News & information

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.

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.

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.

Notice to prospective candidates in the 2018 NALC election

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

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

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.

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.

CCA back pay update

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

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.

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.

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.

Recent presidential tweet storm

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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: 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.

Back pay update

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

NALC challenges change to promotion pay provisions

NALC has filed a national class-action grievance on USPS’s proposed revisions to the Employee and Labor Relations Manual and has appealed it to arbitration.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NALC responds to Hurricane Harvey (updated)

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

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.

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.

Agreement reached on implementing new Article 8 provisions

NALC and USPS have agreed on a new memorandum of understanding.

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?

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.

Reminder for Branch Officers’ Training attendees

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

POSTAL FACTS: May 5, 2017

NALC President Rolando in IA’s Times-Republican.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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: March 15, 2017 (updated)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: Feb. 6, 2017

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

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: 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.

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

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.

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.

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. 13, 2017

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

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

2016 Penalty Overtime Exclusion period

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

2017 Branch Officers Training sessions—update

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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

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.

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.

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.

NALC EVP O’Malley retires

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

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.

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.”

National-level arbitration case decided on ‘Work and Time Standards Video Recording’

In an award dated Aug. 9, National Arbitrator Dennis Nolan ruled that the “Postal Service is directed to comply with Article 34 when conducting time or work studies designed for use in collective bargaining or interest arbitration.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

POSTAL FACTS: May 31, 2016

NALC President Rolando in New Hampshire’s Keene Sentinel

Rolando testifies before House committee (UPDATED)

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

NALC City Carrier Assistant Resource Guide now available online

The 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.

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.

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.

Three MOUs renewed

The NALC and USPS have agreed to renew three MOUs: Re: Full-time Regular Opportunities – City Letter Carrier Craft, Re: Sunday Delivery – City Carrier Assistant Staffing, and Re: Signing Overtime Lists.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

NALC, USPS agree to revise PS Form 8190

NALC and USPS have agreed to revise PS Form 8190 to update the instructions section on Page 2 to reflect the language from the first paragraph on page 15-4 of the July 2014 NALC-USPS Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM).

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.

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.

PS Form 8190 revised

The national parties have agreed to revise only the instructions page of PS Form 8190 to reflect a change.

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.

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 ‘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.

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 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.

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.)

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

Former Reg. 11 NBA Massaroni has died

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

National-level arbitration case decided on the 440 hour annual leave carryover rules

A national arbitrator has rejected USPS’ attempt to set a nationwide limit on the remedial authority of regular panel arbitrators based on the 440 hour annual leave carryover limit set forth in the ELM.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

NALC, USPS settle two national-level cases

Cases settled concerned the rules when employees are excessed into the letter carrier craft outside of their original installation, and the effective date that coverage begins after selecting a health benefit plan following conversion to career status.

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.

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.

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.

Update on cyber attacks

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

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

Parties release joint summary overview of FMLA

The national parties have reached agreement on a jointly-developed summary overview of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 concerning revisions to the ELM resolved

NALC and USPS have settled a national-level case concerning revisions to the ELM regarding payment and employee disputes for uniform purchases.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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: 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

Two national-level arbitration cases decided

Newly converted CCAs are “new employees” who, under ELM, must complete 90 days of service before they may take or be credited with annual leave; M-39 Handbook Sec. 126.3 does not “directly relate to wages, hours, and working conditions” under Article 19.

Rural Postal Act introduced in Senate

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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: 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 President Fredric Rolando's statement on USPS quarterly report

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

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.

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: 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).

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.

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.

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.

Memorandums renewed, modified

The NALC and USPS have agreed to renew three MOUs: Re: Full-time Regular Opportunities – City Letter Carrier Craft, Re: Sunday Delivery – City Carrier Assistant Staffing, and Re: Signing Overtime Lists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cost of living adjustment (COLA) news

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published its Consumer Price Index update for January 2015.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cost-of-living adjustment update

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

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.

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.

More congressional committee assignments announced (updated)

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

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.

Door delivery resolution reintroduced in House

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

2014 penalty overtime exclusion set

The 2014 penalty overtime exclusion period begins Pay Period 26-14, Week 2, and ends Pay Period 02-15, Week 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Postal Service profitability has clearly turned the corner.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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).

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

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.

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.

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).”

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: 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ECONOMICS BLOG: Comment on closures, relocations

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

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.

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.

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.”

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. 10, 2014

Issa’s replacement; delayed newspapers; happy letter carriers

TODAY'S TOPICS: Oct. 9, 2014

Board of Governors nominee; employment news; expanding organizing

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

Another new report advocates increasing the minimum wage.

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.

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.

NALC and USPS agree to new joint route adjustment process

The NALC and USPS have agreed upon a new joint route adjustment process called City Delivery Route Alternative Adjustment Process (CDRAAP) for 2014 and 2015.

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.

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.

NALC Legislative Update: Sept. 12, 2014

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Application deadline for 2015 Leadership Academy approaching

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

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 Legislative Update: June 6, 2014

Highway Trust Fund update; Appropriations update

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

USPS announces new scanning device

The Postal Service has announced the deployment of a new Mobile Delivery Device (MDD) to be used by letter carriers.

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.

NALC and USPS agree to new joint route adjustment process

The NALC and USPS have agreed upon a new joint route adjustment process called City Delivery Route Alternative Adjustment Process (CDRAAP) for 2014 and 2015.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MOU on bidding during probationary period

NALC and USPS have entered into the Memorandum of Understanding Re: Article 12.1 – Probationary Period – Bidding.

USPS-NALC Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM) now available online

The NALC is pleased to announce that the 2014 JCAM is now available online.

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.

Staples/USPS plan: Bad for customers, employees

The NALC’s Executive Council has voted to endorse the boycott of the Staples office supplies chain.

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.

USPS announces new scanning device

The Postal Service has announced the deployment of a new Mobile Delivery Device (MDD) to be used by letter carriers.

Retirement savings plan for CCAs

CCAs now have access to a plan designed specifically to help them save money for retirement.

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).

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.

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.

2015 Leadership Academy

The application period for the 2015 Leadership Academy has begun. Any active NALC member may apply.

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.

New memorandum of understanding on filling full-time regular opportunities

NALC and the USPS have agreed on the MOU Re: Full-time Regular Opportunities – City Letter Carrier Craft (M-01834), which extends M-01824 through May 31, 2014 and incorporates changes to the process for filling full-time regular opportunities.

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)

Questions and Answers—2011 USPS/NALC National Agreement

This jointly-developed document (M-01833) provides the updated mutual understanding of the national parties on issues related to 2011-2016 NALC-USPS National Agreement.

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.

M-01831 settles interpretive dispute regarding application of MOU Re: FSS Implementation (M-01643)

The NALC and USPS have settled the interpretive dispute regarding the application of the MOU Re: FSS Implementation (M-01643).

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

‘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).

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 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.

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.

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.