2008 NAPUS NATIONAL CONVENTION

MARRIOTT RENAISSANCE HOTEL

ST. LOUIS, MO

 

ALL MEETINGS WILL BE IN THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED 

SPECIAL AREAS

Daily Bulletin          8/22 – 8/27/08   

Lafayette Boardroom

     

Credit Union            8/22 – 8/27/08    Westmoreland

                                         

Registration            8/22 – 8/27/08    Landmark Foyer

 

Storage/Stuffing        8/21 – 8/27/08    Kingsbury

                                  

Sgt At Arms

VIP Holding Room        8/25 – 8/27/08    Salon H Foyer

                                         

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.          NAPUS Executive Committee Meeting

                               Hawthorne, Lucas and Flora

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.          NAPUS Executive Committee Meeting 

                               Hawthorne, Lucas and Flora

                              

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.          NAPUS Federal Credit Union

                               Board Meeting  - 

Portland

 

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.         Credit Union

                               Landmark Registration

 

12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.        Exhibit Area Open

                               Landmark Ballroom

                             

12:00 – 5:00 p.m.              Registration and Information

                               Landmark Foyer

7:00 – 8:00 p.m.               Choir Practice for Memorial Service 

                               Benton Room

 

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.              Carnival Games

                               Majestic Ballroom

 

8:00 p.m. -12:00 midnight     Welcome Dance

 Majestic Ballroom

        

                                    SUNDAY, AUGU

ST 24, 2008

6:15 a.m.                     NAPUS Golf Tournament

                               Bus pick-up at

America’s Center

                              

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.          Registration and Information

                               Landmark Foyer

 

8:30 – 9:45 a.m.               Church Service/Memorial Service

                               Majestic Ballroom E

 

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.         Credit Union

                               Landmark Registration

                                        

 

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.         Exhibit Area Open

                               Landmark Ballroom                             

 

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon        NAPUS Officer’s Break-out Sessions

                               Presidents        

Portland

                               Service Reps      Majestic H

                               Editors           Majestic F

                               Membership Reps  Lucas and Flora

                               PAC Reps         Majestic F

                               Legislative Reps

Benton

       Secretary Treasurers  Parkview

 

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.        NAPUS Retiree Business Meeting

                               Majestic Salons A-B-C

 Renaissance Hotel

 

12:15 p.m.                    Service Rep Luncheon – By Invitation Only                               Sponsored by Mass Benefits Consultants

                               Majestic Salon G

 

1:00 p.m.                    

St. Louis Cardinals Ball Game

                               (tickets available through advance sales) 

1:30 – 5:00 p.m.              NAPUS Officer’s Break Out Sessions (only)

                               Presidents        

Portland

                               Service Reps       Majestic H

                               

1:30 - 5:00 p.m.               Constitution Committee Meeting

                               Laclede Ballroom

                               

1:30- 5:00 p.m.                Policy Committee Meeting

                               Hawthorne Room

 

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.              National NAPUS Postmaster Rep Meeting

                               Benton Room

 

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.               Career Development Facilitator Meeting

                               Lucas/Flora Room

 

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.              First Timer’s Orientation Meeting 

                               Crystal Ballroom

 

8:00 – 12:00 p.m.              National President’s Welcome Dance

                               Crystal Ballroom

                               

MONDAY, AUGU

ST 25, 2008                        

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.          Credit Union

                               Landmark Registration

 

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.         NAPUS PAC table – Open for Business

                               Landmark Foyer

 

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.          NAPUS Registration and Information

                               Landmark Foyer

 

 

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.          Exhibit Area Open

                               Landmark Ballroom

                             

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.        General Business Session I 

                               Majestic A-E

 

8:00 a.m.                    

Missouri Opening Ceremony

                               Entertainment 

8:15 a.m.                     Call to Order

                               

Dale Goff, National President

 

                               Roll Call of Chapters/NAPUS Retirees

                               

Ruth Cauble, National Secretary Treasurer

 

                               Color Guard Presentation

 

                               Invocation:  James Gillispie, Postmaster,

Jenks, OK

 

                               Pledge of Allegiance: Stephen Meier, Postmaster,                                     

Altenburg, MO

 

                               National Anthem: Charles Glen Group

 

                               Rules Report: Steve Finch, Postmaster,

Phenix City AL

 

                               Credentials Report:  Shelly Hays, Postmaster,

                              

Willard, MO

 

8:25 a.m.                     SPEAKERS 

                               

Dale Goff, National President, NAPUS

 

 Gerri Ann Wood, Chairman

 2008 NAPUS National Convention

 Postmaster,

Wayland MO

 

                               Jo Ann H. Emerson (R-8^th)

Missouri

                               

