Tha National Association of Letter Carriers, in comments filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission, agrees with the Mailhandlers Union in suggesting that Maine Senator Susan Collins is misinterpreting the postal reform law she helped to write. The union points to a letter Collins attached to her comments discussing the possible grounds for an exigent rate increase”

The letter cited “terrorist attacks” as an example of an event whose impact on mail volume could qualify under the statute as an exigent circumstance. In her comment, Senator Collins now explicitly embraces the idea that “the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or the anthrax attacks later that year could serve as the basis for an exigent rate case.”

The September 11, 2001 and anthrax attacks, as horrific as they were, caused a drop in mail volume of no more than 2.2%. The drop in mail volume that USPS has experienced since the onset of the current economic crisis has been nearly ten times worse: a 20.1% decline from first quarter FY 2007 through second quarter FY 2010. If the September 11, 2001 and anthrax attacks, which caused a 2.2% decline in mail volume, qualify as exigencies, certainly events producing a mail volume decline ten times deeper must qualify as well.

The union also take issue with comments filed by the Alliance for Affordable Mail, that argued that “current circumstances cannot qualify as an exigency because, it claims, USPS’s private-sector competitors weathered the economic storm while USPS, burdened by purportedly above-market labor costs and other inefficiencies, has floundered.” The NALC responded:

This argument ignores the fact that, unlike USPS, its private-sector competitors have no universal service obligation nor do they bear the unique burden of having to pre-fund retiree health benefits.4 Moreover, AMA’s argument is based on highly contested assertions that raise issues that are beyond the scope of the instant rate proceeding and unsupported by anything in the evidentiary record in this case. For example, AMA’s assertion that USPS pays wages above wages paid for comparable work in the private-sector, see AMA Comment at 30-31, raises complex legal and economic issues regarding the meaning and application of the comparability standard in the Postal Reorganization Act (“PRA”).

NALC and its economic experts have argued elsewhere that proper application of the comparability standard requires comparing letter carrier pay to the pay of employees in large, comparable firms such as employees of other parcel delivery enterprises — not, as others have argued, to the pay of all employees throughout the private-sector. In any event, the legislative history makes clear that the comparability standard leaves ample room for differences over how it is to be interpreted and applied and that such differences are to be worked out in collective bargaining between USPS and the postal unions or, failing that, in interest arbitration. That comparability is beyond the Commission’s purview is only confirmed by Congress’ never having considered, let alone enacted into law, the recommendation expressly made in 2003 by the Presidential Commission on USPS that the Postal Regulatory Commission be authorized to determine comparability.

Read the complete NALC comments

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service begins contract negotiations today with the largest of its four unions, the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO (APWU).

The APWU represents employees who work as clerks, mechanics, vehicle drivers, custodians and some administrative positions. The current contract expires midnight, Nov. 20.

“We have worked successfully with our unions in the past to help transform the Postal Service and we hope to maintain this momentum during these negotiations,” said Anthony Vegliante, Chief Human Resources Officer and executive vice president. “Our goal is to negotiate a contract that’s fair to our customers, fair to our employees and meets our financial and operational needs.”

Three other unions represent most other postal employees. Employees represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO (NALC) deliver in metropolitan areas; National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) employees deliver primarily in rural and suburban areas; and, employees represented by the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, AFL-CIO (NPMHU) work in mail processing plants and Post Offices.

Contract negotiations for the NRLCA begin September 13. The NALC and NPMHU begin negotiations next year approximately 90-days prior to the contract expiration date.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For additional background information on labor negotiations and the Postal Service’s workforce, please click on these links: Labor Negotiations and Workforce.

From USPS NewsLink:

Last week, the Postal Service reached an important milestone in its initiative to reach out to employees using technology. Now, all rural carrier postings, bids and awards are available online.

Previously, not all rural carriers had access to the online bidding process. But now, all 120,000 rural carriers will have access to the automated bidding system, 24/7.

