
3685 Postal Workers Take Early Retirement Offer In First Round
TheDay.com - Postal service is cutting back with offers of early retirement: "As of Friday, 3,685 mail handlers, clerks and low-level supervisors in processing plants and at retail windows across the country had accepted the first buyout offer made to 72,000 eligible employees, said Greg Frey, a postal service spokesman.
That's an acceptance rate of about 5 percent, at the high end of the number of workers the postal service projected would take the so-called “early outs,” Frey said.
The deadline for those early retirement decisions was Sept. 30; they take effect Dec. 31, Frey said"
That's an acceptance rate of about 5 percent, at the high end of the number of workers the postal service projected would take the so-called “early outs,” Frey said.
The deadline for those early retirement decisions was Sept. 30; they take effect Dec. 31, Frey said"
October 08, 2008
Postal worker alerts woman in burning house
Postal worker alerts woman in burning house - News - inRich.com: "A letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, Wilson had just started his route today shortly before 10 a.m. in Richmond's Highland Park neighborhood when he saw smoke coming from the side of a house.
Wilson raced up to the one-story bungalow in the 3400 block of First Avenue and began banging on the door."
Wilson raced up to the one-story bungalow in the 3400 block of First Avenue and began banging on the door."
October 04, 2008
Postal worker goes beyond call of duty
Elderly woman’s failure to collect mail leads concerned carrier to her rescue.
Postal worker goes beyond call of duty: "Karen Teller rescued a woman who’d fallen down and been stranded for four days after noticing the mail piling up."
Postal worker goes beyond call of duty: "Karen Teller rescued a woman who’d fallen down and been stranded for four days after noticing the mail piling up."
Illinois postal worker to plead guilty in money order kiting scheme
Area postal worker to plead guilty - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register: "A Christian County postal worker is expected to plead guilty to allegations she developed a kiting scheme to steal money orders from the post office.
Susan A. Poleon, 46, of Palmer is charged in federal court with misappropriation of postal funds."
read more postal news at http://www.postalreporter.com
Susan A. Poleon, 46, of Palmer is charged in federal court with misappropriation of postal funds."
read more postal news at http://www.postalreporter.com
October 03, 2008
At the Postal Service, Talk of Layoffs - washingtonpost.com
Joe Davidson - At the Postal Service, Talk of Layoffs - washingtonpost.com: "Here's another sad sign of our economic times: Never before has the U.S. Postal Service laid off workers. Now, it's a real possibility.
'For the first time in history, that is being considered,' said Gerald McKiernan, a USPS spokesman."
'For the first time in history, that is being considered,' said Gerald McKiernan, a USPS spokesman."
2 men rob Texas Post Office
The Facts: "CLUTE — Police are searching for two men who robbed a postal employee at gunpoint on the loading dock of the Clute Post Office and ran away with a bag."
Congressman Asks Boston Postal Managers For Explanation Of Outsourcing Vehicle Maintenance Work
PostalReporter.com Blog » Congressman Asks Boston Postal Managers For Explanation Of Outsourcing Vehicle Maintenance Work Expressing concern about the outsourcing of maintenance and repair work on postal vehicles, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) wrote to the USPS Boston District Manager on Sept. 22, [PDF] and asked for an explanation of USPS policy.
September 27, 2008
Junk Mail To Postal Workers, No Mail Is ‘Junk’
Junk Mail Keeps the Post Office Alive | Newsweek Project Green | Newsweek.com: "To the post office, consumers like her are a serious threat. 'Efforts to convince people not to receive mail are really going to hurt,' says Steve Kearney, a Postal Service senior vice president.
The Postal Service lost $1.1 billion in its latest quarter. That number would be even larger if it weren't for direct mailings, which now constitute 52 percent of mail volume, up from 38 percent in 1990. Revenue from direct mail 'is the financial underpinning of the Postal Service—it could not survive without it,' says MichaelCoughlin, former deputy postmaster."
The Postal Service lost $1.1 billion in its latest quarter. That number would be even larger if it weren't for direct mailings, which now constitute 52 percent of mail volume, up from 38 percent in 1990. Revenue from direct mail 'is the financial underpinning of the Postal Service—it could not survive without it,' says MichaelCoughlin, former deputy postmaster."
