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Letter from Louie
What's the next step for the USPS?
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Louis Atkins
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Last week, the Postmaster General took one of the most decisive actions to deal with the Postal Service's fiscal crisis. Whether or not you disagree or agree with the PMG's decision to end six-day First-Class mail delivery, it is obvious that now is the time for the United States Congress to take action on comprehensive postal reform.
This organization has stated on a consistent basis that moving to five-day delivery must be the last resort for the Postal Service. The success of the USPS is built upon its commitment to reliable and affordable service to all points around the country. NAPS has asserted that any steps to compromise the USPS' high service standards would cause harm to the Postal Service and only serve to put the USPS into a deeper financial hole.
While the time may come that we do have to reduce delivery frequency, we have not yet approached this "point of no return." I believe that there are other options available that would address the core financial issues of the Postal Service while not harming service. However, the power to initiate these alternatives lies in the hands of the United States Congress, a body that has failed to address their Constitutional mandate to maintain a vibrant Postal Service. During the 112th Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives were unable to reach an agreement on bi-partisan legislation that would have dealt head-on with the core financial issues of the USPS. This inability and unwillingness to act has led us to this point.
NAPS advocates that Congress takes a look at other options to improve the economic outlook of the Postal Service. We have focused on having Congress examine the payment schedule for the Postal Service's future employee health benefit mandate and shifting it towards a more reasonable schedule. This one step will open up billions in operating capital that can be used to maintain operations.
We have also advocated that the Postal Service be given greater authority in pricing out its products and services in a way that reflects the realities of the marketplace. These two straightforward reforms will relieve the fiscal pressure currently on the Postal Service without having to sacrifice service or valuable middle class jobs.
Last week's announcement illustrates the fact that it is time for the Congress to act swiftly and pass comprehensive Postal Reform. However, it is also important that the Postal Service recognize Congress' authority and oversight on this matter and allow stakeholders on Capitol Hill time to draw up legislation that protects the interests of all sides. NAPS will work with our partners in Congress and at L'Enfant Plaza to reach a solution that benefits all Americans and allows the USPS to carry on with its mandate of Universal Service into the 21st Century.
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Brian's Scoop
Don't Hold Back-
Back Membership
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Brian Wagner
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We are half-way through our newest membership promotion which ends March 31. Remember, when you sponsor a new NAPS member you receive a NAPS $25 PNC Visa gift card, and the newly signed members receive one, too. Don't hold back. Here's the scoop!
In some instances NAPS Membership Forms (1187's) are being held by a local branch until its membership has had time to vote to accept the new member or members. Be advised, no vote is necessary.
Article III of our National Constitution & Bylaws explains who is eligible for NAPS membership. It is great that a branch can announce at a local meeting that they have received new 1187's for membership. However, our National Constitution does not state an eligible EAS employee must first be approved by the affiliated branch before they can become a NAPS member.
When a new member signs and dates their 1187, a branch officer should sign and date it too; and then mail the original 1187 and a copy immediately to NAPS headquarters. If the officer or another member is the new member's sponsor, complete the sponsorship section of the 1187 at the bottom of the form. There is no requirement by NAPS that a newly signed member must first be approved for membership by the affiliated branch.
By submitting 1187's timely to NAPS Headquarters the branch ensures the timely input of its new member and receipt of branch dues. In addition, the new member can have access to the NAPS website without delay. Furthermore, if for some unfortunate reason the new member receives disciplinary action after first signing up, they can be assured to receive the necessary and proper NAPS representation without delay.
I am not going to hold back my vote any longer with my ice cream flavor of the week recommendation - Strawberry Cheesecake.
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Call the toll-free NAPS hotline: 1-877-667-NAPS
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Legislative and Political Action Center
Donate to SPAC!:
Click here to make a secure SPAC contribution via credit card or go to NAPS.org to learn about the other ways you can give.
Stay Updated!:
Click here to receive Bruce Moyer's legislative updates.
Take Action!:
Click here to go to our CapWiz Legislative Action Center.
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2013 Legislative Training Seminar
It's time to start planning to attend the annual Legislative Training Seminar. Information for the seminar can be found here.
Registration:
Click here to download a paper form;
Online registration available here.
Make your room reservations here.
-As a reminder, with this being an off-convention year, NAPSHQ will not provide complimentary registrations or room reservations for Legislative Chairs or State Presidents-
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Jay's Notes
What's your opinion?
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Jay Killackey
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There are more issues facing postal employees, postal leadership and the Congress about what to do to resolve the Postal Service's current financial dilemma than ever before.
Plant closures, five-day delivery, staffing reductions, the changes go on and on.
This week there was a Senate hearing where witnesses from the Congress, postal unions and associations, and representatives from mailers groups testified about their opinion on what it will take to solve the financial crisis. But what about the employees of the USPS? How do we ensure that their voice is heard?
Someday, hopefully very soon, the Congress will pass legislation that will ultimately resolve this financial crisis.
Last week I attended a NAPS seminar and spoke about the current situation where I told the NAPS delegates that we do not want uninformed people making decisions about the Postal Service. Right now, I don't believe that the Congress has enough information about the challenges of the Postal Service
The people we elected to serve us in the Congress need to hear from you with your concerns about the future of the Postal Service. There is an easy way for you to have your voice heard in the halls of Congress. We have a state-of-the-art system on our NAPS website that you can use in less than 90 seconds that will send your opinion to your Senators and Congressperson.
Go to our website, www.naps.org and navigate through our Legislative Center. If you want to message your Senators or Congressperson right now, just click here.
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Seth's Slant
The Newsroom (NAPS Style)
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Seth Lennon
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When dealing with communications, there will be ebbs and flows with the movement of information and the intensity of the news cycle.
The headline over the last seven days has most certainly been the Postmaster General's decision to end six-day First-Class mail delivery. This announcement has sent ripples throughout the postal community. Our focus at NAPS headquarters has been to inform the membership on how these changes could impact their daily working lives.
NAPSHQ reached out to several news outlets with information, including press statements and Legislative Issue Updates, that explained our position and why we felt a moderate path was in the best interests of the Postal Service.
NAPS used its social media network, especially Facebook and Twitter, to keep our membership informed of where lawmakers and other important stakeholders stood on the issue of five-day delivery.
In addition to the five-day delivery announcement, NAPS has been using its communication tools- primarily our CapWiz online advocacy software- to urge our members to ask their lawmakers to vote "no" on extending the federal pay freeze.
These communications tools have enhanced how we get information out to our members and it is my hope that we have sufficiently equipped you with the information that you need to not only make decisions for your own livelihood, but also equip you with all the information you need to advocate for the Postal Service.
If you are interested in using any of these advocacy and communication tools, every issue of HQ2U contains a box that will link you to our Facebook page, Twitter feed and our CapWiz launch page.
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