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MAIL
THE
HANDLER
SPRING 2021
THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION
CAN THE POSTAL SERVICE
SURVIVE WITHOUT
LEGISLATIVE REFORM?
PRESIDENT’S REPORT –
NPMHU ARTHUR S.
PMG DEJOY RELEASES NPMHU CONVENTION
4 THE USPS TEN 10 UPDATE 16 VALLONE SCHOLARSHIP
AWARDS
YEAR PLAN
Go to the App Store or Google Play and search “NPMHU” to install and use at no charge INSTALL THE FREE NPMHU MOBILE APP FOR YOUR IPHONE OR ANDROID SMARTPHONE We are pleased to provide this communication tool to all Mail Handlers. You can access the latest news, updates, events, and information of organizational importance. THE APP’S FEATURES INCLUDE: + Current NPMHU news with periodic push notifications of importance + Legislative and Political NPMHU Action Center + Quadrennial Convention Information + NPMHU Women’s Committee + Current Wage Charts + COVID-19 Resources
MAIL
THE
HANDLER
SPRING
2021
NATIONAL POSTAL
MAIL HANDLERS UNION
CONTENTS
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD 4 Presidents Report
26 Secretary Walsh Meets
with Labor Leaders
National President’s Report
on the USPS Ten Year Plan
Paul V. Hogrogian
28 MHBP® Health Plan Report
National President
6 Secretary-Treasurer’s Report
Michael J. Hora An Analysis of Membership
Trends and Opportunities 30 Women’s Committee
Report
Secretary-Treasurer
June Harris
Vice President
12 Contract Administration
Department Report 33 Mail Handlers
Across the Country
Central Region The American Rescue Plan
See pictures of various
John A. Gibson meetings and functions
Vice President
Eastern Region
18 Thrift Savings Plan
Webinars
across the country
David E. Wilkin
Vice President 20 Legislative and
Political Report
Northeastern Region
Delivering for America
Lawrence B. Sapp
Vice President
Southern Region
Don J. Sneesby
MAIL
THE
Vice President
HANDLER
SPRING 2021
Western Region
THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION
The Mail Handler, ISSN:1098-5689,
is published quarterly by the
National Postal Mail Handlers ON THE COVER:
Union, 815 16th St, N.W. Suite 5100, The NPMHU continues
Washington, DC 20006. Periodicals to champion fair
postage paid at Washington, D.C. legislation in
and additional mailing offices. pursuit of favorable
postal reform.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes CAN THE POSTAL SERVICE
to The Mail Handler, 815 16th St, SURVIVE WITHOUT
N.W. Suite 5100, Washington, DC
LEGISLATIVE REFORM?
20006. Copyright 2021: National
Postal Mail Handlers Union. All
rights reserved. Reproduction
without permission is prohibited. PRESIDENT’S REPORT –
PMG DEJOY RELEASES NPMHU CONVENTION
NPMHU ARTHUR S.
The Mail Handler is published for 4 10 16 VALLONE SCHOLARSHIP
THE USPS TEN UPDATE
AWARDS
YEAR PLAN
the members of our union. For
additional copies please send $2.00
to: National Postal Mail Handlers
Union—National Headquarters, 815
16th St, N.W. Suite 5100, Washington, THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE
DC 20006, (202) 833-9095. NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
PMG DEJOY RELEASES
THE USPS TEN YEAR PLAN
Paul V. Hogrogian, National President
D
ear Members: mail moves for 18 mail processing facil- exact number of Mail Handlers to be
Earlier this year, Postmaster ities. These 18 sites previously had AMP impacted is not known at this time
General Louis DeJoy and the studies conducted and most of the as Impact Statements and supporting
USPS Board of Governors released their mail has already been moved in 2015 documentation are not scheduled to be
long-awaited ten-year plan for the U.S. or before as part of Phase II of the provided to the Union until July. Final
Postal Service, setting forth a series of USPS Network Consolidation Program. implementation is planned to include a
strategies by which USPS management Twenty-four facilities underwent par- November 6, 2021 move date.
hopes to improve service and ensure tial consolidations in 2015. The Postal The Postal Service also notified the
financial stability. The plan reviews Service notified the NPMHU that four Union of its plans to refresh AMP fea-
the massive changes in mail volume of the facilities will have no further sibility studies for 31 of the remaining
and mail mix over the past several action taken at this time and two other 38 candidate sites from Phase II of the
decades and urges that a series of steps facilities were “tabled” and will be USPS Network Consolidation Program.
be adopted to deal with difficulties in reevaluated for possible future action. The AMP studies for these 38 facilities
processing and delivering mail, reduc-
ing employee turnover, and addressing
long-term financial shortfalls.
As with all ambitious plans, its ulti-
While we agree that because of the decline
mate success is dependent on its details
and its good-faith implementation. At in flat and letter mail some consolidations
may be justified, we certainly do not
this point, the NPMHU can be support-
ive of some aspects of the plan such
as the emphasis on growing package
volume, on using new sources of postal
revenues, on the need for legislative
believe that the Postal Service can justify all
Postal Reform, on the establishment
of forty-six parcel annexes, and on the
of the 37 planned consolidations.
need to stabilize the non-career postal
workforce by providing a clearer path The secondary mail moves that are were placed on hold in 2015. The Postal
to career status. planned include destinating flats or Service has also decided to “table” the
To the extent that the plan relies on letters, and in some facilities, both. Of AMP studies for 12 of these sites. The
the closing and consolidation of mail those 18 facilities, there are 10 where Postal Service has now decided to
processing facilities, the NPMHU has Mail Handlers are currently work- refresh AMP studies in 19 of the orig-
serious concerns but is prepared to ing. These include: Bend CSMPC, Erie inal sites. Of the 19, the Postal Service
work with postal management to iden- P&DF, Gainesville P&DC, Huntsville believes that the studies will support
tify those changes that make sense, P&DF, Mid-Hudson P&DC, North Bay full consolidations in 12 of the sites and
and more importantly identify those P&DC, Pocatello CSMPC, Seattle East in another 7 sites the Postal Service
that do not make sense and are with- DDC, Southern Connecticut P&DC, believes the studies will support “mail
out foundation. and Wausau P&DF. These installations moves,” but not complete consolida-
The Postal Service notified the are not proposed to be closed entirely tions. The remaining 7 sites will have
NPMHU on April 27, 2021 regarding their as parcel processing and/or cross dock their studies halted with no further
planned implementation of secondary operations are slated to remain. The action being taken at this time.
