On September 9, 2014, the NPMHU and its sister unions (APWU, NALC and NRLCA), along with a business coalition that employs over 7.5 American workers in the mailing industry, wrote a joint letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting that the Committee place language in the appropriations bill freezing for one year the USPS plan (January 2015) to consolidate or close 82 mail processing plants.
This letter was a direct response to correspondence previously sent to the Committee from Senators Carper and Coburn.
Dear Senators:
In August, 2014 a bipartisan majority of the Senate wrote to you in support of including language that would impose a one-year moratorium on plant closings and consolidations by the U.S. Postal Service, pending enactment of comprehensive postal reform, in the CR you are drafting. In response, last week Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) voiced their opposition to the inclusion of this language arguing that it does not solve the real problems facing the Postal Service, stating that the Senate should enact S. 1486 instead. On behalf of business and labor, we disagree.
As business and labor organizations that represent the American mailing industry, which employs 7.5 million American workers, we do not agree that the solution is to enact S.1486. While we acknowledge the hard work and honorable intentions of its authors, the Postal Reform Act of 2014 is a deeply flawed bill would raise postage rates on businesses and slash services and jobs unnecessarily, which is why it has failed to garner broad support in the Senate.
In our view, there is a better way. Over the past year, we have worked to build consensus around a business-labor alternative plan that would restore the Postal Service to financial stability and pave the way for innovation and growth. Our plan draws heavily on the best portions of S. 1486 and offers sensible, responsible and mutually agreeable alternative reforms to the service cuts and price hikes. All of these alternatives are based on the best practices of the private sector. We have discussed this plan with Chairman Carper and Sen. Coburn and with some members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. In addition, we are actively working with other senators who have expressed interest in the introduction of this plan during this session of Congress.
Our industry coalition plan will build the Postal Service of the 21st Century by repealing the exigent rate increase, making future rate increases moderate and predictable, and resolving the crushing retiree health prefunding burden. It would also preserve existing service standards, help the Postal Service take advantage of the e-commerce boom and a recovering direct mail industry, and allow USPS to adapt to meet the evolving needs of America’s businesses and citizens. Gradually dismantling the Postal Service’s invaluable networks and charging more for less service is not a viable business strategy.
As the Appropriations Committee considers the moratorium issue, its members should know that there is a broad consensus in our industry that S.1486 is not the answer. We believe the Senate should take the time to consider the consensus approach we have developed — instead of embracing more service cuts that negatively affect us all.
Click here to view a copy of the letter. (pdf)
well said Posty! you are EXACTLY right!
Nothing is going to happen. It’s all jibber jabber, the USPS is not making the pre-fund payment. The USPS is making money! Not one of the congressmen is willing to touch the pre-funding issue. It will ride along like this for years or until we cannot make payroll. THE END.
I hate sounding cynical but the mere writing of a letter to Coburn and Carper is about as fruitful as lighting a fire in a downpour. The agenda’s been set, I fear, and so far the best support for the USPS to quit being arrogant dicks and trying to reduce service any way they can get away with it has been from the public. Let’s face it: in Washington a Senator or Representative won’t do anything for an organization if they don’t think their palms haven’t been greased enough. The four unions combined don’t come close to the bribes disguised as campaign contributions from direct mailers, anti-union groups and competitors. But constituents have votes, and unless the elections are rigged, as they often are, no amount of money can guarantee any candidate or incumbent of a victory so they have to tread a bit more carefully.
Perhaps Paul’s suggestion of a union merger into one large union has some merit. There would certainly be more money available for the necessary bribes it takes to buy a vote. Call it what you want – a PAC fund, lobby group or special interest concern, but it’s all bribes and extortion in D.C. and those who think otherwise are woefully naive.
And hear, hear for the suggestion of investigating Donahoe. Don’t stop there – let’s look into bonuses awarded for doing nothing to pet management across the country. Never forget it’s the craft who do the real substantial work, and management just plays with numbers, interferes to act like they’re “managing” and generally screw up the entire operation. Why should they pay themselves because a good carrier goes out and gets the job done quickly and efficiently? I got news – it’s because that person is a good honest worker to begin with. It has nothing to do with your influence or input. Despite all the idiotic computer crap like DOIS, the basic job of getting the mail out has differed very very little over time. We still sort into cities, routes and then to the customer. It’s been that way forever and computers play no worthwhile role. They do help in the harassment end of it, but that’s it.
well said paul
Did NPMHU and NALC remember to mention they supported and begged for PAEA?
After the APWU supported Donahoe’s stooge and friend Cliff Goofy and his flunkies on the then APWU executive board and it was shown how corrupt they were,the other crafts would never be in a single postal union with dumb nut APWU people.
Whats truly needed is an investigation of Donawhores finances to see the kickbacks he is recieving to dismantle the US Postal network. To lead a business plan that cripples and wrecks your business is unthinkable to any honest person.
whats needed,and has been needed,is one union for all post workers.