Kenneth Jones vs. US Postal Service, illustrates why postal employees should think twice before appealing their discipline to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

New Book: Beware of Cat: And Other Encounters of a Letter Carrier

Postal Worker Fired After Second Violation of USPS Zero Tolerance Policy

Bush Plan Would Cut Tax-Free Employer-Provided Health Insurance

MSPB Overturns Postal Worker’s Removal for $45,000 Stamp Stock Shortage

Postage Rate Hike in 2008?

Postal Service: ‘Intelligent Mail’ Fully Operational By 2009

Video: Signed, Sealed and Delivered- Labor Struggle in the Post Office

USPS: New Postal Law-The Financial Impact

Can Bush Open Mail Without Warrant?

Former Postal Worker Charged in FEHB Scheme to Defraud USPS and NALC

Un-Merry Christmas
Postal Service Terminates Disabled Iraq War Veteran for Unacceptable Attendance

Letter to the Editor - Mismanagement at Royal Oak Carrier Unit

FedEx and DOT at Stalemate in Dispute Over Disclosure of Postal Contract Data -

USPS, APWU Reach $5.3 Million Agreement in Anthrax Travel Grievance

Postal Worker Fired for Refusing to Work on DBCS Machine

Postal Nurse Charged With Defrauding USPS

Five-Year Postal Employees Stats At a Glance

Big Win For APWU in MS-47 Maintenance Case - "Custodial Jobs Protected"

Emery Agrees to Pay $10 Million for Submitting Fraudulent Billings to USPS -

USPS to Sell Segway Scooters to General Public

Former Postmaster jailed for stealing over $50k

Postal Worker Sues USPS – Denied Permission to Work Off-the-Clock?

USPS OIG Paper: Postal Officers Travel Expense Guidelines

USPS Mail Processing Facility Faces $44,250 in Fines for Safety Violations

Man Pleads Guilty in Kickback Scheme to Pay Postal OWCP Specialist

APWU Initiates Dispute Over Changes to USPS Computer Security Rules

Postal Worker Injured in Iraq Wins Job Back Under USERRA

USPS to Conduct Search for Sex Offenders on Postal Payroll

Postal Supervisor Fired for Rewarding Employees With Non-Worked Overtime Pay

Reader Raises Concern Over USPS Revised Emergency Salary Authorization Policy

USPS OIG Audit Report: Pasadena P & DC Consolidation

MSPB Upholds Removal of Postal Worker Videotaped Abusing FMLA

USPS to remove stamp machines by 2010

Postal Service Plans for More Than $1 Billion in Cost Reductions

Carrier Fired for Gambling Signed Last Chance Agreement

Mystery Shopper Evaluations Should Not Be Used to Discipline Window Clerks -

National Dispute Initiated Over USPS’ Improper Use of Casuals

Postal Service Lists 139 Facilities As Potential Candidates for Consolidation

Postal Worker Fired for Violating USPS Zero Tolerance Policy

Court Backs USPS in Stamp Trademark Lawsuit

January 31, 2008

Update: Drinking, Driving and Delivering Your Mail

(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) "TODAY’S TMJ4’s Senior Investigative Reporter John Mercure found mailmen hanging out in a local bar…day after day, oftentimes in the middle of the afternoon. Some of them drank beer, and some of them drank liquor, and some of them then got into their postal trucks and drove off. Wait until you see our unscheduled accountability session with one of these mailmen, and what they’re embarrassed boss is telling us." |

McCausland, Iowa: Town has only few months to find new post office
Tallahassee post office responds to downtown mail complaints
Alabama Letter Carrier Charged With Delaying, Destroying Mail
Chicago mail delivery here 'most improved' -- but still worst

Pipe Break Floods Post Office

Mailings to Scientology sites probed

January 30, 2008

APWU Wins $48 Million Settlement In MS-47 Handbook Grievance
The APWU and the Postal Service have finalized a $48 million payout to “remedy” the USPS violation of staffing procedures for custodial employees. The settlement will be in the form of lump-sum payments of $2,700 to more than 17,000 employees occupying custodial positions, with payments to be made by April 18. MS-47 Handbook- 1983 |

Postal Service First-Quarter Results Reflect Drop in Mail Volume

First-Class Mail volume decreased 3.9 percent and Standard Mail decreased 2.6 percent in the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2007. Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President H. Glen Walker attributed the declining mail volume to “disturbing trends” in the overall U.S. economy. “Unfortunately, two key sectors of the economy — finance and housing — suffered a downturn in the first quarter, and they’re both heavy users of the mail,” said Postmaster General John Potter. Postal Service revenue dips with economy's downturn |

Don't Go Postal Over This

Mike Causey: "while the USPS is composed mainly of relatively low-paid clerks and letter carriers, its officer corps does fine." See Big Pay Increases Approved For Top Postal Service Officers. |

