December 31, 2009
December 13, 2009
Union leader claims Waterbury post office overwhelmed, hiding leftover mail in closets
Union leader claims Waterbury post office overwhelmed, hiding leftover mail in closets The Republican-American: "Ray Arcovio, president of the Waterbury area postal workers' union, says managers at the post office have been hiding mail in closets and unused rooms at mail facilities in Waterbury and Wallingford because they've had trouble processing and delivering a high volume of mail."
December 06, 2009
OIG Audit: USPS Los Angeles District Unable To Account For Over $1.6 Million In Money Orders
This report presents the results of our audit of financial accountability in the Los Angeles District . We identified internal control deficiencies over stamp, money order, and cash accountability; and financial accounting and reporting. Management at three units did not properly account for 4,204 unrecorded, missing, or old style money orders valued at $1,681,600.9 Postal Service policy requires the postmaster to maintain an accurate inventory of all accountable paper within the postal retail unit. The xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx attributed these conditions to inadequately trained supervisors, frequent detail assignments, and acting manager assignments. When controls are not functioning as prescribed, there is an increased risk the Postal Service could lose cash, accountable items, and revenue without detection and misstate financial records
OIG Audit Identifies Nearly $9 Million In Unrecoverable, Unsupported Costs For Office Supplies Transactions
The Postal Service established the backdoor order entry process when it created the OfficeMax contract in January 2000. At that time, there were still a substantial number of offices without access to the Internet or the eBuy system. The backdoor process allowed these offices to mail, fax, or telephone orders to OfficeMax, who would enter the order into the system for processing and payment. Since there is no validation of purchase approval or independent certification of the invoice before payment, we identified $8,979,032 in unrecoverable unsupported questioned costs8 for the 163,446 backdoor transactions that occurred from July 2007 through June 2009
November 08, 2009
Great Falls Couple Mad After Post Office Stops Delivering Mail
Having mail delivered to your home is something most of us take for granted. A Great Falls couple is unhappy tonight, after the Postal Service stopped delivering mail to their home. The Post Office says a parked camper blocks easy access to the mailbox, and they need to move the camper or the box.
October 19, 2009
Mail truck crashes into utility pole, injuring driver
A mail carrier was flown to the hospital Saturday afternoon after crashing a mail truck into a power pole.
WVLT-TV
WVLT-TV
Mailbox change upsets Deltona resident
The U.S. Postal Service, at the city's urging, has begun converting 2,200 customers from curbside to cluster mailboxes, a move that will beautify boulevards, save money and, officials say, improve traffic safety and flow.
News-Journalonline
News-Journalonline
EEOC 2009 Annual Report On USPS Workforce
PostalReporter.com » EEOC 2009 Annual Report On USPS Workforce: "This report covers the period from October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008. The September 30 snapshot includes only employees in pay status thus, some permanent employees, like seasonal employees or those on active military tours of duty are not included….. while the United States Postal Service constituted 27.6% of the work force, it accounted for 47.1% of all EEO counselings, 36.6% of all complaints filed, 36.9% of all completed investigations and 40.8% of all complaints closed in FY 2008"
Postmasters League No Longer Support USPS Voice Of Employee Survey
PostalReporter.com » Postmasters League No Longer Support USPS Voice Of Employee Survey: "Recently your National Board met and decided that the League would no longer support the VOE survey. While the intent behind the survey may be good, the fact of the matter is that the work situation for Postmasters continues to deteriorate."
Mailing Industry Executives Tell Postal Workers to Sacrifice
PostalReporter.com » Mailing Industry Executives Tell Postal Workers to Sacrifice: "Postal unions realize that Congress’ vote last month to give the USPS just a one-year reprieve from a crushing financial obligation means additional legislative action will be needed to help the Postal Service remain viable. So it was no surprise to hear that representatives of trade groups for major mailers say the legislature may be compelled to address postal reform again.
It was shocking, however, to read that the president of the Association for Postal Commerce suggests that “the time has come for postal employees to start sharing some of the sacrifices.”"
It was shocking, however, to read that the president of the Association for Postal Commerce suggests that “the time has come for postal employees to start sharing some of the sacrifices.”"
Congressman: New Hampshire Postal Workers Cheated Out of Wages
PostalReporter.com » Congressman: New Hampshire Postal Workers Cheated Out of Wages: "Congressman Paul Hodes issued the following statement after the Inspector General of the US Postal Service confirmed New Hampshire postal workers’ concerns that management had altered time cards and withheld payment that the workers had earned. Congressman Hodes had called on the Inspector General to investigate these concerns.
“This is a clear and deliberate violation of workers’ rights,” said Congressman Hodes. “New Hampshire families have suffered as a result of this scheme, and these hard-working postal workers deserve the wages that they have earned. The Postal Service should immediately reimburse these workers for the wages that were taken from them.”"
“This is a clear and deliberate violation of workers’ rights,” said Congressman Hodes. “New Hampshire families have suffered as a result of this scheme, and these hard-working postal workers deserve the wages that they have earned. The Postal Service should immediately reimburse these workers for the wages that were taken from them.”"
EEOC Proposes Broader Definition of Disability
PostalReporter.com » EEOC Proposes Broader Definition of Disability: "The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a Federal Register Notice proposing to revise its Americans with Disability Act (ADA) regulations and accompanying interpretive guidance in order to implement the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Pub. L. No. 110?325. Comments on the proposed regulations, 74 Fed. Reg. 48431-48450, are due no later than November 23, 2009. The EEOC described the nature of the revised regulations"
USPS OIG Letter To Congressman Paul Hodes On Falsification of Timecards
PostalReporter.com » USPS OIG Letter To Congressman Paul Hodes On Falsification of Timecards: "We received your May 21 letter on behalf of the New Hampshire branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). They alleged manipulation of the Time and Attendance Collection System (TACS) by management at the Milford Post Office, Manchester South Station, and Manchester West Station. Specifically, they alleged postal management altered electronic timecards to avoid paying NALC carriers overtime and to falsify the reporting of work hour usage at these facilities."
MSPB: USPS ZZero Tolerance Policy Violation IS Not Automatic Grounds For Removal
PostalReporter.com: "A Postal Employee appealed USPS’ decision to remove him 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 MSPB sustained the removal, but the Federal Circuit Court reversed the penalty determination and remanded the case. The MSPB found that a 30-day suspension was the maximum reasonable penalty, and therefore, ordered USPS to cancel the removal. Cunningham v. U.S. Postal Service"
USPS perky benefits
USPS perky benefits
"...if you are tired of paying high health-insurance premiums and sick about increases coming next year, here's a tip: Join the service.
The U.S. Postal Service, that is.
Although the USPS is losing money, handling fewer letters (can you say e-mail and Twitter?) and trying to get thousands of workers to take early retirement, it continues to pay a much larger chunk of its employee health premiums than does the Justice Department, General Services Administration or most other federal agencies.
At a time when health premiums and medical costs are soaring — despite deflation in the general economy — having a good, affordable health plan is the perk de jour. And the Postal Service is once again leading the way."
"...if you are tired of paying high health-insurance premiums and sick about increases coming next year, here's a tip: Join the service.
The U.S. Postal Service, that is.
Although the USPS is losing money, handling fewer letters (can you say e-mail and Twitter?) and trying to get thousands of workers to take early retirement, it continues to pay a much larger chunk of its employee health premiums than does the Justice Department, General Services Administration or most other federal agencies.
At a time when health premiums and medical costs are soaring — despite deflation in the general economy — having a good, affordable health plan is the perk de jour. And the Postal Service is once again leading the way."
October 01, 2009
APWU President William Burrus Announces Retirement
PostalReporter.com » APWU President William Burrus Announces Retirement: "President Burrus announced he will retire at the end of his term in 2010"
August 25, 2009
Advertising Delivery: A Governmental Function?
Courier, Express, and Postal Observer: Advertising Delivery: A Governmental Function? I d not think that President Burris or APWU membership is prepared to accept the privatization option that might be required to fully take advantage of the Postal Service's capabilities as a deliverer of advertising. For too long privatization has been tied to cutbacks in jobs and reductions in compensation for APWU members or leadership to accept. However, the current financial challenges of the Postal Service suggest that those cutbacks and compensation reductions may come even without privatization. President Burris' message to his members suggests that it may be the time for the APWU to seriously invest resources to flesh out how a Postal Service free to pursue all opportunities relating to advertising delivery, and for that matter any business that could use the capabilities of postal employees and network of sortation and retail facilities, could improve the long-term prospects of the Postal Service and the APWU members that it employees.
August 21, 2009
Story in Mailers’ Publication Pointedly Misses the Point About Postal Salaries
Story in Mailers’ Publication Pointedly Misses the Point About Postal Salaries: "In yet another attempt to promote the myth that postal employees are not deserving of their collectively-bargained salaries, the chief spokesperson at PostCom, a mailers-industry publication, has written a story that compares the salary schedules of USPS Electronic Technicians (ET 10) and ETs in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)."
Kalamazoo mail processing may be moved - MLive.com
Local mail processing may be moved - MLive.com: "The U.S. Postal Service is recommending a study of whether to move work from a Kalamazoo-area processing center to Grand Rapids, which would result in a loss of 300 jobs here, according to union officials."
Church-Run Post Office Forced to Remove Religious Materials
Church-Run Post Office Forced to Remove Religious Materials: "A federal appeals court made a church-state distinction and settled a long-running dispute Thursday when it ordered a church-operated post office in Manchester, Conn., to clear its postal counter of religious materials such as prayer cards and a collection box for a ministry that serves the poor."
July 30, 2009
Postal Service to review 1,000 post offices for closure
Federal news, government operations, agency management, pay & benefits - FederalTimes.com: "The U.S. Postal Service wants to study roughly 1,000 post offices for possible closure - the latest cost-cutting step from an agency that is scrambling to deal with a projected $7 billion deficit this year and larger losses in 2010."
Postal Service Is Pressed to Restructure
Postal Service Is Pressed to Restructure - washingtonpost.com: "Lawmakers on Thursday will consider various proposals to restructure the U.S. Postal Service, just days after government auditors warned that it must quickly address its financial viability"
July 28, 2009
FedEx Ground Drivers Win Group Status in Eight States
FedEx Ground Drivers Win Group Status in Eight States (Update1) - Bloomberg.com: "FedEx Corp. must face more state class-action lawsuits by contract drivers who claim they deserve benefits because the company treats them as full-time workers by mandating their clothing, hours and prices, a judge said."
July 25, 2009
National Association of Postal Supervisors Legislative and Regulatory Updates
National Association of Postal Supervisors Legislative and Regulatory Updates: "Legislation to provide emergency financial relief to the Postal Service was introduced in the Senate on Thursday and is expected to be cleared by a Senate panel within days."
July 19, 2009
White House pressured to fix postal budget crisis
TheHill.com - White House pressured to fix postal budget crisis: "Postal workers say a congressional plan to fix the budget shortfalls at the United States Postal Service (USPS) is short sighted and have asked the White House to broker a better solution."
