Essential service in uncertain times - NALC
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Volume 133/Number 5 May 2020 In this issue
President’s Message 1
National Officers 30
Branch Items 54
Branch Election Notices 64
T h e m o n t h l y j o u r n a l o f t h e N AT I O N A L A SS O C I AT I O N O F L E T T E R C A R R I E R S
Essential service
in uncertain times —PAGES 10-13
President’s
Message
In a world turned upside down by COVID-19,
our immediate goals remain clear
T
he whiplash of events ficient supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks,
of the past two months gloves, etc.), that are not following Centers for Disease
is like nothing we’ve Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols for employees to
seen in our lifetimes. be quarantined, that have not implemented social distanc-
Most of us were born ing practices, that are not providing daily communication
after the second World War, regarding stand-up talks and other safety precautions, that
which is probably the event expect employees to work without protection or that have
most similar to what we are any other issues that put our employees at increased risk.
facing now—a truly global ca- We are working tirelessly to keep our members and other
tastrophe that is transforming postal employees from getting infected in the line of duty,
American life at warp speed. even as we mourn the postal employees (including five city
Some 90 percent of all Ameri- carriers, at the time of this writing) who have lost their lives
cans are under “stay-at-home” as a result of this pandemic. This work will continue, day
orders to combat the pandemic in and day out, until this crisis passes, which will likely be
caused by the COVID-19 virus. months from now.
The U.S. economy has been
purposely shut down to slow
the spread of the virus, which
“What letter carriers do is vital to the
Fredric V. at this writing has infected American people. It is life-affirming
more than 600,000 Americans
Rolando and killed more than 25,000.
and essential work. But you must be
For letter carriers, the cri- healthy and safe to do this work—and
sis is particularly challenging. As front-line “essential”
workers who must remain on the job to deliver prescrip-
your employer, the venerable U.S.
tion drugs, public health information, goods purchased by Postal Service, must offer a healthy
sheltering families and other vital mail to keep our country workplace and be fully functional to
going, you’re being asked to risk your health and even your
lives—and the health and lives of your loved ones—to do fulfill its public service mission.”
this essential work. Our members have been truly heroic,
overcoming fear to serve our country. I have never been Regarding our second goal, ensuring that the Postal Ser-
prouder to represent letter carriers. vice maintains the revenues necessary to continue operations
There is tremendous uncertainty about how the future will through this crisis, we face a daunting task. The impact on
unfold for us, our families, our employer and our country. But Postal Service revenues of the pandemic and the shutdown
for our great union, the NALC, there are two overriding and of the U.S. economy is projected to be both devastating and
immediate goals that will not change, no matter what direc- immediate. Although package volumes are up as we deliver
tion this crisis takes: First, we are dedicated to protecting the goods for families forced to stay home by the crisis, letter mail
health and safety of letter carriers during this pandemic—and volume has plummeted. By the end of the year, the Postal Ser-
therefore the health and safety of our families and patrons. vice expects total volume to fall by 50 to 57 percent—wiping
Second, we will fight to ensure that the Postal Service has the out up to half of its $70 billion in annual revenues.
resources to continue operations during this crisis. Congress must step in to provide financial support to the
On the first goal, the national officers, staff and other Postal Service, the way it did in March for private compa-
NALC representatives throughout the country are working nies damaged by the pandemic-induced recession with a
around the clock to engage postal management to secure $2.2 trillion relief package that did not include any appro-
needed personal protection equipment (PPE) and other priations to the Postal Service. Although the Postal Service
health-protecting supplies, while we also are in daily con- has not needed taxpayer support for more than 40 years,
tact with the postmaster general and her staff to share in- it needs it now. NALC took the lead in drafting a White Pa-
formation and to negotiate safety-enhancing work rules, per (see story on p. 4) on how to provide financial relief to
policies and protocols to prevent risks of exposure and in- the Postal Service from the pandemic; it is posted on our
fections among our members. website. Its core proposal is to secure regular taxpayer ap-
Please continue to notify us about offices that are not propriations to cover the gap between the Postal Service’s
being sanitized on a regular basis, that do not have suf- expenses and revenues for the duration of the crisis.
We are building a lobbying plan and a grassroots cam- What letter carriers do is vital to the American people. It is
paign to advance these legislative goals. With the support life-affirming and essential work. But you must be healthy
of the other postal unions and our industry partners, we and safe to do this work—and your employer, the venerable
must rally the country to pressure Congress and the Trump U.S. Postal Service, must offer a healthy workplace and be
administration to maintain the operations of the Postal fully functional to fulfill its public service mission. NALC’s
Service until it can recover its pre-pandemic status with re- focus on these two immediate goals—your safety and the
spect to volume and revenues. continued operations of the Postal Service—is clear even if
the future is uncertain. A lot will have changed by the time
As the country struggles to overcome this public health
you read this, so please regularly check the NALC website,
crisis and recover from the deep recession we now face, and use the NALC Member App to keep up to date on the
the Postal Service and letter carriers will be more important latest safety/health and legislative issues. God bless all of
than ever—delivering not just stimulus checks and online you and your families. Please stay safe.
purchases, but eventually PPE for households, virus test-
ing kits and therapeutic drugs for the victims of COVID-19
illness.
“Please continue to notify us about offices that are not being sanitized on a
regular basis, that do not have sufficient supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant
wipes, masks, gloves, etc.), that are not following CDC protocols for employ-
ees to be quarantined, that have not implemented social distancing practices,
that are not providing daily communication regarding stand-up talks and other
safety precautions, that expect employees to work without protection or that
d have any other issues that put our employees at increased risk.”
In addition to contacting your shop steward, branch officer or NBA, Region 11: MARK CAMILLI
NALC has a new resource for members to ask any questions about the (Upstate New York, Ohio)
COVID-19 pandemic: COVID19@nalc.org. When sending your email, 440-282-4340
please be sure to include your name and NALC branch number.