Mail Handlers: Potential Changes At Bulk Mail Centers

In the past few days, there have been recent web postings and other communications concerning possible subcontracting or other changes at the Bulk Mail Centers, most of which have been generated by one of our sister postal unions. Although NPMHU officials have received similar information from USPS Headquarters, we saw no need to post such information on the NPMHU website, or to circulate it more widely, precisely because nothing has been finalized, and everything is still subject to change. Quite frankly, we are not interested in confusing the situation with conjecture, thereby creating unnecessary and unwarranted panic on the workroom floor. Also see NEW WAGE SCALES EFFECTIVE ON FEBRUARY 16, 2008 |

Democrat Elected Chairman Of USPS Board of Governors

"Philadelphia attorney Alan C. Kessler was elected chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors and Austin, TX, businesswoman Carolyn Lewis Gallagher was elected vice chairman during today’s Board meeting. Kessler was appointed to the Board by President Clinton in 2000 for a term that expires December 2008. He has served as vice chairman since 2005 and succeeds James C. Miller III as chairman. Miller was appointed to the Board in 2003 for a term that expires December 2010." |

Second anniversary of Goleta postal shooting

Postal worker rescues man and dog from pit bull attack

Volunteers clean up mailboxes vandalized with graffiti

USPS Makes Premium Forwarding Service Permanent

Bryant has more postal complaints

Carl Weaver will deliver his last letter this week

January 29, 2008

Deal Reached On Bill To Compensate FERS Employees For Unused Sick Leave

A draft bill that would compensate some retiring federal employees for unused sick leave is getting sweetened. Retiring employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System would get up to $10,000 in compensation under the latest version of a bill drafted by Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., the Federal Managers Association said Monday. Moran’s previous draft bill had capped that at $5,000. |

APWU, USPS Sign Agreement For Offices Without a Local Union Structure

Teens' Explosive Device Hurts Mail Carrier
Postal worker finds powder -- Substance not hazardous, but carrier falls ill
Express Mail to launch Sunday/Holiday Premium
DMNews: How can the USPS better serve mailers?

January 28, 2008

Bush Administration Seeking Changes To FMLA Regulations

Labor Department officials said on Thursday that they had proposed new regulations that address some corporate complaints that workers are abusing the Family and Medical Leave Act. Under the proposals, workers would generally have to call in to request a leave before taking it; currently, employees can take off for two days before requesting a leave. ... the proposed regulations would allow companies to require doctors to recertify annually that a worker has a serious health condition. Under current rules, doctors can provide a multiyear certification that a worker has a serious condition. |

Post office addresses environment
"When customers call Geneva Postmaster Belinda Bolding, they ask about what happens to refused or undelivered mail. They don’t ask about recycling or other green initiatives the post office undertakes, Bolding said."|

Two gunmen hold up postman, steal wallet

A postal carrier told Buffalo police Saturday that he was robbed at gunpoint by two teens. The carrier said one of the youths stuck a black handgun in his stomach and said, “Give me your wallet.” “You can have it,” the victim said, handing over a wallet containing cash, a credit card and personal papers. “Where’s your phone?” the gunman asked. “I don’t have it,” he answered. Then the robbers, believed to be about 16 to 18 years old, ran off. |

Public praises Postal Service, slams FEMA |

After 30 years, postal carrier trades foot route for one on French Island

USPS mail carrier offers tips on keeping warm

'Do Not Deliver' List Would Bar Papers

Former postmaster immortalized in mural

January 27, 2008

Rapid growth prompts move of postal offices

Whippany Post Office veteran retires after half a century

Postmaster says road too dangerous for route drivers; residents disagree

January 26, 2008

Should Candidates Raise Disappearing Postal Service As Campaign Issue? "Most of the Post Offices and sorting centers the Postal Service wants to close are in swing districts held by republicans. Postal service is important in these districts, and cuts are a great wedge issue to peel off independents who might otherwise vote for the republican incumbent. In the 2006 campaign I sent briefing papers on Postal Service cuts to several Democratic challengers in these districts and at least two of them used my material and won. I'm fired up, and ready to go again. So my question: Is it worth raising the gutting of our Postal Service as a campaign issue?" |

Post office will finally deliver overtime data

The request was a follow-up on a tip that Wisconsin mail carriers were working themselves to the bone, racking up tons of overtime and were unable to take time off. The tipster said that the Postal Service refused to hire more carriers. |

Former Fairplay postal worker faces charges

January 25, 2008

Cops: Mailman is pot dealer

Two Jersey City mailmen in uniform were arrested today with a third man and 4 1/2 ounces of marijuana were seized in a raid that ended a three-week investigation into reports a letter carrier was dealing drugs while making his rounds, officials said. |

