On Tuesday evening at the Grand Banquet, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) was named the 2010 “NAPUS Champion.” She was thrilled to receive this honor and pledged her support to Postmasters. While expressing her appreciation for everything Postmasters do, she reminded everyone that Congress is the Postal Service’s boss.
On Tuesday, March 23, NAPUS Postmasters visited Capitol Hill to discuss NAPUS’ legislative agenda with lawmakers. One outcome of their visit was an article in The Washington Post by Ed O’Keefe in Wednesday’s Metro section. Several Postmasters were quoted, including Tony Iezzi, Postmaster of Oley, PA, who used the analogy of a Cadillac in talking about postal management. “They want to downsize the motor to get better miles per gallon,” he said. “They’re not looking at the big picture. They need to make the management vehicle smaller.”
Also quoted was Hilde Koch, Postmaster of Neversink, NY, who expressed concern that small-town post offices will be cut because they don’t generate enough revenue. James Dillard, Postmaster of Toomsuba, MS, said, “Closing his office would be devastating to customers, especially the older ones who can’t drive the 20 miles to the next-closest location.
O’Keefe was on hand Wednesday morning to address convention attendees. He told NAPUS members it would behoove them to keep postal issues on the public’s radar. “Congress understands something needs to be done, but what they are going to do in an election year if people in their districts are opposed remains to be seen.”
President Bob Rapoza was pleased to let conference attendees know at the start of Monday morning’s general business session that he had received nothing but positive comments from Sunday’s training. He encouraged Postmasters to go to Capitol Hill and “educate lawmakers on the issues important to NAPUS and the American public we serve.” President Rapoza promised that NAPUS will never shy away from supporting Postmasters.
Postal Regulatory Commission Chairman Ruth Goldway told NAPUS members the PRC shares the belief the USPS is a pillar of American democracy. She said that issues keep coming up, but the Postal Service has to be there, It will continue to have problems (business and personal needs) and the PRC is part of that balancing act.
The PRC is part of an extensive hearing process and intends to accurately estimate the financial savings that would be realized by going to five-day delivery. It also will consider the impact on volume and customer service and present a fair opinion.
Chairman Goldway closed by assuring everyone that the role of post offices and Postmasters is essential.
Postmaster General Jack Potter thanked NAPUS members for coming to Washington, DC, to visit Capitol Hill and talk about the Postal Service. In discussing the challenges facing the Postal Service today, he said, “The world has changed and we have been challenged by Capitol Hill to change with it.”
The Postal Service needs to have a flexible work force. And, most importantly, the greater good is the financial health of the institution. “Things have to change,” he urged, “the status quo is not acceptable.”
Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Financial Officer Pat Donahoe addressed NAPUS members Monday afternoon. One of the positive things happening, he said, is the USPS is working to make its packaging business the best ever. He asked Postmasters to please keep their employees in the loop. “Share updates with them,” he urged, “because the more information they have, the more they feel part of the team and are a part of moving the organization in the right direction.”
Dean Granholm, vice president, Delivery and Post Office Operations, was, perhaps, the most popular speaker of the day. He was tasked with looking at the many forms Postmasters are required to fill out each day, which, NAPUS contends, are unnecessary and redundant.
He did a random sampling of 42 different daily forms required in the field (there are more than 42 forms in use). Of those 42, there were 18 different categories. And he discovered:
Granholm pledged to Postmasters that, by June 1, they would start to get rid of some of these forms. He received a rousing standing ovation.
Quotes from the day:
“Postal Headquarters knows Postmasters will move heaven and earth to get their jobs done.”—Secretary-Treasurer Wayne Orshak
“In these critical times, it is essential for active and retired NAPUS members to unite and work together to achieve the things we want. United, we are a strong voice.”—PM Retired President Paul Edd Butler
“We are committed to defending Postmasters to the best of our ability; we are willing to go anywhere and do anything.” –National PM Rep Committee Chair Larry Jones
“Things are worse today than they ever have been. It’s crazy out there, but that’s what NAPUS is here for.”—Legal Defense Plan Attorney Phil Jones
“Diversity is accepting we are different on the outside, but the same on the inside.”—Diversity Committee Chair Sandra Pugh
“Americans do not want to see post offices closed.”—Director of Government Relations Bob Levi
President Bob Rapoza opened the Executive Board meeting at the 2010 Leadership & Legislative Conference on Friday, March 19, by stressing he continues to conduct business with Postal Headquarters with trust, credibility and integrity. But, he cautioned, “I never lose sight of the issues Postmasters are facing in the field.” He said he is “carefully optimistic while proceeding with caution” in his dealings with USPS Headquarters and feels it is critical to have a positive working relationship with Headquarters personnel.
Nanci Langley, a commissioner on the Postal Regulatory Commission, addressed board members, promising the PRC will continue to foster a vital and universal Postal Service. She urged Postmasters not to be shy in talking to their members of Congress and letting them know of their concerns.
In discussing post office suspensions, she quipped a statue should be erected in honor of Betty Eickler, NAPUS’ tireless chair of the Post Office Closings and Consolidations Committee.
Representatives of USPS Headquarters were present for the NAPUS/USPS quarterly consultative meeting on Friday. President Bob Rapoza asked Doug Tulino, vice president of Labor Relations, that, in light of the many issues and challenges facing Postmasters and the Postal Service, the quarterly meetings be increased in frequency to every other month. Tulino agreed to Rapoza’s request.
On March 19, Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) introduced legislation to clarify that pay and benefits can only be changed in the context of pay talks. The legislation also establishes postal policy to ensure reasonable and sustainable workloads and credits.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) is expected to introduce the legislation in the House.
Among the many agenda items the Executive Board dealt with during the first two days of its meeting, members approved a motion to completely revamp the NAPUS web site. Once redesigned and updated, the web site will be much more interactive and user-friendly.
The NAPUS National 2010 Leadership & Legislative Conference will be held March 20-25, 2010. The online registrations are now closed but you can still register on-site. All are welcome. Remember every person attending the 2010 Leadership Conference must have a badge to attend the functions of the Leadership Conference, including the business sessions, NAPUS hospitality room and banquet.
Need to Know: The Mid-Year Quick Start Guides for Employees and Evaluators is now posted on the NAPUS web page under the NPA/PFP icon. All eligible PFP employees will record their mid-year accomplishments in PES for the positions they hold as of March 26, 2010.
Legislative Conference & Leadership Rally
March 20 - 25, 2010
NAPUS USPS Congress
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