Region 12: DAVID J. NAPADANO
Region 1: BRYANT ALMARIO Region 6: TROY CLARK (Pennsylvania, South and Central
(California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam) (Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) New Jersey)
909-443-7450 586-997-9917 215-824-4826
Region 2: NICK VAFIADES Region 7: TROY FREDENBURG Region 13: VADA E. PRESTON
(Alaska, Utah, Idaho, Montana, (Minnesota, North Dakota, South (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
Oregon, Washington) Dakota, Wisconsin) West Virginia, Washington, DC)
360-892-6545 612-378-3035 703-840-2010
Region 3: MICHAEL B. CAREF Region 8: STEVE LASSAN Region 14: RICHARD J. DICECCA
(Illinois) (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, (Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
630-743-5320 Tennessee) setts, New Hampshire, Rhode
256-828-8205 Island, Vermont)
Region 4: DAN VERSLUIS 617-363-9299
(Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Region 9: LYNNE PENDLETON
Oklahoma, Wyoming) (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Region 15: LARRY CIRELLI
720-828-6840 South Carolina) (Northern New Jersey, New York,
678-942-5295 SW Connecticut, Puerto Rico, Vir-
Region 5: MICHAEL BIRKETT gin Islands)
(Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas) Region 10: JAVIER BERNAL 212-868-0284
314-985-8040 (New Mexico, Texas)
281-540-5627
May 2020 The Postal Record 1
Fron
Che
769
Was
Cover photo by Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times Cover il
National Association
of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO Contents
Since 1889, representing city letter
carriers employed by the United States
Postal Service. Volume 133/Number 5 May 2020
100 Indiana Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001-2144
202-393-4695 | nalc.org
RESIDENT OFFICERS
FREDRIC V. ROLANDO MANUEL L. PERALTA JR.
President Director of Safety and Health
BRIAN RENFROE DAN TOTH T h e m o n t h l y j o u r n a l o f t h e N AT I O N A L A S S O C I AT I O N O F L E T T E R C A R R I E R S
Executive Vice President Director of Retired Members
LEW DRASS JAMES W. “JIM” YATES
Vice President Director of Life Insurance
NICOLE RHINE Mutual Benefit Association
Secretary-Treasurer 202-638-4318
PAUL BARNER STEPHANIE M. STEWART
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Director, Health Benefit Plan
CHRISTOPHER JACKSON Health Benefit Plan
Director of City Delivery 888-636-6252
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
LAWRENCE D. BROWN JR.
774 Valencia Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
MIKE GILL MACK I. JULION
18682 SW 93 Court 3850 S. Wabash Ave.
Cutler Bay, FL 33157 Chicago, IL 60653
NATIONAL BUSINESS AGENTS
Region 1: BRYANT ALMARIO Region 9: LYNNE PENDLETON
(California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam) (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina,
3105 E. Guasti Road, Suite 200 South Carolina)
Ontario, CA 91761 1101 Northchase Parkway SE, Suite 3
909-443-7450 Marietta, GA 30067
Region 2: NICK VAFIADES
678-942-5295
10
(Alaska, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Region 10: JAVIER BERNAL
Oregon, Washington) (New Mexico, Texas)
5115 NE 94th Ave., Suite A
Vancouver, WA 98662
23760 Hwy. 59 North
Kingwood, TX 77339
Departments Features
360-892-6545 281-540-5627 1 President’s Message 4 USPS in need of relief plan
Region 3: MICHAEL B. CAREF Region 11: MARK CAMILLI 3 Letter from the Editor The COVID-19 pandemic created a
(Illinois)
4979 Indiana Ave., Suite 203
(Upstate New York, Ohio)
5445 Beavercrest Drive, Suite 7
4 News financial emergency for the Postal
Lisle, IL 60532-3848 Lorain, OH 44053 30 Executive Vice President Service, but the third financial aid
630-743-5320 440-282-4340
31 Vice President package largely left USPS out
Region 4: DAN VERSLUIS Region 12: DAVID J. NAPADANO 32 Secretary-Treasurer
(Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, (Pennsylvania, South and Central
33 Assistant Secretary-Treasurer 7 “You Are the Current Resident”
Oklahoma, Wyoming) New Jersey)
12015 E. 46th Ave., Suite 550 Four Neshaminy Interplex, Suite 111 34 Director of City Delivery NALC has developed a podcast
Denver, CO 80239
720-828-6840
Trevose, PA 19053
215-824-4826
35 Director of Safety and Health for letter carriers to listen to news
36 Director of Retired Members and helpful information about the
Region 5: MICHAEL BIRKETT Region 13: VADA E. PRESTON
(Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas) (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West 37 Director of Life Insurance COVID-19 pandemic
1828 Craig Road Virginia, Washington, DC) 38 Director, Health Benefit Plan
St. Louis, MO 63146 P.O. Box 2660
39 Contract Talk
8 Food drive postponed
314-985-8040 Ashburn, VA 20146
703-840-2010 41 Veterans Group The Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out
Region 6: TROY CLARK
42 Staff Reports Hunger Food Drive, originally set
(Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan) Region 14: RICHARD J. DICECCA
43456 Mound Road, Suite 501 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachu- 44 Muscular Dystrophy Association for May 9, has been postponed
Sterling Heights, MI 48314 setts, New Hampshire, Rhode
586-997-9917 Island, Vermont) 46 Annuity charts 10 Essential service
1208A V.F.W. Parkway, Suite 201 48 State Summaries Letter carriers are providing con-
Region 7: TROY D. FREDENBURG West Roxbury, MA 02132
(Minnesota, North Dakota, South 617-363-9299 49 In Memoriam nection, reassurance and inspira-
Dakota, Wisconsin) 50 Honor Roll tion to communities across the
Broadway Place West Region 15: LARRY CIRELLI
1300 Godward St. NE, Suite 2600 (Northern New Jersey, New York, 53 Retiree Reports country even as the coronavirus
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-378-3035
SW Connecticut, Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands)
54 Branch Items puts carriers in harm’s way
347 W. 41st St., Suite 102 59 Cost-of-living adjustment
Region 8: STEVE LASSAN
(Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi,
New York, NY 10036-6941
212-868-0284
62 Nalcrest Update 14 Vote-by-mail
Tennessee) 63 Auxiliary Update States are considering switching to
160 Commissioner Drive
Meridianville, AL 35759-2038
65 Election Notices/Mutual vote-by-mail for ease-of-voting and
256-828-8205 Exchange ads safety reasons
2 The Postal Record May 2020
Letter from
the Editor
Heroes all
A
crochety copy editor I once Around the country, letter carriers have delivered the message
worked with delighted in ad- through letters to the editor and in other ways, making sure folks
monishing reporters over their know what letter carriers are doing under difficult circumstances
writing. You wrote, for example, that and understand the impact this crisis could have on the public’s
a new record had just been set—and beloved Postal Service—absent action in Washington.
