PostalReporter.com Blog

Update From American Postal Workers (APWU) President William Burrus

Information received from APWU local presidents indicates that USPS management plans to eliminate Tour 2 at mail processing facilities across the country. This would eliminate tens of thousands of preferred duty assignments, which are filled by the most senior employees.

Postal management has failed to inform the national union of this plan, and no discussions on the subject have taken place. The union believes that this lack of consultation at the national level violates the employer/union relationship, and we will respond appropriately.

Mail volume continues to reflect the slumping economy, and personnel adjustments are the typical response to shifting work opportunities. In addition to the plans to eliminate Tour 2, the Postal Service has offered Voluntary Early Retirement to many categories of employees.

The total number of employees accepting early-out offers will not be known for several weeks, but I do not expect management to achieve the complement reduction it hoped for. My advice to employees is to continue to reject the early-retirement offer unless the Postal Service offers a monetary incentive. In this uncertain economy, there will be very few employment opportunities available for retirees to supplement their annuities.

The termination of Tour 2 mail processing may be intended to force senior employees to retire or accept unfavorable hours of work: If that is the intent, my advice is to reject this insidious option.

Layoffs continue to be a possibility, but the union has filed a national-level grievance [PDF] asserting that the National Agreement requires the Postal Service to grant severance pay as a precondition to layoffs or a reduction-in-force (RIF).

If the Postal Service initiates layoffs, it would nullify any justification for refusing to offer monetary incentives to employees who accept early retirement. If applied, severance pay would exceed the six-months-of-salary bonus that was included in previous early-retirement offers.

Four-Day Workweek

Discussions continue on the implementation of the 10-4 workweek, which would allow employees to work four 10-hour days each week. However, the national union does not intend to facilitate the elimination of Tour 2 by allowing management to use 10-4 workweeks to reduce the work schedule to two tours.

When I negotiated the Modified Work Week program in 1994, a central point in the accompanying rules was that participation must be voluntary on the part of each employee. No employee could be required to work 10 hours each day as a condition of his or her bid assignment.

I continue to believe that many employees would prefer to work four 10-hour days each week, but such a schedule would not be desired by every employee.

I will keep the membership informed as national discussions continue.

 The following is a memo Memo sent to the Postal Plant Managers:

Subject: RPG Two Tour Initiative
Importance: High

Plant Managers,
On this week’s MOS telecon, it was stated that the two tour initiative to “close the GAP” must be given top priority.

The entire nation is expected to move to a 2 tour operation, while still protecting service.

Given the continued workload decline and recent RPG scenarios, the NYMA agrees with moving towards a 2 tour operation because of the economies of scale that it would provide. The first step in this process is moving to a 2 8-hour tour automation operation (AFSM and APPS/SPBS operations to follow). For the month of October, the weekly RPG telecons will be focused on your efforts to make this move. Every plant needs to be progressing on this initiative along the following timeline:

October 3rd - Validate all of the volumes used in your 2 tour automation RPG model (AVG heavy weekday); ensure that you have contingency machines for your operation so that service is protected; ensure that your PM schedule for all machines can be supported by your maintenance staff,

October 10th - Present your overall staffing impact to clerk craft and EAS (net reduction in employees),

October 17th - Present your new bid package for clerk, maintenance, and EAS,

October 24th - Present your overall implementation plan, including timeline and transition plan.

We are working towards an early January 2009 implementation date. Each week we will be providing suggestions and tools on how to effectively develop your plan.

Press Release

USPS Only Federal Agency on Hispanic Business’ DIVERSITY ELITE 60 List

Hispanic Business magazine has again named the U.S. Postal Service to its annual “Diversity Elite 60” list of best companies for Hispanics, the only federal agency included in the magazine’s 2008 list. The rankings are determined by more than 30 variables that measure companies’ commitment to Hispanic hiring, promotion, marketing, philanthropy and supplier diversity.

In addition, the Postal Service was listed in the magazine’s list of the country’s “top 10 companies for workforce diversity.” This ranking measures and compares the percentages of minorities (Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and women) in the workforce, and gives increased weight to higher-level positions such as managers and officers.

“A diverse workforce enables us to serve the needs of our increasingly diverse customer base,” says Susan LaChance, vice president of Employee Development and Diversity at the Postal Service. “We try our best to build a corporate culture that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Press Releases issued by the US Department of Justice on October 8, 2008

FALSE FINANCIAL REPORTS LEAD TO WINDOW CLERK’S  ARREST

(HOUSTON, Texas) – Calvin Williams, 61, of Spring, Texas, has been indicted for making false entries and false reports of money collected, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. Williams surrendered to agents with the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) this morning and is expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at which time the issue of bond is expected to be decided.
           
