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Website Updated: 9.8.10
10:11 P.M.
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Big wins for NALC activists: In two clear victories for letter carrier activism, the full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved Fiscal Year 2011 bills that leave six-day mail delivery intact—and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services marked up its bill, with language on six-day delivery untouched as well. Click here to read coverage by Bloomberg News Service.
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Cutting Saturdays would be a 'blunder':  NALC President
Fred Rolando testified Wednesday before a joint congressional committee hearing on the U.S. Postal Service's action plan for the future, which includes the possibility of cutting a day of mail delivery service each week. "We think this would be a blunder of the first order—saving very little money and risking the loss of much more revenue over time," he said. "At a time when the nation is suffering an acute jobs crisis, throwing another 80,000 decent jobs away in a moment of panic does not make sense." .
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How about two, then? Buried at the bottom of a piece in a
recent edition of The Washington Post on PMG Jack Potter was this quote from his remarks at April's National Postal Forum in Nashville: "The value of going to four days—removing a second day—is even greater."
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A different standard?:  Writing in the Friday, June 25
Washington Post, Economic Policy Institute senior adviser Tom Kiley notes that most companies do not pre-fund retiree health benefits at all, and yet USPS' "retiree health obligations are already 41 percent pre-funded, enough to cover all benefits through 2025." The Service "continues to cover all of its retiree health obligations on a pay-as-you-go basis," he says, asking: "Why should the Postal Service be held to a different standard than are other employers when it meets its current retiree health obligations every year?" Click here to read Kiley's letter to the editor.
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 Busting 1 billion: Partial reports on this year’s nationwide “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive have pushed total donations collected along postal routes since the drive began 18 years ago to more than 1 billion pounds. Click here to find out more.
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Memorandum signed on Joint Alternate Route Adjustment Process: NALC and USPS have reached agreement on the next phase of a Joint Alternate Route Adjustment Process. Click here to go to the City Delivery page to find out more.
Cutting Saturday mail self-defeating? "This is a country that increasingly demands speed; you'd think that someone, if only in an effort not to fall further behind, would be suggesting a seventh day of delivery be added." Read more from CNN contributor Bob Greene here
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 Potter says no need to cut Saturday service with funding fix: Confirming what the NALC has been saying, Postmaster General Potter told a Senate subcommittee March 18 that if USPS is repaid $75 billion it's been overcharged for the CSRS fund, USPS’ financial problems would ease dramatically and there would be no need to eliminate Saturday mail delivery. “You're saying if the $75 billion is found, you wouldn't have to cut the frequency of service?” asked Panel Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL). Potter replied, “Right.” “We’ll have to look into that,” the senator said. Watch the testimony here (beginning at time mark 49:30). Fact sheets
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 USPS examines 'Postal Future': On March 2, the Postal Service sponsored a conference in Washington called "Envisioning America's Postal Future" to kick off debate over alternative business models for the 21st century. NALC President Fred Rolando is advocating a "Last Mile" approach to reinventing the Service (as outlined in January's Postal Record). "Adding new services to take advantage of the unmatchable postal network and leveraging America's trust in letter carriers and the Postal Service is the key to the future," he said. "Eliminating Saturday delivery would be penny wise and pound foolish. It would simply drive more mailers away." In the short term, Congress must reform the unaffordable retiree health prefunding requirement placed on USPS in 2007 just as the Great Recession began. Over the long run, the Service and its stakeholders must be given freedom to innovate and meet the evolving needs of Americans and the economy. Rolando issued a press release that expressed NALC’s views on the Service’s proposals. To find out more, see the March Postal Record for the first in a series of articles on the alternative business models.
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Commemorate strike's 40th: Learn about the dramatic 1970 walkout from those who were there, including NALC President Emeritus Vincent R. Sombrotto, Saturday, March 20, at 1 p.m. at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum's Discovery Center. NALC members are invited to a reception following the presentation—call 202-633-5528 to RSVP by March 8. Museum | YouTube | Bulletin
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 Rally for TSA workers: Led by President Rolando, NALC officers, members and staff joined hundreds of activists February 23 at AFL-CIO headquarters to demand collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers who protect airline passengers from terrorist attacks. They were denied those rights by the Bush administration when the TSA was set up following the 9/11 attacks. The TSOs’ rights can be restored simply with an order from DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. AFL-CIO | Bulletin
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Obama budget backs six-day delivery: President Obama’s fiscal  2011 budget proposal requires the continuation of six-day delivery by the Postal Service. The administration also promises to work with postal unions and other stakeholders to keep the Postal Service strong for years to come. In setting the amount for “revenue forgone” to cover the costs of free and reduced rate mail, the spending plan says payments will be made “provided that 6-day delivery and rural delivery of mail shall continue at not less than the 1983 level....” Looking to the future, the proposal, submitted to Congress on February 1, states, “The Administration will work with the Postal Service, its employee unions, the Congress, and other stakeholders to make sure the Postal Service (remains) a pillar of the American economy and a vital public resource through the current crisis and over the long haul.” Language in a separate section, however, proposes changes in the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) that could be problematic. The NALC is investigating those proposals and will act to protect letter carriers’ interests. See the USPS section of the budget, with key sections highlighted, here.