July 16, 2009
Postal Worker Fired For Excessive Use Of Military Leave Wins Partial Court Victory
Postal Worker Fired For Excessive Use Of Military Leave Wins Partial Court Victory: "Richard Erickson, a distribution Clerk was removed from his position at Fort Myers Processing and Distribution Center (Fort Myers, Florida). Erickson filed an MSPB appeal under Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), asserting that he was improperly removed because of his military service and requesting that he be reinstated. The MSPB administrative judge (AJ) found that USPS violated USERRA by removing Erickson from his position but nevertheless denied him any relief. The AJ’s decision was based on the determination that Erickson subsequently waived his reemployment rights under USERRA by abandoning his civilian employment in favor of a military career."
July 15, 2009
PRC Schedules Hearings For GameFly Discrimination Complaint Against USPS
PRC Schedules Hearings For GameFly Discrimination Complaint Against USPS: "The Postal Regulatory Commission has “initiated a case to address allegations of undue discrimination and other issues raised by GameFly, Inc. (GameFly) in a formal complaint related to sending and receiving DVDs. Accepting the case will provide an opportunity for review of pertinent issues.”"
July 14, 2009
Will Postal Rates Decrease Next Year?
Dead Tree Edition: Will Postal Rates Decrease Next Year?: "The many people who spent years crafting and redrafting the postal-reform law and its accompanying regulations overlooked a key issue -- deflation"
Can This Life Ring Save the Postal Service?
Joe Davidson - Federal Diary: House Committee Passes USPS Bill - washingtonpost.com: "A House committee has thrown the U.S. Postal Service a lifeline, but it won't be substantial enough to allow the agency to fully escape the financial quicksand pulling it under."
USPS prepares for five-day delivery
USPS prepares for five-day delivery - Federal news, government operations, agency management, pay & benefits - FederalTimes.com: "The U.S. Postal Service is drafting a plan for switching to five-day mail delivery — and for overcoming strong opposition to the idea from labor unions and Congress"
July 08, 2009
Firework destroys U.S. Mail
Illinois Valley News Vol. 72 No. 17 Dated: 2009.07.08: "Just after 5 a.m. Thursday, July 2, personnel at the Cave Junction Post Office, at 104 S. Hussey Ave., phoned the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office to report smoke coming from a postal drop box."
Post offices chopping hours
Cumberland Times-News - Post offices chopping hours: "The U.S. Postal Service is chopping hours at two Allegany County branches, the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures that some fear could cause hardships, especially for the elderly.
Starting Aug. 1, branches in Cresaptown and on Virginia Avenue in Cumberland will close at noon instead of 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to signs posted at each branch Monday morning."
Starting Aug. 1, branches in Cresaptown and on Virginia Avenue in Cumberland will close at noon instead of 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to signs posted at each branch Monday morning."
750 local postal employees sign petition to protest consolidation
750 local postal employees sign petition to protest consolidation : Oxnard : Ventura County Star: "If the decision has been made to shut down the U.S. Postal Service’s mail processing facility in Oxnard, local postal employees want the decision reversed."
Postal workers weigh in on the possibility of five-day mail delivery
Postal workers weigh in on the possibility of five-day mail delivery - Grand Rapids News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com: "A retired postal worker from Arkansas wrote: 'There are problems that need to be corrected, but that should start not on the bottom but at the top. There are too many management types running around trying to be important...It is not the cost of stamps that is driving the USPS into the poor house, but the salaries of these poorly trained managers.'
He predicted five-day delivery would most likely become a reality, but added that it likely wouldn't result in mass layoffs at the post office, because of a clause in the union contract that forbids laying off any letter carrier with more than six years' experience."
He predicted five-day delivery would most likely become a reality, but added that it likely wouldn't result in mass layoffs at the post office, because of a clause in the union contract that forbids laying off any letter carrier with more than six years' experience."
July 06, 2009
Mailman? Rapist? Or Both
The South Side's Morgan Park neighborhood is just one place police fear a serial sex criminal has been at work.Their suspect dresses like someone you could trust--a postal worker.
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/mailman_serial_sex_criminal
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/mailman_serial_sex_criminal
Postal workers picketing in front of downtown Jackson post office
Postal workers picketing in front of downtown Jackson post office - Jackson News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com: "Jackson postal workers are taking part in an informational picket this morning in front of the downtown post office to warn people about potential consolidation efforts they say will result in slower mail service and the loss of about 40 jobs."
Rolando Assumes Role As New President Of Letter Carriers Union
PostalReporter.com Blog » Rolando Assumes Role As New President Of Letter Carriers Union: "Fredric V. Rolando assumed the presidency of the 300,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) today, following the retirement of William H. Young after more than 6 1/2 years as head of the postal union."
July 03, 2009
Senior VP Galligan Ends 39-year USPS career
USPS News Link - July 2, 2009: "Bill Galligan, senior vice president of Operations since 2005, will retire at the end of this month, ending a career that began as a New Haven, CT, letter carrier in 1970"
Area cries foul over post office closings
Area cries foul over post office closings- The New Haven Register - Serving Greater New Haven, CT: "News that the U.S. Postal Service is studying five New Haven area post office branches for possible closure and consolidation was met Thursday with opposition from community leaders and residents."
Should the Post Office go to five-day mail delivery?
The idea of dropping a day, however, is nothing new. Grand Rapids Postmaster Chris Tinkham acknowledged discussion of eliminating Saturday mail delivery continues.http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/07/should_the_post_office_go_to_f.html
June 28, 2009
Stamped for extinction
Stamped for extinction :: Ken Tingley :: PostStar.com: "The mail was, at one time, much more than just bills and credit card offers. It was a relationship that was a bridge to our other relationships. The mail was exciting."
June 24, 2009
Most Post Offices will close at 12 noon on Friday, July 3, 2009.
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS: Most Post Offices will close at 12 noon on Friday, July 3, 2009.: "USPS released the following information:
On Friday, July 3, regular mail delivery services will be available. However, most Post Offices will close at 12 noon, and most collection times will be advanced to noon."
On Friday, July 3, regular mail delivery services will be available. However, most Post Offices will close at 12 noon, and most collection times will be advanced to noon."
Mail Processing Staying In Mansfield
WMFD.com - Mail Processing Staying In Mansfield: "The Postal Service has ended its Area Mail Processing (AMP) study of mail processing operations at the Mansfield Post Office."
Congressman To Introduce Bill For Mail Carriers To Conduct 2010 Census
PostalReporter.com Blog » Congressman To Introduce Bill For Mail Carriers To Conduct 2010 Census: "Today Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced he will introduce legislation requiring the Commerce Department’s execution of the 2010 Census to be conducted in partnership with the United States Post Office. The Census previously announced a need to hire in excess of 750,000 people to conduct the Census. The Post Office has 760,000 employees."
June 23, 2009
NALC: NRP settlement clears path for hundreds of held grievances
Contract Administration: "As a result of many months of negotiations, the party’s three-part settlement addresses all of the NALC’s contentions in this grievance and solidifies the contractual rights of affected letter carriers. The parties agreed that NRP does not change management’s obligations to provide limited duty to injured employees and it does not change the provisions of ELM 546. The parties also agreed that NRP does not create new criteria for assigning limited duty and that light duty carriers will not normally be displaced solely to make new limited duty or rehabilitation assignments unless required by law."
Family of hawks halts mail delivery in Liberty
Family of hawks halts mail delivery in Liberty - Local & Regional News - Vindy.com, The Vindicator: "Neighbors hadn’t received mail for about a week because of the birds."
Postal Service May Boost Ride-Alongs
Dead Tree Edition: Postal Service May Boost Ride-Alongs: "The U.S. Postal Service is preparing some price breaks for the money-losing Periodicals class, sources tell Dead Tree Edition.
The most likely change to the Periodicals class, which is used by magazines and newspapers, seems to be a revamping of the “ride-along” pricing and regulations. Ride-alongs are items not eligible for Periodicals treatment on their own, such as product samples and catalogs, that are mailed along with a Periodicals publication"
The most likely change to the Periodicals class, which is used by magazines and newspapers, seems to be a revamping of the “ride-along” pricing and regulations. Ride-alongs are items not eligible for Periodicals treatment on their own, such as product samples and catalogs, that are mailed along with a Periodicals publication"
Fraud trial for postal worker begins
El Pasoan Jose Barraza, who worked as a letter carrier, was indicted in November and charged with 14 counts of making false reports to obtain workers compensation benefits.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_12668810?source=most_emailed
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_12668810?source=most_emailed
Schumer urging reconsideration the proposal to terminate local mail services in Binghamton
Schumer urging reconsideration the proposal to terminate local mail services in Binghamton - WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34: "SCHUMER URGES U.S. POSTAL SERVICE TO RECONSIDER DECISION TO CONSOLIDATE MAIL SERVICE IN SOUTHERN TIER, CENTRAL NY AND THE NORTH COUNTRY INTO ONE REGIONAL FACILITY"
Postal inspectors investigate mail theft at Clemson
Postal inspectors investigate mail theft at Clemson | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News: "U.S. Postal Service inspectors were called last week amid concern over an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 pieces of mail in a stolen Clemson University van found in flames."
House sub-committee meets June 24 at 9 AM on USPS Financial Relief Bill
Business Meeting Notice :: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia :: United States House of Representatives: "On Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia Subcommittee will hold a business meeting to mark up H.R. 22, “United States Postal Service Financial Relief"
Carrier pleads not guilty in theft of mail
toledoblade.com --: "A suspended postal carrier who for nearly 20 years delivered mail in rural Wyandot County appeared in U.S. District Court in Toledo Monday to face charges that she took the mail she was entrusted to deliver and fraudulently opened credit card accounts using stolen applications."
Former postal worker faces sentencing on fraud charges
Sinko, former postal worker, faces sentencing on fraud charges - Bay City News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com: "A former U.S. Postal Service worker will have to wait a little longer to learn her penalty for trying to defraud the government.
A jury in March found Bobbie J. Sinko guilty of conspiring to defraud the Postal Service.
The 52-year-old worked as a bulk mail technician at the Mount Pleasant Post Office from 2004 through the autumn of 2007 when, inspectors say, she and Matthew E. English concocted a scheme to skim hundreds of thousands of dollars from the government."
A jury in March found Bobbie J. Sinko guilty of conspiring to defraud the Postal Service.
The 52-year-old worked as a bulk mail technician at the Mount Pleasant Post Office from 2004 through the autumn of 2007 when, inspectors say, she and Matthew E. English concocted a scheme to skim hundreds of thousands of dollars from the government."
South Dakota Contractor gets 1 year for stealing mail
Garretson man gets 1 year for stealing mail - KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports: "A 36-year-old Garretson man who worked for a company that contracted with the U.S. Postal Service is going to prison for stealing mail."
