2021 Winter by National Postal Mail Handlers Union

THE

MAIL HANDLER

WINTER 2022

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION

FIELD NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE MEETS IN WASHINGTON DC IN PREPARATION FOR NATIONAL BARGAINING

Go to the App Store or Google Play and search “NPMHU” to install and use at no charge

INSTALL THE FREE

NPMHU MOBILE APP

FOR YOUR IPHONE OR ANDROID SMARTPHONE

We are pleased to provide this communication tool to all Mail Handlers. You can access the latest news, updates, events, and information of organizational importance.

THE APP’S FEATURES INCLUDE: + Current NPMHU news with periodic push notifications of importance + Legislative and Political NPMHU Action Center + Quadrennial Convention Information + NPMHU Women’s Committee + Current Wage Charts + COVID-19 Resources

THE

MAIL HANDLER

WINTER 2O22

NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION

CONTENTS

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Paul V. Hogrogian National President

Michael J. Hora

Secretary-Treasurer

John A. Gibson Vice President Eastern Region

David E. Wilkin Vice President Northeastern Region

Lawrence B. Sapp Vice President Southern Region

The Trifecta—National Bargaining, Postal Reform and Corona Virus Pandemic

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report Restarting the 2020 Convention

June Harris Vice President Central Region

President’s Report

Field Negotiating Committee Meets in Washington DC

Convention Delegates to Convene in Denver

Contract Administration Department Report

Legislative and Political Report

2022 PAC Incentive Awards

MHBP® Health Plan Report

Women’s Committee Report

Wage Chart

Mail Handlers Across the Country See pictures of various meetings and functions across the country

Bargaining a National Agreement

Don J. Sneesby

MAIL HANDLER THE

Vice President Western Region

The Mail Handler, ISSN:1098-5689, is published quarterly by the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, 815 16th St, N.W. Suite 5100, Washington, DC 20006. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mail Handler, 815 16th St, N.W. Suite 5100, Washington, DC 20006. Copyright 2022: National Postal Mail Handlers Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Mail Handler is published for the members of our union. For additional copies please send $2.00 to: National Postal Mail Handlers Union—National Headquarters, 815 16th St, N.W. Suite 5100, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 833-9095.

WINTER 2022

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION

FIELD NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE MEETS IN WASHINGTON DC IN PREPARATION FOR NATIONAL BARGAINING

74700_NPMHU_Magzine_Winter_2022_R5.indd 1

ON THE COVER: The National Executive Board, 14 Local Presidents and National CAD Representatives make up the NPMHU Field Negotiation Committee. Preparations for national bargaining are in full swing.

3/10/22 10:26 AM

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

THE TRIFECTA—NATIONAL BARGAINING, POSTAL REFORM AND CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC Paul V. Hogrogian, National President

ear Members: Our National Agreement expires on September 20, 2022. A solicitation for contract proposals was sent to the field late last year. Hundreds of contract proposals have now been received at National Headquarters. Proposals generated by mail handlers from around the country are an important aspect in preparing for bargaining. I want to thank each and every Mail Handler who submitted a proposal for participating in our process to achieve a fair contract. A bargaining strategy session was held on the third day of our Semi-Annual Meeting of Local Unions (SAMLU) held in Washington, DC, on November 15-17, 2021. Mail Handler representatives from throughout the country discussed the priorities for these negotiations. Our Field Negotiating Committee met in Washington, DC, for five days from February 7 to 11, 2022, to thoroughly review, analyze, discuss, debate and evaluate the over 800 proposals that were received from the field and to formulate proposals of its own (see related articles in this magazine). The Committee provided its recommendations, which will now be sent to the National Bargaining Team for their analysis and consideration. Our priorities in bargaining include fair and just general wage increases, continuation of our current Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), keeping the No Lay-Off clause, improving the rights and benefits for our MHAs, returning subcontracted work to the Mail Handler Craft, putting a stop to future subcontracting, minimizing the dislocation and inconvenience to Mail Handlers subject to involuntary reassignments, and most importantly, fixing the badly broken wage scale which hinders the recruitment and retention of new Mail Handler employees. It is time for the Postal Service to stand up and justly compensate all Mail Handlers for the hard work and dedication that they have demonstrated throughout the two years of the pandemic. Talk is cheap, now is the time for action. This is not a particularly opportune time during which to bargain. The Postal Service’s financial situation and the continuing decline in mail volume (especially First-Class Mail) lead us to believe that these negotiations will be extremely difficult. The NPMHU bargaining team is up to the task at hand and will work tirelessly to achieve a fair contract