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Postal privatization a “bad idea,” Obama says: In a citizen question-and-answer interview, President Obama said privatization of government services is “a bad idea most of the time”—and definitely  a bad idea when it comes to the U.S. Postal Service. Private firms would love to cherry-pick profitable business from the USPS, he said, but “those companies would not want to provide universal service.” See the video here . (Note: the video continues after the postal question.)
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OIG bolsters case for prefunding reform: The Postal Service's Office of Inspector General has strengthened the case made by NALC over the past three years that the Office of Personnel Management badly miscalculated the postal surplus in the Civil Service Retirement Fund. A new special report issued by OIG’s investigative research unit shows USPS was overcharged by an astounding $75 billion for pension liabilities that should be paid for by the U.S. Treasury since they relate to service performed before USPS was created in 1971. This miscalculation means the onerous schedule of prefunding payments included in the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 is grossly inflated, since the Postal Service Retiree Health Fund was shortchanged by OPM when it transferred the postal surplus into the fund in 2007. “NALC is encouraged by the OIG’s findings since it confirms what we have been saying for years to Congress,” NALC President Fred Rolando said. “This report will help us make the case for fundamental reform.” Fact Sheet
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Debating delivery reductions: Writing for The New York Times' Room for Debate blog, NALC President Fred Rolando states why reducing mail delivery from six days to five is a bad idea and suggests some alternate strategies that could help the Postal Service preserve universal mail delivery and generate new revenue. Article
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Save money with Union Plus: Winter's right around the corner. Get ready for cold weather by taking advantage of Union Plus's home heating oil discounts. You can find this and other great money-saving benefits from Union Plus.
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Social Events:
- Retiree's Luncheon
September 16, 2010 @ 12:00 P.M.
Lamb Tavern, Springfield, Pa.
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Veterans
Pennsylvania Act 20 of 2008
Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program
The Pennsylvania Department of military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is accepting applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program. Any person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve component of the Pennsylvania National Guard in the Persian Gulf Conflict during the period of August 31,1991 may be eligible. The program allows compensation to be paid to eligible service members as well as certain surviving relatives of deceased veterans.
The deadline for applying is August 31, 2015. Details of this program are available on the DMVA website or by calling 1-866-458-9182.
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The address for the DRT is:
3190 South 70th St.
Phila. Pa. 19153-7956
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The President's Report
by Jim McCullough
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September 8, 2010 10:46 P.M.
RE: DRT New Address
Dear Stewards,
Effective immediately the new address for the Philadelphia Resolution team is.......
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
September 6, 2010 11:52 A.M.
RE: Election of Region 12 Business Agent
Dear Brother/Sister
Over the next couple of weeks you will be receiving a ballot from the National Headquarters of the National Association of Letter Carriers. On the ballot will be listed........
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
August 24, 2010 5:39 P.M.
Subject: Carrier Rotating Calendars
Dear Shop Stewards,
In the next couple of days the Branch will be ordering 500 Carrier Color-coded Calendars for the year 2011. The price of the calendars is $5.00 per calendar. The calendars should be...........
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
See you at the American Legion Post (566 Glen Ave. Glenolden, Pa.) on October 6, 2010!
Alert! >>>>> After you complete a one-day walk, everyone please request from management a copy of the 3999. Look at it to see if the deductions are correct. Any questions or problems getting your copy call the union office <<<<<< Alert!
Please click here to take this Businessweek Magazine Poll and vote NO! Public opinion polls like this play more of a role in our plight than you may think!
Videos from the 2010 Congressional Breakfast
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Consolidation/Mergers
Fresh Squeezed, Branch 725
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Posted September 4, 2010 9:09 P.M.
There is a meeting next Thursday (September 9, 2010) about the consolidation of 10 Offices. Folsom will be merging with. ............
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Be Aware!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Les Dillmnan, Director of Route Inspection/Adjustment, Branch 725
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Posted August 29, 2010 12:41 P.M.
