Good evening all!
This is just a reminder there is a new pay chart out which went into effect June 19, 2021. You can find this chart by clicking the below link
https://www.nalc.org/news/research-and-economics/body/paychart-06-19-21-2.pdf
Pass the Postal Service Reform Act (HR 3076/ Senate 1720)
Brothers and Sisters,
We are asking for everyone’s help to push for House and Senate Cosponsors to the Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 3076 / S. 1720). Please click on the NALC Action Take Action page link below, daily if at all possible, and get as many members to do likewise. This legislation is finally moving forward after being stalled for decades and we need a strong unified push to get it through.
Tell Your Representative and Senators to Pass the Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 3076/S. 1720)
The House and Senate now have identical, bipartisan bills (H.R. 3076 and S. 1720) aimed at bringing financial stability to the Postal Service.
The Postal Service Reform Act advances key priorities for NALC, including: repealing the mandate to pre-fund retiree health; an appropriate integration into Medicare for postal employees; and language protecting six-day mail delivery permanently.
NALC strongly supports H.R. 3076 and S. 1702 and asks that you contact your Representatives and Senators now to ask them to cosponsor these important bills and work to expeditiously pass them on the House and Senate floors.
Please take a minute to click on the following link and send an email, letter, and make a phone call to your US Senators and local Congressional Representative. Thank you in advance.
McReynolds and Stroman confirmed to USPS Board of Governors
The Senate approved the nominations of Amber McReynolds and Ronald Stroman to serve on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG).
McReynolds will hold a term that expires on December 8, 2026, and Stroman’s term will expire on December 8, 2028. These confirmations are effective immediately and will fill two of three vacant BOG seats.
The Senate vote on Anton Hajjar’s BOG nomination remains pending.
“NALC congratulates McReynolds and Stroman on their important confirmations,” said NALC President Fredric Rolando. “We look forward to working with them and the rest of the BOG to ensure that letter carriers have a voice when decisions affecting their interests are made.”
Bipartisan Postal Reform Legislation Introduced and Advances in House (NALC National)
The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021 (H.R. 3076), a bipartisan bill that aims to provide financial and operational stability to the Postal Service, was introduced by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY) on May 11.
Today, H.R. 3076 advanced out of committee on a voice vote with no amendments. The legislation addresses two of NALC’s top priorities:
The repeal of the mandate that the Postal Service pre-fund decades’ worth of health benefits for its future retirees, which was enacted through the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 2006, embracing the bipartisan USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 695 and S. 145).
A reform of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) to maximize participation in Medicare once active postal employees (as of January 1, 2023) retire and reach age 65. Annuitants as of January 1, 2023 will be given the choice of whether to remain in the existing FEHBP system or participate in the postal version of the program that requires enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B – and retirees over the age of 65 who have chosen not to enroll in Medicare Part B will be given a one-time opportunity to do so with no late-enrollment penalty. Annuitants who elect to remain in the existing FEHBP will not be required to enroll in Medicare. NALC also successfully lobbied to ensure exceptions to the requirement to enroll in Medicare for those covered under other insurance arrangements (such as the VA) and for those who live in a place where there are not Medicare-participating providers.
Because they have jurisdiction over the Medicare program, the bill will be referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for possible amendments before it can be debated by the entire House of Representatives. As we digest the language and work with these committees, NALC will provide more updates for members in the future.
H.R. 3076 also includes language that requires the Postal Service to maintain an “integrated” network of both mail and packages six days a week. If this bill becomes law, USPS will be required to maintain six-days-a-week mail delivery. Since 1983, the mandate to deliver mail six days a week has required yearly renewal in the appropriations process. This bill would eliminate the need for the annual fight to maintain this mandate.
In addition, the bill: requires the Postal Service to provide semi-annual reports to Congress on the implementation of its 10-year strategic plan; provides for a public dashboard using nationwide delivery metrics to track delivery performance; directs the Postal Service to use the most efficient means to transport mail, likely moving from air to ground; mandates a Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) review of competitive and non-competitive products and a study of nationwide processing efficiency of flats (magazines and catalogs); provides the PRC with independent budget authority through the Postal Fund, preventing it from being directly impacted by sequestration/shutdowns; provides a special postage discount for newspapers; and consolidates the Postal Service’s and the PRC’s Inspectors General into a single office.