September 25, 2008
Feds charge postmasters around Bush
The Tundra Drums - Feds charge postmasters around Bush: "Postmasters from communities around rural Alaska have been charged with embezzling funds over several years totaling several thousand dollars."
Man threatens to kill his mail carrier
Andalusia Star-News | Man threatens to kill his mail carrier: "A Red Level man pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges that state he threatened to kill his mail carrier."
September 24, 2008
USPS: Challenging Economic Conditions Continue to Reduce Mail Volume
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS: Challenging Economic Conditions Continue to Reduce Mail Volume: "— As the current economic climate continues to contribute to a decrease in mail volume, and with no reversal in the trend in sight, the Postal Service reported today it expects to end the current fiscal year with a volume decline of nine billion pieces. The end-of-year financial results will be released in November.
At today’s Board of Governors meeting, Postmaster General John Potter said the magnitude of the loss in mail requires the Postal Service to take steps now to shore up its business, which it is doing by reducing work hours. “While we deal with the economic challenges, customers and service to our customers will always be number one on our agenda, it is why we exist, it is our franchise,” said Potter."
At today’s Board of Governors meeting, Postmaster General John Potter said the magnitude of the loss in mail requires the Postal Service to take steps now to shore up its business, which it is doing by reducing work hours. “While we deal with the economic challenges, customers and service to our customers will always be number one on our agenda, it is why we exist, it is our franchise,” said Potter."
Postal Nurses’ Contract Headed for Interest Arbitration
Nurses’ Contract Headed for Interest ArbitrationThe union and the Postal Service have agreed to submit to an interest arbitrator disputed contract issues for APWU-represented postal nurses. The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the National Postal Professional Nurses-APWU and the USPS expired Aug. 20, 2007.
The parties met several times last fall, and continued to exchange information and proposals this year, including during off-the-record sessions. After the most recent meeting, on Sept. 15, the parties agreed to have an interest arbitrator resolve the outstanding issues. The nurses will be represented in arbitration by APWU attorneys
The parties met several times last fall, and continued to exchange information and proposals this year, including during off-the-record sessions. After the most recent meeting, on Sept. 15, the parties agreed to have an interest arbitrator resolve the outstanding issues. The nurses will be represented in arbitration by APWU attorneys
September 22, 2008
WhitePages Selected by U.S. Postal Service to Power the Post Office Locator
WhitePages Selected by U.S. Postal Service to Power the Post Office Locator: "WhitePages, the leader in online people search that provides people a simple way to find others and connect with confidence, today announced it is powering the popular 'Post Office Locator' on usps.com for the U.S. Postal Service. Known for its extensive, industry-leading database of more than 200 million U.S. adults, this new WhitePages' solution enables users to search and navigate the nearly thirty-seven thousand (37,000) Post Office Locations and prospective postal services on the U.S. Postal Service site"
Postal Employees Ordered To Stop Offering First-Class Mail
Usps: Postal Employees Ordered To Stop Offering First-Class Mail: "Postal employees have been ordered to upsell pricey express or priority mail services to anyone sending anything more than a letter, according to an anonymous tipster. The directive comes straight from Washington to help combat the Post Office's $1.1 billion operating deficit. To avoid the upsell, specifically ask if there is a cheaper way to ship your package."
September 20, 2008
Postal Service considers closing office on Stambaugh
The Herald, Sharon, Pa. - Postal Service considers closing office on Stambaugh: "The U.S. Postal Service said it is considering closing its Buhl Station on Stambaugh Avenue in Sharon"
Former Brooklyn postman banned from offices for selling clothes
Former Brooklyn postman banned from offices for selling clothes: "This postman rang one time too many.
A former mail carrier has been banned from all 52 post offices in Brooklyn after selling his self-designed brand of postal apparel to former colleagues."
A former mail carrier has been banned from all 52 post offices in Brooklyn after selling his self-designed brand of postal apparel to former colleagues."