Director of Route Inspection/Adjustment Les Dillman reports that "September and October are the months that will be looked at for the next round of route adjustment. They will be reviewing clock rings and data. Make sure you use 3999s,1571s and make note of............
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Jimmy's Hat
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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Posted August 26, 2010 3:41 P.M.
Finally, while attending the California Angels game as a part of Letter Carrier Night, I had the pleasure of seeing our buddy and yours in “the hat”. Many people said it was too small, etc. But Jimmy was wearing it or as we say, “rockin it”. Whether it............
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Rap Video "That's Bull 44-cent"
By Steve Manchester, Branch 1216, Madesto, California
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Posted August 23, 2010 2:33 P.M.
Myself and some fellow postal workers did a rap video on the 5 day issue.
It's on youtube under "that's bull 44 cent". Here's the link Click Here! Feel free to pass it on if you think it might be helpful to our cause.
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The Story Behind Rapper Steve Manchester
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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Posted August 23, 2010 2:04 P.M.
On August 8, 2010 I got the following email from Steve Manchester, a Letter Carrier from Branch 1291, Modesto, California............
For the full report and story from this article..................Click Here!
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The Other Side Of Circulars
By Barbara Kearney, Branch 725
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Posted August 16, 2010 9:42 P.M.
Since becoming a letter carrier, I always dreaded circular day until I was fortunate enough to meet Samuel Lastow and his mother Abby Potash.
Samuel was abducted at.....
For the full report and story from this article..................Click Here!
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Anaheim 2010
By Andrew Kearney, Congressional District Liason, Branch 725 (D)-S.D.
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Posted August 15, 2010 7:50 P.M.
Whew, what a week. We really had a lot of information to absorb and have a lot of work to do now that we are home. President Rolando gave us hope by telling us the ideas he will.....
For the full report and story from this article..................Click Here!
Posted August 6, 2010 11:16 P.M.
Dave Carfagno, the branch will miss you as Treasurer. I'd personally like to thank you for all your advice, mentorship, and guidance. I still will frustrate the hell out of you (lol).
Posted August 6, 2010 11:06 P.M.
Bob, thanks for all your hard work and dedication in your capacity as Congressional District Liason. You were a "natural".
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Zigmont CDL Farewell
By Bob Zigmont , Branch 725
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August 6, 2010 10:47 P.M.
Since 2004, I have served our branch, the NALC, and the state association as the Congressional District Liaison for the 7th District. It has been my pleasure to do so.
It is important..........
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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The Convention
By Andrew Kearney, Branch 725
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August 6, 2010 9:05 P.M.
We are getting ready to head out to Anahiem for our National Convention. A lot of you think of this as us going to a large party and having nothing but fun. I wish that were true but...........
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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Professional Carrier: People To People
By Bill Mellon, Branch 725
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July 16, 2010 8:58 P.M. 
How can YOU help save the Postal Service?.
By being a Professional Letter Carrier like most Regular Carriers that treat their patrons like family. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort like the saying goes "Random acts of kindness". Looking out.........
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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Bill Mellon's Letter To The PRC
By Bill Mellon, Branch 725
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July 7, 2010 8:54 P.M.
In regard to the Postal Service going to five day delivery, I feel that this would be a great dis-service to the American public. As a letter carrier for 39 years I............
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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Op-Ed: U.S. Postal Service needs to keep six-day mail delivery promise
By Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, (D)-S.D.
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Posted July 3, 2010 4:30 P.M.
The U.S. Postal Service has a rich and reliable history of serving the American public since the late 1700s. Just like so many of you are with your postal carrier, we felt our carrier was like a part of the family. That's why I can't support the recent proposal by the U.S. postmaster general to eliminate Saturday mail delivery.
The postmaster general claims that post offices already open on Saturdays will remain open and mail will be delivered to post office boxes in post offices. Unfortunately for the elderly and disabled, those who have a hard time getting around, and others who live far from their post office, that idea simply won't work. During...... We need to provide the peace of mind that Saturday delivery will continue.
For the full report and story from this article..................Click Here!
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PRC Report Finds $50 Billion Discrepancy
By Postal Regulatory Commision(PRC)
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Posted June 30, 2010 8:17 P.M.
The Commission report finds that an adjustment of $50-$55 billion in favor of the Postal Service would be equitable. “The Commission is pleased to provide this expert and timely perspective to assist Congress and OPM as they work to resolve an issue that has far-reaching consequences for the financial health and viability of the Nation’s universal mail system,” said Chairman Ruth Y. Goldway.
