Monday, March 4, 2024
Labor update
USPS, NALC select an interest arbitrator but continue negotiations
The Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) continue to negotiate to reach a new contract but are also moving forward with preparations for a potential interest arbitration.
Both parties have selected Dennis Nolan to serve as the interest arbitrator.
Nolan served as the parties’ arbitrator for the 2019 interest arbitration, which concluded when USPS and the union reached a negotiated agreement.
He has been on the parties’ national arbitration panels for many years.
NALC represents more than 200,000 employees nationwide.
Making money out of the blue?
The Inspection Service is offering investment fraud prevention tips
The Postal Inspection Service is reminding customers that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
During National Consumer Protection Week, which begins Sunday, March 3, the agency will encourage people to be skeptical if they receive a phone, mail or email pitch to participate in high-return, low-risk investment opportunities.
These “get rich quick” schemes — which often involve selling bogus securities, commodities, oil wells or gold coins — frequently target older people because they possess most of the nation’s individual wealth.
But anyone, no matter the age, can be a victim.
The Inspection Service offers the following tips to avoid investment scams:
• Take your time. Don’t rush into accepting an investment opportunity.
• Get all information in writing before you consider investing.
• Check out the firm by calling the Better Business Bureau, your state attorney general’s office or a local consumer protection agency.
• Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 888-382-1222 or going to donotcall.gov.
• Go to the Inspection Service website for prevention tips to download and print.
Customers who become a scam victim or suspect fraud should submit an online report to the Inspection Service or call 877-876-2455.
Heroes
On the fence
An employee helped prevent an outdoor fire from spreading
As Carrier Technician Patrick Miller helped a co-worker make deliveries in a Fort Worth, TX, neighborhood recently, he smelled smoke.
Miller followed the odor and spotted a fence ablaze near a home. He ran to the home, as well as to a neighboring home, to alert the residents.
While 911 was called, the Postal Service employee grabbed a hose and safely extinguished the blaze.
Rochelle Harden, who lives in one of the homes, wrote a letter to Miller’s supervisor to praise the carrier.
“Not only was I grateful for his quick action protecting my neighbor’s property, but he also prevented further damage to our home. The fire was 18 inches from our own fence,” Harden wrote. “My husband and I truly thank Patrick for going above and beyond the call of duty.”
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Feb. 25-March 2
The John Wooden stamp ceremony was one highlight
The Postal Service dedicated the John Wooden stamp on Feb. 24 — and Link was there from the jump.
Considered by many to be the greatest coach in the history of American sports, Wooden led the UCLA Bruins men’s team to a record-setting 10 NCAA national championships, four perfect seasons and 88 consecutive victories.
“John Wooden’s contributions transcended basketball, offering lessons in integrity, teamwork and personal excellence that resonate across our nation,” said Derek Kan, a member of the USPS Board of Governors who spoke at the ceremony.
We also published release dates for the Postal Service’s next batch of stamps, and we reminded you about the Postal Service’s rules against nepotism in the workplace.
Additionally, we went “On the Job” with Jerin Hedden, a Salt Lake City letter carrier, and “Off the Clock” with George Collins, a Los Angeles general expeditor who turned a childhood interest in art into a painting hobby.
Hedden discussed how much he enjoys his walking route and praised the Postal Service’s generous benefits package.
“As your career goes on, you see the progress in your retirement plan. Your financial and family stability are provided for, and that’s important,” he said.
Collins, in the meantime, talked about how much he appreciated having his paintings displayed at his workplace recently.
“I got a heavy response from my co-workers, and I’m grateful for that,” he said.
March 11, 2024
Datebook
‘Mindful Eating Guided Meditation’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on bringing mindfulness to mealtime.
The session, “Mindful Eating Guided Meditation,” will be held Monday, March 11, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from Kaiser Permanente, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the Benefits and Wellness team.
March 9, 2024
Datebook
Underground Railroad
The Postal Service will dedicate its Underground Railroad stamps on Saturday, March 9, in Church Creek, MD.
The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located at 4068 Golden Hill Road.
The speakers will include Ronald Stroman, a member of the USPS Board of Governors.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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Labor update
USPS, NALC select an interest arbitrator but continue negotiations
-
Making money out of the blue?
The Inspection Service is offering investment fraud prevention tips
-
Heroes
On the fence
An employee helped prevent an outdoor fire from spreading
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Feb. 25-March 2
The John Wooden stamp ceremony was one highlight
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March11Datebook
‘Mindful Eating Guided Meditation’
-
March9Datebook
Underground Railroad