A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.09 percent during the week ending Jan. 15, down almost half a percentage point from one week earlier. The data was collected Jan. 20. Western Pacific led the four areas with a rating of 96.96 percent, while Atlantic ranked fourth with a 94.96 […]
Uncomplicated passwords — like ABCDEFG and 1234abcd — might be simple to remember, but they’re very easy for hackers to guess. In fact, among all accounts breached worldwide last year, 123456 was the password used by 23.2 million people, according to the National Cyber Security Centre in the United Kingdom. It’s little wonder that online […]
Two of the seven training courses that Postal Service employees are required to complete each year are now available. The courses are part of the organization’s Regulatory Compliance Training program, which was previously known as Strategic Learning Initiatives. The training is intended to help USPS achieve its objectives and satisfy compliance with legal requirements. The […]
Sheila B. Holman joined the Postal Service last week as marketing vice president, overseeing branding, industry engagement, innovation and marketing insights, and stamps. Holman will also support the Retail and Delivery, Logistics and Processing Operations, and Commerce and Business Solutions organizations that are concentrated on improving efficiency and driving business growth. Her other duties will […]
The Postal Service is updating employees on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. The organization’s goal is for everyone to be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible if they choose to do so. Currently, the supply of vaccines in the United States is limited, but more vaccines should become available soon. The […]
Macedonia, OH, Customer Services Supervisor Somica Butler was on duty recently in Grand River, a village 40 miles away, when she got a call from a concerned colleague. An employee in Macedonia who wasn’t feeling well had left work early, and the colleague was worried about the man’s well-being. Butler tried unsuccessfully to reach the […]
The story about Mary Esther, FL Postmaster William “Butch” Lyle becoming a powerlifter world record holder is good stuff. […]
The Postal Service dedicated this year’s Love stamp Jan. 14 during a virtual ceremony that highlighted a Colorado community that bills itself as the nation’s “Sweetheart City.” For 75 years, Loveland — a city of 66,000 residents located about 45 miles north of Denver — has operated its internationally renowned Valentine Remailing Program. Every year, […]
The Postal Service wants employees to remain vigilant about mail safety. If you encounter a suspicious mailpiece, remember the three Ps: • Package. Don’t bag it, containerize it or send it to another location. Leave it where it is and isolate the area. • People. Clear people from the area and immediately notify a supervisor. […]
Postal Service employees can participate in an upcoming webinar on preparing to use their health benefits during retirement. The session, “Retirement 101,” will be held Thursday, Jan. 21, at noon EST. Aetna will conduct the webinar, which will provide a better understanding of how health retirement benefits might work nationwide and overseas. Tools and resources […]
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. True or false: Many Combined Federal Campaign member charities allow people to pledge volunteer hours instead of financial contributions. a) True b) False 2. Fill in the blank: Two months — […]
Congratulations to William “Butch” Lyle, the Mary Esther, FL, Postmaster profiled in “Power player,” on becoming a powerlifter world record holder. Awesome job! […]
The Postal Service is reminding employees that customers are permitted to send certain hemp-based products in the mail when in compliance with all applicable laws. A cannabis-derived substance with tetrahydrocannabinol content of 0.3 percent or less is legally hemp. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the flower resin of cannabis plants, which include hemp […]
In a special video message, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and National Association of Letter Carriers President Frederic Rolando celebrate the Customer Connect program passing $3 billion in annualized revenue. Letter carriers have “gone the extra mile, grown the business through great service and helped the organization compete for customers,” DeJoy says in the video. Established […]
The Postal Service wants employees to dress warmly when working outside during winter weather. To prevent cold-weather-related injuries, three light layers are ideal: • An inner layer for wicking moisture away from your body; • A middle layer to insulate you from the cold; and • An outer layer that repels wind, snow and rain […]
If you want to contribute to the Combined Federal Campaign but your budget is tight after the holidays, don’t worry. There are other ways to give. The campaign, also known as the CFC, allows federal employees, retirees and contractors to contribute to more than 6,000 charitable organizations. Many CFC member charities allow people to pledge […]
Is keeping up with Postal Service news one of your resolutions for 2021? Link mobile can help. A mobile-friendly version of the Link website, Link mobile offers news reports, feature stories and informational videos, including the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic. The site is particularly helpful to craft employees and others who don’t have […]
“Call him Mr. Lucky,” the article about Columbus, OH, Mail Expeditor Joseph Clark celebrating 67 years of federal service, was amazing. […]
Letter Carrier Susan Mattson was recently delivering mail in a Jamestown, NY, neighborhood when she spotted trouble at a residence: The front porch was on fire and a boy around 4 years old was standing alone in the doorway. Mattson leaped into action and safely got him out of harm’s way, directing him to stay […]
One title that William “Butch” Lyle goes by is that of Postmaster in Mary Esther, FL. Another title he has is perhaps a bit more impressive: powerlifter world record holder. Lyle recently participated in the master’s division of the U.S. Powerlifting Association’s National Championship in Columbus, OH. At the competition, he was given three attempts […]
The Postal Service is implementing Office 365, an advanced version of Microsoft Office that will provide employees with new tools and help keep USPS competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business world. Users will have secure access to Office 365 from any Postal Service-issued device, including workstations, smartphones and tablets. Users will be able to access […]
Stages around the country may be shuttered at the moment, but you can still experience the artistry of playwright August Wilson, the latest Black Heritage stamp honoree. Two new films on Netflix reflect Wilson’s legacy: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” an adaptation of his 1984 Broadway hit of the same name; and “Giving Voice,” a documentary […]
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. True or false: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should wash your hands before putting on a face mask. a) True b) False 2. Which HERO feature […]
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to learn more about the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve, which can cause vision loss and blindness. According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common type of glaucoma in the United States […]
The Postal Service wants employees to take precautions when walking in winter weather. Snowy and icy conditions increase the likelihood of slips, trips and falls that could result in pain, injury and lost productivity. To avoid these accidents, employees should follow these tips: • Wear proper footwear with good tread and grippers (ice cleats); • […]
The Postal Service delivered 129.2 billion mailpieces to 161 million addresses across the nation during fiscal year 2020, the organization says in its Annual Report to Congress. The report, which USPS published last month, covers the period from Oct. 1, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020. In addition to an overview of the organization’s finances, the 64-page document […]
In his latest video message, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy thanks employees for their efforts during the holiday season and previews 2021 for USPS. The organization delivered record mail and package volume in December while also dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. DeJoy also asks employees to set a new tone to help USPS […]
Link is looking back at the year in “Heroes’ Corner” with a countdown of the five most-viewed articles. Coming in at No. 4 is “Automated tell-her,” the story of Patrick Edwards. The Tucson, AZ, maintenance mechanic was working on sorting equipment when he discovered a damaged envelope containing $1,000 in cash caught in a gear, […]
It’s almost time to send 2020 into the history books. Before we do, Link is taking a look back at a most unusual year. Our coverage will also include stories about employees and customers who made news, as well as special year-end editions of our regular columns: “Best Practices,” “The List,” “On the Job” and […]
No matter what their job title might be, all Postal Service employees contribute to the organization’s effort to deliver for the nation — and throughout 2020, Link’s “On the Job” column introduced readers to several of these hardworking public servants. Dale Scalero, a USPS tractor-trailer operator in Sacramento, CA, said he takes pride in his […]