U. S. House of Representatives

 

 Tony Hammond

       Commissioner, Postal Regulatory Commission    

 

                               Bill Thomas, Reading of NAPUS Constitutional Changes 

 Ron Wood, Postmaster,

Chetopa KS

 NAPUS PAC Report

 

                               John E. Potter, Postmaster General, USPS

 

                               Presentation of Benjamin Awards

 

       Danita Aquiningoc, District Manager, Gateway District

 David Williams, Inspector General, USPS

 

 Jordan Small, Vice President, Delivery, USPS

 

                               

 

 W. Philip Jones, NAPUS Attorney

 

 Lynn Malcolm, Controller, USPS

 

 Susan Reid

 

Atlanta, Georgia

 Presentation for the Site of the 2011

 NAPUS National Convention

 

12:45 p.m.                     Box Lunch Provided for Registered Convention

 Delegates (must present ticket)

 Convention Center Atrium, 1^st Floor

 (sponsored by Mass Benefits Consultants) 

1:30 – 5:00 p.m.               Postmasters Retired Business Meeting

                               Majestic A-B-C

 

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.              2008 Elections: What It Means for Postmasters

                               Presentation by: 

Bob Levi, NAPUS Director of                               Government Relations

                               Lucas/Flora Room

 

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.               Career Development Headquarters

                               Room 200 Convention Center

                           

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.               Constitution Committee Meeting

                               Laclede Ballroom

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.               Policy Committee Meeting

                               Hawthorne Room

 

2:00 – 5:30 p.m.               Postmaster Training Seminars

                               (see schedule) Convention Center, 2^nd Floor

                       

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.              Entertainment Event

                               Majestic Ballroom

 

9:00 - midnight               First Timer’s Dance

                               Crystal Ballroom

                    

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2008                                               

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.         Credit Union

                              Landmark Registration

 

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon        NAPUS Registration and Information

                              Landmark Foyer

                             

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.         Exhibit Area Open

                              Landmark Ballroom

 

12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.        Career Development Headquarters

                              Room 200 Convention Center

                             

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.        General Business Session

                              Majestic A-E

 

                              Invocation: Clara McCullar, Postmaster Retired,

                             

Selmer TN

 

Pledge of Allegiance: Rick Cefalo, Postmaster,        

Manchester VT

 

                              Patriotic Song:  Val Langbehn, Postmaster,

                             

Audubon IA

 

                              Credentials Report:  Shelly Hays, Postmaster,

Willard MO

 

SPEAKERS 

                             

Ruth Cauble, National Secretary Treasurer,

                              Postmaster,

Benton IL

 

                              Robert A. Cavinder, Postmaster

                             

St. Louis, Missouri

 

                              Nanci Langley, Commissioner, Postal Regulatory

                              Commission

 

Charles Mapa, National President,

National League of Postmasters

 

                              Rosa M. Luke

Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

                              Presentation for the site of the NAPUS 2011

                              National Convention

 

                              Patrick Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General, USPS

 

Ted Keating, National President, National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS) 

Kathleen Ainsworth, Vice President, Retail

Operations, USPS

 

Ron Karrels, President

                              NAPUS Postmasters Retired, New

Holstein WI

 

Bill Thomas, Postmaster Retired,

Sandy Spring, MD

Vote on NAPUS Proposed Constitutional Changes 

Beth Bushman

Orlando, Florida

Presentation for the Site of the 2011

NAPUS National Convention

 

Florence Oakland, Postmaster Retired,

Bisbee ND

Reading of the 2008 Proposed NAPUS Policy Changes

 

Ron Wood, Postmaster,

Chetopa KS

NAPUS PAC Report

 

Election:  NAPUS National Secretary Treasurer;

National Vice Presidents

                                                       

12:30 p.m.                    Lunch (on your own) 

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.              NAPUS Postmasters Retired Luncheon 

                             

America’s Ballroom – Convention Center

                             

1:00 – 5:00 p.m.              Editor’s Awards Luncheon & Meeting 

                              J. Buck’s Restaurant

 

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.              National and State Postmaster Rep Meeting

                              Aubert Room

 

2:00 – 5:30 p.m.              Postmaster Training Seminars

                              (see schedule) Convention Center

 

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.              Post Office Closing Meeting

                              Aubert Room

 

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.              States Night

                              Hall 1 – Convention Center

 

8:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.        Dance

                              Renaissance Hotel – Crystal Ballroom

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon         Credit

Union

                               Landmark Foyer

 

 

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.              NAPUS Registration and Information

                               Landmark Foyer

 

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon         Exhibit Area Open

                               Landmark Ballroom

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon         General Business Session III

                               Majestic A-E

 

