Representing the NY Metro Area of NY, NJ, & CT - The NPMHU's best and
largest local in the country
Tour Consolidations
/
2 Tour Initiative
On October 30, 2008 New
York Metro Area (NYMA) Vice President Steve Forte met with representatives of
Local 300 and the APWU to discuss the current situation in the NYMA and plans to
consolidate certain mail processing operations in installations throughout the
Area. NYMA Manager of Human Resources Alice Newman and Manager of Labor
Relations Gary Johnston also attended the meeting. Local 300 was represented by
President Paul Hogrogian and Treasurer Kevin Tabarus. For more, click here.
Constitutions & Leave Charts
Constitutions that were updated at the 2008 NPMHU National Convention are
available. In addition, Local 300 Leave Charts for 2009 are also available. Both
have been sent to your Branch Union office. If you have not received yours, see
your steward or contact Local 300 Headquarters. Local 300 Leave Chart for 2009
is also available by clicking here.
Local 300 Newsletter
The latest issue of the Local 300 Mail Handler news was mailed to all
members. If you don't receive your copy, contact Local 300 at 212-431-0040 to
update your mailing address. It contains information regarding the status of the
Local since our last issue, as well as information on the issues affecting us on
the national level.
Local 300 Newsletter - FALL 2008.pdf
Keep the Postal Monopoly in Place
Associated Press Report
The Postal Rate Commission urged Congress to keep an eye on postal finances,
which have been suffering in the current economic climate, in case changes
become necessary. For the complete article,
click here.
Election Results Could Mean Change for the USPS
We have witnessed history. A Democratic electoral headwind swept
Sen. Barack Obama into the White House and significantly widened that party's
majorities in both chambers of Congress. As we look toward Inauguration Day and
the start-up of the 111th Congress, here’s what an Obama White House and a
larger Democratic majority in Congress could mean for the Postal Service, its
workforce and retirees. For more from NAPS Legislative Update,
click here.
Layoffs Not True!!!
From USPS - National Media Relations Dept:
40,000 Layoffs at the Postal Service – NOT TRUE
A news story currently in wide circulation is reporting
that the Postal Service will soon layoff 40,000 employees. This story is
not accurate. Originating out of Shreveport, LA, the story does quote a
Postal Service spokesperson. Unfortunately, that spokesperson was in
error. The Postal Service is not laying off employees. Efforts to match
our workforce to a reduced workload are focused on voluntary early
retirements. Voluntary early retirement has been offered to a number of
employees and to date, 3,685 employees have accepted the offer.
Open Season Extended
To ensure employees have an adequate time to evaluate any
changes, OPM is accepting belated FEHB changes through January 2009. In addition, because
a change in FEHB enrollment may affect decisions regarding enrollment in the
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and the Federal
Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS), employees may continue to make
enrollment choices for these programs through January, using the Open Season
websites and call centers.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) taking this action in
response to concerns over a change in coverage in the Blue Cross Blue Shield
out-of-network reimbursement that would have established a $7,500 co-pay for
out-of-network surgeries.
Belated FEHB changes will take effect the first day of the pay
period that starts on or after January 1, 2009, regardless of the date the
belated election is made.
Belated FEDVIP changes will take effect January 1, 2009.
Belated FSAFEDS changes will take effect on January 1, 2009, or
the day after the change is received, whichever is later.
The Postal Service has issued a DRAFT REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS, to Outsource the Mail Handler work currently being
performed at the BMCs. Local 300 has a large BMC in Jersey City, NJ employing
over 900 Mail Handlers.
Now it is the time for the 6,200 members of Local 300 to get POLITICALLY
ACTIVE. We have to mobilize and let our elected representatives on Capitol Hill
know how we feel. Let members of Congress know that you do not want to see
the Outsourcing of US Mail & work at the BMCs, click
here for the Letters to Congress.
The National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the American Postal Workers
Union held a Press Conference outside the NJI-BMC in Jersey City, NJ. Local
Political Leaders were also in attendance to show their support; NJ
Congressman Albio Sires (D-13th Dist.), Congressman Payne (D-10th Dist.), Jersey
City Mayor Healy. For more on the press conference, including photos & video,
click here.
