NAPS' DDF Is Your Best Defense - October 2019 - National Association of ...
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NAPS’ DDF Is Your Best Defense page 4
October 2019
page 6
October 2019, Volume 110, No. 10
In This Issue October 2019
The Postal Supervisor (ISSN 0032-5384) is printed FEATURES
monthly, with a combined September/October
issue, by the National Association of Postal Su-
8 July Consultative New Transportation Yard Visibility System,
pervisors (NAPS), 1727 King St., Suite 400, collapsed EAS-12 positions, confirmed mercury spills among items
Alexandria, VA 22314-2753; 703-836-9660; fax, discussed.
703-836-9665; website, www.naps.org; general
e-mail, napshq@naps.org. ©2019
10 August Consultative Postal Pulse survey postcards, excessive
Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, heat while performing 3999s, collapsed EAS-12 positions among items
and additional mailing offices. discussed.
NAPS members receive The Postal Supervisor
as part of their membership dues. Members not
21 2019 Vince Palladino Scholarship Winners This year’s
receiving the publica- 10 scholarship winners are announced.
tion on a regular basis 22 Legislative Report Card A comprehensive chart lists all House
should notify their
members and which resolutions and legislation they support that are
branch secretaries. Non-
member subscription beneficial to NAPS members and the Postal Service.
www.naps.org
price: $25 per year. 28 From Legislation to Regulation: Newest PRC
Objective Commissioners Discuss Their New Roles NAPS Director
Submissions—
Articles submitted for The objective of the Asso- of Legislative & Political Affairs Bob Levi interviewed newly appointed
publication should ciation shall be to pro- PRC Commissioners Ann Fisher and Ashley Poling for his Sept. 12 NAPS
promote the welfare of mote, through appropriate Chat podcast.
NAPS and its members
in accordance with and effective action, the 31 2020 NAPS National Convention Committees March
Article II of the NAPS welfare of its members, 31, 2020, is the deadline for receipt of members’ self-nomination forms to
Constitution & Bylaws. and to cooperate with the serve on a national convention committee.
The NAPS resident offi- USPS and other agencies
cers reserve the right to
edit all articles, as well of the federal government RESIDENT OFFICERS
as decline to publish in a continuing effort to
submitted material. improve the service, to
3 A ‘Law’ Time Coming! Brian J. Wagner
Branch officer articles raise the standard of 4 NAPS’ DDF Is Your Best Defense Ivan D. Butts
must be not more than
350 words. Send all arti- efficiency, and to widen 6 Survey Says … Employee Satisfaction? Chuck Mulidore
cles to NAPS Secretary/ the field of opportunity
Treasurer Chuck Muli- for its members who make COLUMNS
dore at naps.cm@naps. the Postal Service or the
org.
federal government their
20 Legislative Update Bob Levi
Reprint requests
and other correspon- life work. 36 The NAPS Postmaster Joe Bodary
dence may be ad-
dressed to Karen Young; phone/fax, 540-636- DEPARTMENTS
2569; kbalentyoung@gmail.com.
High-resolution photos may be e-mailed 11 NAPS Training Calendar
to kbalentyoung@gmail.com. Please include
your non-USPS e-mail. NAPS neither assumes
14 NAPS of Note
responsibility for the contents of the articles 18 Views from the Vice Presidents Marilyn Walton
published herein, nor does it necessarily agree
with the opinions expressed. Moreover, opin- 32 2020 NAPS National Convention Delegate Credential
ions expressed by an author do not necessarily Form
reflect the opinions of the author’s branch.
33 2020 Self-Nomination National Convention
Advertising—Advertising inquiries should Committee Request Form
be directed to Karen Young; phone/fax, 540-
636-2569; kbalentyoung@gmail.com. 34 2019 SPAC Contributors
The publication of any advertising herein 35 SPAC Scoreboard
does not necessarily constitute NAPS endorse-
ment of the products or services offered. 37 Louis M. Atkins Presidential Student Scholarships
Postmaster—Please send address labels, 38 Thoughts from the NAPS Branches Reginald Gramblin
clipped from undeliverable copies, along with
Thrift Savings Plan August 2019
USPS Form 3579, to The Postal Supervisor, 1727
King St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314-2753. 39 Notes from the National Auxiliary Skip Corley
Commentary
from the Resident Officers
A ‘Law’ Time Coming!
or some, it has been a long time, or law time, unanimously recommended by the three-member
F coming that the National Association of Postal
Supervisors has taken legal action to challenge
the Postal Service’s violation of 39 U.S.C. §§
1003 and 1004 (Title 39) in relation to EAS pay and
representation of all EAS employees. Here’s the scoop!
fact-finding panel.
Following our legal counsel’s close review of the
Postal Service’s decision, NAPS concluded that the de-
cision did not adhere to the specific statutory require-
ments of Title 39 that require the USPS to: 1) Provide
On July 26, 2019, NAPS’ Executive Board, by unan- for an EAS pay package comparable to the private sec-
imous vote, authorized our associ- tor; 2) Provide a reasonable pay differential to those
ation to initiate legal proceedings supervised at the craft level; 3) Attract and retain qual-
against the USPS in federal court ified EAS employees; and 4) Provide for a well-motivat-
in Washington, DC, to pursue all ed EAS workforce.
declaratory and injunctive relief Second, Title 39 clearly states that NAPS may repre-
necessary on three legal issues re- sent all Postal Service supervisory and other manageri-
lated to violations of Title 39: 1) al personnel, except postmasters, when certain criteria
EAS pay; 2) Representation of are met. NAPS concluded that the Postal Service, in vi-
USPS Headquarters and area office olation of Title 39, failed to recognize NAPS as the rep-
EAS personnel; and 3) Recognition resentative of all USPS EAS Headquarters and area per-
Brian J. Wagner of NAPS as a postmaster’s organi- sonnel and to consult with NAPS on their pay and
President zation. benefits before issuing the final pay decision.
Before the close of business on Third, per 39 U.S.C. § 1004(i)(4), when a postal
July 26, NAPS filed the respective lawsuit. The follow- management association represents at least 20% of
ing provides an overview of what precipitated our cur- postmasters, the association may petition the USPS to
rent legal action against the USPS: be recognized as a postmaster’s organization. As of
First, a year earlier in July 2018, NAPS requested mid-2018, more than 20% of postmasters were NAPS
that the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service members, leading NAPS to petition the USPS on Oct.
