News & information

Lump Sum Terminal Leave Payment for 2021

On September 3, 2020 the NALC and the Postal Service agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (M-01928 in the NALC Materials Reference System)

Great Postal Strike 50th anniversary dinner update

NALC has postponed the Great Postal Strike 50th anniversary dinner until it is safe to hold the event.

Election mail task force update for letter carriers

NALC and the other postal unions and management associations continue to meet with the Postal Service to prepare for the anticipated increase in election mail this fall.

USPS elects not to implement payroll tax deferral

The Postal Service has notified NALC that it will not implement the temporary employee payroll tax deferral established by a recent Presidential Executive Order.

Election mail task force update

Over the past several months, there has been a concerted effort by some to cast doubt on the security of vote by mail and on the ability of the Postal Service to meet the expected surge in vote by mail this year.

COVID-19 Related MOUs Extended Until End of Year

By joint agreement (M-01929), several COVID related memorandums of understanding have been further extended through December 31, 2020.

DOL revises the definition of intermittent FMLA leave under the FFCRA

On April 1, 2020, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued the implementing regulations pertaining to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Tell the Senate to provide USPS Covid Relief: Call Your Senator Now

The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would provide $25 billion in financial relief to the Postal Service. Now it’s up to the Senate to take action.

For Leave Year 2021, Maximum Annual Leave Carryover Amount Increased from 440 Hours to 520 Hours

NALC and the Postal Service have agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that increases the maximum allowable annual leave carryover amounts outlined in the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM).

National-Level Grievance over Expedited Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS) Settled

NALC and the Postal Service have settled national-level case Q16N-4Q-C 20345187 concerning the Postal Service’s implementation of a test of the delivery initiative entitled Expedited Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS).

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Impact on Retirement and Thrift Savings Plan

The NALC has received notification from the Postal Service that leave taken under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is not eligible for retirement and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) deductions.

USPS - SER initiative update

On July 31, 2020, USPS notified NALC of a new delivery initiative titled the Post Office Sortation Equipment Rationalization (SER)

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando

President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues

NALC responds to Hurricane Laura and California Fires

To our brothers and sisters in the areas that have been impacted by Hurricane Laura or the California fires, we need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership in these areas.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far-reaching consequences for letter carriers and the Postal Service. With new information coming quickly and changing rapidly, NALC has created this depository of information for letter carriers.

House and Senate Oversight Committees Question Postmaster General

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) conducted back-to-back hearings Friday and Monday to question Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

House Passes Delivering for America Act in Unprecedented Vote

Today, members of the House of Representatives made their way back to Washington on a Saturday during August recess, during a pandemic, to pass the Delivering for America Act (H.R. 8015).

Texas letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 56-year-old letter carrier Paulino Huerta III, a member of Branch 2562, passed away Monday, August 24, from complications related to coronavirus.

Branch 373 member passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 68-year-old retired letter carrier Melvin Stahmer, a member of Branch 373 in Iowa City, IA, recently passed away from complications related to COVID-19.

Boston letter carrier passes away while delivering his route

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 54-year old letter carrier and Branch 34 member James Wu passed away August 18, 2020, while delivering his route.

House voting on USPS relief this weekend: Call your rep and urge “Yes” vote

The House of Representatives is returning from August recess to vote on a bill that would provide $25 billion in financial relief to the Postal Service.

Statement of NALC President Fredric v. Rolando on Joint National Election Task Force

Today, I am pleased to announce that the NALC will begin working with the Postal Service in a joint labor management task force to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus with regard to handling of election mail.

NALC files national-level grievance regarding Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation

NALC initiated a national-level grievance regarding the Postal Service's unilateral implementation of the delivery initiative called Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation (SER).

Moraga, CA Letter Carrier Thaddeus Tito Brantley passes away while delivering his route

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Thaddeus Tito Brantley passed away

NALC endorses Biden-Harris

Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), released the following statement regarding the NALC Executive Council’s endorsement of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president and vice president of the United States.

Branch 36 letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 48-year-old letter carrier Michael Hunt Sr., a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away Tuesday, August 11, from complications related to coronavirus.

The 2020 General Election: America Can Count on the U.S. Postal Service

NALC has created a new fact sheet on The 2020 General Election: America Can Count on the U.S. Postal Service.

USPS REALIGNS ITS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Over the next several weeks, the Postal Service will transition to a new organizational structure consisting of three separate operating sectors: Retail & Delivery, Logistics and Processing, and Commerce.

NALC files national-level grievance regarding USPS delivery initiative

NALC initiated a national-level grievance regarding the Postal Service's unilateral implementation of the delivery initiative test

USPS looks to reduce letter carriers’ casing equipment

This morning, the Postal Service sent NALC a copy of a stand-up talk for city letter carriers intended to explain the goals of its latest unilateral delivery initiative. It is called Post Office Sortation Equipment Reconciliation (SER).

Branch 450 gold card member passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to have recently been informed that 89-year-old retired letter carrier and NALC gold card member Robert Moe, a member of Branch 450 in Bellingham, WA, died on Friday, March 20, from complications related to COVID-19.

Statement from NALC on Service Issues

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) thanks the American people for their long-term support and appreciation of the service our members provide to homes and businesses throughout the country.

Phoenix letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 59-year-old letter carrier Olivia Meraz, a member of Branch 576 in Phoenix, passed away Thursday, July 30, from complications related to coronavirus.

USPS to initiate office activities study

Beginning next week, pursuant to Article 34 of the National Agreement, the Postal Service will begin conducting a study of city carriers’ office activities.

Senate Leadership Unveils New Covid Relief Package, Ignores the Postal Service

Two and a half months after the House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions, or “HEROES” Act (H.R. 6800)

Branch 157 member and long-time union activist passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 70-year-old retired letter carrier Raymond “Doc” Dougherty, a member of Branch 157 in Philadelphia, died on Saturday, July 4, from complications related to COVID-19.

Reno Letter Carrier Eugene Arao dies after being struck by lightning

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that Letter Carrier Eugene Arao died on July 25th.

NALC Calls on Congress to Provide Covid-Relief to Postal Service, Cites Bipartisan Poll of Seniors/Vets

This week, the House and Senate return to Washington for a three-week work period where their main agenda item will be negotiating what could be the last Covid-relief package before election day.

USPS announces new ESAS delivery initiative test

In a letter dated July 16, 2020, the Postal Service informed NALC of a new delivery initiative test titled Expedited Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS).

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Related MOUs Extended Until Late September

By joint agreement (M-01924), several COVID related memorandums of understanding have been further extended through September 25, 2020.

Branch 385 member passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 72-year-old retired letter carrier Raymond Earl Moore, a member of Branch 385 in Youngstown, OH, died on Sunday, April 5, from complications related to COVID-19.

Bipartisan Postal Relief Bill Introduced in Senate

Today, Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the “Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act” (S. 4174) to provide funding to the Postal Service to help offset Covid-related financial losses.

Branch 1081 member passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 60-year-old letter carrier Kerry Morrissey, a member of Branch 1081 in Ames, IA, passed away Saturday, June 13, from complications related to COVID-19.

M-01923 Consolidated Casing Update

In accordance with M-01923 in NALC’s Materials Reference System (MRS), USPS has selected thirty-one Consolidated Casing test sites to be returned to their original route structure no later than July 31, 2020.

2020 Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NALC has postponed the food drive until it is safe to hold it. In the meantime, the donor drive is a chance to contribute to food banks in your community.

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

USPS Informed Delivery ®

Informed Delivery® reaches 25 million users nationwide.

New delivery vehicles to be deployed in some locations

USPS announces deployment of Mercedes Metris right-hand drive and additional Promaster vehicles into the delivery fleet.

Consolidated Casing Grievance Settled

NALC and the Postal Service have settled a national-level grievance regarding the Postal Service’s unilateral testing of Consolidated Casing.

Statement of NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on justice for George Floyd and civil unrest

The senseless killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis last week was not just a tragedy for his family, it was an assault on America’s people of color, who include tens of thousands of NALC members, and an affront to human decency.

Update regarding Branch Elections

The pandemic may prevent some Branches from conducting normal elections of officers and delegates

State association dues statements

The NALC membership department has been unable to mail out the monthly statements and membership information to state associations

Deputy Postmaster General Ron Stroman Resigns

Stroman, the longest serving DPMG in history, will resign on June 1st after 42 years of public service in the Postal Service and the legislative branch of our government.

House introduces fourth major response package to pandemic

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey introduced the “HEROES” Act

Interest Arbitration dates scheduled

The interest arbitration hearing dates for a new collective bargaining agreement scheduled for May, June, and July were previously postponed due to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicago letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Unique Clay passed away from complications related to coronavirus

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic forces cancellation of the Honolulu Convention

At the direction of the NALC Executive Council, we have notified the convention center, convention hotels and various convention vendors of our decision to cancel the convention, which was to be held Aug. 17-21, 2020 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

NALC's statement on USPS Q2 financial report

A statement from NALC President Fredric Rolando

Pennsylvania letter carrier passes away while delivering his route

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Gary Drais Jr. passed away while delivering his route.

NYC letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Theresa Torres passed away from complications related to coronavirus.

Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando on the Appointment of Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General

On behalf of 210,000 active city letter carriers who serve in every city and town across the United States, I congratulate Louis DeJoy on his appointment as the 75th postmaster general.

South Hackensack, NJ letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is saddened to learn that Danilo Javier passed away from complications related to coronavirus.

NALC letter to USPS Board of Governors’ regarding legislative relief

NALC and other postal unions sent a letter to the USPS Board of Governors

Bipartisan poll demonstrates overwhelming support of direct funding to USPS

Today, North Star Opinion Research and Hart Research Associates, two leading Republican and Democratic public opinion firms, released the findings of a national poll.

Flushing, NY letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC has learned that 61-year-old letter carrier and military veteran Rocco Lombardo, a member of Branch 294 in Flushing, NY, passed away Tuesday, April 28, from complications related to coronavirus.

California Letter Carrier Alex De Mateo involved in fatal vehicle accident while delivering his route

NALC has learned that letter carrier Alex De Mateo was involved in a fatal vehicle accident while delivering his route

Letter carrier deaths due to coronavirus now up to 10

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that six more letter carriers have recently passed away due to complications related to coronavirus

Indianapolis Letter Carrier Angela Summers killed on her route

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Angela Summers, an Indianapolis Branch 39 member and shop steward at the Linwood Station, was shot while delivering her route on Monday, April 27 and passed away that evening.

NALC commemorates Workers Memorial Day

April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, the day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. NALC proudly stands with the other unions of the AFL-CIO to renew the ongoing fight for strong safety and health protections on the job.

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Administration’s Attack on the Postal Service

President Rolando has released a new statement to NALC members that includes updates on COVID-19 and NALC’s response to recent comments from President Trump about the Postal Service.

President Trump is Being Misinformed About the Postal Service

At a time when the heroic workers of the USPS are braving infection to serve the country during an unprecedented national crisis, it is imperative that representatives of the federal government have a fundamental understanding of the value of the USPS.

White paper: The Postal Service and the COVID-19 Crisis

NALC has created a white paper on the legislative needs of the Postal Service for the COVID-19 crisis.

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Branch bi-weekly dues rosters

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NALC membership department has been unable to mail out the bi-weekly dues rosters since PP 6 of 2020. The bi-weekly dues roster information is now available to certain branch officers through the Member’s Only portal.

Pasadena, TX letter carrier passes away

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 69-year-old letter carrier Johnny Tamayo, a member of Branch 3867 in Pasadena, TX, passed away Saturday, April 4, from complications related to coronavirus.

Scarsdale, NY letter carrier passes way

Carrier Martin Harris passed away April 5

Manhattan letter carrier passed away

63-year-old letter carrier Frank Leong, a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away recently from complications related to COVID-19.

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Rolando has issued his latest statement to letter carriers covering several evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive Postponed

The 28th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, scheduled for May 9, 2020, has been postponed.

Statement by NALC President Fredric Rolando: The Postal Service is vital in this crisis

In a major public health crisis like the one we face today, the Postal Service is essential and deserves fair relief

Updated OLMS advisory on LM filings

The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) has issued an advisory regarding the reporting requirements concerning LM filings.

Bronx letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 50-year-old letter carrier Rakkhon Kim passed away Wednesday

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Rolando has a statement to letter carriers covering many of the evolving issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to contacting your shop steward, branch officer or NBA, NALC has a new resource for members to ask pandemic questions.

AFL-CIO Executive Council's Statement on COVID-19 Pandemic

“Working People's Demands in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic”

President Rolando sends letters to branch and state presidents granting dispensation

Dispensation Letters

Statement from NALC President Fredric V. Rolando on the COVID-19 pandemic

President Fredric V. Rolando has issued a statement to letter carriers covering many issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NALC and USPS agree to two new MOUs on leave during the COVID-19 pandemic

Today, NALC and USPS agreed to two new MOUs expanding leave for letter carriers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NALC Bulletin: Coronavirus precautions

Make sure you do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19 by understanding precautions you can take. This information is based on guidelines issued by the CDC.

New date set for dinner to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike

NALC has rescheduled the dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike

Dinner to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike postponed

NALC has postponed the dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Postal Strike scheduled for March 21

NALC and USPS have mutually agreed to postpone a national-level grievance

A national-level grievance regarding the delay in implementing Arbitrator Goldberg’s Award in Case No. Q15C-4Q-C 17697250 will be postponed

The NALC Veterans Guide is now available

NALC created the NALC Veterans Group to provide access to information and tools specific to veterans’ rights and benefits within the Postal Service.

Postal Facts: February 12, 2020

President Rolando quoted in Barron's

White House releases FY 2021 budget proposal

The Trump Administration released its $4.8 trillion Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal on Feb. 10.

Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service's 2020 Quarter 1 financial report

The Postal Service’s financial report for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 underlines the need for congressional action on common-sense legislative reform.

USPS Fairness Act passes House

Today, the House of Representatives passed the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) in a 309 to 106 vote. As letter carriers know, this bipartisan bill seeks to end the mandate for the Postal Service to prefund retiree health care decades in advance.

The Postal Record magazine is now available as a digital flipbook and an audiobook

NALC's monthly magazine, The Postal Record, is now available in a viewable and downloadable flipbook on the NALC website.

Nolan selected as neutral arbitrator

A neutral arbitrator has been selected

CCA to PTF Conversion

CAU has compiled a number of helpful links

In all offices, CCAs who have at least 30 months of relative standing on February 15th to be converted to career status

NALC and USPS have settled a national-level grievance regarding non-compliance with the contractual caps on the employment of CCAs.

Postal Facts: January 22, 2020

Chief of Staff Jim Sauber quoted in American Prospect magazine; former Idaho State Association President John Paige’s letters published by four outlets

Houston letter carrier shot on his route

NALC is saddened to learn that letter carrier Adrian Jackson, a member of Branch 283 in Houston, Texas, was shot multiple times on his route December 28.

PRC publishes revised notice of proposed rulemaking

In early December, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued a revised proposed rulemaking for the system that regulates the rates and classes of the Postal Service’s Market Dominant products.

USPS announces selection of next generation MDD

USPS has chosen the Zebra TC 77 model as the new on-street scanning device to replace the current Mobile Delivery Device (MDD).

Senate Introduces Companion Repeal Bill, House Bill Reaches Critical Mass

Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the USPS Fairness Act (S. 2965), a bill to repeal the mandate to prefund postal retiree health benefits. The bill is identical to House legislation.

Penalty Overtime Exclusion Period

Information for 2019

Update on Contract Negotiations

Update on the 2019 contract negotiations

Postal Facts: November 20, 2019

President Rolando was quoted in a number of articles covering the FY 2019 USPS financial report and the various factors involved.

Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando On USPS Financial Results for FY 2019

The large loss posted by the U.S. Postal Service in Fiscal Year 2019 ($8.8 billion) is largely the result of external factors, not the normal operations of the agency.

Decision in Pay Consolidation Case

The arbitrator rejected NALC’s position that this change meant that employees from other crafts in grades equivalent to the former City Carrier Grade 1 could no longer be excessed into the letter carrier craft under Article 12 of the National Agreement.

Case Consolidation Lawsuit Dismissed

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg concluded that the court lacked jurisdiction to issue the preliminary injunction that NALC requested, which would have halted the Initiative pending the outcome of the national-level arbitration.

Six carriers honored as NALC's Heroes of the Year

Letter carriers who saved people from car accidents or home fires, helped rescue a teenager who had been abused for months by her captors, or turned a personal tragedy into a campaign to help others, were among those honored on Oct. 30.

Branch Officers Training set for Jan. 27-30 in Washington, DC

NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that Branch Officers Training will be held January 27-30, 2020 in Washington, DC.

NALC mourns passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings

The National Association of Letter Carriers sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Rep. Elijah Cummings of Baltimore, following his death today.

Former Region 7 National Business Agent Eugene “Gene” McNulty died

McNulty served as NBA from 1979 to 1994.

PMG Brennan announces retirement

NALC congratulates Postmaster General Brennan on her retirement.

The printed version of the 2019 Letter Carrier Resource Guide is now available to order

The 2019 Letter Carrier Resource Guide, a comprehensive guide for every letter carrier, combines, updates, and replaces the 2016 City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide and the 2014 Letter Carrier’s Guide.

Update on NALC’s Case Consolidation Lawsuit

U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg heard arguments today

U.S. to remain in the Universal Postal Union

Delegates to a Special Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reached an agreement on reforms

Postal Facts: September 23rd, 2019

Chief of Staff Jim Sauber is quoted in Barron's and Branch 2502 Trustee Lloyd Bell is quoted in the Las Vegas Review-Journal

NALC reaches impasse with the Postal Service in negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement

On Sept. 20, 2019, negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement between NALC and USPS came to an impasse. The current collective-bargaining agreement remains in force pending final resolution of the parties’ collective-bargaining dispute.

NALC responds to Tropical Storm Imelda

To our brothers and sisters in the impacted areas that have been affected by Tropical Storm Imelda, we need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership in this area.