June 21, 2009
Marines mom needs help taking on postal service - 6/19/09 - New York News and Tri-State News - 7online.com
7 On Your Side: Marines mom needs help taking on postal service - 6/19/09 - New York News and Tri-State News - 7online.com: "It was a not-so-special delivery for one young United States Marine. Expecting a new laptop, instead, he got a boxful of car parts in the mail. Good thing his mom insured the package with the postal service, right? Wrong. For the past year the sergeant's mom's has had a battle on her hands to get the USPS to pay off her claim."
June 20, 2009
Troubled USPS eyes help from Congress
The U.S. Postal Service is projecting a loss exceeding $6 billion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, which puts retiree health benefit contributions in jeopardy unless a bill is passed by the U.S. Congress
http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/a3-postalwoes.txt
http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/a3-postalwoes.txt
Postal Service To Issue List Of Post Offices July 1 That May Be Closed, Consolidated -- Courant.com
Postal Service To Issue List Of Post Offices July 1 That May Be Closed, Consolidated -- Courant.com: "The U.S. Postal Service expects to have a list of post offices by about July 1 that will be 'candidates for a full-blown study' for closing and consolidation, postal service spokeswoman Maureen Marion said Wednesday."
USPS Still Seeking Home-Based Independent Contractors For EEO Investigations
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS Still Seeking Home-Based Independent Contractors For EEO Investigations: "An EEO investigator is paid on a “per case” basis, generally $1100. Note that these positions are open to postal retirees. Preferred applicants have three years experience in EEO law or EEO complaint processing with a background in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or Law."
New Castle Mail Processing Facility Will Stay Open
PostalReporter.com Blog » New Castle Mail Processing Facility Will Stay Open: "U.S. Senator Bob Casey today joined the congressional delegation and Lawrence County leaders in announcing that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has decided to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open."
USPS OIG Awards Contract To Company For Purpose Of Scrutinizing OWCP Medical Bills
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS OIG Awards Contract To Company For Purpose Of Scrutinizing OWCP Medical Bills: "The OIG is carefully scrutinizing OWCP medical bills. (see attachment) This will discourage some providers from taking these patients. Why would a physician want the hassle of dealing with the OIG?"
USPS: AVAILABLE FOR DUTY TOOL DRIVES IMPROVEMENTS IN ATTENDANCE
USPS News Link - June 19, 2009: "The enterprise Resource Management System (eRMS) — a tool designed to help on-the-job attendance — has been improved to include an “Available for Duty” (AFD) measurement that helps manage unscheduled leave requests."
In New Jersey, Many Post Offices May Be Marked for Closing
In New Jersey, Many Post Offices May Be Marked for Closing - NYTimes.com: "The Postal Service, whose finances have taken a beating as electronic communication has overtaken paper correspondence, has marked hundreds of post offices across the country for closing."
June 16, 2009
Inverted stamps expected to go for millions
Inverted stamps expected to go for millions : State : Abilene Reporter-News: "One man's collection of more than 3,000 mistakes is expected to sell for millions.
These, of course, aren't just any mistakes: They are the very valuable variety that happens when part of a stamp is printed upside-down."
These, of course, aren't just any mistakes: They are the very valuable variety that happens when part of a stamp is printed upside-down."
Stamp Vending Machine Complaints Rise
Stamp Vending Machine Complaints Rise - News Story - KFOX El Paso: "El Pasoans are starting to notice the postage stamp vending machines are gone and said they are being inconvenienced.
Last year, the U.S postal service decided to begin to phase out the vending machines."
Last year, the U.S postal service decided to begin to phase out the vending machines."
A year after fire, new Matinicus Island Post Office opens
A year after fire, new Matinicus Island Post Office opens: "Wanda Philbrook, Matinicus Island's postmaster (and yes, she does prefer that title), looks through the service window from her neat office on the other side. She hands the islander the stamps, and his mail (as of this writing, the actual post office boxes have not arrived yet). Like so many others, the customer cannot resist asking her how it feels to finally have a real post office to work from. 'It's such a relief,' Philbrook says, clearly having answered this question before. 'It's like a weight off my shoulders.'
For the last 13 months, Philbrook had managed the island's mail from her home, after an accidental fire destroyed the building housing the newly-renovated Matinicus post office in April of 2008."
For the last 13 months, Philbrook had managed the island's mail from her home, after an accidental fire destroyed the building housing the newly-renovated Matinicus post office in April of 2008."
Busy Huntsville Post Office evacuated
Busy Huntsville Post Office evacuated - WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-: "Huntsville Fire and Rescue crews evacuated a busy post office Tuesday morning after an employee found a leaking package."
June 15, 2009
Post Office Looks to Scale Back
Post Office Looks to Scale Back: "The agency is reviewing 3,100 post offices and retail outlets -- out of 36,700 -- for possible closure or consolidation, and it expects decisions by Oct. 1. Since 2000, the agency has shut 1,337 post offices and outlets, and since 2005 it has closed two of 380 mail-processing centers and consolidated nine. Dozens of other proposed closures or mergers were rejected, many following local resistance."
June 14, 2009
Post office for homeless wins reprieve to stay open
Post office for homeless wins reprieve to stay open: "The U.S. Postal Service is re-evaluating its decision to cut funding to a Phoenix post office that serves homeless clientele, just days before the scheduled start of closure proceedings.
The post office at Lodestar Day Resource Center, a 12-acre human-services campus that assists homeless adults, had been slated to gradually lose postal services beginning next Friday if the campus' executive director couldn't supplement the thousands in funding the Postal Service had decided to cut.
The office, which serves about 3,000 homeless clients, offers afternoon mail pickup Tuesdays through Saturdays for everything from personal letters to Social Security checks, disability checks, W2 forms, food stamps and birth-certificate copies."
The post office at Lodestar Day Resource Center, a 12-acre human-services campus that assists homeless adults, had been slated to gradually lose postal services beginning next Friday if the campus' executive director couldn't supplement the thousands in funding the Postal Service had decided to cut.
The office, which serves about 3,000 homeless clients, offers afternoon mail pickup Tuesdays through Saturdays for everything from personal letters to Social Security checks, disability checks, W2 forms, food stamps and birth-certificate copies."
USPS looking at consolidating facilites in Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven
USPS looking at consolidating facilites in Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven - The Connecticut Post Online: "Branches and satellite postal facilities in Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford and Waterbury could be among those targeted for consolidation by the U.S. Postal Service.
However, branches in Monroe, Milford and Shelton won't be affected by the cost-saving moves that could take place by the Christmas/New Year holidays.
No site has yet been identified for closing."
However, branches in Monroe, Milford and Shelton won't be affected by the cost-saving moves that could take place by the Christmas/New Year holidays.
No site has yet been identified for closing."
June 11, 2009
Going Postal: Reid’s New Defense of Public Health Care - The Note
Going Postal: Reid’s New Defense of Public Health Care - The Note: "Getting your health care like you get your mail.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., employed a new analogy to defend the prospect of enacting a public (government-run) health care option as part of wholesale health care reform.
Call it the postal service plan. Which seems like an odd pitch, but according to a survey reported in the Federal Times in 2008, the postal service has high approval. (Who knew?)."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., employed a new analogy to defend the prospect of enacting a public (government-run) health care option as part of wholesale health care reform.
Call it the postal service plan. Which seems like an odd pitch, but according to a survey reported in the Federal Times in 2008, the postal service has high approval. (Who knew?)."
June 10, 2009
Postal Service Studies Retail Network, Office Consolidations
PostalReporter.com Blog » Postal Service Studies Retail Network, Office Consolidations: "The Postal Service currently is examining the possible consolidation of delivery and retail functions among some of its larger (EAS-24 and above) stations and branches. This follows aggressive cost-control measures already taken, such as adjusting carrier routes, consolidating various mail-processing and tour operations, and restructuring administrative functions."
NAPS Sue USPS Over EAS Representation
PostalReporter.com Blog » NAPS Sue USPS Over EAS Representation: "On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the National Association of Postal Supervisors filed a motion in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for the courts to enforce a prior court order originally issued on February, 17, 1977, that provided NAPS with the legal right to represent supervisors and other managerial employees of the Postal Service."
Postal Worker’s Firing Upheld For Inappropriate Conduct With Customer, Deviation From Route
PostalReporter.com Blog » Postal Worker’s Firing Upheld For Inappropriate Conduct With Customer, Deviation From Route: "Juan Cabrera worked as a mail carrier in the Hayward-Castro Valley Post Office in Castro Valley, California. On October 24, 2007, the agency issued a notice removing him from his position based on two charges: unacceptable conduct and deviation from his postal route. Mr. Cabrera appealed his removal to the Merit Systems Protection"
June 07, 2009
House Provision Could Cost FedEx Millions, Stall Deliveries
Federal Express is preparing to launch a multimillion dollar public-affairs campaign to derail House-passed legislation that would put the airline-based freight company under labor rules governing United Parcel Service, FedEx's trucking-based competitor. Worried that its costs could surge and overnight deliveries could be stalled by wildcat strikes if the changes are put into place, FedEx on Tuesday is expected to lay out a multimedia campaign using the Internet, TV, and paid advertising.
At issue is a provision in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that would make it easier for FedEx drivers to be organized by the Teamsters. The House OK'd the bill largely on party lines. Its fate in the Senate is in doubt. In the past, FedEx has killed the provision that would remove the company's drivers from the Railway Labor Act's jurisdiction, which requires companywide labor-organizing votes, and put them under the National Labor Relations Act, which lets unions organize on a location-by-location basis. FedEx argues that the RLA is more appropriate because the company is jet based, and Congress in the past has worried about letting strikes impact aviation-based commerce—especially critical today when internationally traded products and medical supplies and even body parts travel on overnight flights.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/06/04/house-provision-could-cost-fedex-millions-stall-deliveries.html
At issue is a provision in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that would make it easier for FedEx drivers to be organized by the Teamsters. The House OK'd the bill largely on party lines. Its fate in the Senate is in doubt. In the past, FedEx has killed the provision that would remove the company's drivers from the Railway Labor Act's jurisdiction, which requires companywide labor-organizing votes, and put them under the National Labor Relations Act, which lets unions organize on a location-by-location basis. FedEx argues that the RLA is more appropriate because the company is jet based, and Congress in the past has worried about letting strikes impact aviation-based commerce—especially critical today when internationally traded products and medical supplies and even body parts travel on overnight flights.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/06/04/house-provision-could-cost-fedex-millions-stall-deliveries.html
June 05, 2009
USPS Notifies APWU Of Retail/Delivery Units Being Considered For Consolidation Or Closure
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS Notifies APWU Of Retail/Delivery Units Being Considered For Consolidation Or Closure: "The Postal Service is considering consolidating operations in our larger stations and branches. This effort could include possible termination of leases and/or movement of operations from Postal Service-owned facilities. As a consequence, employees working in those retail/delivery facilities may be reassigned to other retail/delivery units, and/or other facilities, or other duties in accordance with the relevant provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreements"
Global postal industry to measure carbon footprint
Global postal industry to measure carbon footprint : "The carbon footprint of the global postal industry will be published for the first time to coincide with the Copenhagen climate change talks this December."