(FMCS) hold a fact-finding proceeding regarding the 1, 2018, to recognize NAPS as a postmaster’s organiza-
USPS’ final 2016-2019 pay package for Field EAS em- tion.
ployees. The fact-finding hearing took place in Decem- The Postal Service denied NAPS’ representation pe-
ber 2018. At the hearing, NAPS contended that the tition in February 2019. This decision prompted NAPS,
USPS’ final EAS pay decision did not meet the require- in its lawsuit against the USPS, to seek a court order di-
ments of Title 39. recting the Postal Service to recognize NAPS as a right-
The FMCS fact-finding panel concurred with NAPS ful representative of postmasters for pay and benefits
on nearly all the issues raised. The panel held that the consultation.
Postal Service’s Pay-for-Performance (PFP) system was The FMCS fact-finding panel agreed with NAPS that
seriously flawed, the supervisor differential was not cal- the USPS pay system for managers and supervisors is se-
culated properly, PFP does not attract and retain quali- riously flawed and fails to meet the expectations of the
fied EAS employees and overtime and locality pay law. Given the USPS’ continued resistance to the pay
need to be addressed. administration requirements of Title 39, its failure to
The panel recommended that NAPS and the USPS recognize NAPS as the representative of all EAS person-
form a workgroup with a mediator and a pay-compen- nel (field, area and Headquarters) and its refusal to rec-
sation expert to help resolve these issues. Despite these ognize NAPS as a postmaster’s organization, NAPS had
definitive findings, the Postal Service disregarded most no choice but to seek the legal relief to which all super-
of them and issued its final May 15, 2019, pay deci- visors, managers and postmasters are entitled.
sion that denied EAS personnel the pay improvements Continued on page 5
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 3
NAPS’ DDF Is Your Best Defense
he adage “The best defense is a good offense” have a positive result from the DDF process.
T has been applied to many fields of endeavor, in-
cluding games and military combat. It also is
considered the strategic offensive principle of
war. Generally, the idea is that proactivity (a robust of-
fensive action), instead of a passive attitude, will preoc-
So, let’s look at the numbers from NAPS’ FY19 re-
garding DDF. For tracking purposes, NAPS’ fiscal year
runs June 1 through May 31. For FY19, the NAPS DDF
provider represented members in 114 total cases. The
“NAPS FY19 Total DDF Cases” graph identifies 75% (85)
cupy the opposition and ultimately hinder its ability to of those cases were designated for MSPB, 20% (23) cases
mount an opposing counterattack, were assigned to DCA and 5% (six) cases were assigned
leading to a strategic advantage. to the ELM 650 hearing process.
I apply this adage to NAPS’ Dis- Yearly, cases heard in the ELM 650 hearing process
ciplinary Defense Fund (DDF) ad- are the smallest part of NAPS’ DDF effort. However,
vocacy. On May 30, 2019, NAPS they are the costliest—career-wise—for those members
completed its first full fiscal year of who do not have MSPB appeal process rights. Despite
advocacy under the leadership of this, in FY19, NAPS settled 60% (three) of these cases.
the Labor Rela-
tions Admin
Group LLC
Ivan D. Butts (LRAG). After
Executive Vice President decades of fee-free
advocacy for NAPS
membership provided by Scialla Asso-
ciates, headed by Charlie Scialla, NAPS
made the transition to LRAG effective
Jan. 1, 2018.
Headed by Al Lum, LRAG has im-
plemented a smooth transition in ad-
vocating for NAPS members. Our ad-
vocacy has been strengthened through
the addition of several advocates who
have tremendous knowledge, skills
and abilities in USPS policies and pro-
cedures and advocacy. Al has made
himself available to NAPS members via
phone calls and emails, as well as at
NAPS training seminars throughout
the country.
This level of advocacy has allowed
NAPS to remain proactive in present-
ing an affirmative defense for its mem-
bers. What also helps in this effort is
the excellent work being done by local
NAPS advocates in cases at the initial
level. You are making my battle cry in
advocacy a reality—that is document,
document, document. The better the
level and quality of documentation
you submit with your cases puts NAPS
in the most advantageous position to
4 October 2019 / The Postal Supervisor
In the MSPB arena in FY19, 100% free representation to its mem- members in the field of MSPB. The
NAPS brought 75 cases before the bers through the NAPS DDF. chart speaks for itself regarding those
administrative judges overseeing this The last area of data I would like allegations.
process. I want to point out this is to summarize is the types of cases In solidarity …
the average number of cases quoted (see “DDF Case Types” chart) being al- naps.ib@naps.org
to NAPS by Charlie Scialla (see “NAPS leged by the USPS against NAPS
FY19 Total MSPB Cases” graph). De-
spite NAPS’ overall success in repre-
senting members with an 8% (six) A ‘Law’ Time Coming! would be an injustice to our mem-
loss rate compared to the approxi- Continued from page 3 bers by denying them their statutory
mately 82% loss rate across all appel- In its lawsuit against the Postal consultation rights to pay, benefits
lants—all agencies going before the Service, NAPS is urging the court to and appropriate representation.
MSPB courts—NAPS continues to see direct the USPS to: 1) Implement the Until the USPS agrees to uphold
a reliable and robust DDF in fighting fact-finding panel’s entire April 30, NAPS’ positions in the three areas
for its members. 2019, findings and recommenda- addressed here, we will remain deter-
I have heard comments about tions; 2) Acknowledge NAPS’ right to mined to exercise our rights under
the cost of NAPS’ DDF versus other represent all EAS employees—field, the law and seek a final resolution
associations’ costs doing similar area and Headquarters personnel; for our members through the federal
work. So, for the record, in FY19, and 3) Recognize NAPS as an official court.
NAPS represented EAS members in postmaster’s organization, entitled I, too, will remain determined
114 various DDF cases at an average to represent postmasters in pay and and provide you with my ice-cream
cost of $2,475 per case, paid by benefits at consultation. flavor-of-the-month recommenda-
NAPS. So, despite the changing NAPS is not willing to concede tion for October: strawberry lemon
times and changing our DDF its members’ rights as established cheesecake!
provider, NAPS continues to provide under the law. To do otherwise naps.bw@naps.org
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 5
Survey Says … Employee
Satisfaction?
uring my more than 30 years with the U.S. health care, with the importance of retirement bene-
D Postal Service—20-plus of those years as an
EAS employee at various levels of manage-
ment—I have heard about employee satisfac-
tion. From the “voices” we used to hear to today’s con-
cept of “engagement,” the USPS claims that customer
fits rising with the age of employees
3. Compensation/pay
4. Opportunities to use skills and abilities, and
5. Feeling safe in the work environment.
I can’t say that I disagree with any of those top
satisfaction is the critical piece five. The basis of the lawsuit NAPS has filed against the
necessary for its long-term sur- USPS deals largely with pay, benefits and job security.
vival. And who can argue with the next five most-important
While customer satisfaction is factors affecting employee satisfaction based on the
important, the quality of EAS work SHRM survey?
life, or “engagement,” has not 6. The employee’s relationship with their immedi-
been a factor senior USPS leader- ate supervisor
ship has ever seriously addressed. 7. Management recognition of employee job per-
There is ample evidence that many formance
visionary companies promote em- 8. Communication between employees and senior
Chuck Mulidore ployee satisfaction as the key to management
Secretary/Treasurer their survival. The theory is that 9. The work itself, and
when employees are well motivat- 10. Autonomy and independence in the employ-
ed, they naturally will take care of their customers. ee’s job.
