November 2023
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTAL SUPERVISORS
JAMES E. PARKS, JR. BRANCH #526, NORTHERN
VIRGINIA—NOVEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER
President’s Message--Lloyd B. Cox, President, James E. Parks, Jr. Branch 526
Happy Holidays to all Branch 526 members!
Recently NAPS engaged in productive discussions with USPS concerning proposed changes to the Fiscal Year 2023 NPA payout scales for employees who are part of the National Performance Assessment (NPA) system and those who fall under the expanded HQ NPA HERO process. The USPS proposal will result in an increase of 1% to 2% depending on which cell your rating falls into. NAPS has agreed to this proposal while maintaining that that additional action is needed to correct current shortfalls in EAS pay. Unlike craft employees, EAS do not receive COLA to assist with inflation and have seen Federal employees in other agencies receive a 5.2% salary increase. The lack of an equitable pay package has made it difficult for USPS to attract high quality employees for EAS positions and does not foster job satisfaction.
NAPS continues its lawsuit against USPS to address issues with pay and representation. Recently the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that NAPS is entitled to some discovery (requests for documents and written questions that must be answered under oath) to show that USPS has violated the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 in its pay practices.
The 2023 Open Season enrollment period will begin November 13, 2023, and continue through December 11, 2023. This is a great time to review your coverage using Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. This online tool is now available at no cost to Postal employees through LiteBlue. By comparing plan benefits and coverage you might find a different plan is better for your family. For 2024 postal employees will remain under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) system. A USPS specific system will be implemented in 2025.
As staffing concerns are addressed, instances of EAS carrying mail should be significantly reduced. But if you are in a situation where it is necessary for you to carry mail, make sure the hours are being recorded properly.
Northern Virginia has about 100 EAS employees who are not NAPS members, sign up some of your fellow supervisors. As USPS implements rapid organizational changes, mistakes from lack of training, inadequate staffing, or system failures can result in EAS employees being blamed for problems and receiving corrective action. Unlike craft unions NAPS is not obligated to represent nonmembers. Those who wait until they get in trouble to sign a Form 1187 will find they must wait 60 days to be fully represented, far past the time allowed for appeals.
Make sure that Branch 526 and NAPS Headquarters have your current address. If you are not receiving Office. If you are not receiving the NAPS National Magazine “The Postal Supervisor,” you are missing important news on issues impacting your career. Visit naps.org to update your address or contact a branch officer for assistance. Be sure to visit our new Branch 526 website at www.NAPSbranch526.org.
Peak season is much different than when I began my career. Employees entering the Postal Service today cannot imagine the avalanche of red and green envelopes and stacks of hard copy catalogs. But dealing heavy parcel volume creates a new set of challenges. Scanning is a two-edged sword, increasing visibility for customers while placing new reporting burdens on supervisors. If stress from job demands or problems maintaining work/life balance becomes overwhelming, remember that EAP can help with a phone call to 1-800-EAP-4-YOU.
May the holiday season be safe for you and your loved ones. I wish you the blessings of health and happiness in the new year ahead.
Branch 526 Member Advocates
Customer Service--Alice Jackson (703) 763-9317, Mail Processing--Deborah Farmer (301) 356-6955, Headquarters--June Brandt (412) 600-6206
Contact a NAPS advocate ASAP if you are asked to participate in an investigative interview or are issued corrective action.
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NAPS BRANCH 526 MEMBERSHIP MEETING VIA ZOOM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ZOOM Meeting ID: 813 8327 4901
Passcode: 984012
If you do not have ZOOM capability on your computer or mobile device, you can dial 301-715-8592 and join using the meeting ID and password.
If you are having difficulties connecting to the meeting, please text Deborah Holley at 757-377-5679.
If dialing in use the same meeting ID and password
ZOOM Meeting ID: 813 8327 4901
Passcode: 984012
Elections will be held for the offices of Branch President and Editor in Chief. Any members in good standing wishing nominate a member or to enter the race themselves should contact the Nominations & Election Committee. Bill White is committee chairman, joined by committee members Yvette Merkison and Darryl Beasley.
Get some holiday cash—$75 for sponsoring a new NAPS member!
If a coworker joins NAPS, it will help them and help you. NAPS is fighting to improve salaries and working conditions for all EAS employees. NAPS continues to contest USPS in court, pushing back against the flawed Pay For Performance system. NAPS represents managers, supervisors, and postmasters in pay consultations and in disciplinary defense. NAPS Legislative efforts urge passage of laws that will benefit USPS and its employees. You will receive $25 from NAPS Headquarters for every member you sponsor. For a limited time, Branch 526 has increased to $50 the amount it will pay to members who recruit a new Branch member. A total of $75 in your pocket and the satisfaction of knowing that your colleague has the protection and benefits of NAPS membership.
Legislative News
Congress has been mired in division and not moving forward on legislation. But it is important that NAPS members continue to urge their House Representative to co sponsor these bills
H.R. 5995--Would allow any employee who worked in a temporary USPS position such as a Casual, TE, RCA, PSE, CCA, or PMR after December 31, 1988, to receive credit for that time toward retirement. While there is little chance of the bill being passed at present, it is important to bring awareness to this issue. Remember, it took 15 years of persistent effort to bring postal reform to passage in 2022.
H.R. 3005--The Postal Police Reform Act. Prior to 2020 Postal Police officers were empowered to conduct patrols in high postal-crime areas, protect postal property and investigate postal crime on postal property and offsite. Three years ago, a decision was made the Postal Inspection Service to limit the role of Postal Police to postal facilities. During the past three years, assaults against postal employees delivering mail and mail theft has increased dramatically. Let Congress know that restoring Postal Police to the streets would protect USPS employees and customers.
Other NAPS supported legislation has not progressed to a floor vote. H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, and H.R. 594, the Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act need continued support. Keep Congress aware of these bills and the issues behind them. Go to the Legislative Center at naps.org for more information and a
link to contact your Representative.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTAL SUPERVISORS--BRANCH 526 NAPS BRANCH 526 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The November meeting of NAPS Branch 526 will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA ZOOM, PLEASE SEE DETAILS INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER
ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD FOR THE OFFICES OF PRESIDENT AND EDITOR IN CHIEF