PRC Approves USPS “Summer Sale” Rates Proposal
PRC Approves USPS “Summer Sale” Rates Proposal: "The Postal Regulatory Commission today unanimously approved the U.S. Postal Service proposal to implement a Standard Mail Volume Incentive Pricing Program. The seasonal rates are scheduled to take effect on July 1 and run through September 30, 2009."
Confronting A Disruptive Technology
Confronting A Disruptive Technology : "Before Congress can decide what kind of relief the Postal Service needs, it needs to ask some hard questions: How much of the current decline in mail volume is due to the economic crisis that will eventually end and how much is due to societal changes caused by electronic communications? How much mail volume will return when the economy recovers? What types of mail will return? Or has electronic media permanently changed how people communicate? And can advertising mail replace personal correspondence and remittance mail? Before Congress can decide what kind of relief the Postal Service needs, it needs to ask some hard questions: How much of the current decline in mail volume is due to the economic crisis that will eventually end and how much is due to societal changes caused by electronic communications? How much mail volume will return when the economy recovers? What types of mail will return? Or has electronic media permanently changed how people communicate? And can advertising mail replace personal correspondence and remittance mail?"
Recession, U.S. Postal Service downsizing may force closure of twenty post office branches in NYC
Recession, U.S. Postal Service downsizing may force closure of twenty post office branches in NYC: "'This is unprecedented,' said Chuck Zlatkin, the legislative and political director for the New York Metro Area Postal Union. 'This is pretty drastic, and it's happening very quickly.'
The union has not received formal notification of the closings, but Zlatkin said it was part of an overall cost-cutting effort by the Postal Service. Union officials heard postal officials in New York had 90 days to select the doomed branches."
The union has not received formal notification of the closings, but Zlatkin said it was part of an overall cost-cutting effort by the Postal Service. Union officials heard postal officials in New York had 90 days to select the doomed branches."
June 02, 2009
Letter Carriers’ Union Applauds McHugh Nomination For Army Secretary
Letter Carriers’ Union Applauds McHugh Nomination For Army Secretary: "The president of the 300,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO), today applauded the announcement by President Obama that he will nominate Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY) to be the next Secretary of the Army."
May 31, 2009
Businesses tossing junk mail for more direct marketing
Businesses tossing junk mail for more direct marketing | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle: "According to Borrell numbers, direct mail spending by marketers is expected to drop from $49.7 billion in 2008 to $29.8 billion in 2013. Meanwhile, e-mail advertising by small local businesses is expected to grow from $848 million last year to $2 billion in 2013."
May 30, 2009
Rising costs make mass mailing efforts less popular
Rising costs make mass mailing efforts less popular: "with postal costs having climbed about 30 percent during the past decade and with people paying more attention to electronic mail than paper, the direct-mail industry is undergoing a transformation. The deep recession has only exacerbated a two-year decline in business"
May 27, 2009
Postal Service Pursues Hassle-Free Consolidations
Dead Tree Edition: Postal Service Pursues Hassle-Free Consolidations: "By shifting some mail handling from the Bronx to Manhattan recently, the U.S. Postal Service did an end run around union opposition and Congressional interference. Postal officials are increasingly using similar tactics around the country to bring about much-needed consolidation of their dropship network without stirring up local opposition."
Rasmussen Reports: 74% Say $1 Postage Stamp Likely in Next 10 Years
Rasmussen Reports: "Seventy-four percent (74%) of Americans say it is at least somewhat likely that the price of a first class postage stamp will be $1 or more within the next 10 years. Forty-six percent (46%) say it’s Very Likely."
May 24, 2009
Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Weapons Charge
Postal Worker Pleas In Weapons Case - An employee at the U.S. Post Office in Hamilton pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges of owning firearms despite a past felony conviction and selling two weapons to an undercover officer
May 23, 2009
Slidell postal worker guilty in theft of mail
2theadvocate.com | News | Slidell postal worker guilty in theft of mail — Baton Rouge, LA: "Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Orleans accused William E. Boone, 53, of stealing a mail package containing a cell phone and charger worth $585 on May 22, 2008, according to an unsigned factual basis."
May 20, 2009
U.S. Postal Service proposes consolidations
U.S. Postal Service proposes consolidations: "The U.S. Postal Service is proposing consolidating some of its services, mainly moving Utica, Watertown and Binghamton's process of sorting outgoing mail to Syracuse"
May 19, 2009
NPF: USPS financial situation drives morning panel
NPF: USPS financial situation drives morning panel - DMNews: "The panel also discussed the proposal of a five-day delivery week, which would be intended to counteract the drop in mail volume. In 2000, the USPS delivered an average of six pieces to each house per day, but, by 2020, it projects that number will drop to four pieces per house. Donahoe said it is possible that, after the shift, post offices would remain open on weekends and may even deliver packages. He said that the USPS is seeking more input from clients before it makes any decisions."
May 18, 2009
Charity beats mail carriers to donations
Charity beats mail carriers to donations - The Denver Post: "The donation bags were labeled for the Postal Service's Stamp Out Hunger Day, but that didn't deter arc Thrift Stores workers who apparently made the rounds before the mail carriers."
Raw deal: Pennsylvania artwork now under U.S. Postal Service copyright
Raw deal: Pennsylvania artwork now under U.S. Postal Service copyright - Midstate Editorials | Our Views and Yours with The Patriot-News: "From 1934 to 1943, American taxpayers funded paintings and sculptures in post offices as part of FDR's New Deal.
The goal was to boost morale and, in the words of FDR, have artists 'paint their own kind in their own country.'
It was everyday man's art on display not in high-brow galleries, but in that central artery of so many communities: the local post office.
For about $1 million at the time, the nation gained more than 1,000 works of art that many today dub as priceless.
But over the course of the last few years, these valuable works of art quietly became the property not of the taxpayers, but of the U.S. Postal Service."
The goal was to boost morale and, in the words of FDR, have artists 'paint their own kind in their own country.'
It was everyday man's art on display not in high-brow galleries, but in that central artery of so many communities: the local post office.
For about $1 million at the time, the nation gained more than 1,000 works of art that many today dub as priceless.
But over the course of the last few years, these valuable works of art quietly became the property not of the taxpayers, but of the U.S. Postal Service."
Postal cuts rankle rural residents
Postal cuts rankle rural residents - JSOnline: "As the U.S. Postal Service searches for $2 billion in spending cuts, residents in several Wisconsin communities are objecting to changes at their post offices."
May 16, 2009
Man sentenced to 3 years for dumping, hiding undelivered mail
Man sentenced to 3 years for dumping, hiding undelivered mail: "Rimes was working as a temporary relief carrier on Aug. 28, 2006. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Monk said that before Rimes fell asleep, he rifled through the mail and removed packages containing prescription drugs and other items."
Postal Rate Hikes Unlikely Next Year
Dead Tree Edition: Postal Rate Hikes Unlikely Next Year: "Inflation numbers released today made it increasingly clear that postal rates are unlikely to increase for two more years."
May 13, 2009
The mail must go through
The mail must go through - TribToday.com - News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Tribune Chronicle - Warren, OH: "A letter carrier is free on bail after being arraigned Monday on charges she ran over a Youngstown firefighter's foot Saturday"
Postage increase produces long waits
Postage increase produces long waits at Mid-City branch - NOLA.com: "Waits of 30 minutes and longer prevailed at the Mid-City branch of the U.S. Postal Service Tuesday as the latest increase in postage rates produced a rush for 1- and 2-cent stamps."
May 11, 2009
Simpsons Stamps Rouse Ire
Simpsons Stamps Rouse Ire - Roll Call: "Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) is not exactly delighted about seeing Homer Simpson and his family in the stamps that the U.S. Postal Service released last week."
Postal service launches direct-mail promotional campaign
Postal service launches direct-mail promotional campaign :: BtoB Magazine: "Using the very same tactics it recommends to marketers, the U.S. Postal Service has launched a direct-mail promotional and educational campaign touting the advantages of direct mail in a down economy."
Letter Carriers’ Union President William H. Young Says Frequent Postage Increases Can Be Avoided
PostalReporter.com Blog » Letter Carriers’ Union President William H. Young Says Frequent Postage Increases Can Be Avoided: "The head of the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) said today that frequent postage rate increases like the one today that boosted a first-class stamp to 44 cents - while necessary for the U.S. Postal Service to function effectively this year - can and should be avoided in the future."
May 09, 2009
UPDATE: USPS Agrees To Pay Insurance Claim On Lost Laptops
UPDATE: USPS Agrees To Pay Insurance Claim On Lost Laptops: "After our story about USPS losing a reader's five insured computers then only valuing them at $74 generated a lot of response (and turned into a vowel-less debate on health care), a couple readers sent us the contact info for the insurance agent who denied our reader's request"
Postal workers in Tombstone help find missing child
News : Postal workers in Tombstone help find missing child : Sierra Vista, AZ: "On May 1, a missing child registered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was found in Tombstone and reunited with the father, the child’s custodial parent.
“Postal employees at the Tombstone post office assisted with the reunion,” said Patricia Armstrong, a postal inspector out of Phoenix. “They did some research on their own and discovered it was probable that this child and his non-custodial mother were living in Tombstone, and reported those findings to the postal inspector.”"
“Postal employees at the Tombstone post office assisted with the reunion,” said Patricia Armstrong, a postal inspector out of Phoenix. “They did some research on their own and discovered it was probable that this child and his non-custodial mother were living in Tombstone, and reported those findings to the postal inspector.”"
May 08, 2009
Nation’s Letter Carriers Prepared For 50-State Food Drive Saturday
PostalReporter.com Blog » Nation’s Letter Carriers Prepared For 50-State Food Drive Saturday: "Letter carriers across the country will collect non-perishable food donations Saturday (May 9) as they deliver mail along their postal routes in the nation’s largest one-day effort to Stamp Out Hunger."
May 07, 2009
USPS: Your Five New, Insured Laptops That We Lost Are Worth $74
USPS: Your Five New, Insured Laptops That We Lost Are Worth $74: "The US Postal Service lost five new Lenovo laptops that Pedro's friend bought and shipped to him. Pedro expected that this might happen, so he wisely insured the package for $3,000. After stalling for about two months, USPS finally agreed to pay his insurance claim, but reduced the payment, claiming his merchandise was only worth $74."
GAO: Intelligent Mail program might not be a good deal for mailers or USPS
GAO: Intelligent Mail program might not be a good deal for mailers or USPS -- Government Computer News: "The U.S. Postal Service plans to begin phasing in its new Intelligent Mail program May 11, which the agency has called the most complex program it has ever undertaken and which will involve upgrading almost 30 information systems.
The program is built around a new, smarter bar code that will help automate handling of bulk mail and is expected to provide big savings for both USPS and commercial mailers."
The program is built around a new, smarter bar code that will help automate handling of bulk mail and is expected to provide big savings for both USPS and commercial mailers."