“My philosophy is put your employees first, your Thus, we see that employees across the spectrum
customers second and your investors third and, in the seek good pay, job security, clear communication with
end, everyone will be happy.” Such is the business phi- their leaders and recognition of job performance,
losophy of Sir Richard Branson, entrepreneur and busi- among others, as critical components of engagement
ness leader and CEO of the Virgin Group. Obviously, we and satisfaction. Perhaps most telling are the factors
know this is not the business philosophy of the USPS as that were not strongly connected to employee satisfac-
has been measured over the
years and is reflected in today’s
bottom-dwelling employee sat-
isfaction scores in Gallup’s em-
ployee engagement surveys.
In the interest of discover-
ing what employees seek in
terms of satisfaction at work, I
referenced a 2009 survey by the
Society for Human Resource
Management (SHRM). This
study looked at 24 factors that
regularly are thought to relate to
employee satisfaction. Interest-
ingly, the study found that em-
ployees identified the following
five factors as most important:
1. Job security
2. Benefits—especially
6 October 2019 / The Postal Supervisor
tion based on the SHRM survey, yet more interest in career and profes-
seem to be of great focus in the sional development. While NAPS The Postal Supervisor
Postal Service today: completely supports the career and 2019 Production Schedule
• The organization’s commit- networking conferences being held Copy
Issue Deadline* Mails
ment to a green workplace throughout the Postal Service, it’s
NOV SEPT 26 OCT 22
• Networking opportunities quite clear that, in general, employees DEC OCT 23 NOV 19
• Career development opportuni- are not focused on career develop- JAN 20 NOV 25 DEC 19
ties ment as a measure of job satisfaction. FEB JAN 2 JAN 28
• Paid training and tuition reim- NAPS reminds the Postal Service *Copy must be received by this day; see
bursement programs, and that it’s the EAS employees who en- page 2 for submission information.
• The organization’s commit- sure the mail moves each day by
ment to professional development. making countless decisions in the reviewed: Pay EAS employees fairly
While I support employees hav- face of endless telecons, layers of re- by eliminating the PFP system, let us
ing the opportunity to improve their dundant reports and reporting re- do our jobs, recognize our work and
work lives through promotion, we quirements that hinder—not facili- talk to us with the respect we de-
know that, in today’s Postal Service, tate—the movement of America’s serve, but so often never receive. Do
many employees no longer are seek- mail. We do all this, despite what these things and the employee satis-
ing advancement into management. often seems like the Postal Service’s faction measurements will take care
Perhaps, if senior USPS leadership efforts to get in our way. of themselves and our customers will
took care of numbers 1 through 10 in So, here are my recommenda- reap the benefits.
the SHRM survey, there would be tions after all the surveys have been naps.cm@naps.org
NAPS Member Percentage Report
July 2019
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 7
July 15 Consultative
New Transportation Yard Visibility System,
Collapsed EAS-12 Positions, Confirmed
Mercury Spills Among Items Discussed
P
resident Brian Wagner, Ex- current pilot at the Atlanta NDC does NAPS escalated this appeal issue to
ecutive Vice President Ivan not affect the Trips on Time indicator. the respective USPS area office, but
D. Butts and Secretary/Trea- Trips are scheduled to leave at a specific received no response.
surer Chuck Mulidore at- time in order to arrive before the critical NAPS asked whether the district,
tended the July consultative meet- time entry at the destination P&DC for in this case, was correct in not grant-
ing. Executive Board Chair Tim Ford mail to be processed and delivered in a ing any appeal rights.
attended via telecon. Representing timely manner. Grievances of individual employees
the Postal Service were Bruce Nichol- If trips are held at the origin facility, shall not be matters that may be in-
son, Phong Quang and Henry Bear, the risk of failing containers and, possi- cluded as agenda items for consulta-
USPS Labor Relations Policy Admin- bly, full loads of mail is increased sig- tion.
istration. nificantly. Many trips also have addi-
tional stops en route to their final Agenda Item #3
Agenda Item #1 destinations, as well as scheduled trips On May 15, 2019, the USPS is-
NAPS has received numerous to Surface Transfer Centers where con- sued the “final decision concerning
concerns over the new Transporta- tainers are transferred to other trailers changes in pay policies, schedules
tion Yard Visibility System (YV) cur- awaiting transportation to other desti- and fringe benefit programs for Field
rently being pilot-tested at the At- nations. Employees may believe that Employee and Administrative Sched-
lanta NDC. There are concerns holding a truck to ensure every piece of ule (EAS) employees.” Included in
regarding the mandate for no late- mail gets on the truck is the right thing this policy was collapsing EAS-12 po-
departing trips. to do. However, this increases the sitions:
NAPS has been informed that chance of failing every piece of mail on 7. Position Upgrade
EAS employees are being instructed that truck. “The salary schedule of EAS-12
to dispatch these trips empty, de- There is limited data available at will be collapsed, and the position of
spite having mail staged for loading this time on this pilot at the Atlanta Administrative Assistant (FLD) EAS-
on the trailers. NAPS has been ad- NDC. 12 (OCC Code 0318-0007) will be
vised this is resulting in extra trips upgraded to EAS-15. Incumbents in
having to be called to dispatch mail Agenda Item #2 this position will receive a 2% basic
that should/could have been loaded NAPS has been made aware of an salary increase. The increase is ad-
on the scheduled transportation. issue where the USPS informed a justed higher, if necessary, to bring
NAPS asked for a briefing on the non-veteran, preference-eligible EAS the salary to the minimum of the
pilot and the data on all transporta- employee in a written proposed re- new grade. The increase is adjusted
tion loads and dispatch information moval that, because they had been lower, if necessary, to keep the salary
for the Atlanta NDC pilot site. an EAS employee for less than one from exceeding the maximum of the
Veronica Hale, manager, Visibility year, they did not have any appeal higher grade.”