                               Invocation: Janet Austen, Chaplain,

                               NAPUS Postmasters Retired, Leesburg OH

 

                               Pledge: Kimberly Forehan, Postmaster,

DeMossville KY

 

                               Patriotic Song:  Susie G. Seal, Postmaster

                               

Lafayette, AL

 

                               SPEAKERS

                                   

                               

Ruth Cauble

                               NAPUS National Secretary Treasurer

                               Jessie Harrison Award Presentation 

                               Hugh Hager

                               National Editor

                               John Fitzgerald and Editorial Awards                                Presentation 

                               Jim Cochrane, Assistant Vice President,

                               Ground Packages, USPS

 

 

 

                               

Bob Levi, NAPUS Director of Government

                               Relations

 

                               NAPUS

Membership Report

                               Anthony Leonardi, Charles Moser

 

                               Ken Engstrom, NAPUS Executive Director

 

                               Swearing In Ceremony

                               Newly Elected National Secretary Treasurer

                               Newly Elected National Vice Presidents

                               Newly Elected Retired Officers

 

                               Address of the Newly Elected National

                               Secretary Treasurer

 

                               Florence

Oakland

                               Vote on 2008 Policy

                             

 Dan Carper

                               2009 National Convention Chairman

 

 Ron Wood, Postmaster,

Chetopa KS

 NAPUS PAC Report

 

 Vote on the Site of the 2011 NAPUS

                               National Convention

           

                                                                               

12:00 noon                     Lunch (on your own)

                              

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.               Future National Conventions Planning Meeting

                               Portland Room

 

1:30 – 5:00 p.m.               NAPUS Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting 

                               Crystal Ballroom

                               

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.               Reception

                               Majestic Foyer

 

7:30 - 9:00 p.m.               Grand Banquet

                               Majestic Ballroom

                               

9:00 – 12:00 p.m.              Dance  

                               Landmark Ballroom

                               

2008 Convention Report:

It was really great to see so many of you at the state convention in

Park

City!  You had a fun time, learned lots, and enjoyed visiting.  Twelve first-timers attended and found out why people like to attend their convention.  Next time you talk to a first-timer, be sure to ask them what they thought and invite them back the next year, and every year!  Thank you, first-timers, for attending this year:  Wanda Shaddix, Shelly Chaffin, Carolyn Corle, Patricia Gennett, Sheri Kindel, Kelly Minge, Kathryn Swart, Carol Thimesch, Pam Wiese, Jan Curtin, Suzanne Cahoj, and Marty Lagae.  

Sometimes there are some unable to attend at the last minute.  These postmasters are familiar faces, and we missed you this year.  May I offer you the best in your recuperation:  Mary Lou Wilson, Darrell Dome,

Naida Johnson, Georgia Hailey & Irene Miller.  I also offer my sympathies to Beverly Stein.  May you all soon have the chance to visit again with your postmaster friends.

The final count for this year is 135 Postmasters/OICs, 32 Retirees, and 14 guests.   The totals from each district are: Western – 44, North Central – 44, South Central – 52, and Eastern – 27.  The convention’s income was $12, 959.29.  The convention’s expense was $14,815.44.    There were ten seminars available for your learning experience.

We had the pleasure of our national president, Dale Goff, attending our convention this year.  Dale is always willing to answer any question, discuss any subject, and confront those who just don’t seem to “get it”.  Wayne Orshak attended seeking our endorsement for his candidacy as the next Secretary/Treasurer.  The Kansas contingent has endorsed

Wayne.  Running for president next year is Hugh Hager.  Hugh visited with postmasters, and asked for support.  The presidential election will be decided at the convention in

Alaska.

Jerry Lewman and DeAnna Stevens planned a good convention this year.  DeAnna really seemed to enjoy the planning and work that goes along with being the coordinator.  Thank you, DeAnna, for your time and a successful convention.  Jerry had some ideas that made the convention more business like when needed and fun when we were ready for fun!  The convention couldn’t work without the talents and assistance of so many postmasters. We couldn’t mention them all, but thank you’s should go to Karol, Donna,

Milo, Diane, James, Michelle, Dave, Debbie, Catherine, Carolyn, Connie, Juanita, Peggy and their helpers.

New officers for next year include Ron Wood as president, Karol Pykiet as Executive Vice President, Judy Neises as Vice President and Dennis Gardner as Secretary/Treasurer.  It was good to see interest in one of the state offices this year.  These positions are available to anyone with a desire to reach out and help their fellow postmasters.  You have the talent, and you will receive more than you give.  Welcome Ron as he prepares for 2009. 

Ron will be chairing the 75^th state convention.  You are already invited to be part of that celebration!  Plans are already underway!  With Ron’s enthusiasm, it’ll be a terrific 75^th convention.   May 2009 will soon be here, so remember this invitation!