Craft employees can use any of the following ways to access the automated job bidding systems:

• On LiteBlue:
  • Go to the employee apps carousel at the center of the home page, or
  • Click on the “My HR” tab at the top navigation bar of LiteBlue and then on the “Find Employee Apps” section, or
  • Click on the employee apps button at the bottom of every My HR Page.
• At HR kiosks, Web–bidding computers, or Interactive Voice Response and TDD/TTY for hearing–impaired employees.

Employees need their Employee ID number and USPS PIN to log on to LiteBlue and automated bidding systems.

via USPS News Link – Sept 1, 2010.

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the U.S. Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union began Sept. 1. The current contract expires Nov. 20, 2010.

“Every contract negotiation brings special challenges, and this will be no different,” APWU President William Burrus said at the opening session. “Mail volume is depressed and revenue is down, but we have faced similar circumstances before.

“The history of the Postal Service is replete with forecasts of doom and gloom, but such dire predictions have not prevented us from exploring every opportunity to achieve agreement.”

“Once again naysayers warn of the imminent demise of the Postal Service,” he said. “They demand wholesale changes to the foundation we have built over our 40-year history, ignoring the fact that each provision in the expiring contract has a history of give-and-take, the basic element of contract negotiations.”

“The road will be difficult and the outcome uncertain, but there are components of an agreement awaiting our discovery. I pledge the best efforts of the American Postal Workers Union to find a way to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.”

In comments filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) this week, Netflix has accused Gamefly, the game rentals-by-mail company, of attempting “to manipulate the Postal Service, through the PRC, into offering it favorable mailing rates.” Netflix also issued a warning that a decision in GameFly’s favor could “result in reduced DVD shipment growth from Netflix as well as accelerate the ultimate decline of DVD shipments as Netflix would shift more resource to the digital delivery of content”. The PRC is in the process of investigating claims by Gamefly that the USPS gives Netflix a better deal than it offers Gamefly for mailing DVDs.

The Netflix charges came in response to a demand by GameFly that the Postal Service produce confidential Netflix research documents that were mentioned in earlier testimony by a USPS witness. The witness, Robert Lundahl, had testified that “certain changes in DVD design, manufacturing, packing and handling would enable GameFly to avoid DVD breakage from automated letter processing.” When Gamefly asked to see the research Lundahl used to reach this conclusion, the postal service had argued that it could not disclose the research because it was proprietary Netflix information. Gamefly responded that in that case, the entire testimony of the witness should be stricken from the record.

In its comments filing, Netflix said that it would release the research data “under seal”, meaning that it is not to be publicly disclosed. Netflix suggested though, that GameFly’s request was “principally an attempt by GameFly to gain for free the benefit of research paid for by Netflix”.

While Netflix is not technically a party to the GameFly complaint docket, it is obviously concerned about what impact the PRC’s decision in the case could have on its business, as evidenced by the final paragraph of its comments:

Lastly, Netflix wants to highlight its concern regarding the potential actions the PRC may take in resolving this matter. Netflix cannot but express the sense that it may become the proverbial innocent bystander who is accidently shot during a botched bank robbery. GameFly’s attempts to seek redress for supposed “discrimination” if satisfied by this Commission in a manner that impacts Netflix’s operations, could jeopardize what Netflix has been told is the most profitable mailing arrangement enjoyed by the Postal Service, and exacerbate the Postal Services’ already dire financial situation. Such a decision would likely result in reduced DVD shipment growth from Netflix as well as accelerate the ultimate decline of DVD shipments as Netflix would shift more resource to the digital delivery of content.

Witness Lundahl was to have been cross-examined this morning, but GameFly requested a postponement of the hearing due to the illness of its lead counsel. No new hearing date has been set.

GREENBELT, MD. — Prosecutors say a former postmaster has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $60,000 in stamps from the post office where he worked.

Fifty-six-year-old Gilbert Ennis of Lanham entered the plea Tuesday. He will be sentenced Dec. 6 and has agreed to pay restitution from his federal retirement account.

According to his plea agreement, on Nov. 23, Ennis reported an armed gunman had entered the post office when he was working there alone, demanded he open the safe and ordered Ennis into a bathroom.

Ennis told authorities that a box in the safe that held more than $50,000 in stamps was stolen.