NALC and the labor movement fight for human rights

The Solidarity Without Borders initiative will bring labor leaders from around the country to the border to shine a light on the plight of families seeking asylum or facing deportation and to bring attention to the conditions in U.S. detention facilities.

Updated: Postal Facts: Sept 9, 2019

EVP Brian Renfroe spoke at the Washington, DC ceremony/mural unveiling honoring longtime letter carrier and renowned jazz musician Buck Hill

Letter carrier Mary Granados killed in Odessa, Texas

"We are deeply saddened by the senseless murder of Odessa, TX Branch 3964 letter carrier Mary Granados," NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

NALC files Lawsuit on Consolidated Casing Initiative

NALC today filed a lawsuit against the Postal Service in the federal district court in Washington D.C.

NALC responds to Hurricane Dorian

We need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership

Connecticut letter carrier killed on his route

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 59-year-old letter carrier Daniel Nacin was killed in a car accident on his route

Updated Postal Facts: August 12th, 2019

President Rolando is quoted in Barron's and Press Associates, Inc. and EVP Renfroe is quoted in the Los Angeles Daily News

USPS Fairness Act reaches bipartisan majority

H.R. 2382 passes 218 co-sponsors, but more work needed to reach 290

NALC Legislative Action Center unveiled

NALC launched the Legislative Action Center today

Seventh COLA set at $624

The seventh contract COLA was finalized at $624

Rap Session held in Denver

President Rolando led the national Rap Session, Aug. 9-11 in Denver

Action needed: Tell your Representative to repeal pre-funding mandate today!

Thousands of letter carriers and postal employees are joining together to call for the repeal of the burdensome mandate to pre-fund retiree health benefits.

Statement on Postal Service's 2019 Q3 Financial Report

Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service's 2019 Quarter 3 financial report

Postal Facts: August 9th, 2019

President Rolando and Executive Vice President Renfroe are quoted in the Wall Street Journal and Weather Channel respectively

Postal Facts: July 19th, 2019

President Rolando quoted on History News Network

Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive a resounding success

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which took place on Saturday, May 11, collected 75.7 million pounds of food—third-highest total in the drive’s 27 years.

NALC Disaster Relief Foundation Member's Guide is now available

The NALC Disaster Relief Foundation Member's Guide is packed with useful information on what to do to prepare for an emergency and what to do after. Includes the basics on the Disaster Relief Foundation and the application form for a relief grant.

NALC, USPS formally open 2019 bargaining talks

The leaders of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the United States Postal Service formally opened negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement today.

Statement on the opening of negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement

Statement by President Rolando on the opening of negotiations for a new collective-bargaining agreement

Louisiana letter carrier killed on his route

NALC is deeply saddened to learn that letter carrier Antonio Williams, a Shreveport, LA Branch 197 member, was shot and killed while delivering his route on Saturday, June 22.

Updated Postal Facts: June 21, 2019

President Rolando in the Morristown Citizen Tribune and Las Vegas Review-Journal

Letter Carrier Resource Guide is available online

The Letter Carrier Resource Guide combines the 2016 City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide and the 2014 Letter Carrier’s Guide into one new, improved, and updated publication. Valuable information for all letter carriers at every stage of their career.

House resolution supporting door delivery reaches majority of support

A bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives has now cosponsored House Resolution 23, which expresses the sense that the U.S. Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery.

2020 NALC Leadership Academy Application period is open

The application period for participation in the Leadership Academy in 2020 is now open. The application period ends on Aug. 31, 2019.

Statement on Postal Service’s 2019 Q2 Financial Report

Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service’s 2019 Quarter 2 financial report

Branch Officers Training set for Cleveland, New Orleans

NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that two Branch Officers Training seminars will be held later this year. One session of Branch Officers Training is set for Aug. 26-29 in Cleveland, the other for Sept. 16-19 in New Orleans.

Thank a veteran

United Mine Workers of America of America President Cecil Roberts Jr. sent a video message encouraging NALC members and all Americans to take time to honor the men and women who served their country in the Vietnam War.

Bipartisan legislation introduced to repeal USPS pre-funding mandate

A bipartisan group of representatives introduced the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) which would repeal the mandate that USPS “pre-fund” decades’ worth of health benefits for its future retirees.

NALC files two national level grievances

NALC files two national level grievances on the consolidated casing initiative and USPS non-compliance with CCA employment

New Mexico carrier killed on his route

Letter carrier Jose Hernandez, an Albuquerque, NM Branch 504 member, was shot and killed on his route Monday, April 22, after trying to defuse a dispute.

Misdiagnosis: A Review of the Report of the White House Task Force on the Postal Service

NALC analyzes the faulty foundations of the Task Force’s findings, explains the unexamined consequences of its recommendations and summarizes an alternative reform agenda that will position the Postal Service to thrive in the 21st Century.

Postal Facts: April 16, 2019

EVP Brian Renfroe quoted in Columbus Dispatch, Idaho State Pres. John Paige's letters in six newspapers

2018 NALC election results upheld by Department of Labor

The Labor Department has advised that it has completed its investigation of the election complaints and that the investigation did not provide a basis for any further action to set aside the results of the election. The election results are now final.

CVS Health joins NALC Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive as National Partner

CVS Health is the newest 2019 National Partner for the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive

Customer and employee rights when USPS solicits customers to change the mode of mail delivery

NALC is aware of an effort by the Postal Service in different parts of the country to convince customers to agree to change their mode of mail delivery to cluster box or centralized delivery.

Join Team NALC Rolando for MDA

Join President Rolando on May 18th for the MDA Muscle Walk

NALC responds to Flooding in Midwest

To our brothers and sisters in the areas impacted by the Midwest Flooding, we need your help to make sure that we are notified of the needs of our membership in your area.

Rap session to be held on Aug. 11 in Denver

NALC is making arrangements for the 2019 national conference, or “rap session,” set for Aug. 9-11 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.

Statement on Postal Service’s 2019 Q1 Financial Report

Statement by President Rolando on the Postal Service’s 2019 Quarter 1 financial report

POSTAL FACTS: February 14th, 2019

President Rolando in the Belleville News-Democrat and Federal News Radio, explaining postal finances and the value of USPS.

POSTAL FACTS: January 31, 2019

President Rolando, Executive Vice President Renfroe and other NALC voices in radio, TV and print stories on postal finances, the Polar Vortex and recent government shutdown.

Part-time flexible (PTF) letter carriers Q-and-A

Differences between PTF and CCA classifications.

NALC City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide now available online

NALC City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide assists new and experienced CCAs alike by covering the job and the rights and benefits afforded to CCAs, with information and guidance for the process of conversion to full-time career status.

The NALC Guide to Identifying Intentional False Editing of Clock Rings available online

The NALC Guide to Identifying Intentional False Editing of Clock Rings was created to assist union representatives when investigating grievances concerning clock ring edits that impact letter carriers’ pay.

Questions and Answers—2011 USPS/NALC National Agreement

This jointly-developed document (M-01870) provides the updated mutual understanding of the national parties on issues related to 2011-2016 NALC-USPS National Agreement.

POSTAL FACTS: January 15, 2019

EVP Brian Renfroe quoted in stories about rally for Canadian postal workers.

USPS expands Wounded Warriors Leave

USPS recently updated the Wound Warriors Leave policy effective January 5, 2019. Eligible military veterans will be credited with 104 hours of Wounded Warriors Leave each leave year going forward.

Postal Facts: January 7, 2019

EVP Brian Renfroe commented in the Los Angeles Daily News about NALC's continued dedication to working to implement heat-safety measures.

Postal Facts: December 27th, 2018

President Rolando had letters to the editor in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the AARP Magazine.

USPS will be open for business and mail delivery

USPS will be open for business and mail delivery will continue as usual Monday, Dec. 24.

2018 NALC election results update

The National Election Committee met on November 30 at NALC National Headquarters in Washington, DC, to review the election-result appeals that the committee received in November from two NALC members in the 2018 election of NALC national officers.

Beware phishing emails posing as NALC

Phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data.

White House Postal Task Force releases long-awaited report

Today, the Trump administration’s task force released its report evaluating USPS finances and operations, United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward.

USPS Delivery and Retail Services Suspended Wednesday, Dec. 5

President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed Wednesday, Dec. 5, a national day of mourning to honor the late President George H. W. Bush for his vast contributions to the United States during his lifetime.

Penalty Overtime Exclusion

Exclusion: 12/1/18 through 12/28/18

Keep it. It's yours.

On Nov. 15, the APWU and NALC launched a new ad showing what the public might expect from a corporate postal service if the White House plans to sell off USPS go forward.

Carriers to Receive Upgrade/Pay Schedule Consolidation

In accordance with the MOU Re: Pay Schedule Consolidation, all career and non-career (CCA) grade 1 city letter carriers will be upgraded to their equivalent step in grade 2 effective Nov. 24.

USPS 2018 Fiscal Year Financial Report Statement

President Rolando's statement on the 2018 Fiscal Year financial report.

California Wildfires - Ways to Help

NALC Disaster Relief Foundation - California Fires Message

Statement on election results

NALC President Fredric Rolando's statement regarding the midterm election

Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service is wrong. We can stop it!

The U.S. Postal Service belongs to the American people. Let's do whatever it takes to keep it for generations to come.

NBC News report on how Vote-by-Mail improves security and turnout

On Friday night, NBC Nightly News aired a piece on how Oregon’s move to Vote at Home has not only engendered bipartisan support, but has led to more secure elections, a more engaged electorate and lower costs for taxpayers.

Help elect labor-friendly candidates with Labor 2018

Join the AFL-CIO for Labor 2018 walks, phone banks and worksite actions to talk to fellow union brothers and sisters about the issues that matter to all of us.

PMG Statement

Over the past week, the men and women of the United States Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service responded quickly and effectively to the threat of suspicious packages in the mail stream.

Explosive devices discovered in mail packages; know the warning signs

Over the last several days, the media have reported on a number of explosive devices sent through the mail. Letter carriers and other postal workers need to know what to look for to identify any additional suspicious packages.

Arrest made in explosive devices sent through the mail; don’t let guard down

It was reported today that a suspect has been arrested in connection with explosive packages sent through the Postal Service, even as at least two more potential devices were found in the mail stream this morning.

Statement: NALC opposes State Department decision to leave UPU

Leaving the UPU could have unintended negative consequences on American citizens and businesses and hurt the Postal Service financially.

Former NALC Vice President Hutchins has died

Former NALC Vice President Lawrence “Larry” G. Hutchins Sr. died on Oct. 9. He was 87.

Missing: Letter Carrier Kierra Coles 27 y/o Female

Kierra Coles is a Letter Carrier for the USPS. She is 27 years old, 5'4" and 125 pounds, with a tattoo of a heart on her right hand, and another that says 'lucky libra' on her back.

New ‘Questions and Answers—2011 USPS/NALC National Agreement’ released

Jointly-developed M-01870 provides the mutual understanding of the national parties on issues related to the 2011 USPS/NALC National Agreement.

Statement: U.S. Mail: Not For Sale Nationwide Rallies

Statement from President Fredric Rolando, NALC

NALC national elections

The National Election Committee, appointed at the Detroit National Convention to conduct the election of national officers for NALC for four-year terms, has announced the results.

Branch Officers Training set for Jan. 7-10 in Orlando, FL

NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that Branch Officers Training will be held January 7-10, 2019, in Orlando, FL.

NALC responds to Hurricane Michael

Helping to account for each other's needs is the beginning point for assistance.

H. Res. 993 reaches 219 cosponsors

A bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives has cosponsored House Resolution 993.

U.S. Mail: Not for Sale rallies being organized

The list of rally locations is being updated daily. Please see if a rally is planned near you and sign up to attend.

CDRAAP Zone Selection Period Extended

The national parties have agreed to extend the selection period for the City Delivery Route Alternative Adjustment Process (CDRAAP) 2014-2015. The selection period will still begin on Nov. 3, 2014, but it will now end on Nov. 21, 2014.

CDRAAP guidelines now available

The NALC and USPS have released a jointly developed document (M-01846) that provides the mutual understanding of the national parties on issues related to the MOU Re: City Delivery Route Alternative Adjustment Process - 2014-2015.

Senate resolution introduced on USPS privatization

A bipartisan group of senators introduced a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 633) calling on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Postal Service remain an independent agency of the federal government and not be subject to privatization.

What to do if you do not receive an NALC ballot

If you are eligible to vote and do not receive a ballot by Friday, Sept. 21, or if you have spoiled your ballot or need another ballot for any reason, you must notify a branch officer to request a duplicate ballot.

NALC responds to Hurricane Florence

Helping to account for each other's needs is the beginning point for assistance.

NALC ballots being mailed

Ballots are currently being prepared, inserted and mailed. All ballots are expected to be mailed by September 14.

USPS Board of Governors activity in Senate and White House

On August 28, 2018, the Senate confirmed the nominations of David Williams (D) and Robert Duncan (R) to serve as members of the U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors, each for one term.

Federal judge overturns Trump administration’s anti-federal union orders

On Saturday, a federal judge invalidated key provisions in three executive orders the Trump administration issued in May, which had made it easier for agencies to fire federal workers and placed strict limits on union activities.

President Trump sets goals on international pricing/customs at UPU Congress

The memorandum calls to improve the “terminal dues,” the fees postal operators charge for delivering mail from other operators (e.g., the Royal Mail of the U.K. or China Post), and to negotiate changes in customs procedures for postal shipments.

Postal Facts: August 10th, 2018

A comprehensive look at media coverage of the USPS Q3 financial report; the reporting was largely fair and featured comments from the Postmaster General and CFO of USPS as well as President Rolando.

NALC Statement on USPS Q3 Financial Report for FY 2018

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, covering the months of April, May and June of 2018.

Fifth COLA set at $645

The fifth contract COLA is finalized today at $645.

Step credit for former TEs to be recalculated

USPS has agreed to recalculate eligible employees’ TE service by dividing their total TE days by 360.

Grievance on delayed CCA backpay resolved

The parties have settled a national-level grievance on the delay in retroactive payment to certain city carrier assistants following ratification of the 2016-2019 National Agreement.

Interpretive dispute on CCA Holidays settled, eligible CCAs to receive retroactive holiday pay

The parties agreed that eligible CCAs will receive holiday pay for holidays after the first wage increases under the terms of the 2016-2019 National Agreement.

Promotion Pay and Hold in Place dispute settled

This settlement (M-01893) lifts the hold in place instituted by USPS.

In all offices, CCAs who have at least 30 months of relative standing on 9/1 to be converted to career status

NALC and USPS have settled a national level grievance regarding CCAs hired over the contractual caps.

Vote NO on Prop A

Today in Missouri, a significant vote on Proposition A is taking place at the voting booth.

Branch Officers Training set for Sept. 17-20 in Minneapolis

NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine has announced that Branch Officers Training will be held September 17-20 in Minneapolis.

Postal Facts: July 27th, 2018

Comprehensive media coverage of the 2018 71st Biennial Convention in Detroit, Michigan and the NALC Veterans Group project of stuffing 2,000 homeless care kit bags for Detroit homeless veterans.

NALC Participates in Capitol Hill Briefing Opposing Postal Privatization

NALC Executive Vice President, Brian Renfroe, participated in a briefing panel on Capitol Hill hosted by A Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal Service, opposing postal privatization.

Unanimous Resolution Against USPS Privatization

A resolution was unanimously passed by the AFL-CIO executive council on July 26th, condemning Postal Service Privatization

Election Committee Appointed

President Fredric Rolando appointed a National Election Committee to oversee the conduct of the 2018 election of national officers.

Friday Convention Chronicle

On the closing day of the 71st biennial convention, speakers from both sides of the political aisle energized the delegates meeting in Detroit as they prepared for the return to their cities and branches.

Thursday Convention Chronicle

Whether bringing their message to voters and to Congress, feeding hungry families through the Letter Carrier Food Drive or working for social and economic justice, letter carriers meeting in Detroit renewed their commitment to creating a better world.

Wednesday Convention Chronicle

Delegates demonstrated that when union members use the democratic process to forge a common goal, they fulfill the promise of solidarity.

House resolution introduced on USPS privatization

Bipartisan representatives introduced a House Resolution (H. Res. 993) calling on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Postal Service remain an independent agency of the federal government and not be subject to privatization.

Appeals court upholds dismissal of lawsuit

On July 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. upheld the dismissal of a 23-year-old lawsuit against certain former national officers and the NALC.

Tuesday Convention Chronicle

Standing shoulder to shoulder in unity, delegates to NALC's 71st biennial convention in Detroit on Tuesday celebrated the power of solidarity and heard from union leaders who pledged their support in the struggles ahead.

Convention Chronicle: 'The challenges of our time'

The 71st biennial convention began with a rigorous assessment of the challenges facing letter carriers—especially political, legislative and regulatory—and a call to action by NALC President Fredric Rolando to the delegates gathered in Detroit.

Say “Thank You” to our veterans

Come and write a thank you message on a postcard at the NALC Veterans Group booth at the NALC Convention in Detroit.

NALC Convention: Remember to register for the Blood Drive

Supreme Court attacks workers’ rights in Janus decision

In a narrow 5-4 decision Wednesday, the Supreme Court once again sided with corporate special interests and against America’s working families.

NALC Convention: Shuttle schedule

Complimentary shuttle service is provided between many of the NALC hotels and the Cobo Center.

POSTAL FACTS: June 26, 2018

Media coverage of the June 21 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposal to privatize the United States Postal Service heavily quoted NALC President Fredric Rolando.

Senate Appropriations preserves 6 day

The committee preserved NALC’s long-standing language preserving six-day mail delivery, following similar preservation of language from the House committee last week.

NALC's statement on OMB's proposal to privatize the Postal Service

“This report takes direct aim at numerous agencies including USPS under the guise of reforming and restructuring for the 21st century,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

Economics Blog: Federal Reserve increases target interest rates

On June 13, 2018, the Federal Reserve raised the target federal funds rate range by another 0.25%, bringing the target range to 1.75%-2.00% (up from 1.50%-1.75%).

Notice to prospective candidates in the 2018 NALC election (updated)

In accordance with federal law, NALC has arranged for Blue Bulldog Digital to handle requests by candidates for national office in the 2018 NALC election to distribute campaign literature by e-mail.