Business Systems, and Jason Tamayo, rights. The EAS employee was not Collapsing the EAS-12 positions
senior Visibility Program specialist, pro- granted Merit Systems Protection impacted current administrative as-
vided the overview. The current Yard Board (MSPB) rights or rights to an sistants (FLD) EAS-12 (OCC Code
Management System (YMS) is outdated; ELM 650 hearing. 0318-0007), resulting in an upgrade
the new system, the Transportation Local NAPS representatives dis- to EAS-15. NAPS requested a time
Yard Visibility System (YV), is a compo- cussed this lack of appeal rights with frame for when these administrative
nent of IV—integrated visibility. The the respective district to no avail. Continued on page 16
8 October 2019 / The Postal Supervisor
Aug. 14 Consultative
Postal Pulse Survey Postcards, Excessive Heat
While Performing 3999s, Collapsed EAS-12
Positions Among Items Discussed
P
resident Brian Wagner, Ex- other managerial employees.” NAPS truck to ensure every piece of mail gets
ecutive Vice President Ivan noted the USPS did not afford the as- on the truck is the right thing to do, but
D. Butts and Secretary/Trea- sociation direct participation in the this increases the chance of failing every
surer Chuck Mulidore at- initial development of the YV pro- piece of mail on that truck.
tended the August consultative gram as outlined in 39 U.S. Code §
meeting. Representing the Postal Ser- 1004(b). Agenda Item #2
vice were Bruce Nicholson, Phong The Postal Service notified NAPS re- On July 15, 2019, NAPS inquired
Quang and Henry Bear, USPS Labor garding implementation of the YV pilot about directions received from USPS
Relations Policy Administration. on March 15; a briefing was provided Headquarters on the use of personal
during July’s consultative meeting. Dur- time that NAPS believes was in viola-
Agenda Item #1 ing July’s meeting, the Postal Service re- tion of Postal Service policies and
NAPS has received numerous sponded that this pilot does not affect procedures.
concerns over the new Transporta- the Trips on Time indicator or any other On July 26, 2019, the USPS re-
tion Yard Visibility System (YV) cur- NPA indicators. Therefore, another sponded with the policy and proce-
rently being pilot-tested at the At- briefing on this pilot to reaffirm that it dure that cover the use of personal
lanta NDC. There are concerns does not impact NPA serves no purpose. leave for nonbargaining employees.
regarding the mandate for no late- The YV system is a replacement/en- However, the USPS did not affirm
departing trips. hancement to the Yard Management this issue was addressed with the
NAPS has been informed that System (YMS) and provides visibility to USPS manager whose action violated
EAS employees are being instructed the transportation functions, such as al- USPS policies and procedures.
to dispatch these trips empty, de- lowing users to see what is in the yard, NAPS asked if the respective
spite having mail staged for loading just as Surface Visibility. The system USPS manager was given proper
on the trailers. NAPS has been ad- does not make decisions, such as direct- guidance to adhere to USPS policies
vised this is resulting in extra trips ing drivers to depart to destinations. and procedures.
having to be called to dispatch mail As stated during the July consulta- Grievances of individual employees
that should/could have been loaded tive meeting, trips are scheduled to leave shall not be matters that may be in-
on the scheduled transportation. at a specific time in order to arrive be- cluded as agenda items for consulta-
While NAPS appreciated the fore the critical time entry at the desti- tion. The Postal Service, as a courtesy, is
process overview presented at the nation P&DC for mail to be processed open to discussing this matter outside
July consultative meeting, NAPS and delivered in a timely manner. If this forum.
asked for a briefing on the opera- trips are held at the origin facility, the
tional issues ultimately impacting risk of failing containers and, possibly, Agenda Item #3
the PFP Corporate indicators. full loads of mail is increased signifi- NAPS members have reported re-
NAPS contends implementing cantly. ceiving a postcard from the USPS
such a pilot impacts the benefits of Many trips also have additional thanking them for participating in
EAS employees and, therefore, enti- stops en route to their final destination, the Postal Pulse survey. Some em-
tles NAPS to “participate directly in as well as scheduled trips to Surface ployees received the postcard with-
the planning and development of Transfer Centers where containers are out the benefit of completing the
pay policies and schedules, fringe transferred to other trailers awaiting survey.
benefit programs and other pro- transportation to other destinations. NAPS pointed out there are ap-
grams relating to supervisory and Employees may believe that holding a proximately 600,000 USPS employ-
10 October 2019 / The Postal SupervisorNAPS Training
ees; according to recent Postal Pulse concern for the health and welfare Calendar
results, fewer than 40% completed of EAS employees:
Central Region Training
the latest survey. NAPS asked why “EAS employees should be taking
Oct. 4-5, 2019
the Postal Service mailed postcards preventive measures similar to all
Conducted by: Central Region VP Craig
to more than 300,000 employees, other employees on staying hydrat-
Johnson, Illini Area VP Luz Moreno, North
thanking them for taking a survey ed and being attentive to signs of Central Area VP Dan Mooney, Michiana Area
they did not take. overheating, whether it’s in the back VP Kevin Trayer and MINK Area VP Bart
NAPS contends that sending of an LLV, on a dock or in any other Green
such a mailing to approximately scenario. Yes, it’s hot, but it’s also Location: Hyatt Regency Bloomington near
Mall of America, 3200 East 81st St., Bloom-
225,000 employees who took the hot for our carriers, mail handlers
ington, MN 55425; (952) 922-1234 or (800)
survey—and thought they were and custodians cutting lawns.” 233-1234; the hotel offers a free, daily shut-
doing so anonymously—as well as NAPS pointed out that it’s not tle to and from the airport; parking at the
including 300,000 employees who carriers, mail handlers or custodians hotel is free. Room block cutoff is Sept. 1.
did not complete the survey, serves sitting in the back of LLVs where Hotel Rate: $109/one king or two queens;
$139/Regency Club one king or two queens;
to devalue the survey and the sincer- temperatures can be hot enough to $209/one king suite—tax is additional
ity of the USPS’ thank-you. cook a steak. NAPS asked why these Registration Fee: $135 until Sept. 1; $175
NAPS asked what the cost was as- inspections cannot be made regard- thereafter. Fee includes Friday reception and
sociated with the Postal Pulse thank- ing USPS policies and procedures hospitality room, snack breaks, Saturday
lunch and training materials. Make checks
you postcard mailing. found in “Handbook M-41,” which
payable to NAPS Headquarters. Branch and
The Postal Pulse postcard mailing reads, in part: state presidents are asked to bring a $50
cost approximately $20,000. The Postal “912—Frequency Counts of mail gift item for SPAC.