National Arbitrator Dennis Nolan’s just-released decision in a dispute about
certain FMLA Form Letters that the Postal Service has been using.
Click here
for more.
On October 25th the NYC Branch of Local 300 held their branch meeting. The
issues were discussed affecting the Mail Handlers of the branch and the Local
300 area. For photos of the meeting,
click here.
Voluntary Early Retirement (VERA)
The Postal Service has released details of the voluntary early retirement (VER)
offer recently authorized by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for USPS
employees in clerk, Mail Handler, supervisor of distribution operations and
supervisor of customer services positions. This offer is open to employees in
those positions who meet the OPM conditions, and who are at least 50 years of
age with 20 years of creditable federal service or any age with 25 years of
creditable federal service.
On October 25th the NY L&DC Branch of Local 300 held their branch meeting. The
issues were discussed affecting the Mail Handlers of the branch and the Local
300 area. For photos of the meeting,
click here.
Breast Cancer Walk - Brooklyn
Several members from Local 300 participated in the "Making Strides Walk" to
bring awareness to
Breast Cancer" on 10/19/08. For photos
click here.
Stamford Branch Meeting
On
October 19th the Stamford Branch of Local 300 held their membership meeting in
Westport, CT. This meeting was also to recognize the retirement of
Gordon Ross, Darrell Dunn, and Juan Aponte. National
President John Hegarty was in attendance to discuss many of the issues affecting
the craft on the national level. Local President Paul Hogrogian discussed many
of the current issues across the local area. Congressman Christopher Shays also
attended the event. For photos of the event,
click here.
Kilmer Branch Meeting
On October 4, 2008 the Kilmer Branch of Local 300 conducted their membership
meeting. Branch President Thomas Hynes, Vice President Bobby Blum & Local
President Paul Hogrogian discussed many of the current issues affecting the Mail
Handlers of the branch and the Local 300 area. For photos of the meeting,
click here.
The Day After Christmas
December 26, 2008 is a regular work day for Postal Employees, but not for
federal employees. For more,
click here
Tour
Consolidations???
There have been many rumors circulating many facilities regarding consolidation
of tours. Local 300 has requested a meeting with management in New York Metro
Area. We will keep you informed of our findings. The meeting has been
scheduled for 10/30/08.
COLA AT
$1,477
The fourth of ten guaranteed cost-of-living adjustments to be paid to all
mail handlers under the 2006 National Agreement has been set at $1,477, based on
changes in the National Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical
Workers (CPI-W) for the period running from January 2008 through July 2008.
This is the largest COLA in the history of collective bargaining with the Postal
Service, and reflects recent increases in the cost of energy and food. This
COLA is being added to wages effective August 30, 2008, and will be reflected in
paychecks on September 19, 2008. The COLA of $1,477 represents an increase of
71 cents per hour.
FOR THE NEW PAYSCALE, click here.
HATCH ACT - Guidelines
For an overview of the Hatch Act, regarding Political
Activity for Postal Employees ON & OFF the job,
click here.
Westchester Branch Meeting
On September 13, 2008 the Westchester Branch of Local 300 held their general
membership meeting. Branch President Steve Schiff & Local President Paul
Hogrogian discussed many of the current issues affecting the Mail Handlers of
the branch. For photos of the meeting,
click here.
NJI/BMC Branch Meeting
On
September 9, 2008 the NJI/BMC Branch of Local 300 held their general membership meeting. Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian
and NJI/BMC Branch President Tommy Mullahey
discussed many of the current and impending issues that affect the Mail
Handler's of the Branch including the "093 - Military Mail Settlement." There was ample time for open discussion
for the membership. For photos of the meeting, click here.
LABOR DAY PARADE
Members from Local 300 and their families marched up FIFTH AVE
to honor the working men
and women who have built this country. This was one of the largest turnouts for
Local 300 in the NYC-CLC Labor Day Parade. The marchers all showed their
solidarity. For photos of the parade, click here.