4 | National Postal Mail Handlers Union
As with the 18 sites previously dis- challenge unnecessary consolidations CDC is relaxing its recommendations
cussed, these installations are not to minimize any negative impact on of face coverings. However, this is not
proposed to be closed entirely, as Mail Handlers. the time to let our guard down. The lat-
parcel processing and/or cross dock est numbers reflect that there are still
operations are slated to remain. The *** approximately 3,700 postal employees
exact number of Mail Handlers to be who are infected with another approx-
On Christmas Eve, the NPMHU and
impacted is not known at this time imately 1,800 in quarantine. Since the
the USPS finalized a historic MOU that
as Impact Statements and supporting onset of the pandemic, approximately
provided for additional Mail Handler
documentation for these AMP feasi- 4,700 Mail Handlers have tested posi-
staffing in 183 installations. As set forth
bility studies are not scheduled to be tive for the COVID virus. There have
in more detail in the MOU, the Postal
provided to the Union until October been at least 192 confirmed COVID
Service agreed to convert 5,291 MHAs to
or November. Final implementation is deaths of postal employees, including
career status in these 183 installations.
planned to include a February 26, 2022 at least 30 Mail Handlers.
The Postal Service also has committed
move date. Although a vaccine is becoming
to creating 5,291 Mail Handler positions
The NPMHU is concerned that the more easily available, the COVID crisis
in the listed installations. On March
Postal Service’s consolidation plans go is not yet over. We cannot allow our-
22, 2021, a second MOU was finalized
too far. While we agree that because of selves to be lulled into a false sense of
converting an additional 885 MHAs in
the decline in flat and letter mail some security. We must remain vigilant and
43 facilities by May 22, 2021 and creating
consolidations may be justified, we cer- continue to protect ourselves and our
an additional 885 Mail Handler posi-
tainly do not believe that the Postal co-workers. We must continue to fol-
tions in those facilities. These MOUs
low the protocols put in place. If you
Service can justify all of the 37 planned converted a combined 6,176 MHAs to
have not already done so, please get the
consolidations. Not only will these con- Full-Time career status while increas-
vaccine at your earliest opportunity.
solidations adversely affect the lives of ing Mail Handler staffing in the listed
The sooner everybody is vaccinated,
many Mail Handlers and their families, installations. This is certainly a life
the sooner we can get back to a sense
but service will also suffer. The Postal changing event for 6,176 converted Mail
of normalcy.
Service has been claiming that they Handlers who achieved the stability
I remain confident that through the
have not been able to meet their own of a career appointment. The nego-
work of our Contract Administration
service standards for the last 7 years. tiation of these MOUs represents a
Department and our legal represen-
We do not believe it a coincidence that major accomplishment in increasing
tatives, and through the hard work of
the failure to meet service standards the national Mail Handler complement.
our Regional, Local, and Branch repre-
began during the last round of consoli-
*** sentatives, we can successfully meet all
dations conducted in 2013 through 2015.
challenges that lie before us.
The previous round of consolidations The COVID-19 pandemic continues to In these and other endeavors, the
did not produce the savings and results have an effect on the Postal Service and continuing support of all Mail Handlers
that the Postal Service anticipated, and all postal employees. Mail Handlers is very much appreciated.
service did indeed suffer. This should and postal workers from around the
not be allowed to happen again. country continue to courageously per- Fraternally,
This is an ongoing process that form essential federal service under the
will not only involve local input, but extraordinary circumstances created
hearings and other possible reactions by the COVID-19 pandemic.
from Congress, and procedures before With the increased availability of the
the Postal Regulatory Commission. various COVID vaccines, there is now Paul V. Hogrogian
The NPMHU will continue to light at the end of the tunnel. The National President
If you have not already done so, please get the vaccine at
your earliest opportunity. The sooner everybody is vaccinated,
the sooner we can get back to a sense of normalcy.
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 5
SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT
AN ANALYSIS OF MEMBERSHIP
TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Michael J. Hora, National Secretary-Treasurer
T
he effects of the pandemic will MAIL HANDLERS DCO YEAR END MEMBERSHIP
be with us for a long time. There
is no switch that will quickly
return everything to a pre-pandemic
normal, but conditions are improving.
While in the grips of the pandemic,
organizations were required to find
ways to forgo face-to-face interactions.
Most Local Unions converted to vir-
tual meetings and embraced virtual
training sessions. The NPMHU con-
ducted two virtual SAMLU meetings
on ZOOM® that included participants
from nearly every Local in the coun-
try. In September 2021, the Laborers’
International Union of North America
(LIUNA) will conduct its International
Convention virtually. On our conven-
tion front, the NPMHU postponed its It is said that you only get one chance first time since 2011, we have exceeded
2020 quadrennial convention twice. to make a first impression and most 40,000 mail handlers on the bi-weekly
These delays were all minor incon- Local Unions were denied the opportu- Dues Check Off (DCO) reports.
veniences in the bigger scheme of nity to meet with mail handlers hired In addition, the NPMHU has nego-
things. However, there was one pan- in November and December 2020. The tiated contractual improvements that
demic related change that negatively NPMHU was forced to conduct new- have produced a steady stream of con-
impacted the NPMHU. The USPS uni- hire orientations for about 17,000 MHAs versions from Mail Handler Assistant
laterally imposed virtual orientations in a virtual setting, via ZOOM®. Having (MHA) to full-time regular (FTR) status.
beginning in early November and this no choice, we did participate, but the To appreciate the magnitude of this
continued through December impact- impact was severe. This is a good news, progress, some background is in order.
ing about 17,000 mail handlers. bad news story. To the good, for the In 2013, the Fishgold arbitration deci-
sion created a new category of mail
handlers known as MHAs. The Fishgold
It is said that you only get one chance decision was issued on February 15, 2013
and the first MHA was converted to
to make a first impression and most full-time regular in Pay Period 22 of
2013. During the first 49 Pay Periods
Local Unions were denied the opportunity that MHAs existed, or for nearly two
years, the NPMHU averaged 50 conver-
to meet with mail handlers hired in sions to FTR each Pay Period.
On August 17, 2015, the NPMHU
entered a Memorandum of
November and December 2020. Understanding re: Filling of Residual
6 | National Postal Mail Handlers Union
I am asking you to have a conversation with your friend, your
coworker, your work associate. Ask each and every one of them to join
the National Postal Mail Handlers Union if they are not a member.
