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NAPUS HOTLINE
November 6, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 6, 2009.

Need to Know:  In response to the upcoming holiday season, the Postal Service has launched an interactive holiday press room.  By going to the web (http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/holiday/hpr.htm) you can find everything you need to know about holiday shipping, including the holiday mailing deadlines for domestic, international and military cards and packages. 

On November 3rd the Grantors of the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF) met at USPS Headquarters.  Attending the meeting were Grantors:  PMG John E. Potter, USPS; William Burrus, APWU; John Hegarty, NPMHU; Fred Rolando, NALC; Don Cantriel, NRLCA; Ted Keating, NAPS; Charley Mapa, NLPM and Dale Goff, NAPUS.

A total of 207 grants were distributed between January and September of this year; NAPUS members received 5 of those.  The Grants provided total $1,252,000.00. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is under way with a deadline of December 15, 2009.  You may contribute to (PERF) by annotating your donation using the number #10268.  The Postal Employees Relief Fund grant application is available on line at www.postalrelief.com or by contacting us here at NAPUS Headquarters.  If you have any questions, call (202) 408-1869 or email: perf10268@aol.com

NPA:  A meeting was held at Postal Headquarters with Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe and the management associations on the FY 2010 NPA goals on November 3.  These goals will soon be out to the “field” with changes in which NAPUS had a vital role.  The goals will be posted on the NAPUS web page when received from the Postal Service.

On Thursday, National Vice President Area 18 Texas, Jenness Rogers was involved in a horrific auto accident.  Jenness had to have major surgery and is now resting in ICU.  Please keep Jenness and her family in your prayers.  She will have a long road to recovery.  Please include them in any prayer requests or chains you may have at your place of worship or with friends.

On November 4 President Dale Goff, NAPUS Executive Director, and Charley Mapa, League President met at Postal Headquarters on the subject of ELM 650 process.  This meeting was to give input into possible changes in this ELM 650 process.  The Postmaster organizations have concerns on how the Postal Service in the “field” is in its interpretation of certain sections on this ELM.  Doug A. Tulino, Vice President Labor Relations just issued a clarification of the ELM 651.4, “Emergency Placement” to the Managers, Area Human Resources on October 29, 2009.  This letter is posted on the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon. 

On November 4, the Postmaster organizations met with the Postal managers of the Customer Service Variance programs (CSV & SOV) at Postal Headquarters.  Key Postmasters of both NAPUS and the League joined this meeting via telecom.  The subject of the meeting was the Customer Service Variance changes in FY2010.  (overtime percentage reduced; F4 Variance models reduced to 90% former value; productivity rates)  Full clarification will be coming from the Postal Service. 

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a very safe Veterans Day, November 11, 2009.  Thank you to our service men and women and the Veterans for all they do for our country.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 30, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 30, 2009.

Need to Know:  All FERS-covered postal employees can now receive credit for their sick leave when they retire by the legislation signed by President Obama on (10/28/09).  The new law allows FERS employees to receive a 50% credit of unused sick leave until December 31, 2013.  Starting January 1, 2014, they will receive the same credit as covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employees. 

On October 28, 2009 President Dale Goff, along with the other management organizations met with DPMG Pat Donahoe to discuss operational issues in this scheduled meeting.

The quarterly review of our Liberty Mutual NAPUS benefit program was conducted on October 29th.  The program is providing very good service to the NAPUS membership.  Remember in your “year-end-planning”, now is the time to go online for a “HOPE” quote which is sponsored by the Liberty Mutual group (car/home insurance).  By going to the NAPUS web page, (www.NAPUS.org) information on this issue and other benefit programs that NAPUS provides for the membership is listed. 

Notice:  Congress seems unlikely this year it will pass the Postmaster General’s cost-cutting proposal to eliminate Saturday mail delivery. 

PMR Health Plan:  The 2009 Open Enrollment starts November 1st and runs through December 31st.  This limited-benefit medical plan is designed for those carriers who cannot afford or qualify for major medical insurance.  The Plan has many features and benefits that an individual or family require for every day medical care.  Please take the time to visit our website at (www.NAPUS.org) or (www.bja-NAPUS.com) for a presentation on the PMR Health Plan. 

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a safe Halloween weekend.  Remember “daylight saving time ends” this Sunday November 1, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 23, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 23, 2009.

Need to Know: The Annual Leave Exchange Option for Postmasters who meet the eligibility criteria and want to exercise this option must use Postal/EASE to make their elections. In order for your election to be considered timely, you must complete the entries in Postal/EASE by 11:59 p.m. Central Time, December 15, 2009. For non-bargaining unit employees, the lump sum is calculated on salary as of January 16, 2010 and included in February 5, 2010 paychecks. This information will be explained in full in the upcoming Postal Bulletin.

Note: On Thursday, October 22, 2009 the Senate passed HR 2647, the Conference Agreement on Department of Defense Authorization, which includes the FERS sick leave provision. The vote was 68-29. The bill will be presented to the President for his signature within the week. Please refer to our eNAPUS Legislative newsletter for further details.

New information has been made available on the NAPUS web page under the “reference document” icon. A power point document on “Parliamentary Procedures” is now available. The “Grand Rapids” national convention information icon is now located on the front page of the web for easy access. The “FY 2010 PFP EAS Pay Rules” is now up on the “NPA/PFP” icon for your use.

Need to Know: The “Penalty Overtime Exclusion” period for calendar year 2009, as referenced in Article 8, Sections 4 & 5 of the NALC and APWU National Agreements is Pay Period 26-09, Week 1 (December 5, 2009) and ends Pay Period 01-10, Week 2 (January 1, 2010).

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009 President Dale Goff conducted a meeting with the new Chief Postal Inspector, William R. Gilligan, Jr. at the NAPUS National office. Also present was his Deputy Chief Inspector Guy Cottrell, and Peter Rendina, manager communications, along with the President of the League, Chaley Mapa and the NAPUS Executive Director. Information was shared and plans made for possible speakers from the Inspection Service to be made available for the state conventions.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 16, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 16, 2009.

Need to Know:  The Postal Service recently announced RIFs in finance control, district purchasing, and asset management.  The “Timelines” for each area is posted in the “breaking news” icon today for your use.

Note:  Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chairman Ruth Y. Goldway announced on October 16, 2009 the election of Tony Hammond as Vice Chairman of the Commission, succeeding Nanci Langley. 

Need to Know:  Postmaster General Jack Potter announced this week that a price freeze will be in effect for most postal rates in 2010.  The market dominant products which include First Class, Standard, and Periodicals will be included in this freeze.

Complement Survey:  Today, October 16th is the last day to give your input into this survey.  You can reach this survey by going to the web (www.NAPUS.us), which will help in the future talks with the Postal Service on the effects this past VERA had in the customer service and the staffing of your post office.

On October 14, 2009 President Dale Goff, the League and NAPS national leadership met at Postal Headquarters to discuss the future goals for the NPA 2010.  The final goals have not been set with future meeting dates to come.  When this information becomes valid it will be posted in the NAPUS web page. 

The Postal Service notified President Dale Goff that they will be consolidating its supply chain configuration in order to reduce the total cost of distribution and fulfillment for the Accountable Paper Network.  The USPS plans to consolidate and close 65 Stamp Distribution Offices (SDO’s) and the five Accountable Paper Depositories (APD’s).  The Postal Service will now consolidate the network into six Stamp Distribution Centers (SDC’s).  President Dale Goff voiced NAPUS concerns in a letter to the Postal Service on October 15th which included: “What about emergency orders; time frame for receipt orders; scheduling for ordering; and response to customers when we can’t get the special orders or just normal inventory.”  These same issues have been brought forward in previous consultative sessions. 

Need to Know:  On October 1, 2009 Anthony J. Vegliante, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer wrote a letter to all Vice Presidents, Area Operations on the subject of “Pay-for-Performance, Fiscal Year 2009, End-of-Year Rating.”  That letter is posted on the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon.  Deborah Giannoni-Jackson on October 14th wrote a follow-up memorandum concerning the option to change the adjective rating for employees who receive an end-of-year rating of “non-contributor”.  She stated:  “During the end-of-year process, October 13 through November 13, you will notice a radio button on the bottom left portion of the screen which allows evaluators to change the adjective rating from “non-contributor” to “contributor for numerical ratings of 1, 2, or 3.”  The pay rules remain unchanged.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director




NAPUS HOTLINE
October 9, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 9, 2009. 

The NAPUS Policy was amended at the National NAPUS Convention in Alaska this past September, 2009 and is now up on the NAPUS web page.  (www.NAPUS.org)

Note:  Updates are now up for viewing in the conventions/conferences icon on the NAPUS web page.  The Leadership conference dates are posted (March 20-25, 2010) along with the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel reservation number.  (703-920-3230) Remember, if you will be a member of the NAPUS “Official Family” in 2010, the hotel reservation will be made for you by the national office.  The registration form is under revision and soon will be posted. The NAPUS National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan September 11-16, 2010 now has available the registration forms posted for your use. 

Membership:   The National Executive Board passed a motion in the September National Convention in Alaska to continue the “free membership” for ALL newly appointed Postmaster’s and OIC’s.  This policy is good for (1) year of free membership in NAPUS.  

Need to Know:  The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office that the “Benjamin Award Program” will be suspended for FY 2010.  The Postal Service will establish a new purpose and vision for the award with a projected launching in FY 2011.   The Postal Service also announced that it will be reinstating the employee awards program!

OPEN ENROLLMENT-PMR’S:  New benefits have been added to the upcoming open season of the “PMR Limited-Medical Insurance Indemnity Policy.”  The open season will run from November 1 through December 30, 2009.  One of the changes will include a “Consult-a-Doctor which is replacing the Nurse Health line.”  You will be able to talk to a Doctor by call (24/7).  Additional information will be posted in the next few weeks.  You may visit the website at (www.bja-napus.com).

Need to Know:  On Thursday, October 8, the House passed HR 2647, the Department of Defense Authorization Conference Report by a 281-146 majority.  The Conference Report includes the FERS “sick leave provision” that would allow FERS employees to count unused sick leave towards their retirement; however, it would be phased in over a 4-year period.  The Conference Report now goes to the Senate.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a safe and enjoyable Columbus Day holiday this October 12th.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 2, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 2, 2009.

Need to Know:  It has come to the NAPUS Headquarters office attention that some members are using the postal email system to send out information.  The Postal Headquarters policy is that employee organizations and management organizations are NOT allowed to use the postal email system to send out information regarding their meetings and events.  The Postal Service stated this policy is due to concerns about multiple addresses and computer security issues which means this type of email usage is not considered under MI EL-660-2000-05.

On September 29, 2009 President Dale Goff met with the USPS Vice President Area Operations of the Great Lakes Area in Chicago, Illinois.  Also attending were District Managers from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan along with NAPUS state presidents and NAPUS vice presidents from those areas.  The main topic involved was the discussion on policy and implementation procedures of the “Delivery Unit Relocation” (DUR) program.   

Need to Know:  On September 30, 2009 President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill (HR 2918), which includes a provision deferring $4 billion in Postal Service contributions to pre-fund postal retiree health premiums.  Please refer to the eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin in the NAPUS web page for the full details.  (www.NAPUS.org)

Note:  The NAPUS Fiscal Policy has been updated per the approved amendment at the September 2009 NAPUS national convention in the NAPUS web page. 

Notice:  Most know that recently an early out incentive was offered to clerks and mail handlers.  The decision to take the offer had to be made by September 25th and over 22,000 employees took the offer.  President Dale Goff is requesting information from you in the form of a “compliment survey” which can be accessed by going to (www.NAPUS.us).  This information will help in the future talks with the Postal Service on the effects this VERA had in customer service and the staffing of your post office. 

QUOTE for HOPE:  As a member of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States, you’re eligible to participate in the Liberty Mutual, “Quote for Hope” campaign running October 1 through November 30, 2009.  Liberty Mutual is an authorized NAPUS benefit company.  Get an insurance quote on auto, home or renters insurance from Liberty Mutual by November 30 and they will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help against breast cancer.  A “Quote for Hope” icon is located on the front page of the NAPUS web or you can go to (http://www.libertymutualcure.com). 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 25, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 25, 2009.

On September 22, 2009 Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe sent a letter to the Vice Presidents, Area Operations on the issue of what constitutes a Postmaster’s regular work week. This letter addresses the concerns and reminds the field to adhere to the ELM. NAPUS President Dale Goff and Charley Mapa, President of the League have presented a united front on this issue to the Postal Service. Please refer to the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon for the full contents of the letter by DPMG Pat Donahoe.

VERA-Retirement Incentive: Doug Tulino, Vice President Labor Relations USPS informed President Dale Goff that Postmasters were not going to be included in the current VERA. He stated that the purpose for offering the retirement incentives is to save the Postal Service money and improve the Postal Services financial situation. Accordingly, the incentives were offered to employee groups which are overstaffed and which the Postal Service does not expect to have to replace.

On September 24, 2009 President Dale Goff met with Ruth Y. Goldway, Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission to talk over Postmaster and Postal Service concerns.

Notice: Please read the posted eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin to get the latest news on the deferring of the Postal Service pre-fund postal retiree health premiums. (www.NAPUS.org)

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 18, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 18, 2009.

The House of Representatives approved a substitute version of HR 22, the “United States Postal Service Financial Relief Act of 2009” this week by a 388-32 vote.  This now goes to the Senate for passage. 

The NAPUS national convention in Anchorage, Alaska concluded this week with over 1330 attendees.  Thank you goes to the Alaska NAPUS delegates who put together a very successful convention.  Bob Rapoza, Postmaster of Honokaa, Hawaii was elected as the next NAPUS national president effective January 2010.  The NAPUS members voted to institute a temporary assessment of $1 per active member, per month, for three years to shore up the Legal Defense Plan.  Deputy Postmaster General and COO Pat Donahoe spoke during the general business session on Monday, September 14. He followed up his speech by taking questions from the floor.  On Tuesday Valerie Martin, Human Resources Director from the Western Area addressed the membership.  NAPUS provided excellent training classes put on by Postmasters and some outside speakers.  Postal Headquarters did provide Bob West who conducted an outstanding Rural Delivery class.  The NAPUS Executive Board approved free membership for new Postmasters/ OIC’s who are appointed in FY 2010 for one year.  The PMR Health Insurance Plan will be having an “OPEN” season starting November 1, 2009.  More information will be announced later with the added new changes.  The membership voted to go to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the 2012 NAPUS National Convention. 

VERA update:  As of Friday, September 18, 2009 no information has been received from Postal Headquarters on President Dale’s request to included Postmasters in this current VERA.  When information is received it will be posted in this “hotline”.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 4, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 4, 2009. 

Convention Update:  This is the last update on the NAPUS national convention being held in Anchorage, Alaska over the dates of September 12-17, 2009.  Please refer to the latest information about the convention schedule in the NAPUS web page.  Also of note, those delegates staying at the Sheraton Hotel will have discounted parking of $5.00 per night for NAPUS members.

On Tuesday September 2, 2009 President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak; and Executive Director Ken Engstrom met at Postal Headquarters for the NAPUS quarterly consultative meeting.   Many topics were discussed which included:  update of the new SDO program; status of FLSA violations and possible remedies; NAPUS possible being included in new VERA with incentives; retail merchandising strategy; posting of Postmaster vacancies after RIF; and mandates from the Postal Service on work hour usage.  Further clarification on these issues will be presented at the national convention.

The Postal Service presented two other briefings on September 2 which included a synopsis of the proposed training to be completed for the RIF impacted employees who have been awarded jobs in the field; and the BMEU SOX certification process.  Note: the original language on the certification process in which the statement may result in a fine was quoted, has been replaced with new language.

On September 3, 2009 the Postal Service conducted two briefings to the management organizations.  The first one involved a preview on the new Small Office Variance (SOV) model with USPS Manager Variance Programs Art Gilbert leading the discussion. NAPUS Postmaster Rick Cefalo will be conducting a training class on this program at the national convention.  This program when presented to the “field” should clear up the misconceptions on earned work hours for a Post office that are currently happening in many Districts around the nation.  The current web link to SOV is:  (http://eagnmnsg4a6/sov/avar_select.cfm).  The second briefing involved the new program titled “eCustomer Care User Guide”.  This program will streamline the customer/Postal Service complaint process.  Postmaster/managers will access “My PO” each day to address any issue.

This week a little over 350 Postmasters nationwide were notified of changes in their exempt or non-exempt FLSA status.    The Postal Service has acknowledged that FLSA violations have occurred and with this process the affected post offices will now be coded properly for FLSA.  NAPUS and the League have been working on this process for over two years.  If questions do come up on this issue, please contact the NAPUS national office for clarification. 

Need to Know:  If you are within four years of the minimum retirement qualifications you can go to a link that is available in Postal Ease to help you with your annuity estimates.  To process go to Postal Ease under the benefits icon.  Look for the icon titled NARECS annuity estimates in the lower third of the page.  Give your employee ID, your PIN, and select your date that you might consider retirement.  The submit process will take about three weeks and be mailed to your official address.  Another link to help you in your retirement is located on this same page where it will figure in your TSP.  (http://www.choosetosave.org/ballpark/). 

The next “hotline” will be posted on September 18, 2009.  Your NAPUS leadership will be attending the national convention in Anchorage, Alaska.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/ Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Office Staff, wish ALL a safe and happy Labor Day, September 7, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 28, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 28, 2009. 