Postal Driver Is Robbed Of $11,000

(San Diego) A gunman held up a U.S. Postal Service truck driver and fled with $11,000 yesterday outside a postal store at the College Grove shopping mall in Oak Park, authorities said. The driver was collecting cash, checks and money orders, Postal Inspector Hillary Smith said.|

Man finds mail dumped at abandoned home

A large amount of undelivered mail was found in an abandoned house Thursday morning, said a report by the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office. The man discovered U.S. Mail containers of letters and 20-30 packages, placed on the porch within the last few days. |

Track & Confirm tool allows man to track his package to nowhere

Al Green, who lives in Winthrop, sent a package via parcel post to Alabama five days before Christmas. More than a month later, it still hasn't arrived. Lucky for Green, he paid for delivery confirmation. It's allowed him at least some amusement -- and the ability to track his package as it traveled all over the country except where it needs to go. |

Report: FedEx in talks for DHL purchase
Cairnbrook post office proves magnet for drivers

Connecticut Postal Worker Pleads Guilty To Taking Money Out Of Mail

New OC postmaster sometimes misses her days as carrier

Mail carrier helps capture suspected thief

Post Office Shuffle Includes Closings, Renovation

January 24, 2008

Mailman charged with assaulting cop, hassling cops wife
When an apparently drunk Jersey City mailman insulted the wife of a city police sergeant, the officer waited for him to come out of a bar and arrested him after a scuffle, officials said. Police photographed an open beer in Toth's mail cart and found another in his pocket, reports said. Postal officials took Toth's mail and police also issued him a summons for drinking in public, reports said. Police said that postal officials informed theme that a year ago someone notified Toth's superiors that he sometimes drinks while on his route and that he occasionally stops by bars while on duty, reports said. |

Postal Supervisor Who Allegedly Falsified Records Set For Trial

A supervisor at Lockport’s post office branch accused of filling out false timecards is scheduled for trial in Lockport City Court. Leo J. Wheeler is charged with six misdemeanor counts of second-degree falsifying business records. Wheeler, a post office delivery supervisor, is accused of falsifying the time in attendance records for a female employee under his supervision. Wheeler has been placed on administrative leave from the post office. |

A Shrinking Window Of Opportunity
The U.S. Postal Service has announced that it is cutting back window hours at its only 24-hour post office in the Dallas area. Post office officials said the reduction in hours is about efficiency. New, automated postal machines now available in many post office lobbies have cut into late-night demand at the main office's service windows. The postal employees working the late-night shifts will probably be reassigned to other jobs. |

Postmaster Indicted On Charges of Embezzling Nearly $53,000

Postmaster allegedly misappropriated and converted to his own use money order receipts, stamp stock, and postal revenues totaling $52,678. |

Lexington Institute: Postal Inspector General Delivers Valuable Results

Norfolk custodian claims $1000-a-week lottery prize
Dangerous Mailboxes?

New Sacramento Postmaster sworn in

Rural Carrier Associate shoots girlfriend, 2 others
Postal carrier gets 2 Million Mile honor

Cops: USPS clerk stole cards from mail

Zip codes do a number on new city

Brighton postal workers awesome

Opinion: USPS contributed to burglary try
New allegations rattle Atlanta post office

Postal Worker finds a family she never knew she had

Former postal employee and husband of day care provider sentenced for abuse

January 23, 2008

18-wheeler hauling mail to New Orleans completely destroyed

Staff Told to Protect Thrift Savings Plan's Assets

Mailman delivers love to divorcee, seals it with proposal

Ex-postal employee told to pay restitution

USPS Issues Laptop Safety Alert After Battery Explodes

January 22, 2008

Big Pay Increases Approved For Top Postal Service Officers

Postmaster General John E. “Jack” Potter and seven other senior United States Postal Service officers have been granted large raises, by the Postal Service board of governors. The increases were disclosed by the Postal Service Jan. 3 in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by Linn's. The raises were approved May 2007 retroactive to Jan. 5, 2007,under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, which removed the top Postal Service officers from the federal pay cap that restricts the pay of most federal workers to that of no more than the vice president of the United States. Potter got the biggest increase. His salary jumped nearly 39 percent to $258,840, up from $186,600 in 2007. That’s an increase of $72,240 and the maximum pay allowed to Postal Service officers.|

Postal Service makes play to stay in the game

...in Rochester, postal officials have proposed closing five city branches, opening four new offices — only two of which would offer retail services, because the other two would be for carriers only — and upgrading a retail branch in Greece within the next two years." We're not the only game in town anymore," said Karen Mazurkiewicz, the western New York spokeswoman for the Postal Service. "We have a real need to grow revenue. If not, eventually we'll just price ourselves out of business." |

Former Florida APWU Local President Sentenced to Prison in Theft Case

Pruett, who was on State of Florida probation for an unrelated crime at the time of the offenses, was sentenced to seven (7) months imprisonment, a $500 fine, two (2) years of supervised release, and a $200 special monetary assessment. |