Service sends the postcard to every shall be conducted on one or more Training Topics: Legislative advocacy, re-
postal employee because Gallup controls routes when it is determined to be tirement, OIG, financial controls, advocacy,
NPA, ELM 650, Delivery Management, mem-
the information regarding the individu- operationally necessary. These in-
bership branch officer training, sexual ha-
als who completed the survey; it is not spections will be conducted between rassment, HERO profile, informed visibility,
shared with the Postal Service. The the first week of September and May attendance control and NAPS national offi-
Postal Service believes that exhibiting 31, excluding December. A physical cers Q&A
common courtesy by saying “thank inspection of the route shall be Instructors: Resident officers, Kevin Trayer,
Dan Mooney, Glenn Smith, Esmeralda
you” to all employees, regardless of made on one or more days during Dominguez, Steve Dillard and others
whether one completes the survey, im- the count week by a route examiner
proves the level of engagement. who accompanies the carrier during Eastern Region Cabinet
his or her full tour.” Meeting
Agenda Item #4 NAPS asked that the USPS fol- Jan. 16-19, 2020
NAPS has received concerns lows the policies and procedures in Conducted by: Eastern Region VP Richard
about the excessive heat currently in “Handbook M-41” in regard to phys- Green, Capitol-Atlantic Area VP Troy Griffin,
the NAPS Southeast Area and the ical inspection of the routes. Pioneer Area VP Tim Needham and Mideast
Area VP Tony Dallojacono
USPS mandate for EAS employees to “Handbook M-41,” City Delivery
Location: Tropicana Executive Conference
perform 3999s. This mandate is re- Carriers’ Duties and Responsibilities,
Center, 421 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, IN
quiring EAS employees to be in the Section 912, outlines the frequency for 47708; (800) 544-0120
back of LLVs with no ventilation, no mail counts and inspections determined Hotel Rate: Tropicana—$129/night plus tax;
air conditioning and without the by the Postal Service. This provision is Le Merigot at Tropicana—$149/night plus
benefit of a fan available for carriers not applicable to special route inspec- tax. Use code “NAPS” for room rates.
to use in these non-air-conditioned tions that may be requested by a regular Registration Fee: $225 before Dec. 1; $250
after Dec. 1. Make checks payable to NAPS
vehicles. city carrier in accordance with “Hand-
and mail to NAPS Branch 936, PO Box 478,
NAPS’ concerns are based on book M-39,” Management of Delivery Newell, NC 28126-0478. Fees for meals
documented findings that recorded Services, Section 271.g, which reads: for guests without a registration is $25 a
temperatures in Florida are record- “If over any 6 consecutive week pe- day/breakfast, $30 a day/lunch and $50 for
a banquet ticket.
setting. NAPS has not received a re- riod (where work performance is other-
Instructors: NAPS resident officers; NAPS
sponse from the USPS area on this wise satisfactory) a route shows over 30 national officers will conduct panel discus-
issue. The response received from minutes of overtime or auxiliary assis- sions and Q&A sessions.
local leadership reflects a lack of tance on each of 3 days or more in each
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 11week during this period, the regular car- may call attention for individual street justments would be processed in pay
rier assigned to such route shall, upon supervision such as when overtime or periods 15 and 16.
request, receive a special mail count and auxiliary assistance is used frequently On May 15, 2019, the USPS is-
inspection to be completed within 4 on a route.” sued the “final decision concerning
weeks of the request. The month of De- NAPS has expressed concerns about changes in pay policies, schedules
cember must be excluded from consider- supervisors’ exposure to heat during and fringe benefit programs for Field
ation when determining a 6 consecutive these route inspections; the safety of our Employee and Administrative Sched-
week period. However, if a period of employees is paramount. In keeping ule (EAS) employees.” Included in
overtime and/or auxiliary assistance be- with that priority, all employees are ex- this policy was collapsing EAS-12 po-
gins in November and continues into pected to comply with the Heat Illness sitions:
January, then January is considered as a Prevention Program (HIPP). The HIPP is 7. Position Upgrade
consecutive period even though Decem- designed to educate our employees “The salary schedule of EAS-12
ber is omitted. A new 6 consecutive about the effects of heat on the body, will be collapsed, and the position of
week period is not begun.” outline the risk factors for heat-related Administrative Assistant (FLD) EAS-
The instance cited by NAPS and ad- illness, promote recognition of symp- 12 (OCC Code 0318-0007) will be
dressed in a July 9 correspondence from toms associated with heat-related ill- upgraded to EAS-15. Incumbents in
senior leadership in the Suncoast District nesses and provide guidance about this position will receive a 2% basic
was in regards to a special route inspec- when to seek help. salary increase. The increase is ad-
tion, not a mail count. Therefore, the To that end, the HIPP requires an- justed higher, if necessary, to bring
Postal Service’s actions are consistent nual completion of a course on heat the salary to the minimum of the
with its policies and procedures, specifi- stress by all employees, regardless of job new grade. The increase is adjusted
cally “Handbook M-39,” Section 271.g. title, position duties, facility location or lower, if necessary, to keep the salary
If NAPS has concerns with a response frequency of exposure to heat. This from exceeding the maximum of the
from district leadership, then the matter course discusses the effects of heat on higher grade.”
should be forwarded to the area Human the body, outlines the risk factors for Collapsing the EAS-12 positions
Resources manager for discussion. heat-related illnesses and describes the impacted current administrative assis-
Overseeing carrier activities and associated treatments. tants (FLD) EAS-12 (OCC Code 0318-
conducting route inspections are respon- In addition to the annual training 0007), resulting in an upgrade to EAS-
sibilities of managers and supervisors. course, all employees are provided with 15. NAPS requested a time frame for
District leadership, installation heads, visual aids that are affixed to the win- when these administrative assistants
managers and supervisors have a re- dow of all postal vehicles and attached will receive their upgrade, salary level
sponsibility to ensure that a PS Form as laminated cards to ID badges that increase and retroactive pay from the
3999, Inspection of a Letter Carrier describe the various symptoms of and January 5, 2019, effective date.
Route, is performed at least once per proper first-aid responses to heat-related Field EAS impacted by this up-
year and should plan to conduct these illness and can be used to help guide de- grade have reported that, as of pay
inspections throughout the year. cisions to seek medical attention. period 16, the adjustment had not
Supervision of carrier activities is The HIPP also encourages employ- been made.
expected to be performed daily. The fol- ees to take adequate precautions when A response to this agenda item was
lowing are provisions from “Handbook working in the heat. Potable water is provided during the July consultative
M-39” that address street management: available in all facilities and employees meeting; processing those adjustments
“M-39 134.11—Street Management are encouraged to stay hydrated. The has been consistent with that response.
is a natural extension of office manage- Postal Service also advises employees to Form 50 actions and payroll adjust-
ment. All carriers are to be notified to err on the side of caution and call 911 ments have been completed for employ-
expect daily supervision on the street immediately if they experience or wit- ees formerly in the EAS-12 administra-
just as they receive daily supervision in ness another employee exhibiting signs tive assistants (FLD) position. If NAPS
the office.” of heat-related illness. Headquarters is contacted by any em-
“M-39 134.12—Accompanying car- ployee who claims a payroll adjustment
riers on the street is an essential respon- Agenda Item #5 was not received, please obtain and re-
sibility of management and one of the NAPS brought Agenda Item #3 view the most recent earnings statement
manager’s most important duties.” from the July consultative. It was before forwarding to Labor Relations
“M-39 134.13—Certain criteria noted the USPS affirmed that pay ad- Policy Administration for review.