Let me close by thanking James Dillon and his committee for auditing the books.    The finances are doing well.  One voucher was missing, and the audit report should be in this issue, if I got the copy to the editor on time.  If not, I apologize and it’ll be in the next issue.

Remember to keep helping each other, volunteer when asked, volunteer before being asked, and remind ourselves to do together what we cannot do alone.  Keep God’s blessings close to your heart.

-Dennis @ Easton

Dear Convention Pioneers:

President Jerry especially welcomes the 21 First-Timers and others attending the national convention!!  Here are some note/schedules for all the pioneers heading “east” before going through the “Gateway to the West” archway.  The convention schedule may be different this year, so be sure to check the program you’ll receive upon registration.  Your banquet and/or lunch ticket(s) are in the registration packet.  Keep these!!

Saturday: Registration begins.  You’ll have time to orient yourself to the surroundings, sight see, and check out the program.  The Southern Officers Conference (SOC) Dance is available in the evening.

Sunday begins with a beautiful Church service.  Officer training usually follows.  First-Timer orientation is likely on Sunday afternoon.  [Be sure to go as you’re supposed to get your $75 deposit back at this time.]  There may be seminars in the afternoon.  The Revenue Ready Room may be open to visit, and if you haven’t been there, please take time to check it out.  Vendors are open every day. The President’s Reception/Dance is in the evening.

Monday begins with the General Session ceremony & speakers.  Seminars are available in the afternoon.  There might be a box lunch that day.  The

Kansas Postmaster/Retiree group picture is set for 1:05 p.m.  Promptness is greatly appreciated.  Photos are $10 each for those wanting a copy.  Pay Dennis before the picture.  The location will be announced at the convention.  The place and time for a state caucus will be announced Monday morning at the general session.  Evening will be on your own.  The Mid-States Dance is this evening.  [

Kansas is part of the Mid-States group.]

Tuesday:  General session in the a.m., seminars in the p.m.  Lunch/dinner will be on your own.  This evening is State’s Night.  Be sure to go for loads of fun (unless you’re attending the Cardinal’s game).

Wednesday:  General session in the a.m.  Credit Union meeting is in the p.m.  We’ll vote on the 2011 convention city.  We will have an active member caucus for this vote.  The banquet is in the evening (suit and tie, etc.), and a dance follows.  Your banquet ticket has your table number printed on it.

Dress is business casual in the daytime (just like you are at “work”).  Be professional at all times.  Enjoy the seminars as you’ll learn a lot, and enjoy the fun!

Convention Leave must be approved by your MPOO/POOM before going, as well as any annual leave used in conjunction with convention leave.

For the First-Timers:  when the

Kansas group votes for the convention city, etc., the majority rules on the first vote, so we’ll vote as a block.  Successive votes may be split proportionately according to the wishes of the yet-to-retire members.  Retirees will vote with the other retirees.

If any one has extra rooms available for

St Louis, or is looking for extra rooms, email me at dmgardner52@email.com.  Please put NAPUS Rooms in the subject line.  Sign up for the convention in

Alaska may be available as early as Tuesday.  This will be the cheapest time to register.

The MetroLink connects the Amtrak station with the Convention Center.  This web site will help:  www.metrostlouis.org/MetroLink/stationlist.asp.  Please read the Basic FAQs.

If you have any questions, please contact Jerry (cell 785-220-1081) or Dennis (913-773-5797).  While at the convention, Dennis’ cell phone number is 913-426-7121.  Looking forward to seeing the

Kansas pioneers!

Dennis Gardner, Sec/Treas.

USPS Posts $1.1 Billion Dollar Loss For Third Quarter

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service ended its third fiscal year quarter (April 1 – June 30) with a greater-than-expected net loss of $1.1 billion. The national economic slowdown reduced mail volume at an accelerated pace and continued inflation in fuel prices produced rapidly escalating transportation costs. Despite these financial challenges, Postal Service employees delivered record-breaking service performance in the third quarter.

For the third quarter ending June 30:

Operating revenue was $17.9 billion, a decrease of $437 million, or 2.4 percent, compared to the same period last year.

Operating expenses totaled $19.0 billion, an increase of only $178 million, or 1.0 percent, from the third quarter last year, despite substantial increases in fuel prices.

Expenses include $1.4 billion of the $5.6 billion payment to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund that the Postal Service is required to make by Sept. 30, 2008, under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006.

Mail volume was 48.5 billion pieces, a 5.5 percent drop from the same period last year. First-Class Mail and Standard Mail volume were each down 5.5 percent in the third quarter, reflecting the challenging economic environment.