September 18, 2008
Postal Service Relocates Services, Deploys Portable Buildings | KBMT ABC 12 - News, Weather and Sports - Beaumont - Port Arthur, TX Beaumont - Port Arthur, Texas | Local News Top Stories
Postal Service Relocates Services, Deploys Portable Buildings | KBMT ABC 12 - News, Weather and Sports - Beaumont - Port Arthur, TX Beaumont - Port Arthur, Texas | Local News Top Stories: "Houston, TX — Post Offices throughout the greater Houston area continued recovery efforts today despite power outages, with all Post Offices in the city of Houston operational and providing limited retail and delivery service, including Oak Forest Station (77018, 77092), where building repairs were completed September 17."
Postal Workers Protest DHL Move from Ohio
More than 50 Postal Workers (APWU), community activists and other members of the “Save the Jobs, Save the Community” coalition from Wilmington, Ohio—where DHL is threatening to shut down its air delivery hub and eliminate more than 8,000 jobs—protested at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., yesterday.
The German-owned DHL took over the package carrier Airborne Express in 2003, in a deal made possible by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and his campaign manager, Rick Davis.
According to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), DHL received some “$400 million in direct and indirect incentives” to maintain its Wilmington operation and jobs—and now is seeking a deal to transfer its air delivery to its competitor UPS. Lawmakers say that may violate anti-trust laws. Following the morning protest, a U.S. House committee examined the pending job loss and anti-trust implications.
http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/09/17/postal-workers-protest-dhl-move-from-ohio
The German-owned DHL took over the package carrier Airborne Express in 2003, in a deal made possible by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and his campaign manager, Rick Davis.
According to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), DHL received some “$400 million in direct and indirect incentives” to maintain its Wilmington operation and jobs—and now is seeking a deal to transfer its air delivery to its competitor UPS. Lawmakers say that may violate anti-trust laws. Following the morning protest, a U.S. House committee examined the pending job loss and anti-trust implications.
http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/09/17/postal-workers-protest-dhl-move-from-ohio
September 10, 2008
September 07, 2008
Postal Service offers early retirements - FederalTimes.com
Postal Service offers early retirements - FederalTimes.com: "Buyouts not an option
Even though the agency needs to cut staff, Vegliante said paying employees to retire early isn’t an option. The agency anticipates a $2 billion deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30."
Even though the agency needs to cut staff, Vegliante said paying employees to retire early isn’t an option. The agency anticipates a $2 billion deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30."
September 05, 2008
Postal Service Supports Military Absentee Voting
USPS News Release: Postal Service Supports Military Absentee Voting: "Absentee Voters are encouraged to verify their address
The Postal Service and the Department of Defense (DoD) will combine efforts and expertise again to delivery absentee ballots to members of the armed forces serving abroad during this election season."
The Postal Service and the Department of Defense (DoD) will combine efforts and expertise again to delivery absentee ballots to members of the armed forces serving abroad during this election season."
Burrus to Maintenance, MVS Employees: Don't Go!
APWU Web News Article #80-08, Sept. 4, 2008
With news that the Postal Service will offer Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) to Motor Vehicle Services and Maintenance Craft employees – except Electronic Technicians – APWU President William Burrus is reiterating his advice to union members: DON’T GO!
“My reasoning is simple,” he said. “Every APWU-represented employee who leaves early will save the USPS hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet the Postal Service is refusing to offer cash incentives.”
Burrus to Maintenance, MVS Employees: Don't Go!
With news that the Postal Service will offer Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) to Motor Vehicle Services and Maintenance Craft employees – except Electronic Technicians – APWU President William Burrus is reiterating his advice to union members: DON’T GO!
“My reasoning is simple,” he said. “Every APWU-represented employee who leaves early will save the USPS hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet the Postal Service is refusing to offer cash incentives.”
Burrus to Maintenance, MVS Employees: Don't Go!
Louisiana: Postal Service back to work in 6 parishes
Postal Service back to work in 6 parishes- NOLA.com: "The U.S. Postal Service resumed normal delivery and post office operations Thursday in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes.
