e-Team Report, Dec. 17, 2011

Postal Service to Temporarily Put a Freeze to Closures

This week, in reaction to a request from over 20 senators, the Postal Service announced a five-month long halt to the shuttering of post offices and processing facilities across the country. This moratorium on closures will extend until May 15, 2012. This delay is intended to give Congress more time to pass legislation that will fix the Postal Service’s financial crisis without massive cuts in service to the public.

To read more about the moratorium on the APWU’s website please click here.

To read more about the moratorium in the Washington Post click here.

House Republicans Attack Federal Retirement Benefits

This week the House of Representatives passed legislation that would cut take-home pay for postal workers. Their incorrectly labeled “Middle Class Tax and Job Creation Act of 2011” would increase the workers share of contributions for individuals in either CSRS or FERS retirement systems. 

To read more about this bill click here.

Congressman DeFazio Introduces Legislation to Solve the Postal Service Financial Crisis

Recently, Congressman DeFazio (D-OR-04) introduced legislation, H.R. 3591, in the House that will fix the financial crisis facing the Postal Service. This legislation will also look to stop the attempted cuts in service to rural communities. DeFazio’s bill is a companion piece to S. 1853, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). This bill will require strict standards for 1st class mail delivery, will require six day delivery, and allow the Postal Service to recover overpayments made into both CSRS and FERS pension plans.

To read Congressman DeFazio’s press release please click here.

To read more about H.R. 3591, including the full text of this legislation click here.

By the Numbers – USPS

Recently, one blog decided to put together some quick facts and useful information about the Postal Service into a simple and easy to read graphic. Have you ever wanted to know how many pieces of mail USPS processes every minute?  To find out this and more click here.