http://www.apwu.org/index2.htm The latest news from the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-142-stationsconsolidation-091120.htm (11/20/09) The USPS announced Nov. 20 that it has reduced the list of stations and branches under consideration for closure to 241 (from 371 in early October) but warned that the new list does not represent a final decision on consolidation. "The APWU will continue to fight the Postal Service's attempt to reduce service to our customers," said APWU President William Burrus. "Cutting service is counter-productive and will harm the USPS in the long-run." Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-142-stationsconsolidation-091120.htm http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2009/nsb04-091118-payraise.htm (11/18/09) APWU-represented postal workers will receive a 1.2 percent increase in their annual salaries effective Nov. 21. The raise will be reflected in the paychecks issued Dec. 11, and will be based on the grades and levels in effect on Sept. 6, 2006. The increase will apply to employees covered by the APWU-USPS 2006-2010 contract. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:15:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2009/nsb04-091118-payraise.htm http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2009/nsb04-091118-payraise.htm#hc (11/18/09) APWU members are being asked to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to support healthcare reform legislation. "Our nation desperately needs healthcare reform," said APWU President William Burrus. "A strong public option is essential in order to ensure that our nation's healthcare system is made more affordable for all." Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:14:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2009/nsb04-091118-payraise.htm#hc http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2009/nsb04-091118-payraise.htm#po (11/18/09) As referenced in Article 8, Sections 4 and 5, of the 2006 National Agreement, there are four consecutive service weeks each year during which penalty overtime regulations are not applicable. This year, the period begins Dec. 1 (first day of Week 1 of Pay Period 26-09) and ends Dec. 28 (last day of Week 2 of PP 1-10). Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:13:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2009/nsb04-091118-payraise.htm#po http://www.apwu.org/news/burrus/2009/update19-2009-091117.htm (11/17/09) As the Postal Service struggles with severe financial losses, postal pundits say workers must lower their expectations for wages, benefits, and working conditions in order to help return the USPS to solvency, APWU President William Burrus notes in an Update for union members. But those who tell workers to sacrifice fail to understand postal realities, he says. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EDT http://www.apwu.org/news/burrus/2009/update19-2009-091117.htm http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-141-healthplan-091117.htm (11/17/09) With health plan Open Season underway, the union urges postal and federal employees to consider the two great options offered by the APWU Health Plan. While the premiums of other plans have skyrocketed, the APWU has helped keep its premiums low -- even while improving benefits Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:40:00 EDT http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-141-healthplan-091117.htm http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-140-fact-fiction_rates-diversity-091113.htm (11/13/09) The APWU refutes some common misconceptions about the Postal Service in a flyer titled Fact and Fiction. The most recent myths dispelled include the idea that rates drive volume and that the USPS is a model of equal employment opportunity Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:10:00 EDT http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-140-fact-fiction_rates-diversity-091113.htm http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-139-marrow-george-091113.htm (11/13/09) In a 90-day campaign launched in April, the APWU, the Postal Service and the National Marrow Donor Program took part in a nationwide marrow-registry drive, both to support the program in general and in the hopes that a donor-match would be found for George Goetschel, a USPS clerk and union member who in 2008 had been diagnosed with cancer. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-139-marrow-george-091113.htm http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-137-bog-diversity-091106.htm (11/06/09) In a letter to the USPS Board of Governors, APWU President William Burrus wrote he is "deeply troubled" by the lack of diversity in the USPS executive staff. Burrus wrote the letter after receiving a copy of Postal Service's Official Organizational Chart. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2009/09-137-bog-diversity-091106.htm http://www.apwu.org/dept/presvp/askthepresident.htm (11/05/09) Has the APWU considered trying to negotiate the "drop" program? I know a lot of state workers are doing this, and it saves that state a lot of money... Eligible employees would retire and continue to work for five years at the present rate of pay, less the benefits they collect from retirement... -- Dave, Palm Beach Area Local Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST http://www.apwu.org/dept/presvp/askthepresident.htm