Convention: June 18 is the housing deadline at the NALC rate

If you have mailed your delegate eligibility list prior to the May deadline, but have not received your convention credentials, please call NALC Headquarters immediately.

Update on Trump executive orders attacking federal employees

NALC's analysis has concluded that the three executive orders do not apply to the Postal Service or its unions, a conclusion that was confirmed in writing by officials of the Office of Personnel Management.

NALC priority resolutions reach majority support

As of June 5, all NALC priority resolutions now have a bipartisan majority of Congress supporting them. With that milestone met, it is highly unlikely that some in Congress might try to use the legislative process to cut them.

POSTAL FACTS: June 8, 2018 (updated)

In a letter to the editor, President Rolando complimented the Tecumseh Herald (MI) for its moving story on a widow's connection to the food drive. In a Washington Examiner commentary, Rolando rebutted an op-ed and spelled out USPS's financial situation.

NALC submits postal workforce recommendations to White House

In a meeting with the White House today, NALC President Fred Rolando delivered policy recommendations to the White House Task Force on the Postal Service.

Hellman to retire; Rolando to appoint Stewart

Brian Hellman, director of the NALC Health Benefit Plan, announced that he will retire after the 71st Biennial Convention in Detroit in July.

Executive orders on federal employees

NALC is currently investigating if the executive orders issued by President Trump on Friday May 25 have any impact on the Postal Service. We will report our findings as information becomes available.

Food drive collection results forms due by June 9

Branch collection results forms are due at NALC Headquarters by June 9. You can download and print the form from the NALC website.

POSTAL FACTS: MAY 21, 2018

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s letter to the editor in the New York Post on May 20 rebuts a business column over issues of postal finances, including the pre-funding burden and operating profits.

OPM proposes retirement changes

OPM sent a letter to Paul Ryan making four legislative recommendations that, if enacted, would require current and future federal employees to make larger pension contributions, and also would scale back retirement benefits for current retirees.

POSTAL FACTS: May 15, 2018

Media coverage of the May 11 USPS quarterly financial report focused on the numbers but also on the rise in packages and the need for postal reform. The postmaster general and NALC president Fredric Rolando were widely quoted.

NALC statement on USPS Q2 financial report for FY 2018

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the May 11 release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, covering the months of January, February and March of 2018.

POSTAL FACTS: May 10, 2018

NALC President Rolando’s op-ed in The Daily Caller rebuts a commentary piece over issues of postal finances, retiree health benefits, Medicare and taxpayer money. Boise carriers are dying their hair blue to promote the food drive.

Notice of nominations for NALC national officers

Nominations for national officers of the National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO, will be held on Wednesday, July 18, at the national convention in Detroit.

NALC president appoints trustee and national business agent

Rolando appoints Mack Julion and Javier Bernal to fill vacancies

2016-2019 NALC-USPS National Agreement

The 2016-2019 NALC-USPS National Agreement is now available online. The PDF includes bookmarks and hyperlinks to make navigating the document easier.

A soaring federal deficit spells danger for letter carriers

On April 17, the Congressional Budget Office issued its latest budget outlook. It found that the federal budget deficit is exploding, thanks mostly to the 2017 tax cut, but also due to the 2018 spending bill adopted earlier this year.

“It’s the pre-funding, stupid!”

Much of the recent press coverage on USPS has focused on Amazon packages, falling letter mail volume and postal retirement costs, but the real driver of postal finances is the Congressional mandate to pre-fund retiree health premiums decades in advance.

CCA back pay update

The Postal Service has confirmed that the approximately 6,000 former CCAs who did not receive their back pay for time worked as a CCA during the back pay period on February 23 will receive this payment in their May 4 paychecks.

POSTAL FACTS: April 27. 2018

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s letter to the editor today in The Washington Post rebuts an editorial and explains postal finances as well as needed public policy fixes. Coverage of heroic letter carriers in New City, NY and Pekin, IL.

Former TE step advancement

In accordance with the 2016 National Agreement, any CCA who was employed as a TE after Sept. 29, 2007 and has been, or will be, converted to a career position may be eligible for a one-time advancement to a higher step on the career pay scale.

POSTAL FACTS: April 16, 2018 (Updated)

NALC President Rolando quoted in Federal News Radio, Bloomberg stories on administration's postal task force. WSVN aired story about Florida letter carrier injured extinguishing a fire, CBS2 on Indiana letter carrier saving resident from a fire.

Food Drive poster orders deadline extended until April 20

The deadline to order posters to promote the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has been extended until April 20, so get your order in.

Make a contribution toward your MBA retirement plan before April 16

April 16 is the last day to make a contribution to a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA for the 2017 Tax Year

President issues executive order to evaluate USPS finances

President Trump issued an executive order to form a task force charged with evaluating the finances of the U.S. Postal Service including pricing, policies and workforce costs.

POSTAL FACTS: April 9, 2018

The Democrat & Chronicle takes an extended look at the heroic actions of the Rochester area's letter carriers in recent years. KTVQ aired a story about a good-spirited carrier coping with the second-worst winter Billings, MT has had. Paige letters.

2018 NALC Guide to Route Inspections

The 2018 NALC Guide to Route Inspections has been printed and is being shipped to each NALC Branch and the 15 National Business Agents’ offices.

MDD Load Truck feature

If a letter carrier is instructed to load or deliver their parcels in a manner inconsistent with the procedures outlined in Handbook M-41, he or she should follow those instructions but inform a local union representative for further investigation.

Promotion pay grievance update

A national class-action grievance was originally scheduled to be heard January 30. Unfortunately, this hearing was unexpectedly canceled by the arbitrator. NALC has received proposed dates for rescheduling and we expect to have a firm date shortly.

Recent presidential tweet storm

Letter carriers deserve to know the facts about the Postal Service with respect to the president’s latest tweets.

Postal Facts: April 6, 2018

Letter carrier heroes were recognized by the media in New York and Minnesota; NALC explains postal economies of scope to Politifact; Athens, GA gets a reminder about the importance of the food drive; John Paige letter

Safety Ambassador Program

NALC advises all NALC activists to not volunteer to serve as a Safety Ambassador or participate in the newly developed Safety Ambassador Program.

EEOC finds USPS practiced disability discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has found the Postal Service National Reassessment Process (NRP) subjected approximately 130,000 injured-on-duty employees to a pattern and practice of disability discrimination.

CCA back pay update

NALC has filed a national level grievance regarding former CCAs who have not received their back pay to date.

NALC lauds bipartisan effort to advance postal reform legislation

NALC thanks and commends the bipartisan authors of S. 2629 for working to strengthen the Postal Service. America’s letter carriers appreciate the significant improvements contained in the bill over prior reform efforts.

Convention hotel update

The original block of hotels for the 2018 National Convention in Detroit is currently full. NALC is aware of the issue and is working to add additional hotels for convention delegates.

POSTAL FACTS: Feb. 20, 2018 (Updated March 5)

Nalcrest, NALC's retirement community in Florida, mentioned in a story by the Globe and Mail (Canada); USPS financial report media coverage; Idaho State President John Paige letters.

Hatch Act social media and email guidance for federal employees

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has updated it’s Hatch Act Social Media and Email Guidance for federal employees. Letter carriers should review this guidance to avoid inadvertent Hatch Act violations.

March President's Message: Countdown to Detroit

NALC branches are meeting to elect delegates to the NALC’s 71st Biennial Convention in Detroit. NALC is battling on multiple fronts on all the major issues affecting letter carriers and their families—issues that are sure to be debated in Detroit. (PDF)

White House administration’s 2019 budget targets letter carriers and their families

While breaking campaign promises by calling for massive cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, the administration’s new budget also calls for gutting the Affordable Care Act and aims direct attacks on federal and postal employees and their agencies.

CCA backpay update

As letter carriers eligible for retroactive pay began reviewing their earnings statements over the weekend, errors were discovered. NALC has been and will continue to work with USPS to identify those affected and correct the errors as soon as possible.

Join us to fight for our freedom

Thousands of workers and allies will march in Washington, DC, and in cities nationwide on Feb. 24 as part of the Working People’s Day of Action.

NALC President Rolando walking for MDA

On May 19, NALC President Fredric Rolando will take a few steps to help “Deliver the Cure” for muscular dystrophy by participating in a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Muscle Walk fundraiser in Alexandria, VA. Find out how you can help.

Fourth COLA set at $520

The fourth contract COLA is finalized today at $520 annually with the release of the January 2018 CPI-W.

NALC statement on USPS Q1 financial report for FY 2018

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the Feb. 9 release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, covering the months of October, November and December of 2017:

Economics blog: Unemployment holds at 4.1 percent but problems remain in the labor market

The data released on Friday points to continuing lags in the labor market and its implications for unemployed workers even in the so-called economic expansion.

Convention registration materials mailed

The Delegate Eligibility Lists and registration forms were mailed out to all branch secretaries as of Feb. 2.

POSTAL FACTS: Feb. 2, 2018 (Updated)

NALC President Rolando discusses the Postal Service’s value while also setting the record straight about some common misconceptions in The Washington Times. Vote at home increases turnout, study finds.

Food Drive promotional artwork available

The Family Circus cartoon for the 2018 Food Drive is available on the Food Drive tool kit.

Food Drive task No. 1: Register

The deadline for branches to register for the 26th annual Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive is March 1.

USPS remains open despite government shutdown

The Postal Service has confirmed in a tweet that the shutdown will not affect USPS or its employees.

OSHA: Employers must post injury/illness summary beginning Feb. 1

OSHA reminds employers of their obligation to post job-related injuries and illnesses logged during 2017. Each year, between Feb. 1 and April 30, the summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted.

Lassan appointed as Region 8 National Business Agent

NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Steve Lassan as national business agent (NBA) for Region 8 (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee). Lassan replaces retired Region 8 NBA Pete Moss.

CCA back pay update

The Postal Service has notified NALC that the retroactive payments for city carrier assistants resulting from implementation of the 2016-2019 National Agreement will be delayed by one pay period.

Update on legal action concerning 2017 ratification balloting

Legal claims challenging the conduct of the 2017 contract ratification vote have been dismissed by the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 10, 2018 (updated)

President Rolando responds to The Hill. NALC Chief of Staff Jim Sauber is interviewed about the Postal Service by Federal News Radio.

NALC response to White House tweet on the Postal Service

If the president truly wants to make the Postal Service “smarter and richer,” he has the power to do so.

Mutual Benefit Association announces interest rates for 2018

MBA is currently paying 3.25% on the Retirement Savings Plan (except for those policies which guarantee a higher minimum rate).

POSTAL FACTS: Dec. 28, 2017

Charleston, WV Br. 531’s Combs’s letter to the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Pocatello, ID Br. 927’s Rich on KPVI-TV. Idaho State President Paige’s letters to Coeur d’Alene Press, Idaho Statesman.

Questions and answers about changes to TSP withdrawal options

The Thrift Savings Plan has released a fact sheet that answers frequently asked questions about changes to TSP withdrawal options associated with the passage of the TSP Modernization Act.

Now accepting applications for the 2018 NALC Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy, open to all active NALC members, is designed to both develop and enhance the knowledge and skills that are essential for NALC leaders.

2016 Penalty Overtime Exclusion period

The December period during which penalty overtime regulations are not applicable consists of four consecutive service weeks.

Back pay update

Here is an update on back pay for active and retired letter carriers.

PRC completes its review of the postage rate-setting system

The PRC agreed with NALC, USPS and the other postal unions that the current postage rate-setting system is not working. NALC is reviewing the proposed rate-making changes.

Tell your senators to vote ‘no’ on tax bill

NALC urges you to call your senators now and tell them to oppose S. 1 when it comes to the Senate floor.

Economics Blog: Consumer sentiment is at its highest levels since January 2004

The index of consumer sentiment was 98.5 for November 2017, down 2.2 percent from October 2017 but an increase in 5.6 percent from November 2016.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 22, 2017 (updated)

President Rolando on USPS's FY2017 report. Executive Vice President Renfroe in Trucks.com. News covers Branch 36's Perdomo annual hosting of a community Thanksgiving meal. ID State President Paige’s letters to editors of major Idaho newspapers.

NALC statement on USPS’ FY2017 financial report (updated)

The Fiscal Year 2017 financial report shows the underlying business strength of the U.S. Postal Service while also indicating the need to address external matters beyond USPS control. Updated to include news media coverage.

House advances 'Tax Cuts and Jobs Act'

The House has approved the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act," a bill that cuts taxes by $1.5 trillion—but has serious implications for working families nationwide.

Tell the House to vote ‘no’ on tax bill (updated)

The House is expected to vote Thursday on the so-called “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” a bill that seeks to cut taxes for corporations and America’s wealthiest. Tell your rep to oppose H.R. 1—that it does anything but cut taxes and create jobs.

Help California letter carriers hurt by recent wildfires

In the blink of an eye, some NALC members in California were fleeing for their lives when a firestorm hit Santa Rosa early on Oct. 9. Find out how you can help active and retired letter carriers who suffered serious property damage and loss as a result.

NALC embraces AFL-CIO pledge to ‘Join. Fight. Win.’

The 28th Constitutional Convention of the AFL-CIO convened in St. Louis Oct. 22-25 and representatives from NALC were there in force.

Carriers encouraged to give through CFC (updated)

Letter carriers can make charitable donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) through paycheck and annuity deductions. The campaign runs through Jan. 12.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 1, 2017 (updated)

UT’s Hanna, Montoya in Sun Advocate,Salt Lake Tribune. NALC’s 2017 Humanitarian Ochetti in Sun This Week. Lincoln, NE member Schultz in Journal Star. Idaho State President Paige’s letters in two state newspapers.

Watch: NALC Secretary-Treasure Rhine at the AFL-CIO convention

On Oct. 24, NALC Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine delivered a speech from the floor of the AFL-CIO’s convention in St. Louis, supporting a convention resolution on promoting voting by mail.

San Jose’s Mercury News: Surreal video of postal deliveries in Santa Rosa neighborhood destroyed by fire

Dramatic YouTube video posted by a professional drone pilot and photographer shows a Postal Service mail truck making requested deliveries in Santa Rosa’s fire-ravaged Coffey Park neighborhood.

Branch Officers Training set for San Diego, Baltimore this fall

Branch Officers Training sessions consist of three and a half days of educational seminars tailored to assist branch presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, recording secretaries, financial secretaries and trustees in the performance of their duties.

Help letter carriers in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands hurt by hurricanes (updated)

Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—the U.S.’s island territories in the Caribbean—but despite many obstacles, letter carriers are finding ways to help.

POSTAL FACTS: Oct. 10, 2017 (updated)

Special edition of Postal Facts focusing on news media coverage of the 2017 NALC Heroes of the Year Awards. Updated.

Letter carriers recognized as 2017 Heroes of the Year

Letter carriers who rescued a young man from a house fire, helped police defuse a tense standoff with an armed man, and raised money for a disabled-accessible van for a young girl, were honored on Oct. 4 in Washington, DC.

NALC responds to Hurricane Harvey (updated)

A harm to one is a harm to all. We always take care of our own.

Veterans Day holiday

There has been some confusion regarding on what day letter carriers who are eligible for the Veterans Day holiday will observe this holiday.

POSTAL FACTS: Sept. 20, 2017 (updated)

Three NALC Heroes—American Legion members—featured in The American Legion Magazine. ID State President Paige’s letters in Idaho State Journal, Coeur D’Alene Press, Twin Falls Times-News, Idaho Press-Tribune & Idaho Statesman.

Economics Blog: Census Bureau data show improving income—but increasing inequality

While the media’s portrayal of new numbers from the Census Bureau has been very upbeat, the last couple of years of income growth is not nearly enough to counteract the income losses suffered by most Americans during the Great Recession.

Economics Blog: CPI increases slightly in August, driven mostly by gasoline and shelter costs

The Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers has remained in the range of 1.6 to 2.3 percent on an annual basis since June 2011.

Economics Blog: New OIG report sheds light on post office usage, especially among the young

A new study released this week indicates that there are more customers who visit post offices than official statistics show.

Economics Blog: NAFTA renegotiations show differences between Canadian and U.S. wages and unions

Will Canada help end right-to-work?

Nalcrest office to close on Sept. 9 in preparation for Hurricane Irma

All Nalcrest buildings, including the office, will be closed beginning Saturday, Sept. 9. Normal operations will resume once it is safe to do so.

Help postal employees hurt by Hurricane Harvey (updated)

Learn how you can make an immediate donation to the Postal Employees' Relief Fund and donate postal uniforms, footwear and/or rain gear.

Economics Blog: Unemployment creeps up in August

The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released its employment numbers for August 2017. The economy added 156,000 jobs, falling short of the 176,000 average for 2017.

Reminder for Branch Officers’ Training attendees

Branch Officers’ Training attendees: Please note the deadlines for making room reservations.

Wage increase update

With a new National Agreement between NALC and USPS now in effect, learn more about the calculation and scheduling of cost-of-living adjustments, general wage increases and back pay calculations.

New NALC-USPS contract is ratified

By a ratio exceeding 16 to 1, the active membership of the National Association of Letter Carriers has overwhelmingly ratified the proposed 2016-2019 National Agreement with the United States Postal Service.

USPS reports Fiscal Year 2017 3rd quarter results (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando: “Today’s financial report shows the underlying business strength of the U.S. Postal Service while also indicating the need to address external matters beyond USPS control.” Updated to include press coverage.

Rolando is getting locked up on August 10...for MDA

On Aug. 10, NALC President Rolando will “do a little time” to do a lot of good—by being a “jailbird” in Fredericksburg, VA, taking part in a Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock-Up fundraiser.

Demand that the Labor Department fully implement the overtime pay rule

Lobbyists in Washington, DC, are attempting to do take overtime pay away from millions of working families who finally became eligible to earn it pay just last year.

19th biennial CLUW convention: Sept. 6-9 in Detroit

The theme for the 19th biennial convention of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) is “WOMEN: Taking It To The Streets.”

House committee spending blueprint targets letter carriers

The House Budget Committee released its adopted FY2018 budget resolution, setting its sights on postal and federal employee benefits and targeting the U.S. Postal Service for massive cuts.