12 October 2019 / The Postal SupervisorAgenda Item #6 case program as outlined in 39 U.S. regarding its intent to pilot consolidated
NAPS requested copies of the Code § 1004(b). casing in Annandale, VA, on May 18
performance data for the Annandale, The initiative to test restructured and has followed up with seven addi-
VA, Post Office to validate impacts to city letter carrier assignments by using tional correspondences in regard to that
NPA scores. In addition, NAPS re- modified letter carrier case configura- initiative.
quested the following: tions—consolidated casing—at the An- A minimal number of NPA perform-
• The district ranking of the An- nandale, VA, Post Office is related to ance indicators for the Annandale Post
nandale, VA, Post Office before the city carrier operations. There is no obli- Office have achieved lower cell values
pilot test of casing multiple carrier gation for the Postal Service to follow since implementation of the pilot, but
routes in one case. the consultation process with its man- those indicators did not have a direct cor-
• The current district ranking of agement associations on pilots related relation with the pilot. Total Operating
the Annandale, VA, Post Office after to work performed by bargaining-unit Expense, an indicator that includes all
the start of the pilot test of casing employees, similar to the Postal Service expenses—not just expenses related to
multiple carrier routes in one case. not being required to send Article 19 no- the pilot—decreased in cell value. How-
NAPS noted that it was not af- tices to our unions for issues such as ever, that decrease did not affect the NPA
forded the opportunity to directly changes to supervisory position descrip- composite performance summary. The
participate in developing and imple- tions. However, Labor Relations provid- Postal Service’s invitation to a site visit
menting the multiple carrier route ed correspondence on April 15 to NAPS and briefing on this pilot still stands.
Take Stock of Your TSP Flexible Withdrawals Begin
TSP Investments
When it comes to investing, Significant changes to TSP withdrawal rules went into effect Sept. 15, 2019:
there’s no such thing as “set it
New Flexible Withdrawals Former Rules
and forget it.” Saving consistent-
ly and staying the course have
Any in-serve withdrawals you make have Only one age-based, in-service with-
proven successful for many in-
no effect on the number of post-separa- drawal or post-separation partial with-
vestors like you. And it’s equally
tion partial withdrawals you can make. drawal allowed in a lifetime. Then, a full
important to review your strategy
You’ll be able to make partial with- withdrawal election is required.
every so often to make sure your
drawals, even if you receive installment
choices still align with your
payments.
goals.
That means you should
You never have to make a full withdrawal A full withdrawal election is required the
check your account distribution
election. When you need to make IRS- year you are separated and 701/2 or older
and your contribution alloca-
mandated required distributions (RMDs) or your account becomes abandoned.
tion, both available as conven-
at age 701/2 and after, we’ll automatically
ient pie charts in My Account and
send you the right amount if you don’t
on your statements. Then make
withdraw enough during the year.
sure those choices still work for
your situation. Even if you don’t
You can choose to withdraw traditional All withdrawals include both traditional
need to make a change, you can
money only, Roth money only or a pro- and Roth funds as a pro rata (i.e., propor-
rest easy knowing you’re on the
portional amount of both. tional) distribution.
right track for you.
And if you do decide to make
You can request withdrawals easily using Paper forms must be submitted by mail
a change? You’ll find step-by-
fast and secure online tools by logging or fax to make or change a withdrawal
step instructions on how to com-
into My Account on tsp.gov. election.
plete those requests under “On-
line Transactions” when you log
You can customize your installment pay- Requests to change monthly installment
into My Account.
ments and change your payment fre- amounts can be made only once each
Learn about your “time hori-
quency at any time as your needs year during a designated open season.
zon,” diversification and how to
change. You can choose among monthly,
meet your retirement needs on
quarterly and annual installment options.
tsp.gov.
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 13NAPS of Note
The Great Lakes Area held its Heroes Career Confer-
ence in August. From left: Mike Melendez, Great
Lakes Area Operations Support manager; Pam Cun-
ningham, Great Lakes Area Human Resources man-
ager; Darrel Kordie and Esther Mendoza, Great
Lakes Area Employee Engagement Ambassadors;
and Luz Moreno, NAPS Illini Area vice president.
Attending Baltimore, MD, Branch 42’s an-
nual crab feast were, from left: NAPS
Eastern Region Vice President Richard
Green, Executive Vice President Ivan D.
Butts, former Eastern Region Vice Presi-
dent Dotty Wileman, Secretary/Treasurer
Chuck Mulidore and former Capitol-
Atlantic Area Vice President John Geter.
NAPS Pioneer Area Vice President
and Canton, OH, Post Office OIC
Tim Needham (left) attended the
grand opening of a new USPS Fi-
nance Unit in North Canton. Also at
the event was special guest Rep. An-
thony Gonzalez, former Ohio State
Buckeye and Indianapolis Colts foot-
ball player.
14 October 2019 / The Postal SupervisorThe Postal Service launched its new Su-
pervisor Mentorship Program in New
York. The New York District was chosen
to pilot the new eight-month program
in which supervisors will be mentored
by members of the Greater Boston Dis-
trict. The program aims to promote
professional and personal development,
reduce learning costs, increase produc-
tivity and increase job satisfaction. Su-
pervisors will meet and converse weekly
with other mentees and reach out to
their mentors, who will be monitoring
their progress. From left: Irene Kearney,
CX Support Team; Carrie Dittmer, CX
improvement specialist; Imelda Bruce,
director of CX & Strategy; Thomas
Diefenbach, manager of CX Design &
Strategy; Lorraine Castellano, manager,
New York District; Jimmy Warden, NAPS
New York Area vice president; Chatika
Copeland, CX Process Improvement an-
alyst; Michael Rakes, manager, Greater
Boston District; Margaret Pepe, manag-
er, Northeast Area Marketing; and Tom
Hughes, NAPS New York City Branch
100 president.
Sacramento Branch 77 members and San Francisco Branch 88
Auxiliary members represented NAPS at Rep. Mike Thompson’s
(D-CA) annual pasta dinner in St. Helena, CA. Thompson (cen-
ter) helped serve pasta. The event honored Thompson for his 28
years of serving the community. Special guest speakers included
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin New-
son. NAPS, NARFE and the postal unions meet often with Thomp-
son to discuss postal legislation.