The fiscal 2008 year-to-date net loss totals $1.13 billion. The Postal Service had essentially broken even in the first half of the fiscal year. With no economic recovery in sight, the Postal Service expects an end-of-year, economy-driven net loss.

“When the economy does rebound, mail volume may not return to previous levels,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “This requires that we significantly accelerate process improvements and the realignment of resources in order to achieve long-term financial success. Failure to do so will threaten our ability to meet our mission of providing universal service at affordable prices.”

Record-Breaking Service Performance
In the third fiscal quarter, on-time delivery performance reached record highs for all three categories of First-Class Mail the Postal Service tracks. Overnight service was 97 percent on-time, up from 96 percent the same period last year. Two-day service was 95 percent on-time, up from 93 percent the same period last year. Three-day service was 94 percent on-time, up from 91 percent the same period last year.

“These outstanding results show the tremendous dedication of our employees to provide excellent customer service, especially as we continue to work with our unions to further reduce costs and increase efficiency,” said Potter.

 

National Association of Postal Supervisors
Legislative and Regulatory Update - July 31, 2008House Approves FERS Sick Leave and Thrift Savings ReformsThe House of Representatives has approved legislation that would give employees covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System largely the same retirement credit for unused sick leave as already applies to workers covered under the older Civil Service Retirement System.  Also included in the House-passed measure are improvements to the Thrift Savings Plan.  The conferral of FERS sick leave credit has been a legislative goal of the National Association of Postal Supervisors. 

The FERS sick leave approach approved by the House last night is more generous than that originally proposed in FERS sick leave legislation introduced earlier this year by Rep. James Moran (D-VA).  Under the measure approved by the House, FERS employees who retire within three years of the bill’s enactment would receive service credit, in the computation of their pension, for 75 percent of their accrued sick leave at the time of retirement.  Those who retire three years after enactment would receive 100% credit for all of their unused sick leave.  Moran’s original proposal would have provided a cash payout to FERS employees of up to $10,000 for unused sick leave.Delighted with the more generous approach approved by the House, Congressman Moran in a statement said, “Our current use-it or lose-it sick leave system for FERS employees hurts productivity and increases training costs.”  “We need to be incentivizing the accrual of sick leave, not encouraging people to call in sick in the weeks leading up to retirement.  With today’s passage, we’re putting FERS employees on par with their CSRS colleagues, replacing a flawed approach to sick leave with one proven to work in everybody’s favor.”

The FERS sick leave provisions were included in a larger measure approved by the House that would grant the Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products.  The bill, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (H.R. 1110), was approved by a 326-102 vote.  It would require the FDA to regulate the labeling and advertising of tobacco products and ban flavored cigarettes excluding menthol.

The tobacco measure also includes provisions that would improve the Thrift Savings Plan, including the automatic enrollment into the TSP of of newly-hired eligible federal and postal employees and members of the military.  It also would authorize the Federal Thrift Retirement Investment Board to establish a Roth contribution plan and self-directed investment options within the TSP.  It is the addition of the Roth contribution plan option that, under Congressional budget scoring rules, would provide additional federal revenue,  making possible the more generous, CSRS-like FERS sick leave formula.  The Roth revenue also offsets the loss of  federal tobacco taxes from an anticipated decline in smoking.

The tobacco bill, including the FERS and TSP provisions, now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain.  The bill enjoyed wide bipartisan support in the House, but few days remain in the legislative calendar, and Republican leaders and the Bush administration are opposed to the tobacco provisions.  The White House has threatened to veto the bill, arguing that it would disproportionately tax low-income Americans, through user fees assessed against tobacco companies to raise funds to underwrite FDA’s regulatory efforts.  The Postal Supervisors and other postal and federal employee groups will continue to push for enactment.
Bruce Moyer
Legislative Counsel, National Association of Postal Supervisors

http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3652146

House likely to approve bill to give FERS retirees credit for sick leave equal to CSRS retirees

By STEPHEN LOSEY

July 30, 2008

Employees covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System would get the same credit for their unused sick leave toward their retirement pay as do their colleagues in the more generous and older Civil Service Retirement System, under a bill that the House is expected to pass this evening.

Currently, employees who retire under CSRS have their unused sick leave added to their time-in-service computation, which increases the value of their retirement annuity. For instance, an employee with 1,055 hours of unused sick leave would get an additional six months tacked onto their time-in-service for retirement purposes.

But now, FERS employees get no such credit for their unused sick leave.

Democratic lawmakers have included a provision in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, HR 1108, that would give FERS employees sick leave credit, said Stephanie Lundberg, a spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

Under the measure, FERS employees who retire within three years of the bill’s enactment would receive credit for 75 percent of their sick leave, Lundberg said. After three years, they would get credit for all their unused sick leave.

