Postal Workers Not Included In Bush Order To Give Feds December 26th Off With Pay
President George W. Bush has made Friday, December 26, a day off for federal employees. However, the Executive Order excuses most Executive Branch employees from duty on December 26. “The day off does not affect Postal Service workers, nor does it include Executive Branch employees whose agencies determine they cannot be excused for reasons of national security, defense or other essential public need.” Bush Executive Order for December 26, 2008
APWU President William Burrus last year said:
Employee schedules are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the 2006-2010 agreement, which was ratified by APWU members early in 2007, does not include provisions granting APWU-represented employees holidays simply because they have been granted to federal employees. Even though the postal holidays are also days that the federal government recognizes for federal employees, the source of holiday recognition for postal workers is the negotiated agreement.
The union will address this issue in future rounds of bargaining. Because the cost of closing the Postal Service for a day is estimated by management to be nearly $175 million, we can expect resistance during negotiations.
Update from USPS News Link:
DEC. 26 EXECUTIVE ORDER EXCLUDES USPS
The Executive Order President Bush issued today excusing executive branch employees from duty Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, the day after Christmas Day, does not include postal employees. The day is to be treated as a normal business day for USPS.
All postal facilities will be open as usual and delivery service will be provided.
Postal Employee Indicted On Charges Involving Over $225,000
Press Release
Allegedly Used Loans Obtained in Fraud Scheme to Buy Two Porsches
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Lorita Frazier, age 47, of Westminster, Maryland, on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and embezzling over $74,000 of postal funds, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. The indictment was returned on December 2, 2008 and unsealed yesterday. Frazier surrendered this morning to the U.S. Marshal Service.
According to the four count indictment, Frazier was employed as a clerk by the U.S. Postal Service. From April 2004 to July 2005, she is alleged to have applied for loans from a credit union in Baltimore and a mortgage lender, falsely claiming on the loan applications: to receive monthly income ranging from $2,228.12 to $8,727.63 from a day care center; and that she owned and materially participated in the day care’s operation. She allegedly prepared fraudulent federal income tax returns to document the false income she had reported on the loan applications, which differed substantially from the tax returns she filed with the IRS. The credit union and mortgage lender relied on the false loan applications and false tax returns in approving a loan from the credit union of $56,670.50 to purchase a 2004 Porsche; another loan from the credit union of $100,152.45 to purchase a 2004 Porsche Turbo; and a loan from the mortgage lender to increase Frazier’s mortgage to $504,000.
The indictment also alleges that from October 14, 2004 to June 14, 2005 Frazier embezzled $74,726.27 from the Postal Service.
Frazier faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for bank fraud; 20 years in prison for wire fraud; and 10 years in prison for embezzlement. She is scheduled to have her initial appearance in federal district court at 2:30 p.m. today.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General for its investigative work and commended Assistant United States Attorney Tamera Fine, who is prosecuting the case.
APWU President Meets With Member Of Obama Transition Team
APWU News
APWU President William Burrus met with Stephen Crawford, a member of President-Elect Obama’s Transition Team, at the union’s national headquarters on Dec. 8, where the two “engaged in a thoughtful conversation about the future of the U.S. Postal Service and postal workers.”
“Mr. Crawford impressed me as a highly intelligent individual, who is extremely knowledgeable about public policy,” Burrus said.
Crawford has also met with USPS executives, and members of the Postal Regulatory Commission. He is expected to meet with representatives of other postal unions as well.
Crawford is deputy director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, a highly-respected public policy think tank.
USPS Announces Freeze on All Area and Districts Job Postings
From National League of Postmasters
December 10, 2008 – Freeze Announced
As information, the following message was just sent to the Area V.P.s and to the field from Tony Vegliante:
Staffing changes will be made in the Field beginning early 2009. Due to these changes, effective immediately all Area and District job postings are frozen until further notice including laterals and downgrades. Any exceptions need to come through my office by contacting Bretta Bombac, Mgr. HR Integration and Support.
Please proceed with current postings. The last date for processing PS Form 50s will be 1/16/09.
PMG Announces New Chairman of the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee
USPS Press Release
WASHINGTON — Postmaster General John Potter has appointed Jean Picker Firstenberg, former director and chief executive officer of the American Film Institute, chairman of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), beginning in January 2009.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Firstenberg as chairman of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee,” Potter said. “Jean has already made her presence felt on the committee, having served since 2002. I know she will be an excellent leader as we advance our stamp program in the 21st century.”