2008 NPMHU
National Convention
Local
300 was represented by 41 delegates at the 2008 NPMHU National Convention. Local
300 could not have been represented by a better group of delegates. Elected
delegates from across the country unified in Orlando, Florida and 'got down
to business.' For detailed Convention information
click here. The convention proceedings were very productive and informative.
Reports were provided by the National Officers regarding the status of the
organization & Mail Handler craft. Delegates voted on changes to the
National & Local Constitutions, Resolutions, etc. A resolution that was
passed called for the creation of a Bulk Mail Center Task Force
[Click here to read], which will meet to coordinate the Union’s efforts to
fight any attempts to subcontract or otherwise privatize the mail processing
currently being performed at the BMCs. Several National Officers
were re-elected by acclimation including; John Hegarty - Nat'l President, Mark Gardner -
Nat'l Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Hogrogian NE Regional Vice President. The NPMHU
endorsed Senator Barack Obama in his candidacy for President of the United
States. On the sixth and final day,
the delegates voted on the site of the next NPMHU National Convention in 2012.
This will be a special convention since it will be a celebration of the Union's
100 year anniversary. Several sites were discussed. The final vote selected
Portland, Oregon as the official site of the 2008 NPMHU National Convention. For
photos from the convention, click
here.
National President Hegarty Testifies
National President John
Hegarty appeared before the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal
Service, and the District of Columbia on July 24, 2008, to provide the views of
the NPMHU on the recently-issued USPS Network Realignment Plan. He discussed
several issues such as: The New Network Plan, Draft Request for Proposals to
Outsource work done at BMCs, VERA, etc.
For more info, click
here.
Revised Network Plan
The Postal Service has recently announced their new REVISED NETWORK PLAN. The
USPS is required by the new Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006,
to submit their planned long-term changes to Congress. The Network Plan outlines
some of the long-term changes that the Postal Service is planning for its mail
processing, transportation, and retail networks, as well as the Postal Service’s
plans for its physical infrastructure and workforce. Although none of these
plans are final, and many are subject to collective bargaining and other
restrictions, this version of the Network Plan deserves the attention of every
mail handler concerned about the future of the Postal Service and its employees.
For more info
click here.
The Local Union Council and members of Local 300
of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union are proud to announce the winners of
the annual competition for the Bernard Holloway, John A. Orchard, Edward J.
Miller, Wally Merwin, and Aaron Preston Memorial Scholarship Awards. Once again we have awarded
four $1,000 scholarships for study at an accredited college, university, or
trade school.
DANIEL MICELI
– Son of Pete Miceli of the NY L&DC Branch in Bethpage, NY.
Daniel is attending PENN STATE UNIVERSITY and his major field of study is
Information Sciences & Technology
ARIEL SAULNIER- Daughter of
Wayne Saulnier of the Mid Hudson Branch in Newburgh, NY. Ariel is
attending Mount Saint Mary College and
her major field of study is Medical Technology
CLARA SUSVILLA- Daughter of
Gerardo Susvilla Jr. of the Bronx Branch. Clara is attending the
College of the Holy Cross and her major
field of study is Psychology
YI CAI (ISAAC) TONG
- Son of Min Liang Tong of the Westchester Branch. Isaac is
attending Dartmouth Medical School and
his major field of study is Medicine
Local 300 Women's Caucus Newsletter
The
latest Women's Caucus newsletter
The Convention Issueis being circulated
throughout Local 300. This newsletter gives the highlights of the convention
and an opportunity for members to read some of what we transpired at the2008
NPMHU National Convention.
Military Mail
"093" Settlement
The Postal Service has agreed to pay $900,000 to
the affected Mail Handlers at the NJI/BMC Branch for the subcontracting of the
Military Mail "093 Grievances". The settlement shall be paid in two
installments.
Brooklyn Branch Meeting
On August 1, 2008 the Brooklyn Branch of Local 300 held a Steward's &
Membership Meeting. Numerous issues were discussed and addressed by Branch
President Yvette Johnson. Also in attendance was Local Treasurer Kevin Tabarus
and many of the Chief Stewards, Stewards, and members.