Vacancies with the USPS. This MOU vacancy MOU shows that our per Pay NPMHU and USPS signed a MOU con-
improved procedures for filling resid- Period conversion average increased verting 5,288 MHAs to career FTR.
ual vacancies and greatly accelerated from 50 to 140. As of Pay Period 8 of I said that this is a good news, bad
opportunities for our MHAs to con- 2021, we have secured 22,311 MHA con- news story. The bad news is that our
vert to FTR. After implementation of versions to full-time regular. That is non-member rate is unacceptable.
the residual vacancy MOU, the pace of very good news. While our regular membership is
conversions immediately improved, cre- Last year, 2020, was the first holiday at a 12-year high, so is our union’s
ating 1,244 conversions in the last 9 Pay season without casual employees, as percentage of non-members. Many
Periods of 2015. Our Pay Period average MHAs hired during the Christmas
they were eliminated by virtue of the
increased from 50 to 138 conversions 2020 crunch were only with us for
2019 National Agreement. The elimina-
to FTR in 2015 after implementation a very short time. Some determined
tion of casuals, pandemic challenges,
of the residual vacancy MOU. It is that the work was not their cup of tea
parcel volume increases, and typical
interesting to note that the NPMHU and left after a short period of time.
Christmas volume brought about a
maintained that pace of 138 conver- Others have stayed with the USPS
plethora of hiring in November and
sions per Pay Period when averaged and enjoy the negotiated benefits and
December 2020. The USPS reported
over 6 years. There have been some representation rights afforded them
that approximately 17,000 MHAs were
notable peaks, such as the conversion by the National Agreement. I am ask-
of 5,291 MHAs to FTR – negotiated in hired in the last two months of 2020.
ing you to have a conversation with
December 2020 – and the conversion of As noted, nearly all of these MHAs
your friend, your coworker, your work
885 MHAs to FTR – negotiated in March received their initial USPS training and
associate. Ask each and every one of
2021. Notwithstanding these extraordi- union orientation in a virtual setting. them to join the National Postal Mail
nary peaks, there were understandable In previous years, the USPS was ter- Handlers Union if they are not a mem-
valleys or Pay Periods with very few minating holiday casuals and reducing ber. The Mail Handlers Union fights to
conversions to FTR. An analysis of FTR part-time work hours after Christmas. achieve and maintain improved wages
conversions since signing the residual In contrast, in December 2020, the and benefits. The compensation pack-
age and work rules protections are
YEARLY CONVERSION TRENDS commendable and will improve over
time, but there are significant costs to
providing these services. If you know
a mail handler non-member, please
ask them to join the NPMHU. They are
enjoying the benefits and protections
negotiated by the Union; it is time for
them to pay their fair share and join
the NPMHU.
In Unity,
Michael J. Hora
National Secretary-Treasurer
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 7
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OFFICIAL NPMHU GEAR
To order, visit the merchandise link at NPMHU.ORG or visit https://npmhu.myshopify.com/
Free shipping on orders over $75 | 100% made in USA & Union Printed
LOGO ZIP-UP HOODIE: $35.00
LOGO TOTE BAG: $16.00
HAMPDEN WATCH:
$120.00
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
POLO: $37.00
GOLF UMBRELLA: $37.00
DENIM APRON: $20.00
LOGO POLO: $37.00
LOGO T-SHIRT: $16.00
LOGO MUG: $18.00
8 | National Postal Mail Handlers Union
Fallen
N AT I O N A L P O S TA L M A I L H A N D L E R S
REMEMBER THE
In the absence of public gatherings to deal with our collective grief, we are forced to find non-traditional ways
to memorialize those who have died from COVID-19. Perhaps the simplest, most essential gesture is to say their names.
The following list includes Mail Handlers who have passed on because of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in
February 2020. These individuals were wives and husbands, daughters and sons, mothers and fathers, friends,
and co-workers. Please keep them and all their family members in your heart.
Jerry Grace Gary Terrell LaShonna Briggans
Local #318 Local #333 Local #302
William “Bill” Adams Timothy Bryant Panos Manias
Local 318 Local #334 Local #311
Johnny Sanchez Alfredo Baltazar Nadir Tiliouine
Local #318 Local #324 Local #300
John Kromer John Lively Ambrocio Rafael
Local #308 Local #321 Local #306
Marc Larracas Tony Ngyuen Roy Depalma
Local #300 Local #321 Local #301
Armando Munoz Marvin Kennaugh Andrew Anothaiwongs
Local #303 Local #305 Local #303
Richard Colon James Johnson Querubin “Sonny” Quitlong
Local #301 Local #318 Local #316
Ralph Wheeler Jr. Kiwoong Kim David Smithlin
Local #305 Local #307 Local #308
Kenneth Andrews Anthony Presotti Alex Frazier
Local #322 Local #301 Local #300
Johnny Chung Sandra Duggins Anthony Smith
Local #303 Local #305 Local #307
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 9
CO N V E N T I ON
U PDATE
A
fter several pauses, the Mail Handlers are gearing including possible constitutional amendments and reso-
up for an actual in-person convention. Originally lutions that may be submitted for consideration by the
scheduled for August of 2020, the NPMHU qua- delegates. In addition to the traditional Constitution and
drennial convention was initially postponed to March 2021. Resolution Committees — and in recognition of the increas-
Because of a very persistent Coronavirus pandemic, the event ing role that the NPMHU has played in ongoing legislative
was again rescheduled and is now set to occur in August 2022. issues on Capitol Hill — President Hogrogian has once again
The decision to postpone the NPMHU Convention twice was established a separate Legislative Committee to review and
made with consideration for the health and safety of our recommend the adoption of resolutions concerning legisla-
members, guests, and staff. The state of the pandemic acceler- tive and political matters. Members of the NPMHU who wish
ated dramatically between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s to submit proposals for consideration by the delegates at the
Day last year. In August 2020, few believed that the pandemic 2020 National Convention must follow the requirements set
would be worse in March of 2021. Everyone involved thought forth in the NPMHU National Constitution.