Mail carriers to "Stamp Out Hunger" on Saturday
Mail carriers to "Stamp Out Hunger" on Saturday | KTVB.COM | Idaho News: "This Saturday - don't forget to stamp out hunger!
We rely on them for the mail, now our mail carriers are depending on us for food this Saturday.
It's all part of the national campaign - called 'Stamp Out Hunger.'"
We rely on them for the mail, now our mail carriers are depending on us for food this Saturday.
It's all part of the national campaign - called 'Stamp Out Hunger.'"
May 06, 2009
Postal Service Ends Second Quarter with $1.9 Billion Loss
PostalReporter.com Blog » Postal Service Ends Second Quarter with $1.9 Billion Loss: "The U.S. Postal Service ended its second quarter (Jan 1 – March 31) with a net loss of $1.9 billion, as the economic recession and longer-term financial pressures, such as the diversion of letter mail to electronic alternatives, continued to reduce mail volume and revenue. Despite aggressive actions to reduce costs and grow revenue, the Postal Service will likely face a cash shortfall of over $1.5 billion at the end of the fiscal year."
May 05, 2009
DMA Nonprofit Federation Partners with US Monitor On First Ever Mail Delivery Study
DMA Nonprofit Federation Partners with US Monitor On First Ever Mail Delivery Study: "The Nonprofit Federation of the Direct Marketing Association (DMANF) today announced a partnership with US Monitor, a mail monitor and list protection service, to perform a first of its kind study to track delivery results within the United States Postal Service (USPS) nonprofit standard mail.
Results of the study are intended to help nonprofits understand the time it will take their mail pieces to arrive at their intended locations, as well as to see if delivery performance has changed over time."
Results of the study are intended to help nonprofits understand the time it will take their mail pieces to arrive at their intended locations, as well as to see if delivery performance has changed over time."
May 03, 2009
FedEx lawsuit alleges UPS 'most reliable' ad is false :
FedEx lawsuit alleges UPS 'most reliable' ad is false : Business News : Memphis Commercial Appeal: "FedEx slapped its chief rival Friday with a lawsuit claiming false advertising by UPS.
UPS officials said they were pulling the offending ad, which touted UPS as most reliable, after learning the claim was based on an out-of-date customer satisfaction survey."
UPS officials said they were pulling the offending ad, which touted UPS as most reliable, after learning the claim was based on an out-of-date customer satisfaction survey."
Irritation rises at old stamping grounds :
Irritation rises at old stamping grounds : City & Region : The Buffalo News: "The U. S. Postal Service now sells a stamp it calls “Forever” because it can be used regardless of what happens to postal rates.
As far as Chris Parks is concerned, the stamp is appropriately named: Forever is how long it takes to buy a stamp at the post office.
“I had to wait in a long line to get a single, solitary stamp the other day. They took out the automated stamp machines in the lobby. It’s ridiculous. It wastes everybody’s time,” Parks said outside the Main Post Office on William Street. “Now they have signs saying go to the supermarket, but who wants to go to a supermarket to buy a stamp?”
The quick answer is, the postal service."
As far as Chris Parks is concerned, the stamp is appropriately named: Forever is how long it takes to buy a stamp at the post office.
“I had to wait in a long line to get a single, solitary stamp the other day. They took out the automated stamp machines in the lobby. It’s ridiculous. It wastes everybody’s time,” Parks said outside the Main Post Office on William Street. “Now they have signs saying go to the supermarket, but who wants to go to a supermarket to buy a stamp?”
The quick answer is, the postal service."
May 02, 2009
PRC opens comment period on USPS 'summer sale'
PRC opens comment period on USPS 'summer sale' - DMNews: "The Postal Regulatory Commission today began receiving public comments on the US Postal Service's proposed Standard Mail Volume Incentive Pricing Program.
The so-called “summer sale” seasonal rates would take effect July 1 and run through September 30, and would be open to mailers who sent more than one million Standard letters and/or flats from October 1, 2007, through March 31, 2008"
The so-called “summer sale” seasonal rates would take effect July 1 and run through September 30, and would be open to mailers who sent more than one million Standard letters and/or flats from October 1, 2007, through March 31, 2008"
April 30, 2009
Waxman asks postmaster general about mailbox removals
Waxman asks postmaster general about mailbox removals | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times: "Responding to an 'unprecedented number of complaints' from constituents, U.S. Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Los Angeles) this week wrote to Postmaster General John E. Potter for an explanation about why so many mailboxes had been removed in the L.A. area."
April 28, 2009
Swine Flu Guide for Federal Workers - Federal Eye -
Eye Opener: Swine Flu Guide for Federal Workers - Federal Eye -: "The concern and intrigue surrounding a potential swine flu pandemic continues around the world and here in Washington, as the Office of Personnel Management has issued guidance to federal agencies about how to react to the illness"
April 27, 2009
The OIG Wants to Know How You Feel about Sick Leave
» Blog Archive » The OIG Wants to Know How You Feel about Sick Leave: "Career employees earn 4 hours of sick leave for a full pay period (80 hours), or at a rate of 5 percent. Some career employees are currently taking sick leave at approximately the same rate, liquidating their leave bank. The Postal Service’s sick leave absence rate (absenteeism) was 4.3 percent in 2008. This seems high compared to the 1.1 percent"
New TSP options likely
New TSP options likely - Federal news, government operations, agency management, pay & benefits - FederalTimes.com: "Congress is poised to add three benefits to the popular Thrift Savings Plan."
Four seriously injured in crash With Postal Truck
Four seriously injured in crash: "A U.S. Postal Service truck apparently broadsided a car carrying five people in downtown Minneapolis Sunday night, injuring four of them seriously, police said"
April 26, 2009
Some blue mailboxes to be eliminated in Oshkosh
Some blue mailboxes to be eliminated in Oshkosh | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern: "Fourteen of the blue U.S. Postal Service collection boxes will be put out of service effective Monday in Oshkosh. A density test was undertaken and the boxes slated for elimination were not used enough with each having 25 pieces of mail or less each day, said Marge Oehlke, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service in Wisconsin."
As volume of mail decreases, Postal Service drops collection boxes
South Bend Tribune: As volume of mail decreases, Postal Service drops collection boxes: "Walking a few extra blocks to mail your letters might become part of your routine if you live in Mishawaka. The postmaster said 12 collection boxes were removed because of low volume"
Federal Court Orders Postal Service To Reconsider Mailing of Illegal Animal Fighting Magazines
Federal Court Orders Postal Service To Reconsider Mailing of Illegal Animal Fighting Magazines | The Humane Society of the United States: "A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Postal Service to reconsider whether the mailing of certain animal fighting magazines should be banned by the Postal Service because they violate the federal Animal Welfare Act. The ruling comes in response to a case brought by The Humane Society of the United States challenging the Postal Service's denial of The HSUS' 2006 legal petition seeking to block the mailing of advertisements for illegal fighting animals, knives and other animal-fighting paraphernalia."
April 24, 2009
Woman Indicted in Post Office Threats
KAALtv.com - Woman Indicted in Post Office Threats: "A federal grand jury has indicted a Faribault woman for allegedly making bomb threats against 16 post offices in southern Minnesota."
April 23, 2009
Tulsans Continue To Fight Post Office Closing
Tulsans Continue To Fight Post Office Closing - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |: "A Tulsa woman is taking her fight to save a post office to a new level.
Peggy Fielding, 81, is a writer who relies on the Kendall Whittier Post Office near First Street and Lewis Avenue to conduct her business affairs."
Peggy Fielding, 81, is a writer who relies on the Kendall Whittier Post Office near First Street and Lewis Avenue to conduct her business affairs."
USPS ‘Clarifies’ Some Early-Retirement Deadlines
USPS ‘Clarifies’ Some Early-Retirement Deadlines: "The Postal Service has informed the APWU that the deadline for eligible employees who wish to apply for Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) effective June 30 or July 31 is June 19. The USPS has also designated June 19 as the “irrevocable” date, by which employees who have applied for retirement but wish to withdraw their applications must do so.
Employees who wish to apply for VER effective May 31 must do so by May 15; the irrevocable date for May 31 retirements is May 15 as well."
Employees who wish to apply for VER effective May 31 must do so by May 15; the irrevocable date for May 31 retirements is May 15 as well."
Federal nFederal Times: More Bad Numbers Ahead For USPS
Federal news, government operations, agency management, pay & benefits - FederalTimes.com: "The Postal Service’s board of governors is meeting early next month to discuss, among other things, the financial results from the second quarter of 2009. There’s not much optimism about the numbers, considering USPS lost $384 million in the first quarter, which is traditionally the strongest of the year."
April 22, 2009
USPS Unveils Further Details on 'Summer Sale'
USPS Unveils Further Details on 'Summer Sale' DMA Provides Update on Current Outline On Tuesday, April 21, the US Postal service briefed DMA and other associations on the details of its upcoming “Summer Sale.” Although the Postal Service Summer Sale has not yet been approved by the Board of Governors, USPS is informing mailers of what they currently envision as the outline of the plan. DMA has provided a summary of that outline, which may be changed before it is brought to the Board of Governors. The plans may change further after review by the Board and the Postal Regulatory Commission."
April 21, 2009
Mail carrier signs, seals and delivers 50 years of Service
Herb Benham: Mail carrier signs, seals and delivers 50 years of ... - Bakersfield.com: "Images:
Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Retiring post office letter carrier, Paul Shaw tries on one of his first hats he wore close to 50 years ago while delivering mail in Oildale. He said this particular hat was a little hot in the summer time because it lacked holes for ventilation. Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Retiring postal worker Paul Shaw holds up a worn out U.S. Mail baseball type hat he wore out after wearing on his Oildale route for years. He is retiring after close to 50 years on the route. Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Retiring post office letter carrier, Paul Shaw still has his original jacket he wore while making the rounds on his postal route. He is retiring after nearly 50 years on the job. Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Paul Shaw, is retiring from the post office as a letter carrier after 50 years on the job. He is holding some of his original attire he wore including hat and jacket. Audio:
Hear Herb: 50 years of hauling the mail
Paul Shaw's been bitten 10 times. Ten times in almost 50 years. That seems like a lot, even for a letter carrier.
If you're a civilian, one bite may be too many, but for the old guard like Shaw (retiring in May after almost 50 years with the post office), 10 could have been 20 and still the mail would have been delivered -- usually on the same day --and probably without a subsequent lawsuit against the dog's owners."
Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Retiring post office letter carrier, Paul Shaw tries on one of his first hats he wore close to 50 years ago while delivering mail in Oildale. He said this particular hat was a little hot in the summer time because it lacked holes for ventilation. Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Retiring postal worker Paul Shaw holds up a worn out U.S. Mail baseball type hat he wore out after wearing on his Oildale route for years. He is retiring after close to 50 years on the route. Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Retiring post office letter carrier, Paul Shaw still has his original jacket he wore while making the rounds on his postal route. He is retiring after nearly 50 years on the job. Casey ChristieCasey Christie / The Californian Paul Shaw, is retiring from the post office as a letter carrier after 50 years on the job. He is holding some of his original attire he wore including hat and jacket. Audio:
Hear Herb: 50 years of hauling the mail
Paul Shaw's been bitten 10 times. Ten times in almost 50 years. That seems like a lot, even for a letter carrier.