FERS
Sick Leave Credit Bill
On July 30th the House of Representatives passed a bill supported by the
National Postal Mail Handlers Union that would credit prospective Federal
Employee Retirement System (FERS) retirees for accumulated sick leave.
Currently, employees under FERS are in a “use it, or lose it” vice.
The legislation (HR 1108) has the following formula that would kick in upon
retirement: any FERS employee who retires within three years after the bill is
signed into law by the President would receive credit at retirement for ¾ of
their accumulated unused sick leave. If the employee retirees after the three
year window, full credit for 100% of unused sick leave would be granted. The
credit cannot be used for retirement eligibility. The bill would be prospective
and not affect persons who retire before it is signed into law.
This legislation would put FERS employees on a par with Civil Service
Retirement System Employees. Read More
Draft Proposal Outsource BMC Parcels
The Postal Service issued a draft request for proposals (draft RFP)
concerning a Time-Definite Surface Network, which is another step toward
outsourcing some of the work (the processing and transportation of parcels and
standard mail) now being performed at the 21 Bulk Mail Centers.
Note: The Office of Inspector General (O.I.G.) has reported that the
Postal Service's hiring of contract employees is deficient. Especially with
regard to background checks and reporting prior arrests and convictions for
these non-career contract employees. To review the O.I.G. Report,
click here.
Local 300 Newsletter - Summer Issue
The latest issue of the Local 300 Mail Handler news was mailed to all
members. If you don't receive your copy, contact Local 300 at 212-431-0040 to
update your mailing address. It contains information regarding the status of the
Local since our last issue, as well as information on the issues affecting us on
the national level. You can
view the Summer 2008 issue here.
The new Flat Sequencing System (FSS) is the next generation of Flat Sorter
machine. Two locations within Local 300 are on the deployment schedule for 2009
(NJI/BMC & Mid Island P&DC). For an informational handbook, click
here. For a FSS YouTube
Video, click here.
Staten Island Branch Meeting
On
July 26, 2008 the Staten Island Branch held their membership meeting. Several
agenda items were discussed by the members of the Local 300 Executive Board
(Paul Hogrogian - President, Bobby Blum - Vice President, Kevin Tabarus -
Treasurer) & Chief Steward Vinny Sapone.
At the Staten Island Branch,
numerous safety grievances were submitted to management regarding the scissor
lifts that are currently being used at the facility. Grievances were submitted
to management to replace these scissor lifts due to a safety concern to our Mail
Handlers who currently work on the platform. Local 300 at the
Staten Island facility, had a major victory
regarding the replacement of the scissor lifts. The scissor lifts were replaced
with a much safer equipment for our Mail Handlers to load & off load mail
arriving to our facility. Good work and thanks to: the members & stewards of the
Staten Island Branch of Local 300, for their
endless help and support in making this major victory happen.
NJI/BMC Branch Meeting
On May 14, 2008 the NJI/BMC Branch of Local 300 held their general membership meeting. Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian
and NJI/BMC Branch President Tommy Reid
discussed many of the current and impending issues that affect the Mail
Handler's of the Branch. Some of the items discussed: Military Mail, Originating
Standard "B" Mail, FSS deployment, etc. There was ample time for open discussion
for the membership. For photos of the event, click here. Also present were Vice
President Bobby Blum, Treasurer - Kevin Tabarus and many stewards from the
various tours. For photos of the meeting, click here.
Stamford Branch Membership Meeting
On April 26, 2008 the Stamford Branch of Local 300 held their general membership meeting
at the Westport VFW. Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian
discussed many of the ongoing national and local issues that affect the Mail
Handler craft. Stamford Branch President Don Utz discussed the issues and
grievance activity at the installation and other stations in
the area. Also present to discuss many important topics were Tom Ruther CTSEBM
& Kevin Tabarus Treasurer. There was ample time for open discussion for member's issues
to be addressed. Click here.
Proposes Changes to FMLA ???
This year marks the 15th anniversary of
the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which made it
possible for many workers to take unpaid job-protected time off
to care for their newborn children or sick relatives. But
instead of celebrating, workers' rights advocates and the Bush
administration are battling over what would be the most sweeping
revisions ever to the law. These and other proposed changes have
set off a fierce debate. More than 4,000 comments were submitted
to the Labor Department as of Friday, April 11.