Post office interior to receive new look

Largest Postal Unions Sue to Block IG's Access to Medical Records

Retired mail carrier says he misses making rounds

January 21, 2008

Postal workers face the elements to get the job done

DMNews talks with Dan Blair, chairman, Postal Regulatory Commission

About going postal over orange slips

APWU: NRLB Issues Complaint Against DHL in PA

January 20, 2008

Postal Service is in business to make money

The U.S. Postal Service is probably the last place consumers think they have to be on guard against aggressive pricing and overcharging. That's what Jason Savage, a Raleigh, N.C., entrepreneur, thought until a recent trip to a local post office. Savage went there to mail a musical card. He was charged $1.30 for the 1.3-ounce envelope, which he considered too high. When he called customer service to complain, he got conflicting information. One person told him he should have been charged $1.14; another said 97 cents.|

New York Postal Manager Convicted of Stealing

Prosecutors say that in 2002 and 2003 [the Manager of the Internal Control Group for the Western District] embezzled from the Postal Service by submitting vouchers for about $15,0000 in travel expenses she did not incur. Her job was to travel among postal facilities to check for security issues. |

PO'ed by life without a post office
Cold can't keep some indoors

January 19, 2008

USPS VP: "Limiting advertising mail would cost jobs" |

Ex-postal worker returning from Florida to face charges |

eNAPUS Legislative Newsletter (PDF)
Friends send love letter to postman
Illinois mailman charged with molesting woman is released

January 18, 2008

APWU, NALC Sue USPS and Inspector General for Invasion of Medical-Records Privacy - The American Postal Workers Union and the National Association of Letter Carriers have filed suit against the Postal Service and the Office of Inspector General for systematic and widespread intrusions into the medical records of postal employees. The complaint [PDF], filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Jan. 17, asserts that, beginning in 2006, the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) began surreptitiously seeking and obtaining the medical records of postal workers directly from doctors and hospitals that had provided medical services to postal employees. The practice continues, with the OIG claiming that it has a right to review the records as part of oversight or investigatory activities. NALC statement on OIG suit. |

Police: Mail Carriers Played Video Poker In Mini-Mart Back Room

An investigation into why mail trucks were always sitting outside a Westmoreland County convenience store resulted in four poker machines and $10,000 being confiscated on Thursday. Two letter carriers were among four people playing the machines, which were located in a back room, when police raided the store. According to police, the mailmen were in uniform at the time. |

Postal Service Says It Will Request Proposals to Outsource BMC Activities

The Postal Service has notified the union that it intends to issue a Request for Proposals for the outsourcing of some Bulk Mail Center activities. At a Jan. 9 meeting with APWU national officers, postal officials presented a "pre-decisional briefing" on its Request for Information (RFI) Concerning a Time-Definite Surface Network. |

USPS Contractor Loses Laptop With Employees' Personal Information

On January 9, 2008, the USPS issued a letter advising the class agent of the Cyncar v. Potter Class Action that one of it's contractors, Advanced Solutions Group (ASG), lost a laptop through theft on November 19, 2007. That laptop contained information on the Cyncar v. Potter class action, as well as possibly other class actions throughout the Postal Service. To view that letter, and identity theft precautionary recommendations provided by the USPS, click on this missing laptop link |

USPS to Add Surcharge for Express Mail Delivery on Sundays and Holidays - The BOG approved a $12.50 premium for Sunday and holiday Express Mail delivery. The premium — equal to competitor surcharges for Saturday delivery — reflects the unique delivery option the Postal Service provides on Sundays. As an alternative to Sunday, customers can choose Monday delivery at the standard Express Mail price. “These are the first initiatives that take advantage of the flexibility afforded us by the new pricing regulations under the Postal Act of 2006,” said Potter. |

Former Postal Workers Sent to Prison For Assaulting Manager

According to the guilty plea, testimony at trial and other court documents, both brothers worked at the United States Postal Service Incoming Mail Facility (IMF) in Linthicum, Maryland. On February 8, 2006 at the IMF a supervisor instructed John Bermudez to stop playing cards and return to work. Both defendants argued with the supervisor, who sought the assistance of the manager of the work floor. The brothers attacked the manager by punching and kicking him as he laid on the floor. |

Postal worker denies mail theft charges |

Illinois mailman accused of sexually assaulting woman on his route

Postal rig hits FDNY truck in Queens

New York: Six post offices facing closure

Postal workers sentenced for thefts

Postal workers plead for canine change

January 17, 2008

OIG Responds To NALC President's Recent Message (PDF)

OIG: "Many of you are not familiar with Mr. Young and his reputation for inflammatory rhetoric". Archive: NALC’S Young Message: Good Cop/Bad Cop - Right Here In The USPS |

