** Application DEADLINE EXTENDED to September 7, 2010 **

The Local Union Council and members of Local 300 of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union are proud to announce the annual competition for the Bernard Holloway, John A. Orchard, Edward J. Miller, Wally Merwin, and Aaron Preston Memorial Scholarship Awards.

We will be awarding five (5) $1,000 scholarships for study at an accredited college, university, or trade school. The scholarships are available for children, grandchildren, and legal wards of our regular members.

Completed applications must be received at Local 300 headquarters by September 7, 2010. 

Applications can be obtained from your Local 300 Shop Stewards, by clicking here or by contacting Treasurer Kevin Tabarus at Local 300 HQ (212) 431-0040. For more info, click here

There shall be another $0 Cost Of Living Adjustment for Mail Handlers in September. The CPI-W in July 2011 was only 637.138 For the Mail Handler craft to receive a monetary COLA, the July 2008 CPI-W of 644.303 must be exceeded. The chart indicates a recent steady climb in the CPI-W. The next COLA will be paid in March (if the CPI is over 644.303). For more info, click here.

This year over 450 members and guest attended this social event. Everyone had a wonderful time. Local 300 was proud to subsidize this social activity for members and their families. A TV was raffled by the Mail Handlers Health Benefit Plan. The TV was won by Morgan (NYC Branch) Mail Handler Donna Little. Click here for photos.

Have you noticed something in your eOPF, that doesn't belong? Such as expired discipline? There is a form that can be used to amend your eOPF, PS Form 8043 - Request to Amend Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). The form should be fully completed and sent to your district Labor Relations Manager. If your request to amend your eOPF is based on a settlement, it would be a good idea to include a copy of the settlement.

Local 300 presented an OWCP/NRP Training Program given by Zev Sapir, the District Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s OWCP Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation.  The comprehensive training focused on the OWCP procedure and the OWCP’s role in the Postal Service’s National Reassessment Process (NRP).  The program was arranged by Connecticut State Executive Board Member Tom Ruther.  The training was held on July 28, 2010 at Local 300 Headquarters.

The following representatives participated in the program: Paul Hogrogian - Local President, Robert Blum - Vice President, Kevin Tabarus - Treasurer, Linda Yancey - Recording Secretary, Charles Price - NJ State Executive Board Member, Thomas Ruther - CT State Executive Board Member, Andre Spence - Bronx, Steven Schiff - Westchester, Robert Lussos - Mid Island, Alfred Lombardi - Teterboro, Wilfredo Delgado - NYC, Yvette Johnson - Brooklyn, Trevor Stuart - Flushing, George Cuff - NY L&DC, Peter Bilotta - Western Nassau, Brian Odums - West Jersey, Stan Howard - ISC-JFK, James Perkins - Mid Hudson, Thomas Mullahey - NJI & BMC, Ray Bermudez - DVD, Thomas Hynes - Kilmer, Megan Ford - Carteret, Don Utz - Stamford, Vinny Sapone - Staten Island, Lucy Lombardo - ISC-JFK, Robert Cappuccio - Mid Island. Click here for photos.

Information on the Office of Workers Compensation Program (OWCP), claims for job related illnesses and injuries can be found on the 'Resources' page.

The best way to ruin the Postal Service, is to take away part of the Service. That is exactly what 5 day delivery would do. What management forgets often, is that the Postal Service is a SERVICE for the American people. It is not the United States Postal Business. We should all strive to "keep the Service, in the Postal Service.'

The Postal Rate Commission (PRC) is seeking public comments regarding 5 day delivery. The Postal Service is proposing to stop delivery of mail on Saturdays. Many members of Congress are opposed to 5 day mail delivery. This is evident by the amount of co-sponsors to House Resolution 173. Although it is not a bill, it does show that we have the support of Congress. It would take an act of Congress for mail delivery to change to only 5 days a week. Please Click HERE for more.

The PRC will begin hearings on July 12th. The PRC recommendation is expected to be made in October.

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) submitted to Congress, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the United States Postal Service, an independent report on the allocation of the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) benefits paid to former Post Office Department employees.

The Postal Service asked for an independent review of current allocations. The Commission report finds that an adjustment of $50-$55 billion in favor of the Postal Service would be equitable. To view the complete report, click here.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the USPS recently produced a report on their review of the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) by the Postal Service. The report reviewed the $75 billon CSRS Overpayment by the USPS in fiscal years 1972 to 2009. The report concluded that the return of the overpayment would fully fund the pension and health retiree plans. In addition, the Postal Services more than $7 billion annual payments for prefunding of retiree health care payments, "...would no longer be needed..." To read the full report, click here.

Local 300 attended a special event for Brooklyn Congressman Edolphus Towns (D - 10th district) on June 3rd. Several political leaders and dignitaries were also in attendance. Representing the NPMHU was Local 300 VP Bobby Blum and Brooklyn Branch President Yvette Johnson.

On June 29, 2010 the Monmouth Branch of Local 300 held their General Membership Meeting in Tinton Falls. Issues directly affecting the installation were discussed. Currently, the branch is still in the process of an excessing event. The members were updated on other issues affecting the NPMHU in Local 300, as well as on a national level. For photos click here.

Recently, Postal Management notified Local 300 that the Area Mail Processing Study for West Jersey P&DC & the Kilmer P&DC was approved. Mail from West Jersey will be sent to Kilmer and Teterboro, causing the closure of West Jersey P&DC. Mail from Kilmer will be sent to DVD and Trenton. The effective dates shall be early 2011. More information to be provided as it develops.

