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May 1st, 2008 HotlineApril 25th, 2008 HotlineApril 18th, 2008 HotlineApril 10th, 2008 HotlineApril 5th, 2007 Hotline January 18th, 2007 HotlineThank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday May 1, 2008. Sad News: Our condolences go to Past National NAPUS President, Joyce Turney who just lost her beloved husband, Francis. Cards may be sent to Mrs. Joyce Turney, 2018 Berkshire Avenue, S. Pasadena CA. 91030-4202. The memorial service for Francis Turney is scheduled for Friday, May 2, at 4:00 p.m. at Neighborhood Unitarian Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, California 91103. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to Neighborhood Church, General Endowment Fund, or to Convalescent Aid Society, 3255 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA. 91107. Notice: The demand for the Forever Stamp continues to increase as the May 12, 2008 stamp price change approaches. These past few weeks, customers have been buying Forever Stamps at a rate of about 30 million per day, bringing the amount sold to more than (6) billion since they were first offered in April 2007. The Forever Stamp, as the name suggests, can be used to mail a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter at any time in the future without additional postage, regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used and no matter how prices may change. Note: The Board of Governors will meet May 6-7, 2008 in Washington, DC, at Postal Service Headquarters. The expected agenda items include: remarks from the Chairman of the Board-Alan Kessler and Postmaster General and CEO- John Potter; quarterly reports on service and financial performance; and updates on capital investments. (Richmond,VA., Processing & Distribution Center; and New York, NY. - International Service Center) As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday April 25, 2008. Need to Know: During a recent Registered Mail security review by the Postal Inspection Service it was revealed that the Postal Service generates more than 71% of the Registered Mail volume handled in the system. Note: Inquiries have been brought to the NAPUS office regarding the issue of no-fee Post Office boxes. Clarification of current regulations on no-fee PO Boxes can be found in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) under 509.4.6.2 and 509.4.6.3. On April 25, 2008 I attended the quarterly meeting on our NAPUS Liberty Mutual Group service benefit plan. More and more NAPUS members are finding that this (auto-home-boat-etc.) insurance group is providing savings and increased benefits to the membership. For information go to the NAPUS web page (www.napus.org) and hit the icon membership services. In the up-coming May-June issue of the Gazette, an article about their benefits will be presented. Make a choice to compare the NAPUS discounts and the joint policy discounts that Liberty Mutual can give you as a NAPUS member. One group we ALL need to thank for all the hard work this year is the Post Office Closing committee made up of our own retired NAPUS Postmasters. This committee is chaired by Betty Eickler. Some success stories: Posey, CA; Hampden, ND; Peace, MO; and Broomes Island, MD. Thank you. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday April 10, 2008. On April 1-2, 2008 the Board of Governors met at Postal Service Headquarters in the Ben Franklin Room. Usually the second day of meetings is open for the public to attend as it was in this case starting at 08:30 a.m. on April 2. Remarks were made by the Chairman of the Board Alan Kessler and the PMG John Potter, along with the usual committee reports and reports on the capital investments. These included information on the Advanced Facer Canceller System; Integrated Data System-National Directory Support System; and the Bethpage, NY, Logistics and Distribution Center. On April 7, 2008 the Ponemon Institute released its results on its annual survey on the premier privacy trust study asking consumers to rank 74 government agencies. More than 86% of the 9,000 Americans surveyed ranked the Postal Service first among the agencies as the one that is best able to keep their information safe and secure. The Postal Service again for the fourth time in a row was honored as “Most Trusted”. Update: In a follow-up with Art Gilbert, Manager Variance Services USPS at Postal Headquarters on the CSV system up-coming changes, he stated that the programming changes have been completed and they are now testing the system to see if the formula changes took. The changes should be seen live in the “field” with in the next two weeks. These changes include among others the box equivalent being changed to 120 rented boxes in the distribution matrix down from the 500 rented boxes it is currently. All the changes will be retroactive to the start of the FY once it is turned over. The chairman of the OIG Dave Williams and President Dale Goff met on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 to discuss Postmaster issues. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday April 10, 2008. On April 1-2, 2008 the Board of Governors met at Postal Service Headquarters in the Ben Franklin Room. Usually the second day of meetings is open for the public to attend as it was in this case starting at 08:30 a.m. on April 2. Remarks were made by the Chairman of the Board Alan Kessler and the PMG John Potter, along with the usual committee reports and reports on the capital investments. These included information on the Advanced Facer Canceller System; Integrated Data System-National Directory Support System; and the Bethpage, NY, Logistics and Distribution Center. On April 7, 2008 the Ponemon Institute released its results on its annual survey on the premier privacy trust study asking consumers to rank 74 government agencies. More than 86% of the 9,000 Americans surveyed ranked the Postal Service first among the agencies as the one that is best able to keep their information safe and secure. The Postal Service again for the fourth time in a row was honored as “Most Trusted”. Update: In a follow-up with Art Gilbert, Manager Variance Services USPS at Postal Headquarters on the CSV system up-coming changes, he stated that the programming changes have been completed and they are now testing the system to see if the formula changes took. The changes should be seen live in the “field” with in the next two weeks. These changes include among others the box equivalent being changed to 120 rented boxes in the distribution matrix down from the 500 rented boxes it is currently. All the changes will be retroactive to the start of the FY once it is turned over. The chairman of the OIG Dave Williams and President Dale Goff met on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 to discuss Postmaster issues. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday April 4, 2008. Notice: The NAPUS Supplemental Retirement Plan permits you to voluntarily establish your own Individual Retirement Account (IRA: Traditional and Roth) and /or Non-Qualified Deferred Annuity Account (interest accumulates on a tax-deferred basis). IRA and Deferred Annuity contributions are Guaranteed 4% on all deposits made by June 20, 2008. More information can be found by going to the “breaking news” icon on the NAPUS web page. Posting is up. Note: Gerri Swarm, Executive Assistant to the National President wants to remind those attending the National Convention in St. Louis, MO. August 23-28, 2008 about their room reservations at the Renaissance Hotel. Many have reserved more than one room, and now is the time to let those extra rooms go back to the room block if not needed. Postmasters want to be in the Headquarters hotel and are finding it hard to get a room. The Renaissance phone number is 314-621-9600. Every room being held on June 23, 2008 will be charged a non-refundable room deposit. Thank you. On April 4, 2008 a new web site was added to the NAPUS web page under the icon Postal News Links. This USPS web site page features their newsroom updates. Please visit this site under the icon Postal News Links at www.usps.com/news. On April 1, 2008 President’s Dale Goff of NAPUS and Charlie Mapa of the League and Ken Engstrom, Executive Director of NAPUS met with the Postal Service at Postal Headquarters to talk about the WSC system. (Work Service Credits) The packet we had presented to the Postal Service was discussed. A further meeting is scheduled on this issue. A new addition to the NAPUS web page includes an icon titled “NAPUS & PAC Membership Pins”. Hitting this icon will give you pictures and prices of every Membership and PAC pin at the NAPUS office. It will also give you directions on who to contact for information on these pins. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday March 28, 2008. NOTICE: The 2008 NAPUS PMR Limited Benefit Health Plan will have an OPEN season which will begin on May 1- June 30, 2008. Soon there will be information on the web page about three new and improved plan designs being offered. This information should be available next week. On Thursday, March 27 President Dale Goff had a meeting with Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe to go over USPS operational concerns and Postmaster issues. The new information on the upcoming May 12, 2008 Postal Rate Change is in the NAPUS web page under “breaking news”. If your have any questions please visit this site. Also for your information is an icon labeled FY2008 “Cheat Sheet” with all the new rates effective May 12, 2008. On March 27, 2008 the Postal Regulatory Commission released its first annual compliance determination report on the U.S. Postal Service Performance which details the financial and service performance of the Service for fiscal year 2007. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 requires this determination annually (39 U.S.C & 3653). The full report is available at the Commission’s website, www.prc.gov. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday March 21, 2008. Need to Know: On March 11, 2008 the Postal Service sent the NAPUS office a proposed revision to Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation, concurrently with Employee and Labor Relations Manual, Chapter 7, Training and Development. The proposed revisions will allow for an intermediate trip home when an employee is in long-term training or on detail for three weeks or longer, and will allow the employee’s approving manager to pre-authorize a weekend return trip to a location other than home. On March 18, 2008 the Postal Service informed the management associations of a memorandum to the field regarding the Pay-for-Performance Mid-Year Review and Interim Ratings processes. This memorandum written by Mangala P. Gandhi, Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition will be up on the NAPUS web page today for review under the NPA/PFP icon. A couple of points: the PES (Performance Evaluation System) will open on Monday, March 31, 2008. At that time, employees may begin to submit accomplishments toward the objectives for their position (permanent or detail) held on March 28, 2008; employees need to check the information on their profiles to make sure it is correct; and a change in the system is that employees can now see their interim ratings in PES and don’t have to wait until the end of the year. On March 20, 2008 the Postal Service sent the NAPUS office information on the Quick Start Guides for the FY 2008 Pay-for-Performance Mid-Year process for employees and evaluators. This information will be up on the NAPUS web page today under the icon heading NPA/PFP. The 2008 NAPUS Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. was completed on March 20. State NAPUS officers and chairs received training and visits were made to the “hill” carrying the message on our issues. Postmaster General Jack Potter and Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe spoke to the general session on Monday morning. Dan Blair, Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission also spoke to the general session on Monday morning. A Postal Panel was conducted with eight high ranking Postal Headquarters employees each giving a brief summary of their job function and taking questions from the floor. Present were: Mangala Gandhi-Manager, Selection, Evaluation & Recognition, who is over Pay-for Performance-eCareer Policy-Recruitment & Hiring-Selection & Placement-Evaluations-Testing; Tom Henry-A/Manager, Field Operations Requirements & Planning, who is over the NPA process; Fred Hintenach-Manager, Customer Service Operations, who oversees all Retail Operations-Function 4 Operations-CFS; Rich Rudez-Manager, Retail Operations, who is over Mystery Shopper-eLearning training-PO Boxes-Retail Operations programs & policies-PO Closings & Suspensions-Retail design-Retail Budgeting & Revenue Projection; Jim Kiser-Manager, Deliver Operations, who is over City & Rural Delivery Operations; Nancy Laich-Manager, HR Shared Services, who is over all HR Shared Services; Vince DeVito-Executive Director, SOX Management, Control & Integration, who is over the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Compliance; and John Mularski-Manager, Complement Staffing & Field Policy, who is over Complement Staffing-WSCs-SWCs. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday March 13, 2008. NAPUS Leadership Conference: The NAPUS headquarter officers will be attending the conference starting Friday March 14, 2008 thru Wednesday March 19, 2008 and will not be in the national office. On March 6, 2008 President Dale Goff wrote a letter to the Honorable James Moran, member of Congress, strongly supporting his efforts to provide sick leave equity between the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). In part he states: Postmasters recognize the managerial chaos created by the different way unused sick leave is treated under CSRS, in contrast to FERS. Soon-to-be FERS annuitants are compelled to exhaust their unused sick leave immediately prior to retirement; however, CSRS annuitants may receive compensation for their unused leave. NAPUS believes the Congressman’s approach is fair and reasonable. It would also help the Postal Service and the Postmasters in general manage their Post Offices more efficiently. Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble along with the NAPUS Postmaster Audit Committee conducted the annual audit this week at the National NAPUS office. The results along with the CPA review will be presented to the NAPUS National Executive Board on Friday, March 14, 2008. On March 11-12, 2008 the League and NAPUS sent representatives to Postal Headquarters for a meeting on Small Office Variance (SOV). The management organizations received input on the upcoming changes and will be afforded the opportunity to give comments on the changes. The NAPUS National Executive Board will be meeting starting Friday March 14 and ending Saturday March 15, 2008 at this Leadership Conference. The Postal Service will make a presentation to the Board on Customer Service Variance Systems (CSV). A consultative secession will follow with the Postal Service and the Executive Board on several issues. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday 29, 2008. Notice: It is still not too late to attend the Leadership Conference held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia this March 15-20, 2008. Registration can be made by going on the NAPUS web page at www.NAPUS.org. Check the program on the web for the events. On Thursday, February 29, 2008 the Postal Service notified the NAPUS office of the “FY 2008 Pay-for-Performance Administrative Rules for EAS Employees.” These rules are now up on the NAPUS web page. To retrieve the rules, please go to the icon labeled NPA/PFP. The state NAPUS convention circuit has started with the Alaska Convention this weekend. President Dale Goff is attending. The trip will also involve working on the details of next years National Convention in Anchorage, AK. Need to Know: The Postal Service public affairs and communications office plan to promote the benefits of the Forever Stamp through every press release regarding the May price increase. This plan has raised concerns about the availability of sufficient quantities of the stamp to meet customers’ demand. The current production plan will generate a ten (10) month supply of the retail Forever Stamp booklets (676600) to last through May. More information soon will be coming online. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday 29, 2008. Notice: It is still not too late to attend the Leadership Conference held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia this March 15-20, 2008. Registration can be made by going on the NAPUS web page at www.NAPUS.org. Check the program on the web for the events. On Thursday, February 29, 2008 the Postal Service notified the NAPUS office of the “FY 2008 Pay-for-Performance Administrative Rules for EAS Employees.” These rules are now up on the NAPUS web page. To retrieve the rules, please go to the icon labeled NPA/PFP. The state NAPUS convention circuit has started with the Alaska Convention this weekend. President Dale Goff is attending. The trip will also involve working on the details of next years National Convention in Anchorage, AK. Need to Know: The Postal Service public affairs and communications office plan to promote the benefits of the Forever Stamp through every press release regarding the May price increase. This plan has raised concerns about the availability of sufficient quantities of the stamp to meet customers’ demand. The current production plan will generate a ten (10) month supply of the retail Forever Stamp booklets (676600) to last through May. More information soon will be coming online. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday February 22, 2008. Reminder: The NAPUS Leadership Conference will soon be here. (March 15-20, 2008) You can still register by going to the NAPUS web page, www.napus.org. The registration fee is still $125.00. The on-site fee will be 149.00. See you there. On 2-12-2008, President Dale Goff had a meeting with Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe and his staff going over operational issues. Postmaster concerns were also discussed. Notice: The time to change our clocks will soon be here. Daylight Savings Time begins at (2) a.m. on the second Sunday of March. That date for this year 2008 is March 9th. Please remember to “Spring Ahead” one hour. Safety tip: This would be a good time also to change those batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. On 2-15, 2008 the Postal Service notified the NAPUS office of a proposed revision and renaming of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting. The proposed new name will be Handbook F-1, Accounting and Reporting Policy. They are also creating a new Handbook F-101, Field Accounting Procedures (FAP). These changes place current policies in one handbook and current procedures in another. This should help researching either policies or procedures. On 2-21, 2008 President Dale Goff had a meeting with Jack Potter, Postmaster General at Postal Headquarters. The topic was revenue generation in the Postal Service. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday February 15, 2008. Note: The Postal Service notified the management associations on February 14, 2008 that the national implementation of eCareer first nationwide posting will be on April 1, 2008. It states that this will make it easier, faster, and more convenient for employees to search and apply for new positions. The Human Resources Shared Services Center in Greensboro, NC will handle all EAS vacancy processing activities. Need to Know: On May 12, 2008, the Postal Service will adjust prices for mailing services-First Class Mail; Standard Mail; Periodicals; Package Services; and Special Services. The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. A First-Class Mail stamp will be $.42. The Post-Card will be priced at $.27. Customers can continue to use the Forever Stamps even after the price change. NAPUS sends thoughts and prayers to those who suffered from the recent tornadoes. Post Offices were damaged in the states of Tennessee and Arkansas. NAPUS President Dale Goff and the NAPUS Staff wish everyone a safe and happy Presidents Day. It is also noted joyous tidings extended Valentines Day this past Thursday. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday February 7, 2008. Posted on the NAPUS web in the eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin, the first headline states “Miller-Time” Comes to an End. The Board of Governors met last week and elected Alan Kessler as Chairman, to succeed James Miller 111. At this same meeting, the Board also elected Carolyn Gallagher as Vice Chairman. It is interesting reading and the site is open to all. On February 4, 2008 all three management organizations met to discuss issues that concern all the groups. NAPUS, League, and NAPS will continue these monthly meetings working for the benefit of all three memberships. Reminder: The Leadership Conference March 15-20, 2008 is being held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia. As mentioned in a past “hotline”, this is looking to be a very well attended conference this year. You can register on the NAPUS web page by going to www.napus.org. The room block at the overflow hotel, (Crown Plaza Hotel) is due to expire at the end of next week. It is the same rate as the Marriott Crystal Gateway ($173.00 a night; 1 to 4 people) and is accessible through the underground tunnel from the Marriott Crystal Gateway, only two blocks away. The hotel phone number is 703-416-1600. Please refer to the NAPUS Block when booking your room. This information is also on our NAPUS web page. Need to Know: Five new Retail eLearning courses are now available for EAS and Bargaining Unit employees. These courses can be accessed through the Automated Enrollment System (AES). Exempt EAS employees can self enroll and Non-Exempt and Bargaining Unit employees will need to be enrolled by a manager who has an AES Account. The new courses are: POS Front Office eLearning-Course #41201-66; POS Back Office Administration eLearning-Course #41201-65; POS Back Office Closeout eLearning-Course #41201-67; APC Host Training eLearning-Course #11201-49; and APC Service Training eLearning-Course #2301-29. On Friday, February 1, 2008 I attended our quarterly meeting with our Liberty Mutual Benefit plan representatives. The new benefit plan for our NAPUS members is doing very well. The reason I bring this up is that there are many plans on our NAPUS web page that the membership can take advantage. Visit the Membership Benefits icon on the NAPUS web at www.NAPUS.org to see if a benefit plan can help you. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday February 1, 2008. On January 30, 2008 I attended a meeting at the Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum regarding “Portrait of the Postal Worker”. This is a group put together by Nancy Pope, Need to Know: The Postal Service confirmed on January 28, 2008 that Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) is now a permanent service. Customers can enroll at the Post Office serving their permanent address (a government issued photo ID and proof of permanent address are required). There is a one-time application fee of $10.00, and the weekly forwarding fee is $11.95. Customer Service Variance Programs: The Postal Service is currently rolling out variance programs during the month of January. The Customer Service Adjusted Workload (CSAW) is the most recent component of the Customer Service Variance programs to be rolled out. In a letter from Kathy Ainsworth, Vice President, Delivery & Retail on January 29, 2008 to all Vice Presidents, Area Operations she states the CSV complement model should not be the sole source of permanent staffing decisions. This is especially true of the early stages, as units work through and validate the integrity of the data. There is a need to ensure adequate time is being provided to conduct training for this new system. It is critical that all users understand and know how to use the tools effectively. The Postal Service is currently in the process of working through all the various comments/ suggestions on changes within the system. This includes the information the management associations gave the Postal Service a short time back at a meeting on these issues at Bolger Academy. (January 9, 2008) Note: The Postal Service notified President Dale Goff that they will be conducting a pilot test for recycling small electronics. The test will include providing mailing envelopes featuring a Merchandise Return Service (MRS) permit to customers in post office lobbies (via a stand-alone dispenser) to utilized for mailing unwanted electronics items to an eco-friendly disposal facility operated by Core Recycling. Target items for recycling include: Inkjet cartridges; Cell phones; Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s); Digital cameras; MP3 Players (including iPods); any other electronics items that fit in the envelope provided. This test should begin in selected facilities on March 1, 2008 and continue for six months. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom
NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 25, 2008. It looks like the Leadership Conference March 15-20, 2008 is going to be well attended. The NAPUS room block has filled up and we have now signed a contract for overflow rooms beginning 1/24/08 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located (2) blocks from the Marriott Crystal Gateway. It is also accessible through the underground tunnel from the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel. The room rate is the same rate of $173.00 a night (1-4 people). This room block expires on February 15, 2008, or when the rooms run out. The address of the Crowne Plaza Hotel is: 1480 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. 22202. Their phone number is 703-416-1600, and please refer to the NAPUS Block, when booking a room. This information is also now up on the NAPUS web page. Remember you can register by going on the NAPUS web page at www.NAPUS.org. On January 9, 2008 a meeting was held at Postal Headquarters regarding an update briefing on the First Script-Prescription Card Program. This program has had a very positive trend with the amount of prescriptions being processed and savings being recognized by the Postal employees enrolled in the program. The program is rolling out its FY2008 initiatives with: Durable Medical Equipment, Medical Imaging and Testing, and other Program Benefits. Contact your District office for more information. PMR Raise: Many questions have come into the NAPUS office this week on the PMR raise. To clarify, the PMR/OIC’s receive an annual salary increase based on the Corporate NPA score for that FY. This past FY07, that score was a Box 7, which equals a 5% increase in their pay that was effective January 5, 2008 and in their paychecks on January 25, 2008. There are no lump sum payments for PMRs/OICs. There may be some confusion since the new PMR/OIC salary schedule went into effect the same time frame as the annual salary increase to allow more room for increases in the maximums and was coincidentally a 5% increase to the minimums and the maximums. On January 24, 2008 the League and NAPUS met with the Postal Service to discuss the SWC packet that was presented to them. The exchange of information will continue. Note: On January 22, 2008 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued the report “Accounting for Laws that Apply Differently to the United States Postal Service and its Private Competitors.” The report concluded that “from the USPS’s perspective, its unique legal status likely provides it with a net competitive disadvantage versus private carriers.” This conclusion runs counter to the arguments made by the USPS’s competitors and could put to rest arguments that private sector firms need protection from the USPS. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 18, 2008. Sad News: Executive Asst. to the National NAPUS President Gerri Swarm lost her brother Sean J. Bergin this past Sunday. Cards may be sent to Gerri and her family c/o the National Office, 8 Herbert St. Alexandria, VA. 22305. NAPUS wishes the family condolences in this time of sorrow. On Wednesday, January 16, 2008 NAPUS President Dale Goff met with Jack Potter Postmaster General and the other management organizations and unions receiving a growth and revenue review at Postal Headquarters. Also on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Frances Rosenfield (retired Postmaster of Great Neck, NY) testified on behalf of NAPUS before the House Ways and Means Committee in Washington D.C. on the GPO. President Dale Goff will be attending over the weekend the Washington State NAPUS Mid-Winter Conference. Need to Know: On January 16, the Postal Service notified the NAPUS office that it intends to replace the paper version of the PS Form 1769, Accident Report, with an electronic version of the form. The repetition of certain information will be eliminated. On January 15, Pat Donahoe Deputy Postmaster General sent a letter to the “field” up-dating fiscal year 2008 First-Class Service Targets. Those new targets approved by the Board of Governors were presented in a briefing to the management associations last week. Need to Know: On January 17, 2008 the Board of Governors approved two new shipping initiatives: a larger Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box (which holds more than 50% than the current box), with a special discount for overseas military addresses; and a new Sunday and holiday delivery price for Express Mail. Both initiatives are effective March 3, 2008. The new premium for Express Mail in the Sunday and holiday delivery is $12.50, equal to competitor surcharges for Saturday delivery, reflects the delivery options that the Postal Service provides over its competition. On January 15, 2008 a statement was issued by the Postal Service to the Area Vice Presidents in regards to a FY08 NPA Modification to the % DPS Indicator. This change did result from the input of the Management Organizations. The revision states: NPA indicators are measured as Year to Date (YTD) with the final September YTD score applying to the final NPA rating calculation. To encourage continuous improvement in % DPS, this indicator will change to be measured on a monthly, rather than YTD, basis. Therefore, only September % DPS performance results will be used in the final end-of-year NPA rating calculation. This new method of calculation will focus on the most current performance levels rather than cumulative results when efforts to improve performance are underway. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom
NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 11, 2008. Note: The NAPUS “oath” for the installation of officers is now up on the NAPUS web page. This is under the reference documents icon on the web page. On Tuesday, January 8, 2008 President Dale Goff along with the other management associations attended a meeting with Pat Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General going over operational issues. Postmaster concerns of ALL the management organizations were also brought to the Postal Service attention. On Wednesday, January 9, 2008 again ALL three management associations met with Kathy Ainsworth, Vice President Delivery and Retail and her staff at the Bolger Academy to discuss and give input on the CSV, CSSOM, and CSSAW programs. The exchange between the groups was very open and the Postal Service did commit to reinforce any and all changes to the programs by the end of the month to the “field”. Note: Both NAPUS and the League presented a SWC packet to the Postal Service some time back. We will be having a follow up meeting with the Postal Service on this issue on January 24, 2008. We have been receiving some information on how the SWC is affecting areas in the “field”, and would welcome more information sent to the National office for the up-coming meeting. The NAPUS Leadership Conference will be held March 15-20, 2008. The registration form can be found on the NAPUS web page at www.napus.org. Rooms can be reserved by calling the Crystal Gateway Marriott at 703-920-3230. NAPUS room block only goes to February 8, 2008 and if it goes like the last few years, most of the rooms are booked in January. Don’t hesitate to reserve your room early. The banquet will be held on Tuesday night, March 18, 2008 and the Legislative Breakfast/Rally is planned for Wednesday morning, March 19, 2008. Visits to the “hill” should be planned for both Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons that week. See you there! Note: Don’t forget the National Convention this year being held in St Louis Mo. over August 23-28, 2008 when you are making your plans for the Leadership Conference this March. As of the end of December, we have 1,083 registrants for the convention. This number is 321 more than the same time last year. Come join the family and attend. Note: Remember to visit the NAPUS web page under the member services icon and continue to the NAPUS membership benefits icon. This will highlight the benefits that NAPUS does offer the membership. The Liberty Mutual site just updated their NAPUS web site on their services they offer. Check out this new site. On January 7, 2008 the Postal Service notified the NAPUS office on the Pay for Performance FY 2007. As of January 25, 2008 employees will be able to see their ratings in PES. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 4, 2008. Safety Tip: Many Postmasters are experiencing currently winter weather hazards of snow and ice. Some common sense should be used when removing snow and ice, either at work or at home. Stay warm and dry to prevent hypothermia. Dress in layers. Use waterproof footwear and clothing. Keep a change of socks and gloves handy in case yours get wet. In real cold conditions, make sure you protect your hands, toes and cheeks from frostbite. Take it easy when you shovel so you don’t injure your back or risk a heart attack. Push the snow when you can. Don’t lift it. Take frequent breaks. Don’t overheat, and drink plenty of water. Remember-Be Safe! Need to Know: The Retail Equipment and Retail Operations office will be testing barcode labels being printed on the Postal Validation Imprinter (PVI). The test is scheduled to start the end of February 2008 or the beginning of March 2008 and run for three months. The only change that will be seen by Retail Associates is that the PVI will generate two labels at the end of a package mailing transaction where no extra services have been purchased. The second label is a barcode label that the Retail Associate will place on the package in addition to the regular The Postal Service notified NAPUS that it is sponsoring a Customer Experience Improvement Team (CEIT) whose focus is on Function Four Backroom operations and the Function Four activities that support our retail operations. During the week of January 28, 2008 (440) retail locations will be recording process times for some of the Function Four processes that are examined. A five to six minute film will be shown to these locations explaining the reason for the data collection and how to collect and return the data. Need to Know: A clarification letter was sent to NAPUS on December 26, 2007 from the Postal Service reminding Postal Service managers and retail employees about the use of personnel communications devices while working the window. Employees are prohibited from using items such as cell phones, headsets, Blackberries (PDAs), and Bluetooth devices at the window. If further information is needed, please contact your District office. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday, December 28, 2007. This holiday week both the Postal Service and the NAPUS National office have little to report. President Dale Goff and the NAPUS Staff wish everyone a Happy New Year! Remember- be Safe. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday December 21, 2007. NOTICE: It is that time of year again to register for the NAPUS Leadership Conference which will be held March 15-20, 2008. The registration form is on the NAPUS web at www.napus.org. Rooms can be reserved by calling the Crystal Gateway Marriott at 703-920-3230. The rates this year are $173.00 (1-4 persons) which will be on a first come first served basis until February 8, 2008 or until the room block runs out. The banquet will be held on Tuesday night, March 18, 2008 and the Legislative Breakfast/Rally is planned for Wednesday morning, March 19, 2008. Visits to Capitol Hill should be planned for Wednesday afternoon. Make your reservations early. See you there! Need to Know: This December the Postal Service issued a new Customer Support Ruling (CSR) PS-328, Mailing Coins and Similar Items in Window Envelopes at Automation Letter Rates, to clarify the mail preparation requirements for these types of mail piece. Coins or tokens visible through a window envelope must be affixed to one of the components in the mail piece, covered in a second wrapping, and streamlined within the envelope as described in the new CSR. The coin or token cannot interfere with the address or the barcode. On December 19, 2007 President Dale Goff conducted a phone National Executive Board meeting. Among the agenda items the FREE ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP was voted and passed to be continued for another year. This means that this policy is now good through December 31, 2008. This is also in Breaking News. On December 18, 2007 NAPUS and the League met with the Postal Service at the NAPUS office to discuss the Supervisor Workload Credit System (SWC’s). The Postmaster Associations presented our concerns and packet that would better meet the needs of the associate Postmaster. Discussions were also conducted on the WSC’s and FLSA issues. Information on these issues will be forthcoming when completed with the Postal Service. A meeting has been scheduled with the Postal Service which will be held at the Bolger Academy on January 9, 2008 on the CSV issue. Note: In “breaking news” on the NAPUS web, President Dale Goff issued a statement about the pay increase for Postmaster Relief employees that the League and NAPUS worked on together. As you read through this icon, you will note that ALL is still not up to the standards we hoped to achieve for the PMR’s. The new hourly rate charts are also enclosed for your use. President Dale Goff and the NAPUS office staff wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and holiday season. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday December 6, 2007. On November 27, 2007 the NAPUS office was notified by the Postal Service of proposed revision of the PS Form 3971, Request for or Notification of Absence. The major change will be to require the Employee Identification Number rather than the Social Security Number. Also the holiday/annual leave exchange option will be added, and leave types and codes used to record them will be updated. On December 5, 2007 an award was issued ending arbitration with the rural letter carrier union. A three-member arbitration panel established the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement between the Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA). The award establishes a four-year contract (from Nov. 20, 2006 to Nov. 20, 2010), affecting approximately 68,000 career employees and 55,000 non-career employees who deliver mail to residences and businesses on rural routes. On Tuesday, President Dale Goff, President of the League, and Executive Director Ken Engstrom met with the Postal Service on a couple of “KEY” issues at Postal Headquarters. The Postal Service presented their comments to the Postmaster organizations on the FLSA Violations packet that was presented to them from NAPUS some weeks ago. President Dale will very soon be presenting this information to the membership. Information is still being gathered. The other “KEY” issue involved the WSC, Work Service Credits. The Postmaster organizations presented to the Postal Service their packet on this issue. More meetings are scheduled to go over the proposed WSC packet. Wednesday December 5, 2007 President Dale Goff along with the other management organizations met at Postal Headquarters to discuss the new Relocation Leave process that is now being used for the Postal Service. The program is called eCareer which replaces the PS Form 991 application process for all EAS vacancies and employees are now allowed access through the Postal Service Intranet ( Blue and LiteBlue). Questions were asked on clarification of the Relocation funding policy of this new program. Information will be forth-coming from the Postal Service. Thursday December 6, 2007 President Dale was at a meeting at Postal Headquarters with Pat Donahoe Deputy Postmaster General and the Senior Vice President Operations Bill Galligan discussing service operations and Postmaster concerns. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 30, 2007. Need to know: DMM Advisory-Pricing Update: The next price change for mailing and shipping services (notified to NAPUS on November 29, 2007) will take place under the new pricing rules. The Postal Service Governors will decide when this price change will occur, and it will provide at least 90 days notice to customers. Future price changes will occur annually, on a predictable schedule. Under the new law, the average price change for our mailing services may increase no more than the rate of inflation, as measured by the Customer Price Index (CPI). The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) web site now has link to a chart (updated monthly), detailing the monthly changes of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The up-to-date link can be found on the PRC Home page at www.prc.gov. This week the Postal Service presented to the management associations the new FY 2007 Pay-for Performance Mitigating Factor Process. This new Mitigating Factor Process is now up on the NAPUS web. Note: The new FY2008 “Guidelines Covering PFP for EAS Employees” is also now posted on our web page. Please visit these sites for the latest information on these issues. NOTICE: There is a new icon on the NAPUS web page. This icon is titled NPA/PFP Link with a Ben Franklin picture and is directly under our “breaking news” icon. All information dealing with the NPA/PFP issues including the Mitigating Factor and Recourse Process are under this umbrella icon. Information regarding the issue in this notice that was under the “breaking news” icon is now only in the NPA/PFP Link icon. If you have any questions, please contact the NAPUS Headquarters office. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 23, 2007. On November 13, 2007 the Vice President of Delivery and Retail of the Postal Service sent a field memorandum to all Vice Presidents, Area Operations regarding fiscal year 2008 Mystery Shopper enhancements and opportunities. The focus is on changing behaviors. The purpose and intent of the Mystery Shopper Program is to:
It is hoped that this will help point out areas in the field that need resources to keep that customer satisfaction high. (complement & window hours) Need to know: Everyone needs to be counted as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made regulatory changes to the ethnicity and race information required to be collected by federal agencies, including the Postal Service. As a result, the Postal Service is mandated to provide all postal employees an opportunity to verify the accuracy of or change the ethnicity and race information that they provided during the initial hiring process and that is currently contained in their personnel files. For more information you can go to the Postal Intranet at http://56.88.100.14/ipchecker/vodtest.asp?v=Everyone_counted.wmv. On Wednesday, November 21, 2007 the Postal Service e-mailed the Management Associations the FY2008 “Guidelines Covering PFP for EAS Employees”. This information will be up today in “breaking news” on the NAPUS web. There seems to be some confusion in some Districts across the United States as to what should be included in the core requirements. New language has been added to clarify this point. “No numeric targets are ever assigned to these core requirements.” Please contact the NAPUS Headquarters office if help is needed in this area. On Wednesday, November 21 I attended a briefing/meeting at Postal Headquarters regarding service standards. To conform to the new Postal Reform Act and the Postal Regulatory Commission direction, the Postal Service will be implementing additional external performance measurement methodology. This timeline for the EXFC expansion should be in the summer of FY08. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 16, 2007. President Dale Goff attended a reception on behalf of Dawn Tisdale Vice-Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission whose last day on the board was 11-16-2007. Dawn is remembered as a past Postmaster in Texas and a frequent speaker at NAPUS functions. NAPUS wishes Dawn good luck in his future endeavors. Note: The Postal Service announced the name change of a major mailer. Valassis acquired ADVO in March and has continued its support of the “Have You Seen Me?” program which is responsible for the safe recovery of 146 missing children. Their ShopWise mailer is being renamed RedPlum with new shared-mail packages appearing in the mail in early January of 2008. On Thursday, November 15, 2007 the Postal Service Governors announced future prices will be adjusted using new regulations issued by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on October 29, 2007. Consistent with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, future price increases will be capped at the rate of inflation for mailing services. The Postal Service also announced its financial results for fiscal year 2007 which concluded that the year-end loss is about $300 million less than projected earlier in the year. Need to Know: Effective immediately, Label 159 (Returned Checks/Dollar Coin) must be displayed at every retail window and cashwrap, and must remain on display until further notice. President Dale Goff and the NAPUS Staff wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 9, 2007. On Monday November 5, 2007 President Dale Goff and Government Relations Director Bob Levi attended a postal summit sponsored by the EMA Foundation Institute for Postal Studies. This meeting held at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington DC involved the interaction from the leaders of the Postal Service, Postal Regulatory Commission, and the business community. On Tuesday November 6, 2007 the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, chaired by Senator Kerry (D-MA) held a hearing on the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. NAPUS provided a written statement to the subcommittee. More information is located on the NAPUS web (www.napus.org) under the eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin. You also may view the testimony submitted by retired Postmaster Greta Cofield on behalf of NAPUS by linking to http://www.napus.org/govrelations/testimony_pdfs/cofield.pdf. Executive Director Ken Engstrom and Government Relations Director Bob Levi attended a meeting at Senator Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) office on Tuesday. The Senator is presenting proposals on a national campaign on “Vote by Mail”. NAPUS has invited Senator Wyden to speak at the 2008 Leadership & Legislative Conference being held in March, 2008. Notice: OPEN SEASON begins November 12 and runs through December 10 for the dental & vision coverage, and December 11, (5p.m.CT) 2007 for the health benefits coverage. President Dale Goff and the NAPUS Headquarters staff wish everyone a safe and happy Veteran’s Day. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday October 25, 2007. NAPUS thoughts and prayers go out to the southern California Postmasters and postal employees who are working around the wildfires. There are closed Post offices in the Los Angeles and San Diego Districts and some employees have lost their homes. In communication with the Pacific Area Vice President of the Post Office, he commends the efforts of the Postmasters and postal employees. Remember that help if needed can be found by calling EAP (1-800-327-4968) and /or connecting with PERF (Postal Employees Relief Fund) at www.postalrelief.com. This week the NAPUS office received a proposal revising the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), Section 414.2, Reassignment to Bargaining Unit Positions, to update and clarify the pay rate adjustment policy for EAS employees who voluntarily return to bargaining unit positions. This change will make the policy consistent for all EAS employees returning to craft positions. It will slot the employee into the step that the employee would have attained if they had continuous service in that craft. On Wednesday, October 24 President Dale Goff met with OIG officials to discuss Postmaster issues and concerns. This meeting is continuing the mutual agreement by both organizations to share information on a regular basis. This week the Postal Service presented the Postal Management Associations with the courses on the new FY2008 Revenue Generation Training for Delivery Employees. Since 2004, a task force (Management Associations & Postal Service & Other Groups) has been meeting annually to create field training to promote retail revenue generation and customer satisfaction. Individual training plans were created for three employee categories: EAS Employees, Retail Employees, and Delivery Employees. Note: Concerns were raised to the NAPUS office over a recent policy that was published to the field regarding the “pay stubs”. It was stated that soon employees will only be able to receive on-line earning statements. President Dale Goff communicated with Postal officials giving them information on why this would be a hardship and confusion to the postal employees. A new statement came out on October 24 that changed the policy. Employees with direct deposit will now continue to receive their hardcopy earnings statements in the mail at their address of record. As of September 28, all PCES and EAS employees with direct deposit will have the added capability of viewing their earnings statement on-line. The quarterly consultative meeting with NAPUS and the Postal Service was held on October 23, 2007 at the NAPUS Headquarters office. President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and Executive Director Ken Engstrom met with officials of the Postal Service on a number of issues.