Convention Update:  The National NAPUS Convention will be held this September 12-17, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska.  The updated convention schedule is now posted on the NAPUS web page.  (www.NAPUS.org)

Need to Know:  PMG Jack Potter announced a negotiated agreement with the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) that creates an opportunity for certain employees who are represented by these unions to receive a $15,000 incentive to retire or to resign.  The incentive is available to eligible employees represented by APWU and NPMHE who are optionally eligible for retirement; who are eligible for voluntary early retirement (VER), or those who want to voluntarily separate from the Postal Service as of Oct. 31, 2009.  This VERA is only offered to the above mentioned postal employees at this time.  President Dale Goff has written a letter to PMG Jack Potter requesting that Postmasters be included in this VERA with similar incentives.  You can go to the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon and read both letters.

Sad Note:  National photo editor Lynn Wilson’s mother passed away last Saturday, August 22, 2009.  Cards can be sent to Lynn at:  3005 Clayton Ave., Duncan, OK. 73533-2224.

President Dale Goff received notice from the Postal Service on an update of “Pay-for-Performance” this week.  Deborah Giannoni-Jackson, Vice President USPS, Employee Resource Management in which she states in part that: “The final PFP rating is based on the composite National Performance Assessment score and individual core requirements which are established through an interactive process.  This interactive process provides a mechanism for employees to identify personal contributions and outcomes that were agreed upon.  Once established, core ratings must reflect what the employee achieved and should NOT be arbitrarily changed.” 

On August 26, 2009 the Postal Service also informed the NAPUS office that for only (reemployed annuitants) who are appointed as Postmaster Relief/Leave replacements (PMRs) or Temporary Relief Carriers (TRCs) pursuant to the Rural Relief Act are subject to a limit of 180 days of work per calendar year and 359 days per appointment.  The provisions of Handbook EL-312, Employment and Placement, Section 234.73 indicate that reemployed annuitants may be hired as TRCs or PMRs as a stopgap measure when the Postal Service is otherwise unable to fill positions.

The NAPUS office was in attendance along with other management and union officials to hear a presentation at Postal Headquarters from Executive Director Rosa Fulton (program manager) on the Flat Sequencing System (FSS) today, August 28, 2009.  Updates were given on the national deployment and operational stages.  Also mainly due to the loss of flat mail volume, an update was given on the redirecting of the FSS units.

On August 25, 2009 President Dale Goff and the NAPUS Executive Director met with another of our benefit programs which cover our PMR Supplemental Health Plan and the Pinnacle Motor Club.  The health plan is doing very well with new programs soon to be announced.  An “OPEN SEASON” will also soon be announced.  The Pinnacle Motor Club is a good benefit program that can be accessed by going to the NAPUS web page, hitting the icon titled “membership services” which will lead you to the icon titled membership benefits.  Check out your offered membership benefits packages that are published for your use.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 21, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 21, 2009.

NAPUS National Convention:  The convention will be held over September 12-17, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska.  Look for an update of the convention schedule next week on this web page.  Also the “dress code” for the banquet is semi-formal; nice dress for the ladies; coat and tie for the men. 

NAPUS President Dale Goff responded to United States President Barack Obama’s comment on the August 11 town hall meeting regarding the Postal Service.  President Dale stated that he was saddened by the Presidents comments and went on to add that the Postal Service continues to be rated the most trusted government institution for five years running.  Nevertheless, the President’s town hall remarks failed to acknowledge the Postal Service’s constitutional and statutory obligations, including non-discriminatory accessibility, pricing and products; in which none of these responsibilities are shared by its “for-profit” competitors.

The quarterly review of the NAPUS benefit program “Liberty Mutual” was held on August 20, 2009.  This insurance program for the (auto-home) NAPUS membership provides very good benefits.  Check on the NAPUS web page (www.NAPUS.org) under the benefits icon for information on all the programs offered to the NAPUS membership.

Points of Interest:  The Postal Service began cutting costs years ago.  Look at the numbers:

1999

2009

Number of employees-797,795

636,211

Number of Post Offices-38,169 

36,723

Number of Plants-446

   355

Mail volume-202 billion

175

Number of delivery points-134 million  

150


Amount Postal Service pays annually to prefund retiree health benefits-$5.4 billion
Amount all other federal agencies pay annually to prefund retiree health benefits-$0

President Dale Goff was interviewed by staff writer Rebecca Reisner of “Business Week” on the topic of “Why shouldn’t we do the census?”  You can go to a live link to read the full comments.  http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/aug2009/db20090814_773691.htm

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 14, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 14, 2009. 

Notice:  There have been many articles in the news the past few weeks on the Postal Service’s move to close stations and branches across the nation.  The Postal Service has also notified many communities that their post office has been put on emergency suspension.  This action could lead to that post office being closed for good.  With the actions of the NAPUS Post Office Closing Committee, the patrons of the community, and Congress many of these emergency suspensions have been rescinded.  Remember if you hear of a possible closing notify the national office.  The procedure of following the Handbook 101 must be used when it involves closing of a post office.  

Mail-in Voting:  Supporters contend that it is convenient, cheap, and popular.  The state of Oregon has adopted the system in 1998 and now has some of the highest voter turnout rates in the U.S.  The state of Washington has now followed suit this February with 38 of 39 counties now exclusively mail-in.  With proven results over the years of increased voter turn-out, and other states seriously trending towards changing to this system could indeed prove also to be a boon for the Postal Service in increased mail volume and revenue. 

Need to Know:  The Postal Service notified NAPUS that effective October 1, 2009 the Western New York District will report to the Eastern Area instead of the Northeast Area.  They also made a decision to consolidate originating operations, except Priority Mail, First Class Parcels and Express Mail from the Long Beach California Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) into the Santa Ana California P&DC.  In another move the Postal Service decided to consolidate all originating operations, except Priority Mail, from the Detroit, Michigan Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Michigan MetroPlex, Michigan P&DC by October 2009. 

On August 12, 2009 the NAPUS State Presidents, National Vice Presidents, and National Executive Director, along with the officers of NAPS and the League of the USPS SW Area met (in Dallas TX.) with the Vice President of Operations of the USPS SW Area and his staff to go over issues that are effecting the management organizations and the Postal Service.  Possible solutions were exchanged and some issues were resolved at this meeting.  It was a positive exchange of information.

Need to Know:  On August 10, 2009 NAPUS President Dale Goff received notice that the Postal Service is considering proposing a new mailing incentive called the “First-Class Mail Incentive” program.  The program offers eligible companies a 20 percent postage rebate on qualifying letter, flat, and card volumes mailed between October 1 and December 31 of this year.  To be eligible for participation in the program a company must have mailed 500,000 or more non-parcel First-Class Mail pieces between October 1 and December 31 in both 2007 and 2008.  The Postal Regulatory Commission on August 13, 2009 established a docket (R2009-5) to receive comments on this issue.  Interested persons are invited to submit comments via the Commission’s web site, (www.prc.com) by August 31, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 7, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 7, 2009.

Reminder:  The NAPUS national convention is fast approaching the convening dates of September 12-17, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska.  NAPUS members and family are invited to join the fellowship, training, and visitation to the beautiful state of Alaska. To date, there are about 1270 attendees registered.   Point of interest; for those interested in seeing the “Lion King” please contact the ticket office at (907-263-2787).  Also note; states that have possible NAPUS policy changes need to get them into the NAPUS office very soon in order for them to be considered at the national convention.

Notice:  The Board of Governors met this week (August 3-5) in Washington DC at Postal Service Headquarters.  The public was invited on August 5 to observe the meeting.  The past few months have all been closed to the public.  The status of the Postal Service was presented along with other issues of interest.  Member Katherine Tobin resigned from the Board to become the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Performance Improvement for the Department of Education.  The Governors affirmed that Jack Potter will remain PMG “for many more years to come”.

On August 6, 2009 President Dale Goff testified before the Senate Postal Subcommittee.  President Dale brought out many key points to this committee.  As one observer noted; “I want to say that I have never heard anyone state the problems and possible solutions to our issues in such an accurate and eloquent manner.  There are plenty of people with the right ideas, but no one who will listen to them.”  Another noted: “Thanked President Dale for his testimony and stated it was well said and felt well represented as a Postmaster and as a US Postal Service employee.  I strive to believe in our future and see hope in your message.”  You can download his full testimony on the NAPUS web page under the “Postal News Links” icon.  (www.postalnews.com)  You may also want to see the full video which can be retrieved by going to (www.c-span.org).  Additional complete information will today be posted in our eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin for your reading also on the NAPUS web page.   

Need to Know:  To follow up on NAPS President Ted Keating’s recent message, it is important that all impacted employees apply for every available job in which they would consider working if selected in the Phase Three period.  Effective August 28, 2009 impacted employees who are not successful in obtaining a position will be separated from the Postal Service.  Remember impacted and non-impacted employees can now bid on EAS-18 and above Postmasters positions through August 11, 2009 in this Phase Three process. 

Need to Know:  The USPS notified the NAPUS office that effective October 2009 all originating operations, except Priority Mail, from the Flint, Michigan Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) will be consolidated to the Michigan MetroPlex, Michigan P&DC.  Also notified was the intent to consolidate mail processing operations at the Western Nassau New York Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) with those of the Mid Island New York P&DC by this October 2009. By August 24, 2009 the consolidating of originating mail processing operations from the Queens, New York Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Brooklyn, New York P&DC will be completed. 

It is with happy news to pass along the update of Clarence and Dianne Gagner’s head on collision at the end of last month.  They were both hurt but are now on the slow road to recovery.  They thank everyone for the good wishes they have received.  They can be reached at (P.O. Box 93, Brooks, MN. 56715) or by email crgagner@hotmail.com.  Clarence for many years has been the National VIP Chairman and also has been very involved in honoring our military service men and women at our Leadership Conferences. 

Note:  Commissioner Ruth Y. Goldway has been designated by President Barack Obama on August 6, 2009 to be the next Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, succeeding Dan G. Blair.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 31, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday July 31, 2009.

On Wednesday July 29 the Postal Service notified the management organizations that there was a Phase 3 revision in the RIF process.  This revision is also posted on the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon.  (www.NAPUS.org)  Postal Service stated:  “A decision was made to expand the opportunity for placement for a selected group of operational positions as part of the District & Mail Processing Facilities Phase 3 process.  The positions include:
   Manager, Post Office Operations (all levels)
   Manager, Customer Service (all levels)
   Manager, Customer Service Operations (all levels)
   Postmaster (level 18 and above only)

NOTICE; the eligibility to apply for these (4) positions will be open to ALL EAS career employees (impacted and non-impacted) Area-wide.  Please refer to the full statement posted in the “breaking news” icon in the NAPUS web page. Posting will commence Tuesday August 4, 2009 and run through Tuesday, August 11, 2009.

National Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak brought into the NAPUS Headquarters office this week the national budget committee.  This group worked on the budget for year 2010 which will be presented to the National Executive Board at the national convention this September in Anchorage, Alaska.

Note:  Bob Levi, NAPUS Director of Government Relations reported that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee favorably reported S. 1507, as it was amended on July 29, 2009.  It is highly doubtful that the Senate will take up the bill next week.  So, floor consideration of HR 22 and S 1507 will have to wait until September.

Safety Tip:  Using seat belts is required by law and postal policy.  It is the right choice for your safety and the well-being of your loved ones.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 24, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday July 24, 2009.

Need to Know:  Many inquires have come into the NAPUS Headquarters office as well to the other two management organizations, NAPS and the League concerning the certification process of BMEU activities.  The concern was with the language originally proposed for the certification process which read:  “I understand that submission of a false statement, representation, or documentation may result in a fine of not more than $10,000 per occurrence or imprisonment of not more than 5 years or both.”  Due notice to the Postal Service was given by all three management organizations and that language will be changed effective August 1, 2009.  The new language will read:  “I certify that the responses to the questions required as part of this BMEU SOX Certification are based on my thorough review of the processes and all supporting documentation related to the questions.  I acknowledge that I may be held accountable for any misrepresentation of fact or any false responses.”

Update:  The NAPUS national convention is being held in Anchorage, Alaska-September 12-17, 2009.  There is still room for any Postmaster to visit this beautiful state.  To those who would like to or has a flyer/insert for the registration bags at the Alaska convention, please now send them to Chair Dan Carper by September 1, 2009.  His address is 500 S. Cobb St., Palmer, Alaska 99645.  Also note; due the non-interest by the state chapters, States Night (September 15) has been cancelled.

Monday, July 20 President Dale Goff attended a briefing with the USPS Vice President of Sustainability on the subject of 5-day delivery.  Keep in mind this is a study in progress and will not happen soon.  NAPUS will post confirmed information on this issue when presented.

Tuesday, July 21 President Dale Goff and League President Charley Mapa attended a meeting with the Chairman of the PRC, Dan Blair.  The topic of this meeting was “Convention Leave”. 

The three management associations (NAPUS, League, NAPS) held a joint meeting this week going over issues relative to all the organizations. 

PMG Hero:  NAPUS President Dale Goff recognized Sandra Behm; Postmaster of Petersburg, ND with a Certificate of Appreciation for her acts of heroism in providing assistance in helping a patron that had crashed into her truck parked at the Post Office.  A medical condition had caused the driver to lose consciousness causing the accident.  Congratulations, Sandra.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 17, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday July 17, 2009.

On Tuesday July 14, 2009 NAPUS attended a meeting at Postal Headquarters with the leaders of all the craft unions and other management organizations to hear a briefing from PMG Jack Potter.  Postmaster General Potter briefed the group on the current situation facing the Postal Service.  A detailed report can be found on the NAPUS web page under the “postal news links” icon.  (www.postalnews.com)

The spread of “rumors” is continuing to make its presence known to our postal community.  Please contact the NAPUS Headquarters office to verify any issue you might have a concern with. 

On Wednesday July 15, 2009 NAPUS attended a meeting at Postal Headquarters with League and NAPS on the NPA FY 2010 goals.  This was our 6th meeting where the issues were discussed.  The final product should be ready to publish by the end of August.

The Postal Service notified President Dale Goff this week that they will be announcing the effects of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Enhancement Act of 2009, H.R. 1256 in an upcoming Postal Bulletin.  This act eliminates, for certain employees covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), the waiting period concerning the Agency Automatic (1%) and the Agency Matching contributions.  The changes are effective August 1, 2009.

Need to Know:  NAPUS received an informational notice from the Postal Service of its intent to conduct Area Mail Processing (AMP) studies at the following New York Metro Area locations: 
Newark New Jersey Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) destinating mail processing operations for possible consolidation into the Dominick V. Daniels (DVD) New Jersey P&DC.

West Jersey, New Jersey P&DC destinating mail processing operations for possible consolidation into the Northern New Jersey Metro, New Jersey P&DC and the Kilmer New Jersey P&DC; and Kilmer New Jersey P&DC originating mail processing operations for possible consolidation into the DVD New Jersey P&DC.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 10 , 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday July 10, 2009. 

On July 6, 2009 the Postal Service notified the management organizations of a new handout for managers entitled, “Managers guide to Best Practices in Empowering our Military Veterans’”.  It provides managers and supervisors with information about how the EAP can help them in their role of responsibility, addresses best practices for returning reservists, discusses information about identifying signs of stress in employees, and provides resource information for them if they have more questions.  Distribution of the documents will be done by request and can be obtained by contacting their local EAP Consultant.

President Dale Goff was informed that the Postal Service is revising Management Instruction EL-810-2009-X, ‘Confined Space Safety Program’.  A reclassification section has been added to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.  It will be interesting to see knowing the direction the Postal Service is taking in their efforts to consolidate Post Offices and station and branches if conflicts arise regarding this management instruction.

The Postal Service notified the management organizations the outcome of two feasibility studies.  The first one involves the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study of originating mail processing at the Mansfield, Ohio Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) for possible consolidation into the Akron, Ohio Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC).  It was determined that there is no significant opportunities to improve efficiency or service through the consolidation process and no changes will be made.  The second issue involved whether to transfer all originating operations from South Florida, Florida Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Fort Lauderdale, Florida P&DC and the Miami, Florida P&DC.  The Postal Service decided that this consolidation is in the best interest of the Postal Service.  The expected implementation of the South Florida AMP is to be completed by April 2010.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 2 , 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday July 2, 2009.

Need to Know: On Thursday, July 2, 2009, PMG John E. Potter announced that effective July 6, 2009, Steve Forte assumes his new duties as Senior Vice President, Operations. Steve, who is currently Vice President, Area Operations, New York Metro Area, will have overall responsibility for Engineering, Facilities, Network Operations, and Delivery and Post Office Operations. He will report to the Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Potter has asked Tim Haney, Vice President, Area Operations, Northeast Area, to serve as Acting Vice President for New York Metro Area Operations. In addition to day-to-day management of operational and administrative functions throughout the area, Tim's assignment will include the development and implementation of plans to transition responsibility for the administrative function performed by the New York Metro Area office into an expanded Northeast Area operations office.

We expect to complete this transition by October 1, when Tim will resume his permanent duties as Vice President, Area Operations, Northeast Area. With responsibilities for a significantly increased geographic area, the Northeast Area office will maintain a presence both in Connecticut and New York.

National Convention Information:  Anchorage, Alaska-September 12-17, 2009: Wednesday night is the grand banquet.  Tickets for the banquet are not sold separately; your guest must be registered to attend to insure them to be seated with you at the banquet as the seating is arranged in advance.   

Congress revives FERS sick leave twice including a provision permitting FERS employees to credit unused sick leave towards retirement in the bills H.R. 2990 and H.R. 2647.  Also on Wednesday of last week, the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, the Postal Service and the District of Columbia approved by unanimous voice vote, a version of H. R. 22 that would permit the USPS, for 3 years, to borrow funds from its Retiree Health Benefits Fund to pay current retiree health premiums.  The next stop for H.R. 22 is the full House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  This information is posted in detail on the NAPUS web page (www.NAPUS.org) under the “breaking news” icon and in the eNAPUS Legislative and Political Bulletin.