he’d demand to know what the “new” From Montana’s Julie Quilliam to Chicago’s Mack Julion, Wis-
added. By definition, if you set a re- consin’s Howard Pope to Indiana’s Ronnie Roush, Idaho’s John
cord it’s new, he’d thunder. You don’t Paige to New York’s Charlie Heege, to Detroit’s Benjamin Dixon
set an old record. Write that some- and Sandy Laemmel, and many more, your efforts have remind-
one had set an all-time record, and ed Americans in big cities and small towns of what is at stake.
he’d tell you that an “all-time” record And then there’s the Motor City’s Kelly Mathaw, whose
can’t be set until all time has expired. appearance on Live with Kelly & Ryan, the most-watched
Send him a story about someone set- morning TV entertainment show in the country, gave mil-
ting a new, all-time record, and you lions of Americans a glimpse, through the words of a relat-
wouldn’t want to be in his vicinity. able and humble letter carrier, at the services provided and
He also scorned use of the word
Philip “unprecedented.” Pretty much ev-
the challenges faced by you during this crisis.
These are just a few examples of such efforts. Meanwhile,
Dine erything that happens already has
happened on God’s green earth,
there’s a bigger reality here—each of you, by providing an es-
sential service at a time that it is more needed than ever, and
he’d tell you; an equally bad reces- doing so under arduous conditions, is stepping up to the
sion, just as heavy a snowstorm, a worse case of political challenge. With much of the population under stay-at-home
corruption, and so on. orders, many stores closed and services unavailable, you
He was not only irritable; he was the copy desk chief, so are providing invaluable help to folks from coast to coast.
his word ruled. At perhaps no time in our nation’s history has the term
Nonetheless, the period we are going through now cer- “hero” more aptly described America’s letter carriers.
tainly qualifies as unprecedented. We are under attack on
both public health and financial fronts, an entire country— Also stepping up to the challenge, once again, is Tom
in many ways, almost an entire world—under siege. Riley. Last month’s magazine featured the retired letter car-
One aspect of this, however, is…well, precedented. Once rier, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam theatre, college profes-
again, letter carriers are rising to the occasion, displaying sor who teaches the history of postal services over the past
courage and commitment and creativity as you serve oth- 6,000 years, and author of a dozen books including on the
ers in this dangerous situation. U.S. Postal Service and the contributions of letter carriers.
Our cover story paints a broad picture of what you are After learning that a friend and active letter carrier had con-
doing, what it means to folks both isolated and fearful, and tracted the coronavirus, Riley decided to donate $1.50 from
the responses from the public. You are fulfilling a unique each book sale of We Deliver to the Postal Relief Fund. Since
dual role—helping protect public safety by allowing people we provided no contact information last month, here it is: email
to remain at home and still get needed supplies, while also tomrileyauthor@gmail.com and website tomrileyauthor.com;
keeping commerce and the economy going. publisher phone number, 800-876-6103, website Heritage-
books.com and mailing address Heritage Books, Inc., 5810
Given my job, I’d like to focus on how letter carriers are Ruatan St., Berwyn Heights, MD 20740.
helping mitigate the existential threat this crisis poses to
the Postal Service. If we don’t effectively counter that threat,
none of the valuable services letter carriers provide to Ameri- EDITORIAL STAFF: Subscription included in membership dues.
Director of Communications and Media First-class subscription available
cans—not only now but also in normal times—will be pos- Relations Philip Dine for $20 per year (contact Membership
sible. So, communication has never been more important. Designer/Web Editor Mike Shea
Writer/Editor Rick Hodges
Department).
I have watched President Rolando’s indefatigable efforts to Writer/Editor Jenessa Wagner © 2020 by the National Association of
Letter Carriers.
Editorial Assistant Clare Foley
get the message to the public—and to elected officials—about Circulation: 287,000. Union-printed using
the valor of letter carriers and the imperative of including the The Postal Record (ISSN 0032-5376)
is published monthly by the National
soy-based inks.
Postal Service, in meaningful fashion, in federal relief plans. Association of Letter Carriers. Periodicals
postage paid at Washington, DC, and at
CHANGE of ADDRESS? Contact the Member-
ship Department.
That media effort has been joined at NALC Headquarters by Ex- additional mailing offices.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
ecutive Vice President Brian Renfroe, Assistant Secretary-Trea- POSTMASTER: Send address changes and YouTube by going to NALC.org.
surer Paul Barner, Director of City Delivery Christopher Jackson, to Membership Department, NALC,
100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington,
Chief of Staff Jim Sauber and others—many others, in fact. DC 20001-2144.
May 2020 The Postal Record 3
News
News from Washington
White House signs third COVID-19 stimulus package into law,
next package in development; states look to vote-by-mail
F
ollowing extensive and tense Our goal was to ensure that the Postal
negotiations between the House Service and its workforce are pro-
of Representatives and the Senate, tected from the public health threat
the president signed the Coronavirus and the economic fallout caused by
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security the virus. To that end, NALC urged the
(CARES) Act (H.R. 748) into law at the Congress to directly appropriate funds
end of March. to the Service to stave off a potential
The massive $2.2 trillion response collapse, and to forgive its debt to the
to the coronavirus pandemic provided Treasury. NALC also reminded Con-
more than $500 billion in aid to cor- gress of the urgent need to address
porations and included some support the mandate to pre-fund retiree health
to our nation’s hospitals, businesses, care.