Even post offices that did not have power were open for service, with some facilities running on generators, said Daisy Comeaux, a spokeswoman for the Postal Service in Louisiana"
Even post offices that did not have power were open for service, with some facilities running on generators, said Daisy Comeaux, a spokeswoman for the Postal Service in Louisiana"
September 04, 2008
September 01, 2008
Walking ahead: Postal carrier overcomes polio, accident to deliver mail
LJWorld.com / Walking ahead: Postal carrier overcomes polio, accident to deliver mail: "Jerry Totten, 51, is a survivor. He’s defied death on two occasions and is Lawrence’s only remaining full-time, walking mail carrier. He admits he’s lucky to be walking at all.
Totten contracted polio when he was 2 years old. “I don’t remember it personally,” he says. “My parents told me about it. They thought I wouldn’t survive. I was in the hospital a long time.”
He defied the odds but it took him two years to learn to walk again"
Totten contracted polio when he was 2 years old. “I don’t remember it personally,” he says. “My parents told me about it. They thought I wouldn’t survive. I was in the hospital a long time.”
He defied the odds but it took him two years to learn to walk again"
US Postal Service: Mail will be secured during Hurricane Gustav
US Postal Service: Mail will be secured during Hurricane Gustav - Sulphur, LA - Southwest Daily News: "The United States Postal Service (USPS) is working closely with various federal agencies to support state and local authorities with their evacuation efforts in preparation of Hurricane Gustav making landfall along the Gulf Coast . The Postal Service urges all residents in the affected areas to follow their state and local evacuation instructions."
August 30, 2008
ID Thieves Use Postal Service To Find Targets - Pennsylvania News Story - WGAL Lancaster
ID Thieves Use Postal Service To Find Targets - Pennsylvania News Story - WGAL Lancaster: "ID Thieves Use Postal Service To Find Targets
Thieves Use Change Of Address Forms To Redirect Mail To Them"
Thieves Use Change Of Address Forms To Redirect Mail To Them"
August 27, 2008
Postal Service Stats Put FedEx, UPS At Risk
Stocks To Watch Today : Postal Service Stats Put FedEx, UPS At Risk: "ANALYSTS FRET PACKAGE DELIVERERS’ FORTUNES"
August 25, 2008
APWU Delegates Vow to Fight Privatization of Parcel Post
Delegates Vow to Fight Privatization of Parcel Post: "On the final day of the APWU 19th Biennial Convention, delegates adopted a resolution calling on the union’s national leadership to “lead and organize resistance to any/all attempts to privatize the parcel business.”
Resolution 161, Fight Privatization of Parcel Business, also encouraged union members to “urge our elected representatives to delay implementation of any provisions of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 that allow for the theft of our work and our jobs.” The law requires Congress to review the underpinnings of the Postal Service, including universal service, the mailbox monopoly, six-day delivery, and the postal network."
Resolution 161, Fight Privatization of Parcel Business, also encouraged union members to “urge our elected representatives to delay implementation of any provisions of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 that allow for the theft of our work and our jobs.” The law requires Congress to review the underpinnings of the Postal Service, including universal service, the mailbox monopoly, six-day delivery, and the postal network."
Potter: USPS could lose $2 billion this year
The Associated Press: Tough economic times hurt post office: "ST. LOUIS (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service could lose about $2 billion this year due to tough economic times, and it needs to change to meet the demands of the public, Postmaster General John Potter said Monday."
August 24, 2008
Postal Workers endorse Obama, forge ties with Letter Carriers
: "The American Postal Workers Union, meeting in its national convention, endorsed Barack Obama and took a major step toward improving relations with its sister union, the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Chanting Obama's slogan, 'Yes We Can!' the more than 3,200 Postal Worker delegates from across the country unanimously endorsed the Democratic candidate for president, who addressed the convention live via satellite."
Chanting Obama's slogan, 'Yes We Can!' the more than 3,200 Postal Worker delegates from across the country unanimously endorsed the Democratic candidate for president, who addressed the convention live via satellite."
August 23, 2008
Opposition to new postal center grows
JS Online: Opposition to new postal center grows: "More than 200 Oak Creek residents are raising concerns about the noise and traffic they say will be generated by a proposed U.S. Postal Service mail processing center."