This proposal is far more generous to FERS employees than a previous bill introduced by Rep. James Moran, D-Va. Moran’s bill would have given FERS employees a lump-sum payment of up to $10,000 for their unused sick leave.

National Association of Postal Supervisors Legislative and Regulatory UpdatePostalnewsblog.com, July 22, 2008 

USPS Announces Early Out Details for Some Supervisor Positions 

The Postal Service has released details of the voluntary early retirement (VER) offer for USPS employees in supervisor of distribution operations and supervisor of customer services positions, as well as clerk and mail handler positions. The USPS voluntary offer, recently approved by the Office of Personnel Management, will extend to approximately 20,000 employees — including approximately 5,300 EAS employees — who are at least 50 years of age with 20 years of creditable federal service or any age with 25 years of creditable federal service. Eligible employees will have from August 25 to September 30 to accept the VER offer and submit their retirement application. The effective date of retirement will be January 3, 2009. 

According to USPS, it will mail an annuity estimate to all VER-eligible employees on August 18, followed on August 22 by a VER offer packet containing application materials and further information on the VER offer. The September 30 due date on the employee’s filing of the VER acceptance paperwork is also the date on which an employee’s voluntary choice to retire will become irrevocable. USPS says that by mid-November, the Human Resources Shared Services Center will notify employees as to the status of their VER application. 

House Hearing Will Examine USPS Network Realignment Plans 

A House panel will hold a hearing on Thursday, July 24, on Postal Service plans to realign its processing and transportation postal networks. The hearing of the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, titled “The Three R’s of the Postal Network Plan: Realignment, Right-Sizing, and Responsiveness” will look at the impact of USPS realignment plans upon the public, the postal workforce, the mailing industry and the economic health of the Postal Service. Witness testimony is expected to include an assessment from the Government Accountability Office, which has been critical of USPS network planning efforts in the past. NAPS officials will monitor Thursday’s hearing, and may file comments with the Subcommittee on the network realignment issue if warranted.  

Over the past two months, USPS has issued two important documents on network realignment: a network realignment strategy report, required under the postal reform law; and a draft RFP for a Time-Definite Surface Network, proposing to realign the Bulk Mail Centers and outsource to a private contractor the responsibility for sorting and end-to-end movement of origin-entered Standard Mail and Periodicals, as well as destination-entered Package Mail. The Postal Service has indicated that its current processing and distribution facilities were built when all mail entered the network at origin. Today approximately three-quarters of all mail is entered at destination, generating excess capacity. 

The USPS network strategy document, which revealed few new details, reaffirmed continuing USPS intent to reorganize its processing and transportation networks, potentially leading to the elimination of significant numbers of jobs, starting at airport mail centers and continuing to mail processing plants and bulk mail centers. USPS did not identify in the report which facilities it is considering for further consolidation, indicating only the intent to continue to assess the feasibility of further restructuring through the use of “recently enhanced” AMP guidelines.  

The draft RFP for the Time-Definite Surface Network, issued on July 1, anticipates USPS award of the BMC-related work through a contract to a single private sector contractor, with the contractor barred from subcontracting any portion of the distribution work. The contract would cover eight years, with the possibility for extensions for another six years. Activation of the network would occur within 18 months after the contract was awarded. Comments on the draft RFP by interested parties are due to USPS by August 1, 

PRC Universal Service Study Could Moot Congressional Inquiry on 5-Day Delivery 

Even if Congress commissions a study on the cost-effectiveness of 5-day mail delivery, as approved recently by the House Appropriations Committee, that inquiry will be preceded by another, potentially more conclusive study already underway by the Postal Regulatory Commission, as part of its report on the universal service obligation and the postal monopoly. The PRC report is required to be completed and sent to Congress by mid-December. Congress is not likely to approve a 5-day delivery study, at the earliest, until February, 2009, when the final version of the funding bill, in which the 5-day delivery study is tentatively lodged, comes up for approval, according to the timetable announced by Congressional leaders. And it is possible that the 5-day delivery study could be dropped from the final version, especially if the Senate opposes its inclusion. 

Ann Fisher, Acting Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, confirmed to NAPS that the PRC’s report on the universal service obligation would address the five-day versus six-day delivery issue. “The extent to which the PRC efforts would overlap any [Congressionally-ordered] study that might be conducted in response to the Kingston amendment would depend on the design of that study, ” Fisher said in an email. 

