NALC ACTIVIST:
The NALC Activist is a local leadership publication intended for shop stewards, branch officers and all local NALC leaders. This issue reviews grieving management’s OWCP mistakes.
Retroactive Payments’ Explanation
The Postal Service implemented the first six wage increases called for in the 2023-2026 National Agreement. These consist of four cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and two general wage increases (1.3 percent and 1.4 percent), which were secured in the interest arbitration award issued by Arbitrator Dennis R. Nolan on March 21 of this year.
New Employee Experience Retention and Mentoring Program (NEERMP).
The NALC and USPS released jointly-developed document regarding the New Employee Experience Retention and Mentoring Program (NEERMP). The program, which began on July 1, and is new for most of the country, was designed with the intent of improving communication between new letter carriers and their managers and co-workers, providing work experiences that give new letter carriers the ability to learn their jobs at a more moderate pace, and providing them with continuing education beyond the Carrier Academy and the on-the-job instruction stages. The document, M-02010 in NALC’s Materials Reference System (MRS), provides answers to commonly asked questions about the program. The document will be updated in the future if additional agreements are reached on matters related to the NEERMP.
LETTER CARRIER POLITICAL FUND KICKOFF
Letter Carrier Political Fund Awareness Kick-Off
Three (3) cash prizes consisting of $100 each which will be given to a member via a live random drawing during the Branch meeting on January 2023. Here is how to enter:
· For those members who signs up to contribute every pay period to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, their names will be entered into a drawing.
· For those members who are currently donating and increases their contribution, their names will be entered into a drawing.
· For those members who are currently donating (including new members who recently signs up) and who signs up a new member to contribute to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, their names will be entered into a drawing. (For each member you sign up, you will get 1 entry; the more members you sign up the more chances you will get.)
· Each member can only win one (1) cash prize of $100.
· Proof of enrollment must be verified by Branch 1111 prior to the drawing.
What is the Letter Carrier Political Fund?
“The Letter Carrier Political Fund is a non-partisan political action committee (PAC) established for the purpose of electing qualified candidates who support letter carriers and who are committed to maintaining a strong and innovative U.S. Postal Service.”
“Each year, NALC fights to fend off attacks in Congress that threaten letter carriers’ collective-bargaining rights, retirement benefits and livelihood. We’ve been successful so far, and we want to continue helping to elect House and Senate candidates who will protect us, promote our issues and deliver our message to Washington.”
“Since union dues can’t be used to support candidates for political office, NALC relies 100 percent on member contributions to the LCPF, which in turn helps us support those on Capitol Hill who defend the issues that matter most to us. Our PAC brings together in Washington strong letter carrier advocates—from all political parties—who are dedicated to helping to defend a strong USPS that provides universal, innovative and affordable service.”
What the LCPF has done? The LCPF contributed to the efforts over the last 12 years that resulted in this bipartisan legislation, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076), turn into law. This law repeals the pre-funding mandate and sets the Postal Service on a more sustainable and stable financial footing. This law also guarantees that the mail will continue to be delivered six days a week.
Further information can be found on the NALC’s website; https://www.nalc.org/government-affairs/legislative-activities and as follows in part:
As a member of the NALC, there are several easy ways to give to the Letter Carrier Political Fund:
1. Payroll deduction: Contribute automatically, using PostalEase (either online or by phone) to set up an allotment deduction from your USPS paycheck.
2. Direct bank withdrawal: You can authorize the fund to withdraw a monthly electronic contribution directly from your personal checking account
3. Annuity deduction: Retired letter carriers can elect to give monthly via an automatic deduction from your monthly annuity.
4. Family Member Contribution: How immediate family members of NALC members contribute to the Letter Carrier Political Fund using Electronic Fund Transfer or by making a One-Time contribution.
5. One-Time Letter Carrier Political Fund Contributions: This form should be used to identify names and members making one-time contributions.
Or you can call the Branch 1111 office at 510 237 5111 to help with you get started.
By making a contribution to the Letter Carrier Political Fund, you are doing so voluntarily with the understanding that your contribution is not a condition of membership in the National Association of Letter Carriers or of employment by the Postal Service, nor is it part of union dues. You have a right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal. The Letter Carrier Political Fund will use the money it receives to contribute to candidates for federal office and undertake other political spending as permitted by law. Your selection shall remain in full force and effect until canceled. Contributions to the Letter Carrier Political Fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Federal law prohibits the Letter Carrier Political Fund from soliciting contributions from individuals who are not NALC members, executive and administrative staff or their families. Any contribution received from such an individual will be refunded to that contributor. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per calendar year. Any guideline amount is merely a suggestion, and an individual is free to contribute more or less than the guideline suggests and the union will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount of his or her contribution or decision not to contribute.
GOOD LUCK!
Bill to give the U.S. Postal Service a major overhaul if passed!
Bipartisan legislation that boosts the U.S. Postal Service and saves nearly $50 billion in the next decade is potentially set for a Senate vote by the end of next week.
The bill, called the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, passed in the House on Tuesday night with overwhelming support of 342-92.
"Americans rely on the Postal Service for medicines, essential goods, voting, correspondence, and their livelihoods," tweeted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "With the overwhelming House vote for postal reform—I intend for the Senate to quickly take up and pass the bill!"
Additionally, USPS would no longer be required to pre-fund health benefits for its current and retiring employees, which saves about $27 billion over 10 years. This is where the greatest cost savings for the Postal Service would come.
USPS Mask Policy Revised as of August 27, 2021
Hello all!
The USPS has issued a revised mask policy on August 27, 2021 due to the Delta Variant. This is the new policy which should be followed in each of your offices. Please contact the branch office if you have any questions or if issues arise in your office regarding this policy.
You can see the revised policy by following this link;
https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/usps-revises-face-coveringpolicy
OPM Requires Verification of eligible family member enrollments for FEHB
The Postal Service issued a mandatory stand up talk dated July 1 about the Office Personnel Management (OPM) requiring federal agencies to verify eligible family members who are enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, also known as FEHB. The stand up talk and related attachment (PostalEASE FEHB Worksheet) is available here.
USPS has confirmed that only employees with self plus one and self and family enrollments that need to update eligible family members are required to fill out and return PostalEASE FEHB Worksheet (USPS-24).
Eligible family members include your current spouse; your children under age 26, including adopted children, stepchildren and foster children under certain circumstances; and adult children incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that existed before age 26.
If you have any questions, please contact the branch office. :)
July Branch Meeting
This months branch meeting is July 27 at 7pm. This meeting will be virtual through zoom. If you wish to attend please contact the branch office so we can provide you the access to the meeting. We hope to see you there!
New Pay Chart is Out
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