Ratification ballot update for observing the receipt and tabulation of the ballots

Information for NALC members in good standing who wish to observe the receipt and tabulation of the ballots on the proposed tentative 2016-2019 National Agreement between NALC and USPS.

Efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act will continue

The debate will continue on efforts to dismantle Obamacare, so it remains imperative that letter carriers continue call the Washington, DC, and home-district offices of their senators and tell them both to oppose such efforts.

Ratification ballot update

The U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, has denied the request of two NALC members for a preliminary injunction that would have deferred the counting of ballots on the proposed tentative 2016-2019 National Agreement between NALC and USPS.

Trump administration releases FY2018 budget plan

The Trump administration’s budget plan for Fiscal Year 2018 proposes cuts for the Postal Service and for active and retired federal employees.

NALC statement regarding July 19 Senate hearing

Here is NALC’s statement regarding the July 19 Senate hearing on action during the 2016 campaign season and implications for the Hatch Act.

POSTAL FACTS: July 7, 2017 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in Townhall. Idaho State President Paige in Idaho Press-Tribune, Twin Falls’ Times-News, Idaho Statesman.

Ratification balloting update

Check out the latest information regarding the balloting on the ratification of the tentative 2016-2019 National Agreement between NALC and the U.S. Postal Service.

Contract ratification update: Balloting, rap session

NALC Constitution: Ratification of a proposed national agreement shall be a mail referendum vote. President Rolando appoints a Ballot Committee; national “rap session” discuss tentative agreement with union leaders; general information.

Senate delays vote on flawed health care bill

Thanks to the overwhelming opposition voiced by letter carriers, working people and the general public, the Senate has delayed action on the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 until after Congress' Fourth of July recess.

Redesigned Heat Safety Tool app released (updated)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have collaborated to update OSHA’s original Heat Safety Tool app for smartphones.

POSTAL FACTS: May 22, 2017 (updated)

President Rolando in Atlanta Journal-Constitution; quoted in news coverage of USPS’ second quarter FY2017 financial report—PAI, AP, Federal News Radio, GovExecet. al.

POSTAL FACTS: June 12, 2017

NALC President Rolando’s letter to the Wisconsin State Journal. Idaho State President Paige’s letters in Coeur d’Alene Press, Idaho Statesman.

POSTAL FACTS: June 5, 2017 (updated)

Pres. Rolando letters in OH’s Columbus Dispatch & Pottstown, PA’s Mercury; quoted in Wall Street Journal, Linn’s Stamp News, more. ID State Pres. Paige letter in Times-News, State Journal, more. KY State Pres. McNulty letter in Lexington Herald-Leader.

Deliver the Cure with MDA Guidebook now available

The updated Deliver the Cure with MDA Guidebook is now available for download, with information about the longstanding partnership between NALC and MDA, how to get involved and make a difference and more.

Tentative National Agreement is reached

The National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service have reached tentative agreement on a national labor contract, covering 213,000 active city letter carriers across America.

25th annual Letter Carriers’ ‘Stamp Out Hunger^®’ Food Drive is Saturday, May 13

The Stamp Out Hunger^® Food Drive, the country's largest single-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need.

NALC statement on USPS’ quarterly financial report

On May 10, the USPS released a report on its financial performance for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2017 (January, February and March of 2017). NALC President Fredric Rolando has issued a statement about the report.

An update on the Nabisco/Mondelēz boycott

The BCTGM-led Nabisco/Mondelēz boycott campaign grows stronger thanks to the solidarity, combined efforts and collective strength of NALC members and the more than 12.5 million working people in the 55 unions of the AFL-CIO.

First attempt at repealing Obamacare fails

President Trump and Speaker of the House Ryan withdrew the American Health Care Act before a scheduled vote in the House on Friday. “This is good news for millions of working families,” says NALC President Rolando.

POSTAL FACTS: May 5, 2017

NALC President Rolando in IA’s Times-Republican.

POSTAL FACTS: May 2, 2017 (updated)

NALC Pres. Rolando in Billings [MT] Gazette, Montana Standard; WI’s Amery Free Press, Burnett County Sentinel, [Osceola] Sun; MN’s Country Messenger. 3 NALC Heroes on American Legion’s website. ID State Pres. Paige in Coeur d’Alene Press, Idaho Statesman.

POSTAL FACTS: April 11, 2017 (Updated)

NALC President Rolando in The Hill and MI’s Tri-County Times; ID State President Paige in Twin Falls Times News, Idaho State Journal & Idaho Press-Tribune.

NALC members crucial to achieving majority bipartisan co-sponsorship of House door delivery resolution

Thanks in large part to the efforts of NALC members, H.Res. 28, urging the House of Representatives to take all appropriate measures to ensure continuation of door delivery for business and residential customers, now has a bipartisan majority.

NALC submits comments in PRC’s rate-setting review

The Postal Regulatory Commission’s (PRC) required 10-year review of the way USPS sets its prices for postage and postal products is underway, with NALC making an official submission to the agency before the public comment window closed on March 20.

POSTAL FACTS: March 15, 2017 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in USA Today; IL’s Montes in Northwest Herald.

Filmmakers set out to tell letter carriers’ stories

A group of international artists based in Los Angeles is putting together a collection of letter carriers' stories and hopes to create a library of videos and podcasts.

POSTAL FACTS: March 3, 2017 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in The Guardian, The Hill; NALC EVP Renfroe on “How Stuff Works,” New York’s McLennan in Buffalo News; Idaho State President Paige in Idaho Statesman, Idaho Press Tribune, Twin Falls’ Times-News; Florida’s Dawn Sylvester on WKMG-TV.

Former NALC Dir. of Life Insurance O’Connor has died

Former NALC Director of Life Insurance Michael J. O’Connor, a member of Boston Branch 34, died on Feb. 28. He was 77.

Dowdy retires; Preston named new Region 13 NBA

NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Region 13 Regional Administrative Assistant Vada Preston to serve as that region’s national business agent, effective March 6. Preston replaces the retiring Tim Dowdy.

NALC statement on USPS’ Q1 financial report for FY 2017 (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the Feb. 9 release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial report for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2017. Updated to include links to news media coverage.

Postal reform update: A changed political landscape requires a new strategy

Postal reform has strong bipartisan support and our goals have not changed. Our strategy, of course, will have to change to reflect the new political landscape in Washington, DC.

Rolando testifies before House committee (updated)

On Feb. 7, NALC President Fredric Rolando testified before a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing. Updated to include links to news media coverage.

Bipartisan postal reform bills introduced

Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA) have introduced postal bills similar to ones introduced in the 114th Congress. NALC President Fredric Rolando was invited to a Feb. 7 House committee hearing on both bills.

POSTAL FACTS: Feb. 6, 2017

NALC President Rolando in Washington Examiner; Terre Haute, IN’s Tribune-Star.

OMB and OPM say USPS exempt from hiring freeze

On Tuesday, the acting directors of the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum to provide guidance regarding the hiring freeze instituted by President Donald Trump on Jan. 23.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 27, 2017 (updated)

NALC President Rolando’s in Texas’ Weatherford Democrat, Townhall, Indiana’s News and Tribune (Jeffersonville) and Greensburg Daily News; quoted by Federal News Radio.

Food Drive’s ‘Family Circus’ art revealed

Enthusiasm for the 25th anniversary Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive is running high as this year’s official “Family Circus” artwork is revealed.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 23, 2017

NALC President Rolando in IN’s Herald-Tribune; WI’s Berry in Marshfield News-Herald; ID’s Paige in Idaho Statesman

Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) news

The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its latest figures, and NALC has updated its COLA calculations for retired letter carriers and for FECA beneficiaries.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 13, 2017

NALC President Rolando in Indiana’s The Herald Bulletin; Kansas’ Richter on WIBW-TV.

Branch officers get trained in Phoenix

A three-and-a-half day of educational seminar, tailored to assist branch presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, recording secretaries, financial secretaries and trustees in the performance of their duties, took place recently in Phoenix.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 9, 2017 (updated)

NALC Pres. Rolando’s letter in Daily Herald [IL], op-eds in The Mercury News [CA], Carlsbad [NM] Current-Argus; Kansas’ Hodge in Topeka Capital-Journal; Idaho’s Paige in Coeur d’Alene Press, Twin Falls Times-News.

Register now for the 25th ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Food Drive

Early registration for the 2017 Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger®” Food Drive has begun for branch presidents who can access the registration form posted to the Members Only portal at nalc.org.

POSTAL FACTS: Dec. 30, 2016 (update)

NALC EVP Renfroe, California’s Dieffenderfer in San Jose Mercury News; Indiana’s Roush and Idaho’s Paige have letters printed; letter carriers from Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin in the news.

Cost-of-living adjustment updates

Based on today’s release of the November 2016 Consumer Price Index, the projected 2018 retiree COLA will be 0.1 percent, and the projected 2017 Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) COLA will be 1.9 percent.

‘Wounded Warriors Leave’ update

On Nov. 5, certain veterans who begin or resume a civilian career with USPS following military service became eligible for “Wounded Warriors Leave.” USPS has released a Management Instruction—policy guidelines and standard procedures for administering it.

CDRAAP Route Adjustment Review Request Form now available

The CDRAAP National Oversight Team has released the jointly developed form to be used by local office contacts to request a route adjustment review under the CDRAAP 2014-2015.

Renfroe appointed EVP; Jackson named dir. of city delivery; other appointments

NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Director of City Delivery Brian Renfroe as executive vice president effective Dec. 5. Region 1 National Business Agent Christopher Jackson will become director of city delivery on Jan. 2.

2017 Branch Officers Training sessions—update

The two sessions of NALC’s Branch Officers Training scheduled for 2017 are now full.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 28, 2016 (updated)

NALC President Rolando's commentary piece in The Hill; NALC Chief of Staff Sauber on Federal News Radio.

NALC Health Benefit Plan is best fit for letter carriers and their families

Open Season for choosing a health plan through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is Nov. 14 through Dec. 12.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 16, 2016 (updated)

NALC Pres. Rolando in Federal News Radio, Government Executive, Linn's Stamp News, The Stand; Dir. of City Delivery Renfroe on KALW-FM; ID State Pres. Paige in Press-Tribune

NALC President Rolando’s statement on USPS’ Fiscal 2016 report (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement following the release of USPS’ financial report for Fiscal Year 2016, which shows a $610 million operating profit—the third straight year that the agency has operated in the black.

NALC EVP O’Malley retires

NALC Executive Vice President Timothy C. O’Malley retired on Aug. 19.

NALC President Rolando’s statement on 2016 election results

NALC President Fredric Rolando has issued a statement about the results of the 2016 election for president and for members of Congress.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 1, 2016 (updated)

CO State Pres Jaynes in Denver Post; NY's Ganey in Utica Observer-Dispatch; KY's Warner on WHAS-TV; Mishawaka, IN’s Chamberlin remembered in South Bend Tribune; former letter carrier/professor Rubio in Labor History.

Rolando letter addresses postal reform issues raised on a recent radio program

NALC President Fredric Rolando has sent a letter to an author who made a number of inaccurate statements about the House's postal reform bill—and NALC's position on it—on a recent radio program.

POSTAL FACTS: Oct. 19, 2016 (updated)

Philadelphia's Holesworth in Real Clear Politics; San Diego members on KSND-TV; 2016 Hero Murphy in Labor Tribune; Aurora P.O. named for late IL State Pres. Christy; Fresno's Ellis in Fresno Bee, on KFSN; ID State Pres. Paige in State Journal, Statesman.

2017 Retiree COLAs: 0.3%

The 2017 cost-of-living adjustments for Civil Service Retirement System and Federal Employees Retirement System benefits will be 0.3 percent and will become effective in January 2017.

RESEARCH BLOG: October 2016—How the economy is doing this month

October 2016 job and unemployment figures, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by The Washington Post.

POSTAL FACTS: Oct. 6, 2016 (updated)

Many of NALC's 2016 Heroes of the Year were featured in news outlets big and small; Philadelphia Branch 157's Booz on WPVI-TV; Idaho State Association President Paige in Idaho Press-Tribune

Postal Employees' Relief Fund: Taking care of our postal family

The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF) helps active and retired postal employees whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable as a result of a major natural disaster, displacing the employees and their families for an extended period of time.

Lyerly appointed Reg. 9 RAA

NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed West Coast Florida Branch 1477 member Don Lyerly as a regional administrative assistant for NALC Region 9, effective Sept. 26.

Letter carriers recognized as 2016 Heroes of the Year

Letter carriers who rescued residents from burning homes, saved a young boy who had darted onto a busy highway and stopped an assault and robbery targeting several women will be honored on Sept. 21 in Washington, DC.

Latest retiree, FECA COLA projections released

2017 Retiree COLAs Projection: 0.3% as of September 2016; 2017 FECA COLA Projection: 1.8%

State of Working America Data Library

The Economic Policy Institute has a great employment statistics website called The State of Working America Data Library, which contains information that may be of interest to letter carriers who are looking at economic trends.

Willie Nelson featured in ‘A Grand Alliance’ video

Legendary singer/songwriter Willie Nelson is featured in a video in support of “A Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal Service.”

POSTAL FACTS: Aug. 31, 2016 (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s commentary for the Lexington Institute; Lynn, MA Br. 7’s Byrne in Lynn Daily Item

Coverage of NALC's 70th Biennial Convention in L.A.

Looking for information about NALC's recent national convention in Los Angeles? Click here to find links to the daily Convention Chronicle, photos, videos and more.

NALC statement on USPS' FY2016 Q3 report (updated Aug. 22)

NALC President Fredric Rolando released a statement following the U.S. Postal Service's announcement of its financial results for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2016. Updated Aug. 22 to include news media coverage.

POSTAL FACTS: Aug. 1, 2016 (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s commentaries in The Hill, Sonora, CA’s The Union Democrat, Manhattan Institute’s Economics21; Central CA Br. 231’s Ellis in Mormon Press.

Obama honors ‘Postal Heritage Day’

On July 26—Postal Heritage Day—a tribute written by President Obama said that “postal workers deserved to be recognized for the essential services they have provided.”

Contract negotiations update: Bargaining continues beyond deadline

NALC and USPS have announced that the bargaining period would be extended beyond the midnight expiration of the 2011-2016 contract on May 20. During the extended period, the terms and conditions of the 2011-2016 contract will remain in effect.

House OGR leaders introduce and mark up bipartisan postal bills

On July 12 the House committee with USPS oversight advanced two postal reform measures. The Congressional Budget Office will analyze both first; Congress could take them up when it returns to Washington, DC, after Labor Day.

Do not put yourself in danger from excessive heat and sun

NALC urges letter carriers to learn about sun and heat safety.

Two children of NALC members win Union Plus scholarships

The Pennsylvania and California students were honored for achievement and union values. #Education #MemberBenefits

House committee releases postal reform ‘discussion draft’

The leaders of the House committee with USPS oversight have released a discussion draft of a potential postal reform bill. NALC’s initial review has revealed a number of shortcomings and omissions—and at least one provision we simply cannot support.

Americans help letter carriers set record with 24th annual Food Drive results

The National Association of Letter Carriers announced today that the 24th annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, held on Saturday, May 14, collected more than 80 million pounds of food.

AFL-CIO votes to endorse Clinton for president

The general board of the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO has voted to endorse Hillary Clinton for president of the United States.

Robles appointed Region 4 RAA

NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Centennial Colorado Branch 5996 letter carrier John Robles as a regional administrative assistant for NALC Region 4.

Letter establishes carrier academies in all USPS districts

On June 2, NALC and USPS signed a joint letter that establishes carrier academies in all USPS districts.

NALC endorses Hillary Clinton for president

“Following a tremendously hard-fought primary process,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said in a statement, “NALC is proud to endorse former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to serve as the next president of the United States.”

OSHA’s summer heat safety campaign begins

OSHA has kicked off its summer campaign to inform employers and employees about the dangers of working in the heat. In 2014, 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the job.

Thank you for helping to Stamp Out Hunger

The 24th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive was on Saturday, May 14. It’s the largest one-day food drive in the U.S., taking place in more than 10,000 cities and towns across the country.

Rolando testifies before House committee (UPDATED)

NALC President Fredric Rolando testified during a recent House Oversight Government Reform Committee hearing on postal reform.

POSTAL FACTS: May 31, 2016

NALC President Rolando in New Hampshire’s Keene Sentinel

NALC statement on USPS’ report on FY2016 Q2 (UPDATED)

USPS’ impressive financial performance brings operating profit for fiscal year’s first half to $1.833 billion. Without a dime of taxpayer money, USPS is into its fourth straight year of operating in the black. (Updated to include press coverage.)

Contract talks intensify in final week of 2011 National Agreement

The full negotiating teams of NALC and USPS convened Monday in a Washington, DC, hotel to open a final week of collective bargaining prior to the expiration of the 2011-2016 National Agreement on Friday, May 20, at midnight.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Fiscal 2016 Financial Results – 2nd Quarter & 6 Months

USPS had another operating profit for the second quarter of FY 2016, continuing the trend of strong operating profits. This brings year-to-date FY 2016 operating profits to over $1.8 billion.

AFL-CIO endorses BCTGM boycott of Mondelez International snack foods made in Mexico

The boycott is being conducted because Mondelez is shifting work from U.S. production facilities, most recently in Chicago, IL, to a facility in Salinas Victoria, Mexico.

UPDATE: House bill to name post office after former Illinois state chair

A recently introduced bill calls for naming an Illinois post office after former state association president Ken Christy, who died on March 26.

POSTAL FACTS: April 20, 2016

NALC President Rolando in Oregon’s Cascade Business News; W. Palm Beach, FL Br. 1690’s Kevin Byrne in TCPalm; good editorials in The Keene [NH] Sentinel and Eugene, OR’s Register-Guard.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS’ YTD 2016 results: $1.8 billion operating profit

This year’s year-to-date operating profit is significantly higher than projected, and higher than the Postal Service’s operating profit at the same time last year.

