Dear NAPUS Members:
I feel this is a good time and an obligation on my part to let all of you know what actions we are taking on the "suspension" of convention leave.
As I said last week in our press release this decision is a breach of faith if not contract, with all the nation's Postmasters. It is truly a bad decision on the postal service's part to alienate the very leaders of the postal service.
We, League and NAPUS, realized the terrible financial condition the service is currently in and offered to compromise. It is wrong what was done to cut off this leave in the middle of convention season. We on numerous occasions have offered many other ideas to the USPS to save money and each time have been told that those things could not be done. We offered ideas and cost savings that would be fair and equitable to all and not just on the backs of Postmasters.
Now what has transpired:
- Your National Executive Board met by telecom this Thursday evening to review and discuss procedures to pursue this action. We have several ideas that we will follow up on. We also voted on a motion of "No Confidence" in the leadership of the postal service on their actions and direction they are going.
- I have requested through email and in a joint letter with the League and investigation be conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. I personally discussed this with him yesterday and Mr. Williams has agreed to investigate.
- The League and NAPUS have sent a joint letter to the Board of Governors protesting this suspension and asked for their help in this matter.
- The League and NAPUS are going to send a similar joint letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission letting them know of this egregious breach of faith.
- We have asked two of the authors of the Postmasters Equity Act to inquire on our behave to rigorously protest this action to the postal service. This is the offices of Senator Akaka and Representative John McHugh. I know that many of you have contacted your representatives because they have called the National Office asking for more info.
- I have made a request of the Department of Labor, a suggestion from a Postmaster, to see if as a management organization, we are allowed to file an unfair labor practice.
- I have, and many state presidents, have asked members to write their Congressmen and Senators. I have attached some suggested points to include in any letter you may send.
As you can see myself and your Executive Board have been busy in being proactive dealing with this issue. We will continue in the days ahead to defend and protect.
Some suggestions for everyone to do:
1.) Make every effort to attend your state and national conventions. Use your annual leave; in the words of retired Postmaster Bill Kennedy of Texas, use it gladly and enthusiastically. He also said to use it to show the USPS you believe in your job and want to learn at conventions.
2.) When filling out your 3971 for leave to request annual leave do so by noting "In Lieu of Convention Leave" in the remarks section. Make two copies and request a signed copy back from your MPOO. Include a return envelope to be sure you will get your copy back. This may be good to have if this decision is reversed.
3.) Write or call your Congressmen and Senators. Use the points attached in your letter. Ask them to call the PMG's office and lodge their inquiry so that Mr. Potter will know how many have called.
In closing, I hope I have provided enough info and let you know exactly what we are doing about this. I can assure all we will move forward and use all avenues in our power to fight these malicious actions by the USPS. We will get through this and we must all support each other as we pursue this dark chapter in our existence. We must all realize that the postal service is in serious financial condition and we as its leaders will do our part to insure its survival.
Think good Thoughts!
O DALE GOFF, JR.
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTMASTERS OF U.S.
OFFICE: 703-683-9027
FAX: 703-683-6820
1. The USPS violated law by suspending convention leave.
Section 1004(e) of Title 39 of the United States Code provides that after each new collective bargaining agreement with the largest craft, the Postal Service has 45 days to propose changes in Postmaster pay policies and schedules and fringe benefits. In addition, the section states that the Postmaster benefit changes are to be effective during the same period of time as covered by the craft bargaining agreement.
The suspension of convention leave, a listed benefit (ELM 519.621), did not take place as the result of pay and benefit talks, as described in Section 1004(e). Importantly, convention leave is an item that has been discussed during “pay talks.” Moreover, the suspension is to take place in the midst of craft agreement. For both of these reasons,
NAPUS believes that the USPS is in violation of current law.
2. NAPUS fully appreciates the fiscal situation of the USPS.
NAPUS offered to forgo convention leave for Fiscal Year 2010, in return for continuing such leave through September 30 this year – 4 months. The PMG summarily rejected this Postmaster offer.
3. While USPS suspends the five-day convention leave benefit for Postmasters, Postal Executives continue to enjoy generous employment benefits.
In the current Fiscal Year, Postal Executives awarded themselves exorbitant “bonuses”, and continue to reap a generous compensation package, which includes FREE Federal Employees Health Benefit Program coverage, FREE Federal Employee Group Life Insurance coverage, and generous relocation benefits.