Note: NAPUS will in the next few weeks be finalizing meeting dates with the Postal Service on the issues of WSC’s and PMR pay & training. President Dale Goff attended a Postmaster General presentation at Postal Headquarters on Thursday, October 25. The presentation involved the U.S. Postal Service’s mission and vision of the future. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday October 18, 2007. Need to know: Merchandise Return Service (MRS) allows a permit holder to pay postage on First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Package Services parcels that are returned by their customers using an approved MRS label (see DMM 507.10.0). The permit holder has the option to pay for select extra services. Customers using MRS labels to return packages may also add an Extra Service at their own expense. Customers may add Delivery Confirmation, Insurance, Registered Mail (for Priority Mail or First-Class Mail), or Return Receipt for Merchandise. Remember that extra services are now available with MRS and to also remind your retail associates to enter “MRS” in the postage section of the extra service form. This week NAPUS Headquarters received in accordance with Article 19 of the National Agreement, a draft revised copy of the standard instructions for the handling and processing of hazardous materials for customer service distribution clerks and mail handlers. These changes are being made to coincide with recent revisions to the Standard Operating Procedures for the handling and processing of hazardous materials in mail processing facilities. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact the NAPUS office. Safety Reminder: October is fire safety month. Stick with a plan by having an effective escape route can save your life. Test your smoke detector batteries. Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are in working order. See that fire extinguishers are charged. Be safe and live. On October 18, 2007 President Dale Goff and Bob Levi, Government Relations Director met with officials of the GAO (General Accounting Office) at NAPUS Headquarters on contracting out issues. On Thursday, October 18 President Dale Goff and Executive Director Ken Engstrom met with Postal Officials at Postal Headquarters to go over FLSA regulation violations and ELM violations. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Directive Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 12, 2007. On 10/11/2007 the FY08 NPA Corporate and Unit Indicators and related documents were put on “breaking news”. File entitled “FY08 NPA Targets, Thresholds, and Depths” includes tabs for corporate and unit targets and thresholds and the level/depth of data that is measured for each indicator. File entitled “FY08 NPA Corporate and Unit Indicators and Weights” includes tabs for the area, customer service, and network operations units and displays weight assignments for each measured indicator. The fourth tab in this file contains a summary of composite weights for each unit. File entitled “New NPA Indicator Descriptions” provides brief descriptions of indicators that are being included in the NPA for the first time in FY2008. The NAPUS Policy approved by majority vote at the Albuquerque, New Mexico, National Convention September 9-13, 2007 has now been updated on the NAPUS web. The Postal Service notified NAPUS of a proposed change to PS Form 2846, City Carrier Route Mail Acceptance Data. The revised PS Form 2846 updates class and subclass names and separately reports Parcel Select Return Service mail. In addition, collection box mail is reported separately from all other customer outgoing mail. Time used by the Postmaster or designee to complete this count will no longer be necessary and the revised Form will be mailed or Faxed to the Statistical Programs office. Implementation of the revised PS Form 2846 is anticipated to begin late October 2007. President Dale Goff, along with the Presidents of the other two management associations were invited to meet with the Area Vice Presidents at Postal Headquarters on 10/11/2007. Issues and concerns of the management association members were discussed. Notice: NAPUS is pleased to announce the hiring of Tiffany Rose Marshall as a new member of the NAPUS staff. Welcome to our NAPUS family-Tiffany. As always, I am here to help you. Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 5, 2007. President Dale met with Pat Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and COO on Monday October 1, 2007 for their monthly operational overview. Those in attendance were NAPS President Ted Keating and League President Charley Mapa, along with Bill Galligan, Senior Vice-President of Delivery and Retail of the Postal Service. The Postal Service gave a briefing on Service Standards that the Postal Service is establishing as per the new law. The changes will include new color code procedures that will involve standard mail and periodicals. A good portion of the meeting then was focused to dealing directly with the issues effecting Postmasters and Supervisors. It was a very positive meeting. On 10/01/2007, I attended a meeting at Postal Headquarters regarding the Homeland Security Advisory Group. The Postal Inspection Service gave us a briefing on the new MMSS (Mobile Mail Screening Station). This is a 53 foot tractor trailer being outfitted with all the latest detection equipment for screening mail. When completed this screening station could be used for major star events. (Super Bowl, Conventions, etc.) The rest of the meeting consisted of updates on the National Response Framework. (NRF) At the National Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico one of the training classes that the Postal Service put on involved SOX. (Sarbanes-Oxley Law) They presented a very good class on the subject. The class showed the duties of the Postmaster in regards to the financial accountability a Postmaster must do to pass the audit. This process is now on the NAPUS web. To find this information after getting on our web page, hit the icon titled reference documentation and this will take you to another icon titled “Financial Aid-SOX Accountability”. You can also go on line in the “Blue Page” in your Post Office at Http://blue.usps.gov/SOX. On Wednesday, 10/03/2007 President Dale along with the president of the League Charley Mapa met with Kathy Ainsworth, Vice-President of Delivery & Retail, Art Gilbert, and Fred Hintenbach of the Postal Service to discuss the process and system that will be in the field called CSSOM. This is defined as the DOIS for function four. The formulas used for each LDC were discussed with good give and take communication. Some LDC formulas will be reviewed. It was stated that some districts are using this CSSOM system as “earned hours” for a Post Office. Information will be forthcoming from Ms. Ainsworth as to the correct procedure. On October 4, 2007, I attended a briefing at Postal Headquarters which relayed their aims at the reduction of energy consumption. Key topics addressed include: building heating; cooling and lighting; and energy saving habits. The Postal Service has announced the “Penalty Overtime Exclusion” period for calendar year 2007 as referenced in Article 8, Sections 4 & 5 of the NALC and APWU National Agreements as beginning Pay Period 25-07, Week 2 (December 1, 2007), and ends Pay Period 01-08, Week 1 (December 28, 2007). Note: All active NAPUS Postmasters will be mailed an informational letter about the “pay package”. This mailing will go out at the end of next week. (October 12, 2007) President Dale Goff and the NAPUS staff wish everyone a safe and happy up-coming Columbus Day holiday. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 28, 2007. At the Albuquerque New Mexico National Convention this passed September 8-13, 2007 two constitutional changes were voted on by the general body and passed. They are: Article 11 Section 8 (second paragraph) and Article 16. (added section 2) These changes are now updated in our NAPUS web. Note: The new Q & A about the recent changes to EAS Selection Policy is now up and on the “breaking news” icon. Please visit this site. The Postal Service notified NAPUS of a new DMM change by announcing a new Intelligent Mail technology service options for Address Change Service (ACS) mailers. The Postal Service is extending OneCode ACS to add the Change Service Requested service option for First-Class Mail letters. These new options are available beginning October 1, 2007. Notice: The Post Office Closing Committee has been successful in their efforts again as Balko, Ok. and Poplar Ridge, NY. are posted to be filled. Thank you, “NAPUS Team.” On 9/28/2007, President Dale Goff called a National Executive Board teleconference. A quorum was present. Two issues needed to be addressed; personnel & vouchers. The National Executive Board approved motions on both issues. The NAPUS Headquarters office announces that (33) year employee Rennie Galanos is retiring. NAPUS is happy for Rennie and at the same time sorry to lose her. She has been a very dedicated and loyal employee for NAPUS. Rennie is continuing her career as she interviewed and received the job as the next executive secretary of PERF. (Postal Employees Relief Fund) Congratulations and good luck Rennie on your new career! As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 21, 2007. The National Convention held last week in Albuquerque, New Mexico was attended by almost 1,400 NAPUS members. A big thank you goes to the New Mexico Chapter for putting on a great convention. Many positive comments came from the membership. The training classes were very well attended where Postmasters learned about their requirements on the new SOX Law among other topics. The NAPUS office will soon be getting the information from this class (SOX) and putting it on our NAPUS web. The pre-registration for next years National Convention in St. Louis, Mo. is at almost 900 which is a dramatic increase over the past few years. NAPUS President Dale Goff was by acclamation elected to another two year term as our National President of NAPUS for years 2008-2009 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “PAC” donations were up over 10% at this year’s convention. Two constitutional changes were voted on by the general body and passed last week. The new changes will soon be updated on our NAPUS web. The National Executive Board approved changes to our “Official Family Policy” & “NAPUS Fiscal Policy”. The new changes are already up on the NAPUS web. The NAPUS membership voted on the National Convention site for year 2010. The successful site is Grand Rapids, MI. The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) ratified on September 12, 2007 a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the USPS. The new agreement will run through Nov. 20, 2011. On 9/20/2007, NAPUS hosted a lunch for Senator Mary Landrieu from La. who is on the committee of Homeland and Government Affairs and also deals with Postal issues. Attending the lunch were President Dale Goff and Government Relations Director Bob Levi. President Dale attended a meeting on 9-21-2007 at Postal Headquarters on the new FY 08 NPA plan. This information could be out next week. Note: Postal Headquarters has notified NAPUS that a letter will be coming out to the field that involves a survey that needs to be completed due to litigation that has been ongoing for some time. The litigation involves our restrictions on the use of the Postal Service property for activities such as collecting signatures, etc. This survey will need to be completed by October 12, 2007. If you need questions answered you can call 202-268-7753. Postal Headquarters sent out a Q & A about the recent changes to EAS Selection Policy to all the management associations. It answers some questions that have been raised recently. Contact the NAPUS office and I will be happy to help you on this issue. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday September 6, 2007. Reminder: The new “pay package” is high-lighted in “breaking news” on the NAPUS web. Note: Due to the National Convention being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico September 8-13, 2007, there will not be a “hotline” next week. For those of you who are still on the fence, you can still register for the convention on site. There are still rooms at the Blue Hotel. Information can be found on the hotel in the past “hotlines”. Come join us! It is with sad news to pass along that the President of the Wisconsin Chapter of NAPUS Becky Burbach had a serious ATV accident this past week. She is recovering from surgery. Get well cards can be sent to: 691 Cedar St., Richland Center, WI. 53581. On August 30, 2007, the Postal Service announced a “New Launch” application procedure for Periodicals mailing privileges. The “New Launch” procedure provides an alternative process to apply for and obtain Periodicals mailing privileges under the “general” or “requester” categories. Publishers who use this procedure are not initially required to meet traditional circulation standards at the time of application. Publishers have up to 15 months from the date of initial application to file an updated PS Form 3500, Application for Periodicals Mailing Privileges. On August 31, 2007 NAPUS was informed by the Postal Service of a proposed draft revision of the following PS Forms:
The forms will receive a Facing Identification Mark (FIM) and Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB). The new markings will allow Change of Address forms to be captured at the earliest point of entry into the mail stream on mail processing equipment, and then sent directly to the designated Change of Address Forms Processing Subsystem site. The PS Form 3575 will no longer arrive at the delivery unit and the 3982 label will now be the official notification to the delivery employee that a customer has moved. The implementation of FIM and IMB will begin this month. (September-2007) As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstrom NAPUS HOTLINE Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday August 30, 2007. NOTICE: PLEASE REFER TO THE JOINT STATEMENT MADE BY THE LEAGUE AND NAPUS ON THE PAY CONSULTATIONS IN “BREAKING NEWS”. THE NEW EAS PAY PACKAGE FOR FISCAL YEARS 2007-2010 PERFORMANCE IS ALSO NOW UP ON THE NAPUS WEB IN “BREAKING NEWS”. SPECIAL NOTICE: This is the last of the reminders for this year’s upcoming national convention being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico over September 8-13, 2007. You can still register by going on the NAPUS web at www.napus.org. Rooms are still available at Hotel Blue. See the past “hotlines” for information on the hotels and the convention. Hope to see you there. A NAPUS Executive Board teleconference was held on Wednesday August 22, 2007. This meeting was called to order to clear up some outstanding expense vouchers and some personnel issues. A group of NAPUS members that is to be commended is the Closing/Consolidation of Post Offices Committee chaired by Retired Postmaster Betty Eickler. This is one of our last lines of defense in stopping the closing of Post Offices. Betty and her Retired Postmaster Area chairs have done an outstanding job this year. As of this writing (12) Post Offices have been saved. Thank you ALL. Many questions have come across the NAPUS office asking for updated information on the Post Office Box Fee Groups. In the July 13, 2007 “hotline” and my September Gazette article information on this issue was requested from the Customer Service office of the Postal Service. Follow-up inquiries have been made and we are waiting to be contacted by Postal Headquarters. The information coming will be a Q & A information packet and an explanation in “laymen’s” terms on how the grouping is tabulated. When this information is received, it will be on the web for ALL to see. Need to know: There has been an official change in the expedited passport processing time. Authorized passport acceptance agents should now note the processing time can change daily as determined by the Department of State. (DOS) If more information is needed you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Need to know: The Postal Service stated that the new criteria for a Post Office to receive an Automated Postal Center (APC) are that all vending equipment must be removed when the APC arrives. When the site design is completed for the location scheduled to receive the APC, the site can not include vending equipment. Today a new item was added to the list in the Reference Documents icon on the NAPUS web home page. Always on the look out for ways to help Postmasters do their job, NAPUS Editor Sarah Zimmerman from the North Carolina Chapter forwarded the information of a booklet of instructions for pulling EDW Reports-August 2007. She received this updated information from Tori White the Retail Manager from the Greensboro District. Thank you to both of you for helping Postmasters do their job. As always, I am here to help you.Ken Engstro |