“This landmark legislation will make foundational reforms and add transparency to ensure the Postal Service provides the high quality of service Americans expect and deserve,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “Ultimately, this bill will preserve and strengthen the Postal Service, one of our nation’s most vital and respected institutions.”
“The American people rely on the U.S. Postal Service for everything from bills to receiving prescriptions to staying in touch with their families,” said Ranking Member Comer. “The Postal Service Reform Act, coupled with Postmaster General DeJoy’s business reform plan, will help put USPS on the road to fiscal stability, and make it more efficient and sustainable for generations, and ensure continued service to the American people.”
Recognizing that members of Congress had priorities that would not be addressed in the underlying bill, Chairwoman Maloney also introduced a secondary measure, the Postal Service Improvement Act (H.R. 3077), which was also considered and advanced out of committee today. This second bill includes a variety of provisions, including: ballot tracking measures for votes cast by mail; paid parental leave for postal employees; Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) rights for managers and supervisors; an $8 billion appropriation for the Postal Service to electrify 75 percent of its vehicle fleet and to build charging stations at postal facilities; a requirement that the Postal Service maintain January 2021 service standards on first-class mail; a pilot program to study using postal employees to conduct the Census; and a measure to allow members of Congress to inspect postal facilities at their discretion. However, many of these provisions may lack the broad bipartisan support necessary to become law.
While H.R. 3076 has bipartisan support, that alone will not be enough to see it through to the President’s desk. But it is a good start. Currently, Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Chair Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-OH) are beginning discussions on a Senate companion bill.
As the legislation progresses in the House and Senate, NALC will need the full engagement of letter carriers to help educate members of Congress on how this legislation will protect employees and our essential network. Keep an eye out for more information here and on the NALC Member App. Members are encouraged to install the app on their smartphones to receive updates when legislation is released and when it moves in the halls of Congress.
Original Source: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/bipartisan-postal-reform-legislation-introduced-and-advances-in-house
Emergency Federal Employee Leave Update (NALC National)
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Postal Service have issued guidance implementing the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. This law created an important new leave category called Emergency Federal Employees Leave (EFEL). Prior to OPM issuing guidance, the Postal Service has been approving EFEL on an interim basis in two-week increments.
When requesting this leave, employees will need to submit a completed PS Form 3971, Request for or Notification of Absence and a COVID-19 Emergency Federal Employee Leave (EFEL) Employee Notification and Leave Request Form along with documentation supporting the need for the leave. Employees will also need to submit a signed Employee Agreement in Connection with Emergency Federal Employee Leave (EFEL) Provided Under Section 4001 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 before the first use of EFEL. Employees who used EFEL beginning March 11, 2021 under the Postal Service’s interim leave policy must also complete and submit these forms along with the supporting documentation.
The Postal Service has issued guidance and frequently asked questions on EFEL. To view these documents and the forms referenced above, click here.
NALC will continue to provide updates regarding this leave as they become available.
Original Source: Emergency Federal Employee Leave Update
May 2021 NALC Branch 1111 Meeting
On May 25th, 2021, Branch 1111 will be having our monthly branch meeting.
For more information, go to our events page below.
Letter Carrier Donor Drive
Update regarding the NALC food drive! You can spread the food to your friends, families, and customers to have them visit www.nalc.org/food where you can find a direct link to donate to your local food bank!
Statement from Fred Rolando on civil unrest
NALC National President Fred Rolando has issued a statement regarding the civil unrest happening across the nation. You can read the letter by clicking on the below link. Again, thank you letter carriers for your resilience during these uncertain times.
https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/statement-of-nalc-president-fredric-rolando-on-civil-unrest
Protect Yourself During These Unprecedented Times
Attention Brother and Sisters,
In light of recent events and some areas having extreme civil disorder please take EVERY necessary precaution to protect your own safety such as avoiding all areas of protest, if you find yourself in an area where there is civil disobedience, abate the situation, curtail the mail and immediately notify your supervisor.