and some, but not all, industries Throughout the process, there was
harmed by the economic fallout from a clear difference between House and
the virus. Also included in the final Senate approaches to postal relief. In
package was a major expansion of the the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-
federal-state unemployment insur- CA) on March 23, proposed broad and
ance system as well as a one-time aggressive measures to help USPS,
cash payment of up to $1,200 per similar to the aid offered to other
adult and $500 per child, as well as major industries facing significant
many other relief provisions. disruptions by the pandemic. Her
Unfortunately for letter carriers proposal called for the elimination of
and the U.S. Postal Service, the pack- the agency’s current $11 billion debt
age did not include direct relief to the to the Treasury; resetting the Postal
USPS. Instead the law simply raised Service’s borrowing authority to $15
the agency’s borrowing authority billion with an elimination of the
from the Treasury by $10 billion. current $3 billion limit on new debt;
This will improve the Postal Service’s provision of a one-time appropria-
liquidity for now, but at a cost of tion of $25 billion to be available for
further indebtedness. The new debt use between now and September
authority comes with uncertain terms 2022; and a provision to prioritize the
and conditions that are unlikely to delivery of medical items and to make
be helpful to our employer or us. other operational adjustments in
This “relief” is not nearly enough. response to the coronavirus crisis.
As NALC President Fredric Rolando In an additional postal-related
noted: “Congress will have no choice matter, the House bill called for $4
but to revisit relief of the Postal billion in funding, partly to expand
Service soon. The COVID-19 crisis is vote-by-mail for this year’s remaining
both a public health crisis and an primaries and the general election in
economic crisis—and the U.S. Postal November. The election security mea-
Service is a vitally important tool for sure also included a national require-
combatting these twin calamities.” ment for the right to cast a ballot by
NALC leadership lobbied the House, mail for every voter.
Senate and administration aggressive- The initial Senate bill offered no
ly in the lead-up to the bill’s passage relief to the Postal Service whatso-
through both chambers of Congress. ever, despite compelling information
4 The Postal Record May 2020
The U
two a
the 2
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and B
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for cu
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Mail
Mail
Rate
a sing
provided by the Postal Service to the with the conditional loan in place, the health and safety of both voters and
Senate Homeland Security and Gov- Postal Service is expected to run out poll workers throughout the country,
ernmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) of money by Sept. 30—threatening as the public health crisis around the
and its chairman, Sen. Ron Johnson major disruptions in service. coronavirus continues to grow. To
(R-WI). That evidence showed that the With the third stimulus in the counter these problems, many states
sudden shutdown of major parts of rearview mirror and national unem- are working to expand vote by mail,
the U.S. economy was sharply reduc- ployment figures continuing to rise, also known as vote-at-home (VAH).
ing mail volume and revenue for the conversations have already begun The VAH options are being deployed
Postal Service. between the House and Senate on the for both the remaining state primaries
NALC and its allies in the mailing next relief package. With lawmakers and the general election in Novem-
industry—unions and mailers alike— out of Washington and back in their ber. These options include a range of
also weighed in, urging lawmakers to states working, it is unclear as to the changes, such as moving from requir-
repeal the retiree health pre-funding timing of the next stimulus package. ing an excuse for an absentee ballot
mandate, a repeal plan already ad- As the pandem-
opted by the House in February (H.R. ic continues to
2382). Although the Postal Service has shut down major “Congress will have no choice but
not received taxpayer appropriations parts of the U.S. to revisit relief of the Postal Service
since the 1980s—other than small economy—dra-
ones to carry out congressionally matically reducing soon. The COVID-19 crisis is both a
requested activities related to military mail volume and public health crisis and an economic
voting and free mail for the blind— revenue for the
NALC argued that the present crisis Postal Service, crisis—and the U.S. Postal Service is
warrants such appropriations now. NALC and allies a vitally important tool for combat-
In coordination with NALC and will continue to ting these twin calamities.”
other stakeholders, Senate Minor- lobby for stronger
ity Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) measures to pro-
wrangled with the administration’s tect USPS and the postal workforce. to no excuse required or transitioning
lead negotiator, Treasury Secretary We will fight to ensure that the Postal from no-excuse absentee voting to an
Steve Mnuchin, over the major ele- Service is given financial assistance entirely vote-at-home system.
ments of the $2.2 trillion legislative similar to what many private com- Some states already have full VAH
package. Schumer pushed for major panies (airlines, hotels, etc.) have systems or mostly VAH and therefore
relief for the Postal Service. The received. are uniquely suited to address this
ranking member of HSGAC, Sen. Gary NALC will actively engage Congress crisis with only minor adjustments
Peters (D-MI), also sought to persuade and the administration to address the needed to their current structure.
Chairman Johnson that the USPS urgent needs facing our employer. These states are Colorado, Oregon,
needed relief. Letter carriers should check the NALC Washington, Utah (which reached 100
Johnson eventually conceded that government affairs webpage for the percent VAH last year) and Hawaii
direct aid was warranted and urged most up-to-date information about (which will reach 100 percent VAH
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCon- the next stimulus bill and remain in this year). Arizona, California, and
nell (R-KY) to include a $13 billion contact with their members of Con- Montana already have a large major-
appropriation to the Postal Service in gress throughout this crisis to convey ity of voters who vote by mail and are
the stimulus legislation. Despite the the urgent need for funding. prepared to expand to a VAH system
Republican chairman’s support, the for all voters. Nevada, New Jersey,
States expanding vote-at-home Virginia and the District of Columbia
administration’s negotiating team, led
options to keep elections safe all offer no-excuse permanent mail-in
by Mnuchin, rejected the urgent relief
and opted only for a $10 billion line of It is becoming increasingly clear ballot options as well.
credit with “strings attached.” Even that in-person voting threatens the That leaves 39 states with varying
May 2020 The Postal Record 5
News
levels of absentee voting that will sentee voting, but voters must make sentee voting, but voters must make
need to find a way to respond to the sure to apply. sure to apply.
current crisis, whether that be for an June 20: Louisiana moved its April As these changes make clear, the
upcoming primary or for the Novem- pandemic has dramatically disrupted
4 presidential primary to June 20.
ber general election. States that have the 2020 election process. In some
Louisiana requires an excuse for an
not already held their primaries are cases, it has created chaos. Notably,
absentee ballot application to be ac-
changing voting dates and making Wisconsin’s primary was held on
cepted.