Public unions score victory with Supreme Court decision

The Supreme Court deadlocked 4 to 4 on Tuesday in a case that had threatened to cripple the ability of public unions to collect fees from workers who chose not to join and did not want to pay for the unions’ collective bargaining activities.

POSTAL FACTS: March 30, 2016

NALC Pres. Rolando in Costco Connection, Washington Post; Kearney, NE Br. 312 Pres. Nickerson in Kearney Hub; Idaho State Assoc. Pres. Paige in Idaho Statesman; Kansas State Assoc. Pres. Tuttle in Topeka Capital-Journal.

Illinois State Association President Ken Christy has died

Aurora, IL Branch 219 member Ken Christy died unexpectedly on Saturday. Christy, 71, had served as president of the state association for the last nine years until his death.

Another Postal Board of Governors nomination announced

The White House has nominated Jeffrey A. Rosen to become a member of the Postal Service Board of Governors.

At PostalVision2020, NALC discusses strategies in responding to consumer trends

In a panel discussion this week, NALC Chief of Staff Sauber promoted letter carriers’ value, USPS’ universal delivery network, emerging consensus on positive postal reform, and more.

New Food Drive video tells the story behind the story

The folks we help with our annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive are folks we all know. A new video helps to personalize the message, showing real people and real situations.

POSTAL FACTS: March 2, 2016 (updated)

President Rolando quoted in Washington Post, International Business Times, Chief-Leader; Exec. VP O’Malley’s letter to the editor of The Washington Post; Carmel, IN Br. 888 President Roush’s letter in 4 newspapers; ID State Pres Paige in Times-News

“Advanced Formal A and Beyond”

Based on the interest shown in the first “Advanced Formal A and Beyond” session, two more sessions have been scheduled for 2016. Find out more about this program geared toward NALC activists who have some experience at Formal Step A.

Rolando appointed AFL-CIO finance committee vice chairman during labor fed’s winter meeting

The AFL-CIO executive council also adopted a variety of policy statements, and it declined to hold a vote on whether to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2016 election campaign.

Former Reg. 11 NBA Massaroni has died

Former Region 11 National Business Agent Robert Massaroni has died. He was 84.

NALC, USPS formally open bargaining talks

The national leaders of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service formally opened negotiations on Feb. 19 for a new collective-bargaining agreement.

Rolando statement on USPS’ quarterly financial report (updated)

NALC President Rolando issued a statement following the USPS’ release of its financial report for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2016. (Updated to include news media coverage of the report.)

Rolando emphasizes consensus reforms during Senate committee hearing on USPS (updated)

Rolando emphasizes consensus reforms during Senate committee hearing on USPS. Updated to include news media coverage in Washington Post, Associated Press, Government Executive, Politico.

Zika virus: Mandatory stand-up talk, CDC information

NALC has received from USPS a stand-up talk about the Zika virus, plus related information from the CDC about the virus.

Safety and Health: Statutory requirement to review and post OSHA Form 300A summary for calendar year 2015

From Feb. 1 through April 30, USPS installations are required to post a copy of OSHA Form 300A for 2015 in a conspicuous place at every establishment where employees work or report to work.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 26, 2016 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in Las Vegas Review Journal, Daily Caller; Camden, NJ Mgd. Br. 540 President Goushian in Courier-Post; ID State President Paige in Idaho Statesman, Times-News

Cost-of-living adjustment update

Based on the Jan. 21 release of the December 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI), the accumulation toward the seventh cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement remains at $0.

‘Postal Bulletin:’ Working safe in cold weather

The Jan. 21 “Postal Bulletin” cover story is about working safe in cold weather—of particular interest to letter carriers who are exposed to cold temperatures and hazardous conditions.

Branch Officers Training

In Las Vegas, NALC held another Branch Officers Training session, tailored to help elected branch leaders learn more about their roles and duties.

Changing FEGLI premiums may affect retired letter carriers

If you are a retired letter carrier who carried your FEGLI coverage into retirement, and if life insurance premiums are coming out of your annuity payment every month, some changes may apply to you.

NALC Veterans Group: 7,000 members (so far)

To date, more than 7,000 NALC members have joined the NALC Veterans Group, which was designed to provide all members who are military veterans access to information and tools specific to veterans’ rights and benefits within USPS.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS’ results for Oct. & Nov.: $772M operating profit

For the first two months of Fiscal Year 2016’s first quarter (October and November of 2015), the U.S. Postal Service had a $772 million operating profit.

Preparing for working in cold

Temperatures may have been moderate in much of the country so far this winter, warns NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D., but that doesn’t mean there’s no need to prepare for working safely in the cold this year.

ECONOMICS BLOG: 2015 USPS results: $1.2B operating profit

The U.S. Postal Service had a $1.2 billion operating profit in Fiscal Year 2015, the second consecutive year where operating profits went over $1 billion.

USPS OIG: ‘Top 10 Postal Stories of 2015’

The staff at the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General put together a top 10 list of postal stories. Of note: USPS’ $1.2 billion operating profit, an end to First Class Mail’s free-fall, and the end of the line for LLVs.

New York Times opinion piece: ‘Why the Post Office Makes America Great’

In an opinion piece for Sunday’s New York Times, a writer from Turkey had high praise for “a place that is as enchanting to me as any winter wonderland: my local post office.”

POSTAL FACTS: Dec. 29, 2015 (updated)

NALC Pres Rolando in Echo Press [MN]; letter carriers from Royal Oak, MI Br. 3126, NJ Merged Br. 38 and York, PA Br. 509 in the news; NALC Chief of Staff Sauber in The Washington Post; Columnist praises letter carriers in Deming [NM] Headlight.

NALC President Emeritus James H. Rademacher: 1921-2015

James H. Rademacher, national president of the NALC from 1968 to 1977, has died.

NALC Legislative Update: May 9, 2014

Issa announces new postal ‘compromise’ bill; Vincent Sombrotto Post Office naming; Senate subcommittee holds hearing in honor of public service recognition week; recess

Pew survey ranks U.S. Postal Service as most favorable federal agency

A national poll by the Pew Research Center, released Nov. 23, found the USPS ranked as the most trusted federal agency, with favorable ratings given by 84 percent of those polled.

POSTAL FACTS: Dec. 3, 2015 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in The Economist, Newsweek; Kearney, NE Br 312 Pres Nickerson in the Hub; Idaho State President Paige in Press-Tribune, Times-News

Update on cyber attacks

NALC has received word from OPM advising that postal employees and retirees were affected by the hack of OPM.

NALC President Rolando’s statement on USPS’ FY2015 financial report (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the release of USPS’ financial report for Fiscal Year 2015. Updated to include press coverage.

Rolando fêtes Customer Connect’s $2B milestone

President Rolando recently visited a Florida post office to celebrate a special Customer Connect milestone.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 10, 2015 (updated)

Pres Rolando in Washington Times; 2015 Hero Symonette in Sun; MI member on WOOD; 2015 Hero Curtis in Weekly Packet; OH member in Repository; 2 NC carriers in Free Press; 2015 Hero Gallegos on KTXL; ID State Pres Paige’s letters in Statesman, Times-News.

Official summary and final vote tally report for the director of retired members election

The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards has released a final tally report for the recent national director of retired members election.

Combined Federal Campaign

As federal employees, letter carriers can participate in the world’s largest annual workplace charitable giving program, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

Study: Millions depend on trillion-dollar postal industry

The Envelope Manufacturers Association Foundation’s (EMA) Institute of Postal Studies recently released its latest “Mailing Industry Job Study.”

Tell your reps to co-sponsor H.R. 3696 and S. 2148

Urge your senators and representative to co-sponsor a bill aimed at preventing a potential 52 percent increase in Medicare Part B premiums in 2016 for nearly 7.5 million Americans, including certain letter carriers covered by both Medicare and CSRS.

Does election of Canada’s new PM end cluster-box conversion there?

The “Save the Post Office” blog analyzes what Monday’s election outcome in Canada might mean for the future of Canada Post’s plans to end door-delivery of mail there.

NALC responds to Brookings paper on USPS

NALC President Fredric Rolando has written a letter to the author of a Brookings Institution paper calling for the breakup and privatization of USPS.

Florida State President Emeritus Giordano died Oct. 2

Florida State Association of Letter Carriers President Emeritus John Giordano died on Oct. 2.

POSTAL FACTS: Oct. 16, 2015 (updated)

NALC President Rolando’s letters in Los Angeles Times, Washington Post; Idaho State President Paige’s letter in Coeur d’Alene Press; Heroes coverage by Miami [OK] News-Record, USPS, E!, People, Tulsa World

POSTAL FACTS: Oct. 9, 2015 (updated)

President Rolando’s LTEs in Washington Times, Cold Spring [MN] Record. NALC’s Sauber quoted in Washington Post, Baltimore Sun. Fresno letter carrier Ellis’ LTE in Fresno Bee. Retired Kansas State Chair Holub’s LTE in The Mercury. Heroes coverage.

Letter carrier heroes lay wreath at Arlington Cemetery (updated with photos)

Representatives of the NALC had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Wed., Oct. 7.

Watson wins special election for NALC dir. of retired members

Retired Corvallis, OR Branch 1274 letter carrier Ron Watson has won the special election for NALC director of retired members.

2015 Letter Carrier Heroes of the Year honored

Letter carriers who helped save a woman who had been shot, got residents out of burning homes or rescued the unconscious driver of a submerged car were honored by NALC President Fredric Rolando at a special luncheon on Oct. 8.

National-level arbitration case decided

National Arbitrator Shyam Das issued an award on Sept. 21, 2015, concluding that the USPS is not obligated to offer retreat rights to an employee who was excessed to a different installation until a “residual vacancy” exists in the original installation.

Carper introduces iPost Act (updated)

Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) has introduced the iPost Act (S. 2051). NALC President Fredric Rolando released a statement regarding the bill. Updated to include NALC’s summary and analysis.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS results through August 2015

The U.S. Postal Service has published its financial results for the month of August 2015 and its year-to-date results through August 2015.

Election notice

NALC has entered into a voluntary agreement with the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) to conduct a new officer election for the position of NALC Director of Retired Members, under OLMS’ supervision.

POSTAL FACTS: Sept. 18, 2015

NALC Pres Rolando in The Hill, Federal News Radio, Federal Times; ID State Pres Paige in Idaho Statesman; Sioux City, IA Br 69 Pres Lofland in Lincoln Journal Star; Kearney, NE Br 312 Pres Nickerson in Norfolk Daily News.

National-level case settled over ‘rights and responsibilities’ forms

NALC and USPS have settled a national-level case concerning two forms that explain employee rights and responsibilities and are issued to letter carriers who are injured on the job.

POSTAL FACTS: Sept. 4, 2015 (updated)

Rolando: 5 WI papers; Drass: GovExec; ID State Pres Paige: Times-News, Coeur D’Alene Press; Br 312 Pres Nickerson: Grand Island [NE] Independent; Br 888 Pres Roush: 3 IN papers; Br 69 Pres Lofland: NE, IA & SD papers; Br 3 Pres Emer McLennan: Buffalo News

MDA Goodwill Ambassador visits NALC HQ

On Tuesday, the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2015 National Goodwill Ambassador Reagan Imhoff and her family visited NALC Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Combined Federal Campaign 2015

Letter carriers can participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Pledges made during the campaign season (Sept. 1 to Dec. 15) support eligible non-profit organizations through donations deducted voluntarily from paychecks each pay period.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS results through July 2015

The U.S. Postal Service recently published its results for the month of July 2015 and its year-to-date results through July 2015.

6th contract COLA: $0

Based on the Aug. 19 release of the July 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI), the sixth cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement will be $0.

POSTAL FACTS: Aug. 19, 2015 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in NY Daily News, Watchdog; Dir/City Delivery Renfroe on NBC’s “Today” show; Carmel, IN Br. 888 Pres Roush in Current in Carmel

ECONOMICS BLOG: Today Social Security is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Today Social Security is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

POSTAL FACTS: Aug. 7, 2015 (updated)

Rolando in Bloomberg Politics, DC’s Examiner, NY’s Journal News, IA’s Gazette, MO’s Joplin Globe, NH’s Concord Monitor, MN’s Morris Sun Tribune; Renfroe in Bloomberg Business; Toth in TN’s Knoxville News Sentinel; ID Pres. Paige in Times-News, Statesman

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS $1.2B operating profit this year

On Monday, USPS released its financial results for the fiscal third quarter of, and the first nine months of, 2015. So far, things are looking good for fiscal 2015.

White House recognizes Postal Reorganization Act anniversary

President Barack Obama sent a letter to the NALC and the other three postal unions, recognizing the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Postal Reorganization Act.

NALC President Fredric Rolando statement on USPS quarterly report

“Today’s results show the impressive Postal Service financial turnaround continuing in full force,” Rolando said. “This three-year trend in operating profitability makes clear the need to strengthen—not degrade—the now-profitable networks.”

ECONOMICS BLOG: Happy 50th, Medicare and Medicaid

On July 30, 1965, a landmark amendment to the Social Security Act was enacted, establishing the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

NALC statement on exigent rate case ruling

Postal Regulatory Commission’s ruling is a victory for letter carriers and for anyone else who supports a vibrant and thriving Postal Service.

The Future in Focus: NALC’s 2015 National Conference in Houston

As called for by our Constitution, NALC held a national conference (or “rap session”) in Houston July 17-19 for state association and branch presidents.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Fight for $15

There was some good news yesterday in the Fight for $15.

POSTAL FACTS: July 22, 2015 (updated)

Rolando in WI’s Green Bay Gazette, IL’s Belleville News-Democrat, MN’s Duluth News Tribune, ME’s Bangor Daily News; ID State Pres. Paige’s LTEs in Coeur d' Alene Press, Twin Falls Times-News, Idaho Statesman; Food Drive thanks in GA’s Thomaston Times

Rural Postal Act introduced in Senate

Senators have introduced legislation to address the declining quality of mail service in the rural United States.

POSTAL FACTS: July 2, 2015 (updated)

NALC President Rolando in MO's Kansas City Star, IL's Journal-News; ID State President Paige in Idaho Statesman

NALC statement regarding enactment of trade package

NALC President Fredric Rolando released a statement following the Obama administration's signing into law a package of trade provisions.

USPS financial results through May 2015

The U.S. Postal Service recently published its results for the month of May 2015 and its year-to-date results through May 2015.

NALC statement regarding 'Fast Track' passage in the House

In the House’s quest to advance this doomed trade package, it is neglecting serious priorities. NALC remains committed to working with Congress to advance a trade package that promotes and protects a strong and vibrant USPS.

POSTAL FACTS: June 16, 2015 (updated)

NALC Pres. Rolando’s LTEs to AZ Republic, Federal News Radio, SE Missourian, Kingman [AZ] Daily Miner; quoted in Forbes, Next Avenue. CA carrier in Merced Sun-Star. ID Pres. Paige’s LTE in Times-News. AL carrier’s LTE in Tuscaloosa News. More…

Successful results for 'Stamp Out Hunger'

The annual food drive of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) collected almost 71 million pounds of food to help restock food banks, pantries and shelters around the country.

NALC urges Congress to vote “no” on TAA, TPA and the Customs enforcement bills

This package of trade reform is wrong for workers and, as has been previously outlined, it has serious implications for the Postal Service as well.

House rejects trade package—but it’s not over yet

The House of Representatives voted today to reject a trade adjustment assistance bill in a move that essentially shuts down legislation that would have granted the president of the United States “Fast Track” trade agreement authority.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Postal Service results through April 2015

The U.S. Postal Service recently published its results for the month of April 2015 and its year-to-date results through April 2015.

POSTAL FACTS: June 3, 2015 (updated)

Pres. Rolando’s letters in OH, FL, TX & NE papers; Dir. Retired Members Watson in Washington Post; Reg. 4 NBA Bledsoe on KTOK; IN’s Roush’s letter in 4 newspapers; letter by MN retired members in Duluth News Tribune; GovExec covers plant closure delay

Branch presidents: Let HQ know your ‘rap session’ plans

Ahead of NALC’s 2015 “rap session,” which will be held in Houston in July, and to assist the national union’s planning for it, branch presidents must log in to a special “web app” to identify attendees from each branch.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS delivery points

The Postal Service continues to see delivery point growth.

Senate passes Trade Promotion Authority bill

Prior to adjourning for the Memorial Day recess, the Senate passed “fast track” authority legislation, bringing it one step closer to President Obama’s desk.

Fast Track update

Following lots of twists in the debate over how to consider Fast Track and related bills, it seems the Senate is off and running in how it will consider Trade Promotion Authority—and what it will take to get it across the finish line in the Senate.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Lessons learned from Whistl’s troubles

Last week, a private mail delivery company in the UK called Whistl announced it was suspending delivery operations, on the heels of its loss of a private equity investor’s funding.

NALC statement on OIG’s report regarding USPS financial services

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s statement on the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General report, “The Road Ahead for Postal Financial Services.”

ECONOMICS BLOG: Expand Social Security

In this video, economist Robert Reich explains why expanding Social Security is important and how expanding it could be done—all in under 3 minutes.

POSTAL FACTS: May 11, 2015 (updated)

President Rolando quoted prominently in news stories on USPS quarterly report; Rolando’s pieces in the Bradenton [FL] Herald and Huntington, IN Herald-Press; Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) speaks to the Kansas State Association of Letter Carriers’ convention.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS’ fiscal year, so far

On Friday, May 8, the Postal Service reported its results for the fiscal second quarter (January–March 2015) and the first six months of the fiscal year (October 2014–March 2015).

23rd annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive: Saturday, May 9

Saturday, May 9, was the 23rd annual Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive. To the generous customers, no to mention the letter carriers and volunteers who put in long hours hauling sacks of heavy food, thank you.

NALC President Fredric Rolando's statement on USPS quarterly report

"Today’s results show the impressive Postal Service financial turnaround continuing in full force."

POSTAL FACTS: April 29, 2015 (updated)

President Rolando’s articles in AZ Daily Star, East Oregonian, Deseret News (UT) & Southeast Missourian; letter carrier letters in Northwest IN Times, Schenectady [NY] Daily Gazette and WA’s Spokesman-Review; heroic CA letter carrier

ECONOMICS BLOG: OIG report looks at local mail volume levels

USPS OIG report finds that national mail volume averages are not good indicators of what is going on at the local level.