Lawmakers, witnesses debate fairness of GPO and WEP provisions

Witnesses and members of Congress debated issues of fairness at a Wednesday hearing on the impact of the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision on vulnerable workers, including federal employees. "Federal retirees expect this Congress to finally overturn these laws, which are denying many of our nation's public servants an adequate retirement," Baptiste said. |

USPS Board of Governors to Meet Jan. 29-30, 2008 in Washington, DC

Mail From Plane Crash Unsalvageable |

U.S. Postal collection box stolen in Bakersfield

Homewood residents miss their post office

January 16, 2008

FTC Report: US Postal Service Needs More Autonomy

The U.S. Postal Service is hurt more than it is helped by its status as a government entity, the Federal Trade Commission said in a study released on Wednesday. Federal constraints, such as restrictions on the postal service's ability to manage its labor force and configure its network, increase its costs by an estimated $330 million to $782 million a year, the FTC found. The FTC report recommended that Congress reduce constraints on the postal service, narrow the scope of its monopoly, and make the postal service's competitive products division a separate corporate entity. FTC report rates USPS inefficient in competitive products | Text of the Commission Report (PDF) | Statement of Commissioners Concurring in Part (PDF) |

Postal Clerk Charged With Diverting Mail
In an apparent attempt to keep tabs on her ex-boyfriend, a postal employee allegedly stole his mail by forging his name on a change-of-address form. |

Semi loses load of letters
(Minnesota) A semi truck and trailer headed for the post office in Anoka lost its load of letters at the corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue during the morning commute. Late in the day the U.S. Postal Service did not know how the load was lost out the back of the contract hauler’s semitrailer. |

California -San Jose Post Office Second Most Profitable In Country

Wall Street Hates Your TSP

Postal Service hunts missing mail

Stamp honoring biochemist bears error in formula
Fired letter carrier stashed mail in car, authorities charge
Quebecor World pummelled on uncertainty
Illinois: Newspaper plans rural mail delivery
Marysville postmark back to local mail

Quick-thinking carrier saves woman

Mysterious postcard arrives a little late

January 15, 2008

TrackingTheWorld Designs G.P.S Letter Logger for USPS

Three celebrate the close of their postal careers

Street needs permanent letter carrier

January 14, 2008

Federal Court Upholds Firing of Postal Ambassador

Barry Eck was a 20-year city letter carrier and postal ambassador fired for hitting an off-duty rural carrier while on his route. The Merit System Protection Board upheld his removal and the Federal Court of Appeals affirmed. Fight With Co-Worker - Lose Job (PDF) |

NALC and USPS Q&A On 'Transitional' City Carriers (PDF)

The NALC and USPS have agreed upon an initial, joint “questions and answers” document covering key aspects of the wages, hours and working conditions for transitional employees under the National Agreement. |

Letter: Expeditor dies after on the job fall in Denver parking lot

"Postal Service clerk Eric Smith is being buried at Fort Logan on Monday, January 14 at 1 PM. He fell on ice at the Denver Mail Processing Annex while he was inspecting trailers as part of his job and he hit his head." |

Downed plane was carrying 4,200 pounds of mail

The Coast Guard plans to continue searching tonight for the Alpine Air plane which crashed this morning off Kaua'i. Two to three flights a day carry mail to Kaua'i, he said. Alpine Air is subcontracted by Postal Service contractor Corporate Air to fly mail to several destinations within the state. |

Virginia: Postal Worker Wins $1 Million in Lottery

Edward Perry bought one of four winning tickets in the Virginia Lottery's New Year's Millionaire Raffle on Nov. 28 in Newport News. Perry officially retired Friday from his job at the U.S. Postal Service, where he has worked for 24 years. |

NLRB Issues Complaint Against DHL
USPS May Shelve Plan To Stop Home Delivery On Guam

Mail carrier retiring after 50 years service
Netflix Expands Internet Viewing Option

APWU Seeking COPA Success Stories

Mail-In Voters Become the Latest Prize

Postal Worker Paralyzed After Shooting

Police are still seeking a drive-by gunman who shot a 22-year-old postal worker in the neck Friday, leaving the worker paralyzed. The name of the victim, an Oakland resident, was not released by police. He remains at a local hospital today and police said the prognosis was that he would be permanently paralyzed from the neck down. |

DOL Sues APWU Dallas Local -The U.S. Secretary of Labor sued APWU Local 732 in Dallas Federal Court, to nullify the results of a union election, claiming, among other things, that all candidates were not provided with an electronic mailing list with which to distribute campaign materials. This is the second time in 6 years that DOL has sued the APWU Local. |

January 13, 2008

Rumor: 2.9 Percent Rate Increase On The Way?
According to postcom.org: "Well, the rumor mill is cranking, and it says that the Postal Service will be announcing soon its intention to raise postal rates by 2.9% when calculated at the class level." |