For the full report and story from this article..................Click Here!
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Lost Brother In Triathalon
By Andrew Kearney, Branch 725
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June 28, 2010 5:55 A.M.
I got a phone call today from a friend that had this guy as his Mailman. Well liked by all his customers and I am told will be missed like a family member by most. They haven't released his name so I am not going to mention it here. When you are told by the media who he is by them it would be the proper time to announce. What I would ask of everyone in this Union and especially our local is to have a moment of silence for this man tomorrow before we hit the street. Prayers are to his wife and family dealing with their loss.
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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Senate And House Postal Subcommittee Hearing:
Entitled: "Having Their Say: Customer and Employee Views on the Future of the U.S. Postal Service,"
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Posted June 25, 2010 8:17 P.M.
Conservative Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) tried to pull a fast one at a joint hearing sponsored by Senate and House postal subcommittees. Coburn, who authored the anti-labor amendment to a Senate bill (S. 1507) to require arbitrators to consider the financial health of the Postal Service when ruling on collective bargaining agreements, remarked that arbitrators are currently prohibited from considering USPS’ economic circumstances.
Of course, that is patently false. Arbitrators are free to consider the financial state of the USPS when issuing their decisions, and have routinely done so throughout the 30-year history of postal collective bargaining. The unions oppose the amendment because inserting it into the law would elevate consideration of USPS finances above all other factors.
To view the full hearing..................Click Here!
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JRAP Is Upon Us
By Lili Beaumont, President, Branch 214
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Posted June 13, 2010 3:05 P.M.
Off the top of my head, some of these changes are as follows:
1) The information used to evaluate the routes will be data from two months (instead of the previous one month from the MIARAP) in 2010 – either March & April, or April & May. This....
For more from this Scribe's Corner ..................Click Here!
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Quarterly Branch Audit
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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Posted June 9, 2010 2:05 P.M.
Most people often wonder what do the Branch Trustees do? Chief among their duties is to perform an audit of the books of the branch. That is part of a check and balance system that protects........
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Branch Member Selected For Cover Of Postal Record
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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June 9, 2010 12:55 P.M.
This Postal Record is not the only occurance of our Branch's exploits into the national NALC "spotlight". Previously, President Emeritous Don Coughlin, Rhonda and Dan Massari, and Andy and Barbara Kearney were featured in the NALC Health Benefits Plan video. Our own Bob Zigmont has.........
For more from this article..................Click Here!
Posted June 3, 2010 8:57 P.M.
Any members who have the NALC Health Benefit Plan and either lost or did not get their CVS/CAREMARK extra care card for 20% discount at CVS for health related products the number you need to call for replacement cards is 1-888-543-5938 and then prompt # 2 if you have any problems please call the Union Office and leave a message.
I hope everyone has Happy, Safe and HEALTHY Summer !
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2010 Congressional Breakfast Coverage
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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Posted May 6, 2010 7:51 P.M.
This page contains a few articles, pictures, and short videos from the 2010 Congressional Breakfast in Wahington D.C.
To see all the Congressional "action" ..................Click Here!
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Goldway: Ideas for Positive Change in the Future of the US Postal Service
By Ruth Goldway, Chairman of Postal Regulatory Commision(PRC)
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Posted April 15, 2010 9:14 P.M.
IX. Reinvent the letter carrier: Empower him her to measure real-time service: to be accessible to the community by email; to be the eyes and ears of the community and to be the sales and service point for small business.
X. Reorganize the workforce - not make them part time employees - but to enhance their skills thereby adding flexibility in the processing centers, new energy conversation technology to logistics and motivated outgoing sales people at retail counters.”
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Postal Saturday Cut Isn't 'Done Deal' Regulator Says
By Angela Greiling Keane, Bloomburg Business Week
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April 13, 2010 9:20 P.M.
"It's not a done deal. I’m going to make sure that the case for the six-day delivery is articulated well and heard well by all my fellow commissioners,” Goldway said. “I’m also going to listen to the other side and feel obliged as a regulator to make a decision at the end of the day based on the documents and the testimony in front of us.”
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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The Next Meeting
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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April 4, 2010 7:49 A.M.
Coatesville seems far away but it's really not. To get what we are offering at our branch meetings these days is nothing compared to a nice leisurely drive into progressive, metropolitan, Coatesville, Pa. The people there are gracious host and usually bring a lot of the members from their office. But these great people come down to our branch meetings monthly with the same mentality. Thank you Coatesville.....
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Fresh Squeezed
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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April 4, 2010 7:34 A.M.