On Friday, June 26, 2009 NAPUS President Dale Goff and League President Charley Mapa met with appropriate USPS coordinators at Postal Headquarters for six separate meetings.  The first meeting subject was on the proposed Administration Rules for PES/NPA.  The talks on these issues are continuing with another meeting on July 15, 2009.  When final information is available it will be posted on the NAPUS web page. 

The second meeting involved a process in eCareer.  The job application process for non-postal individuals applying for RCA’s, casual’s, and TE’s in some areas are having access problems to the system.   Information on changes when received will be posted on the web page. 

The third meeting was an exchange of information on the training for the field re-structuring.  The USPS notified us that updates have been made to the level A-16 training courses and the level 18-20 course to help train “field” impacted employees.  On July 7, 2009 a session is planned with each time zone to go over the new material.  The roll out is expected around July 13, with a PMR training course with our input rolling out in August 2009. 

Information was exchanged in the fourth meeting on changes to the ELM in section 415 and 422.  Language was cleared up to treat Veterans and ALL others the correct way, which is to remain in line with the law on Veterans preference.

The fifth meeting was on Post Office Closings.  NAPUS brought our Post Office Closing Chair Betty Eickler and with the League representative presented information to the USPS on actual cases that is occurring in the “field”.  In the process of closing a Post Office, the Handbook 101 must be followed.  The USPS was notified in this meeting that this process is being manipulated in some Districts.   The USPS has asked for specific examples which will be provided by both management organizations.  We also have asked and the USPS has stated it will provide a listing of suspensions on a quarterly basis.

The final meeting consisted of a briefing over the consolidation of stations and branches in level EAS 24-26 Post Offices.  The optimization of these facilities is first to be done as a study by the District Manager with a team that includes but not limited to; MOPS, consumer affairs, the local Postmaster and community input.  There are a total of 3243 offices that will be reviewed.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a very happy and safe Independence Day this July 4, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
June 19 , 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday June 19, 2009.

Need to Know: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office that it will terminate the Area Mail Processing (AMP) feasibility study at the Industry, California Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) because there are no significant opportunities to improve efficiency or service through consolidation. Also the Postal Service notified NAPUS of its intent to conduct an Area Mail Processing (AMP) study of mail processing operations at the Palatine, Illinois Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) for possible consolidation of some operations into the Carol Stream, Illinois Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC). The final notice stated that it is the intent of the Postal Service to transfer all originating operations from the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DC) to the Manchester, New Hampshire Processing and Distribution Center )P&DC). This action is expected to be completed by October 2009.

Need to Know: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office on June 17, 2009 that it will be implementing a new Enterprise Learning Management System (LMS) nationwide. This system will standardize the training administration transactions on June 24, 2009. During this LMS implementation, the Automated Enrollment System (AES) will no longer be available for enrollment into classroom or web-based training events.

Need to Know: On June 15, 2009 the Postal Service notified President Dale Goff that it has waived the requirement for Battery Examination 473 temporarily concerning internal reassignments of employees and certain jobs. This waiver will be effective until September 30, 2010 and covers only (7) jobs. This temporary waiver will facilitate prompt responses to changes in the workplace staffing requirements.

Note: Special thank you to National Postmaster Retired Editor (NAPUS) Sally Robinson who has put together a “Leadership Handbook for the NAPUS Chapter Officers”. This reference guide is now on the NAPUS web page under the reference document icon. It is recommended that every NAPUS chapter use this “handbook” as a resource for running their chapters.

Notice: On June 12, 2009, Congress finalized passage of H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, but absent a provision providing Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees that right to credit unused sick leave towards retirement. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) objected to the amendment relating to the FERS Sick Leave provision thereby derailing the action to pass in this bill. Other possible actions are still being considered on this issue in Congress. Refer to the eNAPUS bulletin on the NAPUS web page for complete information on this issue.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish those “Fathers” a happy Father’s Day this Sunday, June 21, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
June 12 , 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday June 12, 2009.

Convention Leave update: NAPUS and the League as most all know were notified on May 22, 2009 that the Postal Service arbitrary canceled the convention leave, a benefit all Postmasters have held for well over 80 years effective May 31, 2009.  NAPUS President Dale Goff responded with the full backing of the NAPUS National Executive Board that this action is tantamount to a breach of faith, if not contract, with the nation’s approximately 27,000 Postmasters.  A press release was printed in full and posted in the “breaking news” icon on the NAPUS web page.  It is for your use to contact all your Congressional representatives.  Both NAPUS and the League sent a joint letter to the Board of Governors and the Postal Regulatory Commission protesting the actions of the Postal Service.  Both Postmaster organizations also requested that the OIG (Office of Inspector General) open an investigation into this matter because the USPS is violating Title 39.  The OIG has now notified NAPUS that they will indeed be conducting an evaluation of the convention leave termination issue, and the procedures the Postal Service used in the process.

RUMORS:  With any new dramatic change that could possibly cause many wide sweeping actions, the rumor mill churns its best.  Remember to contact this NAPUS Headquarters office if you might need clarification on any issue. 

In another unrelated action by the Postal Service against the management association of NAPS (National Association of Postal Supervisors) denied them the legal right to represent supervisors and other managerial employees of the Postal Service.  This was given to them in a prior court order on (February 17, 1977).  NAPS is suing the Postal Service over this issue.  ALL three management organizations have been working very closely together for the rights of their members.

Reminder:  The NAPUS National Convention is still being held in Anchorage, Alaska September 12-17, 2009.  To date, over 1250 attendees have signed up to participate in this event.  There is always room for you!  Disney’s Broadway production of THE LION KING will be playing during the convention dates.  Contact Michele Harmeling at (907-263-2711) for information.

Need to Know:  The Postal Service notified NAPUS of a new policy change in the “EAS Vacancy Package Closings” on June 2, 2009.  All three management associations (NAPUS-NAPS-League) had input into this change.  Effective June 23, 2009 the Postal Service is changing the period of time that an EAS vacancy file may remain open from 120 calendar days to 60 calendar days.  This will help speed up the selection process in eCareer when the RIF (Reduction in Force) process is completed.

Need to Know:  ALL three management organizations worked together to present a joint NPA proposal for the FY2010 goals to the Postal Service.  Those changes have been presented.  A meeting will be scheduled soon to go over the final FY2010 proposals.  When that information is available, it will be posted in the NAPUS web page.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 20, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday May 20, 2009.

The National Convention is being held in Anchorage, Alaska September 12-17, 2009.  Check the NAPUS web site for information and registration.  There is currently a posted consolidated agenda for the convention.  Also a new informational posting on the National Golf Tournament is ready for the golfers sign-up.  Contact Mel Miller at melthegolfer@yahoo.com for any questions on the tournament.  Reminder:  At the Captain Cook Hotel the first night’s deposit will be charged to your credit card on July 1, 2009 and will be non-refundable for ALL who have a room reservation.  If you need any changes to your existing reservation at the Captain Cook Hotel, please call them directly at (800-843-1950). 

Need to Know:  The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement dated May1, 2008 is now obsolete and should be destroyed.  The new policy signed by PMG John E. Potter dated May 1, 2009 should be posted.  You can access the document from Postal computers by going to the web address: (http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/policy/dd/050109.pdf.)

NAPUS President Dale Goff will be testifying today before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, the Postal Service and the District of Columbia.  The topic is postal cost-cutting, including facilities realignment.  The hearing begins at 10:00 AM EDT and may be viewed on the Subcommittee’s website: (http://federalworkforce.oversight.house.gov/).  President Dale is scheduled to speak in the Panel 11 session.

Currently in the Postal web, the Office of Inspector General report on “Management Advisory” was given to the Postal Service.  The OIG presented its conclusions and recommendations and the Postal Service responded with comments.  It was interesting to note that the OIG concluded that management was not always aware of misconduct for two main reasons.  One; that the city carriers are usually unsupervised during street delivery, and two; delivery unit management did not always effectively use available controls. In one action, the OIG recommended that the DOIS reports be reduced.  The Postal Service disagreed with the OIG recommended actions on this point.  Point here, the OIG recognized the fact that the supervisors and Postmasters are spending too much time on the computer and need to be out on the street managing the work force.

President Dale Goff; Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a very safe and relaxing Memorial Day holiday.  The next “hotline” will be out June 12, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 15, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday May 15, 2009. 

Need to Know:  The PS Form 150 is now automated.  You can go to the website at: (http://blue.usps.gov/lrinfo/ocm/FCP/PS150.htm) to get the worksheets.  The data sources are also displayed.

Safety:  Ours thoughts go to ALL the postal family who has been affected by the wildfires in the Santa Barbara area of California this May, 2009.

In Congress, the House Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia Subcommittee will be holding a postal oversight hearing on May 20, 2009.  This meeting comes at a critical juncture for the Postal Service.  The Subcommittee will examine the impact of current cost cutting efforts on Postal Service operations and network.  NAPUS President Dale Goff will be a witness during the Panel 11 presentation.

Notice:  The Postal Service notified NAPUS on May 13, 2009 that new information in the form of a letter written by Anthony J. Vegliante, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer of the USPS regarding salary increases for the promotion of non-bargaining employees was being sent to the “field’.  It stated in part:  “To encourage fiscal restraint, effective immediately, a promotional increase of more than 8 percent must be reviewed and approved by the Director, Compensation and Benefits.”

On Thursday May 14, 2009 the NAPUS/USPS quarterly consultative meeting was held at the NAPUS Headquarters office.  NAPUS President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and Executive Director Ken Engstrom took part in this meeting.  Many issues were raised in this meeting, some of which we received answers and will be high-lighted in this “hotline” and others which the information will be relayed later in the NAPUS web page and in the Gazette when the information is received from the Postal Service.   

NAPUS requested the status on PMR training.  The USPS response was that this program is under-going (ECS), essentials of customer service fact finding and will after this process is completed start the training.  The Postal Service is requesting input from NAPUS Postmasters who have PMR’s in their Post Office.  Please send your training ideas for possible implementation to the NAPUS Headquarters office, % Ken Engstrom-Executive Director. 

The RCA hiring process is currently being done by ‘external” hiring.  There have been many complaints about the system and with the trouble getting on line this has caused people to give up on the process.  This has caused the ripple effect for Postmasters where there is no one on the list to hire.  The USPS response was that they were not aware of any problems but if notified of areas of concern, they will react to the issues.  NAPUS gave them the areas we knew of but if other concerns are out there, please send them to the NAPUS Headquarters office. 

NAPUS asked the Postal Service if there was a freeze on upgrades of Post Offices when they have passed the “Zone of Tolerance?”  The USPS response to this issue was “NO”, there is no freeze.  If your Post Office has indeed passed the “Zone of Tolerance” it is time to process that request for the upgrade with your District office.

NAPUS asked why the Postal Service was not recommending to OPM incentives for the new VERA?  Many more postal employees would opt to retire.  The USPS response was that to ask for incentives they would have to go though Congress mandating them to act on the request.  In these financial down times with the Postal Service, this request was not pursued.

NAPUS requested the update on the FLSA Law issue from the Postal Service.  The USPS response stated that there are (462) Post Offices effected nationwide.  These Post Offices range from level 13-18.  The issue is still being addressed by President Dale Goff and further information will be presented such as breakdown of individual Post Offices and pay questions.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 8, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday May 8, 2009.

Need to Know:  The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office that it would be expanding the benefits of the Prescription Drug Card.  This is a workers’ compensation benefit program for injured employees.  It is run out of the First Script Network Services, which can be reached for information by calling (1-888-297-0822).

President Dale Goff; Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak; and Executive Director Ken Engstrom will meet with the Postal Service for the quarterly consultative meeting at the NAPUS Headquarters office next Thursday May 14, 2009.  Information will be forthcoming next week and posted on the NAPUS web page. 

Notice:  Reminder for ALL Postmasters to prepare your lobby for the May 11, 2009 rate change. 

Need to Know:  The Postal Service filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for a Summer Sale.  The Sale will provide a 30 percent reduction in postage for qualifying Standard Mail customers mailing letters and flats.  The Summer Sale will run from July 1 through September 30, 2009.

Positive Note:  NAPUS President Dale Goff and the Postal Service recognized NAPUS Postmaster Beverly Windbigler of Blocksburg, CA. 95514 for her actions of “Heroism” in helping a fellow patron of her local community.  A young teenager crashed his motorcycle into a tree across the street from the Blocksburg Post Office badly injuring his head and body.  After calling 911, Beverly stayed with and helped the young man until the emergency fire team arrived.  Thank you, Beverly. Your dedication to your community as Postmaster is commendable.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 1 , 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday May 1, 2009.

Safety Alert:  The Office of Personnel Management has issued an “Eye Opener:  Swine Flu Guide for Federal Workers” which can be accessed for key facts by going to the CDC Web site at (www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm.) 

Need to Know:  On May 11, 2009 the price of stamps will be increasing.  Highlights of the price change include:
  The price of a First-Class Mail stamp increases 2 cents, to 44 cents.  No changes to the additional-ounce price.
   Parcel Post simplified to one price list.
   New options for preparing First-Class Mail automation letters and Standard Mail automation and machinable letters.
To get the full informational tools on this change please go to the web site at (usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm.) 

Need to Know:  The updated timeline for the “RIF Avoidance & RIF Process” has been posted in this NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon.  The updated timeline breaks out the three “Phases” of the RIF’s process.  Please note the dates each “Phase” takes place.  PHASE 111 will begin with its postings on 8/4/09 with ALL vacancies not previously filled in the eCareer application process.

Notice:  On April 27, 2009 for your information to use as a benefit tool a “BMEU SOX Validation Log” was posted in the “breaking news” icon on the NAPUS web page.  (www.NAPUS.org

On Wednesday April 29, President Dale Goff and Government Relations Director Bob Levi attended the Pennsylvania NAPUS chapter’s “Spring Fling” legislative rally on the Capital grounds in DC.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 24, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday April 24, 2009. 

Need to Know:  The Postal Service clarified some of the next VERA retirement deadlines to the “field” on April 23, 2009.  Employees who wish to apply for VER effective May 31 must do so by May 15, which is the “irrevocable” date as well.  Employees who wish to apply for VER effective June 30 or July 31, the deadline is June 19, which is also again the “irrevocable” date for those employees who change their mind and wish to withdraw their applications for retirement. 

Notice:  The next Board of Governors meeting is scheduled May 4-6, 2009 in Washington DC at Postal Service Headquarters.  The public is welcome to observe the Board’s open session, scheduled to begin 8:30 a.m. on May 6 in the Ben Franklin Room on the 11th floor. 

Need to Know:  All know that the Postal Service is going through the RIF procedures currently and there are three “phases” to this procedure.  Many questions have come into the NAPUS national office regarding why some jobs are now being posted for filling for ALL qualified applicants to apply.  Postal Headquarters answered in part:  “Because there is a compelling operational need to fill critical higher level management positions in the “field” at this time, the Postal Service will be posting EAS-24 and above critical vacancies in Phase 1.  These EAS-24 and above positions will be posted only where there are no impacted employees in the competitive area at that level or higher, and will include vacant Postmaster positions at level 24 and above.  All qualified employees (impacted and non-impacted) AREA-WIDE (all districts) is eligible to apply for these vacancies.”

On April 22, 2009 the Employee Thrift Advisory Council (ETAC) held its meeting in Washington D.C. in which I attended on President Dale Goff’s behalf.  The advisory council heard a report from Executive Director Greg Long on the status of the funds to date and last month’s positive trend.  Most of the meeting was addressing the legislative proposals like H.R. 1256, (Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009.)

Need to Know:  The following is an update of the hotel room blocks for the NAPUS national convention in Anchorage, Alaska, September 12-17, 2009.  The NAPUS blocks have been sold out in Anchorage at the Captain Cook Hotel, the Ramada Inn, the Days Inn and the Marriott Hotel.  NAPUS rooms are still available at the Howard Johnson Hotel, $79/night (907-793-5500) and the Sheraton Hotel, $109/night (907-276-8700).  Make your plans now.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 17, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday April 17, 2009.

Notice: The following updated information on the September national convention in Anchorage, Alaska: The first night’s deposit will be charged to your credit card on July 1, 2009 and it will be non-refundable for ALL who have a room reservation at the Captain Cook Hotel. If you need to make any changes to your existing reservation at the Captain Cook Hotel, please call them directly at 800-843-1950. If the credit card on file for your reservation is not current, you must call them with a different credit card number to hold the reservation. Attention: NAPUS Official Family members on travel orders to Anchorage will NOT need to call the hotel. Your reservation has already been confirmed.

On April 14, 2009 the three management organizations met with the Postal Service at postal headquarters regarding EAS Employee Relocation policy and NPA. The proposed EAS Employee Relocation policy was presented and three suggestions were given by the NAPUS, League, and NAPS management associations. The Postal Service will be getting back to the organizations with information on the suggestions. Input was also given at the NPA policy meeting on the current FY09 goals and the proposed FY 2010 goals. The NPA meetings will be continuing in the months ahead with added input from the organizations.

On April 10, 2009 Susan M. LaChance, Vice President Employee Development & Diversity, USPS notified the Managers, Human Resources, Area that the Associate Supervisor Program (ASP) is being canceled because of the current business conditions.

President Dale Goff and Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak will once again be on the convention circuit attending the state conventions. Please contact the NAPUS office with your questions and concerns. Thank you.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 10, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday April 10, 2009.

Note: On April 8, 2009 PMG Jack Potter’s letter to the Officers of the Postal Service stated because of the pressures in today’s economy he was positioning “Retail’ for expanded growth. With several Senior Vice Presidents having retired or will be going to retire soon, the PMG did announced replacements!