Sens. Brown and Warren warn of concerns over Fast Track

Sens. Sherrod Brown and Elizabeth Warren share concerns with President Barack Obama over potential long-term consequences of Fast Track legislation.

NALC and Coalition to Stop Fast Track air TV spot

The Coalition to Stop Fast Track, of which NALC is a member, has created its first advertisement opposing giving President Obama Fast Track authority, and plans to air the spot in Washington, DC and in targeted districts through the next week.

Congress introduces fast track legislation

"Fast Track" trade promotion was introduced Thursday on Capitol Hill. NALC strongly opposes the measure—it would take away much of Congress’ role in trade negotiations, and it could threaten the U.S. Postal Service and letter carrier jobs.

NLRB charges USPS with failing to bargain with NALC over cyber attack’s potential impact on letter carriers

The NLRB has formally charged USPS with failing to bargain with NALC over the potential impact on letter carriers of September’s cyber-security breach that compromised Postal Service computers containing workers’ personal and employment information.

Court issues lawsuit decision

A U.S. District Court has issued a decision in a lawsuit filed by a letter carrier against the NALC and 12 former national officers.

POSTAL FACTS: April 6, 2015 (updated)

NALC President Rolando’s letters in Santa Monica Mirror, Washington Post; Iowa letter carriers show Rep. Steve King the mail-delivery ropes; Idaho representatives’ letter expresses plant-closure concerns

POSTAL FACTS: March 27, 2015 (updated)

Rolando in Idaho State Journal; The Nation on vote-by-mail in OR; Federal Times touts USPS customer service; CA letter carrier hailed in Napa Valley Register; WI letter carrier LTE in Waupaca County Post; Idaho State President Paige in Idaho Statesman

ECONOMICS BLOG: $1.4 billion Postal Service operating profit for first five months of FY 2015 (greater than operating profit for full FY 2014)

The Postal Service's operating profit continues to rise.

House budget ‘plan’? Cut letter carrier pay (again) [Updated]

The federal spending plan for Fiscal Year 2016 released by the House of Representatives on Tuesday once again aims to cut letter carriers’ pay.

Employee safety paramount following suspicious letter report

On March 17, the Postal Service was made aware of a suspicious parcel addressed to President Barack Obama. In light of this event, a Mandatory Safety Talk was provided to the NALC.

POSTAL FACTS: March 16, 2015

Utah carrier Coulam featured on KSL-TV; photo of Boston carrier Bachman in USA Today; LTEs by state leaders Curtis (ME) and Paige (ID); Paige quoted in Idaho State Journal; Federal Times covers PMG Brennan, USPS package boom.

POSTAL FACTS: March 4, 2015 (updated)

Pres. Rolando in TX’s Times Record News; City Delivery Dir. Renfroe in The Guardian, Fox News; good column in IN’s South Bend Tribune; letter carrier LTE in LA’s Daily Comet; coverage on WV’s WNSV, NH’s WMUR & Businessweek about delivering mail in snow.

ECONOMICS BLOG: January 2015 Results: $195 Million Operating Profit for USPS

On Feb. 25, the U.S. Postal Service’s financial results for the month of January 2015 were posted on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website.

Cost-of-living adjustment update

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published its Consumer Price Index update for December 2014.

Update concerning dues error

As reported recently on the NALC website, due to a system error, USPS did not increase approximately 30,000 NALC members’ bi-weekly dues for 2015 in their Pay Period 1 paychecks as expected.

POSTAL FACTS: Feb. 18, 2015 (UPDATED)

NALC Pres. Rolando’s piece in Norwich Bulletin, op-eds in Nogales International and Dodgeville Chronicle; Racine, WI Br. 436’s Jody Spencer’s piece in The Journal Times; Carmel, IN Br. 888’s Ronnie Roush’s LTE in The Indianapolis Star.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Absurdity of pre-funding and its role in USPS’ financial problems

USPS’ Office of the Inspector General: The agency’s requirement to pre-fund long-term liabilities is like a credit card company saying, “You’ll charge $1 million on your credit card during your life, so please enclose that million in your next payment.”

NALC joins ‘Grand Alliance’

“This new alliance is a good complement to the one the NALC and the other postal unions have been working closely with over the past 18 months,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

POSTAL FACTS: Feb. 9, 2015

NALC President Rolando was quoted in many news stories about USPS’ FY2015 Q1 report; Rolando had pieces in two Arizona newspapers; Idaho State President Paige was on KIFI-TV, in Idaho Statesman.

ECONOMICS BLOG: $1.1 billion operating profit in first quarter

USPS had a $1.1 billion operating profit in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2015, up from $765 million in the same period last year and $144 million two years ago.

NALC statement on USPS’ quarterly report

“The Postal Service financial turnaround is continuing into its third year of operating profitability…great news for Americans throughout the country and for the millions of businesses that rely on a strong USPS,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

White House budget proposal embraces ‘outdated philosophy’

With the release of its FY 2016 budget proposal today, the Obama administration once again has embraced an outdated philosophy that the Postal Service can and should cut its way to prosperity by targeting services.

2014 NALC election results update

Errata sheets containing corrected totals for specific pages in the NALC 2014 election summary booklet have been mailed to all NALC branches, along with a cover letter of explanation from Peake-DeLancey.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 30, 2015 (updated)

NALC President Rolando’s letter in Detroit News, plus op-eds in Worcester [MA] Telegram & Gazette and Lexington Herald-Leader; Chattanooga letter carrier profiled by WRCB-TV

System error may mean dues adjustment for some members

Due to a system error, approximately 30,000 NALC members failed to have the bi-weekly dues increase for 2015 reflected in their Pay Period 1 paychecks.

ECONOMICS BLOG: If oil prices stay where they are (or go lower) they will boost USPS

A sizeable decrease in the price of oil should translate into a positive impact on the Postal Service’s finances.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Postal Service 1st Quarter Results Release Date Announced (updated)

Mark your calendars: The Postal Service will report its first fiscal quarter results (the period from Oct. 2014 through Dec. 2014) on Friday Feb. 6.

NALC and USPS settle case over maximization

The NALC and the Postal Service have settled national level case Q06N-4Q-C 11084998 concerning whether the maximization provisions of the MOU Re: Maximization/Full-time Flexible – NALC apply when an installation is under Article 12 withholding.

ECONOMICS BLOG: ‘Fast Track’ and the TPP

Letter carriers may be hearing this week about something called Trade Promotion Authority, also known as “Fast Track.” It may be the most important issue for America’s unions in the first months of the new Congress.

House and Senate lawmakers introduce pay-increase legislation

The House and Senate have each introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, which seeks to provide a 3.8 percent pay increase for non-postal federal employees in FY2016.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 21, 2015 (updated)

Rolando in Xenia Daily Gazette, Linn’s Stamp News; O’Malley in Washington Post; Idaho President Paige in Twin Falls Times News, on KPVI; PRC’s Goldway in The Hill; Minneapolis Branch 9 retiree Hannah on WCCO-TV, Rosenthal in Chicago Tribune.

NALC joins postal banking coalition

NALC President Fredric Rolando has announced that the union has joined a new coalition to explore ways the U.S. Postal Service could provide affordable financial services to the tens of millions of Americans who lack access to such services.

More congressional committee assignments announced (updated)

House and Senate committees that have a direct impact on letter carriers and USPS are taking shape.

ECONOMICS BLOG: USPS November 2014 results: $689 million YTD operating profit

The first quarter of FY 2015 is shaping up to be a good one for USPS.

6-day resolution re-introduced as Congress convenes

The 114th Congress was sworn in on Tuesday, and in the House of Representatives, Reps. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) wasted no time in renewing their commitment to preserving six-day mail delivery by quickly introducing H.Res. 12.

Door delivery resolution reintroduced in House

Reps. Davis, Joyce and King are reintroducing their door-delivery resolution for the 114th Congress.

114th Congress convenes

On Jan. 6, the 114th Congress convened. With 74 new members of Congress coming in, letter carriers have a lot of work to do as we prepare for this session and the proposals that are sure to come quickly.

2015 Food Drive ‘Family Circus’ artwork revealed

The official artwork for the 2015 Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive, designed by “Family Circus” artist Jeff Keane, has been revealed.

Halline Overby, retired NALC assistant secretary-treasurer, dies at 94

Halline “Chug” Overby, a retired national assistant secretary-treasurer, died on Friday, Jan. 9 in Washington, DC.

Safety in cold temperatures

The Postal Service has issued mandatory safety talks to be given to all employees regarding protection from cold temperatures. Don’t put yourself in danger: take precautions and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 7, 2015 (updated)

President Rolando quoted in Hill and Washington Post stories about PMG Donahoe, worker “flexibility;” Rolando’s opinion piece in The Denver Post; an article in Ridenbaugh Press mentions Idaho State Association President John Paige.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Postal Service cash balance improves

Some news outlets continue to report that the Postal Service is “hemorrhaging cash.” While that line may add drama to a story, it is incorrect.

Commentary: Better options exist for postal reform in 2015

Greeting Card Association Vice President of Postal Affairs Rafe Morrissey makes a case for Congress to enact effective postal reform in 2015. (via Roll Call)

POSTAL FACTS: Jan. 5, 2015

NALC President Fredric Rolando’s opinion piece in The Denver Post ran on Monday, Jan. 5; an article in Ridenbaugh Press mentions Idaho State Association President John Paige.

National Election Committee to review appeals

The National Election Committee has received four appeals from unsuccessful candidates in the recent election of national officers. The Committee will meet on January 6, 2015, at national headquarters to begin its review of the appeals.

NALC continues to monitor USPS response to hacking

NALC continues to monitor the Postal Service’s response to the cyber breach in September that compromised Postal Service computers containing workers’ personal and employment information.

Consumer Reports ranks Postal Service as top package-delivery provider

Consumer Reports has ranked the U.S. Postal Service as the top package-delivery provider.

Minimum wage increases effective Jan. 1

In the 2014 mid-term elections, voters across the country resoundingly voted for increases in state or local minimum wages.

Rolando, Executive Council installed

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando and the 27 other newly installed members of the union’s Executive Council took the oath of office on Saturday, Dec. 13, in Washington, DC.

NALC Legislative Update: Dec. 19, 2014

113th Congress adjourns; Cromni-cromnibus-omnibus: FY 2015 government funding approved; Senate committee assignments announced; Senate introduces companion ‘wounded warriors’ act; House holds hearing on pension processing

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Nov. 21, 2014

Committee leadership taking shape for incoming Congress; Lame-duck agenda; House committee holds hearing on USPS data breach; Messaging to members of Congress on proposed service cuts

NALC Legislative Update: Sept. 12, 2014

Welcome back, Congress. Now hurry up and go!; In other related news…; Door delivery resolution

Legislative Update: August 1, 2014

Senate considers Postal Board of Governors nominations; Postal banking bill introduced in House; ‘Wounded warriors’ bill introduced in House; One hurdle remains for Sombrotto Post Office naming; Recess is the best!

NALC Legislative Update: July 11, 2014

Update: House floor activity on FSGG next week; Sombrotto Post Office

NALC Legislative Update: June 27, 2014

6-day language makes it into House appropriations bill; 6-day language already in Senate appropriations bill; Bipartisan support for 6-day mail grows; Wrong by half

NALC Legislative Update: June 20, 2014

House leadership shelves Highway Trust Fund—USPS offset; House subcommittee introduces appropriations measure without six-day language; House and Senate mark-ups next week; Shakeup in House leadership;

NALC Legislative Update: June 6, 2014

Highway Trust Fund update; Appropriations update

NALC Legislative Update: April 11, 2014

Budget discussions continue in the House; House holds hearing on Postal Service, budget reform; An increasing number of house lawmakers continues to support six-day delivery; Recess call to action

Legislative Update, May 23, 2014

House committee moves door delivery elimination bill; House subcommittee holds innovation hearing; Senate advances tax delinquency bill; Update on Sombrotto post office designation

Cost-of-living adjustment update

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published the Consumer Price Index for November 2014.

ECONOMICS BLOG: U.S. package deliveries hit their peak

During the holidays, the Postal Service expects to deliver at least 50 million packages on peak delivery days—five times its daily average package volume. See how that stacks up against UPS and FedEx.

POSTAL FACTS: Dec. 16, 2014 (updated)

NALC President Rolando’s op-ed in Sunday’s Idaho State Journal; Rolando quoted in The Baltimore Sun; Missouri’s ​Springfield News-Leader reports on efforts to gain a moratorium on postal proposal to close 82 mail processing plants.

2015 calendar card

Due to a printing error, the 2015 calendar card was not included in many editions of the December Postal Record. It will be included in the January 2015 magazine, and you may also download it now.

2015 Food Drive partner/sponsor solicitation materials

To help branch Food Drive coordinators build local relationships and to grow their local drives, the NALC has created a print brochure and DVD for use in soliciting local drive sponsors.

Robert Buntz, retired NALC HBP director, dies at 93

Retired NALC Health Benefit Plan Director Robert Buntz Sr. died on Sunday, Dec. 7, in Hiawatha, IA, following a brief illness. He was 93.

Customer, employee rights when USPS solicits customers to change to centralized delivery

NALC has been made aware of an effort by the Postal Service in different parts of the country to convince customers to agree to change their mode of delivery to cluster box or centralized delivery.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Dec. 5, 2014

Today we’re reading about senators supporting USPS…and why labor isn’t getting the media attention it deserves.

POSTAL FACTS: Dec. 4, 2014 (updated)

NALC President Fredric Rolando had a letter in the Dec. 2 edition of The Kansas City Star, Missouri’s largest newspaper, and in Dec. 3 The New Orleans Advocate, one of Louisiana’s two largest papers.

Tester, Sanders and Baldwin speak about USPS

Sen. Jon Tester, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Tammy Baldwin spoke on the Senate floor today in support of preserving the Postal Service and of a moratorium on postal facility closures.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Dec. 3, 2014

Today we’re reading about how congressional inaction threatens postal decision-making…a senatorial push for a moratorium on facilities closures…how postal banking can be “innovative”…and what you can (and can’t!) mail.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Fiscal Year 2014 First-Class Mail

Last year, USPS forecast First-Class Mail volume and revenue would decline. But in 2014, First-Class Mail volume actually declined by only about half the USPS forecast—and First-Class Mail revenue rose.

ECONOMICS BLOG: October 2014 Results: $633 million YTD Operating Income

For October 2014, the Postal Service reported $633 million in operating income.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 24, 2014 (updated)

President Rolando was quoted or paraphrased frequently about USPS’ financial report and the PMG’s retirement announcement; plus, read more examples of how NALC members and leaders have been making their voices heard.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 24, 2014

Today we’re reading about postal love…the response to the hacking response…a mode package-delivery partnership…finding a letter carrier’s killer…and “stamping out hunger” in time for Thanksgiving.

ECONOMICS BLOG: 2014 Postal Service results: $1.4 B operating profit

Postal Service profitability has clearly turned the corner.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 20, 2014

Today we’re reading about pessimistic prospects for postal reform…and how dog bites are mostly down across the country.

UPDATED: Two heroic carriers honored on CBS Evening News

The heroic action of two Peoria, IL Branch 31 letter carriers who rescued an abducted boy outside their post office was reported tonight on the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley.

Rolando congratulates incoming Oversight Chairman Chaffetz

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando congratulates Rep Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) on his election as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the committee that has jurisdiction over USPS.

Rolando: After the midterms, letter carriers’ resolve remains strong

Letter carriers have a duty to continue building alliances with the men and women on both sides of the aisle and to use our unparalleled network of activists to proactively find champions for our causes.

NALC files NLRB charge over USPS response to hacking

NALC has filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board protesting the Postal Service’s failure to provide NALC advance notice of, and an opportunity to bargain over, the Postal Service’s response to the breach of employee data.

PMG announces retirement; USPS releases 2014 financial report

NALC President Fredric Rolando wishes Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe well in the future and congratulates his replacement. He also says that today’s annual USPS financial report reinforces the point that the postal networks are thriving.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 14, 2014

Today we’re reading a little about the new postmaster general…and about a congressional investigation into the Postal Service’s hacked data.

Four postal unions hold Nov. 14 ‘Day of Action’ on new round of service cuts

On Friday, Nov. 14, members of the NALC joined with the three other postal unions for a national day of action to tell Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe and the USPS Board of Governors: “Stop delaying America’s mail.”

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 13, 2014

Today we’re reading about the harm of proposed plant closings…and the promise of postal banking.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 12, 2014

Today we’re reading about a senator who’s champing at the bit…boosting postal banking…and a Southern window of opportunity (for organizing).

USPS employee data hacked

At 9 o’clock this morning, NALC received information on the cyber breach that compromised USPS employees’ personal and employment information. This is the first we heard of the cyber intrusion.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 7. 2014

Today we’re reading NALC President Rolando’s letter to New York State’s fifth-largest newspaper…and how Americans might be realizing that raising wages makes all-around good economic sense.

POSTAL FACTS: Nov. 7, 2014

NALC President Rolando’s letter in The Buffalo News and quote in The Hill; Idaho state president's letters published in two newspapers

ECONOMICS BLOG: First-Class Mail & Standard Mail revenue

Evidence fails to back the conventional wisdom for why the Postal Service continues to incur net losses.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 6, 2014

Today, we’re reading about spreading the word about pre-funding…how things in Washington might be different (or the same) over the next two years…and how to get a special holiday postmark.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 5, 2014

Today we’re reading about NALC President Rolando’s thoughts about postal reform in the lame-duck…how good (postal) news is no news…and how postal banking could help USPS really thrive.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Postal banking

Nearly 100 million people in the U.S. are either unbanked or underbanked.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Nov. 3, 2014

Today we’re reading about targeting political ads…organized nurses…postal appreciation…and international arguments against postal privatization and service cuts.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 31, 2014

Today we're reading about letters to Louisiana editors…and how the U.S. Constitution even protects giant inflatables.