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

for all Mail Handlers. The NPMHU will routinely and frequently keep the membership informed of the progress of these negotiations. *** The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on the Postal Service and all postal employees since March of 2020. Mail Handlers and postal workers from around the country courageously performed essential federal service under the extraordinary circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic often putting their own health at risk. The NPMHU has spent the last two years dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports issued by the USPS in late January and early February of 2022 showed an all-time high of over 18,600 infected postal employees. However, recent reports released in March show that the COVID numbers are decreasing substantially. The latest reports reflect that there are approximately 4,100 postal employees who are infected with another approximately 440 in quarantine. The decline in COVID cases can be attributed to the fact that COVID tests and vaccines are now easily available. It should be noted that the CDC has reported that 97% of all COVID related hospitalizations and deaths are due to the unvaccinated. This emphasizes the importance of getting the shots. If you have not already done so, please get the vaccine at your earliest opportunity. The sooner everybody is vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to a sense of normalcy and put COVID behind us. The NPMHU also reached agreement with the Postal Service to further extend the following Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and policy statements until April 8, 2022:

1. Sick Leave for Dependent Care (Child Care) 2. Liberal Leave Policy 3. MHA Leave 4. Temporary MHA Exception Period 5. Temporary Extension on Step 3 and Arbitration Appeals

The MOU on the Temporary MHA Exception Period contains a provision that protects the rights of those Mail Handlers who have signed the Overtime Desired List. “The MHAs will not be used to the detriment of Mail Handlers on the Overtime Desired List.” This generally means that, in those installations where temporary MHAs are hired in excess of the contractual MHA cap, the Overtime Desired List(s) should be maximized (up to 12 hours per day/7 days per week). The Liberal Leave Letter provides that “Leave taken for COVID-19 related reasons … may not be cited in discipline for failing to maintain an assigned schedule under ELM 511.43.” As stated, these MOUs are set to expire on April 8, 2022. Absent another variant emerging, I do not foresee the MOUs being extended. We are also in discussions with the Postal Service regarding modification of the mask wearing policy to conform with CDC recommendations and current conditions

The four major postal unions, senior postal officials and many of the major mailers have been working together on a comprehensive postal reform bill. The bi-partisan Postal Reform Service Act, H.R. 3076, was introduced in Congress earlier this year. Our Regional Directors have been in constant contact with their counterparts in the Postal Area Offices to discuss COVID-19 issues throughout the pandemic. Our Regional representatives have been extremely successful in rectifying problems brought to their attention. I want to thank them for a job well done. Meanwhile, the USPS has contracted with the Biden Administration to deliver 500 million COVID-19 Test Kits to every household in America. To facilitate the federal government’s efforts to deliver at-home COVID-19 test kits to all Americans, the Postal Service has established