If you're a civilian, one bite may be too many, but for the old guard like Shaw (retiring in May after almost 50 years with the post office), 10 could have been 20 and still the mail would have been delivered -- usually on the same day --and probably without a subsequent lawsuit against the dog's owners."
April 20, 2009
Authorities searching for Jacksonville post office gunman
Authorities searching for Jacksonville post office gunman | Jacksonville.com: "Federal postal inspectors are hunting for a gunman who attempted to rob a Westside Jacksonville Post Office on Friday, terrorizing employees and a customer with a baby, a police report said."
Mail Bans, Postal Woes
Talkback on Graphic Arts Online: "Its finances deteriorating, the U.S. Postal Service faces another hurdle as a major cities advance restricting a key revenue stream for the agency, and the printing industry—direct mail"
APWU-Led Consolidation Protests Gather Steam, Gain Public Support
APWU-Led Consolidation Protests Gather Steam, Gain Public Support: "Owners of small businesses, workers, and other concerned citizens continue to speak out at protests and at public meetings staged by the Postal Service to “share initial results” of Area Mail Processing studies."
USPS Seeking Contractor To Create New ID Cards For Postal Employees
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS Seeking Contractor To Create New ID Cards For Postal Employees: "The United States Postal Service is requesting quote for the Identification for Postal Access and Security Standardization (iPass) Card Initiative"
April 19, 2009
Going Postal - The Imminent Death of the U.S. Postal Service?
Going Postal - Georg Jensen - The American Interest Magazine: "For all its inability to stay in tune with changing consumer trends, technology advances, a warming planet and a deep economic crisis, the leadership of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) might as well have given all their mail carriers Hummers to drive on their appointed rounds in recent years"
April 18, 2009
WV Congressman Working to Maintain Six-Day Mail Service
Rahall Working to Maintain Six-Day Mail Service - Huntington News Network: "U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, continues to champion southern West Virginia’s mail carriers with legislation in the 111th Congress by supporting H.Res. 173, a resolution that supports the continuation of 6-day mail service across the country.
“West Virginians depend on the reliable delivery of mail,” said Rahall. “Our mail carriers are a vital part of our communities and ensure the safe arrival of vital packages, including medication, and pay and Social Security checks.”
Congressman Rahall is also working on H.R. 22, legislation introduced to allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to pay health benefits from the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund."
“West Virginians depend on the reliable delivery of mail,” said Rahall. “Our mail carriers are a vital part of our communities and ensure the safe arrival of vital packages, including medication, and pay and Social Security checks.”
Congressman Rahall is also working on H.R. 22, legislation introduced to allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to pay health benefits from the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund."
April 17, 2009
UPS, DHL end negotiations over $1 billion contract
UPS, DHL end negotiations over $1 billion contract | ajc.com: "Negotiations have ended between Sandy Springs-based UPS and European rival DHL over an air cargo contract valued at $1 billion.
“UPS and DHL have mutually agreed to terminate their negotiations,” confirmed UPS spokesman Norman Black. “As UPS is in its quiet period before earnings, we will have nothing further to say at this time.” UPS will release its earnings on Thursday."
“UPS and DHL have mutually agreed to terminate their negotiations,” confirmed UPS spokesman Norman Black. “As UPS is in its quiet period before earnings, we will have nothing further to say at this time.” UPS will release its earnings on Thursday."
Postal worker threw away mail because it was printed on inferior paper
kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Police: Postal worker threw away mail because it was printed on inferior paper: "A former postal worker in upstate New York has been arrested for tossing mail.
Glen Helmer was arrested Thursday morning and charged with destroying mail he was supposed to be delivering.
According to the criminal complaint Helmer admitted to throwing away bulk mail circulars."
Glen Helmer was arrested Thursday morning and charged with destroying mail he was supposed to be delivering.
According to the criminal complaint Helmer admitted to throwing away bulk mail circulars."
The Limitations of USPS Delivery Confirmation
The Limitations of USPS Delivery Confirmation « Auctioncope: "“Verify delivery with Delivery Confirmation. Our low cost Delivery Confirmation service gives you the date, ZIP Code™ and time your article was delivered. If delivery was attempted you will get the date and time of attempted delivery. You can easily access this information with our Track & Confirm tool.”"
Netflix Subscribers See Red Over Cracked Blu-ray Discs
Netflix Subscribers See Red Over Cracked Blu-ray Discs | Gadget Lab from Wired.com: "Netflix customer representatives have been pointing fingers at the post office. On Grant Brown's blog, users say Netflix encourages them to complain to their USPS if they receive cracked discs.
'It almost looks like Netflix doen't want to deal with the problem and they are pushing people to complain about the postal system,' says Grant Brown.
Netflix says it takes user complaints seriously. Every DVD that is reported damaged is pulled out of circulation, says Swasey. And while some users suggest a more sturdy mailer for Blu-ray discs, the company is not in favor of it."
'It almost looks like Netflix doen't want to deal with the problem and they are pushing people to complain about the postal system,' says Grant Brown.
Netflix says it takes user complaints seriously. Every DVD that is reported damaged is pulled out of circulation, says Swasey. And while some users suggest a more sturdy mailer for Blu-ray discs, the company is not in favor of it."
April 16, 2009
SF City Attorney Threatens Discrimination Lawsuit Against USPS
Herrera Threatens Discrimination Lawsuit Against US Postal Service | Fog City Journal: "San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera today sent a formal letter of demand to the U.S. Attorney’s office outlining his intent to file suit against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) “for unconstitutionally depriving tenants of single room occupancy hotels, equal and adequate mail delivery in San Francisco.”"
First-Class Inefficiency
First-Class Inefficiency - Forbes.com: "Postmaster Gen. John E. Potter recently announced that the postal service saw a $2.8 billion deficit in 2008. Worse, he forecast a net loss of $6 billion for 2009"
City Attorney Says He'll Sue U.S. Postal Service for Stiffing SRO Tenants
San Francisco - The Snitch - Special Delivery: City Attorney Says He'll Sue U.S. Postal Service for Stiffing SRO Tenants: "You don't have to be an FBI profiler to figure out that dumping piles of mail on the floor in the city's SRO hotels -- where many people are receiving assistance checks via the mail -- is nearly tantamount to the postman shouting 'Hey, steal this!' as he leaves the building"
PostCom Runs Numbers For Summer Postage Discount Program
PostCom Runs Numbers For Summer Postage Discount Program: "The USPS is mulling temporary postage discounts for high-volume mailers who schedule drops between June 15 and Sept. 15. But mailers would have to reach certain thresholds based on previous activity in order to qualify, and only the pieces above the thresholds would be mailed at the discount rate, according to one proposal."
April 15, 2009
Burrus: ‘Summer Sale’ Will Discount Our Future
‘Summer Sale’ Will Discount Our Future: "In response to declining mail volume and deteriorating financial circumstances, the Postal Service has announced plans for new price incentives for major mailers"
April 14, 2009
Summer Postal Rate Rollback May Make Big Mailers Big Winners
Summer Postal Rate Rollback May Make Big Mailers Big Winners: "If a proposed test rollback of mail rates this summer goes through, listen for the sound of corks popping in Plano, TX. That’s because J.C Penney Co., which makes its headquarters there, was the biggest mailer during summer 2008, and stands to reap the largest benefit."
While the details of the program are still being worked out, discounts are expected to be between 20% and 30%.
While the details of the program are still being worked out, discounts are expected to be between 20% and 30%.
Summer Postal Rate Rollback May Make Big Mailers Big Winners
Summer Postal Rate Rollback May Make Big Mailers Big Winners: "If a proposed test rollback of mail rates this summer goes through, listen for the sound of corks popping in Plano, TX. That’s because J.C Penney Co., which makes its headquarters there, was the biggest mailer during summer 2008, and stands to reap the largest benefit."
Postal Service users upset over bulk mail delays
Postal Service users upset over bulk mail delays : City & Region : The Buffalo News: "Timothy J. Wagner, a grocery store owner who depends heavily on advertising through bulk mail, has a problem with the U. S. Postal Service. Wagner, who owns the Super Saver market on Broadway, said he dropped off slingers advertising a Valentine’s Day sale at the Buffalo bulk mail center in late January.
But many of the 250 customers he was targeting didn’t receive the slingers until late February — well after the Feb. 14 holiday."
But many of the 250 customers he was targeting didn’t receive the slingers until late February — well after the Feb. 14 holiday."
April 12, 2009
Pinehurst post office hours cause emotional mail storm
FayObserver.com - Current Article Page: "Residents and business owners upset by a reduction in hours at the downtown post office have persuaded the U.S. Postal Service to return to its old operating schedule, but some still are complaining about the hours.
The subject became a hot topic in February, when Postmaster Denise Krise announced the hours would be cut from 10 a.m to 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting March 16."
The subject became a hot topic in February, when Postmaster Denise Krise announced the hours would be cut from 10 a.m to 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting March 16."
April 10, 2009
FOWL PLAY?: GH mail carriers dealing with agressive turkeys
West Michigan News from the Grand Haven Tribune a Michigan Newspaper: "Mail carriers are trained to deal with attacks from dogs, bees and a variety of other animals, but nothing has prepared them for the latest animal threat — turkeys"
April 09, 2009
Can't deliver a good defense for junk mail
Can't deliver a good defense for junk mail - Los Angeles Times: "The co-owner of a direct marketing firm in Los Angeles says the ailing economy is putting jobs in the industry at risk. There still has got to be a better way."
April 07, 2009
Postal sector feeling the pinch, but financial crisis not all doom and gloom
High-level conference reveals risks and opportunities for the sector and the world economy . The results of a recent Universal Postal Union (UPU) survey indicate that postal networks are increasingly trusted to further the growth of e-commerce and provide financial services. This trust is keeping this postal sector’s head above water as the financial crisis wreaks havoc on the global economy.
Press Release Universal Postal Union
Press Release Universal Postal Union
Post office to cut operating hours at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Post office to cut operating hours at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport - Metro - cleveland.com: "The U.S. Postal Service plans to reduce the operating hours of its retail post office at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport but will keep it open nights and weekends."
Get to the Post Office early on Tax Day
The Virginia Gazette - News - Get to the Post Office early on Tax Day: "The Post Service announced Tuesday that late filers need to get to the Post Office early on April 15.
Although in the past the post office has stayed open late on April 15 to accomodate late filers, Fran Sansone of the Postal Service, said demand for that has waned.
'We see fewer returns,' she said. 'More people are filing online.'"
Although in the past the post office has stayed open late on April 15 to accomodate late filers, Fran Sansone of the Postal Service, said demand for that has waned.
'We see fewer returns,' she said. 'More people are filing online.'"