Need to Know: New information was posted on the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon on 4/08/09. The title of this subject is “Timeline for RIF Avoidance & VERA”. To review additional information in the RIF organizational changes, go to the
Blue page at (http://blue.usps.gov/hr/edr/csfp /ocg/restructure.htm.) and for the VER timelines, go to ( http://blue.usps.gov/hr/
edr/csfp/ocg/hrssc_vera.htm
) or (http://liteblue.usps.gov.) There is also a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page in the RIF site. With this timeline now posted all Postmasters interested in competing for upcoming District-wide vacancies whether or not they’re impacted, need to create or update a profile in the eCareer system as soon as possible.

Need to Know: On April 7, 2009 the Postal Service and the NALC signed a new memorandum of agreement on the modified interim alternate route adjustment process-2009. Postmasters with city routes make sure you receive this new information. If you have any questions, please contact the NAPUS office.

Note: It has come to the attention of the National NAPUS office that some Districts are requiring the Postmasters in level EAS-16 and below to cancel their cleaning contracts immediately. President Dale Goff and the NAPUS organization will fight hard to see that this issue is not complied with. There is a formal procedure for this type of action. The Federal FLSA Law issue will be brought forward to the Postal Service adding to the case of the violations being conducted by the Postal Service.

NAPUS extends its best wishes to ALL the Postmasters and affected postal employees that are combating weather related problems in the North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Minnesota.

Notice: The NAPUS web page has been updated to include the approved National Executive Board changes made this past March in the NAPUS Fiscal Policy Section 1 & 9.

Note: Our own National Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak received recognition for his Cranford Post Office earning a five-star rating as part of the Postal Service’s 5-Star Customer Service Program. Congratulations-Wayne and staff.

Last week President Dale Goff attended fund raiser for Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia. This congressman is the author of the bill for the FERS sick leave. The House passed this bill last week. President Dale also was invited to speak to the Board of Governors along with the other presidents of the unions and management organizations this past week. The Board wanted input from ALL the groups and how better to save the Postal Service. President Dale spoke on proper complement and unrealistic goals among other issues. It is hoped these types of meetings will continue with the Board of Governors.

President Dale Goff; Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak; and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a safe and happy Easter holiday!

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director


NAPUS HOTLINE
April 3, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday April 3, 2009.

Notice:  On April 1, 2009 the Postal Service notified President Dale Goff that they plan to publish a Memorandum of Policy, Reconstructing an Official Personnel Folder (OPF).  The memorandum delineates that the reconstruction process must begin when the Local Services office learns that an OPF has been lost or destroyed. 

Need to Know:  Secretary Treasurer Wayne Orshak is reminding everyone that the mileage rate is now 50.5 cents per mile and to use this rate when turning in your travel vouchers.  Thank you.

The NAPUS National Convention this year will be held in Anchorage, AK. in September.  It is not too late to register for this convention and can do so by going online in the NAPUS web page.  (www.NAPUS.org)  There are several new links just put on this web page regarding tours in Anchorage.  Check them out!

Need to Know:  There have been calls and emails into the NAPUS office on the recent change in the NPA Retail Revenue Percent to Plan from lead finance level to POOM level.  This change was first announced in the “hotline” on March 13, 2009.  You can still get this information by going to the “hotline” icon and hitting the icon archives.  All three management organizations presented this issue to the Postal Service some time ago as a change.  They just agreed to it this past month.  Almost 80-85% of the Postmasters effected (EAS-20 and below) were given a revenue goal in the new FY09 that they could not make from the first day of the FY.  This puts the goal back to the POOM and the District and if the POOM even makes a cell (4) this will give ALL Postmasters a rating of contributor.  We all know that a District does not want to be known as a non-contributor.  Remember, it is only half way through this FY09 and as in the years past, the Postal Service will change this goal at least two more times downward before the end of the FY.  It is hoped this will put some fairness into this NPA goal.  NAPUS will be watching this issue very closely.  All three management organizations will be meeting this month to give more input into the NPA system and the FY2010 NPA goals.

Thank you to Betty Eickler and her crew of Postmaster Retired chairs on the Post Office Closing committee for savings at least (20) Post Office in the last few months.  Keep up the great effort!

Need to Know:  The Postal Service officially notified President Dale Goff that they will be extending the current Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) on March 30, 2009.  This information is posted in the NAPUS web page under the “breaking news” icon.  Note; no incentives were added to this (VERA).

Need to Know:  There have been some inquires as to why the public can get an employees name among other information on the internet.  In accordance with Handbook AS 353-Guide to Privacy, the Freedom of Information Act, and Records Management; employee’s name, job title, grade, current salary, duty station and dates of employment is considered public information.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director


NAPUS HOTLINE
March 27, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday March 27, 2009. 

On March 20 and again on March 25, 2009 the Postal Service announced organizational changes; state of financial crisis; and a new VERA that will be opening up soon.  This information is in the “breaking news” icon on the NAPUS web page.  The information will inform you of the six Districts that are being re-aligned and that 15% of every administration staff position in all the other District’s will be reduced.  In addition, more than 1,400 mail processing supervisor and management positions at nearly 400 facilities around the country will be eliminated, and nearly 150,000 employees nationwide will be given an opportunity to take an early out in the new VERA program. 

On Monday march 23, 2009 at the general session of the Leadership Conference Postmaster Retired Sally Robinson was honored with the “NAPUS Lifetime Award”.  This is only the ninth award given by the NAPUS organization.  Sally is currently the Retired Postmaster National editor.  Her list of accomplishments is far too long to list here.  This award was given to a very deserving NAPUS member.  Congratulations-Sally.

On Wednesday, March 25th the Presidents of the unions and management associations testified before Rep. Steven Lynch, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia.  Also testifying was Dan Blair, Chairman of the PRC who still is advocating the closure of small and rural Post Offices, and Jack Potter, Postmaster General who is still pushing for delivery to go from six days to five a week.  President Dale Goff in his testimony spoke about keeping the delivery to six days a week.  Please go to read the full text to our NAPUS web page under the eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin which will be posted today.

The NAPUS Leadership Conference came to an end this week on Wednesday, March 25 with over 1,100 attendees.  PMG Jack Potter and DPMG Pat Donahoe spoke to the general assembly on Monday and many of the Congressional leaders spoke on Wednesday.  Training was conducted for the state officers and visits to the “hill” were conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.  President Dale Goff; Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak; and other NAPUS leaders spoke and were available to ALL the entire conference. The “feedback”-it was one of the best conferences conducted in many years.  Plan on attending nest year!

Need to Know:  On Tuesday March 24, 2009 the Postal Service posted the new postage statements for the up-coming rate change on May 11, 2009.  The new forms can be found on the forms page (usps.com/forms).  You can also find the new prices and other information to help you prepare for the May 11 pricing change at (usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm).

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 19th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday March 19, 2009.

The NAPUS Leadership Conference in Arlington, Virginia will start this evening with its first function and run through March 25, 2009.  The national and state NAPUS leadership officers will be attending this leadership and legislative conference. 

Notice:  The NAPUS office has hired Jill Clark to replace Tiffany Marshall who has moved on to a job in the Federal sector in DC.  Jill will most likely be the first person you hear when calling the NAPUS Headquarters office.  Please join me in welcoming Jill to our NAPUS family. 

On Wednesday March 11, President Dale Goff and Government Relations Director Bob Levi attended a fund raiser for Rep. Steven Lynch.  He is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia.  Rep. Lynch will conduct a hearing that will examine the financial stability of the USPS on March 25 where our President Dale Goff will be among those testifying. 

On March 19, 2009 the management association presidents will have a meeting with Senator Carper to talk about postal issues.

NAPUS President Dale Goff and the Presidents of NAPS and the League met today at Postal Headquarters with Postmaster General Jack Potter on upcoming postal operational changes.  An announcement by the Postal Service will be made on March 20, 2009 at noon with the proposed operational changes.  Once those changes are made public they will be put on the NAPUS web page.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 13th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday March 13, 2009. 

Notice:  Registration for the NAPUS 2009 Leadership Conference is now closed for online registration.  You can still attend the conference and register on site at the registration tables beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday March 21, 2009.  See you there!

Need to Know:  On March 12, 2009 the Postal Service notified the “field” by letter from Mangala P. Gandhi Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Pay-for-Performance (PFP) Mid-Year review process will be open in the Performance Evaluation System (PES) on Tuesday, March 31.  At that time, employees may begin to submit accomplishments toward the objectives for their position (permanent or detail) held on March 27, 2009.  Evaluator’s review of submitted accomplishments and Mid-Year discussions with ALL of their employees must be completed and documented in PES by Friday, May 22.

Need to Know:  The Postal Service notified the management organizations at a meeting in Postal Headquarters on Monday March 9, 2009 that because of budget concerns, there will be no Postal Headquarters speakers sent to the state conventions this year.

On January 27, 2009 the NAPUS and League associations were offered to provide input into the upcoming rate increase on P.O. Boxes.  The Postal Service on March 5, 2009 sent us their responses informing us that our input was too late for the next increase but would be considered in the future.  The Postal Service did send us a list of FAQs which have been posted in the “breaking news” icon.  These questions do pertain to the May 11 increase and what affect they will have on the P.O. Boxes.

President Dale Goff was notified by the Postal Service on March 10, “effective, March 6 exceptions to the freeze on field positions will no longer be approved.”  President Dale will be pursuing this issue with Postal Headquarters.

The three management organizations met at Postal Headquarters on March 9, 2009 for three separate meetings involving NPA, BMEU, and the OIG Survey. 
  BMEU:  The Postal Service is undertaking an overhaul of the BMEU system as a result of the failure of the processes to comply with provisions of the Sarbanes/Oxley Law (SOX).  The “field” and mailers will in the very near future be receiving information on compliance of the BMEU processes.
  OIG Survey:  We received an overview on the proposed OIG’s Survey of the Postal Service’s retail work hours.  They stated their objective is to determine whether retail managers are effectively managing work hours in relation to workload in an effort to reduce operating costs and improve customer service.  They (OIG) stated to all of us that the intent of the audit should be made clear to Postmasters, managers and supervisors in the “field” that this is an audit and not an investigation.  If actions occur that are not in compliance of this statement, please contact the NAPUS national office. 
  NPA:  NAPUS, NAPS, and the League had made several recommendations to improve the NPA process.  While many of our proposed changes were not accepted at this time, they will be again proposed at the April 2009 NPA joint meeting with the Postal Service for FY2010 goals.  The following are some of the NPA changes that will be implemented when the February NPA Reports are published:

The measurement depths for percent DPS, retail revenue percent to plan, total operating expenses for customer service retail & delivery unit scorecards will now be at the lead finance level.

The retail revenue percent to plan measurement is changing from lead finance level to POOM level for EAS A-E Postmasters, 11-16 Postmasters, and 18-20 Postmasters.

These decisions are effective immediately and will be reflected in NPA publishing scheduled for March 19, 2009.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day on this upcoming Tuesday March 17, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 6 th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday March 6, 2009. 

Reminder:  Sign up for the NAPUS Leadership Conference March 21-25, 2009 by going to the NAPUS web page.  (www.NAPUS.org)  The Leadership Conference icon will point you in the right direction for information and registration.  Only two weeks to go!

Notice:  Bob Levi, NAPUS Government Relations Director was advised that inserting the postal employees’ health provision in the Budget Blueprint was a mistake, and it will not be included in the formal Fiscal Year 2010 Budget submission to Congress.

Rumors:  Here we go again!  The latest involves a statement that CSRS employees can receive an incentive of up to 75% of their contributions in a Lump Sum Option.  That rumor is FALSE. 

Correction:  In a previous statement it was quoted that when a Post Office is reclassified to a lower grade, the Postmaster will receive saved salary for two years.  In the ELM 415.52 it states that when a position is reclassified to a lower grade, the employee is immediately reduced to this grade, but saved salary is granted if the employee’s salary exceeds the maximum salary of the lower grade. 

Need to Know:  The NAPUS Kansas web site is conducting a survey on SPMS scanning.  The NAPUS office is interested in the results of this survey and recommends all NAPUS members to visit the web site at www.kansasnapus.org and take the survey.  Thank you.

Retiree Equity Bills Introduced:  Introduction of H.R. 1203, “the Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act” will allow retirees to pay their monthly health care premiums using pre-tax dollars.  In a press release, Rep. Van Hollen (D-MD) quoted our National President Dale Goff:  “Our nation’s Postmasters commend Rep. Van Hollen for introducing legislation that would treat health benefit premiums similarly for active and retired Federal employees.  It makes absolutely no sense to grant different tax treatment for exactly the same benefits, depending on whether the individual is working or retired.  If the benefit is tax-preferred, it should not discriminate based on employment status.”  To read the full texts go to our eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 27th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday February 27, 2009.

NAPUS Leadership Conference:  March 21-25, 2009 NAPUS will be conducting its leadership conference at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.  You can still register by going to the NAPUS web page online.  See past “hotline” weeks for additional information.  As of February 25, we have about 750 registered.  As a reminder, on Monday March 23, PMG Jack Potter and Deputy PMG Pat Donahoe will both speak to the general audience. 

Need to Know:  The new 2009 price-change stamps are unveiled along with the new Forever personalized stamp envelope being introduced on the postal web link in the NAPUS web page. 

VERA:  The latest figures of EAS employees taking the VER are stated:
    Supervisor Customer Services-374
    Supervisor Distribution Operations-96
    Other Field EAS-581
    Postmasters-928
    HQ/HQ-related employees-190

Need to Know:  On February 23, 2009 Jack Potter, Postmaster General, CEO wrote a letter to the Officers & PCES Managers of the Postal Service on the subject of the “collective-bargaining agreements—our bond with our employees.”  In part he states:  “These are difficult times.  Our bond with our employees has never been more important than it is today.  That bond is represented by the collective-bargaining agreements with our unions.  As we adapt to a dynamic and dramatically changing environment we will, by necessity, bring even more change to our business.  But one thing cannot change:  our adherence to the provisions of our labor agreements.  They are our word.  They are our pledge of fairness to our employees.” 

Need to Know:  On February 25, 2009 the Postal Service notified the NAPUS office of a memo written by Lynn Malcolm, Vice President, Controller regarding recent changes to the relocation policy for non-bargaining employees; primarily to the home purchase element of the program.  The changes involve increasing the distance used for home purchase program, shortening the time frame to vacate the purchase home, establishing a maximum value to be eligible for this program, along with other clarification aspects of general relocation.  Also relocation for lateral transfers is now not authorized.  The new changes can be found on the “Blue” page under essential links-policy net-handbooks-F-15-A.

Note:  Please refer later today to the eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin in the NAPUS web page for a full informational coverage on the recent House passing of H.R. 1105.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 20th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday February 20, 2009.

Reminder: The time is NOW for making your plans to attend the NAPUS Leadership Conference being held over March 21-25, 2009. Sign up by going to the NAPUS web page. (www.NAPUS.org) Also call Ross Davis, Marriott Housing Director at (703-271-5119) for rooms. A tentative program for this conference is also online for your use. Note: We will be hearing from ALL the Congressional Postal leaders from the House of Representatives. James Clyburn, House Majority Whip; Ed Towns, Chair House Oversight & Government reform Committee; Darrel Issa, Ranking GOP House Oversight & Government Reform Committee; Steve Lynch, Chair House Federal Workforce & Postal Service Subcommittee; and Jason Chaffetz, Ranking GOP House Federal Workforce & Postal Service Subcommittee will be in attendance and will be addressing the membership. Hope to see you there.

Updated Issue: As NAPUS President Dale Goff stated in last weeks “hotline”, the irresponsible and threatening comments made by Western Area Vice President Sylvester Black and Dakota District Manager Clem Fleche merits a prompt, decisive and firm response by our Postmaster General. Dale further states: “You should know that, as a result of the red flag thrown by NAPS, NAPUS, and the League, the Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) began an investigation of our mutual concern that such venomous remarks reinforce and often breeds a hostile and unsafe work environment. While we all eagerly await the OIG’s conclusions, the ongoing investigation must not delay Postal Headquarters from commencing an aggressive education campaign for those Postal Executives who do not understand the definition of “respect and dignity.”

Need to Know: On February 13, 2009 Anthony J. Vegliante, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer notified by letter to the “field’ that the policy regarding casual rate of pay is being changed due to the current economic and business climate. The new casual appointments are to be now paid at a rate that is at least $1 less than the previously established rate of pay for each position within your facility.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 NAPUS President Dale Goff and the Presidents of the Unions and Managements Organizations met with PMG Jack Potter to discuss operational and legislative issues.

On February 12, 2009 NAPUS filed reply comments with the Postal Regulatory Commission in response to a document that the Commission Public Representative submitted in early February. In this February 2cd document, the Representative suggested that the USPS privatize “most of the Postal Service’s tens of thousands of retail offices…”. NAPUS questioned the wisdom of privatization, in which the PRC’s own analysis concluded that only $586 million would be saved with the closure of every small Post Office. NAPUS believes that such action would compromise universal service to rural areas, without doing much to improve the economic sustainability of the United States Postal Service. Please refer to Bob Levi’s (NAPUS Government Relations Director) eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin in the NAPUS web page for the full story. Note: The link to NAPUS’ comments at the PRC website is also listed in eNAPUS.

President Dale Goff; Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak; and the NAPUS Staff hoped that ALL enjoyed a successful President’s Day holiday this past Monday.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 13th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday February 13, 2009. 

The NAPUS Leadership Conference held over March 21-25, 2009 is still looking for YOU.  Sign up by going to the NAPUS web page. (www.NAPUS.org)  Rooms can still be found by calling Ross Davis, Housing Director Marriott at (703-271-5119).  If you have not sent in your registration form, you need to complete this task now.  Your national office needs this information to plan the best conference possible for you. 