43 fulfillment centers. As part of the contract, the 500 million Test Kits will be packed and labeled in the 43 facilities, which are identified as fulfillment centers in the agreement. The NPMHU and USPS have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding which establishes guidelines regarding the staffing of the fulfillment centers. The parties have agreed to extend the exception period for the hiring and continued employment of MHAs in excess of the 24.5% installation cap (up to the number listed in the agreement) in the identified installations. These MHAs, identified as being utilized for the pilot, will be used solely for the purpose of performing the work of the pilot except for a three-week implementation period which began on January 1, 2022. The duration of the pilot will be seventy-five days from January 12, 2022, unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties. This pilot provides Mail Handlers with the opportunity to perform an essential public health service to every American in our battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Mail Handlers are proud to be a part of these critical efforts. *** The four major postal unions, senior postal officials and many of the major mailers have been working together on a comprehensive postal reform bill. The bi-partisan Postal Reform Service Act, H.R. 3076, was introduced in Congress earlier this year. The bill was overwhelmingly passed in a recent vote by the House in February 2022 by a vote of 34192, with 120 Republicans voting in favor. The Senate also voted on the bill in early March where it passed by a vote of 79-19, with 29 Republicans voting in favor. This is certainly a major victory for the Postal Service, postal workers, and the American public. This bill puts the USPS on a much stronger path towards financial stability. Please refer to Legislative/ Political Director Katie Maddocks’ article in this magazine for more details on Postal Reform. *** I remain confident that through the work of our Contract Administration Department and our legal representatives, and through the hard work of our Regional, Local, and Branch representatives, we can successfully meet all challenges that lie before us. Fraternally,

Paul V. Hogrogian National President The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT

RESTARTING THE 2020 CONVENTION

Michael J. Hora, National Secretary-Treasurer

o quote Yogi Berra, it’s déjà vu all over again. Preparations for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union’s quadrennial convention are in full swing, again. After two postponements, I am optimistic that our rescheduled event will finally happen. Coronavirus cases continue to decline across the country, and most states have dropped their mask mandates or have made plans to do so in the coming weeks. Once in Denver, we will comply with all pandemic related orders that are in place. Exactly two years ago, local election judges were in the process of certifying and posting 2020 Convention delegate election results. This certification was required by March 25, 2020. And, exactly two years ago, the United States began to shut down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The first human trial of a vaccine to protect against pandemic COVID19 began in the U.S. at a Kaiser Permanente research facility in Seattle, Washington. A lot has happened in two years.

delegate by mail, seeking registration information. Please remember that all delegate hotel reservations will be made by the National Office. Delegates should not make hotel reservations directly with the hotel as this will result in duplicate reservations. Neil Ryan, Assistant to the National Officers, will be the primary point of contact for Hyatt hotel reservations. Additional details will be provided in forthcoming correspondence to the delegates. The rescheduled Convention was reduced to a four-day affair, now set for August 8–11, 2022, in Denver, Colorado. Because of the COVID pandemic, this Convention will be distinctly different than those held previously. Most notably, there will be no union officer elections and no endorsement of any U.S. Presidential candidate. Activities such as the nomination and election of election judges, nomination of union officers, and the election of such officers began in July 2020 and the final election results were certified on October

Local Union Councils have determined that collectively, 340 delegates will attend and represent the NPMHU membership at the 2020 Convention Local Union Councils have determined that collectively, 340 delegates will attend and represent the NPMHU membership at the 2020 Convention. The process to elect these 340 delegates concluded in March of 2020. The Credentials Committee has recently reached out to each Local President to reaffirm their respective delegates. During the past two years, delegates may have transferred, changed crafts, resigned, passed away, terminated their NPMHU membership, or retired. In many cases, alternate delegates will be slotted to replace those no longer available or eligible. This is an undertaking that the Credentials Committee will address in the coming weeks. Once the list of delegates is reconfirmed by the Credentials Committee, the National Office will be contacting each 6

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

28, 2020. These election related tasks could not be postponed, and therefore were conducted in non-traditional methods. All officer elections tasks are complete and will not occur during the rescheduled convention in August 2022. Another task normally handled during a convention was accomplished by a special referendum vote in January 2021. As provided in Article XII, Section 1 of the National Constitution, the location of the next Mail Handler National Convention shall be determined by the delegates at each National Convention. Given the logistics and extended planning required to facilitate a successful convention, it was necessary to conduct the site selection process by mail. The delegates have spoken, and Las Vegas will be the location for the 2024 NPMHU Convention. This decision enabled the