Investigators found the box in Ennis’ car and that nearly $2,000 worth of stamps were missing from his drawer.

via Ex-postmaster pleads guilty to stamps theft | Washington Examiner.

Jerry D. Lane, the former USPS Vice President for the Capitol Metro Area, was found guilty on misdemeanor assault charges in Loudoun County, Virginia District Court on Thursday, and was fined $300. Lane was arrested on June 1 after police were called to the postal service’s Dulles Processing and Distribution Center. The Washington Post reported at the time that “Lane, based in Gaithersburg, visited the Dulles Processing and Distribution Center in Sterling on June 1 and allegedly argued with the center’s manager, Kathleen J. Michaels. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at the building about 2 p.m., spokesman Kraig Troxell said. Michaels filed misdemeanor assault charges June 3, and Lane was issued a summons to appear in Loudoun General District Court… Postal Service spokesman Gerald McKiernan said Lane “separated” from the agency June 3, but he would not say whether Lane was fired or had resigned, citing personnel policy and privacy concerns. The Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General has launched an internal investigation, said Dan Mihalko, a spokesman for the office.”

Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) August 31, 2010

Over the past few years the U.S. Postal Service® has been experiencing financial turmoil as a result of the declining trend in mail volume and subsequent loss of revenue. And those trends and losses will continue for the rest of 2010 and into the future.

To combat these losses, the United States Postal Service® has rolled out Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) services designed to streamline and improve the mailstream itself – and the way mailers communicate with them. The USPS is ‘encouraging’ mailers to start using electronic documentation (eDoc) and IMb services via the Business Customer Gateway/PostalOne!® system.

Currently, the Intelligent Mail Full-Service option is the way mailers get the best postage discounts. And, beginning in May 2011, mailers will at least have to be using the Basic option (printing an IMb on their letters and flats) in order to keep receiving automation discounts on their mail.

IMb services promise efficiencies that will help the Postal Service and mailers better manage their operations and finances. And this is just one of the many advantages of Intelligent Mail® discussed in Window Book’s new white paper, titled, “Intelligent Mail Full-Service: Critical Steps to Understanding and Implementing”.

This free, informative, 29-page report specifically talks about the different Intelligent Mail barcode services, how critical it is for mailers to implement Intelligent Mail Full-Service in their operation, what it will do for them and the postal industry, and how to get going with this service.

Jeffery Peoples, Window Book’s CEO said, “Other mailers are converting to Intelligent Mail Full-Service and eventually you will have to also if you want to stay competitive in the mailing business. You really don’t have any choice but to get on board with Intelligent Mail Full-Service for as much of your mail as you can – as soon as you practically can.”

“Intelligent Mail® Full-Service: Critical Steps to Understanding and Implementing” is available for free download at: http://www.windowbook.com/lp/intelligent-mail.

Postal Workers in Florida Can See New Documentary Murder by Proxy: How America Went Postal on a Big Screen

Los Angeles, CA – August 30, 2010. A new documentary on violence in the USPS, Murder by Proxy: How America Went Postal, will be screened at two Florida film festivals this September.

The film was written/produced/directed by Emil Chiaberi and produced by Oscar and Emmy winner James Moll.

Murder by Proxy will be shown at the CENFLO film festival on September 3rd at 2:55pm, At the West Orange 5, Theaters, 1575 Maguire Road Ocoee, FL. Two more screenings will take place on September 6th and 9th at Nomadic Tendencies (US branch of Strasburg International Film Festival) located at Muvico Baywalk 20, 151 2nd Ave N, St Petersburg 33701.

In July “Murder By Proxy” was screened for survivors of the 1991 postal massacre in Royal Oak, Michigan, where it was received with a strong reaction from Royal Oak postal workers. Inquiries have been pouring in from USPS employees from different parts of the country asking when they can see the film in their area. Now Florida postal workers who are based in or around St. Petersburg and Ocoee will get the chance to see the film on a big screen.

Murder by Proxy: How America Went Postal is the first documentary to examine the phenomenon of workplace massacre through the lens of the growing socio-economic strains that have swept over this country—beginning in the Reagan era and extending to the present. In the face of an ever changing economy, the film follows the plight of one of America’s working class heroes’, Charlie Withers, a 39 yr. veteran letter carrier from Royal Oak, MI, the home of the films focused incident.