Also, please be aware of your entire surroundings. Please lock your vehicles, make sure the parcels are secured in the back, and secure the mail. If you are aware of any loitering or suspicious activity around you, again abate the possible safety hazard and notify management.
We want to ensure you all go home safely to your families. If you are in a situation where your mail truck is being/was broken into, please do not put yourself in harms way and again report it to your supervisor and local authorities.
As always, all of us at Branch 1111 thank you for all your hard work and continuing to deliver during these unprecedented times. If you need anything at all please feel free to contact your full time officer. We are in this together.
NALC along with the other three postal Union's sent letters to the Democratic and Republican leadership outlining the necessity of the USPS.
NALC along with the other three postal unions, American Postal Workers Union, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association sent letters to the democratic and republican leaders in congress outlining the necessity of the USPS during these unprecedented times. You can also reach out to your representatives and tell them to save the USPS! You voice is needed now more than ever.
You can read the letters sent to the leaders of congress here:
If you want to reach out to your representative and tell them to support and save the postal service, you can follow this link to directly message your representatives:
https://app7.vocusgr.com/WebPublish/controller.aspxSiteName=NALC&Definition=Home&SV_Section=Home
Update from NALC National President Fred Rolando regarding COVID-19
NALC National President has issued an updated regarding COVID-19. His letter can be read here or at https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/body/4-3-20-statement.pdf. Stay safe out there everyone. Contact your Branch Officer if you have any questions or concerns.
Letter Carrier's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Postponed
NALC California State Convention Rescheduled
Health Benefits Open Season! November 11 through December 9
Attention all members!
Health benefits open season for 2019 starts November 11 and Ends December 9, 2019. This is a great opportunity to start looking at all the options the FEHB has to offer and look into the NALC Health Plan! You can take a look at the NALC Health Benefits Plan at the link posted below. You can also visit the OPM website to compare multiple health insurance plans and pick the right one for you!
https://www.nalchbp.org/news/body/2019Brochure.pdf
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/
2020 NALC Leadership Academy Applications Due August 31st!
Interested in learning more about the NALC? Do you want to learn leadership skills to help the membership? National NALC is accepting Leadership Academy Applications for 2020! Applications are due August 31, 2019. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.
Follow the link below to apply.
https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/2020-nalc-leadership-academy-application-period-is-open
Retirees Dinner
Retirees Dinner Tuesday August 27, 2019 at 5:30pm. This event is to celebrate all Branch 1111 retired members and soon to be retired members!
Dinner will be served from 5:30pm to 7pm. Monthly branch meeting will follow at 7pm.
Stewards Brunch
This years stewards brunch is March 10, 2019. The deadline to sign up is February 15th, 2019. Don’t miss out!
Open season to sign up for health insurance is from November 12 through December 10th!
Brothers and sisters,
Don’t forget open season to sign up for health insurance is upon us! The enrollment period is from November 12, 2018 through December 10, 2018. If you are considering looking at other insurance options, we highly recommend the NALC Health Benefits Plan! Follow the link provided below to check out all the great services the NALC HBP has to offer letter carriers. There are 3 options to choose from to fit your needs. Please remember, you must currently be paying Union dues to your local branch, and be a member in good standing if you choose to sign up for the NALC Health Benefits Plan!
You can also log into the OPM website to compare health plans offer by the postal service and NALC. Follow the link below and these instructions;
On the right side of the page click on the QUICK LINK “Compare Health Plans”
Insert your zip code, hit enter. Then select the plans you wish to compare (up to four plans)
Choose an Employee Type such as “U.S. Postal Service or Annuitant”. Click next.
Choose pay frequency such as bi-weekly or monthly. the comparison will be shown on your screen.
If you have any further questions, you can contact your local NALC Health Insurance Officer Jacob Morgan at jmorgannalc@gmail.com