Malcolm Harris is largely responsible for the cost of your postage stamps
Going postal, or at least online, in the fight against junk mail
How much to mail it?
Postal Service reorganization must consider the poor

January 12, 2008

Postal Workers Still Waiting for Portion of Missing Paychecks

Last month thousands of rural carriers across the country did not get all the money they earned just before the holidays thanks to a computer glitch. The workers got 65% of their pay when the glitch was discovered and were told they would have to wait two more weeks for the rest. Melinda Crotts was one of them. Today she hoped to see that money but once again is was missing. |

Video: Postal Worker Accused of Selling Drugs At Work

Boston GMF Electronic Technician arrested for dealing crack - A postal worker accused of dealing more than mail. Police say they busted him dealing drugs in the general mail facility. |

Former Vermont postal employee guilty of $46K embezzlement

NAPUS Testifies Against Do Not Mail Registry

Postal carrier accused of theft quits her job

Los Angeles Postmaster to retire after 44 years

Letter: Thank you, postal workers, for dedication during the holidays
Florida: Accident Destroys 490 Pieces of Priority Mail from Southwest

January 11, 2008

Postal Workforce Stats At A Glance

The following chart was compiled using the On-Rolls and Paid Employee Statistics (ORPES) for the last three years. It is interesting to note that the CLERK Craft numbers has dwindled from a high of 293,829 in 1998 to 202,438 as of December 2007, Pay Period 26. The Rural Carriers craft numbers continue to increase (68, 166). City Carriers also continue to decrease in numbers from 224,218 (2006) to 219,651 (2007). The largest increase is in the number of casuals 17,206 (2006) to 38,743 (2007) and Non-REC Transitional Employees which increased from Zero?? (2006) to 11,950 (2007). |

USPS Retail Cost Cutting (PDF)

APWU via PR reader: "The Postal Service has established new time factors for use in evaluating the number of workers needed on the window. Window Operations Surveys (WOS) are used to analyze staffing in retail units. Staffing needs are generated electronically, based on volume measurements of clock rings, moves, and keystrokes that have been entered into the POS (Point-of-Sale) system. As with almost any computer model, the WOS model does not adequately reflect real-life service and staffing needs." |

Man With 'Bomb' Robs Post Office Of $40

It said, 'This is a bomb, put all your larger bills, 20s and 50s, within the box and do it within two minutes, or I'll blow this place up," said Cannon, who said he was paraphrasing and had not seen the note. The clerk had only $40 in the cash register, which angered the man, who took the cash and fled. |

Former postal employee pleads guilty to mail obstruction

"Vicious" Dog Scares Mailman

Snowstorms bury Tahoe mailboxes
Editorial: Make it easy to end flood of junk mail
Texas: Dog Attacks Mail Carrier-- Owners could face jail time

January 10, 2008

What do you get when you spend $1 million to repair a post office?

"If you guessed a post office that "remains in deteriorating condition, is largely vacant and does not appear critical to the U.S. Postal Services mission..." then you've probably seen the Downtown Fort Worth Station at 251 W. Lancaster Ave. The building, valued at $5,310,520 by the Tarrant Appraisal District, houses obsolete mail-sorting equipment, and its 99,000 square feet of space is mostly empty -- only the main floor of the three-story building is routinely used, according to a December report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office." - GAO Report: US Postal Service Facilities (PDF |

California: Reward Offered For Fake Mail Carrier Robbery Suspect

Tennessee: Mail carrier accused of theft
New York: Letter Carrier Arrested For Stealing Mail

Before a face adorns a stamp, there are challenges to lick

Postman retires after 42 years

January 9, 2008

Postal Service plans to save $1 Billion this year with automation, cost cutting

The U.S. Postal Service starts 2008 with ambitious goals for cost-cutting and modernization. The agency last month unveiled a series of changes to its “road map,” the plan aimed at boosting its revenues over the next few years. The changes are driven, in part, by the 2006 Postal Accountability Enhancement Act, the first postal reform law in 36 years. The plan sets an annual goal of $1 billion in cost reductions that the agency plans to achieve primarily by increasing automation. |

Burrus Asks Locals, States To Seek Support for Subcontracting Legislation

In a letter to the state and local union presidents, Burrus said that winning additional co-sponsors for the bill “must become a top priority” for APWU activists. “It is imperative that union members contact their representatives and let them know that this bill is important to the future of the Postal Service and to postal workers.” He included a sample letter [PDF | MS Word] union members could send to their legislators. |

