[January 27th]

Vacation Procedures for Clerk and MVS Craft 2004

Detailed information is now available for both crafts, so members, take a look. There are a few changes to keep in mind, but perhaps the dates are the most important to most of you.

Clerk Craft Procedures

Motor Vehicle Craft Procedures

        [January 26th]

Credit Union Grand ReOpening This Friday

The Post Office Employees Credit Union has merged with the US Postal Service Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Clinton, MD. You are eligible to join, and member benefits include:

• Interest Checking
• VISA Credit Cards & Check Cards
• 24/7 Online & Telephone Account Access
• Access to over 20,000 ATMs nationwide
• Low Rates on Auto, Mortgage, and Consumer Loans

Friday, January 29th
9:00 AM- 3:30 PM

Grand Re-Opening Celebration
Pittsburgh Branch at 1001 California Ave

For More Information:
7905 Malcolm Road, Suite 311
Clinton, MD 20735
Tel: (800) USPS FCU
Email: USPSFCU@uspsfcu.org
www.uspsfcu.org

        [January 17th]

Management Bonuses Are Back!

Yes, you read that correctly. But are they bonuses or pay raises? Apparently there are no longer "automatic, across the board" guaranteed raises. The new program is being called a pay-for-performance system, with "job performance" being measured based on how national and local goals are met. PMG Potter calls the new system "strictly data driven."

To read about this in more detail, visit the Washington Post online edition.

        [January 14th]

Declined VER Last Fall? Get Another Opportunity!

The APWU and the USPS agreed Jan. 12 that employees who were offered but declined early retirement on Oct. 31, 2003, will be given another opportunity. APWU President William Burrus announced the agreement after meeting with postal managers.

To take advantage of this opportunity, employees who turned down early retirement on Oct. 31, 2003, must notify the union immediately if they are interested in receiving another Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) offer. The APWU will provide management with a list of interested employees by Feb. 2, 2004. (Click here for a printable form.)

Employees affected by this decision who fail to provide their names to the APWU prior to the deadline will not be permitted to retire early. Only those employees who declined early retirement last fall should submit their names.

"Coupled with a wide-ranging agreement reached with the Postal Service on Dec. 19, the latest settlement puts an end to a bitter dispute between the APWU and postal management," said APWU President William Burrus.

In December 2002, union members ratified an extension of the 2000-2003 Collective Bargaining Agreement that included provisions for Voluntary Early Retirement for all eligible APWU-represented employees. Last summer, however, management sought to limit the categories and number of employees who could retire early.

"I am pleased that the USPS has finally agreed to live up to its commitment to APWU members on this important issue," Burrus said.

        [January 14th]

Congress Schedules Hearings On USPS-Overhaul Legislation

Two key congressional committees will hold a series of hearings through early next month on proposals to change how the USPS operates and treats its workers and customers.

The hearings will consider a wide range of recommendations– including those made last summer by the President's Commission on the U.S. Postal Service– that could be incorporated into legislation and considered for passage later this year.

On Jan. 28, The House Government Reform Committee's Special Panel on Postal Reform and Oversight (chaired by John McHugh, R-NY) will hear testimony from the Postal Service, the General Accounting Office (GAO), and the Treasury Department.

APWU President William Burrus will be among those testifying on Feb. 5, in Chicago, where the panel will convene to hear the views of postal employee organizations. A third session has been set for Feb. 11, in Washington, to hear from mailing industry representatives and USPS competitors.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee (chaired by Susan Collins, R-ME) has tentatively scheduled hearings in Washington on Feb. 3 and 4. The Senate hearings are expected to feature many of the same witnesses— including Burrus— invited by the House panel.

Both Sen. Collins and Rep. McHugh have announced that they will draft postal reform legislation for introduction early this spring.

The Chairs of both the House and Senate Committees have promised quick action and legislation on Postal Reform. It is important that every member stay up-to-date on these proceedings. We will need the help of everyone if we are to overcome this threat. When the time comes you will be asked to actively participate by your Local, State or National Union. Do not turn away from this challenge.

        [January 13th]

Basic Arbitration Training Conference

The APWU Research and Education Department is hosting a Basic Arbitration Training Conference from March 1 to 7 in the Boston area. The conference is designed to acquaint local union officers and stewards with the techniques needed to effectively prepare a case for basic arbitration.

The conference will be at the Sheraton Braintree Hotel. Call 800-325-3535 by Monday, Feb. 16, and identify yourself as attending the APWU conference to secure the negotiated rate of $89 per night (plus tax).

Classes and topics to be covered include: Preparing a Case for Arbitration, Identifying and Framing the Issues, Exhibits and Stipulations, Opening Statements, Rules of Evidence, Examination of Witnesses, and Closing Statements.

The registration fee is $150. Participants must submit a letter from their local or state presidents (on union letterhead) that authorizes their attendance. The conference registration deadline is Feb. 16. Registration forms can be found at www.apwu.org.

        [January 1st]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!



We hope to see you at the next general membership meeting on Saturday, January 10th.

Make a new year's resolution to participate in your union today... it's more important than ever before as the Bush administration continues to push for wide-ranging changes and a partial end to bargaining rights for union members.

Don't forget that date-- the new annual leave year begins on January 10th this year.