On Sept. 25, 2008, Williams was indicted on one count of making false entries and false reports of money collected relating to his money and stamp stock inventory accountability in connection with his duties as a sales and service associate (window clerk) at the Panther Creek Postal Store in The Woodlands, Texas. The investigation was triggered by a pattern of stock shortages at the Panther Creek Postal Store. The indictment alleges that between May through September 2006, while employed by the USPS, Williams made a false and fictitious entry of stamp purchases with the intent to deceive.

If convicted, Williams  faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine on each count of the indictment.

This investigation leading to Williams’ indictment and arrest was conducted by special agents with USPS-OIG. The case will be tried by Special Assistant United States Attorney Tammie Y. Moore.

FALSE FINANCIAL REPORTS LEADS TO SECOND ARREST OF WINDOW CLERK THIS WEEK
                                          
(HOUSTON, Texas) – Winston Williams, 59, of Channelview, Texas, has been indicted for making false entries and reports of money, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. Having agreed to surrender himself, Williams was taken into custody today by agents of the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). Williams appeared before U.S. Judge Frances H. Stacy and has been ordered released on a $20,000 personal recognizance bond. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
                       
On Aug. 14, 2008, Williams was indicted for making false entries and false reports of money collected relating to his money and stamp stock inventory accountability in connection with his duties as a sales and service associate (window clerk). The investigation was triggered by a pattern of stock shortages at the Barbara Jordan Post Office, 401 Franklin, Houston, Texas 77002.  The indictment alleges that between January and June 2007, Williams made a false and fictitious entry of stamp purchases with the intent to deceive. 

Williams began his employment with the USPS as a Sales and Service Associate (window clerk) on Aug. 18, 1973. If convicted, Williams  faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine on each count of the indictment.

This investigation leading to Williams’ indictment and arrest was conducted by Special Agents with USPS-OIG. The case will be tried by Special Assistant United States Attorney Tammie Y. Moor

Press Release from Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC)

Washington, DC – On October 2, 2008, Commissioner Ruth Y. Goldway was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for her third term as a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission. Goldway was nominated by President Bush on July 10, 2008. Her term will extend through November 22, 2014.

“It is exciting for me to know that, ten years after I was first nominated by President Clinton, I am still engaged in rewarding work representing the interests of ordinary consumers and average citizens,” said Goldway. “I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on my advocacy for the residential customer, the single-piece mail user and small business as I continue working with my fellow Commissioners to finalize and implement all the new rules and responsibilities defined in the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.”

Goldway earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan, and received an M.A. in English Literature from Wayne State University. In addition to her tenure on the Postal Regulatory Commission, she is a founding member and serves as Co-Chair of Women in Logistics and Delivery Services (WILDS), and is on the board of Tree People and New Visions Foundation. Goldway writes opinion pieces and magazine articles on public policy issues and is the author of one book about diplomatic life. She served as Mayor of Santa Monica, CA in the 1980s. Her family resides in Venice, California.

“The next six years will challenge the postal community in new and unforeseen ways,” Goldway added. “I look forward to working with all stakeholders to assure a vibrant and effective Postal Service in the years to come.”

 According to a USPS notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website:

The U.S. Postal Service requires contractor support to provide strategic messaging services in order to respond to public communications and news media inquiries. Additional services to communicate these strategic messages will include communications to the American public, postal operations, and postal personnel in order to protect the overall security of the U.S. mail. Services will be provided in accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs

Update From APWU President William Burrus

There has been significant interest in my Sept. 30 Update for union members, which discussed the Postal Service’s bleak financial situation and the presidential election: Interest has been especially high about the reference to the possibility of layoffs – for the first time in postal history.

Let me be clear: The possibility that the Postal Service may exercise its authority to layoff career employees is real, but it would affect very few APWU-represented employees. The 2006-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement guarantees that each employee who is employed in the regular work force as of Nov. 20, 2006, “shall be protected henceforth against any involuntary layoff or force reduction during the term of this Agreement.”

The agreement also provides that “upon completion of six years of continuous service in their regular workforce” APWU-represented employees are protected against any involuntary layoff or force reduction “during any period of employment in the regular work force with the United States Postal Service or successor organization in his or her lifetime.” To receive credit for the year, an employee must have worked at least one hour (or received a call-in guarantee in lieu of work) in at least 20 of the 26 pay periods during that anniversary year.