Acting Postmaster Charged With Assaulting Postal Employees

(Alaska) Harvey Fox was arraigned Tuesday on a federal indictment charging him with assaulting and intimidating two postal employees. Federal officials accuse Fox of assault and intimidation of the two employees between June 2005 and October 2007. Fox had worked at the post office since 2000, and for about two weeks -- until October 11th -- was the officer in charge. Fox was ordered to live in a halfway house in Anchorage pending trial. Former Kipnuk postmaster faces charges for assaulting female co-workers |

25,000 Worth Of Jewelry Missing - Business Owner Suspicious Of USPS - Thousands of dollars worth of designer jewelry is missing, and it was apparently stolen while it was in the care of the United States Postal Service. |

Former Postal Clerk sentenced in identity thefts

A former 27-year postal clerk at a Reading post office was sentenced Tuesday to six months of house arrest for stealing the identities of 19 people who had applied for passports. |

Mailbox takes rightful place at new Hilltop post office
Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Unveils Free Online Service

Postal Service phasing out vending machines

Mail More, Pay Less: A Postal Strategy

Pitney Bowes Launches Website Focused on Intelligent Mail Barcode Implementation

January 8, 2008

EEO Class Action Suit Approved for Disabled Vets

"Sam Nicholson of Nicholson Revell LLP and James Allen of Nece Allen LLP were successful in getting a nationwide class action certified against the United States Postal Service based upon a violation of the Rehabilitation Act. The Postal Service engaged in a pattern of discriminatory activity against disabled veterans by requiring them to produce their medical records prior to a conditional offer of employment. The class consists of potentially over 21,000 disabled veterans throughout the entire United States and Puerto Rico, who made application for employment with the postal service beginning on March 19, 2004 until the present. In the order dated September 20, 2007 certifying the class, an administrative judge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has directed the Postal Service to provide notice to all class member within 30 days of the date of the order. If you believe you are a member of this class please contact our office by phone or by email." |

APWU: They Love to Hate Us

Postal Points, a mailing industry newsletter, has enjoyed taking potshots at the APWU for quite a while, but the vitriol seems to have increased lately. |

Pit Bull Bites Postal Worker

Lack of postal service a dilemma for some Horizon residents

San Jose Postal Carrier Honored For 50 Years Of Service

Thrift Savings Plan Growing and Changing

TSP to Frequent Traders: "Go Play Somewhere Else"

SC town lobbying for post office

State being stamped with wrong image

Mail Carrier Delivers Same Route For 50 Years

Theft victims want stronger mailboxes

Brandon post office accused of ageism

January 7, 2008

Light Bulb Shipments Pose Problems for Maryland Post Offices

Allegheny Power’s efforts to supply its 220,000 residential Maryland customers with energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs might have burned out some post office personnel. The Hagerstown Post Office says each box had to be individually scanned, then delivered, forcing several carriers to work overtime. In Funkstown, the shipments arrived at the Post Office with street addresses, even though the town only delivers mail to post office boxes. And in Boonsboro, shipments of bulbs arrived on skids that were too big for the Post Office to handle. Workers had to work overtime to break down the boxes, then make the deliveries. |

Federal Register: Implementation of Intelligent Mail Barcodes
In January 2009, mailers will be required to meet one of two options using Intelligent Mail barcodes to access automation prices for letters and flats. |

Almost Perfect Delivery |

Post office needs to adjust schedule |

Ex-Boyfriend Gets 15 Years In Slaying of California Postmaster

Public choice in action

Mail delivery problems in one Springs neighborhood

Alcoa Post Office employees praised

Carolina Shores fights for full post office
Lebanon residents want damaged post office restored

January 6, 2008

APWU: Primaries Offer a Ray of Hope

Burrus: The results of the 2008 Iowa caucuses have been finalized, and Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee have been declared the winners. The results are surprising, and they offer a ray of hope about the democratic process. Although APWU as an institution has not expressed preferences in the primary process, the Iowa results offer hope for the future. Message from NALC President Young - The results of the Iowa caucuses are in, and contrary to what you might be hearing from the media spin machines, NALC’s endorsed candidate is on track for the Democratic nomination. Sure, I was a little disappointed that Sen. Hillary Clinton was not named the “winner” in Iowa, but she had a very strong showing and is well positioned to win in New Hampshire. |

Photo: Patriotic Looking Post Office

Oregon: Mail theft plagues area
Don't get tagged as junk mailer

Postal Service Balks at Address Changes
Now and Then: Early 20th century height of 'postcard craze'

January 5, 2008

Postal Watchdog Files Complaint Over USPS Elimination of Bound Printed Matter Rate - Douglas F. Carlson, an attorney and self-professed postal watchdog has filed a complaint with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) alleging that the Postal Service after May 14, 2007 eliminated bound printed matter as a mailing option for customers. |

Westrum family has 103 years of postal work
Roanoke postal workers to split $50,000 lottery winnings