Did you know there is an electronic version of your USPS Earnings Statement (pay stub) available on http://liteblue.usps.gov/ ePayroll provides an electronic detailed version of your USPS Earnings Statement. For more information click here. To access your information click on: http://liteblue.usps.gov/

Information has been added for the different Branches and Stations of Local 300. By clicking on the tab for "Branches" located on the left side of the webpage, you will be directed to a listing for the branches of Local 300. Then click on the branch name for; Local Agreements, Minutes from Labor-Management Meetings, and general information about the branch. More information shall be updated in the future.

Local 300 has created a Task Force to address the National Reassessment Process. The NRP Task Force is chaired by Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian. Members also include Branch Presidents; Stan Howard - ISC/JFK, Tom Mullahey - NJI/BMC (NJNDC), and Willie Delgado - NYC. The Task Force will be meeting on a frequent basis at Local 300 Headquarters.

Making a Military Service Deposit may allow you credit under both Social Security and CSRS/FERS. For info, click here.

The USPS and the Inspection Service are conducting "random" searches at employee entrances at various postal installations throughout our area. The following information can be found on USPS Poster 7, which should be posted in all facilities.

Purses, briefcases, and other containers brought into, while on, or being removed from the property are subject to inspection.

Vehicles and their contents brought into, while on, or being removed from restricted nonpublic areas are subject to inspection. Persons entering these areas who object and refuse to consent to the inspection of the vehicle, its contents, or both, may be denied entry. After entering the area without objection, consent to inspection shall be implied. A full search of the person and the vehicle driven or occupied by that person may accompany an arrest.

For more information, click here to view USPS Poster 7 Conduct on Postal Property

On April 28th the New York City Branch of Local 300 held their Branch Membership meeting. Many members attended this informative meeting. Several issues affecting the installation were discussed, as well as issues impacting the local area. Click here for photos.

The members of the Stamford Branch gathered together on April 24th for their General Membership Meeting. Many issues directly affecting the installation, the Local 300 area, and nationally were discussed. There was ample time for open discussion. Click here for photos.

The Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, held their annual Congressional Night. In attendance were Congressional Representatives; Gary Ackerman, Carolyn McCarthy, Steve, Israel, and Steve Bishop. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand were unable to attend in person, but they were able to call in to address the delegation. Click here for photos.

Archives

Legislation on Capitol Hill

The legislation below contains important issues that affect you. Click on the bill number for more info, then be sure to enter your Zip Code to Take Action Now.

H. Res. 173 A House of Representative resolution to ensure continuation of 6 Day Mail Delivery

H.R. 22 To allow the United States Postal Service to pay its share of contributions for annuitants'' health benefits out of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund. S. 1507 A bill to amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to reform Postal Service retiree health benefits funding, and for other purposes.

H.R. 658 "Access to Postal Services Act" To amend title 39, United States Code, to modify the procedures governing the closure or consolidation of postal facilities.

H.R.2161 To nullify certain regulations promulgated under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and restore prior regulations and to direct the Secretary of Labor to revise certain additional regulations under that Act.

H.R. 1409 / S.560 "The Free Choice Act" To establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations.

H.R.1604 "Vote by Mail" To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to allow all eligible voters to vote by mail in Federal elections.

H.R. 1686 "The Mail Network Protection Act" To provide for the protection and integrity of the United States mail.

H.R. 1203 / S.491 To allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis.

H.R. 253 / S.484 To repeal the Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions.

H.R.1804 To make modifications in the Thrift Savings Plan, the Civil Service Retirement System, and the Federal Employees Retirement System

FSS Jobs to Mail Handlers

The primary duties for work assignments on the new Flat Sorter Sequencing Systems (FSS) has been awarded to the Mail Handler craft. Clerks will be assigned to the duties on the FSS for the feed station of the Automatic Induction. Click here for the FSS Craft Jurisdiction Letter.

FMLA - New Changes

The Department of Labor issued changes to the regulations for the administration and application of leave protected by the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. The new regulations address new military leave entitlements and several other procedures for requesting FMLA protected leave. The Postal Service is required to notify employees if their FMLA certifications are incomplete or insufficient and give them the opportunity to correct the certification. A Physician's Assistant is considered a Health Care Provider and may complete a FMLA Certification. The DOL has issued a new poster for "Employee Rights and Responsibilities Under the Family & Medical Leave Act" form WH-1420. Publication 71 has been replaced by the revised form WH-381 "Notice of Eligibility and Rights & Responsibilities (FMLA)". The form WH-380 has been replaced by the WH-380-E "Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee's Serious Health Condition" or the WH-380-F "Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member's Serious Health Condition". Also, most FMLA response letters from management's FMLA Coordinators will be replaced by the new WH-382 "Designation Notice". To view these forms, click on the form name above, or go the "Resources" page for all of the new revised FMLA forms.

For a summary of the changes to the FMLA, click here for the memo from the national office.

Local 300 Merchandise

Local 300 Merchandise is available for purchase at cost. Click here

Local 300 Scholarship

The Local Union Council and members of Local 300 of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union are proud to announce the annual competition for the Bernard Holloway, John A. Orchard, Edward J. Miller, Wally Merwin, and Aaron Preston Memorial Scholarship Awards.

We will be awarding five (5) $1,000 scholarships for study at an accredited college, university, or trade school. The scholarships are available for children, grandchildren, and legal wards of our regular members.

Completed applications must be received at Local 300 headquarters by August 23, 2010. 

Applications can be obtained from your Local 300 Shop Stewards, by clicking here or by contacting Treasurer Kevin Tabarus at Local 300 HQ (212) 431-0040. For more info, click here

Website Redesign

The local webpage is currently under re-construction. Please bear with us as we transform our website into one of the most informative, in the country. If you have any suggestions, please email kevin.tabarus@local300npmhu.org