The House version of the FY 2009 Financial Services and General Government appropriations measure, as approved by the House Appropriations Committee on June 25, includes an amendment, proposed by Rep. Jack Kingston (R-SC) requesting “a report on the cost effectiveness and fuel consumption of a five-day delivery system and the efficiency and consumer demand of Saturday delivery services of the United States Postal Service.” Kingston said his amendment was prompted by concern over the fuel use and cost-effectiveness associated with six-day delivery, According to Kingston, an estimated $85 million in annual fuel savings would be accomplished by five-day delivery. Kingston did not estimate how much USPS would actually save in total terms by a move to five-day delivery. 

NAPS President Ted Keating, during his July 10 testimony before the Postal Regulatory Commission at its fourth and final public hearing on the USO study, strongly urged the continuance of six-day delivery. “While declining First Class mail volume and rising fuel costs will require the Postal Service to continue to consider and undertake measures necessary to assure the core viability of secure, efficient and affordable mail service, we believe six-day delivery service should continue,” Keating testified. All union and management association leaders joined Keating in urging the Commission to support the continuation of universal service as we understand it today — affordable and dependable service to every American, six-day-aweek delivery, the mailbox monopoly, and equal, affordable access to services. 

Keating reminded the PRC commissioners, “You have more than 200 years experience on this panel, and I think it’s relevant that postal management and labor are delivering the same message.” 

Editor’s Note: Interestingly, the debate on Capitol Hill surrounding the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the private companies that bolster the nation’s housing market, mirrors in some respects the public policy tension underlying universal service and study by the PRC. In the Fannie/Freddie debate, Congress is wrestling with whether to commit billions of dollars to financially prop up two private corporations whose mission fulfills a necessary and public purpose in the country’s mortgage market. While the USPS is not a private corporation, the same private operating/public mission expectations apply to the Postal Service. Though the U.S. Postal Service is a government corporation, not a private company, it is expected to fulfill a very public mission. Yet it is also expected to turn a profit, walk and talk like a private business. Question: Were the USPS to fail, how many billions of dollars would the Congress be ready to commit to assure its solvency?  

Bruce MoyerLegislative Counsel, National Association of Postal Supervisors

July 23, 2008

By Max Cacas
FederalNewsRadio

One of the most lasting legacies of the Bush Administration in the is the degree to which pay for performance programs have been implemented throughout the federal government. A Senate subcommittee got its last opportunity to size up the effectiveness of pay for performance before a new administration takes over next January.

Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, The Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia, notes that when Congress granted federal agencies the statutory authority to develop pay for performance, the idea was that systems be transparent, fairly evaluate a worker’s performance with a fair appeals process, provide enough training for workers and managers, and finally, provide enough money to properly award all workers for good performance.

The reality, he says, has fallen short of that ideal:

I continue to hear from employees that their performance rating and pay awards depend not only on their performance, but rather on that of other employees they are in competition with due to limited resources to reward performance.

Akaka is also concerned that officials are not taking the time to help federal workers clearly understand how pay for performance works. He cites the most recent Senior Executive Service Human Capital Survey in which 30 percent of respondents say they don’t understand how pay hikes and bonuses are determined. Last year’s employee survey at the Department of Homeland Security found that more than half of the workers at the Transportation Security Administration don’t believe their pay is based on performance:

“If employees do not understand their pay system,” he said, “or thinks that it is unfair, it will not work.”

Of course, the Federal officials most responsible for the spread of pay for performance programs in the government see things differently.

Linda Springer, the outgoing director of the Office of Personnel Management, believes pay for performance is a success.

But under later questioning by Chairman Akaka, she was asked about the disconnect between the success stories, and the countless Feds who paint a less rosy picture:

It’s important to draw the distinction between the execution of specific programs, and the notion of performance based pay.

Springer adds that wherever there are problems, its usually because of poor execution of the program.

Akaka says he is also concerned about reports that in a budgetary environment where domestic programs are taking a backseat to military and anti-terror programs, some agencies simply do not have the funds to properly implement pay for performance, and instead, implement a “bell curve” distribution to define quotas for distributing raises and bonuses.

Richard Spires, Deputy Commissioner with the Internal Revenue Service acknowledged the problem of insufficient funds for a pay for performance system, and while denying that the IRS is using quotas, says his agency issues “guidance” to advisory groups that review performance evaluations.

Representatives of the major federal employee unions, for their part, had little good to say about pay for performance.

Carol Bonosaro with the Senior Executives Association cites the case of a former member of the Senior Executive Service:

He received no pay increase for several years, despite receiving fully successful ratings for his performance at the Department of Energy. Largely because of this, he voluntarily resigned his position in the SES and rejoined a position covered by the GS system.

Because he took the move, he received a nearly 4 and a half percent pay hike for employees like himself at NASA.

Whatever the successes, or shortcomings of the various pay for performance programs now in play in parts of the federal government, it will be up to the the next President how far pay for performance goes in the next administration.