USPS: Organizational Changes And VERA Timelines Updated
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS: Organizational Changes And VERA Timelines Updated: "USPS has released an updated timetable for employees affected by the recently announced staffing reductions and district closings and for those who are considering the Postal Service’s voluntary early retirement (VER) offer."
Postal Service looks to consolidate city carrier routes
Postal Service looks to consolidate city carrier routes - Federal news, government operations, agency management, pay & benefits - FederalTimes.com: "The U.S. Postal Service could reach an agreement with one of its largest unions as early as this week to consolidate letter carrier routes in the face of dropping mail volume, according to Postmaster General John Potter.
The Postal Service is negotiating with the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents more than 214,000 city letter carriers. It would merge some of the routes in the city delivery networks, a move that will reduce the total number of routes but won’t impact universal service. Letter carriers are delivering 4.7 pieces of mail per address today, compared with 5.9 pieces in 2000."
The Postal Service is negotiating with the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents more than 214,000 city letter carriers. It would merge some of the routes in the city delivery networks, a move that will reduce the total number of routes but won’t impact universal service. Letter carriers are delivering 4.7 pieces of mail per address today, compared with 5.9 pieces in 2000."
April 05, 2009
Flats Sequencing Hits Some Bumps
Dead Tree Edition: Flats Sequencing Hits Some Bumps: "Declining mail volume, budget cuts, and equipment problems are forcing the U.S. Postal Service to rework its plans for the Flats Sequencing System.
The deployment schedule for Phase I of the system has been pushed back a couple of months, while the coverage area for the 100 machines has been expanded. Some of the 32 original Phase I facilities will get fewer of the enormous machines than originally planned as postal officials adjust to declining volume for catalogs, magazines, and other flat mail."
The deployment schedule for Phase I of the system has been pushed back a couple of months, while the coverage area for the 100 machines has been expanded. Some of the 32 original Phase I facilities will get fewer of the enormous machines than originally planned as postal officials adjust to declining volume for catalogs, magazines, and other flat mail."
Postal Relief Bill Support Hits 252
On Friday, Representative John McHugh (R-NY) reported that 252 of his House colleagues joined in cosponsoring H.R. 22, emergency legislation to refinance U.S. Postal Service contributions to pre-fund its retiree health costs.
http://www.napus.org/govrelations/E6-6.pdf
http://www.napus.org/govrelations/E6-6.pdf
Postal Service to trim 30 jobs across region
Postal Service to trim 30 jobs across region | Business | projo.com | The Providence Journal: "As part of an effort by the U.S. Postal Service to cut costs across the country, more than 30 jobs will be eliminated in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts this year."
Tulsa postal closure defies customer survey results
Tulsa postal closure defies customer survey results | NewsOK.com: "It appears the U.S. Postal Service will close the Whittier Station post office despite a survey indicating the vast majority of survey respondents oppose its closing"
April 03, 2009
Postal financial reform and beyond
Postal financial reform and beyond - By Stephen Musacco - The financial situation of the U.S. Postal Service has reached critical mass, and it has taken dramatic actions in the past several months to downsize its operations and business expenses. Unfortunately, the USPS has taken no action to deal with a postal culture that generates toxic workplace environments and an increased potential for workplace violence.
Postal disservice
Postal disservice - Our Take - Bradenton.com: "People must be wondering that after the U.S. Postal Service announced this week that 59 jobs at Manatee County’s mail processing center will be eliminated and the work will be shifted to Tampa."
April 02, 2009
Woman charged in S. Minn. post office bomb threats
Ap | Bemidji Pioneer | Bemidji, Minnesota: "A Faribault woman already on parole for threatening elected officials in Austin was charged Thursday with making bomb threats against 16 post offices in southern Minnesota"
April 01, 2009
Payson postmaster charged with DUI
The Payson Roundup / Payson postmaster charged with DUI: "Payson’s postmaster was arrested and charged with DUI March 23 after cutting through a service station parking lot."
Iowa Post Office to Close its Doors
KAALtv.com - Iowa Post Office to Close its Doors: "In this struggling economy, everyone is taking a hit even the United States Postal Service.
Carpenter, Iowa is the kind of town where everybody knows your name.
But on Friday, the small community of 140 people will say goodbye to their only post office, and to the man who ran it for more than a decade."
Carpenter, Iowa is the kind of town where everybody knows your name.
But on Friday, the small community of 140 people will say goodbye to their only post office, and to the man who ran it for more than a decade."
Three Manhattan Post Offices Could Close This Year
US POSTAL DISSERVICE - New York Post: "Three Manhattan post offices could be shuttered this year, making life miserable for snail-mail dependents."
San Francisco Passes First ‘Do Not Mail’ Resolution in Nation
PostalReporter.com Blog » San Francisco Passes First ‘Do Not Mail’ Resolution in Nation: "The San Francisco Board of Supervisors today passed a resolution calling on California to create a Do Not Mail Registry giving its citizens the choice to stop receiving unwanted junk mail."
Postal Employees Win Important Legal Victory; Judge: Unions’ Privacy Lawsuit May Proceed
Postal Employees Win Important Legal Victory; Judge: Unions’ Privacy Lawsuit May Proceed: "Postal workers won an important legal victory March 30, when a district court judge upheld the right of the APWU and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to pursue a lawsuit against the Postal Service and the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for “widespread and systematic intrusions” into the medical records of their members."
Mail delivery hampered in the Dakotas
Mail delivery hampered in the Dakotas | The Jamestown Sun | Jamestown, North Dakota: "As another winter blast rolls into the Dakotas and northwestern Minnesota, U.S. Postal Service employees 'continue the challenging task of delivering mail when and where it is safe to do so,' said Clem Felchle, manager of the agency’s Sioux Falls-based Dakotas District"
Postal Service to shift mail processing to Tampa; 59 jobs affected
Postal Service to shift mail processing to Tampa; 59 jobs affected - Breaking News - Bradenton.com: "The U.S. Postal Service announced today it will be shifting originating mail processing and distribution operations from the Manasota Process and Distribution Center in Tallevast to a facility in Tampa, beginning Oct. 1."
USPS To issue 44-cent stamps featuring Simpsons
The Simpsons Get Stamp of Approval: "The U.S. Postal Service(R) and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising (Fox L&M) today announce that the FOX hit series THE SIMPSONS will be commemorated on 44-cent First-Class Mail(R) stamps in 2009. Featuring the iconic Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson the stamps have been personally designed by SIMPSONS creator and executive producer, Matt Groening"
March 30, 2009
Mold forces rural post office to close - Fort Mill, SC
Fort Mill Times | FortMillTimes.com - Mold forces rural post office to close - Fort Mill, SC: "The U.S. Postal Service is shutting down a rural southeast Missouri post office because of mold.
A facility specialist for the Postal Service inspected the Rombauer post office last month and determined it was unsafe for employees and customers."
A facility specialist for the Postal Service inspected the Rombauer post office last month and determined it was unsafe for employees and customers."
Bill to Limit Postal Subcontracting Introduced in House
Bill to Limit Postal Subcontracting Introduced in House: "Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives on March 24 that would restrict USPS subcontracting. The Mail Protection Act (H.R. 1686), which is backed by the APWU, is modeled on a bill the Congressman introduced in November 2007 (H.R. 4236)."
March 28, 2009
NAPS Urges Postal Service to Cut Top Management Ranks
PostalReporter.com Blog » NAPS Urges The Postal Service to Cut Top Management Ranks: "“NAPS President Keating called upon the Postal Service to strip away top levels of management and take other cost-cutting moves, during testimony before a House subcommittee on Wednesday."
Alaska Bypass mail center, workers may move to Denver, officials say
Alaska legislators and air carriers fear that the U.S. Postal bypass mail system may be moved out of state despite solving increased bypass mail rate issues with the Postmaster General.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032709/loc_news002.shtml
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032709/loc_news002.shtml
Postal worker calling it quits at age 79
The News-Gazette.com: Postal worker calling it quits at age 79: "Today's the day. Colleen Weir is finally going nonpostal after 29 years working for the postal service."
March 27, 2009
Postal Worker Seriously Injured in Parma (NY) Accident
Postal Worker Seriously Injured in Parma Accident - 13WHAM.com: "A postal truck and a Cintas vehicle collided just before noon at Parma Center Road (Route 18) and Manitou Road around noon Friday."
Maine Soldier/Postal Worker Killed In Iraq Is Being Honored In Baghdad
WCSH6.com | Portland, ME | Maine Soldier Killed In Iraq Is Being Honored In Baghdad: "The Army and US Postal Service are honoring a Maine soldier who was the first post office employee killed in the Iraq War. Sergeant Larry Roukey was killed in Baghdad six weeks after he was deployed in 2004"
Comics for troops program hurt by postal rates
Comics for troops program hurt by postal rates - BostonHerald.com: "Superman may be more powerful than a locomotive, but he can’t beat the U.S. Postal Service.
A Framingham man who runs a program that sends comic books to military personnel overseas says he may have to cut back because his mailing rates have doubled."
A Framingham man who runs a program that sends comic books to military personnel overseas says he may have to cut back because his mailing rates have doubled."
March 25, 2009
Call for Help: Postal chief says agency crashing
The Associated Press: Call for Help: Postal chief says agency crashing: "Postmaster General John Potter said Wednesday the financially strapped U.S. Postal Service will run out of money this year without help from Congress.
The only lingering question, Potter told a House subcommittee, is which bills will get paid and which will not. He did say ensuring the payment of workers' salaries comes first. But Potter also said other bills may have to wait."
The only lingering question, Potter told a House subcommittee, is which bills will get paid and which will not. He did say ensuring the payment of workers' salaries comes first. But Potter also said other bills may have to wait."
In Special Delivery to Lawmakers, U.S. Postmaster Signals SOS
Joe Davidson - In Special Delivery to Lawmakers, U.S. Postmaster Signals SOS - washingtonpost.com: "If the U.S. Postal Service delivered mail by boat, it would be a sinking ship.
A large hole in the hull, punched by a huge iceberg named Recession, is draining mail volume while it allows financial losses to flow in and drown the service in a financial swamp.
The Postal Service is in dreadful shape and needs quick help from Congress to continue delivering the mail.
That was the message repeated over and over by a parade of witnesses yesterday before the House subcommittee on federal workforce, postal service and the District of Columbia."
A large hole in the hull, punched by a huge iceberg named Recession, is draining mail volume while it allows financial losses to flow in and drown the service in a financial swamp.
The Postal Service is in dreadful shape and needs quick help from Congress to continue delivering the mail.
That was the message repeated over and over by a parade of witnesses yesterday before the House subcommittee on federal workforce, postal service and the District of Columbia."
March 24, 2009
Postal Service VER Offering 7/31/2009
Postal VER Offering 7/31/2009: "ALL EMPLOYEES except Electronic Technicians (ET); Maintenance Mechanics, Mail Processing Equipment (MPE); Part-time Postmasters."
Higher postage hits mailing services
Higher postage hits mailing services: "When the price of postage goes up May 11, companies that provide mailing services in El Paso say they’re concerned it will cost them business and increase their costs significantly."