Click here for an article on the FMLA Debate from the Washington
Post
The
Department of Labor proposed new regulations on Feb. 11 that
would require workers to provide more proof of their illness; to
present documentation more often; and to relinquish medical
information to non-medical personnel, broadening the rights of
employers to gather personal medical information and deny
employees coverage under the law.
Some of these new proposed regulations would weaken the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993.
The Judges of the Election have certified the results for the NPMHU LOCAL
300 ELECTION OF 40 DELEGATES TO THE 2008 NATIONAL NPMHU CONVENTION. Click
here for the election results...
COLA Increase
The Mail Handler craft is scheduled to
receive a COLA increase, (consistent with Article 9.3 of the 2006 National
Agreement). The COLA increase, has resulted in a $0.23 per hour increase in
salary, $479 annually. This increase shall be effective on March 15, 2008
(PP07/08) and will be reflected in paychecks dated April 4, 2008.
Click here for updated
pay chart.
The next COLA increase is scheduled for
September 2008.
OPM Proposes Disability Insurance
U.S. Office of Personnel Management submitted a proposal to both chambers of
Congress to establish a short-term disability insurance program to protect
federal employees who suffer an injury or illness which temporarily prevents
them from performing their normal job duties. To view the press release,
click here.
Do-Not-Mail Legislation Pending
There is pending legislation in 18 states for the creation of Do-Not-Mail
Lists. This is similar to the do-not-call lists. If enacted, this would reduce
catalogues and lower the volume of standard mail.
Click here for an article in the Washington Post.
Draft Bill - Pay FERS Retirees for Sick Leave
A draft bill that would compensate some retiring federal
employees for unused sick leave is getting sweetened. Retiring
employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System would
get up to $10,000 in compensation under the latest version of a
bill drafted by Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., the Federal Managers
Association said Monday. Moran’s previous draft bill had capped
that at $5,000. Moran spokesman Austin Durrer confirmed that the
latest draft of the bill contained the $10,000 provision, and
said that it likely will be introduced in February or March. For
more info, click here
Moran set
to propose FERS sick leave reimbursement
Rep. James Moran, D-Va., plans to introduce a
bill March 10 that would compensate more
retiring federal employees for a portion of
their unused sick leave.
Click Here
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan Announces New MHBP Value
Option Plan for 2008
The Mail Handlers Benefit Plan is offering a new PPO plan called the Value
Option, which is available to the four million federal employees and
retirees who are eligible for health benefits under the FEHBP.
The MHBP Value Option provides a new, more affordable alternative to FEHBP
health plans for members who are looking to lower their health plan premiums.
This plan offers the lowest premium of all national PPO plans available in FEHBP.
Sept. Newsletter from MHBP
For more info on the plans for 2008, check out www.mhbp.com
Local 300 Memorial 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, and Wally Merwin Memorial
Scholarship Awards.
Once again we will be awarding four individual $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.
All members are urged to read the “Requirements” for consideration and to urge
every eligible applicant (a regular union member’s child, grand-child, or legal
ward who meets the scholarship requirements) to apply.
FIVE in Local 300 - Highest injury
illness rates in OSHA Report
MONMOUTH P&DC
307 Industrial Way W
Eatontown
NJ
NY ISC/JFK
Building 250 at JFK Airport
Jamaica
NY
BROOKLYN P&DC
1050 Forbell St
Brooklyn
NY
MID-HUDSON P&DC
99 Enterprise Dr
Newburgh
NY
STATEN ISLAND P&DF
550 Manor Rd
Staten Island
NY
Fifty Postal Service facilities were among more than 13,000 workplaces
nationwide that OSHA surveyed as having high occupational injury and illness
rates. Last year OSHA identified 63 postal facilities out of 14,000 with the
highest injury/illness rates.
14,000 High Rate Workplaces receiving OSHA Letters. The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified and sent letters to more than
14,000 workplaces with the highest occupational injury and illness rates and is
urging the employers to take action to remove hazards causing the high rates.