adjustments where applicable. April 7 despite attempts to change the
As of the date this issue of the June 23: Mississippi and North
date in response to the threat to pub-
magazine went to press, the adjusted Carolina moved their state runoff
lic health. In the week before the vote,
schedule for primary elections for elections from March 31 and May 12,
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called for
May and beyond is as follows: respectively, to June 23. Kentucky and
a special session of the state legis-
New York moved their presidential
May 2: Kansas cancelled in-person lature, requesting that lawmakers
and state Primaries from May 19 and
voting for the May 2 Democratic presi- postpone the primary. The Republi-
April 23 respectively, to June 23. Vir-
dential primary, which will now be can-controlled legislature refused to
ginia moved its June 9 state primary
held entirely by mail. postpone it, prompting Evers to issue
to June 23.
an executive order to postpone in-
May 22: Hawaii cancelled in-person
• Mississippi and Kentucky person voting and extend the receipt
voting for the April 4 presidential
both require an excuse for an deadline for mail-in ballots to June 9.
primary and extended the deadline
absentee ballot application to Later that same day, the Wisconsin
for mail-in ballots until May 22.
be accepted. Supreme Court blocked the gov-
June 2: Connecticut, Delaware ernor’s executive order in a 4-to-2
• North Carolina has no-excuse-
and Rhode Island moved their April decision by the court’s conservative
required absentee voting, but
28 presidential primaries to June 2. majority, offering no explanation for
voters must make sure to apply,
Indiana, Maryland and Pennsylvania the ruling. Also on that day, the U.S.
while New York is transitioning
moved both their state primaries and Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision,
to no-excuse-required absentee
presidential primaries from May 5 for again by the court’s conservative
voting.
Indiana and April 28 for the other two majority, blocked a lower court’s six-
to June 2. • Virginia has no-excuse-required day extension of Wisconsin’s receipt
permanent absentee voting, but deadline for mailed-in ballots. In
• Connecticut, Delaware and In-
voters must make sure to apply. response to the decision, Justice
diana all require an excuse for
an absentee ballot application July 7: New Jersey moved its June 2 Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote that “the
to be accepted. presidential and state primary to July court’s order, I fear, will result in
7. New Jersey has no-excuse-required massive disenfranchisement.”
• Rhode Island, Maryland and This sequence of events meant that
permanent absentee voting, but vot-
Pennsylvania all have no ex- if the majority of Wisconsin voters
ers must make sure to apply.
cuse required absentee voting, wanted their ballots to be counted,
but voters must make sure to July 14: Alabama and Texas moved
they were forced by the Wisconsin
apply. their state runoff elections from
legislature, the Wisconsin Supreme
March 31 and May 26, respectively, to
June 9: West Virginia and Georgia Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court
July 14. Both states require an excuse
moved their presidential and state to go in-person to cast their votes,
for absentee ballot application to be
primaries from May 12 and May 19 risking their heath and that of others.
accepted.
respectively to June 9. West Virginia These judicial decisions may have
requires an excuse for an absentee Aug. 11: Georgia moved its July 21 far-broader implications for states
ballot application to be accepted. state runoff election to August 11. that have not yet postponed their
Georgia has no-excuse-required ab- Georgia has no-excuse-required ab- primaries. Many states that have
6 The Postal Record May 2020
been heavily reliant on in-person time of uncertainty and crisis. To of state, search for the office of elec-
voting will be guided by the fiasco in find the most accurate and up to date tions (example: Hawaii). You also
Wisconsin. information–specific to your state’s can visit the National Conference of
NALC encourages all states to adopt elections—you can visit the webpage State Legislatures webpage on state
policies that keep our elections and of your state’s secretary of state. If primary dates, which is tracking all
citizens safe and secure during this your state does not have a secretary the schedule changes. PR
NALC launches “You Are the Current Resident”
podcast with COVID-19 pandemic information
N
ALC has been at the forefront
of unions using communica-
tions technology to deliver
informative and up-to-date messaging
straight to letter carriers, most recently
through social media and push notifi-
cations on the NALC Member App. But
now it’s bringing the message straight
to letter carriers’ ears.
NALC has launched the weekly
podcast, “You Are the Current Resi-
dent” on Podbean and other popular
podcasting venues, including iTunes,
Spotify and Google Play. Podcast hosts NALC Executive Vice President
During each episode, NALC Execu- Brian Renfroe (l) and Assistant to the Presi-
dent for Contract Administration Mark Sims
tive Vice President Brian Renfroe and (r) discuss a union administration topic with
Assistant to the President for Contract Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Rhine.
Administration Mark Sims discuss
vital topics affecting the letter carrier and can click “Follow” to receive
craft and the union. The COVID-19 pan- updates when new episodes are
demic and its impact on letter carriers released.
and the Postal Service have domi- Accessing the podcast is easiest on • On your computer or mobile
nated early episodes since the podcast Podbean: browser, go to youarethecurrent-
debuted in March (for more about the resident.podbean.com and click
• On smartphones, simply go to the
podcast, see Renfroe’s column on page on the play button of the episode
Apple App Store or Google Play
30). The show’s format also includes you wish to listen to.
Store and download the Podbean
interviews with other NALC leaders
to talk in depth about issues affecting Podcast App & Player. Once you For additional audio content, select
letter carriers and the union. have downloaded the app, open articles and columns from each issue
In just the first two weeks since the it and create an account (or sign of The Postal Record are recorded and
launch of its first episode, listeners on as a guest) and go to the search will be uploaded on a monthly basis.
