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.