The Office of the Inspector General in the United States Postal Service is an independent agency which is designed to maintain the integrity and accountability of the United States Postal Service.With 90 regional offices across the country and a staff of over 1,000, the Office of the Inspector General is one of the largest such agencies in the United States, and it is constantly investigating allegations of crimes, performing routine audits, and working to improve the efficiency of the United States Postal Service. By maintaining the integrity of the postal service, the Inspector General hopes to keep consumer confidence high.
(Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/in-the-united-states-postal-service-what-is-the-office-of-the-inspector-general.htm)

If questioned by an OIG Inspector about your conduct, even if you believe you are not guilty of any wrong doing, it is suggested you do the following:1. Remain calm.

2. Correctly identify yourself if asked to do so.

3. Do not physically resist an arrest or a search of your person or property4. Read aloud to the OIG Inspector (s) the statement below

5. Remain silent until you have consulted with your NAPUS representative or an attorney

BE YOUR OWN PROTECTOR – TAKE NO LIE DETECTOR.
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Statement to be Read to Inspectors (OIG)
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I request the presence of my NAPUS representative. If I am a suspect in a criminal matter, please do advise me. If so, I wish to contact my representative.

(His/Her) Name is: ___________________________
Telephone Number: __________________________

If I am under arrest, I request you to so advise me and to inform me of the reason or reasons. I will not resist an arrest. I do not consent to a search of my person or property. However, I will not physically resist or obstruct such a search. If you have a search warrant, I request to see it at this time.I will cooperate with you fully, but I do not waive any of my rights, including my right to remain silent. I will not sign a waiver-of-rights form, not admit or deny any allegations, nor make any written or oral statements unless my attorney and/or a NAPUS representative are personally present and so advise me.

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL FORMS

MIRANDA
Miranda warnings are given to subjects of OIG investigations when they are placed under arrest or are in custody, as required by Miranda v. Arizona, 387 U.S. 436 (1966). Miranda warnings advise the subject of OIG investigations who are under arrest or otherwise in custody that they have a right to remain silent; that statements they make can be used against them; that they have a right to an attorney during questioning; and that an attorney will be appointed to them if they cannot afford one.

GARRITY
Garrity warnings are given to subjects of OIG investigations, who are not under arrest or in custody, as suggested by Garrity v. New Jersey, 386 U.S. 493,500 (1967). Garrity warnings are designated to ensure that employees’ interviews are voluntary. Garrity warnings advise subjects that they may remain silent on matters where there may be criminal exposure, but must report on activities for which there is no criminal exposure. Subjects are also reminded that the interview is strictly voluntary.

KALKINES
Kalkines warnings are given to subjects of OIG investigators to assure employees that their statements may not be used against them in any criminal proceeding, in accordance with guidance in Kalkines v. U.S. 473 F. 2d 1391 (Ct. Cl. 1973). Courts have long held that once an individual’s statements are immunized, the employee no longer has a right to remain silent. Lefkowitz v. Cunningham, 431 U.S. 801, 806 (1977). Kalkines warnings remind employees that they have a duty to respond to investigate questions and that agency disciplinary actions may follow if employees fail to cooperate or fail to answer fully and truthfully. Employees are also told that statements they provide may be used in civil or administrative proceedings, but cannot be used in criminal proceedings.
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL1735 NORTH LYNN STREET; ARLINGTON, VA 22209-2020

MIRANDA RIGHTS

I, ________________________________, have been advised by Special Agent __________________________________, who has identified himself/herself to me as a Special Agent of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General that he/she is conducting criminal investigation.

I have also been advised that:

____ 1. I have the right to remain silent;

____ 2.  Any statement I make can be used as evidence against me in a court of law;

____ 3.  I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to and during any questioning;

____ 4.  If I cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to me by the court without cost; prior to any questioning;

____ 5.  I have the right to request an attorney at any time during this interview, and;

____ 6.  I have the right to terminate this interview at any time, for any reason.

I have read my rights and had them read to me as set forth above and I understand my rights. With this understanding, I am willing to make a statement and answer questions I do not wish to consult with an attorney at this time, and I do not wish to have an attorney present during this interview. I make this decision freely, knowingly, and voluntarily, and without any threats, promises, or coercion of any kind being made against me.

Signature _____________________________________
Date & Time __________________________________

Investigator __________________________________
Date & Time _________________________________

Witness _____________________________________
Date & Time _________________________________

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL1735 NORTH LYNN STREET; ARLINGTON, VA 22209-2020

KALKINES  WARNING:  ADMINISTRATIVE

This is an inquiry regarding information pertaining to or allegations of misconduct or improper performance of official duties.