If you have accidentally done damage to a customer's property (i.e. kicked a pottery piece while walking on the stairs causing it to break up to damage during a vehicle accident be on notice. The local Post offices have been sending out letters asking carriers to sign a responsibility waiver and asking you to pay for the damages. If you get.......
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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Postal Service Puts "Petal-To-The-Metal" On 5-Day Delivery
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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March 25, 2010 3:19 P.M.
Oh no, that would make too much sense. Especially in light of Postmaster General Potter’s recent answer before a Senate subcommittee that if the $75 billion discrepancy is solved they would not have to go to 5-day delivery. Mr. Potter, 5-day delivery is either a good idea or not!.......
For more from this article..................Click Here!
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People 2 People
By Bill Mellon, Branch 725
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March 21, 2010 6:18 P.M.
Prior to the Postal Strike, letter carriers made starvation wages. Almost everyone had two jobs to survive.
I remember delivering mail to the Philadelphia Airport at the customs office. One of the customs workers ask me "when was the letter carrier union going to ask Congress for a raise". At that time,......
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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People 2 People
By Bill Melon, Branch 725
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March 7, 2010 12:00 P.M.
We keep hearing about the Postal Service cutting mail to five day delivery because they are losing money. The Postal Service is supposed to be non-profit and does not pay.....
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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What To Do About The Post Office's Woes
By Susan Collins (R)Maine, U.S. Senator
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March 6, 2010 6:46 P.M.
Instead of blaming the Postal Service's financial condition on the 2006 Postal Reform Act, the postmaster general should develop new revenue streams and continue to reduce costs. He should seek new customers and more volume rather than cutting service and wishing away liabilities.
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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Training at the Region 12 Rap Session(all Hail The Shop Stewards)
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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February 28, 2010 2:01 P.M.
Many people always wonder "how does that Shop Steward know so much"? Many people often don't care about the toughest task in any union -- the Shop Steward. Well, the key......
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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NALC President Address Region 12 Rap Session
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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February 28, 2010 1:21 P.M.
The President explained that the six day delivery is tied to a bill as a provision. It is an appropriations bill “rider” (an addition). The bill addresses.........
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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How To Make nalcbr725 Your Homepage
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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February 14, 2010 7:13 P.M.
After you arrive on the internet look to the toolbar located at the top right somewhere for Tools. Click on......
For more from this Article..................Click Here!
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NRP Training
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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At this point in the labor movement, we don't have the luzury of picking and choosing what we stay on top of. We HAVE to learn these important issues that have such a tremendous effect on our brothers and sisters who were hurt on the job. This NRP Process is
For more from the Newsletter ..................Click Here!
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The Newsletter
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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In route adjustment, an email went out the week of January 17th. It basically mandated that supervisors hold down the office time. "Percentage to standard". WoW! When was the last time we heard that? Of course the changing of equipment from more equipment, more shelves to less equipment, less shelves had nothing to do with it. Ok carriers, you.............
For more from the Newsletter ..................Click Here!
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It's What We Do
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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We used to deliver hopes and dreams. Now we deliver faster, more accurately, and more efficient correspondence and packages. It's what we do as Letter Carriers. And it's a fact that nobody in the world does it better. How many people do you know can say "I am the best in the world at what I do" ? Let's take a look at why......
For more from this article ..................Click Here!
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Why Should I Enter My Clock Rings?
By Eric K. Jackson, Branch 725
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In the past there has been problems all over the country regarding time integrity. Simply put, local management has been found to illegally change letter carrier's clock rings. But.........
For more from this article ..................Click Here!
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How to Enter Your Own Clock Rings
By Andrew Kearney, Branch 725
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The time clock will prompt you for most things but it is really easy once you know what to do.
If you are working in the office casing on another route enter MV & 722. Then enter...
For more from this article ..................Click Here!
When You Go - AKA Death and the Federal Employee
Pay Protection for Federal and Postal Employees
Federal and postal workers called to active duty with their National Guard or Reserve units will now, for the first time, be paid at their civilian federal salary rate if it's higher than their military pay.
To submit articles, pictures, etc. send them to the Webmaster. All entries are subject to content review. The timeliness of postings is not guaranteed.
Thank you!
Branch 725 and its Officers and Webmasters hold no liability for mis-information on this website or its links. We do not condone questionable material or information posted on our website. All requests for removal of any of the documents posted on our website must be sent to ekjackson@comcast.net for appropriate action. This website is intended only as a resource and a guide for Unionists
This
site was created and maintained
by Eric K. Jackson, Br.
725
All site content ©2008 NALC Branch 725.
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