Editorial: FERS & CSRS Disability Retirement – Defending a Necessary Benefit

An exclusive article to PostalReporter.com written by Attorney Robert R. McGill Does the Emperor receive his standing because of his hereditary anointment by the gods, or because of his superior governance abilities?  Or, by giving generously to the lords and vassals and currying favor among them, does he retain power?  Or, by giving lifetime gifts […]

USPS Issues New Policy For Postal Employees On Use Of Social Media

Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates Manuals ASM Revision: Social Media Policy Effective October 20, 2011, the Postal Service™ is revising the Administrative Support Manual (ASM), by adding new Part 363 which delineates the Postal Service policy concerning social media. For the purpose of this policy, “social media” is defined as any form of online publishing […]

GAO: Restructuring USPS Business Model Could Eliminate Prefunding for Retirees Health Benefits

In a  report release yesterday GAO wrote: Restructuring USPS’s business model to adapt to decreased mail use could follow one of three primary models: a government-subsidized federal agency, the current structure with additional flexibility, or a private-sector business. See table 2 for key actions and decisions associated with each model. Financial obligations government-subsidized federal agency: […]

PMG Video To Employees discusses proposal to move away from current Health Care Plan

In his latest “State of the Business” video to employees, PMG Pat Donahoe says the proposal to move away from the current Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) to a USPS-sponsored benefit is a vital element of a more sustainable business model. “This all ties into the larger picture of what we’ve been talking about […]

APWU,USPS Questions and Answers On The Contract

The APWU and the USPS have agreed to a set of Questions and Answers [PDF] regarding the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Director of Industrial Relations Mike Morris has announced. The Questions and Answers, dated Oct. 20, 2011, cover an array of topics, including Postal Support Employees (PSEs), supervisors performing bargaining unit work in small offices, […]

Burrus: Pick Your Fight

One of the web sites that focuses on postal issues recently suggests that I favor “throwing in the towel” on 5 day delivery by supporting the Obama plan for postal reform.  This analysis misinterprets my suggested course for addressing the USPS’ dilemma.  The choices offered in this political struggle are: 1.  Issa/Ross – Carper/McCain a. […]

COLA Announced: Federal Retirement Annuities Will Rise in 2012

Federal retirees will receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their civil service annuities beginning in January 2012. Retirees in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) will receive a 3.6 percent increase to their annuities, while retirees in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) will receive a 2.6 percent increase to their annuities. To trigger a […]

Flashback: Congress Says 2006 Postal Reform Bill Will Make USPS Viable for 21st Century

Are we in the 22nd Century yet? On December 20, 2006, the “Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006” was passed in both House and Senate (Darrell Issa was there at the time). This legislation was supposed to “modernize the United States Postal Service and make it  viable for the 21st century. The legislation, the […]