In other appointments, Jessica Helfand, who has served on the committee since 2006, will serve as design subcommittee chairman, and Michael Heyman, who was appointed to CSAC in 2000, will serve as vice chairman and subject subcommittee chairman. Both start their new assignments in January 2009.
Potter expressed his appreciation and thanks to outgoing chairman Ron Robinson, who has served on the committee for 15 years.
“Ron brought a passion to his work on the committee,” said Potter. “He has served with great distinction and the utmost dedication.”
To recognize Robinson for his leadership, Potter presented him with a unique, one-of-a-kind framed stamp piece, “Designing the Presidential Libraries Commemorative Stamp,” which includes all of the creative concepts and sketches in the design process for the stamp. Robinson was instrumental in shepherding the Presidential Libraries stamp.
Robinson championed many unique and interesting stamp subjects over the years, including those for: Fulbright Scholarships, Presidential Libraries, The White House, Vintage Black Cinema, Hattie McDaniel, and the To Form a More Perfect Union civil rights stamps. He was big supporter of stamps for the military. Robinson revamped the evaluation and decision-making process for stamp selections. He was instrumental in the move to new stamp shapes with the release of the triangular stamps in 1997.
Potter also praised the work of designer Michael Brock, who is leaving the CSAC after 15 years of service. Appointed to CSAC in 1993, Brock served as design subcommittee chairman from 2005 to 2008.
USPS Moves Up Effective Date for Voluntary Early Retirement
From National League of Postmasters
VER effective date change, you can elect to change the original effective date from March 31, 2009 to December 31, 2008, or January 31, 2009 or February 28, 2009.
December 9, 2008
The following message is for all EAS eligible employees who received a VER Offer Letter dated November 28, 2008. To take advantage of this early retirement you will need to complete and return the following documents which are located in your November 28, 2008 mailing: “Acknowledgement of Irrevocability of Voluntary Early Retirement Decision Statement” and “Application for Immediate Retirement.” The original documents must be mailed as soon as possible prior to the effective date directly to Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC), P. O. Box 970600, Greensboro, NC 27497-0600 in the envelope that was provided.
If you are interested in taking the VER, you can elect to change the original effective date from March 31, 2009 to December 31, 2008, or January 31, 2009 or February 28, 2009 provided you meet the established requirements by the new effective date. Remember the requirements are as follows: 50 years of age with at least 20 years of service, or any age with at least 25 years of service. This requirement must be met as of the date of retirement.
It is important to understand the impact on your Pay for Performance (PFP). You will be eligible to receive the entire PFP payment in the form of a lump sum payment, if you separate before the effective date of PFP payment which is January 17, 2009.
(REFERENCE THE NOVEMBER 28, 2008 MAILING FOR ADDITIONAL VER INFORMATION)
OPM Extends Open Season For Health, Dental And Vision Programs
USPS News Link
BELATED ELECTIONS FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE
Based on information just received from the Office of Personnel Management regarding changes in Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard Health Plan provisions, belated elections for all plans within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program will be accepted beyond the original Dec. 9, 2008 closing date. The new deadline to make employee self service FEHB elections using PostalEASE is Dec. 28, 2008 at 5 p.m. CT.
Also, you will be able to make Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) belated elections past the original Dec. 8, 2008 closing date. The deadline for belated elections for FEDVIP is Jan. 31, 2009. Go to www.benefeds.com for further information and to make dental and vision insurance elections. The benefits customer service toll-free number is 877-888-3337 (TTY is 877-889-5680).
More information will be provided as it becomes available
Boston Postal Workers Goodbye To 84-Year-Old Retiring Co-Worker
Herbert Baron [pictured at left] retired at Boston P&DC on November 7,2008. He had 50 years of service.
A story of dedication
Herbert Baron retired at the P&DC in Boston after 50 years of service. His favorite job was the loop mail to which he was very dedicated in getting to the right address. He performed this task for 16 years.
Herbie was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He had many lessons to each to anyone willing to learn.
One day, I asked Herbie what was the correct zip code for Brigham & Women Hospital. His reply was “I think today, you will learn all the zip codes for all the hospital in Boston today.” A few weeks later I again went to Herbie to ask what the zip code for Towanda St. in Dorchester was, His reply “Today is the day I’m going to teach you how to look streets up.
Over the years, Herbie taught me many lessons. He was always kind, gentle and helpful.