August 13, 2008
Postal Worker's Self-Defense Claim Can't Save Job
Postal Worker's Self-Defense Claim Can't Save Job
A Postal Mail Handler / Union Official appealed his removal to MSPB. USPS issued him a removal based on a charge of Improper Conduct/Violation of Zero Tolerance Policy after the employee engaged in a physical altercation with a co-worker. The employee contended that the removal was improper because he was physically assaulted by his co-worker and was merely defending himself. MSPB initially mitigated the removal to 30-day suspension. But MSPB found that because the employee did not retreat in good faith before the fight began, he could not successfully claim self-defense. MSPB also claimed the employee instigated the fight by calling his co-worker 'a dummy.' Therefore, the MSPB concluded that the Administrative Judge erred in considering the self-defense claim and sustained the removal." click here for decision
A Postal Mail Handler / Union Official appealed his removal to MSPB. USPS issued him a removal based on a charge of Improper Conduct/Violation of Zero Tolerance Policy after the employee engaged in a physical altercation with a co-worker. The employee contended that the removal was improper because he was physically assaulted by his co-worker and was merely defending himself. MSPB initially mitigated the removal to 30-day suspension. But MSPB found that because the employee did not retreat in good faith before the fight began, he could not successfully claim self-defense. MSPB also claimed the employee instigated the fight by calling his co-worker 'a dummy.' Therefore, the MSPB concluded that the Administrative Judge erred in considering the self-defense claim and sustained the removal." click here for decision
August 08, 2008
Postal Employee Indicted For Threatening Supervisor
Rockbridge Weekly's Newsline: "According to the indictment, on July 26, 2008 Kemp was called into the supervisor’s office to address the concern that he was under the influence of alcohol while on duty. Postal officials called for local police assistance in having Kemp removed from the facility. According to the indictment, Kemp became belligerent and threatened to kill his supervisor.
Kemp was charged in a one count indictment with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with his United States Postal Supervisor while he was engaged in his official duties."
Kemp was charged in a one count indictment with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with his United States Postal Supervisor while he was engaged in his official duties."
August 07, 2008
USPS $1.1B Loss Could Force Maximum Rate Hike Next Year
USPS $1.1B Loss Could Force Maximum Rate Hike Next Year - Audience Development @ FolioMag.com: "“The next rate increase will most likely be the maximum under the law,” ABM Washington Counsel David Straus tells FOLIO:. “The way the CPI [Consumer Price Index] is going, you could be looking at periodicals rates going up 5 or 6 percent for some publications—about double the 2.9 percent increase we saw in May.”
The next rate increase, according to Straus, “almost certainly” will be May 2009."
The next rate increase, according to Straus, “almost certainly” will be May 2009."
August 06, 2008
August 02, 2008
Postal service ends trash-can delivery
SUTTON ISLAND - The U.S. Postal Service has ended a decades-old tradition in which mail was delivered to this small offshore island by a private ferry service and left in a specially marked trash can on the dock for recipients to pick up.
MaineToday.com
MaineToday.com
Postal Service Recommends VERA for Postmasters
This afternoon, July 23, League President Charley Mapa was contacted by Bill Jones, HQ Labor Relations. Mr. Jones stated that, in response to the letter that his office had received from League and Napus, today the Postal Service had sent to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) their own letter recommending a VERA (early out) for Postmasters. For this process to go forward, OPM must approve the request.
National League of Postmasters via PostalReporter.com
National League of Postmasters via PostalReporter.com
July 31, 2008
Postal Worker Laid to Rest after Controversial Shooting Death
MyFox Los Angeles | Postal Worker Laid to Rest after Controversial Shooting Death: "Los Angeles -- His shooting death by an Inglewood police officer has led to an independent investigation. Today, postal worker Kevin Wicks will be laid to rest"
Postal workers rally in support of mail processing facility at Hopkins International Airport
Postal workers rally in support of mail processing facility at Hopkins International Airport: "CLEVELAND -- Nearly three dozen U.S. Postal workers rallied Thursday at the Cleveland Airport Mail Center at Hopkins. They're hoping that their efforts will secure the facility's future and their jobs along with it"
July 22, 2008
July 20, 2008
Postal Worker Held-up At Gunpoint
Police on Saturday searched for two robbers who took several bags of express mail from a postal employee behind a City Heights post office, a police sergeant said
KGTV - SAN DIEGO
KGTV - SAN DIEGO
July 18, 2008
July 17, 2008
July 16, 2008
Post office seeks to trim Sandusky mail carrier routes
Post office seeks to trim Sandusky mail carrier routes
Sandusky’s post office plans to trim the number of mail carrier routes, but the local postal workers union is trying to stamp that idea “return to sender.”