The analysis of work conditions at USPS is central to the film, which sheds light on the toxic postal culture through the prism of catalyst and accountability. And for good reason: the modern, stress-driven, homicidal rampage was born in the postal system—forever changing the meaning of the phrase “going postal”. The USPS presents an ideal case study because it’s been a breeding ground for the same volatile conditions that are now found in most US work environments. “In
many ways, the story of work related postal violence chronicles the erosion of America’s working class”, says director Emil Chiaberi.

Today, the USPS is under intense pressure to reduce spending. As a result, workers are once again experiencing the same volatile conditions that led to the 1991 Royal Oak shooting and other related episodes of violence. “It seems like we’ve learned little from the past,” says Charlie Withers, whose investigation of the hostile conditions in Royal Oak’s Post Office resulted in Congressional hearings. He adds: “I think this film is very timely…hopefully, it can help prevent future tragedies.” With the grassroots uprising of support, already formed by responses pouring from the postal unions, workers are eager to help educate those ignorant or dismissive of the destructive effects of volatile management practices. There is a drought of corporate responsibility for this workforce, as lives are sacrificed and the postal service becomes an increasingly exasperated and toxic culture of greed, and violence.

Following the September screenings in Florida and Germany MURDER BY PROXY: How America Went Postal will be shown in several domestic and international Film Festivals. Please visit our website form more information.

ABOUT MURDER BY PROXY: How America Went Postal
Written/Produced/Directed: Emil Chiaberi
Produced by James Moll
Edited by David A. Davidson
Running time: 76 minutes
Language: English
Release date: 2010
Official Website: www.murderbyproxyfilm.com

ABOUT EMIL CHIABERI
Emil Chiaberi grew up in the Soviet Union and now lives and works in the United States as a
filmmaker and CEO of an emerging biomedical company. From serving in the Soviet Army to
managing a 100+ employee business, his array of personal and business experiences have made
him a keen observer of the connections between cultural phenomenon, psycho-spiritual crises
and their relationship to social violence. Emil’s first film, Murder by Proxy, explores these
connections.

ABOUT JAMES MOLL
Oscar and Emmy winning filmmaker James Moll has been producing and directing non-fiction
films for more than ten years. Moll’s feature documentary credits include Running the Sahara,
Inheritance, Price for Peace, and The Last Days, which chronicles the lives of five Hungarian
Holocaust survivors.
In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Moll established and operated The Shoah Foundation
(currently the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education) with Steven
Spielberg for the express purpose of videotaping Holocaust survivor testimonies around the
world.

HARRISBURG – Attorney General agents have filed criminal charges against a Westmoreland County business owner accused of misappropriating more than $45,000 from the United States Postal Service (USPS). The money was intended to pay for workers compensation insurance for his employees.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said that Frank Letterine, 49, 5021 Impala Drive, Murrysville, is the owner of Denny’s Trucking, a business that contracts with the Postal Service to transport mail.

Corbett explained that Postal Service contracts provide mail transport companies with money specifically to subsidize the purchase of workers compensation coverage for employees.

According to the criminal complaint, Letterine operated Denny’s Trucking without providing workers compensation coverage from April of 1999 to June of 2009.

Corbett said that during this 10-year period, the Postal Service provided Letterine with $45,479 for the purpose of obtaining workers compensation coverage.

According to the criminal complaint, in 2006 Letterine indicated that the cost for his workers compensation policy would increase by more than $600; and in 2007, by more than$1,000.

Corbett said that as a result, the postal service increased the amount they paid to Letterine for insurance, but he still allegedly did not purchase workers compensation coverage.

Letterine is charged 10 counts of failure to insure and one count of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received. Each charge is a third-degree felony carrying a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Letterine was preliminarily arraigned before Westmoreland County Magisterial District Judge Charles R. Conway and released on $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2010.

Letterine will be prosecuted in Westmoreland County by Senior Deputy Attorney General J. Scott Robinette of the Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section.

via Press: The Attorney General’s Press Office – Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.