ECONOMICS BLOG: What’s in a name? Controllable income is operating profit

For hard-to-fathom reasons, in the third quarter of this year, USPS decided to change the name of a key line in its quarterly results slide presentation—from “Operating Income/(Loss)” to “Controllable Income/(Loss).”

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 30, 2014

Today we’re reading how USPS’ financial crisis is a manufactured one…and how further cuts in mail processing would have a serious impact on residential and commercial postal customers.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 29, 2014

Today we’re reading about support for real postal reform…strategic and beneficial partnerships with private carriers…and a seat at the table for workers (at last?).

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 28, 2014

Today we’re reading about the impact of proposed closures or consolidations of 82 mail processing plants, and the enduring appeal of postage stamps.

NALC election results announced

NALC President Fredric Rolando and Executive Vice President Timothy C. O'Malley are among those elected or re-elected to national office, the National Election Committee has announced.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 27, 2014

Today we’re reading about postal profitability…the ongoing fight against processing plant closures…expansion of grocery deliveries by letter carriers…how the 3-D printing revolution could benefit USPS…and the downsides of contracting-out delivery jobs.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 23, 2014

Today we’re reading about jail time for carrier assailants…more about retirees’ COLA…a brightening jobs picture…and holiday shipping dates.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Oct. 23, 2014

The Economic Policy Institute says that today’s minimum wage is worth roughly 25 percent less than the minimum wage in 1968.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Boost or Bust

Boost or Bust: Jobs and Places: A "Simply-Put" video that provides a brief illustration of how to make the core points emerging from research on communicating job quality.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Raise the Floor Wisconsin (Minimum Wage Edition)

Another new report advocates increasing the minimum wage.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Comment on closures, relocations

The USPS OIG wants to hear from you about your experiences with reductions in postal services.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Resources for USPS data

Wondering where to find data on the Postal Service? A lot of information can be found on the websites of three organizations in particular.

Sombrotto Post Office dedicated

A post office in Manhattan was named in honor of the late Vincent R. Sombrotto, the leader of the Great Postal Strike of 1970 and, later, the long-serving NALC president.

2015 retiree cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)

The 2015 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees will be 1.7 percent.

TODAY'S TOPICS: Oct. 22, 2014

Greetings from your neighbor to the north, where Canadians' median incomes are increasing thanks to their unions and their home delivery is decreasing thanks to Canada Post

TODAY'S TOPICS: Oct. 20, 2014

Today we're reading about cluster-box controversies...packs of pit-bulls...and unhappy stampers.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 16, 2014

Today we’re reading about postal reform…mail processing plant closure resistance…a post-Nov. 4 legislative landscape…and a brighter economic picture.

OSHA Review Commission decision re letter carrier John Watzlawick

On July 24, 2012, John Watzlawick, an Independence, MO, letter carrier lost his life as a direct result of heat illness. Following an investigation, citation (and challenge) and trial, a decision was issued on September 10, 2014.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 15, 2014

Today we’re reading (on a fairly slow postal news day) about the value of direct mail during political campaigns.

POSTAL FACTS: Oct. 14, 2014

President Rolando’s op-ed in a Palm Springs paper; Minnesota letter carriers convene, rally; Bakersfield community celebrates carrier’s retirement; retirees as HCAs; could Chaffetz be the next Oversight chairman?

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 14, 2014

Today we’re reading about the ongoing plant-closure battle…hiring holiday carrier assistants…Google’s deliveries…Alaska’s Senate battle…and how “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Pencil or pen, all votes will be counted

Ballots and instructions for the 2014 NALC Officer Election were mailed Sept. 29-30 to 265,914 members eligible to vote.

TODAY’S TOPICS: Oct. 10, 2014

Issa’s replacement; delayed newspapers; happy letter carriers

NYC P.O. now named for Sombrotto

On Aug. 8, President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 2291, which officially renamed Manhattan’s Grand Central Station Post Office, located at 450 Lexington Ave. in New York City, as the Vincent R. Sombrotto Post Office.

Door-delivery resolution introduced

On Aug. 1, Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA), David Joyce (R-OH) and Peter King (R-NY) introduced H. Res. 711, which calls on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all business and residential customers.

Forces unite to oppose closures, consolidations

The Postal Service’s proposal to close and consolidate 82 mail-processing facilities in 37 states continues to attract the ire of Congress, as well as a coalition of postal unions and mailers.

TODAY'S TOPICS: Oct. 9, 2014

Board of Governors nominee; employment news; expanding organizing

Rolando: Results reconfirm the steady improvement in USPS’ finances

Following today’s release of the U.S. Postal Service’s financial statement for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2014, which covers January, February and March, NALC President Fredric Rolando released a statement.

Unions send letter to leaders of House committee with USPS oversight

The presidents of the four postal employee unions wrote a letter to House Oversight and Government Reform leaders to share the unions’ views on President Obama’s budget proposals for 2015.

Buffalo letter carrier dies on duty

Buffalo-Western New York Branch 3 letter carrier Leo Sucharski, 76, died on Sunday, March 9, following an injury he sustained while on duty.

Rolando: Postal Service needs real reform

Following today’s House hearing on the Obama administration’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget request for the USPS, NALC President Fredric Rolando released the following statement.

NALC urges committee to vote ‘no’ on phase-out of door delivery

Rolando: Lawmakers should fix what they broke, not break what’s working

Parton homicide investigation: 9 arrests to date

On April 3, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested two men in connection with the 2010 murder of South Florida Branch 1071 letter carrier Bruce Parton.

Combined Federal Campaign underway

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is under way, giving federal and postal employees the opportunity to make a charitable donation to one—or several—charities through payroll deduction.

Rolando: House GOP plan to aid transportation fund by degrading postal services would damage economy

NALC President Fredric Rolando said the proposal by House Republican leaders to temporarily fund highway construction by degrading postal services would damage the economy while failing to achieve desired transportation goals.

The facts on McCarthy’s ‘Setting the Record Straight’ memo

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) issued a memo on June 9 to defend the Cantor-McCarthy gimmick to fund highway spending. Rather than “Setting the Record Straight,” McCarthy’s memo continues to confuse and mislead on a number of key issues.

NALC blasts PMG for endorsing highway budget scam, misleading Congress

Earlier this week, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe recklessly endorsed the House of Representative’ leadership’s outrageous ploy to use massive job and service cuts in the Postal Service to “pay for” a short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund.

Fact-checking The Washington Post’s ‘Fact Checker’

The Washington Post’s “Fact Checker,” Glenn Kessler, has challenged on his blog the statement by NALC that the Postal Service’s plan to end Saturday would eliminate 80,000 jobs. Sadly, Kessler has made a hash of it.

Successful results for 2014 Food Drive

The NALC’s annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive collected almost 73 million pounds of food to help restock food banks, pantries and shelters around the country.

Say it ain’t so, Joe: USPS CFO tries to bamboozle WSJ

The chart that the Postal Service’s CFO provided The Wall Street Journal was designed to fool readers into buying USPS’ plan to continue to dismantle the nation’s invaluable postal networks.

6-day language makes it into House appropriations bill

Language mandating six-day mail delivery was successfully reinserted into the measure that was approved on Wednesday.

Staples/USPS plan: Bad for customers, employees

The NALC’s Executive Council has voted to endorse the boycott of the Staples office supplies chain because of the USPS’s plan to set up knock-off post offices in Staples stores staffed by store employees, not USPS employees sworn to safeguard the mail.

2014 NALC Heroes honored

On Sept. 10, NALC President Fredric Rolando served as master of ceremonies for the 2014 National Heroes of the Year Awards.

Application deadline for 2015 Leadership Academy approaching

The Aug. 31 application deadline for the 2015 NALC Leadership Academy is days away.

Six-day mail clears major hurdle

The full House of Representatives voted Wednesday to preserve six-day mail delivery appropriations language by passing H.R. 5016, the Fiscal Year 2015 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill.

Congress needs to preserve and strengthen USPS while fixing pre-funding

Statement from National Association of Letter Carriers President Fredric V. Rolando, on today’s U.S. Postal Service report for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2014.

National Election Committee reviews nominations, sets election dates

The National Election Committee, appointed at the Philadelphia Convention to conduct the election of national officers for the NALC, met on Aug. 15 in Washington, DC, to set the rules and procedures for the election.

Postal unions form alliance

Declaring that “the U.S. Postal Service is under unprecedented attack,” the four postal unions have formed an alliance to fight back to preserve America's postal service for the benefit of the public.

Obama’s 2015 budget follows PMG’s misguided lead on Saturday delivery

The Obama administration’s budget proposal for 2015 defers to the misguided wishes of the PMG by calling for the end of Saturday mail delivery and for allowing the Postal Service to “begin shifting to centralized and curbside delivery where appropriate.”

Rolando appoints Drass as VP, Renfroe as city delivery director

NALC President Fredric Rolando has appointed Lew Drass of Huntsville, AL Branch 462 as national vice president and Brian Renfroe of Hattiesburg, MS Branch 938 as national director of city delivery.

Cost-of-living adjustment news

There will be no third cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement.

USPS’ ‘highly encouraging’ quarterly report reveals $765 million profit

Today, the U.S. Postal Service released its financial report for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2014, which covers the last three months of 2013.

Senate committee approves S. 1486, 9 to 1

The Senate committee with Postal Service oversight, the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, finished on Feb. 6 its mark-up of the modified Carper-Coburn postal bill, S. 1486, and approved the measure by a vote of 9 to 1.

Former Region 8 NBA Johnson has died

Former Region 8 National Business Agent Ben Johnson, 76, died on Feb. 1.

Committee mark-up of revised S. 1486 (Round 1)

On Jan. 29, the Senate committee with Postal Service oversight, the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, spent nearly three hours in a mark-up meeting to debate a handful of proposed amendments to S. 1486.

Four postal unions express ‘strong opposition’ to Senate bill

The four postal unions sent a joint letter to members of the Senate committee with U.S. Postal Service oversight expressing “strong opposition” to an amended version of Senate bill S. 1486.

6-day mail preserved in spending bill

A bipartisan omnibus spending bill signed into law on Jan. 17 retained the language calling for six-day mail delivery service.

Notice of class action

NALC has been asked to notify our members of a private class action lawsuit that may benefit the beneficiaries of certain deceased postal employees.

NALC responds to Issa letter

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) in December wrote a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations committee, urging them to abandon the decades-old budget language that required the Postal Service to deliver the mail six days a week.

NALC opposes H.R. 3801— yet another attack on the Postal Service

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) has introduced new legislation to eliminate Saturday letter mail delivery right away and Saturday package delivery within five years.

Budget negotiators reject Saturday delivery cut, unfairly target future federal employees

NALC grassroots activists and the American public scored a huge victory when efforts to include elimination of Saturday mail delivery in the emerging budget agreement for 2014 failed.

Update on joint safety and service program

NALC President Fredric Rolando released a statement on the status of a new joint effort to identify and address safety issues for letter carriers and service to postal customers.

S. 1486 mark-up postponed

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, which has Postal Service oversight, has postponed until sometime in 2014 the mark-up of S. 1486.

NALC announces creation of network to address safety issues

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando has issued a statement regarding the creation of a nationwide network to address safety issues and offices with routine mail delivery well past traditional delivery hours.

USPS made $600 million delivering mail in 2013

The USPS reported an operating profit of $600 million but a net loss of $5 billion due to pre-funding. That means the Postal Service, which doesn’t get a dime of taxpayer money, earned a profit of $600 million delivering the mail.

Letter carrier killed while delivering the mail

Tyson Barnette, 26, was shot and killed on Saturday evening while delivering the mail in Cheverly, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC.

Letter carriers and eBay: How the two go hand in hand

Letter carriers pick up and deliver more packages sent by eBay retailers than any other source of packages sent through the U.S. Postal Service.

NALC statement on USPS 7-day delivery services for Amazon.com

Letter carriers have begun delivering Parcel Select packages in more than 900 ZIP codes nationwide as part of a test involving Sunday delivery of packages from a major online retailer.

Budget update: The devil is always in the details

As House and Senate budget conferees get to work on a federal budget deal, there are many rumors floating about town on what will be included in it.

CA carrier critically injured

Lydia Ray, a member of Garden Grove, CA Branch 1100, was struck and critically injured while delivering mail on Saturday.

Longtime NJ State President Massa has died

New Jersey State Association of Letter Carriers President Emeritus Tony Massa died on Monday. He was 88.

‘The Green Book’

As part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, NALC hosted a reception with author and playwright Calvin A. Ramsey on the history and importance of the Green Book.

CCAs converted to full-time career status

Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding Re: Residual Vacancies—City Letter Carrier Craft (M-01824), the first wave of city carrier assistant (CCA) conversions to full-time career status took place Nov. 2.

2014 retiree COLAs— 1.5% hike for FERS and CSRS benefits

The cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for CSRS and FERS benefits will be 1.5 percent in 2014, as triggered by the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September.

Kirby elected CO AFL-CIO president

Cindy Kirby, a member of Denver Branch 47, was elected this past weekend as president of the Colorado AFL-CIO.

NALC President Rolando explains to Senate why S. 1486 would be damaging to USPS

NALC President Fredric Rolando testified today before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, which has Postal Service oversight.

‘Who better to do it than the U.S. Postal Service?’

Fox News reported today on letter carriers’ role in protecting Americans from a potential bio-terror attack. “This is a program that’s vital to people’s lives,” NALC President Fredric Rolando says in the clip.

Few surprises in first of two hearings on S. 1486

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee held the first of two hearings today on the flawed postal bill, S. 1486, introduced by committee chairman Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) and ranking member Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK).

TSP death benefit changes under Windsor

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has issued a rule change to bring its death benefit policies in line with the Supreme Court decision in June that found a portion of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional.

AFL-CIO convention passes pro-postal resolution

Speaking on Sept. 11 to the delegates to the 2013 AFL-CIO convention, NALC President Fredric Rolando informed those gathered inside the Los Angeles Convention Center of the Postal Service’s actual financial situation.

NALC responds to PMG’s workroom floor video

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe issued a video message that was played on the workroom floor. “What the PMG did not say was more important than what he did say,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

2nd contract COLA: $541 for letter carriers at Step O

The second cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement is $541 annually.

Quarterly report: USPS finances are rebounding strongly as economy improves

Statement from Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, about today’s Postal Service financial report for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2013.

Postal unions write joint letter to Reid against Carper-Coburn postal bill

The presidents of the four postal employee unions sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on August 5 “to express our utter dismay with the introduction of S. 1486.”

NALC statement on postal bill mark-up session

On July 24, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) held a mark-up session on his postal bill, H.R. 2748. His committeepassed the measure on a party-line vote. NALC strongly opposes this harmful bill.

House takes up postal reform

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) held a hearing on his draft postal reform bill on July 17.

DOMA ruling leads to benefits changes

With the Supreme Court ruling that part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has decided to extend marriage-based federal benefits.

Three NALC members die in separate incidents

Three NALC members died recently in separate incidents.

NALC holds national ‘USA for 6-Day’ rallies

Letter carriers across America rallied on Sunday, March 24 in support of maintaining Saturday mail delivery service.

Flawed ‘discussion draft’ has major problems

On June 13, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) released what he termed a “discussion draft” of a possible postal reform bill that he hopes to introduce in the near future.

Statement about USPS’ Q2 financial report

Statement from Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, about the USPS financial report today.

USPS backs away from 5-day delivery plan— but for how long?

Nine weeks after PMG Patrick Donahoe told a press conference that the Postal Service planned to unilaterally eliminate Saturday mail delivery beginning in August, the USPS Board of Governors announced that it was backing away from that plan.

PMG paints improved financial picture

In his appearance Friday at the National Press Club, Postmaster General Patrick Donahue said that the Postal Service will have an operational loss of $1.7 billion this year, reflecting a sharp improvement in the financial picture at the USPS.

Rolando testifies before House committee

NALC President Fredric Rolando was among those called to testify today on Capitol Hill before a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Postal Service’s financial situation.

Obama budget: Better never than late

The Obama administration released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014 today, months late and weeks after the House and Senate both passed budget resolutions—a fact that makes the president’s proposals less relevant than usual.

NALC President Fredric Rolando statement on USPS Board of Governors announcement

NALC President Fredric Rolando issued the following statement in response to the USPS Board of Governors’ announcement that USPS will obey the law that mandates continuation of six-day mail delivery this year.

Mixed messages and straw men

On April 3, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe recorded a “State of the Postal Service” video, to “address a couple of mixed messages that need to be cleared up,” he said.

BJ’s apologizes for flyer that ‘missed the mark’

The CEO of BJ’s Wholesale has sent a letter apologizing for a mailing that began hitting post offices across the country this week.

Legal opinion refutes USPS claim on cutting 6-day mail

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe's claim that the Postal Service has the right to cut its mail delivery schedule from six days to five days “rests upon a faulty USPS premise,” the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said.

Rolando submits testimony to Senate committee

Although NALC President Fredric Rolando was not called to testify in person on Feb. 13 before the Senate committee with Postal Service oversight, he did submit written testimony for the committee's consideration.

NALC President Rolando’s statement following the PMG’s congressional testimony

Postmaster General Pat Donahoe’s effort Wednesday to justify to lawmakers his attempt to do an end-run around Congress by ending Saturday delivery failed badly.

NALC President Rolando responds to USPS quarterly financial report

Today’s Postal Service’s quarterly financial report shows the folly of making drastic cuts in service as the postmaster general proposed this week.

Lynch bill addresses FERS surplus

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) on March 5 the Postal Service Stabilization Act, a bill crafted to address the billions the Postal Service has overpaid into its account within FERS.

Members of Congress respond against ending Saturday delivery

Members of both houses of Congress have gone on record to say that they consider the Postal Service's plan to go to five-day delivery to be counterproductive and legally suspect.

NALC President Rolando responds to Donahoe

Postmaster General Pat Donahoe’s unilateral and brazen plan to end Saturday mail delivery in August led many reporters at a press conference yesterday to question its legality.

Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando on Postmaster General Pat Donahoe’s plan to eliminate Saturday mail delivery

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe’s plan to end Saturday delivery is a disastrous idea that would have a profoundly negative effect on the Postal Service and on millions of customers.