Sandusky’s post office plans to trim the number of mail carrier routes, but the local postal workers union is trying to stamp that idea “return to sender.”
Postal service uses more walking routes
Postal service uses more walking routes | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Because a one-cent increase in the price of fuel raises USPS costs by more than $8 million per year, the postal service is exploring options such as increasing walking routes, bicycle routes and fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce its energy consumption
July 15, 2008
Delivery issues, rising rates discussed at NNA Postal Forum
Representatives from Price Publications, Inc. were among some 50 newspaper executives in Washington, D.C. Friday to discuss ongoing issues like slow delivery and rising rates with officials from the U.S. Postal Service.
The Wetumpka Herald » News
July 08, 2008
NALC | Young addresses early out rumors
Young addresses early out rumors
NALC | The National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO
There are many rumors on the internet about a pending early out for letter carriers. I have been advised that the USPS has requested permission to have a VERA for letter carriers and expects an answer at the end of this month. Until the Office of Personnel Management has acted upon that request it is premature to discuss any early out options. We will continue to monitor the situation and will alert our members as soon as OPM has acted on the USPS request
NALC | The National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO
July 07, 2008
June 26, 2008
June 17, 2008
June 12, 2008
May 10, 2008
Postal Service looks to expand package returns service with major carriers
InternetRetailer.com -
Looking to cooperate more with its competitors, the U.S. Postal Service is hoping to expand its package returns service through major carriers UPS, FedEx Corp. and DHL, says Jim Cochrane, acting vice president of ground packages at the U.S.P.S. But while none of the three big carriers have yet to publicly express an interest in the service, the Postal Services’ sole returns partner for now, Newgistics Inc., plans a major expansion of the service this year, Newgistics CFO Mike Twomey says.
The Postal Service wants to expand the returns service—through which the U.S.P.S. takes packages from a consumer’s home address to a postal facility, where a private carrier picks it up to complete delivery back to a retailer or manufacturer—as part of a broad effort to expand its delivery business in cooperation with carrier companies. Newgistics specializes in serving apparel and consumer electronics retailers, so extending the U.S.P.S. returns service through other carriers could broaden its reach
May 07, 2008
April 09, 2008
Postal Workers Union Back Sen. Barack Obama for President
APWU Executive Board Endorses Barack Obama for President
The APWU National Executive Board has voted unanimously to endorse Barack Obama for president. “Sen. Obama’s message is one of hope and change,” said union President William Burrus. “His message is special, and the timing is right.”
"We believe he will be a strong advocate for working people, and we believe he can win the nomination and the election."
“We are most impressed by Sen. Obama’s commitment to eradicating the undue influence of special interests in the political process,” Burrus said. “Our current political system does not allow for the voices of citizens to be heard over the demands of corporate lobbyists and big-money campaign contributors.
“Sen. Obama has vowed to change that, and his campaign has flourished through the participation of new voters and small contributors,” Burrus said. “We believe he will be a president who will strongly represent the interests of working Americans.”
“His ability to bring new participants into our nation’s democratic process — to get young people involved and to persuade ordinary citizens that they have a real stake in politics — is an inspiration.”
“Sen. Clinton has a proud and effective record as a public servant,” Burrus noted. “The main reason for refraining from endorsing the New York senator is because her campaign is based upon her intent to achieve change through the political system as it now exists, where every act of government is influenced by political lobbyists,” he observed.
“Sen. Clinton has willingly accepted contributions from special interests, and these contributions do not come without a price. Despite her best intentions, under the current system she would be thwarted in many of her initiatives,” Burrus concluded. “Her attempts in the early 1990s to establish national healthcare offers a textbook example of how the system resists change, and how no single individual is sufficiently powerful to effect fundamental improvements.”