have played the podcast more than icon at top and enter “You Are the The audiobook version of The Postal
15,000 times, and the reviews have Current Resident.” From there, you Record also is available to listen to on
been overwhelmingly positive. can listen to the available episodes Podbean. PR
May 2020 The Postal Record 7
News
Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive postponed
T
he 28th annual Letter Carriers’ drive will be able to safely participate in drive, which
Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, mid-May. is held an-
scheduled for May 9, has been NALC and our national partners— nually on
postponed. NALC and our national the U.S. Postal Service, United Food the second
partners are fully committed to re- and Commercial Workers International Saturday
scheduling the food drive later this Union (UFCW), National Rural Letter in May. All
year. A date has not yet been set. Carriers’ Association, Valpak, United food col-
In addition to the generosity of Way Worldwide, AFL-CIO, Valassis, lected stays
residents across the country, the annual Kellogg Co. and CVS Health—know in the local
success of the food drive is largely due well that food assistance is a critical community
to the efforts of letter carriers, other need for many during this difficult and helps
postal employees, postal customers, time, and we remain strongly com- stock home-
community volunteers and many more. mitted to helping those in need in less shelters, food pantries, church
Their safety is of paramount impor- the communities we serve across the shelves and more. While we cannot
tance. Much of the country is currently United States. Even aside from the safely conduct the 2020 food drive
under shelter in place or similar advi- current crisis, one in eight Americans, on its traditional date, we encour-
sories, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including millions of children, seniors age those who would participate to
and public health authorities such as and military veterans, are unsure consider donations that can be safely
the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- where their next meal will come from. made to food banks in the form of food
vention (CDC) have issued guidelines We look forward to once again hold- or financial assistance. Letter carri-
that include social distancing. While ing the largest one-day food drive in ers, our national partners, community
it is unknown how long these guide- the country when it is safe to do so. supporters and volunteers will be
lines will remain in place, it is highly Americans across the country do- prepared to Stamp Out Hunger® once
unlikely that those involved in the food nate food during the letter carrier food again when it is safe to do so. PR
Convention deadlines approaching
D
eadlines for the 72nd bien- in July’s Postal Record for the mem-
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nial convention in Honolulu bership to review.
the status of NALC’s 72nd Biennial are approaching quickly. Dele- Resolutions to be considered by
Convention, scheduled for Aug. 17- gate eligibility lists for the convention delegates also must be received
21, remains uncertain. NALC will con- have been mailed to all branches. by the June 17 deadline in order to
tinue to provide the latest updates The lists must be completed and re- be printed in the Resolutions and
in The Postal Record and the NALC turned to Secretary-Treasurer Nicole Amendments book provided to del-
Bulletin, on the NALC website at Rhine’s office at NALC Headquarters egates. Resolutions received after
nalc.org and through NALC’s social no later than June 18 for branch June 18 still may be considered at
media channels. representatives to be registered as the convention.
With that in mind, information is delegates to the convention. Branches wishing to sell items in
provided at right regarding convention All proposed amendments to the the designated branch sales area
deadlines in the event the convention NALC Constitution to be submitted during the convention must contact
can proceed as normal. Additionally, for consideration at the conven- Rhine’s office to secure guidelines
new information about convention tion must be received by Rhine’s and forms. The completed forms
hotels and various things to do on the office by June 17. That date is 60 must be returned to Headquarters
island can be found on the convention days in advance of the convention, by June 18.
page of the NALC website. as prescribed by the Constitution. Go to nalc.org for more conven-
Proposed amendments will appear tion news. PR
8 The Postal Record May 2020TSP to provide exception for coronavirus
hardship; more changes coming this fall
A
s part of the financial recovery By adding FEMA-
package Congress passed and declared natural
the president signed into law in disasters to the list
March, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) of eligible expenses
is expected to waive the 10 percent for financial hard-
tax on early TSP withdrawals of up to ship, the TSP will
$100,000 for people affected by the eliminate a step or
coronavirus outbreak in some way, two, as it no longer
retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020. If the policy would be required
goes into effect, those who use this to inform par-
waiver will have three years to either ticipants when they
pay the tax or reimburse their plans. are eligible for this
TSP spokeswoman Kim Weaver reason.
explained that the category of “people For those who
who would be eligible [is] quite broad: don’t know, the
if you’ve been diagnosed with COV- TSP works like
ID-19, if your spouse or dependent has a 401(k) in the
been diagnosed, or if you’ve experi- private sector, al-
enced adverse financial consequences lowing the em-
like you’ve been laid off, unable to ployee to save with
work due to child care, etc.” tax advantages
The COVID-19 pandemic is not the and to benefit from
only hardship exception at the TSP. employer contribu-
While existing rules already allow tions. TSP is an es-
participants to withdraw money early sential part of most
for 1) negative cash flow, 2) medical carriers’ retirement plans. Under the participants, and all participants can
expenses for the participant, spouse Federal Employees Retirement System change their contribution rates at any
or dependents, 3) repairs or property (FERS), which covers most letter carri- time.
replacement from a personal casualty ers, new career carriers are automati- The change is an effort by the TSP
loss, or 4) attorneys’ fees or court costs cally enrolled in TSP and contribu- to help its participants save more
for a participant’s divorce or separa- tions are taken from their paychecks, and better prepare for retirement.
tion, they also grant special exceptions unless they opt out. According to the FTRIB, 26 percent of
for natural disasters. One more change is coming to the participants were contributing less
Previously, the TSP relied on the TSP, this one aimed at new partici- than 5 percent of their pay at the end
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue pants. The Federal Retirement Thrift of 2018.
guidance and make announcements Investment Board (FTRIB) will set “Increasing the rate to 5 percent
authorizing participants to take hard- automatic contribution rates at 5 not only increases the amount that
ship withdrawals for specific events, percent for those participants, with a participant saves from his or her
such as the California wildfires of 2017, the change going into effect on Oct. 1, basic pay but also ensures that that
but the IRS decided to stop issuing the TSP announced in February. New participant receives the full amount
these announcements. Instead, it career letter carriers will automatically of agency/service matching contribu-
added lost expenses and income due begin contributing 5 percent—up from tions he or she is entitled to, both
to a Federal Emergency Management the current 3 percent—of their basic of which allow the participant…to
Agency (FEMA)-declared natural disas- pay toward the TSP, maximizing the achieve significantly greater retire-
ter to the list of “safe harbor” expenses matching contributions from USPS. ment savings,” the FRTIB wrote in the
eligible for financial hardship. This change won’t affect existing TSP proposed rule. PR
May 2020 The Postal Record 9Photos from around the country (from top):
A letter carrier in Austin, TX; some young
patrons thank their carrier with sidewalk chalk
in Oklahoma City; and a humorous note for a
carrier in Lehigh Valley, PA.