Rumors:  It seems these times are fertile grounds to sprout a new rumor!  Every day the NAPUS National Office is asked a question about an issue to see if it is true.  Remember; rumors are just that-rumors.  Call the NAPUS office if you have a question on any issue that you are not sure is true.

Need to Know:  NAPS President Ted Keating wrote a letter to Pat Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General & COO on February 11, 2009 requesting the immediate removal of Western Area Vice President Sylvester Black and Dakotas District Manager Clem Felchle for inappropriate and inflammatory remarks on Telecoms last week.  At the Feb. 11 meeting where all three management presidents met with the Deputy Postmaster General, NAPUS President Dale Goff stated that he was in full support of NAPS President Ted Keating’s request for the immediate removal of these employees.  This type of conduct by senior officers cannot be tolerated.  The full letter can be found on the postal blog. 

Note:  The Governors of the U. S. Postal Service have approved new prices for mailing services, including a 2-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Stamp to 44 cents effective Monday, May 11, 2009. 

NAPUS Government Relations Director Bob Levi testified before the Committee on Ways & Means Maryland House of Delegates on February 11, 2009.  He stated that NAPUS strongly supports House Bill 523, legislation to make available permanent absentee ballots for certain classes of Maryland voters. 

As always, I am here to help you

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 4th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday February 4, 2009. 

The NAPUS Leadership Conference will be held this March 21-25, 2009 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.  Please refer to last weeks “hotline” for more information.  You can still register online by going to the NAPUS web page.

Need to Know:  The Recourse Process is scheduled to begin on February 6, 2009.  Postmasters may go to the “blue” page and use this process if they feel their PFP rating is below where it should be.

On February 2, 2009 Deborah Giannoni-Jackson, Vice President Employee Resource Management stated in a letter to USPS Headquarters Officers that there is still a hiring freeze for Headquarters and Headquarters Field Units.  Note:  At a meeting on January 13, 2009 Tony Vegliante, Chief Human Resource Officer and Senior Vice President Labor Relations did state that “critical positions” are now open in the “field” for (posting) though the exception process in each Area Headquarters office.  Postmaster positions are considered a critical position.  There (as previously noted) should soon be Post Office openings in eCareer.

Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak was in the NAPUS office this week finishing up the year end financial reports with our CPA auditor. The results will be presented at the NAPUS National Executive Board meeting in March.

President Dale Goff and Executive Asst. Gerri Swarm flew to Puerto Rico to look at convention sites and sign the contracts for the NAPUS National Convention in year 2011.  Executive Director Ken Engstrom is attending the Mid-Winter Conference in Oregon on President Dale Goff’s behalf.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, Executive Director Ken Engstrom, and Government Relations Director Bob Levi represented NAPUS at the League Legislative dinner on Tuesday Feb. 3, 2009.

On February 3, 2009 the quarterly meeting with the Liberty Mutual benefit plan was held at the NAPUS headquarters office.  The Postmaster benefit program is moving along very well and providing great benefits to the NAPUS members.  Home, car, boat, are just a few of the policies that this plan provides.  Check out this benefit program and others provided by NAPUS on the web page.  (www.NAPUS.org)

USPSNEWSBREAK P.M.:  Just received by fax from the Postal Service today (Feb.4) the first quarter financial report of the USPS.  The Postal Service ended its first quarter with a net loss of $384 million as the economic recession contributed to a 5.2 billion piece mail volume decline compared to the same period last year.

The new House Federal Postal Sub-Committee Chair was announced today as Steve Lynch (D-MA.)  The ranking Republican on this committee is Jason Chaffetz (R-UT.)

At the Board of Governors meeting today Carolyn Lewis Gallagher was elected the new Chairman.  Louis J. Giuliano was elected the Vice Chairman of the Board.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 30th, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 30, 2009.

Reminder:  Plan on attending your NAPUS Leadership Conference this March 21-25, 2009 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.  The rooms are booked and for those who have more than one room and will not now need it, please call Ross Davis, Housing Director at (703-271-5119) to release the room for other NAPUS members.  Contact Ross also to see if he can get you a room if one is needed.  You can register online (www.NAPUS.org) by hitting the Leadership Conference icon located to the right side of the NAPUS web page.  See you there!

Note:  In October of 2008 the new “NAPUS National Email” was launched.  To date over 400 NAPUS members have taken advantage of this fast informational news system.  All NAPUS members should take advantage of this benefit offered to them.  The latest daily information is directed to this system when it is presented to the NAPUS office.  You can sign up for the email list by going to http://www.napus.us and click on the subscribe button.  This will open your email program and all you have to do is send a “blank” email which will give you a confirmation back asking if you want to subscribe.  Follow the instructions in the email and you will be added to the list.  The email list will be secure and will only be used for NAPUS business.  (Note:  Do not use your Postal Service email.)  If you do have a problems signing up contact webmaster@NAPUS.us for help.

The next Board of Governors meeting will be held on Feb. 3-4, 2009 at Postal Service Headquarters.  The public is welcome to observe the Board’s open session scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 in the Ben Franklin Room on the 11th floor. 

On 1/27/2009 the Presidents of the Management Organizations and Unions met with Jack Potter, PMG at Postal Headquarters to discuss among other issues his upcoming testimony to Congress. You can read his entire speech by going on the NAPUS web page and hitting on the icon of the Postal Service’s web link.  President Dale Goff; Executive Director Ken Engstrom; and Charlie Mapa League President met again in the afternoon with Postal officials to discuss Postmaster Post Office Box concerns.  Topics included:  fee groups-how established; general deliver VS. Free P.O. boxes (no fee box); what changes can be done under the CAP; ideas to promote this product. 

Need to Know:  The NPA merit has now been processed with a form 50 for your FY08 work.  Did you know you could go online with a non postal computer and see what you received?  A Postal computer won’t let you open the file you want to view.  By going the following link: http://liteblue.usps.gov/ you can view your OPF.  Go to the EOPF on the right side & follow instructions & view your new Form 50 just processed.

Need to Know:  The OIG has notified the Postal Service that they will be initiating a survey of Postal Service’s retail work hours. This survey is planned to be completed by February 27, 2009.  Their objective is to determine whether retail managers are effectively managing work hours in relation to workload in an effort to reduce operating costs and improve customer service.  President Dale Goff is requesting a meeting with Postal Headquarters on this issue.

The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office that it will be conducting a study on the signature capture process for Stamps on Consignment shipments that use Priority Mail.  The purpose of this study is to identify root causes of problems with the current process and to develop and implement solutions.  The study will begin February 2 and conclude April 3, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 23rd, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 23, 2009.

Note: The NAPUS Leadership Conference is being held March 21-25, 2009 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. There are still a few rooms available by calling (703) 920-3230. Make sure you identify yourself with the NAPUS Leadership Conference to receive the discount rate. To those who have already reserved your room but have not registered-do so now. You can register on line (www.napus.org) by hitting on the Leadership Conference icon which is located to the right side of the NAPUS web page. Also notice, a tentative program for this conference is also online for your use.

Need to Know: NAPUS Closing/Consolidation Chair Betty Eickler with the NAPUS national office approval wrote a letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission on an issue that seems to be occurring with more frequency in the Postal Service. The Postal Service is closing Post Offices using the “Eviction” reason as the excuse. The letter brings to the attention of the Regulatory Commission this issue and asks for their help in making the Postal Service follow their own rules and regulations, Handbook 101 and 39 US Code when attempting to close a Post Office.

Notice: There have been many questions coming into the NAPUS Headquarters office concerning the NPA payout. Yes, it is being paid. The NPA payout will show up in PP03 in your February 6, 2009 pay-check. All three management organizations worked very hard to make sure the right actions were taken in this important issue.

In this weeks eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin it talks about the “postal stimulus initiative”. NAPUS is working in conjunction with other postal employee groups to include H.R. 22 within the $825 billion “2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act”, aka the economic stimulus package. Go to the NAPUS web page and read the full report.

Need to Know: Recommend that ALL Postmasters check their current leases if they have one on their Post Offices. This will give you a heads up on possible actions that might need to be taken to keep your office valid.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 16, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 16, 2009.

REMINDER: The NAPUS Leadership Conference will be conducted March 21-25, 2009 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. There are still rooms available at the conference rate and can be reserved by calling (703) 920-3230. Make sure you identify yourself with the NAPUS 2009 Leadership Conference to receive the discount rate. You can register online (www.NAPUS.org) by hitting on the Leadership Conference icon which is located to the right of the NAPUS web page. The tentative program for the Leadership Conference is also online for your use.

On January 13, 2009 Anthony J. Vegliante, Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President USPS wrote a memo regarding PCES executives hiring freeze which states: “Effective immediately, all hiring for PCES executives at Headquarters, Areas and District Field Units is frozen with the exception of Plant Managers and District Managers until further notice.” Mr. Vegliante did state to the Management Organizations at a meeting held the same day that “critical positions” are now open (Posting) through the exception process in each Area office. Postmaster positions are considered a critical position. In the very near future, many Postmaster positions should be up on the eCareer page.

On January 13, 2009 the officers of NAPS, League, and NAPUS met with the Postal Service to discuss the NPA issues at Postal Headquarters. Tony Vegliante, Chief Human Recourse Officer & Executive VP; Doug Tulino, Vice President Labor Relations; and the managers of the USPS NPA program represented the USPS. The meeting was very productive with many issues touched upon. The Management Organizations stressed the compliance of the USPS with Title 39 and our Consultative rights which states: management organizations are entitled to participate directly in the planning and development of pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs relating to supervisory and other managerial employees.” Mr. Tulino made a commitment to the management organizations that this will occur in the upcoming NPA development in March 2009. Other discussion issues included: complying with the NPA administration rules; changes in NPA during the year; changes in goals-sales; changes in use of lead finance number for unit goals/targets; and end-of-year NPA process.

Note: As a result of the January 13 meeting discussions, information in the form of a memo was released by Mangala P. Gandhi, Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition on January 15, 2009 regarding a temporary change to handbook EL-312, employment and placement, section 743.15, time limit on higher-level temporary assignments. President Dale Goff stated that this is a good change that keeps one eligible for a position and also to help fill the vacancies. The section currently states the limits of the temporary assignment to 120 days for placement into the position. The restriction is waived for one year counting from the date of the memo. (January 15, 2009) Employees can now apply for the higher level position even if they have been in the detail over the 120 days while this exception is in effect.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a safe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. A historic Inauguration Day will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 9, 2009

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday January 9, 2009.

Need to Know: On January 8, 2009 the Postal Service announced its launching of a new priority mail box product effective January 18, 2009 for $4.95. This gives the customers another choice in packaging to ship anywhere in the United States for one price, regardless of weight or destination. The Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box measures 8-5/8 to 5-3/8 to 1-5/8 inches.

Note: You can now go online and get a list of room numbers and phone numbers for the House of Representatives 2009. http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcapdir.html

Reminder: The Leadership Conference will be held March 21-26, 2009 and your plans to attend need to be made now. You can go online in the NAPUS web page hit on the Leadership Conference icon to complete the registration. The tentative conference program is now in the Leadership Conference icon on the web.

Need to know: The Postal Service notified NAPUS on January 9, 2009 that the new postage statements are now online. You can reach them on the forms page on USPS.com.
http://www.usps.com/forms/allforms.htm

Rep. John M. McHugh introduced on 1/6/2009 bill H.R.22, and it was passed along to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This bill is to amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to allow the United States Postal Service to pay its share of contributions for annuitants’ health benefits out of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund.

Sad News: It is with deep regret that we inform you that Robert Sawyer passed away on January 6, 2009. Robert was a retired Postmaster from Alabama and served for many years as the NAPUS National Chaplain. Condolences may be sent to their home: 31 Lovelady Lane, Guntersville, AL. 35976.

Note: The NAPUS web page has been updated with information added to the membership icon and the Constitution page. Also in the “breaking news” icon a new 2009 Rate Cheat Sheet which will be effective 1-17-09 has been formulated by Chip Clemmons, Dexter NM for your use. Thank you Chip!

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
December 31st, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday December 31, 2008.

Notice: On December 29, 2008 the Postal Service posted the previews of the 2009 Commemorative Stamp program. You can look at the new issues by going to the NAPUS web page connecting with the Postal Service news icon.

The Postal Service released updated information on the voluntary early retirement (VER). The offer is open to employees in positions that meet the OPM conditions and who are at least 50 years of age with 20 years of creditable federal service or any age with 25 years of creditable federal service. VER Group 1 includes clerks, mail handlers and initial level supervisors of mail processing and customer service. This group has 3,685 employees going on December 31, 2008. VER Group 2 includes headquarters-related employees, as well as rural and city letter carriers. This group has 4, 049 employees going out on February 28, 2009. VER Group 3 consists of field EAS and Postmasters.  No firm numbers to date are ready for this group of employees going out by March 31, 2009.

Need to Know: On December 24, 2008 Mangala P. Gandhi, Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition wrote a letter spelling out the new changes to the Rehabilitation Act. This letter is now up this week in the “breaking news” icon on the NAPUS web page. Please visit this site to review the changes.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a happy New Year. See you in next year!

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
December 24th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday December 24, 2008.

Note: The Postal Regulatory Commission’s report stated to “Keep Postal Monopoly in Place” on December 19, 2008. It urged that Congress keep an eye on postal finances, which have been suffering in the current economic climate, in case changes become necessary. Congressman Danny K. Davis and John M. McHugh signed a letter (dated December 23, 2008) to the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives requesting that the text of H.R. 7313, introduced on December 9, 2008, be included in the economic stimulus package currently being developed. This bill would assist the U.S. Postal Service to address its serious financial constraints and would serve to protect existing Postal Service jobs.

With Christmas and New Years being short weeks it is important that current information on a previous week (December 19, 2008) still be readily available for the NAPUS membership. Please sign on the following icon which will be highlighted on the NAPUS “hotline” to retrieve the December 19, 2008 information.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS Staff wish all a very Merry Christmas and holiday season. Be safe, and have those positive thoughts for yourself and your family during this time.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
December 19th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday December 19, 2008.

The NAPUS office was notified by the Postal Service on 12/16/2008 that they will be testing a new approach of having retail associates/Postmasters engage customers in the purchase of insurance against loss or damage. The focus of the new approach is to refrain from using the “loss or damage” language, as it may create a negative perception of the service. The ten pilot sites are located all over the nation ranging from Far Rockaway, New York to Summer Lake, Oregon. The test starts this December and runs through the end of January 2009.

Safety Alert: Many areas of the nation are experiencing winter conditions of snow and ice. It would be a good time to again go over all the safety procedures for delivery of the mail in these hazardous conditions.

Need to Know-VER: Postal Headquarters today sent the NAPUS office a clarification on recent questions of eligible employees in the VER. As stated: HQ continues to get calls from employees who are eligible for optional retirement prior to the VER date of 3/31/09. There is some assumption on their part that they too are eligible to make a request to retire early in conjunction with the VERA. I have provided the following response to the messages directed to me on this issue. We’re not adding folks to the list because of the early retirement date. The VER effective date of March 31, 2009 is the trigger for establishing the VER list. So any employee eligible for optional retirement before 3/31/09 is not eligible. Changing the date in which they can go, does not cover anyone optionally eligible before 3/31/09. When the decision was made to allow employees to go earlier than the initial effective date, we did not go back and establish new VER eligibles. This early date is only for those on the VER list as of 3/31/09. The opportunity for an earlier retirement date is confined to those employees originally identified as VER-eligible as of 3/31/09. Thank you.

Note: The Postal Service released on December 18 to the public that ALL Post Offices will be open on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, but most will shorten retail lobby hours and close at noon. Regular mail delivery for Dec. 24 will be unaffected by the change. Also of note; the Postal Service was once again recognized by the Ponemon Institute as the sixth “Most Trusted Companies for Privacy” in America.

On Monday December 15, 2008 President Dale Goff and the other management organization presidents met at Postal Headquarters with Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe to discus general postal issues.

The NAPUS National Executive Board conducted a meeting on Tuesday December 16, 2008. Issues discussed were: Locality pay; compensation committee report; late vouchers; VER-early out; closing early on Christmas Eve & New Years Eve; PMG meeting; and Ruthie Cauble’s (National Secretary/Treasurer) comments to the Board.

The final Postal Regulatory Commission report on Universal Postal Service and the Postal Monopoly came out on December 19, 2008. President Dale Goff and Bob Levi, Government Relations Director is reviewing this report. You can read the full report by going on the NAPUS web page under the Postal News Link icon. The PRC web link is included in that icon.

This week information on the VER was put in the “breaking news” section of the NAPUS web page. A letter stating the new irrevocable date on the VER offer (dated December 17, 2008) is available for your reading.

On Wednesday December 17, 2008 President Dale Goff, including the Presidents of the other management associations and unions, met at Postal Headquarters with the Postmaster General Jack Potter to discuss issues of joint concerns.

Charlie Moser, membership chair of NAPUS reported that as of December 12, 2008 NAPUS passed the 73% mark in membership. Thank you to Charlie, Tony, and ALL the membership chairs in each state for the hard work in achieving this success.

Interesting Note: By Executive Order from President Bush issued on December 12, 2008 he excused the executive branch employees from duty Friday, December 26, 2008, the day after Christmas Day. The Postal Service has stated this order does not include postal employees. They stated this day is to be treated as a normal business day for the USPS.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
December 12th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday December 12, 2008.

Need to Know: It has come to the attention of the National NAPUS Office that at least two states are sending out instructions that ALL their Post Offices will close early on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. While that directive is fine the second line in their instructions details that the Postmaster will take some form of leave the rest of the day. It also goes on to state that if leave is not taken then the Postmaster must travel to another larger Post Office to finish out their day. The Postal Service can’t mandate a Postmaster to take leave nor can they demand that they travel to another Post Office to finish their day of work. Please contact NAPUS Headquarters if this happens in your area.