a seven-month delay would be sufficient to gain the upper
hand; little did we know. PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
In August 2022, the NPMHU Convention will look different As set forth in Article XII of the National Union Constitution,
because of the two-year postponement. For one thing, there the delegates to the 2020 National Convention will consider
is no White House Election and Presidential endorsement and vote upon amendments to both the NPMHU National
to consider. Secondly, there is no need to conduct NPMHU Constitution and the Uniform Local Union Constitution
officer elections; the regularly scheduled 2020 election was that governs all Local Unions affiliated with the NPMHU.
completed on October 28, 2020. Nonetheless, the traditional As stated in Article XII, Section 10: “For proposed amend-
committees including Credentials, Constitution, Legislative ments to this Constitution to be considered by a National
and Political, Resolutions, and Rules still will be empaneled as Convention, such amendments must be submitted in writing
Convention Delegates will have much work to accomplish on by Delegates, Local Unions or other subordinate bodies in
August 8–11, 2022, in Denver. good standing, or regular members in good standing to the
Throughout the summer of 2022, committees appointed National President no later than sixty (60) days prior to the
by National President Paul Hogrogian will meet to review opening of the National Convention. Such proposed amend-
and establish a full agenda for the Denver Convention, ments shall be referred by the National President to the
10 | National Postal Mail Handlers UnionConstitution Committee for consideration and recommen- determined in accordance with Article XII, Sections 2 and 5 of
dation to the National Convention.” Although not required the Constitution and was applied accordingly. The tabulation
by the Constitution, it would greatly assist the Constitution results are complete. Las Vegas will be the location for the
Committee if submissions were formatted as follows: (1) 2024 NPMHU Convention.
List the current constitutional language; (2) List the new or
changed language that you are proposing; and (3) Explain the 2021 LIUNA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
reason for the proposed change. The Mail Handlers Union is not the only organization scram-
bling to deal with an ill-timed convention. Preparations are
PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS now underway for the 2021 LIUNA International Convention.
In addition, the current National Constitution also sets forth Due to the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic, inter-
the governing procedure for the consideration of resolutions, national border concerns, and financial penalties with
whether related to legislation or other topics of interest to the hotel, LIUNA’s General Executive Board has made the
mail handlers. decision to hold the 2021 Convention remotely. There will
In particular, Article XII, Section 15 provides as follows: be no in person participation. Registration will occur on
“Resolutions submitted for consideration of the National September 20, 2021, in advance of two (2) four-hour sessions
Convention must be received by the National President no set for September 21–22, 2021.
later than sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of the For purposes of the 2021 LIUNA International
National Convention. Such resolutions shall be referred to Convention, each NPMHU Local Union must elect 1 dele-
the Committee on Resolutions for consideration and rec- gate for each 300 members (based on the average number
ommendation to the Convention delegates for adoption, of dues paying members during 2020). There also are 13
modification, or rejection thereof.” NPMHU Local Unions that averaged fewer than 300 mem-
Should you have any constitutional amendments or res- bers last year. The NPMHU NEB has decided to combine all
olutions that you would like to propose, please be sure thirteen Local Unions with less than 300 members into one
to follow the procedures set forth in Article XII of the combined election. Together these combined Local Unions
National Constitution. Because the opening of the National have a total membership of over 1,700 and have been
Convention is set for Monday, August 8, 2022, all submissions authorized to elect a total of six delegates to the LIUNA
must be received at the National Office no later than Friday, 2021 Convention. The remaining twenty-four locals have
June 7, 2022, which is sixty days prior to the opening of the membership sufficient to enjoy entitlement of one or more
2020 National Convention. The address for submitting any delegates to the LIUNA Convention. The National Postal
proposed amendments or resolutions is: Mail Handlers Union is entitled to 122 total delegates to the
2021 LIUNA Convention.
NPMHU 2020 National Convention Each Local Union conducting a delegate election must
815 16th Street NW, Suite 5100 hold a special meeting to be known as the “Nominations
Washington, DC 20006 Meeting for the 2021 LIUNA Delegate Election” on or before
May 21, 2021. The ballots must be mailed to all eligible
2024 NPMHU QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION voters on or before June 4, 2021. And the pre-established
Another task routinely handled on the floor of the NPMHU deadline for the receipt of ballots is on or before June 30,
Convention is selecting the site for the next convention. Given 2021. Results shall be promptly posted on the Local Union’s
the logistics and extended planning required to facilitate a bulletin boards and forwarded to the NPMHU National
successful convention, it became necessary to conduct the Secretary-Treasurer at the National Office and to the
site selection referendum for the 2024 NPMHU Convention LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer at the International
by mail. Each delegate was provided with an opportunity to Office of LIUNA. As of this printing, it is confirmed that
nominate a preferred city and state to host the 2024 NPMHU there were only four nominations from the smallest com-
Convention. The three cities garnering the most nominations bined 13 Local Unions making a LiUNA Delegate Election
– Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV and Chicago, IL – were presented unnecessary. There are several local unions that will be
to delegates by mail, for a final site selection vote. The final required to conduct delegate elections for the LiUNA
vote determining the location of the 2024 Convention was convention, but as of press time, the exact number is not
weighted as if conducted on the floor of the convention. available. A complete list of delegates will be included in
Each of the 340 delegate’s weighted vote value was previously the summer edition of the Mail Handler magazine.
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 11CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT
UNDERSTANDING THE AMERICAN
RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 AND
EMERGENCY FEDERAL EMPLOYEE LEAVE
Teresa Harmon, Manager, CAD
W
e have received numerous calls at the National is participating in virtual learning instruction,
Office since March wanting information on or the child’s care provider is unavailable.
the Emergency Federal Employee Leave, so I 6. Experiencing any other substantially similar
decided to provide what we have received in this article. condition (as approved by OPM).