Herbie will be sadly missed not only by those he worked with, but also by the countless unseen customers he helped. His job has been replaced by a machine which will mark the mail “Return for better address.”
Herbie has two goals. The first is to see 90 years old,(at present he is 84). His second goal is to spend quality time with his lovely wife.
Our wish to you,Herbie, is that you attain your goals and enjoy a well deserved healthy and happy retirement.
Written by Sandy & Alex
Photo: Eleven Mile Corner, Arizona Post Office
Eleven Mile Corner, Arizona 85294
Congressman Requests FEHBP Open Season Be Extended Due to Blue Cross/Blue Shield 2009 Changes
Press Release
Chairman Danny K. Davis Responds to Enrollee Outrage Over BCBS 2009 Changes
Rep. Davis’ (D-IL) and Members of the Subcommittee requested that the Office of Personnel Management extend the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Open Season for millions of federal employees
Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008 the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing to examine the changes to the 2009 Blue Cross Blue Shield Service (BCBS) Standard Option Benefit Plan.
The most controversial change to the BCBS 2009 Benefit Plan is the fact that beneficiaries will be responsible for paying up to $7,500 for surgery performed by a non-participating physician, except in the case of medical emergencies and accidents. Previously, beneficiaries have been responsible for paying 25 percent of the plan’s allowance, plus 100 percent of any billed amount above the plan allowance.
The changes were spurred by OPM’s concern that patients could not predict their out-of-pocket costs when using non-participating providers until the health care expenses had been incurred. BCBS subscribers filed disputed claims because the balance owed was a large amount, due to the difference between the allowed amount and the billed amount (balanced billing).
However, hearing witnesses Walton Francis, Author of the Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plan for Federal Employees, and Dr. Peter Petrucci, President of the Medical Staff for Sibley Hospital, testified that the 2009 benefit changes were not adequately publicized and that there are solutions to the “balanced billing” problem raised by OPM that do not include a hefty $7,500 penalty.
Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis stated during the hearing:
The Office of Personnel Management should delay the December 8th open season deadline. This will allow BCBS and OPM to reach a better solution to the “balanced billing” problem and give BCBS subscribers more time to determine whether or not to opt out of the health plan.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton noted:
OPM was unable to articulate a good reason for opposing extension of the deadline. An extension is the least subscribers are entitled to, particularly considering OPM’s involvement in the lack of transparency concerning the change.
Representative Elijah Cummings declared:
We cannot sit idly by while Blue Cross and Blue Shield tries to pull the wool over the eyes of federal employees and retirees. People need to know about the drastic changes that are being made to their health plans—and they need an opportunity to switch plans should they decide to do so. We cannot expect people to be informed consumers when we have not informed them of the reality of the situation.
For further information on the hearing and the testimonies visit: http://federalworkforce.oversight.house.gov/
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (the Blues) standard option has the largest enrollment of any of the Federal Employees Benefit Plans (FEHB). Changes in the Blues’ 2009 plan include; a premium increase, changes in payment for services provided by non-participating providers (except in cases of medical emergency or accident), catastrophic limits, copayments and coinsurance for covered services, and increases and decreases in coverage.
While the media has highlighted the Blues changes to the payment structure for services provided by non-participating providers, beneficiaries can avoid the increased costs by choosing preferred or participating providers where possible. There are other changes that will result in increased beneficiary spending that will be more challenging to avoid.
Non-emergency surgical benefit by non-participating physicians. What has emerged as the most controversial change to the Blues 2009 benefit plan is that beneficiaries will be responsible for paying up to $7,500 for surgery performed by a non-participating physician, except in the case of medical emergencies and accidents. Currently, beneficiaries have been responsible for paying 25 percent of the plan’s allowance, plus 100 percent of any billed amount above the plan allowance. However, the 25 percent counted toward the maximum out-of-pocket limit of $6,500. Therefore, regardless of the number of surgeries performed by non-participating providers, the enrollee would never pay more than $6,500 plus the amount above the plan allowance for the year.
The change will result in increased out-of-pocket costs for some beneficiaries and a decrease for others. For example, consider a case in which a non-participating surgeon billed $10,000 for a surgery and the plan allowance is $4,000. Under the current plan, the beneficiary would 25 percent of the $4,000 ($1,000), plus 100 percent of the difference between the $10,000 and the $4,000 ($6,000), for a total out-of-pocket of $7,000. Under the 2009 benefit plan, the beneficiary would pay the first $7,500. In this case, the beneficiary’s out-of-pocket cost is higher.