From left: Representing
NAPS were Patricia Grisby
(Branch 77), Toni Walton,
(Branch 77), Yunia Graham
(Branch 88) and Barbara
Kelly (Branch 77).
NAPS California State Area Vice
President Mariel Murillo met
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) at his
town hall meeting in Riverside,
CA. Murillo had an opportunity
to discuss postal issues with the
congressman.
Correction: In the September
2019 Postal Supervisor maga-
zine, page 10, James E. Park
Jr. Northern Virginia District
Branch 526 was misspelled; it
should be James E. Parks Jr.
Heart of Illinois Branch 255 President Dan We apologize for the error.
Rendleman (right) and his wife Linda met
with Rep. Dan Bost (R-IL).
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 15Attending the Greater Indiana
District Career Conference
were, from left: NAPS Central
Region Vice President Craig
Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer
Chuck Mulidore and Michiana
Area Vice President Kevin
Trayer.
On behalf of the NAPS Michiana
Area, Kevin Trayer presented an
award to Indiana District Manager
Todd Hawkins. From left: NAPS Fort
Wayne Branch 204 President Alice
Williams, Central Region Vice Presi-
dent Craig Johnson, Secretary/Trea-
surer Chuck Mulidore, Hawkins, Tray-
er, Indianapolis Branch 8 President
Monique Mosley, Indiana State
Branch 917 President Marcel Webb
and USPS HRSSC Manager Rochelle
Israel.
pressure monitor that mailed from New sion. Post office lobbies are the principal
July 15 Consultative
Continued from page 8 York to the Arecibo Pueblo Post Office business offices of the Postal Service.
assistants will receive their upgrade, broke open at Arecibo. The facility was While providing lobby assistance was
salary level increase and retroactive closed that Friday afternoon and re- added to the duties and responsibilities
pay from the January 5, 2019, effec- opened Monday, April 15. An Emer- for certain craft positions, customer
tive date. gency Planning, Response and Recovery service remains everyone’s responsibility.
The Form 50 actions upgrading the Services contractor was brought in to as- When necessary, supervisors should
EAS-12 administrative assistants (FLD) sess and remediate the spill. Communi- conduct lobby sweeps for customers who
position to EAS-15 were processed in cation was sent to local employee or- are conducting nonrevenue transactions
pay period 13 of FY19. Processing of ganization representatives by the when lines are long due to retail associ-
the salary increases and retroactive pay Northeast Area Office. ates conducting lengthy transactions.
as a result of the upgrade was done in Having frequent contact with the pub-
pay period 14. Employees should see Agenda Item #5 lic, providing information on postal
these adjustments reflected on their On May 21, 2019, the USPS noti- services and accepting mail at public
paystub in pay periods 15 and 16. fied NAPS of changes to various craft windows remain part of the supervisor’s
positions. The changes included the duties and responsibilities.
Agenda Item #4 addition of lobby assistant and pass- Lobby assistance is not a position,
Other than the Pittsburgh NDC, port duties to six identified craft po- but, rather, duties in the lead SSA and
NAPS asked if there have been other sitions. NAPS acknowledged this SSA job descriptions. These duties
confirmed mercury spills in Postal change and contends that EAS em- should be performed by available SSAs.
Service facilities in the United States ployees no longer should be man- Prior to a supervisor providing assis-
and U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Vir- dated to complete lobby assistant tance in the lobby, all clerks in the of-
gin Islands, Guam) in FY19. duties due to the USPS formally des- fice should be used (including using
A spill occurred at the Arecibo ignating this as a craft function. overtime, as appropriate) at the window
Pueblo, PR, Post Office on Friday, April Assisting our customers is an essen- or as lobby assistants.
12, 2019. A parcel containing a blood tial function of the Postal Service’s mis-
16 October 2019 / The Postal SupervisorViews
from the Vice Presidents
USPS Pacific Area Leadership Meeting
By Marilyn Walton by Coach Robert Mendez, JV
Western Region Vice President football coach at Prospect
High School in Gilroy, CA.
P
acific Area Vice President Mendez was born without
Chuck Lum, California State arms and legs; he gets around
Branch 905 President Marilyn on a special motorized wheel-
Jones and Secretary Bridget Evans chair. He said that, through-
and I were invited to the USPS Pacif- out his childhood and into
ic Area Leadership meeting at the adult life, his motto has been,
USPS Santa Clarita Pro- “Who says I can’t!”
cessing Plant. USPS Pacific As a result of From left: NAPS Pacific Area Vice President Chuck Lum, Cali-
Area Vice President of Op- hard work and fornia State Branch 905 Secretary Bridget Evans, motivational
erations Larry Munoz and determination, as speaker Coach Rob Mendez, California State Branch 905 Pres-
ident Marilyn Jones, Western Region Vice President Marilyn
his staff hosted the two- well as a love of Walton and USPS Pacific Area Delivery Program Manager
day meeting. people and foot- Doug Smith.
The Pacific Area and ball, he was hired
the Eastern Area are vying as a coach at Gilroy High Mendez recently received ESPY’s
for the number-one posi- School. He uses his cell Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and
tion in the nation. At the meeting, phone to write plays for the team, as has been featured on several sports
area management shared strategies well as sign autographs. Mendez’ channels.
developed at their recent three-area presentation started with a brief The NAPS Pacific Area officers
meeting in Chicago. Each year, be- movie about his life at home and his appreciated the invitation to attend
fore peak season, the Pacific, West- work on the football field coaching the area meetings. A lot of great in-
ern and Great Lakes areas meet to his team. formation was shared that we can
identify concerns that will impact The entire presentation was so take back and share with our mem-
processing, transporting and deliver- inspirational. He was given several bers. Munoz gave us time to address
ing mail among these crucial areas. standing ovations and we all were the managers and continues to
Safety is the number-one issue; cheering, “Who says I can’t!” thank us for our partnership.
reducing motor vehicle accidents is
priority. We were reminded there are
seven weeks before the start of Fiscal
Year 2020, so the Pacific Area goal
Western Region Training
has reduced identified goals by 50%
during peak season. The Pacific Area
Seminar
T
currently is number one nationwide. he NAPS Western Region team sources HERO program. The pro-
The recent Postal Pulse survey hosted a two-day training semi- gram’s intent is to track employees
was discussed. There was an increase nar in Henderson, NV, in early with online technology in all phases
in responses in the Pacific Area, but August at the Sunset Station Hotel & of their training, development, pro-
there needs to be a significant in- Casino. National Secretary/Treasurer motions and other aspects.
crease in participation to add value Chuck Mulidore was our special We had a great presentation
to the survey and measure whether guest. National Auxiliary President from the Inspection Service. Acting
the employee engagement process is Patricia Jackson-Kelley also attended. Las Vegas District Manager Tracie
working. Day 1 focused on postal training, Hill-Sandifer had an outstanding
One of the training highlights including new USPS technology and motivational presentation titled,
was an awesome motivational speech the USPS Headquarters’ Human Re- “Are You Up to the Challenge?” The
18 October 2019 / The Postal Supervisorclimb to success is hard, the chal-
lenges are many, but, in the end, we
all yelled back, “We are up to the
challenge!”