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the
7. Caring for a family member (1) who has a “mental
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Act included pro-
or physical disability”* or who is 55 years of age
visions authorizing emergency paid leave, also known as
or older and (2) who is “incapable of self-care”*,
Emergency Federal Employee Leave (EFEL), for covered without regard to whether another individual
federal and postal employees in specified qualifying circum- other than the employee is available to care
stances through a special fund. This fund, which contains for such family member, if the place of care for
$570 million, is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel such family member is closed or the direct care
Management (OPM). This fund applies to qualifying leave provider is unavailable due to COVID-19 (*as
that is taken from March 11 through September 30, 2021 or those terms are defined in OPM guidance).
until the fund is depleted. 8. Obtaining immunization related to COVID-19
EFEL is a separate leave entitlement used only at the or recovering from any injury, disability, illness,
employee’s request. An employee is not required to exhaust or condition related to such immunization.
other available paid leave, such as annual or sick leave, prior to
On March 12, 2021, the Postal Service issued interim instruc-
being eligible for EFEL. An employee, including all career and
tions to employees while they were waiting for the official
non-career Mail Handlers, is eligible to use up to 600 hours
guidelines from OPM on this leave usage. The interim instruc-
or 15 weeks regardless of how long they have been employed.
tions stated that USPS employees would be able to use EFEL
EFEL is paid at the same hourly rate as annual leave, unlike
while the Postal Service was waiting for the official OPM
the extra leave provided under the previous Families First
guidelines by submitting a 3971 indicating one of the qualify-
Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). At the same time, time
ing reasons for the leave and affirmatively stating that they
on leave while on EFEL does not count towards creditable
are unable to work due to this qualifying reason. On March 18,
service time under retirement benefits.
2021, the Postal Service sent out additional instructions to
The law identified eight qualifying circumstances under
their managers stating that supervisors were only autho-
which you can use feel. These include when the employee is:
rized to approve up to 80 hours of leave as they were not
1. Subject to COVID-19 governmental sure what OPM would require from them or the employees
quarantine or isolation order/advisory. for approval and reimbursement of this leave from the fund.
2. Advised by a health care provider to self- On March 30, April 14, and April 29, 2021, management again
quarantine due to COVID-19 concerns. sent interim instructions while waiting on OPM to issue the
official guidance.
3. Caring for an individual subject to (1) such
order/advisory or (2) such advice. Finally, on April 30, 2021, OPM issued its official guidelines
for implementation of the use of the EFEL. As part of these
4. Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and
guidelines, management sent out notification on April 30
actively seeking (i.e., taking immediate
that, effective immediately, employees requesting EFEL must
steps to obtain) a medical diagnosis.
provide the following per OPM for their request.
5. Caring for a child when required because, due
to COVID-19 precautions, the child’s school 1. A completed 3971, Request for or
or place of care has been closed, or the child Notification of Absence;
12|National Postal Mail Handlers Union2. COVID-19 Emergency Federal Employee Leave • To confirm eligibility for EPL based on qualifying
(EFEL) Employee Notification and Leave circumstance (7), an employee must provide
Request Form and all documentation required to the agency documentation as follows—
by the specific qualifying circumstance, as a. the name of the family member with a mental
indicated on the request form; and or physical disability and a written certification
3. A signed Employee Agreement in connection with by the employee that the identified family
Emergency Federal Employee Leave provided member has a mental or physical disability (as
under Section 4001 of the American Rescue defined in paragraph D.9.b), if applicable;
Plan Act of 2021. The Employee agreement b. the name and age of the family member
is required for the first use of EFEL. that is 55 years or older, if applicable;
OPM also established what documentation is required for c. a written certification by the employee that
each of the eight circumstances. These include the following: the identified family member is “incapable of
self-care” (as defined in paragraph D.9.c);
• To confirm eligibility for EPL for qualifying
d. the name of the place of care that is closed
circumstance (1), an employee must provide
or the direct care provider that is unavailable
to the agency the governmental quarantine or
and a written explanation of how the closure
isolation order applicable to the employee.
or unavailability is due to COVID-19; and
• To confirm eligibility for EPL based on qualifying
e. a written explanation regarding why the
circumstance (2), an employee must provide to
employee’s care responsibilities make the
the agency the name of the health care provider
employee unable to work (including telework)
who advised the employee to self-quarantine
during the requested hours of leave.
due to concerns related to COVID–19.
• To confirm eligibility for EPL based on qualifying • To confirm eligibility for EPL based on qualifying
circumstance (3), an employee must provide circumstance (8), an employee must provide to the
to the agency the same documentation agency a written self-certification that the leave will
described in paragraph b or c, as applicable. be (or was) used to obtain immunization related to
COVID-19 or to recover from any injury, disability,
• To confirm eligibility for EPL based on qualifying
illness, or condition related to such immunization.
circumstance (4), an employee must provide to the
agency a written self-certification that the employee On May 5, 2021, the Postal Service sent notification to the
is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and taking
Union that it was planning to send letters to all employ-
immediate steps to obtain a medical diagnosis.
ees, on May 7, who had requested and were conditionally
• To confirm eligibility for EPL based on approved for EFEL from March 11 through May 3. The letters
qualifying circumstance (5), an employee that were sent to each employee’s address of record required
must provide to the agency—
each employee to provide the documentation that was man-
a. the name of the son or daughter being cared for; dated by OPM to support the need for EFEL and to sign an
b. the name of the school, place of care, or Employee Agreement.
childcare provider and a brief description of the The Employee Agreement, which is also mandated by
situation (i.e., closure, use of on-line instruction, OPM, shows that the employee is aware that the EFEL is
unavailability of the child care provider); and conditional and subject to the availability of EFEL funds. It
c. a written explanation regarding why the also makes the employee aware that, if the fund is exhausted
employee’s circumstances (e.g., ages of before the reimbursement is received by the Postal Service
children, number of children, special needs for the use of the EFEL, the leave will be cancelled and the
of children, lack of other adults in the home) employee will be responsible for either using another form of
make the employee unable to work (including paid leave or using leave without pay (LWOP). If LWOP is cho-
telework) during the requested hours of leave. sen, the employee will be responsible for paying the resulting
• To confirm eligibility for EPL based on qualifying debt from the leave used.
circumstance (6), an employee must provide to The Postal Service gave employees until May 21 to submit
the agency any documentation the Director of all required documentation to their supervisor. The letter
OPM requires or recommends with respect to stated if the documentation was not provided by that time,
a particular substantially similar condition. the EFEL would be cancelled and the employee would need
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021|13to elect another type of paid leave or LWOP. Letters were sent regarding why the employee’s circumstances (e.g., ages of
to approximately 77,000 employees. children, number of children, special needs of children, lack of
After OPM released its guidelines, the Postal Service cre- other adults in the home) make the employee unable to work
ated a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) document which (including telework) during the requested hours of leave.”
was released on May 7. This is a lengthy document that you After OPM guidance was issued, management at the
can review either on the Coronavirus Employee Resources Postal Service issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) to
page on LiteBlue, under the EFEL tab, or at https://www. cover postal employees, including mail handlers. Those FAQs
npmhu.org/ where you can find most if not all of the infor- included in number 8 the following question and answer:
mation that I have included in this article.