The APWU National Executive Board has voted unanimously to endorse Barack Obama for president. “Sen. Obama’s message is one of hope and change,” said union President William Burrus. “His message is special, and the timing is right.”
"We believe he will be a strong advocate for working people, and we believe he can win the nomination and the election."
“We are most impressed by Sen. Obama’s commitment to eradicating the undue influence of special interests in the political process,” Burrus said. “Our current political system does not allow for the voices of citizens to be heard over the demands of corporate lobbyists and big-money campaign contributors.
“Sen. Obama has vowed to change that, and his campaign has flourished through the participation of new voters and small contributors,” Burrus said. “We believe he will be a president who will strongly represent the interests of working Americans.”
“His ability to bring new participants into our nation’s democratic process — to get young people involved and to persuade ordinary citizens that they have a real stake in politics — is an inspiration.”
“Sen. Clinton has a proud and effective record as a public servant,” Burrus noted. “The main reason for refraining from endorsing the New York senator is because her campaign is based upon her intent to achieve change through the political system as it now exists, where every act of government is influenced by political lobbyists,” he observed.
“Sen. Clinton has willingly accepted contributions from special interests, and these contributions do not come without a price. Despite her best intentions, under the current system she would be thwarted in many of her initiatives,” Burrus concluded. “Her attempts in the early 1990s to establish national healthcare offers a textbook example of how the system resists change, and how no single individual is sufficiently powerful to effect fundamental improvements.”
April 07, 2008
April 04, 2008
April 02, 2008
March 28, 2008
FMLA: Here We Go Again
Bush Keeps Trying to Chip Away at Workers’ Rights
FMLA: Here We Go Again APWU News
FMLA: Here We Go Again APWU News
March 15, 2008
February 18, 2008
February 11, 2008
February 10, 2008
USPS joins HBO to promote John Adams miniseries
USPS and Home Box Office (HBO) are jointly promoting the upcoming cable network’s miniseries, John Adams, and National Card and Letter Writing Month.
USPS joins HBO to promote John Adams miniseries
The HBO production is based on the book John Adams, by Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough. The best-selling biography of the founding father centers on the letters Adams and his wife, Abigail, wrote each other during their courtship and 54-year marriage.
Beginning this week, USPS launches a multi-faceted 60-day campaign highlighting the HBO series’ focus on the Adams family letters and encouraging Americans to rediscover letter writing, especially in March during National Card and Letter Writing Month.
The USPS campaign includes a national cancellation featuring an Adams quote, “Let us dare to read, think, speak and write,” and a new website — www.usps.com/poweroftheletter. Postal receipts from point-of-service terminals and Automated Postal Centers will include the Adams quote and the website. Standees and window clings will appear in nearly 12,000 Post Offices around the country promoting the website and the miniseries.
“We’ve been delivering the power of the written word ─ including those letters written by Adams ─ for more than 230 years,” said Joanne Giordano, vice president, Public Affairs and Communications. “As a nation, we cherish the letters of great Americans because they help us understand our common history. This campaign will allow us to promote our brand, our products and the lost art of letter writing.”
HBO will premiere its seven-part miniseries with two episodes on Sunday evening, March 16. Episodes 3-7 will air the subsequent five Sundays, with the series ending on April 20.
source: USPS News Link
USPS joins HBO to promote John Adams miniseries
The HBO production is based on the book John Adams, by Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough. The best-selling biography of the founding father centers on the letters Adams and his wife, Abigail, wrote each other during their courtship and 54-year marriage.
Beginning this week, USPS launches a multi-faceted 60-day campaign highlighting the HBO series’ focus on the Adams family letters and encouraging Americans to rediscover letter writing, especially in March during National Card and Letter Writing Month.
The USPS campaign includes a national cancellation featuring an Adams quote, “Let us dare to read, think, speak and write,” and a new website — www.usps.com/poweroftheletter. Postal receipts from point-of-service terminals and Automated Postal Centers will include the Adams quote and the website. Standees and window clings will appear in nearly 12,000 Post Offices around the country promoting the website and the miniseries.