On December 10, 2008 Wednesday, NAPUS President Dale Goff, NAPS President Ted Keating, League President Charley Mapa, and each Legislative Director of the three management organizations met at the NAPUS Headquarters office with a representative of the Obama Transition Team to discuss postal issues. Please refer to the eNAPUS newsletter for more information.

Need to Know: Thank you to Bill Judge, Secretary/Treasurer of the Ohio Chapter of NAPUS for expanding on the question, “What is a Mitigating Factor?” Please go to the NAPUS web page under the NPA/PFP icon and read his state article on this issue. (www.NAPUS.org)

Need to Know: The NAPUS Headquarters office received from the Postal Service on December 11, 2008 an informational notice on the Postal Service’s intent to exercise its right as the employer to option in ALL rural routes for the mail count. This national mail count will be conducted for 24 working days beginning February 14, concluding March 14, 2009. The informational letter and the 2009 National Rural Mail Count Option Election instructions and form is now up on our “breaking news” icon in the NAPUS web page.

VER: There have been questions raised to the national office regarding the VER out and their health benefits implementations. Most all information on the VER is addressed in the FAQs on the USPS Blue Page. One question posed often was if I do not have the continuous coverage in the FEHB program for five years immediately preceding retirement, will my health benefits follow me into retirement? That question is answered in the FAQ #36 on the Blue Page and yes it will with a waiver because you are taking a voluntary early retirement. Just up on our “breaking news” icon this week is information received from Postal Headquarters informing VER employees that they can now elect to leave before the March 31, 2009 date. Please read this information if you are indeed in the VER.

On Thursday, December 11, 2008 the quarterly meeting with our NAPUS Liberty Mutual benefit group was conducted. The results were very positive and are showing that the plan is helping many Postmasters in auto, home, and other insurance coverage’s. In this time with the recent economy down trend, we need all the help we can get. Visit the NAPUS membership services icon on the NAPUS web page to again look over all the benefits NAPUS has to offer. It might be that time to look at your insurance needs to get that better coverage and save costs. Note; after connecting with the membership services icon on the left side of the NAPUS web page, proceed to the membership benefits icon for the listed benefits.

Need to Know: This week a letter (dated December 2, 2008) was added to the NPA/PFP icon on our NAPUS web page from Mangala P. Gandhi, Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition of the USPS on the subject of “Objective Setting Discussions and Behavioral Objectives”. This letter again spells out the procedure for this process. Remember “NO” numeric targets are assigned to these core requirements.

Need to Know: Inquires are still coming into the NAPUS office regarding the FY 2008 NPA payouts. Per our meetings with the Postal Service these “payouts” are still going to be made.

Note: Due to information just received from the Office of Personnel Management regarding changes in Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard Health Plan provisions, belated elections for ALL plans within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program will be accepted beyond the original December 9, 2008 closing date. The new deadline to make employee self service FEHB elections using PostalEASE is December 28, 2008 at 5 p.m. CT. Also, you will be able to make Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) belated elections past the original December 8, 2008 closing date. The new deadline for the FEDVIP is January 31, 2009. Go to www.benefeds.com or call toll-free 877-888-3337 to make the elections.

Reminder: “FREE MEMBERSHIP” is available to (ALL) Postmaster/OIC/PMR non-members through December 31, 2008. Please visit the “Free Membership” icon on the right side of the NAPUS web page for information on this great offer.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
November 21st, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 21, 2008.

Notice: Once again fires have hit the state of California. It is estimated that over 400 homes have been destroyed. NAPUS reminds the postal family that help can be found by applying to the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF). (www.postalrelief.com)

On November 19, 2008 the executive committee meeting of the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund was conducted at the American Postal Workers Union office. The total grants approved at the October 15, 2008 meeting was $411,000.00. Remember you can donate to this fund during the Combined Federal Campaign by choosing the designate CFC #10268.

The quarterly consultative NAPUS/USPS meeting was held at the NAPUS Headquarters office on November 20, 2008. President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, incoming Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak and Executive Director Ken Engstrom attended representing NAPUS. Bill Jones, Manager Labor Relations Policy Administration, Labor Relations Specialist Lee Ann Olohan, and Rich Rudez, Manager of Retail USPS attended representing the Postal Service. Wayne was introduced to his first consultative meeting. Please go to the “breaking news” icon today to read about this meeting.

The Postal Regulatory Commission on November 14, 2008 established Docket CP2009-8 to receive comments on price changes for competitive postal products filed by the U.S. Postal Service. The changes are scheduled to take place on January 18, 2009.

Need to Know: Friday, November 14, 2008 the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) notified the Postal Service that they are withdrawing from the Quality of Work Life/ Employee Involvement (QWL/EI) process effective January 1, 2009.

President Dale Goff was notified by the Postal Service that it was reviewing its Registered Mail System. Technology changes to the Stamp Services System will now print Priority Mail Signature Confirmation labels. This process will be tested in (9) areas across the United States allowing shipments of $500 or less value stamps stock to be shipped via Priority Mail using generic priority labels. This process should eliminate up to 56% of the current stock and accountable papers from registry operations. NAPUS has voiced its concern about accountability of this process.

National Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble was in the National Office this week working with incoming National Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak on the transition. The process went very well and the NAPUS organization will again be represented well in this office. Ruthie is to be commended for the outstanding job she has done in her two year term. Thank you, Ruthie!

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a very happy Thanksgiving Holiday. The next “hotline’ will be out the week of December 6, 2008.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
November 14th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 14, 2008.

The E-NAPUS Legislative Newsletter will be up today on the NAPUS web page under the Government Relations icon. The latest information from our Government Relations Director will be relayed. Please visit the site.

Notice: The Postal Service informed the NAPUS office effective November 6, 2008 the Postal Bulletin will only be mailed in “hard” copy form to EAS Level 14 and below Post Offices, military addresses and paid subscribers. The Postal Bulletin will be provided to EAS Level 15 and above Post Offices in the electronic format.

The Postal Service notified the public that pricing for shipping services will change on Sunday, January 18, 2009 following a vote by the Board of Governors. Prices for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service and some international shipping products will change an average of 5% on the above date.

Need to Know: In a statement by Gerald J. McKiernan, Manager, Media Relations, USPS on November 12, 2008 he denied that the story originating out of Shreveport, LA. is accurate when stating 40,000 layoffs are going to be made by the Postal Service. He stated that the Postal Service is not laying off employees.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
November 7th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday November 7, 2008. 

Notice: Much has happened in the last two weeks that has been posted in the “breaking news” icon on this NAPUS web page.  Please visit to update yourselves on the information given to the Postal Service from ALL three management organizations on topics of NPA and proposals on re-opening of “pay talks”. This week additional information has been posted in “breaking news” regarding a joint letter signed by ALL three presidents of the management associations to the Chair of the Board of Governors, Alan C. Kessler and Dan G. Blair, Chairman of the PRC. This letter is requesting their assistance in dealing with the lack of response to our letter dated October 3, 2008 to the Postmaster General on the development of the FY 2009 National Performance Assessment (NPA) Unit and Core goals.   

Note: The NAPUS web page has this week also added updates in the NPA/PFP icon. The FY 2008 Pay-for –Performance Mitigating Factors process is now posted for your information. Note the deadline to submit the validated request forms to SER for processing is December 12, 2008. Allow time for all the steps to be completed to meet these time frames. New updated information has also been added this week to the NPA/PFP icon relating to changes in the FY08 Higher Level Rating Review process. Please check out these new changes.

Instructions from the Postal Service are going out to the “field” requesting that the FY09 goals be completed. The NAPUS Headquarters office has received this week from four different states information that Districts are mandating the Postmasters to accept numeric goals for the PFP process. This is NOT to be an accepted instruction from any District in this NPA process. As stated by Mangala P. Gandhi, Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition USPS in a letter dated January 7, 2008, quoted in part “EAS Postmasters and field EAS performance pay programs each have specific pre-determined behavioral core requirement that were agreed upon through the consultative process with management organizations. These objectives were developed with pre-determined performance expectations and targets that measure an employee’s performance. NO numeric targets are assigned to these core requirements. Evaluators should not establish arbitrary targets or measurements to replace or support those that have already been defined, nor should additional core requirements be incorporated into behavioral objectives.” Please contact the NAPUS Headquarters office if this issue is occurring in your District.

On October 31, 2008 William Burrus, National President of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) sent a letter to Postal Headquarters requesting information pursuant to the provisions of Article 31 of the 2006 Collective Bargaining Agreement on among other requests, how many clerk craft bargaining unit work hours have been performed by non bargaining unit employees, e.g. supervisors, Postmasters, etc. The letter is up on the Postal news blog.  (www.postalnews.com

Notice: The Board of Governors of the U. S. Postal Service will meet in Washington, DC, at Postal Service Headquarters Nov. 12-13, 2008. The public is welcome to observe the Board’s open session scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on November 13, 2008 in the Ben Franklin Room on the 11th floor. No information to date has been made public on the closed two day session meeting held October 20-21, 2008. 

Need to Know: In order to receive the latest daily information from NAPUS Headquarters you must sign up on the new secure email site at (www.napus.us). Do not use your Postal email.

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS Staff wish everyone a safe Veteran’s Day this coming Tuesday November 11, 2008. Remember our Veterans! 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 31st, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 31, 2008. 

Reminder: Sunday November 2, 2008 Daylight Savings Time ends and almost everyone needs to changed their clocks back one hour.  (Fall Back!)

President Dale Goff and the Presidents of the League and NAPS met at Postal Headquarters on Thursday October 30, 2008 to discuss the Postal Service proposals on NPA and re-opening of Pay Talks. Over the last few weeks many meetings have taken place including each organization executive board involvement on these issues. The Postal Service had requested that the Postmasters and Supervisors forego or defer the upcoming NPA payouts scheduled for January 2009 and to re-open pay consultations to change what was already agreed to in the last “pay talks”. The Postal Service asked the Postmasters to forgo the use of convention leave. NAPUS and the other management organizations stand ready to support the Postal Service in its’ objectives to change some of the legislative rules and to help determine the changes that must be made to economize the operations and reduce costs while still meeting the mission of the Post Service. All three management organizations stand together and by a letter to the Postal Service stated that “NO” we would not agree to these proposals. Please go to “breaking news” on the NAPUS web page to read the joint letter to the Postal Service and the minutes of this meeting.

Sad news: Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe’s father “Jack” passed away this week. NAPUS sends Pat and his family condolences in this time of grief.  Cards can be sent to Pat and his family at 618 Sagewood Drive, Venetia, Pennsylvania, 15367-2100.

On October 29, 2008 I attended a meeting in Dallas TX. at the SW Area office conducted by Ellis Burgoyne, Vice President Operations SW Area and Peter Sgro, SW Area Manager HR. The state NAPUS presidents and NAPUS National Vice Presidents representing the SW Area and League representatives also attended this meeting going over concerns of Postmasters and working on the management organization partnership policy and communication protocol. 

Need to Know: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office that effective January 1, 2009 they will no longer be responsible for home internet connections for any employee. The Postal Service funded accounts will be suspended December 31, 2008. 

Need to Know: On October 28, 2008 the Postal Service sent a letter to President Dale Goff informing NAPUS that they will be consolidating its supply chain configuration in order to reduce the total cost of distribution and fulfillment for the Postal Service’s Accountable Paper network. Plans are being made to consolidate and close the 80 Stamp Distribution Offices (SDOs), the 5 Accountable Paper Depositories (APDs), and the 2 Stamp Service Centers (SSCs). It is anticipated that these facilities will be consolidated into a network of 5 to 7 sites. 

Note: In the recent Postal Bulletin #22244 there are two items of interest that Postmasters should be aware. The “Open Season” for Federal Employees Health Benefits is open from November 10, 2008 to December 9, 2008.  Also the annual leave exchange option is open in PostalEASE till 11:59 p.m. Central Time, December 15, 2008. If any are interested, please read the information in this Postal Bulletin. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 24th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 24, 2008.

On October 21, 2008 President Dale Goff attended a meeting at Postal Headquarters in which Kathy Ainsworth, Vice President of Retail of the USPS asked for input in revenue producing ideas.

Reminder: To receive the latest daily information from the NAPUS Headquarters office you must sign up on the new secure email site at http://www.napus.us. Please follow the enclosed instructions and also please do NOT use your postal email address.

A new “Reference Document” icon was added to the NAPUS web page last week. This icon is titled Acronyms. Thank you to Retired Postmaster Florence Oakland for providing this information. As with any living document, updates are the norm. Please email Florence with any changes/additions now or in the future at her email Joakland@utma.com.

Postal Employees Relief Fund: The upcoming Combined Federal Campaign is where you can and is hoped donating to the charity organization of (PERF). The designate code is #10268 on your CFC form. You can get more detailed information on the PERF website at www.postalrelief.com including application forms, telephone numbers, and email addresses. PERF is a 501c (3) charitable organization created to assist postal employees, either active or retired, affected by a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire or earthquake, including house fires.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008 I attended a meeting at the Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum where the finishing touches on the subject “Portrait of the Postal Worker” were discussed. This will become a new interactive display in the National Postal Museum in the future.

Note: The new explanation on the FY09 NPA “Targets & Thresholds” is now up on the NAPUS web page under the NPA/PFP icon for your use.

On October 17, 2008 Mangala P. Gandhi, Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition of the USPS wrote in a letter notifying all of the “Voice of the Employee Survey” changes. Please note that after two years the change that the Postmaster organizations have been asking for has indeed been changed. The “Postmaster” has been added under the Office Category. Beginning with Quarter 1, the Postmaster responses to the survey will be removed from their finance level results and will only rollup to the Manager, Post Office Operations and above reports. A truer picture will be available to the Postal Service and the Postmaster will not now be affected by their survey reporting.

Notice: The Pay for Performance (PFP) program’s fiscal year (FY) 2008 end-of-year (EOY) process begins Wednesday, October 15, and ends Thursday, November 13.

The NAPUS National Convention will be held in Anchorage AK. for FY 2009. The NAPUS web page has new information on the NAPUS Hotels in downtown Anchorage which includes a colored map of the locations of the hotels and the two convention centers. There will be a continuous shuttle service between all the hotels and the convention centers. All of the hotels are between 3-8 blocks from the centers. The Captain Cook does not have any more rooms, they are completely sold out, but as we get closer to the convention dates, rooms do open up. NAPUS will keep you posted.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 9th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday October 9, 2008.

Update: The new “NAPUS National Email” list that President Dale Goff launched at this years national convention in St. Louis, MO. has had positive reception. The latest news is directed out the NAPUS Headquarters office daily to ALL NAPUS members on this email list when received. Again, to sign up for the email list go to http://www.napus.us and click on the subscribe button. This will open your email program and all you have to do is send a blank email which will give you a conformation back asking if you want to subscribe. Follow the instructions in the email and you will be added to the list. The email list will be secure and will only be used for NAPUS business. (Note: Do not use your Postal Service email.)

VERA: Under the “breaking news” icon in this NAPUS web page the “VERA Info” field has the latest information on the VER offering and the VER Steps At-a-Glance. Please read this new information to help you decide on the VER out.

Free Membership Drive: During the months of November and December NAPUS is conducting its national membership drive. The NAPUS Headquarters office will at the end of next week be sending a letter to all non-member Post Offices. Information is currently on the NAPUS web page under the “Free” 2008 NAPUS Membership icon. There also will be in the convention issue of the Gazette (October/November) the special promotion offer for FREE membership.

Need to Know: On October 1, 2008, Federal Handbooks announced the release of its latest 2008 FREE handbooks for federal personnel. These handbooks, written specifically for federal employees, include a variety of information about pay, benefits, retirement planning, and career decisions. To receive your own copies of these handbooks, simply go to their web site-(www.federalhandbooks.com).

Safety Tip: Did you know that October 19-25 is National Teen Driver Safety Week? Liberty Mutual and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) to help parents and new teen drivers develop safe and responsible driving habits have launched an interactive teen driving resource at (http://www.LibertyMutualteendriving.com.) This has extensive materials such as a defensive driving course; sample driver’s licensing exam questions from every state; a parent/teen safe driving contract; and a crash safety kit.

Need to Know: The following is the 2008 Christmas Penalty OT exclusion and non-bargaining schedule. The Christmas periods for postal facilities are as follows:

• RSC “N” employees excluded from penalty overtime (Hours Code 43) Beginning November 1, 2008 PP 23-2008, Week 2, Day 8 Ending November 28, 2008 PP 25-2008, Week 1, Day 7

*Bargaining Unit employees (except RSC N) excluded from POT (Hours code 43)
Beginning December 6, 2008, PP 26-2008, Week 1, Day 1 Ending January 2, 2009, PP 01-2009, Week 2, Day 14

On October 13, 2008 Monday, Columbus Day will be observed. President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a safe and happy family sharing this holiday.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
October 2nd, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday October 2, 2008. 

Breaking News: The VER timeline for Postmasters & other EAS employees was received on (10/01/08) Wednesday afternoon at the NAPUS Headquarters office. The VER effective date is Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Please refer to the “breaking news” icon for more detailed information on the NAPUS web page.

On Monday, September 29, 2008 President Dale Goff and the presidents of the NAPS & League management organizations met at Postal Headquarters with Mangala Gandhi and her group (USPS) to discuss the possible upcoming revisions on the “voice of the employee survey”. (VOE) When these new changes are approved, a further detailed explanation will be presented.

Note: Further update was made to the NPA/PFP icon on 9/30/08 in the NAPUS web page involving the following topics:

  • Administrative Rules for 2008 Final-Updated Sept.