After a review of these FAQs and recognizing that leave I work a tour that does not directly conflict with my
needs to be treated differently for many mail handlers work- child’s hours of virtual/hybrid schooling or my need
ing nights and other unusual hours, the NPMHU sent a to provide childcare as a result of the childcare pro-
letter to Kathleen McGettigan, Acting Director of the Office vider’s unavailability. Am I eligible for EFEL under
of Personnel Management requesting clarification on their qualifying reason 5?
guidelines for EFEL Qualifying Circumstance #5.
According to the OPM guidance, a covered employee is No. EFEL under qualifying reason 5 is available only
eligible for EPL if the employee certifies “that he or she is for hours that an employee actually is providing
unable to work because of a qualifying circumstance.” One childcare because of the qualifying reason.
qualifying circumstance is “(5) Caring for employee’s child
As made clear by the Postal Service’s answer to this FAQ,
when required because, due to COVID-19 precautions, the
postal management has taken the position that an employee
child’s school or place of care has been closed, or the child is
is eligible only if the employee “actually is” providing childcare
participating in virtual learning instruction, or the child’s care
provider is unavailable.” The guidance goes on to state that during the hours that the employee is scheduled to work. The
“[t]his circumstance applies only when an employee needs to, NPMHU believes that this restriction is a misunderstanding
and actually is, caring for the employee’s son or daughter and or misinterpretation of OPM’s guidance, which simply states
if the employee is unable to work (including telework) as a that to be eligible the employee “actually is” caring for a child
result of providing care.” Finally, the guidance directs federal and because the employee is providing such childcare the
agencies, including the Postal Service, “[t]o confirm eligibility employee is “unable to work.” The NPMHU does not believe
for EPL based on qualifying circumstance (5)” by requiring “an that the OPM guidance requires an absolute match between
employee [to] provide to the agency— (1) the name of the son the hours providing childcare and the hours required or
or daughter being cared for; (2) the name of the school, place scheduled to work.As of the writing of this article, we have
of care, or child care provider and a brief description of the not yet received a response from OPM on our request.
situation (i.e., closure, use of on-line instruction, unavailabil- If you have any additional questions, please ask your stew-
ity of the child care provider); and (3) a written explanation ards for more information.
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NPMHU-MT-5-07-21By Noah L. Giebel – Scholarship Program Coordinator
NPMHU Arthur S. Vallone
SCHOLARSHIP
VALLONE SCHOLARS:
ARTHUR S. VALLONE
REFLECTIONS OF A RESOLUTION
T
he NPMHU Scholarship Committee completed its task of evaluating many appli-
cations from well qualified NPMHU members and members of their immediate
families. Fifteen applications were selected out of a total seventy-eight received
by March 15th, 2021. After careful review and consideration, a new group of Vallone
Scholars has been awarded a scholarship for the next 4 years.
The NPMHU National Scholarship was dedicated and named after Arthur S. Vallone
after his untimely passing in 2005. Arthur S. Vallone served as the elected President of
Local 309 headquartered in Buffalo, New York and represented approximately 1,500 Mail
Handlers throughout upstate New York. Arthur S. Vallone also served 3 terms on the
NOAH GIEBEL National Executive Board as the Northeast Region Vice President. Vallone’s deep under-
standing of education and learning are just a handful of reasons why the National Postal
Mail Handlers Union dedicated this legacy to Brother Arthur Vallone.
The Arthur S. Vallone Scholarship is now in its 21st year of existence. This award was
designed to offer deserving Mail Handlers and members of their immediate families some
relief from the financial burden of paying for higher education. With the COVID pandemic
still lingering and fewer resources becoming available it can be quite the challenge for fami-
lies to absorb the cost of higher education. As developing an education savings plan is often
difficult for families, the NPMHU has dedicated such an award for deserving individuals.
Each NPMHU Region has been granted up to three scholarship awards in the amount
of $1,000 each, renewable by the recipient for up to four years or until the completion of
the students undergraduate or trade school degree, whichever occurs first for a maxi-
mum of $4,000 per recipient over four years.
The pandemic has taken a financial toll on Mail Handlers and their families. As we nav-
igate through these unprecedented times, we recognize that Mail Handlers are providing
an essential service under these extraordinary times. It is only fitting that we recognize
the importance of the work being done. Whether you are heading to Community College,
a traditional 4-year institution or trade school, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union
want you to know that we are here for you and can assist in helping you to achieve your
goals, this was Brother Vallone’s legacy.
The Resolution to rename the NPMHU National Scholarship Program after Brother
Vallone is a special document, one of its kind that hangs in the halls of the NPMNU National
Office in Washington, DC. One resolution caught my eye as I was readding it for reference to
this article. The Resolution states: WHEREAS, Arthur S. Vallone repeatedly demonstrated his
commitment to the membership of the NPMHU, by volunteering to serve on countless details
and special projects to enhance the strength and effectiveness of the NPMHU, and to better
the lives of all 50,000 Mail Handlers across the country. It is this ideal that an individual gives
16|National Postal Mail Handlers Unionof him/herself to better the collective good of the orga-
nization. It is selfishness such as this that have been
one of the predominant traits of Vallone Scholars of
present and past.
Many of the required essays from this group
of Vallone Scholars were excellent; one however
embraced the spirit and breadth of Brother Vallone. Local 306 Local 321 Local 323
Siya Yadav wrote, “When I became more comfortable MIA AHMED JACOB
ABEJA MINNATALLAH RYDEN
with school, I wanted to help struggling students
like me. So, I became a tutor. It didn’t take long for
me to realize how important my 45-minutes were
for students: I watched students blossom into more
confident learners. Tutoring also helped me become
a better leader, listener, and communicator, allowing
me to grow as both a student and friend. It was nice
to come full circle and be the mentor I never had.
“I was also able to impact my community while Local 305 Local 308 Local 308
being president of the student government. Here I ENOCH DENISE SIYA
CHUNG KAUR YADAV
organized food and holiday gift drives, sponsoring
several families to provide them with Thanksgiving
meals as well as presents for the holidays. Reading
the children’s wish lists warms my heart and makes
me recognize my privilege. Small contributions can
be so meaningful.”