Essential service
in uncertain times
L
etter carriers have a long history of serving
the United States in times of crisis. Even in
normal times, we are called to service simply
by doing our jobs, binding the nation together
as we deliver vital documents, prescription medi-
cations and supplies to people with limited access
to the outside world. Our mission becomes all the
more important when a crisis confronts the public.
Our service in difficult times transcends the
delivery of mail. By delivering our routes, we bring
a sense of normalcy and stability to anxious cus-
tomers. And by doing our jobs even as we struggle
with the same challenges facing the people we
serve, letter carriers become an inspiration, one
delivery at a time.
We have served this way though many crises and
disasters. Fear and uncertainty have gripped the
public before, and letter carriers have responded.
After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and the
subsequent anthrax attacks, after the Houston area
suffered the worst flooding in U.S. history two-and-
a-half years ago, after numerous power blackouts,
hurricanes, tornadoes or wildfires left residents iso-
lated, anxious and in need of a link to the outside
world, letter carriers have stepped in to bring vital
service and a steady presence.
Now, we are providing connection, reassurance
and inspiration to communities across the coun-
try as the coronavirus pandemic affects people in
every state in the union.
10 The Postal Record May 2020A letter carrier in West
Michigan received this
note from one young
customer.
The unique nature of this crisis, simply see the mail
with many tens of millions of people in in their mailboxes,
isolation or even quarantined at their our customers feel
homes, makes our role particularly im- a connection to the
portant. Across the country, Americans rest of the world
have become disconnected for an ex- and for some, hope
tended time from jobs, from businesses for the future.
they rely on and from friends and fam- “The power
ily. Now more than ever, they depend of simply being
on the Postal Service for connections to there—of show-
each other and to the outside world. ing the public that
A family in High Point, NC, is writing
We are providing many people with someone they rely on is getting the job
regular inspirational messages in chalk
prescription and over-the-counter done—should not be underestimated,”
on the walk leading to their mailbox,
medications and important docu- NALC President Fredric Rolando said.
reported Greensboro, NC, news outlet
ments, as we always do. We also are “When Americans see letter carriers
WFMY. “Thank you postal carrier,” one
delivering additional vital supplies and the daily mail, it offers a measure
message read. “Sorry 4 the dog.”
that many of our customers would of reassurance in these unprecedented
In Indiana, an anonymous chalk-
times that the nation continues to
leave their homes to buy in stores in ster went to the post office to thank
function.”
normal circumstances, but cannot local postal employees. “Thanks for
The public we serve understands
because of supply shortages, orders taking care of our mail,” read the mes-
that as we demonstrate the daily
to shelter in place or health concerns. sage written with green chalk on the
resolve of the nation, we are struggling
The Postal Service will deliver checks sidewalk outside the Topeka, IN, Post
with the same inconveniences and
to many households as part of the na- Office. The postmaster discovered the
anxieties that everyone else is facing.
tionwide economic stimulus and relief anonymous message of thanks when
“Like other Americans, letter carriers
law—the largest in U.S. history—that he went outside to sanitize the front
must also protect our health, manage
Congress passed, and the president our fears and tend to family members door handles, reported the local news-
signed into law, in response to the at home during this crisis,” Rolando paper, the Goshen News.
economic impact of the pandemic. said. “That is what makes our efforts to In nearby South Bend, IN, a letter
In the midst of the crisis, letter car- deliver the mail truly heroic.” carrier’s sister is leaving “goody bags”
riers are being called upon to keep our And Americans everywhere are ex- containing essential supplies such
democracy functioning. The U.S. Cen- pressing their thanks. In newspapers, on as tissues, hand sanitizer, wipes and
sus Bureau is busy conducting the ten- social media and even with handmade gloves, along with notes of encourage-
year census, which includes mail to and signs, their messages of gratitude and ment and thanks, for her letter carrier,
from millions of households. Primary encouragement have reached individual South Bend’s ABC 57 news channel
elections for the upcoming presidential letter carriers and sometimes made reported. The woman has urged others
and congressional elections will also news. Just as they show their apprecia- in her neighborhood to do the same
rely heavily on the mail, more than tion for others who are giving extra effort through social media.
ever before—millions of voters will cast in this crisis for the benefit of all—from Members of a social group for teens
their votes by mail, and more states healthcare workers to police officers and with autism in the Dallas-Fort Worth
are switching rapidly to vote-by-mail firefighters to grocery store employees— area made “Thank You Boxes” for let-
or considering the option (see story people also are giving thanks to postal ter carriers and other delivery services,
on page 14). As we play this essential employees for their dedication. news channel NBC 5 of North Texas
role, we perform an unspoken service, Here, The Postal Record brings you reported. The teens are placing boxes
helping to soothe the anxious feelings some examples of public recognition outside their front doors filled with
of many. Whether they see us in our and support for the service that letter bottles of water and snacks for carriers
uniforms and trucks on the street or carriers are providing in uncertain times. as a token of appreciation.
May 2020 The Postal Record 11The note for one letter
carrier in Greensboro, NC.
The Western Mass “I want to give a huge shout-out to all
News channel (WGGB- the postal carriers, and I hope that the
TV) of Springfield, MA, public will give their carriers a thank you
profiled Springfield soon,” a reader wrote to the South Bend
Branch 46 member Tribune of South Bend, IN. “The Postal
Harrison Grant, Service is there through all conditions
whose famous smile is and this time is more trying for everyone.”
a welcome sight to his “Kudos to the postal workers, who
customers these days are processing and delivering mail,
in Longmeadow, where medicines and supplies to every U.S.
he has carried mail for household during this pandemic,”
33 years. a reader wrote in a letter to the Long
Everyone he delivers Island, NY news outlet newsday.com.
In New York, Boston and other cit- to is at home and grate- A columnist for the Longmont, CO
ies and small towns, residents have ful for his service—even at a distance, Times-Call newspaper singled out
organized a collective cheer to thank he says. “They’re all just happy to see letter carriers for special thanks for
heroes, including postal employees, me because they appreciate the smile serving despite the stress of the times.
who are working during the crisis. I bring to them,” Grant told the Fox/ “The fact that they keep going and
The cheer is modeled on an event that ABC/CBS affiliate, “and they always provide our readers and residents with
began in European countries locked say I make their day, which is a good essential news and packages makes
down by the coronavirus crisis and thing for me because I like to see them this situation a whole lot more man-
has spread to communities worldwide. happy.” ageable,” he wrote.