The employers are those whose establishments are covered by Federal OSHA and
reported the highest "Days Away from work, Restricted work or job Transfer
injury and illness" (DART) rate to OSHA in a survey of 2006 injury and illness
data. For every 100 full-time workers, the 14,000 employers had 5.4 or more
injuries or illnesses which resulted in days away from work, restricted work or
job transfer. The national average is 2.3.
Theater Night Member Event 4/19/08
This was another successful and enjoyable event, brought to you by the Local 300 Women's Caucus. Tickets
were only $10 a member
($15 for guests). The Working Theater
presented Local 300 members and guests with "Our Dad is in Atlantis."
For photos from the event, click here.
NYC Branch Membership Meeting
On March 19, 2008 the New York City Branch of Local 300 held their general membership meeting. Local 300 President Paul Hogrogian discussed
ongoing national and local issues. NYC Branch President Willie Delgado presented
his report on the issues at Morgan and all other stations in Manhattan. There
were numerous issues addressed and discussed.
Click here
Congress Night - Town Hall Meeting
On
March 18, 2008 the AFL-CIO CLC, Long Island Federation of Labor held its annual
Congressional Night. Approximately 1,000 labor leaders and members from various
Unions attended the event. Present from Local 300
was; Kevin Tabarus - Treasurer, Stan Howard - Branch President ISC/JFK, Dawn
Licata - Branch President NY L&DC, and Jill Adamo - Shop Steward NY L&DC. All of
Long Island's Congressional Delegation were invited to attend. The delegation
answered numerous
questions on various topics that affect working families such
as; Economy, Taxation, Health
Care, Pending Legislation, VOTE BY MAIL Legislation. NY
Senator Chuck Schumer was in attendance. NY Senator Hillary Clinton was absent
(for obvious reasons). The following NY House of Representatives were present;
Tim Bishop (D-1st), Steve Israel (D-2nd), Carolyn McCarthy (D-4th), and Gary
Ackerman (D-5th).
Newark Bears - Member Event
Local 300 is subsidizing a member event to see the Newark Bears (vs Long
Island Ducks) on June 13, 2008 7:05PM at Riverfront Stadium 450 Broad Street,
Newark, NJ. TICKETS ARE ONLY $5.00 EACH. We will be able to enjoy the post-game
fireworks show from the dugout! For more
info click here...
$3.9 Million Casual Grievance
As reported in the last
newsletter - Local 300 won $3.9 million dollars as a result of numerous
grievance filed in several branches within Local 300. Installations that
had Casual violations (over the allotted %) shall be receiving payouts. The Union has submitted the names of the affected Mail Handlers to
management for Phase 1 of the payouts. We expect Mail Handlers to begin
receiving Phase 1 beginning in late August. The settlement is being inputted in
three (3) separate phases. There are thousands of names and many installations.
Phase 2 names are being submitted in September 2007. Phase 3 names shall be
submitted shortly thereafter, with payments to be made after October 2007.
Please contact your Branch President if you do not receive a payment after these
dates. Vice President Bobby Blum is the liaison for Local 300 with the Postal
Service for this award. He can be contacted at Local Headquarters.
LOCAL
300
On
March 18, 2008 the AFL-CIO CLC, Long Island Federation of Labor held its annual
Congressional Night. Approximately 1,000 labor leaders and members from various
Unions attended the event. Present from Local 300
was; Kevin Tabarus - Treasurer, Stan Howard - Branch President ISC/JFK, Dawn
Licata - Branch President NY L&DC, and Jill Adamo - Shop Steward NY L&DC. All of
Long Island's Congressional Delegation were invited to attend. The delegation
answered numerous
questions on various topics that affect working families such
as; Economy, Taxation, Health
Care, Pending Legislation, VOTE BY
MAIL Legislation. NY
Senator Chuck Schumer was in attendance. NY Senator Hillary Clinton was absent
(for obvious reasons). The following NY House of Representatives were present;
Tim Bishop (D-1st), Steve Israel (D-2nd), Carolyn McCarthy (D-4th), and Gary
Ackerman (D-5th).