Sia Yadav’s drive to help others and raise them
up through peer support was exactly why Brother
Vallone was such an effective trainer and volun- Local 300 Local 309 Local 309
teered for countless details and trainings. ANGELICA GABRIEL BRYAN
CIMIRRO LICHTE ROBERTSON
A second Vallone Scholar, Merril Joseph, also
recently awarded with the scholarship spoke about
her fathers’ job as a Mail Handler and union mem-
ber. Her essay exhibited the spirit of Brother Vallone
showing the drive to understand others needs along
with a desire to understand how unions work and
why they are important for the members they
represent. She wrote, “Despite the challenges faced,
my father has expressed his gratitude for this Local 310 Local 318 Local 311
Union’s quickness to negotiate with management to ZUIRI MERRIL ANN DANE
JOHNSON JOSEPH WIEST
obtain improved contracts and fight for employees
rights. Since learning about the formation of unions
during the labor movement in history class, I have
believed in the significance of unionizing in order
to protect worker’s rights. With the ongoing crisis
the Postal Services are facing currently, unions are
important now more than ever”.
Please take some time to recognize our new
group of Vallone Scholar and recognize their accom- Local 303 Local 316 Local 302
plishments as they embark on the next chapter of STELLA WILLIAM ADRIAN
HONG HUMARANG YEP
their young lives.
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 17THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN WEBINARS To Register, go to tsp.gov/webinars Registration Password: xxxxxxx View Recorded Sessions on YouTube: TSP4gov 18 | National Postal Mail Handlers Union
T
he Federal Retirement Thrift Communications and Education. This TSP EARLY TO MID-CAREER (EMC)
Investment Board (FRTIB) is a 1-hour webinar.
offers a variety of TSP training • July 6, 2021 — 9:00 a.m.
opportunities. Review the information
• June 22, 2021 — 1:00 p.m.
• July 10, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
below to learn which TSP training will • July 8, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
• July 28, 2021 — 1:00 p.m.
be best for you. • July 15, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.,
1:00 p.m.
INTRO TO TSP TSP PRE-SEPARATION
This webinar provides an introduc- TSP LOANS This course is designed to give late-ca-
tion to the Thrift Savings Plan for reer employees and service members
This webinar provides an overview of
new employees and service mem- the tools they need to make smart deci-
the TSP loan program. TSP webinars
bers. TSP webinars are hosted by the sions with their TSP savings as they
are hosted by the FRTIB’s Office of
FRTIB’s Office of Communications prepare to retire. The agenda includes
Communications and Education. This
and Education. the TSP withdrawal options and
is a 1-hour webinar.
death benefits, and provides several
• July 22, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
• June 24, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. retirement scenarios to get attendees
• July 30, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. thinking about how to best turn their
• July 6, 2021 — 1:00 p.m.
savings into income.
TSP CONTRIBUTIONS
TSP POST-SERVICE • June 23, 2021 — 7:00 p.m.
This webinar provides an overview of WITHDRAWALS
• June 30, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
the TSP contribution rules. TSP webi-
This webinar provides an overview • July 7, 2021 — 1:00 p.m.
nars are hosted by the FRTIB’s Office of
of the TSP post-service withdrawal
Communications and Education. • July 17, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
options. The information in this webi-
• June 30, 2021 — 2:00 p.m. nar is beneficial to TSP participants • July 27, 2021 — 1:00 p.m.
that are within 10 years or less of
• July 8, 2021 — 1:00 p.m.
retirement and participants that have TSP TO RETIREMENT
• July 27, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. separated or retired. TSP webinars AND BEYOND
are hosted by the FRTIB’s Office of
TSP DEATH BENEFITS This two-part presentation is most rel-
Communications and Education. This
evant for employees within 5-10 years
is a 1-hour webinar.
• June 29, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. of their planned retirement. The focus
• June 29, 2021 — 1:00 p.m. • July 9, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. is on determining how much someone
needs to save in their TSP account so
• July 22, 2021 — 1:00 p.m. • July 20, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.,
1:00 p.m. they can retire at their desired stan-
dard of living with a nest egg that will
TSP IN-SERVICE WITHDRAWALS • July 28, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
last for the rest of their lives.
This webinar provides an overview of Part I includes a discussion on esti-
the TSP in-service withdrawal options. COURSES mating future income needs, assessing
TSP webinars are hosted by the the impact of long-term risks, deciding
FRTIB’s Office of Communications and TSP A TO Z when to retire, and prioritizing retire-
Education. This is a 1-hour webinar. ment savings goals.
This course covers every aspect of TSP Part II consists of a discussion of
• June 24, 2021 — 1:00 p.m. participation, and would be beneficial the risks faced by new retirees. We will
• July 7, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. for a mixed group covering every stage discuss the concept of a systematic
• July 23, 2021 — 10:00 a.m. of professional life. Topics include the strategy and how it is applied through-
benefits of savings, traditional vs. Roth out retirement and cover scenarios
TSP INVESTMENT FUNDS contributions, investments, loans, and that illustrate issues participants face
post-separation withdrawals. during the drawdown process. (4 hours
This webinar provides an overview of
with break)
the TSP investment funds. TSP webi- • July 1, 2021 — 10:00 a.m.
nars are hosted by the FRTIB’s Office of • July 29, 2021 — 12:00 p.m. • July 21, 2021 — 11:00 a.m.
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 19LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL REPORT
PMG DEJOY RELEASES DELIVERING
FOR AMERICA 10 YEAR PLAN
Katie Maddocks, Legislative and Political Director
A
flurry of postal activity has been happening on additional revenue growth for the Postal Service. Second, the
Capitol Hill since the last edition of the Mail bill codifies a six-day delivery standard, ensuring postal cus-
Handler. The USPS issued its ten-year plan as a tomers will receive first class mail and parcels to which they
means to provide fiscal stability; President Biden nominated are accustomed.
and the Senate confirmed three new members to the Board NPMHU members are keenly aware of the issues caused
of Governors; the House and Senate introduced, on a bipar- from mail delays due to service standard changes last summer.
tisan basis, the Postal Reform Act of 2021 (H.R. 3076 and S. Union members as well as postal customers saw significant
1720), legislation supported by the NPMHU; and, the House delays that impacted the delivery of medications, caused late
introduced a separate bill, H.R. 3077, to address postal trans- fees for bill payments, and generally undermined the reliabil-
parency, revenue growth, and expanding employee benefits. ity of the Postal Service. In order to reassure customers and
President Hogrogian goes into greater detail on the pros provide greater transparency, H.R. 3076 calls for the creation
and cons of the ten-year plan in his article, but Postmaster of a public-facing dashboard website that informs USPS cus-
General DeJoy’s support for postal reform legislation should tomers about delays. Furthermore, the bill calls for studies on
be reiterated. In the ten-year plan, entitled Delivering for the financial status of the Postal Service and would provide
America, DeJoy and the Board of Governors called upon qualitative data on standards, providing necessary informa-
members of Congress to pass legislation that would repeal tion on the performance of the Postal Service.