  • FY 2009 Administrative Rules Draft 2

  • FY 2008 PFP EAS Pay Rules Revised July 2008

  • FY 2009 PFP EAS Pay Rules September 2008

Need to Know: The last Postal Bulletin #22242 dated (9/25/08) has the pull-out information on the 2008 International and Military Mail Christmas mailing dates. Seems early for Christmas but the mail dates are fast approaching. 

Heads up: The new NAPUS membership drive letter will soon be going to all non-member Post Offices this October. Sign up for this drive is from November 1, 2008 thru December 31, 2008.  More information can be found on the NAPUS web page under the “FREE” 2008 NAPUS Membership icon. 

The NAPUS 2009 Leadership Conference Registration form is now up on the NAPUS web page under the conventions/ conferences icon. See you there!

The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund Grantors’ meeting was conducted Thursday, October 2. In the annual report it stated that almost 1700 applications have been received and grants to 977 individuals totaling $6,583,000 approved. In the Gulf Hurricanes (19) NAPUS Postmasters received grants totaling $156,000 for those 2005 disasters. This fund like so many others does feel the effect of the economic situation. Many more applications will be coming into this fund from the Midwest flooding, and Hurricanes Gustav, Fay, and Ike occurring this year. It is urged that during this years CFC campaign you will remember to check off PERF (CFC #10268) and support this worthy fund. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 26th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 26, 2008.

Need to Know: No update from OPM and the Postal Service on the Postmaster’s VERA effective timelines.

Note: On Thursday September 25, 2008 the NPA/PFP icon on the NAPUS web page was updated with the following topics:

• Quick Start Guides for the FY2008 Pay-for-Performance end of the Year Process
• FY2008 End of the Year Quick-Start Guide for Employees
• FY2008 End of the Year Quick-Start Guide for Evaluators
• FY09 Objective Setting Evaluator
• FY09 Objective Setting Employee
• FY09 Manage Profile Evaluator QSG
• FY09 Manage Profile Employee QSG

On Monday, September 22, 2008 President Dale Goff and the other Presidents of all the unions and management associations met with Postmaster General Jack Potter at Postal Headquarters. Mr. Potter asked for the help of all the groups represented in dealing with Congress during the up-coming times. He also stated that the financial status of the Postal Service was very poor. President Dale was also able in this meeting to present some Postmaster concerns involving complement and window hours in “field” Post Offices being closed on Saturdays.

The Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service met in Washington, DC at Postal Service Headquarters September 23-24, 2008. It was stated that as the current economic climate continues to contribute to a decrease in mail volume, and with no reversal in the trend in sight, the Postal Service reported it expects to end the current fiscal year with a volume decline of nine billion pieces. A full report can be found by going to usps.com/news@usps.gov.

On October 2, 2008 the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund will hold its annual “Grantors” meeting at 10:00 a.m. in Room 4841 at the U.S. Postal Service Headquarters. As of September 16, the Fund has authorized grants of more than $6.5 million to active and retired postal employees who were victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita along the Gulf Coast in year 2005. The committee is expecting a large number of applications from the victims of the recent hurricanes this year 2008.

VERA: Information on this subject can be found in part in the “hotline” issues the last five weeks. Also additional information is up in the “breaking news” icon on VERA. As stated earlier, we are still waiting for the timelines for the Postmaster’s VERA out. Thank you.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 19th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 19, 2008.

Notice: On Wednesday August 27, 2008 at the NAPUS National Convention President Dale Goff announced that the NAPUS office is launching a new NAPUS National Email list. You will be able to receive breaking news and information from the NAPUS National office as it occurs. To sign up for the email list go to http://www.napus.us and click on the subscribe button located at the top of the page. This will open your email program and all you have to do is send a blank email which will give you a conformation back asking if you wanted to subscribe. Follow the instructions in the email and you will be added to the list.  The email list will be secure and will only be used for NAPUS business. Note: Do not use your Postal Service email.

The changes in our NAPUS Constitution and NAPUS Policy that was passed at the national convention in St. Louis, MO. are now up on the NAPUS web page for your viewing. 

Need to Know: The National Rural Mail Count is scheduled for February 14-March 14, 2009.  VERA: There is still no word from the Postal Service on the timelines for the Postmasters.

On September 17, 2008 the Postal Service faxed a notice to the NAPUS office from Anthony J. Vegliante, Senior Vice President Labor Relations USPS. It states in part; that due to the current financial situation a more controlled approach in managing the complement is needed. Therefore, a freeze on all organizational structure changes is effective immediately. The freeze includes position upgrades, additions to complement, position neutral exchanges, and requests for new positions and their related position evaluations. President Dale has a meeting with Jack Potter, Postmaster General on Monday, September 22, 2008.

Note: The NAPUS web page has been updated with current information on the Leadership Conference next year and the national convention in Alaska. Go online and register.

Need to Know: On September 15, 2008 the Postal Service notified President Dale that there will be volume reporting requirements for CAG H-L Post Offices beginning fiscal year FY09 in the eFlash system. The following eFlash custom lines have been designated for CAG H-L offices volume reporting.

Unit Distribution: All manually distributed volume including a primary sort of Post Office Box volume into a distribution case to enable the volume to be walled.

  • HLUF- Unit Distribution Flat

  • HLUL- unit Distribution Letters

  • HLUP- Unit Distribution Packages

Box Distribution-includes only volume walled or finalized directly into PO Boxes.

  • HLBD-Box Distribution DPS Letters

  • HLBF- Box Distribution Flats

  • HLBM- Box Distribution Manual Letters

  • HLBP- Box Distribution Packages

Information on training will be forthcoming to the field units.

President Dale Goff attended on Thursday September 18, 2008 a luncheon at the NALC Headquarters office to honor the “Hero’s” of the city carriers this year. This tribute is well deserved as is remembering ALL the postal employees who go beyond their duty to help their customers in times of great need.

On September 17, 2008 NAPUS President Dale Goff, Executive Director Ken Engstrom, and President Charlie Mapa of the League met at Postal Headquarters to discuss the issue of the POV. (privately owned vehicles) The discussion held was very informative on both sides with progress being made to formulate new policy on this issue. Postal Headquarters also briefed the Postmaster organizations on a pilot program slated to go to the “field units” on October 4, 2008 called “SSA Revenue Goals System”. This new process will track the retail performance of Sales and Service Associates (SSA’s) at Post Offices on the POS system. The system will give a daily report after input from the Postmaster or supervisor on the retail performance of the unit. It is hoped that this new program will give the results it is suppose to produce, but it is in fact another job function put on the backs of Postmasters in an already overburden workload. 

The Postal Service recently notified NAPUS that it will begin a new initiative involving the PO Box Service Measurement. This new initiative, in which clerks will be required to scan a barcode upon completion of the PO Box distribution, will be implemented the beginning of September 2008.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 12th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday September 12, 2008. 

Notice: The new eCareer program receives system updates adjusting to the needs of the employees and the Postal Service when applying for career positions. During one of the last updates; Postmaster Relief employees (PMR’s) could not get into the eCareer system to apply for Postmaster jobs. The Postal Service notified NAPUS that this issue is being corrected but for those PMR’s who cannot access eCareer they should contact Trina King via email (trina.l.king@usps.gov) to request reinstatement for eCareer access. 

On September 4, 2008 the Postal Service released to the public information on a new service program. You can now rent a PO Box without leaving your home. “PO Boxes Online” is a quick, easy and convenient online service that lets customers find, apply for and rent an available Post Office Box-simply by going online to usps.com/poboxes@usps.gov  instead of making a trip to a Post Office. Customers must still bring in the printed application form and two pieces of identification to pick up their keys.

Our thoughts go out to ALL the postal family who have/or are still experiencing the effects of Hurricane’s Gustav; Hanna; and Ike. 

Need to Know: On September 8, 2008 the NAPUS office was notified that the Postal Service plans the elimination of PS Form 4585, Postal Driver Accident Information and PS Form 4586, Accident Information. The forms are a duplication of information received on PS Form 1769. The Postal Service also plans deletion of references to these forms in the following handbooks:
EL-801, Supervisor’s Safety Handbook
PO-701, Fleet Management
PO-702, Tort Claims

Notice: The drawing was conducted on Monday, September 8, 2008 by our service benefit plan Liberty Mutual. The raffle was held at this past national convention in St. Louis, MO. The winner was Linda Carter of Warrenton, NC. 

VERA: As of 9/12/08, the Postal Service has given out the timelines for all employees working at Postal Headquarters, Headquarters-related facilities, maintenance, motor vehicle, and city and rural carriers for the VER. The Postmaster timelines as stated by Postal Headquarters will be coming out very soon.

On 9/12/08, Friday a briefing was conducted at Postal Headquarters by Linda Kingsley, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Transition involving discussion on the five-year plan for the Postal Service entitled “Business Environment Assessment 2009-2013”. NAPUS and most of the unions were represented and were asked to express our ideas on how we can make the Postal Service survive in the years to come.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
September 4th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday September 4, 2008.

Update: The NAPUS national convention ended last week with the election of our new National Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak, Postmaster of Cranford, NJ 07016. Wayne will assume his duties on 1/01/09 from the outgoing National Secretary/ Treasurer Ruthie Cauble. Ruthie is to be commended for the outstanding job she did for the NAPUS organization. It is hoped that ALL made the trip home safe and Hurricane Gustav did not affect your way of life.

Notice: Last week OPM approved Postmasters in the VERA. As of this date, the time lines have not been released by the Postal Service. When this information is available, it will be posted on the NAPUS web page in the “hotline” and “breaking news” icons. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 29th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 29, 2008.

Update: In last weeks “hotline” information was printed on Patrick R. Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General & COO letter that all field non-bargaining position postings are frozen effective immediately. NAPUS, at the national convention this week in St Louis did received clarification from Mr. Donahoe in his speech to the general body this past Tuesday. He stated that yes; the Postmaster jobs are frozen temporary. President Dale Goff asked him to reconsider his position on this issue and Mr. Donahoe stated he would look further into the request. 

Another VERA Approval: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office on August 28, 2008 that OPM has approved the VERA for all EAS and Postmaster field positions. The Postal Service is in the process of developing the timeline which will guide the employees through the VER process. The timeline will be coming in the near future.

Safety: Tropical Storm Gustav is fast approaching the Louisiana Area and will be hitting landfall late this Labor Day weekend. Our prayers go to all the families for a safe outcome in this Hurricane/Tropical Storm Gustav. 

Need to Know: The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued on August 22, 2008 a proposed rulemaking for Periodic Reporting and Rules for Complaints. The proposed regulations are available on the Commission’s website, www.prc.gov

The NAPUS National Convention in St. Louis, Mo. was completed this week. Almost 1,700 attendees were witness to Congressional and USPS Headquarters speakers. Postmasters also attended the many training classes that were offered. Postmaster General John E. Potter spoke on Monday of this week. He presented the Benjamin Award winners that were present along with our own NAPUS President Dale Goff. He also delighted the general assembly by taking questions from the audience. Jo Ann Emerson (R-8th) member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus, spoke on Monday. She spoke of the concerns of rural Post Offices. On Tuesday, Patrick Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General spoke, and also took questions from the attendees. Kathleen Ainsworth, Vice President of Retail Operations was also on the agenda and took questions.  NAPUS thanks all the speakers at this week’s convention for their willing participation. The agenda included voting on constitutional and policy changes, and the convention site for year 2011. Puerto Rico was the site selected. The National Executive Board at their meetings voted among other issues to continue the free membership into FY09 for new Postmaster/OIC appointments. There also will be more information on a new membership program soon that was passed by the Executive Board.

President Dale Goff & Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble and the NAPUS Staff wish everyone a “SAFE” Labor Day holiday.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 20th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday August 20, 2008.

Update: As of this posting, OPM has not contacted the Postal Service on their request to include the Postmasters in VERA. We have been informed that information will be forthcoming very soon. 

Notice: The NAPUS office received on August 19, 2008 a copy of a letter signed by Patrick R. Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General & COO on the subject of “ Field Non-Bargaining Job Postings.”  He states effective immediately; all field non-bargaining position postings are frozen. NAPUS will be getting a clarification onthe posting of Postmaster positions.

On August 19, 2008 I attended a briefing at Postal Headquarters on the plans to implement the “Continuous Improvement Program” which will enhance the Postal Service ability to improve their ability to improve the processes and increase the value to the customers. This new program incorporates the “lean six sigma” concepts. Almost 800 postal employees have been trained as “green belts’ or “black belts” in this lean six sigma process. It was stated that the “new” jobs could be posted as early as October of 2008.

The officers of the NAPUS National headquarters will be attending the NAPUS National Convention in St. Louis, MO. August 21-28, 2008. President Dale Goff is looking forward to greeting all attendees.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 14th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS national office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday August 14, 2008. 

Notice: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS headquarters office on August 12, 2008 that their goal is to eventually have all rural carrier associate (RCA) vacancies posted in eCareer allowing direct application for interested candidates. 

Note: The Postal Service notified NAPUS that the Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Office and the POS ONE personnel are finalizing an interface whereby retail associates will enter required PS Form 8105-A, Funds Transaction Report, and PS Form 8105-B, Suspicious Transaction Data, into the BSA database in lieu of manually preparing and mailing the forms. This pilot program has already started in (18) postal offices nationwide on August 9, 2008. This pilot program will run through the end of calendar year 2008. 

The NAPUS National Convention is a week away starting August 22-28, 2008 in St. Louis, MO.  You can still attend but will have to register on site.  All are welcome! President Dale Goff and Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS staff are putting on the finishing touches preparing for you our NAPUS member. This will be a very well attended convention and one you don’t want to miss.  See you there!

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 8th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 8, 2008. 

National Convention Update: It is now too late to register on line for the National Convention August 23-28, 2008 in St Louis, MO. All NAPUS members are still welcome to attend the convention but must now register on site. 

Need to Know: The Postal Service notified on August 6, 2008 the NAPUS office that the current “Voice of the Employee” (VOE) questionnaire is being redesigned utilizing a series of meetings with key stakeholders and focus groups comprised of both bargaining and non-bargaining employees. The focus groups will pilot the proposed questions for the new survey, providing a better understanding of how it is interpreted in the field and identify what elements may be perceived as confusing or ambiguous. The sessions will be conducted in various parts of the country beginning the week of August 25th. 

Note: On August 6, H. Glen Walker, Chief Financial Officer of the Postal Service gave an overview of where revenue and volume stood for the USPS to date. In summary, both are down. In the third quarter alone the Postal Service ended with a net loss of $1.1 billion. Economic environment has been very poor for fiscal year 2008. High inflation has been driven by fuel increases. On the positive side, record on-time delivery performance was reached for all three categories of First-Class Mail that the Postal Service tracks. 

Notice: The Dallas, TX. Airport Mail Center (AMC) closes permanently August 29, 2008. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
August 1st, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday August 1, 2008.

On 7/23/2008 the Postal Service notified NAPUS and the League that they will file a request with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) asking to include Postmasters in an early out offer.  As of this writing, OPM has not given the approval to include Postmasters. This information is also included in the “breaking news” icon on the NAPUS web page. Two new web sites are up that can give you up-to-the-minute information including a comprehensive FAQ link on the VER issue. The sites are both available on the Blue page and on Lite-Blue from home.  The web sites follow:
http://blue.usps.gov/hr/edr/csfp/ocg/hrssc_vera.htm
https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/ver2008/hrssc_vera.htm

National Convention Tours: Going on the NAPUS web page will direct you to an icon labeled “Spirit of St. Louis”. Time is running out to register for the convention tours. If you are interested in seeing the sites in St Louis, MO. go to the web site:  http://www.destinationstlouis.com/napus.htm. We have 1565 registered for the NAPUS National Convention with 340 first timers. You still have time to register for your National Convention. The agenda for this convention is now up on the NAPUS web page. We are looking forward to seeing you all there in three weeks.

On July 28, a telecom was conducted with Liberty Mutual, our agent Jerry Hulick, and the NAPUS Executive Director going over our quarter two results and plans for the rest of the year. This new benefit plan that is offered to all NAPUS members for their car, home, boat, etc. is progressing as expected helping many NAPUS members. Check out this benefit program on the NAPUS web page. (www.NAPUS.org)

On 7/30/2008, I attended a meeting at the National Postal Museum Blount Center where the continuing subject of the “Portrait of the Postal Worker” was discussed. This project is fast coming to a close which will enable this “new” exhibit to be shown to the public in FY09. Information on this project should be out in the October/November issue of the Gazette.

On July 31, 2008 we added on the NAPUS web page, under the icons; NAPUS links and Postal News Link another website. This is the web site of the Postal Regulatory Commission. (PRC)  Please check out this new web site.

Notice: On Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would enable Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) employees to credit their unused sick leave towards retirement. Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employees already have this option. House Oversight Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) added the FERS provision to H.R. 1108. Also in the bill Chairman Waxman inserted a number of provisions to modify the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The bill passed the House by an overwhelming 326-102 majority.  Please go to our eNAPUS Legislative & Political Bulletin for more information.

On August 1, 2008 President Dale Goff submitted written comments to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on Universal Postal Service and the Postal Monopoly. These additional comments are in reply to two comments proffered by a participant in this docket. President Dale stated that Contract Postal Units (CPU) and other retail options are NOT surrogate Post Offices. He also stated the Universal Service obligation applies to competitive products. His full written comments will be on the NAPUS web page next week. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 18th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday July 18, 2008. 

The National NAPUS Budget Committee will be meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday (July 22-23, 2008) under the leadership of our National Secretary-Treasurer Ruthie Cauble at the NAPUS Headquarters office in Alexandria, Virginia. The FY2009 budget will be completed for presentation to the National Executive Board meeting at this year’s NAPUS National Convention in St. Louis, MO. August 22-23, 2008. 