From their windows and front porches Grant told WGGB that the most “The United States Postal Service
at the appointed time, residents clap important thing he can do is to keep and that promise of mail delivery
and cheer all at once, hoping to make smiling. “I think it’s a better time than through rain, sleet, snow, and now...
enough noise to be heard by those ever at this moment with so many add global pandemic to the list,” wrote
they appreciate. Participants are using people stressed out, not being able to a columnist for spectrumnews.com
#ClapBecauseWeCare on social media pay their bills or go to work and to see of Western New York. “Thank you for
to spread the idea. someone come smiling, bringing them working so hard.”
Even the United Nations has noticed. their mail,” he said. “I think it’s the “I would like to take this opportunity
UNI Global Union, the worldwide best thing that a letter carrier can do at to thank postal employees for all their
federation of postal unions, issued this moment.” hard work in delivering mail and pack-
a joint statement with the Universal Meanwhile, newspapers, in editori- ages during this pandemic. They come
Postal Union (UPU), the United Na- als, columns and letters to the editor to work every day and do their job de-
tions agency representing the postal from residents. have joined in spread- livering packages, medicines, letters,
sector, about the crisis. “The UPU and ing the praise. etc.,” a reader wrote in a letter to the
UNI Global Union thank all postal “Just a quick shout-out to all those Daily Freeman of Kingston, NY. “We
operators, postal unions and postal in our community who are working should all be grateful for the excellent
workers globally for their dedication so hard to maintain the many ‘little job the U.S. Postal Service is doing.”
and engagement to keeping the postal things’ we’ve too long taken for grant- Citing postal employees along with
network running in times of crisis,” ed. Grocers restocking shelves around healthcare workers and others, the Rio
the statement said. “We firmly believe the clock. U.S. Postal Service carriers Rancho Observer thanked essential
we will emerge from this pandem- delivering mail each afternoon,” a workers of all stripes for their service.
ic stronger and more resilient, while reader wrote in a letter to the Park City, “Too many of you have been under-
proudly delivering on our mandates to UT, Park Record. “Thank you. Your appreciated for too long,” the New
serve the world’s peoples.” diligence nudges fear towards faith.” Mexico newspaper’s editors wrote.
12 The Postal Record May 2020Right: A chalk message
written outside a post office
in Topeka, KS
Below: A carrier in Garden
Grove, CA, shows off the
thank you card he received.
“Thank you for playing essential roles, ans who are serving the people of the deliver through anything else in the
even before now. We hope no one, United States a second time, delivering future. So there’s no need to worry
including you, ever again doubts how the mail during this epidemic.” about the mail stopping,” he wrote.
much of a difference you make.” In a letter to the Hamilton County, IN, “Remember our motto of ‘neither rain,
People are also flooding social me- Times, Carmel, IN Branch 888 President nor snow, or sleet.’ ”
dia with messages—including photos, Ronnie Roush told the community that Reflecting on the challenges every
artwork and videos—of support and letter carriers will continue to serve, family, including his own, faces in these
gratitude for postal employees and and he asked for support in return. times, Ashley offered words of encour-
other essential workers. A sample of “We take great pride in serving our agement: “As long as everyone contin-
messages posted on Twitter: communities and we gladly accept our ues to wash their hands, practice social
“To every U.S. postal worker— thank jobs being deemed ‘mission critical’ distancing, and helping those in need,
you for continuing to sort and deliver where we will be working everyday we will get through this crisis.”
our mail and packages!” – Wendy throughout this pandemic,” Roush
Mills, reporter for Western New York wrote. “We strive to give you a sense of
news channel Spectrum News normalcy and hope you enjoy seeing
“Our postal workers are vital to de- your letter carrier or the white trucks
liver supplies and keep the economy go- with the Eagle on the side in every
ing during this pandemic.” – Arriadna neighborhood six and seven days a
“Think of the people who do leave week. Now is the time to stay at home
home every day to run the stores, fac- and allow us to bring much needed
tories, and warehouses on which we supplies to your front door.”
rely to live. Think of the postal work- “I just want to thank all of our
ers who sort and deliver your mail, hard working Montanans,” including
the sanitation workers who clean our medical professionals and delivery
cities, the outreach teams helping the personnel, Montana State Association
homeless and hungry.” – Ali Velshi, President and Great Falls, MT Branch
television host 650 member Julie Quilliam wrote
“To the supermarket employees, in a letter to the Great Falls Tribune.
postal workers, delivery truck driv- “The letter carriers of Montana are out
ers, and all of the doctors, nurses and delivering a sense of normalcy six days
medical professionals, thank you for a week in these uncertain times.”
helping us make it through this diffi- Alan Ashley, an Ann Arbor, MI
cult time as best we can. We appreciate Branch 434 member who has carried
you!” – U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) mail in Ann Arbor for 26 years, dem- Working as a letter carrier may be try-
“Be kind to your postal worker, onstrated the spirit of confidence and ing these days, President Rolando said,
nurse, bus driver, delivery guy, grocery the inspiration of letter carriers when but our union, our fellow carriers and
clerk. They’re heroes.” – Zac Petkanas he wrote a column on the Chelsea, MI, our customers are all on the same side.
Letter carriers have taken to the news site chelseaupdate.com. “The people we serve day in and day
media as well to offer words of support “The USPS was the only govern- out understand that we may have to
to their communities. ment agency open for business the day make changes to our service and how
Former Idaho State Association after the 9/11 attacks. The USPS has we work during this time,” Rolando
President John Paige wrote the Twin continued delivering mail and pack- said, “and I think most understand
Falls News-Times in support of carriers. ages through 9/11, anthrax threats, the and appreciate that. They are cheering
“I would especially like to thank the 2003 East Coast blackout, and other us as we do our essential work.”
letter carriers of the U.S. Postal Ser- national incidents,” Ashley wrote. For updates on the evolving situa-
vice. Many of them are military veter- “Letter carriers will continue to tion, go to nalc.org. PR
May 2020 The Postal Record 13You can also read