the 2006 mandate to prefund retiree healthcare benefits,
NPMHU members are keenly
while also requiring future retirees to enroll in Medicare
when eligible. The mandate is the cause of an annual loss of
$5 billion over ten years and has been the primary cause of
the Postal Service’s financial deficits since 2013. Meanwhile,
Medicare integration would take financial pressure off of
aware of the issues caused
the Postal Service Retirement Health Fund’s unfunded lia-
bility. Postal employees have contributed over $35 billion to
from mail delays due to service
Medicare over the past four decades, while not fully taking
advantage of its benefits. Repeal and integration would save standard changes last summer.
the USPS $44 billion over eight years.
These actions are the mainstay of the bipartisan Postal H.R. 3076 quickly passed within the Committee with bipar-
Reform Act of 2021, H.R. 3076 and S. 1720. tisan support and now heads to both the House Committee
After dedicated negotiations between House Committee on on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Energy
Oversight and Reform (COR) Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney and Commerce, as both of these bodies have jurisdiction
(D-NY-12) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY-01), over Medicare issues. Ongoing discussions with these com-
they introduced the bipartisan House bill on May 11. Their mittee members have been promising, and they appear eager
negotiations tried to take account of the needs of postal to move the bill forward. There is additional support for
stakeholders, including the NPMHU and other unions. H.R. these bills from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) and
3076 also addresses other items on the NPMHU legislative Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05).
agenda. First, the bill allows for the Postal Service to enter Upon its passage in COR, Chairwoman Maloney stated,
agreements with state, local, or tribal governments to pro- “We have accomplished something historic today. We moved
vide property and services on behalf of such agencies for legislation to put the Postal Service on a more secure finan-
non-commercial products and services, such as providing cial footing, enhance transparency, and improve service.
fishing and hunting licenses, thereby providing a source of I am proud that this bill to strengthen the Postal Service
20 | National Postal Mail Handlers Unionwas approved by the Oversight Committee on a strong During the mark-up session of H.R. 3077, amendments were
bipartisan basis.” added, including provisions that would fund an electric vehi-
Quickly following COR’s lead, the Senate Homeland cle fleet for the Postal Service; restore service standards back
Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) to January 1, 2021 levels; require financial disclosures from
Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ranking the Postmaster General and the Deputy
Member Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced Postmaster General before they assume
identical language on May 19, bill number S. duties; and guarantee access to all Members
1720. The Senate bill is also cosponsored by of Congress to enter any postal facility for
Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds the purpose of conducting oversight.
(R-SD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Brian Schatz Along with these great steps towards postal
(D-HI), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Joe Manchin reform, the NPMHU saw support for another
(D-WV), Dan Sullivan (D-AK), Ron Wyden legislative agenda item. Representative Jackie
(D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Alex Padilla Speier (D-CA-14) and Senator Jeff Merkley
(D-CA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jacky Rosen Gary Peters (D-MI) (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan USPS
(D-NV), Shelly Capito (R-WV), Kyrsten Sinema Shipping Equity Act as H.R. 3287 and S. 1163.
(D-AZ), Thomas Tillis (R-NC), Maggie Hassan This legislation would allow for the Postal
(D-NH), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Tom Carper Service to ship alcohol, the same as their pri-
(D-DE). With this amount of support, if S. vate carrier counterparts. Over the past five
1720 were to come to the Senate floor for a years, online sales of alcohol have grown by
vote, it would pass. 12 percent, amounting to over $1 billion. If the
Upon the bill’s introduction, Chairman USPS had the same access to shipping alcohol,
Peters commented, “This commonsense, the Congressional Budget Office estimates an
bipartisan legislation would help put the additional $50 million a year in revenue for
Postal Service on a sustainable financial James Comer (R-KY-01) the Postal Service.
footing, ensure it is more transparent and In addition to these legislative accom-
accountable to the American people, and plishments, President Biden nominated
support hardworking postal workers who three members to the Postal Board of
deliver rain or shine to communities all Governors. On April 22, former Deputy PMG
across the country. I am proud to lead this Ron Stroman, Vote at Home Institute CEO
bipartisan effort in the Senate and stand Amber McReynolds, and former APWU coun-
ready to work with my colleagues to move sel Anton Hajjar testified before the Senate
this bill through Congress.” Committee on what they saw as impediments
With H.R. 3076 and S. 1720 heavily nego- to the USPS mission and goals, and what they
tiated to ensure bipartisanship, the Postal Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) thought was necessary to improve the agency.
Service Improvement Act, H.R. 3077, was All nominees commented that it is imperative
introduced separately to address more con- to stabilize the Postal Service’s finances, and
tentious proposals, and was passed in COR Stroman specifically called out the need for
along party lines. This bill initially contained bipartisan support from Congress in order
language to provide ballot tracking for those to develop postal reform that successfully
participating in vote by mail and to guaran- addresses this. The nominees also spoke to
tee paid parental leave for postal employees. the need for improving delivery and per-
The ballot tracking provision also appears in formance as the Postal Service is vital to
a stand-alone bill, H.R. 1307, the Vote by Mail residences and businesses alike in urban,
Tracking Act, which calls for mail-in ballots Rob Portman (R-OH) rural, and suburban communities. The Senate
to be barcoded by the Postal Service for confirmed Stroman, McReynolds, and Hajjar
tracking purposes. In a hearing before COR, PMG DeJoy tes- on May 12, 13, and 28, respectively. The NPMHU looks forward
tified in support of the H.R. 1307. H.R. 3077 also would extend to working with these new Board members.
paid parental leave to postal employees, providing for up to 12 A lot has happened in the months of April and May, and
weeks for the birth of a child, the adoption of a child, and the NPMHU expects more developments to come and quite pos-
fostering of a child, a benefit that already is provided to the sibly to come quickly. Please check back in at the NPMHU
rest of the federal workforce. website for any updates.
The Mail Handler • Spring 2021 | 21You can also read