VERA: There is still no new information on the inclusion of Postmasters in this VERA. President Dale Goff and the League President did write a joint letter to the Postal Service requesting that Postmasters be included in the process. This letter is on the NAPUS web page for any who want to read the contents. It is hoped that in the next OPM announcement that Postmasters will be included with the proposed new announced employee groups of city and rural carriers along with the maintenance craft.   

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 11th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday July 11, 2008. 

St. Louis National Convention Update: The NAPUS National Office has acquired a small block of overflow rooms in St. Louis at the Mayfair Hotel at the same rate as the Renaissance Hotel, $95/night. They are taking reservations starting today at that rate. (Friday-July 11, 2008) Their phone number is 314-421-2500. This property is located just (2) blocks from the Renaissance Hotel. Their web link is:  http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/STLMF/main.wnt. Also of note; President Dale Goff made contact with the National Bone Marrow Foundation, and they, partnered together with the United States Postal Service, will have a bone marrow donor location open at our National Convention in St. Louis. They will be located in the NAPUS Registration Area in the Renaissance Hotel.

The Postal Service has received approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to offer voluntary early retirement to employees in the clerk, mail handler, supervisor of distribution operations and supervisor of customer services positions nationwide. Postmasters were not in this VERA request approval.  President Dale Goff and the League President wrote a joint letter to the Postal Service requesting that Postmasters be included in the VERA. A copy of that letter can be read on the NAPUS web page (www.NAPUS.org) under the “breaking news” icon.  Possible more approvals will be coming from OPM soon. 

Note: The July 10, 2008 testimony of President Dale Goff before the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) will be up for all to read today in the NAPUS web page. To find this item you need to go to the Government Relations icon.

Need to Know: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS office of the new “FY 2008 PFP EAS Pay Rules”. The effective date of payment of the Pay-for-Performance awards for FY 2008 will be January 17, 2009 (PP-3). The Pay Rules process is now on the NAPUS web page under the NPA/PFP icon. 

Reminder: Our NAPUS National Photo Editor Lynn Wilson has contacted each state with a tentative “State Photo Schedule” for this year’s national convention. He has requested that each state get in touch with him to firm up your time slots. Please do so.  Thank you.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
July 3rd, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday July 3, 2008. 

On July 10, 2008 President Dale Goff will testify at a hearing that the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) is conducting over the future of universal postal services and postal monopoly. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) requires the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to submit a report to the President and Congress on “universal postal service and postal monopoly in the United States…including the monopoly on the delivery of mail and the access to mailboxes.” The hearing will be held at the PRC in Washington DC. The three Presidents of the management associations have all been invited to testify. 

Note: Every year the nation’s largest one-day effort to combat hunger is run. Headed by the NALC but in reality also involves great efforts from Postmaster’s; supervisor’s; clerk’s; rural carrier’s; and other postal employee’s is in this food drive across the nation. This year produced a record amount of food collected. (73.1 million pounds)  All the food goes to local food banks and shelters where the food is collected. Great job to all who helped in this program.

Notice: On the NAPUS web page this week in the “breaking news” icon the topic titled “NAPUS Supplemental Retirement Plan News” has been updated. One of the items discussed in this update is that IRA and Deferred Annuity contributions are guaranteed 4.25% on all deposits made by September 20, 2008.  Please visit this site for more information. 

President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer Ruthie Cauble, and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL a safe and happy Fourth of July! 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
June 27th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday June 27, 2008. 

Update: The senior event manager has informed the NAPUS office that as of June 25, 2008 the Renaissance Grand Hotel is still sold out for the national convention in St. Louis MO. If that does change a notice will be made in the “hotline”. There is another hotel just three blocks from the Renaissance Grand Hotel. NAPUS does not have a room block at this location. The name of the hotel is the Holiday Inn Select. They can be reached at 314-421-4000.

Note: The NAPUS web page has updated information in several subjects this week. The PMR Health Insurance Plan is still in “open enrollment” till July 31, 2008. Also of note is that joining NAPUS is free until December 31, 2008. The icon titled “PMR Health Benefits” was also updated today to include an online application form to join the plan. Under the icon titled “Postmaster Representation” updated information has been added on the Office of the Inspector General. It gives you an outline of what to do when/if the OIG shows up in your Post Office. It also gives you the definitions of the Miranda, Garrity, and Kalkines warnings and the forms that go with each one. Late last week the new FY 2009 Mystery Shopper Evaluation questionnaire was put in the “breaking news” icon. NAPUS was able to give input on this issue in March of 2008. There are still many questions on this issue and it is a work in progress.

Safety Tip: The Postal Service on June 25, 2008 announced the introduction of cartoon characters to warn children to stay away from postal delivery vehicles. The eagle, Franklin, and his sidekick bird friend Benny, are featured in a public service announcement (PSA) being sent to more than 500 television stations nationwide this week to help prevent injuries and deaths caused when children get too close to delivery vehicles. 

Notice: On June 25, 2008 the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment offered by Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA-1) that would require the United States Postal Service to study the cost-effectiveness and fuel consumption of a five-day delivery system and consumer demand of Saturday postal delivery. The next action on the study will be taken in the House and Senate before being signed into law by the President. Also on this date the House Appropriations Committee marked up, approved and ordered reported the Fiscal Year 2009 Financial Services appropriations bill. The Postal Service Fund total of $111.831 million was provided. This includes $29 million for revenue foregone. 

NAPUS thoughts go out to ALL the postal family employees who are operating in flooding towns in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
June 20th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday June 20, 2008. 

National Convention St. Louis: The St. Louis Renaissance Grand Hotel will charge each person holding a room reservation a non-refundable one night’s room deposit on Monday, June 23, 2008.  If you are holding a reservation at this hotel for the National Convention, please be aware that this deposit is non-refundable.  If you need to make any changes or corrections to your reservation, please call the hotel directly at 314-621-9600. There is now on the NAPUS web page under the national convention icon a transportation coupon from the airport in St. Louis to the hotel. You can down-load this coupon by going to the web page at www.NAPUS.org

Note of Interest: As an independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation-146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half of the world’s mail. 

On June 18, 2008 it was announced to the public that President George W. Bush has appointed Postal Service Board of Governors member Ellen C. Williams of Kentucky to an additional term that expires December 8, 2014. The Board of Governors includes nine governors who are appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Need to Know: The Postal Service notified the NAPUS National office that the Point-of-Sale (POS) and the Web Box Activity Tracking System (WebBats) will be integrated in August.  Automated Postal Centers (APCs) will also be integrated with WebBats to allow customers to pay their post office box fees from an APC. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
June 13th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday June 13, 2008. 

Safety Tip: School’s out. Watch for kids! Summer for children means playing outdoors-with freedom to roam around the neighborhood. This means we should expect to see them playing any time, anywhere. Expect the unexpected when children are near! A child chasing a ball or Frisbee will be focused on that and not on your vehicle. You have to watch for them; they may not watch for you.

Note: It is now time for the State Chapter Presidents to nominate a chapter member to serve on one of the national convention committees in St. Louis, MO. They should submit that person’s name who is attending the convention to their National Vice President on the committee of choice. The National Vice President will forward that information on to the NAPUS National Office. Confirmation letters will be sent in July informing them of their committee assignment. The committees are as follows:  Credentials; Rules; First Timers; Policy; Constitution; Tellers; Career Development; PAC.

Sad News: On June 3, the president of the IA. Chapter Angie Amos received news of an explosion in her hometown of Griswold where four employees of a small farm store were injured. Two of those employees are Angie’s family members. Angie’s father in law and her son were burned in this explosion and air lifted to Omaha, NE. If you would like to send a card to Angie her address is: 14650 500th ST. Griswold, IA. 51535. Our prayers go to Angie and her family. 

The Post Office Closing Committee has had two more success stories. The Cylinder, IA. and Childwold, NY. Post Offices are being reopened. Thank you Committee!

President Dale Goff and the NAPUS Staff wish ALL the fathers a very happy “Father’s Day”.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
June 6, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday June 6, 2008.

On June 5, 2008 the Postal Regulatory Commission, (PRC) held a meeting in St Paul, MN. Dan Blair, Chairman of the PRC asked NAPUS to provide them with information. They requested a list of all suspended Post Offices and the duration they have been suspended.  They also requested a list of all vacant Postmaster positions and the duration they have been vacant. 

Note: The Postal Regulatory Commission has recommended approval on June 2, 2008 of a proposed negotiated service agreement (NSA) with life Line Screening that would allow the mobile health screening service providers to earn discounts for Standard Mail letter volumes that exceed specific volume thresholds. The NSA, a special service and rate arrangement between the USPS and a mailer or group of mailers, must be approved by the US Postal Service Board of Governors before going into effect. 

Golfers: The information on this years National Convention Golf tournament is now up on the NAPUS web page. You can reach this by going on the web at www.NAPUS.org. This year’s golf tournament will be a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday August 24th at the Gateway National Golf Course. The cost will be $100 which includes golf, range balls, prize fund and lunch after the tournament.  Transportation to and from the course is being arranged. The Honorable Mel Miller is the chair and can be reached for more information by going to his email at; melthegolfer@yahoo.com

Notice: Open enrollment is now open for the PMR Health Plan. This is open from June 1st and runs through July 31, 2008. This limited-benefit medical plan is designed for those NAPUS PMR members who cannot afford or qualify for major medical insurance. Please visit the NAPUS web page and by hitting the icon under membership services you will scroll down to the PMR Health Plan. Enjoy the presentation.  P.S. To those PMR’s who haven’t as yet joined the NAPUS organization, it is free membership until 12/31/2008. Take advantage of this offer and fill out the form 1187 (to join) you can find on this NAPUS web site.

As always, I am here to help you

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 30th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline.  This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday May 30, 2008. 

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) suspended its contract for an electronic retirement system- a 10 year; $290 million award to Hewitt Associates to create a new electronic retirement system. Problems with data cleansing for the system; which created some annuity calculations that have not consistently been correct were one the results of this suspension.  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized the OPM and the implementation of RetireEZ in January of 2008.  The Postal Service was scheduled to go on line in “wave two” deployment of the program.

On Thursday May 29, 2008 I attended a meeting at the National Postal Museum Blount Center regarding “Portrait of Postal Workers”.  In attendance were representatives of the Postal Unions, Postal Service, and Management Associations along with Nancy Pope; curator of the Postal Museum and her staff.  The focus of the meeting was the examination of the “civil service and patronage” section of the Postal exhibit. 

On May 28, 2008 the Postal Service announced an agreement with DHL, a German firm that will have the USPS delivering 40,000 more packages a day using Priority Mail and Parcel Select Service.  Quoted by USPS: “This new volume is a natural extension of the delivery service we already provide to DHL and further recognizes the value of our delivery reach.  Last-mile delivery remains a fundamental strength of the Postal Service.”

Reminder:  Gerri Ann Wood, National Chairman, 2008 NAPUS National Convention in St Louis; asks the States to remember to send in their $100 for the “door prizes” and for those participating in States Night to also send in their $20 for their booth to;  Gerri Ann Wood, 661 E. Commercial St., Kahoka, MO. 63445 by July 1, 2008.  Also of note, please send the States Night items and Goody Bag items by August 15 to:  Curt Graul, attn. Goody Bags (or States Night), 712 E. South, Mascoutah, IL. 62258. 

Added Note:  The National Convention golf tournament details have not all been set.  It is scheduled for Sunday, August 24th.  When the details are set it will be on the website and information will be sent by e-mail.  If you are interested in golfing while in St Louis, contact Mel Miller at cell phone # 612-703-2665 or e-mail melthegolfer@yahoo.com.

Need to Know:  The Postal Service announced that it will be conducting a mail processing study on mailer prepared Standard and Periodicals flats and parcels.  Data collection is tentatively scheduled to begin in late May and end by late August 2008.  The USPS states that the data collected in this study will not be used to evaluate individual employees or facilities. 

Hope everyone had a safe and successful holiday week.  As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 16th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday May 16, 2008.

On May 13, 2008 President Dale Goff met with Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe to discuss NAPUS Postmaster issues.

Note: Senator Jim Webb, along with a bipartisan group of seven Senators, on May 14 called on the Postal Service to issue the Purple Heart stamp on a permanent basis as a “forever” stamp.

Notice: The week of May 18-24, 2008 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Dogs are protective and may perceive letter carriers handing mail to their owners as a threat. Last year, more than 3,000 city and rural carriers were attacked by dogs across the United States.

The “Administrative Rules PFP for FY2008” is now on the NAPUS web page. You can get to the web by addressing www.napus.org. and hitting the icon NPA/PFP.

The Postal Employee Relief Fund (PERF) is meeting monthly processing cases for the Postal family. An update on the past few years to date: FY 2006-365 cases-$1,348,000.00 Grants Provided; FY2007-628 cases-$3,513,000.00 Grants Provided; FY2008 thru May 1, 2008-216 cases-$1,343,000.00 Grants Provided.

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 9th, 2008

Thank you for contacting the NAPUS Hotline. This is Executive Director Ken Engstrom at the NAPUS National Office in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday May 9, 2008. 

On May 7, 2008 I attended a briefing at Postal Headquarters on the Postal Service plans to automate external hiring for bargaining and non-bargaining unit positions through eCareer.  This change will require that all job search, application, and selection activities be completed online. Pilot testing is scheduled to begin on May 27, in Little Rock, AR. and at Postal Headquarters. It is anticipated that the program will be implemented nationwide by the end of the fiscal year. 

Note: On May 6, 2008 the Alliance of Non-Profit Mailers released their newsletter which in part focused on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s study on universal mail service and the postal monopoly. President Dale Goff has stated that NAPUS will be participating in these studies as they occur.

Update: The National Convention in St. Louis looks to be one of the best attended conventions NAPUS will have had in many years. As of April 30, 2008, we have 1374 registered. There are 221 first timers registered. At this National Convention, the membership will also vote on the 2011 NAPUS National Convention. The three sites that have been chosen to go forward are: Atlanta, GA.; Puerto Rico; Orlando, FL.

The Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia requested the testimony at a hearing on Thursday, May 8, 2008 of NAPUS President Dale Goff. Other’s testifying that day included the PMG, Chairman of the Postal Board of Governors, Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Postal Inspector General, and representatives of the postal employee associations. The hearing was entitled, “the Economics of Universal Mail Post-Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.” President Dale Goff summed up his testimony by stating in part “The full potential and success of our national treasure-the Postal Service-relies on its continued ability to provide universal mail service to America, to use its available tools to weather economic squalls, to be granted access to the fiscal opportunities as other employers, and not to be strangled by ill-advised legislation. President Dale went on in his body of testimony to state the Postmasters need the resources to do their job-that is to deliver the mail. The Postmasters need the complement in their Post Offices to complete this goal. To read the full testimony of NAPUS President Dale Goff proceed to the NAPUS web page under the legislative icon.

Notice: Two of the NAPUS benefit services have been updated on the NAPUS web page this week. The Pinnacle Motor Club and the PMR Health Benefit Plan Links were updated. Both of these plans have added benefits for the NAPUS member. Remember OPEN SEASON for the 2008 NAPUS PMR Limited Benefit Health Plan opened May 1 and runs through June 30, 2008.  Check these new updated sites for information that could help you. 

As always, I am here to help you.

Ken Engstrom
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
May 1st, 2008

Thank 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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 25th, 2008

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.

Examples of internal use of Registered Mail include:
Internal communications between Areas and Field Units.
Shipments of supplies.
Delivery route edit books.
Other non-sensitive Postal related forms and correspondence.
Registered Mail is designed for customers seeking a premium service for their most valuable and sometimes irreplaceable items. Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe stated that less costly alternative methods for tracking accountability should be implemented immediately. The Postal Service bank deposits and money orders will remain within the Registered Mail 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.
In part, 4.6.2 free box service (group E) states; the customers may qualify for free (group E) post office service if their physical address or business location meets ALL of the following criteria:  the address is within the geographic delivery boundaries administrated by a post office; the address constitutes a potential carrier delivery point of service; the USPS chooses not to provide carrier delivery to the address location; and the customer does not receive carrier delivery via an out-of-bounds delivery receptacle.
In part, 4.6.3 additional standards for free box service states: Only one free (group E) post office box may be obtained for each potential carrier delivery point of service. Group E customers are assigned the smallest available box that will reasonably accommodate their daily mail volume.
 
The intent of no-fee boxes is to afford one free form of delivery to customers. When the Postal Service extends carrier delivery to a non-delivery area, customers in that area of service would no longer meet the criteria under 4.6.2.c for a no-fee box.

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 18th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 10th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
April 4th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 28th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 21st 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 13th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
March 7th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 29th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 22nd, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 15th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 7th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
February 1st, 2008

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,
( Postal Museum Historian) of the Smithsonian Institution regarding new projects and displays to be shown at the museum.  It is a diversified group of representatives of the management associations, postal unions, Postal Service, and the Smithsonian.  More information will be coming out in the future about a new exhibit titled “Memory Book”. This will involve pictures, videos, and stories of postal workers that everyone will have a chance to get involved. This could involve interaction even at your home computer with the Smithsonian Institute net work.

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
National Executive Director

January 11th, 2007 Hotline

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 25th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 18th, 2008

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. 

Note: The 2008 Leadership Conference is March 15-20, 2008. The program for this conference is now up on the NAPUS web.  Remember you can register by going on the web at www.NAPUS.org. Contact the Crystal Gateway Marriott for your rooms at 703-920-3230. Look forward to meeting you at this event! 

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
National Executive Director

January 4th, 2007 Hotline

 

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 11th, 2008

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
National Executive Director

NAPUS HOTLINE
January 4th, 2008

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
PVI label. 

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
National Executive Director