FedEx drivers use IRS review as leverage
Car Backs Into Post Office

Indiana Post Office Murals Deliver

Postmaster retires after 40-plus years with USPS

Mail mix-up may cost charity thousands

January 4, 2008

Information Technology Crucial to USPS’ Updated Business Strategy - IT systems will play a large role in many of the agency’s plans to shave about $1 billion off its costs this year ..Labor costs represent 79 percent of USPS' operating costs, the plan states, and the agency “is redoubling efforts to anticipate and match workload with the most efficient staffing.” However, William Burrus, president of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), said that figure is misleading because it includes managers and agency executives, who have higher salaries than most union employees. APWU is the largest union, with affiliated employees’ salaries representing about 20 percent of total USPS expenditures and about 300,000 employees. |

Mail Carrier Retires After 57-Plus Years

Robert "Bobby" Felan, 78, retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 57 years and seven months of government service. Felan received awards including a Rolex watch, a service award and recognition for accumulating more than 3,000 hours of sick leave. |

Video: Beloved Palm Beach Postal Worker Tom Jones Last Day on Job

Man pretended to be postal worker to get into Whitney estate
Lillian Vernon chief assigns layoff blame to rising postal costs

Postal Inspector Alarmed by Number of People Still Falling for Money Order Scam

January 3, 2008

Mail Handler Sentenced to Prison for Workers' Comp Fraud

A former Postal Worker who admitted defrauding the U.S. Postal Service of nearly $393,000 in worker's compensation payments was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison. |

Netflix Partners With LG to Bring Movies Straight to TV

The move could help transform Netflix from a successful company with a cumbersome dependence on physical media and the Postal Service into an important player in a rapidly emerging digital media landscape. |

Postal Bulletin - 1/3/08 Issue

Snail Mail Woes

Suspect arrested in Stowe mail theft

A Columnist's lesson in humor

Linn's 2007 Stamp Poll

Town getting nearly ZIP after USPS does away with code

30-year postman retires from route

Maine: Postal Worker Charged With Theft
Maryland: Carrier takes pride in postal delivery
Fire damages mail; postal workers endeavor to deliver what was saved
PRC seeks comment on USPS annual compliance report
Postal Service seeks public's aid

January 2, 2008

Former Postal Public Affairs VP Jaffer Starts Own Consulting Business

According to a PostalReporter reader: Azeezaly Jaffer, former USPS Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications has started his own public relations consulting business. |

Valassis Shifting Coupons From Mail, Newspaper Inserts To Web

On Jan. 3, Valassis Communications, which distributes paper coupons for products like Eggo waffles and Dr Pepper cola, will take a giant leap onto the Internet by introducing a portal for coupons called RedPlum.com . Until now, Valassis had distributed coupons primarily through newspaper inserts and snail mail envelopes. Now the company will focus on promoting the RedPlum (formerly Advo) brand, using its traditional paper circulars to direct people to the Web site. |

Postal Inspectors: Not Secret, No Longer Silent

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been called the “silent service” because, for most of the 20th century, this federal law enforcement and security agency did not seek publicity. However, for as long as there has been a mail system in the United States, there has been an agency in place to fight crimes involving the U.S. Mail, the Post Office Department, and, later, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). |

Letter carrier's book of short stories brings Minneapolis neighborhood to life

There are still some neighborhoods in the Twin Cities where everyone knows the mailman, and the mailman knows everyone. That's the basis of Vincent Wyckoff's book of stories, "Beware of Cat." The book, released early in 2007, was nominated for a Minnesota Book Award last month. click here for an earlier review of the book. |

Retired postal worker comfortable fit in upholstery business

January 1, 2008

Former Florida APWU Local President Pleads Guilty to Theft of Mail

On November 2, 2007, a former Sales and Service Associate (SSA), who was APWU president of the Playground Area Local , pled guilty to 1 count of Theft of Mail by Postal Employee and 1 count of Delay of Destruction of Mail by a Postal Employee. The guilty plea stemmed from a OIG investigation into an allegation that postal management suspected the SSA of rifling mailpieces and parcels destined as Return-to-Sender or endorsed as undeliverable. PostalReporter.com: According to his indictment, he took two cigarette lighters, two Victoria’s Secret free panty cards, a Florida State University neoprene bottle cooler and an Apple iPod. After waiving his Miranda rights, he signed a 9-page statement which contained incriminating evidence against him. Although he was issued a notice of removal, he is fighting it through the grievance procedure. |

Mail carrier recovering from severe crash injuries
Homeowners discover their mailbox charred
USPS FY 2007 Annual Compliance Report (PDF)

USPS OIG Audit Report on AVUS in Capital Metro Area (PDF)

USPS OIG Audit Report on AMS Info in Southwest Area (PDF)

Last mail call for Akron carrier

Thieves target mailboxes; neighbors frustrated over post office's response

Labor Arbitrator Nicholas Zumas Dies