“We’ve been delivering the power of the written word ─ including those letters written by Adams ─ for more than 230 years,” said Joanne Giordano, vice president, Public Affairs and Communications. “As a nation, we cherish the letters of great Americans because they help us understand our common history. This campaign will allow us to promote our brand, our products and the lost art of letter writing.”
HBO will premiere its seven-part miniseries with two episodes on Sunday evening, March 16. Episodes 3-7 will air the subsequent five Sundays, with the series ending on April 20.
source: USPS News Link
February 04, 2008
Commentary: Postal Service readies for Sarbanes-Oxley Act
The 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act includes a mandate that the U.S. Postal Service comply with Securities and Exchange Commission rules that implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) by fiscal 2010. The act requires corporations to report on the effectiveness of their internal controls, with the goal being to ensure the accuracy of financial reporting. The Postal Service is the first federal agency mandated to comply with the act and thus faces unique challenges
FederalTimes.com
February 03, 2008
Postal agencies look to technology to replace business disappearing to technology
"Marty Sellers once needed about a hundred postage stamps every three months. These days, he can stretch that supply to last a year. Sellers, 40, now pays most of his bills online and receives financial statements electronically. Because many people around the world are like Sellers, the U.S. Postal Service and its counterparts in other countries are tapping technology to cut costs and expand into electronic services - including services designed to attract more junk mail."
lohud.com| Journal News
lohud.com| Journal News
February 02, 2008
Mail found at carrier's home
WILMINGTON -- Somewhere around 4,300 to 4,500 items of undelivered mail were recently found stashed inside the home of a substitute mail carrier.
Joliet (IL) Herald News
Joliet (IL) Herald News
Postal Worker Gets Prison for Threatening to Shoot Supervisor
On September 27, 2007, Jessica Delaine was working as a U.S. Postal employee at the Meridian Main Post Office when she got into a verbal argument with her supervisor. Eventually, the supervisor requested that Delaine clock off work and leave the premises. Approximately 45 minutes later, she entered the Meridian Main Post Office, revealed a pistol to her co-workers, and told them she was going to wait by an office building and shoot her supervisor when he left work. After talking to her, Delaine’s co-workers convinced her to leave the premises
source: US Attorney's Office via PostalReporter.com
source: US Attorney's Office via PostalReporter.com
January 30, 2008
January 26, 2008
Postal Unions Sue to Block USPS IG's Access to Medical Records
The American Postal Workers Union and the National Association of Letter Carriers have filed suit against the Postal Service and the Office of Inspector General for systematic and widespread intrusions into the medical records of postal employees. The complaint [PDF], filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Jan. 17, asserts that, beginning in 2006, the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) began surreptitiously seeking and obtaining the medical records of postal workers directly from doctors and hospitals that had provided medical services to postal employees. The practice continues, with the OIG claiming that it has a right to review the records as part of oversight or investigatory activities. NALC statement on OIG suit
January 19, 2008
Brothers get prison time for assaulting postal supervisor
According to the guilty plea, testimony at trial and other court documents, Gregory Bermudez and John Bermudez, Jr., worked at the United States Postal Service Incoming Mail Facility (IMF) in Linthicum, Maryland. On February 8, 2006 at the IMF a supervisor instructed John Bermudez to stop playing cards and return to work. Both defendants argued with the supervisor, who sought the assistance of the manager of the work floor. When the manager responded he discovered the defendants in a heated argument with another employee. Unable to regain control of the work floor, the manager informed the defendants that he was calling the police and turned to walk away. full story - http://www.postalreporter.com/news/2008/01/17/former-postal-workers-sent-to-prison-for-assaulting-manager/
January 13, 2008
Rumor: 2.9 Percent Rate Increase On The Way?
According to postcom.org: "Well, the rumor mill is cranking, and it says that the Postal Service will be announcing soon its intention to raise postal rates by 2.9% when calculated at the class level."
January 05, 2008
Postal Watchdog Files Complaint Over USPS Elimination of Bound Printed Matter Rate
Douglas F. Carlson, an attorney and self-professed postal watchdog has filed a complaint with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) alleging that the Postal Service after May 14, 2007 eliminated bound printed matter as a mailing option for customers. Full story
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