Senator Snowe Calls on Postmaster General To Consider Small Businesses When Reviewing Six Day Delivery Options
PostalReporter.com Blog » Senator Snowe Calls on Postmaster General To Consider Small Businesses When Reviewing Six Day Delivery Options: "U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today sent a letter to John E. Potter, the Postmaster General of the United States, urging him to consider the impact on small businesses of reducing the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) delivery week from six days to five. Snowe cited the potential negative consequences such an action could have on America’s roughly 27.2 million small businesses."
March 23, 2009
USPS Early Retirement Offer Will Cover City Carriers
PostalReporter.com Blog » NALC: Early Retirement Offer With No Incentives Will Cover City Carriers: "The Postal Service has informed President Young that city letter carriers will be included in its new Voluntary Early Retirement offer"
March 21, 2009
Hands off Staten Island's Manor Road P.O., Schumer tells Postal Service
Hands off Staten Island's Manor Road P.O., Schumer tells Postal Service - Making a direct appeal to the U.S. postmaster general to continue to process outgoing Staten Island mail at the Manor Road Post Office, Sen. Charles Schumer said yesterday it would be "unacceptable" to do otherwise, even as a cost-cutting measure.
Pepper spray prevents injury in dog attack on mail carrier
Pepper spray prevents injury in dog attack on mail carrier | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register: "Des Moines animal control officers are investigating a dog attack on a mail carrier Thursday on the east side of the city.
Jean Welford was in the 900 block of 24th Court about 1 p.m. when a dog approached her, growling and snapping. 'It crossed the street and kept coming at me,' she said.
She was not bitten. She delayed the attack by using pepper spray and then was rescued by a neighbor who took control of the animal.
'I Maced it and it shook its head and kept coming,' Welford said.
She gave a dog a couple of additional squirts of pepper spray but it did not retreat."
Jean Welford was in the 900 block of 24th Court about 1 p.m. when a dog approached her, growling and snapping. 'It crossed the street and kept coming at me,' she said.
She was not bitten. She delayed the attack by using pepper spray and then was rescued by a neighbor who took control of the animal.
'I Maced it and it shook its head and kept coming,' Welford said.
She gave a dog a couple of additional squirts of pepper spray but it did not retreat."
Postmaster at the center of small-town life - My Web Times
Wedron: Postmaster at the center of small-town life - My Web Times: "Elwood Hurd is the Sam Drucker of Wedron.
In the far reaches of television land, Sam Drucker was the general store owner-postmaster on the shows 'Green Acres' and 'Petticoat Junction.' Sam's place was ground zero for the imaginary community of Hooterville, in which both shows were set.
Wedron is for real and Hurd is no character dreamed up by a scriptwriter. Rather, he is the flesh-and-blood postmaster in Wedron, where he sees the gentle, although not as much the goofy, side of small-town life as did Sam Drucker.
'You really get to know a lot of what's going on in town, without trying to know everyone's business,' Hurd observed."
In the far reaches of television land, Sam Drucker was the general store owner-postmaster on the shows 'Green Acres' and 'Petticoat Junction.' Sam's place was ground zero for the imaginary community of Hooterville, in which both shows were set.
Wedron is for real and Hurd is no character dreamed up by a scriptwriter. Rather, he is the flesh-and-blood postmaster in Wedron, where he sees the gentle, although not as much the goofy, side of small-town life as did Sam Drucker.
'You really get to know a lot of what's going on in town, without trying to know everyone's business,' Hurd observed."
March 20, 2009
USPS Looking To ‘Outsource’ Change-of-Address Program?
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS Looking To ‘Outsource’ Change-of-Address Program?: "The United States Postal Service (“USPS”) is seeking information from parties interested in engaging in a long-term relationship as Supplier and/or alliance partner with the USPS to implement innovative solutions to enable USPS to efficiently and effectively manage its change-of-address (COA) program, while capturing the significant commercial opportunities presented when a postal patron submits change of address forms in connection with a move."
USPS Closing Six Districts, Eliminating 1,400 EAS Positions And Offering Early Retirement
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS Closing Six Districts, Eliminating 1,400 EAS Positions And Offering Early Retirement: "The Postal Service is closing 6 of the 80 district offices, eliminating 521 positions across the country and offering early retirement to nearly 150,000 employees nationwide (excluding Electronic Technicians, MPE Maintenance Mechanics, Part-time Postmasters)"
March 19, 2009
USPS To Announce District , EAS Staffing Changes On March 20th
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS To Announce District , EAS Staffing Changes On March 20: "NAPS Headquarters was advised today that the announcements that we have been anticipating for some time on District changes will be made formally at 12:00 noon on Friday (tomorrow)."
USPS Notifies National Mail Handlers Union Of Upcoming Changes To BMC Network
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS Notifies National Mail Handlers Union Of Upcoming Changes To BMC Network: "The Bulk Mail Centers ‘(BMCs) will be changed to Network Distribution Centers (NDCs), with three tiers of NDCs. Some of these NDCs will perform work currently performed at nearby Processing and Distribution Centers (P&DCs) and Surface Transfer Centers (STCs)."
Losing Billions But Getting A Bonus (No, Not AIG)
Losing Billions But Getting A Bonus (No, Not AIG) at The Brian Sullivan Blog: "The latest money-losing company to announce its top executive is getting a bonus despite losing billions? The U.S. Post Office."
March 18, 2009
Postal Manager’s Demotion For Violating NALC Contract Upheld By Appeals Court
PostalReporter.com Blog » Postal Manager’s Demotion For Violating NALC Contract Upheld By Appeals Court: "Ms. [Lynn] Vaughn served as the EAS-20 Manager, Customer Services at the Glenridge Post Office in Atlanta, Georgia. On April 26, 2007, Charles Gracek, Manager, Customer Service Operations, Atlanta, Georgia Post Office, proposed demoting Ms. Vaughn to the EAS-17 position of Supervisor, Customer Services, based on a charge of failure to perform her duties in an effective manner"
House Subcommittee To Hold Hearing on Postal Service Finances
PostalReporter.com Blog » House Subcommittee To Hold Hearing on Restoring The Financial Stability of Postal Service: "Immediately following the business meeting, the subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled, “Restoring the Financial Stability of the U.S. Postal Service: What Needs to be Done?”
The hearing will examine the financial stability of the USPS and discuss the short and long term strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency."
The hearing will examine the financial stability of the USPS and discuss the short and long term strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency."
March 17, 2009
Modernizing Mailings
Modernizing Mailings - 3/1/2009 - Graphic Arts Online: "New regulations drive adoption of new software, and co-mail initiatives. Meanwhile digital presses make inroads in volume runs."
Postal Early Outs Again?
PostalReporter.com Blog » League Of Postmasters: Postal Early Outs Again?: "The VER for Postmasters, supervisors, and field EAS will be completed in just about two weeks. Approximately 2000 of these managers took advantage of this golden opportunity to leave the Postal Service early enough to build a new life with a pension to back up their dreams and plans. They’ve left a big hole and it will take some time to fill it."
March 16, 2009
USPS OIG To Conduct Survey of Postal Retail Work Hours
PostalReporter.com Blog » USPS OIG To Conduct Survey of Postal Retail Work Hours: "OIG Survey: We received an overview on the proposed OIG’s Survey of the Postal Service’s retail work hours. They stated their objective is to determine whether retail managers are effectively managing work hours in relation to workload in an effort to reduce operating costs and improve customer service."
Illegal Immigrant Arrested While Delivering Mail
PostalReporter.com Blog » Illegal Immigrant Arrested While Delivering Mail: "On Thursday March 12, 2009 at about 12:55 PM a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputy was on routine patrol in the area of Kimberley Way and Cornville Road in Rimrock, Arizona when he observed a 2001 silver Nissan being operated in a suspicious manner. As the vehicle passed him, the deputy noted that there was a “U.S. Mail” magnet attached to the rear of the vehicle. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver"
March 15, 2009
Post office keeps its workers coming back
Post office keeps its workers coming back | CourierPostOnline.com | Courier-Post: "The Postal Service has several employees who still are working well into their 80s and 90s, including a 90-year-old custodian in Queens and an 89-year-old letter carrier in Birmingham, Ala., according to Gerald McKiernan, media manager for the U.S. Postal Service.
'It's a good place to work, the pay is decent and the benefits are good,' McKiernan said. 'There is a generous holiday leave schedule and in most places there is a good working environment.'"
'It's a good place to work, the pay is decent and the benefits are good,' McKiernan said. 'There is a generous holiday leave schedule and in most places there is a good working environment.'"
Editorial: 'Closed, come back in an hour and 15'
Editorial: 'Closed, come back in an hour and 15': "Times are indeed tough at the U.S. Postal Service — not just because of the weak economy but email’s growing popularity. So postal rate hikes (like the one due in May) and service cutbacks are understandable. But the latter still have to be implemented carefully, so as to minimize customer inconvenience.
Somehow, the idea of shuttering a post office branch located in the heart of a thriving business district for an hour and 15 minutes each afternoon — as Scotia’s Mohawk Avenue post office intends to do starting next month — strikes us as anything but convenient."
Somehow, the idea of shuttering a post office branch located in the heart of a thriving business district for an hour and 15 minutes each afternoon — as Scotia’s Mohawk Avenue post office intends to do starting next month — strikes us as anything but convenient."
March 14, 2009
USPS is proving to be strong rival package market
Parcel express/global logistics: USPS is proving to be strong rival - 3/13/2009 - Logistics Management: "News that theU.S. Postal Service is gaining market share in the weakening domestic package shipping market, may have come as a surprise to many industry analysts, but one sage observer saw it all along.
“When DHL pulled out of the arena, it was just assumed that Fedex and UPS would take over,” said Gerard Hempstead, a former DHL executive who now works as a consultant. “But as we noted back at the beginning of the year, the post office is not going to just lay down and play dead.”"
“When DHL pulled out of the arena, it was just assumed that Fedex and UPS would take over,” said Gerard Hempstead, a former DHL executive who now works as a consultant. “But as we noted back at the beginning of the year, the post office is not going to just lay down and play dead.”"
March 11, 2009
Post Office Betrays Tenderloin; Buys Mansions for Executives
BeyondChron: San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » Post Office Betrays Tenderloin; Buys Mansions for Executives: "After a long campaign by Tenderloin residents to turn the shabby P.O. Box facility at 101 Hyde Street into a full-service post office, the U.S. Postal Service is reneging its pledge to the community – citing fiscal woes. It’s the same excuse we got in December, when the Post Office said they would stop delivering to new mailboxes in residential hotels – despite state and local laws requiring SRO’s to install them."
Alleged post-office killer tried to cash stamps
Alleged post-office killer tried to cash stamps: "The suspect in the fatal stabbing of a 73-year-old Clayton retiree at the city's post office has a history of mental illness and may have acted out of frustration after an unsuccessful attempt to trade old postage stamps for cash, Contra Costa County prosecutors said Tuesday"
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