The USPS Western Area Finance
Department sent a team of experts
to discuss the do’s and don’ts of
USPS financial accountability. The
feedback from attendees indicated it
was the best financial training they
have had. We also had presentations
about the FMLA and managing mul- Las Vegas Branch 463 sponsored this year’s successful Western Region training seminar.
From left: Pacific Area Vice President Chuck Lum, Branch 463 members Sherry Patterson,
tiple generations in the Postal Ser-
Becky Jones, Evelyn Sjolie, Michell Brown, Jackie Clayton, David James, Cecilla Pelletier, Jerry
vice. Wilfling, George Pixley, Rocky Mountain Area Vice President Myrna Pashinski, National Sec-
Day 2 focused on NAPS represen- retary/Treasurer Chuck Mulidore, Northwest Area Vice President Cindy McCracken and
tation training. The keynote presen- Western Region Vice President Marilyn Walton.
ter was Jack Barry, a NAPS DDF Western Region vice president, who job hosting two days of hospitality
provider. He was scheduled for three was present. The plaques were found parties. We also have to recognize
hours, but his presentation and fol- recently in NAPS Headquarters’ our hard-working volunteers on the
low-up questions lasted 41/2 hours. archives of former national officers. Registration, Sergeants-at-Arms and
We had discussions on ELM 650, me- The plaques are being given to those SPAC committees and the Auxiliary
diation, the Douglas Factors, debt honored or their family members. team. Over $3,600 was raised for
collection and membership. Due to time constraints, we pro- SPAC.
Mulidore provided updated in- vided handouts on bullying in the A special thanks goes to Rocky
formation on NAPS’ recently filed workplace and involuntary reassign- Mountain Area Vice President Myrna
lawsuit, which generated a lot of ments, as well as my updated NAPS Pashinski whose area hosted this
questions and comments. He also Tool Kit. Our team presented as successful event. Her behind-the-
presented two plaques honoring much information as possible in the scene efforts helped make sure the
Margarete A. Grant, which were ac- two days. Feedback on our surveys event ran smoothly. Thanks to the
cepted by Glen Gray, vice president was very positive. Western Region delegates for their
of the Margarete A. Grant Branch We had a lot of help from Hill- attendance and support. We hope
(Oakland). Sandifer and her management team. you enjoyed your time in Las Vegas!
Mulidore also presented a plaque Thanks to NAPS Las Vegas Branch
to Dorotha Bradley, former NAPS 463 members, who did a fantastic
National Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Muli-
dore presented former Western Region
Vice President Dorotha Bradley with a
plaque found in the archives at NAPS
From left: NAPS Western Region Vice President Marilyn Walton, Pacific Area Vice President Headquarters. From left: Pacific Area Vice
Chuck Lum, Las Vegas Branch 463 President David James, Northwest Area Vice President President Chuck Lum, Bradley, Mulidore
Cindy McCracken, acting Las Vegas District Manager Tracie Hill-Sandifer and acting Las and Western Region Vice President Marilyn
Vegas Postmaster Joe Zarate. Walton.
The Postal Supervisor / October 2019 19Legislative
Update
there was a permanent, services have suffered dramatically.
Bob Levi staffed post office in that Israel’s Postal Company makes
Director of Legislative & ancient city. This assured residential mail deliveries every
Political Affairs the recipient got their mail other workday, meaning only 21/2
before the onset of Sab- days a week. Only 61% of accumu-
T he U.S. Capitol complex
resembles a ghost town during
August. Members of Congress are
bath, which began at sun-
set on Friday evening. Needless to
say, post offices were closed on Sat-
lated letter mail is delivered in three
work days; it takes almost a week to
reach the 95% target. Please note:
home in their respective districts urdays; there were no mail deliver- This is in in a country the size of
and states, on fact-finding trips ies. New Jersey.
Moreover, I was told that “fran-
Lessons To Be Learned chised” post offices have irregular
hours, resulting in confusion among
postal customers. Also, “licensees,”
From Other Postal Systems rather than postal employees, are
able to deliver mail to residential de-
abroad or vacationing with their Now, flip the calendar two mil- livery points.
families. Most congressional staffers lennia. On the surface, the modern- These factors have led to a high
also are chilling outside Washington, day Israel Postal Company’s menu of degree of public dissatisfaction with
DC. services is impressive. However, it the Israeli postal system. In fact, a
So, with the Capitol virtually masks serious issues that should June 2019 report issued by the state
empty, I took a much-needed, two- serve as a warning to those in our comptroller proclaimed that, in
week opportunity to recharge my country who advocate
batteries—physically and spiritual- postal deregulation and
ly—during a trip to Israel. I visited privatization.
many archeological and religious About five years ago,
sites and took a delightful one-day Israel Post embarked on its
excursion to two vineyards/wineries march to corporatization
in the Upper Galilee region to sam- of the government author-
ple wine and, yes, goat cheese. Be- ity. In addition, it author-
sides the exotic tourist venues, I took ized private investment in
the opportunity to visit Jerusalem’s the newly established
main post office. postal system. In fact, last
In ancient times, Israel was at the year, the government au-
crossroads of the civilized world. An- thorized the sale of 40% of
cient commerce was an important the Israeli postal system
byproduct of the area. Roman and through Israel’s stock ex-
Persian roads, which led to and from change.
Israel, were the conduits by which Before corporatization,
governmental and personal corre- Israeli post offices provided
spondence transited—from the west banking services, non-
to the east and everywhere in-be- postal government func-
tween. There were hard-and-fast tions and utility bill-
rules relating to mail delivery in Is- paying and sold basic of-
rael’s walled cities—even in Jesus’ fice and stationery sup-
lifetime. plies. Those enhanced ser-
For example, in strict observance vices were not reduced as a
of the Sabbath, Friday mail delivery result of corporatization; Bob Levi visited Jerusalem’s Central Post Office Building during
to a city only could take place if nevertheless, basic postal his trip to Israel in August.
20 October 2019 / The Postal SupervisorYou can also read