APWU-represented employees who meet the criteria listed above are protected for the life of the 2006-2010 National Agreement or for their lifetime, and are not threatened by layoffs resulting from the significant decline in mail volume or the USPS financial difficulties.

If the Postal Service’s offer of early retirement fails to reduce the workforce commensurate with USPS budgetary problems, the Postal Service will have a continuing need to reduce the number of employees. I expect that non-protected employees will be exposed to the possibility of layoff.

During a meeting between Postmaster General John E. Potter and the union presidents last month, he reported that 16,000 postal employees lack protection against layoffs. Members of the Mail Handlers Union and the APWU have the protections described above.

The threat of layoffs is just one of the factors mentioned in my previous Update, which informed union members that the November elections have great significance for postal employees and are much more personal than abortion, guns, gay marriage and terrorism. This time it is about your job.

source: apwu.org

From the American Postal Workers Union:

Expressing concern about the outsourcing of maintenance and repair work on postal vehicles, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) wrote to the USPS Boston District Manager on Sept. 22, [PDF] and asked for an explanation of USPS policy.

“It is my understanding that the vehicle maintenance work is currently being contracted out at an hourly rate which exceeds that of USPS” employees, he said. In addition, Lynch said he had seen documentation indicating that some of the work failed to adhere to maintenance guidelines and risked harm to the environment.

“Also of grave concern is that these contactors have access to universally familiar USPS vehicles” and are authorized to remove them from postal premises. Lynch said he was concerned that contractors may not have been vetted to ensure that they pose no threat to homeland security.

“It is my hope that you can provide a detailed explanation of USPS motor vehicle maintenance policy and the process by which these contractors are selected,” Lynch concluded.

Rep. Lynch wrote the letter in response to complaints from Boston Metro Area Local Motor Vehicle Services Craft President Bill Weaver. In a letter to Postmaster General John E. Potter, [PDF] Weaver outlined concerns about the security of the mail, the lack of training of subcontractors, and the cost of subcontracting, as compared with assigning the maintenance and repair work to postal employees.

APWU national officers praised the activities of the members of the Boston Local and of Rep. Lynch. “We have always gotten a good turnout from Boston,” Assistant MVS Director Michael O. Foster said. “This is exactly the kind of grass-roots effort we need.

“Motor Vehicle Craft employees and local leaders have to get involved,” he said. Foster noted that Rep. Lynch authored the Mail Network Protection Act (H.R. 4236), which would require the Postal Service to bargain with postal unions before it engages in significant contracting-out. The APWU enthusiastically supports the bill and has encouraged union members to urge their congressional representatives to sign on as co-sponsors.

 From National Association of Postmasters of the US (NAPUS)

VER Timeline for Postmasters & other EAS

Here’s some of the key dates and time frames:

November 21, 2008 - Annuity estimates will begin being mailed to eligible employees.

November 28, 2008 - VER Offer packages will begin being mailed to VER eligible employees.

December 03, 2008 through January 16, 2009 - VER Window Period

The VER effective date is Tuesday, March 31, 2009.

More information will follow when received.

Green lobbies and roofs, an electric-powered three-wheel delivery vehicle, a postal mini-van whose engine emits only water vapor and a new wind turbine that looks like a high-tech paddle wheel. These were a few of the energy conservation innovations featured at the kickoff to National Energy Awareness Month yesterday in Washington, DC.

PMG Jack Potter and Sustainability VP Sam Pulcrano talked to the crowd of several hundred employees, representatives from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency and congressional staff members about USPS efforts to save energy.

Potter said USPS has as a goal reducing energy use 30 percent by 2015. “We need to take whatever steps we can to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future,” he said, calling yesterday’s event “another step toward a culture of conservation here at the Postal Service.”

On display at the event were alternative-fuel vehicles, including the T3, a three-wheeler that runs solely on electricity for less than a penny a mile. It’s being tested in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona as a possible replacement for some traditional fuel delivery vehicles.

Participants also saw a hydrogen fuel-cell minivan that’s being tested, whose sole emission is water vapor, as well as a dual-fuel minivan that runs on electricity and ethanol.

Potter said USPS has identified 2,000 delivery routes that can be made walking routes, and is looking at adding to our bicycle routes.
 
Other efforts include a Utility Management System pilot project launched earlier this year that provides greater visibility into cost and consumption information for USPS facilities, allowing the Postal Service to better manage energy resources.

And USPS is testing an Aero-Cam wind turbine at the Kitty Hawk, NC, Post Office later this year.

“We’re building on a strong history of environmental stewardship,” said Pulcrano. “Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to reduce our energy impact and improve our operations and systems.”

source: USPS News Link