As the USPS organizational redesign moves forward, employees must be aware of key dates that may require action or that may signify important elements of the process.

The first critical date is the opt-in deadline for the Special Incentive Offer for eligible employees, as described in the Incentive FAQs. All eligible employees who can leave under the voluntary early retirement (VER) — as well as optional retirement-eligible employees (those who have reached their maximum retirement age) who wish to voluntarily resign — must notify USPS of their decision no later than April 25, 2011.

VER-eligible employees should review the Annuity Estimate and VER Offer Letter they received in the mail. To take advantage of the offer, employees should complete and return the “Acknowledgement of Irrevocability of Voluntary Early Retirement Decision” and also the “Application for Immediate Retirement,” with signatures, as soon as possible. The documents must be received at the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) no later than 8:30 p.m. EDT on April 25.

Employees who are optionally eligible to retire and who also want to take advantage of the Special Incentive Offer must begin the retirement process using eRetire on LiteBlue no later than 8:30 p.m. EDT on April 25. Signed paperwork is not required from optionally-eligible employees prior to April 25 in order to receive the Special Incentive Offer.

To take advantage of the Special Incentive Offer through the voluntary resignation process, employees must complete and submit to HRSSC Form PS 2574, Resignation From the Postal Service. HRSSC must receive this form no later than 8:30 p.m. EDT April 25.

For all redesign information — including timelines, FAQs and additional guidance — visit the Organizational Changes website on Blue and LiteBlue