Arbitration board issues award, sets terms of the 2011-2016 National Agreement

The three-person board of arbitrators has issued a final and binding award that sets the terms of a four-and-a-half-year collective-bargaining agreement between the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service.

NALC President Emeritus Vincent R. Sombrotto, 1923-2013

Vincent R. Sombrotto, 89, a towering figure in the history of the National Association of Letter Carriers and one of the most significant U.S. labor leaders of recent decades, died Jan. 10.

NALC comment on OPM valuation of the USPS FERS pension fund

OPM's valuation of USPS' FERS find is misleading on two counts.

New Lazard white paper provides reality check on USPS finances and postal reform

A successful restructuring of USPS requires a business strategy that leverages its unrivaled delivery network, says Lazard in a new white paper prepared for NALC.

The truth about the Postal Service’s ‘default’

As the USPS missed making another multi-billion-dollar payment toward pre-funding, keep in mind that what we said in July still holds true—that this in fact is a default committed by Congress, not the Postal Service.

Statement from NALC President Fredric Rolando on the Aug. 1 Postal Service ‘default’

The word ‘default’ sounds ominous, but in reality this is a default on the part of Congress.

NALC applauds Supreme Court victory for Obama health plan

NALC President Fred Rolando noted that the decision was a victory for working people, but warned that the victory would not be complete until November.

Accumulation toward the 2015 FECA COLA

Based on the September release of the August 2014 CPI, the projected accumulation toward the 2015 FECA COLA was 2.1 percent.

Accumulation toward 2015 retiree COLA

The accumulation toward the 2015 COLAs for CSRS and FERS was 1.6 percent following the Sept. 17 release of the CPI for August.

Accumulation toward fifth COLA under 2011-2016 National Agreements

Following the September release of the August CPI, the accumulation toward the fifth COLA under the 2011-2016 National Agreement was $0 annually.

Fourth COLA under 2011-2016 National Agreement

The fourth cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement is $686 annually.

Third COLA under 2011-2016 National Agreement

There is no third cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement.

Second COLA under 2011-2016 National Agreement

The second cost-of-living adjustment for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement is $541 annually.

First COLA under 2011-2016 National Agreement

The first cost-of-living adjustment for letter carriers under the 2011-2016 National Agreement is $146 annually.

Rolando submits concluding arbitration testimony

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando's submitted concluding testimony to the three-member interest arbitration board that will set the terms of a new National Agreement between the NALC and the U.S. Postal Service.

NALC protests fed pay cut in ‘fiscal cliff’ talks

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando has written to every member of the House of Representatives, urging them to vote no on H.R. 6684, a bill with provisions that would result in a direct 5 percent cut in the take-home pay of federal and postal employees.

Rolando denounces MI ‘right to work’ law

NALC President Fredric Rolando has denounced the passage of so-called "right to work" legislation in Michigan.

Misguided compromise proposal misses the mark

Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) called a bipartisan meeting of House and Senate leaders to discuss his alarming idea to allow the U.S. Postal Service to end Saturday mail delivery service but retain package delivery service on that day.

USPS releases 2012 financial report

Today’s report makes clear that the financial crisis at the Postal Service is largely political in nature—and that the Postal Service is actually returning to health in operational terms as the economy improves.

NALC congratulates President Obama, all candidates elected Tuesday

The NALC congratulates President Barack Obama and all the candidates elected to Congress on Tuesday.

Interest arbitration board convenes

The interest arbitration board that will set the terms of a new National Agreement between NALC and USPS convened by telephone in executive session on Thursday, Nov. 1.

CR contains 6-day language

The House is expected to pass a six-month continuing resolution that maintains language that preserves six-day mail delivery service.

Interest arbitration for new National Agreement between the NALC and USPS begins

Interest arbitration for a new National Agreement between the National Association of Letter Carriers and the United States Postal Service began formally on Thursday, Sept. 6.

Statement from NALC President Fredric Rolando on Thursday’s quarterly financial statement by the U.S. Postal Service

Statement from NALC President Fredric Rolando on Thursday’s quarterly financial statement by the U.S. Postal Service.

Praise for letter carriers’ participation in CRI

A Postal Regulatory Commission hearing today focused partly on the program that uses the Postal Service's universal network to protect Americans in the event of a biological incident, such as a terrorist attack.

Stand up against H.R. 2309— for the Postal Service and for your job

On Sunday evening, NALC President Fredric Rolando held a tele-townhall call with the NALC membership about the dangers of the House of Representatives taking up the job-killing postal bill, H.R. 2309.

Statement from NALC President about the Postal Service’s financial situation

Today’s U.S. Postal Service’s announcement about the most recent fiscal quarter reinforces our view of the financial situation facing the USPS and how it can be fixed.

NALC disappointed, but determined, as Senate passes S. 1789

The United States Senate adopted a deeply flawed postal reform bill on Wednesday, voting for S. 1789, the 21st Century Postal Service Act, by a vote of 62 to 37.

Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando following today’s Senate vote on S. 1789

The Senate voted Tuesday to begin the slow dismantling of the United States Postal Service and to attack injured postal workers by slashing their workers’ compensation benefits.

‘We don’t have to dismantle the Postal Service to save it’

Statement of NALC President Fredric Rolando on the new version of S. 1789, The 21st Century Postal Service Act

Rolando: S.1789 Lacks Vision, Won’t Solve USPS Problems

In a speech at Rutgers, NALC president calls on Congress to take time to draft comprehensive reform instead of pushing through flawed legislation

Postmaster general supports ‘practically everything’ in draconian Issa-Ross bill

Should we call H.R. 2309 the Issa-Ross (So-Called) Postal Reform Bill—or could we realistically call it the Issa-Donahoe (So-Called) Postal Reform Bill?

New data indicates proposed cuts could mean greater losses in volume, revenue

The proposed cuts in service sought by the U.S. Postal Service could result in a far-greater loss of mail volume—and thus of revenue—than postal authorities previously have disclosed, new testimony indicates.

The Ryan budget plan: A path to inequality and national decline

The House Budget Committee’s proposed budget for 2013 continues the assault on federal employees by calling for a freeze on federal workers’ salaries for an additional three years and for massive cuts to retirement benefits.

NALC joins AFL-CIO for annual retracing of the 1965 civil rights marches

March 4-9, the NALC joined with the AFL-CIO for its annual retracing of the 1965 civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery.

USPS plans restructuring mail processing operations

USPS announced plans for restructuring mail processing operations. The plan would close or merge some 223 of the 264 processing plants. The NALC is working to determine which delivery units, if any, might be affected by the plans.

NALC response to the USPS proposal to reduce services in an effort to trim losses

In response to the Postal Service's proposal Thursday to reduce services in an effort to trim losses, the NALC issued the following statement.

Obama's FY2013 budget calls for eliminating a day of delivery starting in January

President Barack Obama today released his budget for Fiscal Year 2013. Of specific concern is the call for giving the USPS the authority to reduce mail delivery service from six days a week to five as early as January 2013.

USPS issues financial report for the first quarter of FY 2012

Statement by Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, on the USPS financial report for the first quarter of FY 2012.

Carriers mobilize to oppose FERS bill

On Jan. 24, Rep. Dennis Ross introduced the Securing Annuities for Federal Employees Act. Were it to become law, it would in fact threaten the retirement benefits of federal workers—including postal workers.

Postal issues front and center as reps return to DC

As the nation’s elected representatives returned to Washington in January to begin the second session of the 112th Congress, NALC President Fredric Rolando penned a special greeting to all House and Senate members to mark the occasion.

USPS declines to further extend its collective-bargaining negotiations with the NALC.

On Jan. 20, the U.S. Postal Service announced that it was declining to further extend its collective-bargaining negotiations with the NALC.

Rolando to Issa: Don’t send USPS into a death spiral

A commentary piece written by NALC President Fredric Rolando was published in the Sunday, Jan. 15 edition of Southern California’s Press-Enterprise, a major newspaper in Rep. Darrell Issa’s district.

Rolando response to the USPS announced plans to reduce delivery standards

NALC President Fredric Rolando responded to the Postal Service's Dec. 5 announcement that it plans to reduce delivery standards.

Rolando holds press conference at National Press Club

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando held a well-attended press conference today at the National Press Club in Washington.

NALC uses ad to tell Congress: Save Saturday mail delivery

The NALC placed a targeted full-page advertisement in three Capitol Hill newspapers on Nov. 17, to tell members of Congress that ending Saturday mail delivery is a bad idea that hurts the public, small businesses and the U.S. Postal Service.

Statement on the reported USPS losses for fiscal year 2011

President Rolando issued a statement on the reported Postal Service losses for fiscal year 2011.

NALC President Rolando condemns Senate postal bill S. 1789

S. 1789 is “a job-killing bill that will dismantle the Postal Service.”

NALC responds to the Senate postal proposal, 21st Century Postal Service Act

Bill supports comprehensive reform but opposes the end of Saturday mail delivery and the phase-out of door delivery.

How the GAO report supports H.R. 1351

The Government Accountability Office issued a report that reiterated a previously stated view and concluded that there was no “overpayment” into CSRS by the Postal Service. Nothing is further from the truth.

H.R. 2309: A plan to dismantle the USPS

Rather than address the postal crisis caused by the pre-funding mandate, the Issa bill seeks to exploit the crisis to advance anti-worker ideological goals.

NALC President Rolando's seven-point proposal to the 'super-committee'

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando has written a letter to the members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, better known as the "super committee." He outlines seven proposals the NALC would like the committee to consider.

NALC President Rolando issues statement on the GAO report on the CSRS dispute

The GAO is simply wrong in denying the CSRS overpayment.

Not a Done Deal: NALC vows to oppose 5-day delivery in Obama plan

The return of the FERS surplus, along with other short-term relief, are good starts—but not enough.

‘Save America’s Postal Service’ rallies set for Sept. 27 in every congressional district

The NALC has joined forces with the three other postal unions to designate Sept. 27 as a day of action to Save America’s Postal Service.

Making our voices heard

NALC members in California joined several other unions and the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council on Sept. 1 to personally protest Rep. Darrell Issa's failure to represent working families and his continuing attacks to destroy the USPS.

The ‘Big Lie’ about postal ‘bankruptcy’

In a mandatory stand-up talk, Postal Service management all across the country told letter carriers: “If we were a private company, we would have already filed for bankruptcy and gone through restructuring.” Of course, it’s not true.

President Rolando denounces PMG’s latest ‘radical’ legislative proposals

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando has issued a statement to denounce Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe's latest "radical" legislative proposals.

Making the Service profitable again

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando told a congressional panel last week that fixing the pre-funding requirement for retiree health care should be the top priority this year in the effort to restore the financial health of the Postal Service.

Standing strong together

While the eyes of the nation are on Wisconsin, thanks to Gov. Scott Walker’s attempts to dismantle his state’s public-sector unions, similar attacks on public workers’ collective-bargaining rights are taking place in other states around the country.

Collins' bill is a good start, but it needs work

On Feb. 15, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Postal Service Improvements Act of 2011. Some of Collins’ provisions mirror many of NALC’s legislative objectives. However, the bill also includes a number of provisions that the union cannot support.

Proposed budget preserves six-day mail delivery and offers postal relief

The U.S. Postal Service received mixed news from the Obama administration Feb. 14 when the White House released its proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year.

Collins introduces FECA reform bill

On Feb. 2, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to reform the federal government’s workers’ compensation program.

The elephant in the room

One or two misleading editorials about the Postal Service's financial situation might simply be chalked up to a bad day or a steep learning curve, but the editorial page of The Washington Post has used up its quota of excuses several times over.

Incendiary packages

Three recent incidents involving incendiary packages mailed to officials in Washington, DC, and Maryland have the Postal Service reminding its employees to remain vigilant against threats from suspicious parcels and letters.

The Washington Post gets the postal crisis wrong again

This morning’s Washington Post has done it again. For the fourth time this year, they have offered an editorial on the Postal Service’s financial problems that is remarkable in its ability to get even the most basic facts wrong.

The NALC responds to a USPS press release regarding its contract negotiations with two unions

A press release put out Sunday by the United States Postal Service is full of spin and distortions aimed at influencing public opinion.

The NALC responds to recent media attacks

In September, the nation’s postal workers were subjected to some misleading attacks in the news media

Postal Service financial report released

On November 12, the U.S. Postal Service released a report that stated it had lost a staggering $8.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2010, which ended September 30.

NALC honors its 2010 National Heroes of the Year

Several letter carriers were recognized for their heroism and community service at a special event Oct. 7 in Washington.

USPS pays another $5.5 billion for future retiree health

On Sept. 29, Congress adopted a "continuing resolution" (CR) that will fund the federal government through early December.

PRC rejects exigent rate increase, punts financial crisis to Congress

The Postal Regulatory Commission on Sept. 30 rejected the Service’s request for a 5.6 percent “exigent” rate increase.

GOP hostility kills prefunding legislation, aided and abetted by misguided USPS priorities

Senate Republicans unanimously blocked a proposal from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to provide a $4 billion reduction in the $5.5 billion retiree health payment under the grossly unfair pre-funding provision mandated by Congress in 2006.

Settlement reached on medical records

The NALC has entered into a settlement agreement with the Postal Service and the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) that imposes significant new restrictions on OIG agents and postal inspectors.

Statement of NALC President Fred Rolando on the GAO Report

The Government Accountability Office was directed by Congress in 2006 to produce a report by December 2011. Congress outlined, in detail, what it ordered GAO to do, and how to do it. GAO ignored Congress.

RESEARCH BLOG: August was another good month for the Postal Service

The Postal Service had a $266 million operating profit in August.

Memorandum of Understanding—Reversion to Part-time Flexible Status

On July 2, 2014, the parties agreed to MOU Re: Article 12 – Reversion to Part-time Flexible Status (M-01839).

NALC, USPS settle national-level maximization case

The NALC and the Postal Service have settled national level case Q06N-4Q-C 10151541 concerning whether the maximization provision of Article 7.3.C apply to time spent by a PTF working on an unoccupied assignment.

MOU on CCAs being temporarily assigned to other post offices

NALC and USPS have agreed on a memorandum of understanding, Re: City Carrier Assistants – Temporary Assignments to Other Post Offices, that defines the process for temporarily assigning city carrier assistants (CCAs) to other post offices.

National level case on Voluntary Early Retirement counseling settled

NALC and USPS have agreed to a national-level settlement on whether USPS is required to provide individual retirement counseling prior to a Voluntary Early Retirement decision irrevocability date when counseling is requested by a VER-eligible carrier.

NALC resolves four more national disputes

NALC resolved disputes involving hiring transitional employees, suspension of posting and bidding during data migration, electronic PS Form 1769/301, and questions used in the automated Interactive Voice Response system.

Two national-level disputes involving FMLA settled

The NALC and the USPS have agreed on two national-level settlements regarding FMLA and the use of NALC FMLA forms.

National level case on Reverse Pay Anomaly Grievance settled

The NALC and the USPS have agreed to a national-level settlement on an interpretive dispute regarding a letter carrier who was promoted to Grade 2 from Grade 1, subsequently returned to Grade 1, and had his step increase delayed by 48 weeks.

National Interpretive Dispute Filed: Q06N-4Q-C 11111196

On March 7, 2011, the National Association of Letter Carriers declared that a regular panel arbitration case raised interpretive issues and appealed the matter to the national level pursuant to Article 15, Section 2 of the National Agreement.

National level case on management reverting vacant full-time letter carrier assignments without current route inspection data resolved

The NALC and the USPS have reached agreement on a national level settlement on an interpretive dispute regarding whether a vacant full-time letter carrier assignment may be reverted without current route inspection data.

Interpretive step grievance on scanning Delivery Unit Saturation Mail resolved

NALC and USPS have resolved a grievance at the Interpretive Step involving the scanning process used for Delivery Unit Saturation Mail.

‘Window of operations’

In an ongoing effort to provide tools to combat contract violations, the Contract Administration Unit has scanned and posted regional arbitration decisions that support the union position concerning Article 8 violations and Window of Operation (WOO).

National Interpretive Dispute Filed re: Article 12, Excess Employees Reassigned to the Letter Carrier Craft

On October 1, 2009, the National Association of Letter Carriers filed a National Level Interpretive Dispute with the Postal Service pursuant to Article 15, Section 3.F of the National Agreement.

VER Dispute Appealed to National Arbitration

On October 23, 2009, the National Association of Letter Carriers appealed to National Arbitration the unresolved dispute involving aspects of the 2009 Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) made available to letter carriers.

National arbitration decision

National Arbitrator Shyam Das, in an Award issued March 20, 2009, sustained NALC's challenge to certain changes to ELM Section 546 proposed by the Postal Service in March 2007.

NALC, USPS settle national-level relocation case

The NALC and the Postal Service have settled national level case Q06N-4Q-C 12217402 concerning the creation of Handbook F-15-C, Relocation Policy – Bargaining Employees.

Six-day mail clears major hurdle

The full House of Representatives voted Wednesday to preserve six-day mail delivery appropriations language by passing H.R. 5016, the Fiscal Year 2015 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill.

2015 Leadership Academy

The application period for the 2015 Leadership Academy has begun. Any active NALC member may apply.

Distribution of campaign literature by e-mail

NALC has arranged for its long-time election contractor, Peake-DeLancey, to handle requests by candidates for national office in the 2014 NALC election to distribute campaign literature by e-mail.

Staples/USPS plan: Bad for customers, employees

The NALC’s Executive Council has voted to endorse the boycott of the Staples office supplies chain.

Management Instruction Providing Communication Accommodations to Employees and Applicants Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

This management instruction (MI) establishes the guidelines for implementing Postal Service policies and processes for providing certain types of reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Memorandum of understanding on city carrier assistant staffing extended

The parties agreed on the MOU Re: Sunday Delivery – City Carrier Assistant Staffing (M-01835).

Memorandum of understanding on signing overtime lists extended

The parties agreed on an MOU Re: Signing Overtime Lists (M-01836)

List of vacancies available for transfer under M-01834

The current list of city letter carrier positions available for transfer under the provisions of M-01834.

Retirement savings plan for CCAs

CCAs now have access to a plan designed specifically to help them save money for retirement.