National Office to solicit bids for hotels and off-site venues as appropriate. It is strange to say, but we already have finalized contracts with all Las Vegas properties in preparation for the 2024 quadrennial convention, but more on that later. Back to the 2020 Convention at hand, delegates will enjoy a high-tech experience when conducting the business of the Convention. In previous years, delegates were saddled with numerous cumbersome binders that included a Convention Program, and reports from the Rules Committee, Legislative and Political Committee, Resolutions Committee, Constitution Committee, and Credentials Committee, all submitted resolutions and proposals to amend the National Union Constitution, with committee recommendations on each matter. In 2022, delegates will have access to this material by way of an Apple Air iPad tablet. Convention material will be made available in an electronic (pdf) format. Several other labor organizations recently conducted successful conventions using electronic media, including the Ironworkers and LiUNA. Both reported successful meetings. In fact, 116 Mail Handlers were delegates to LiUNA’s virtual convention held in September 2021. Each delegate was gifted and used an Apple iPad Air for purposes of convention business. We will achieve a significant savings by relying on electronic reports, and delegates will have about six less pounds of reports to transport home at the conclusion of the convention.

We will achieve a significant savings by relying on electronic reports... As we reset Convention planning, I am compelled to remind readers that any member or group of members of the NPMHU who wish to submit proposals for consideration by the delegates at the rescheduled 2020 National Convention must follow the requirements set forth in the NPMHU National Constitution. As set forth in Article XII of the National Union Constitution, the delegates to the 2020 National Convention will consider and vote upon amendments to both the NPMHU National Constitution and the Uniform Local Union Constitution that governs all Local Unions affiliated with the NPMHU. In addition, the current National Constitution also sets forth the governing procedure for the consideration of resolutions, whether related to legislation or other topics of interest to mail handlers. Should you have any constitutional amendments or resolutions that you would like to propose, please be sure to follow the procedures set forth in Article XII of the

National Constitution. Because the opening of the National Convention is set for Monday, August 8, 2022, all submissions must be received by the National President, at the National Office, no later than Friday, June 10, 2022, which is sixty days prior to the opening of the rescheduled 2020 National Convention. Resolutions and proposals may be submitted to the National President by facsimile at 202-833-0008 or by mail. The mailing address for submitting any proposed amendments or resolutions is: NPMHU 2020 National Convention 815 16th Street NW, Suite 5100 Washington, DC 20006 Together with your proposal, it would be best if you also explained the purpose of your proposal and the reasoning behind it. In this way, the Committees reviewing all submissions will understand your intent in making the proposal. Such explanations are not required; however, you must submit your proposals on or before the June 9, 2022 deadline. Lastly, a word about the most recent cost of living allowance and dues increase. As you may know from previous postings, implementation of the most recent dues increase in concert with the third guaranteed wage increase of the 2019 National Agreement was delayed. Consistent with Article XIV, Section 3 of the NPMHU National Constitution, the National Office implemented a regular membership dues increase in the amount of one dollar ($1.00) per pay period – of which the Local Union will receive eighty cents ($.80) per pay period. The dues increase was effective in Pay Period 25-2021; however, it was not implemented until Pay Period 01-2022. This delay of two Pay Periods resulted in a retroactive collection of two dollars from all active Mail Handlers with an active dues deduction authorization (subject to possible reduction by any Local that waived its portion of this dues increase). The one-time retroactive increase of $2.00 reflects the delayed increase of one dollar per Pay Period (for Pay Periods 25 and 26-2021). This retroactive amount is scheduled be withheld from regular members’ payroll during Pay Period 06-2022, reflected in paychecks issued on March 18, 2022. All affected Mail Handlers dues will be returned to normal and thus reduced by two dollars in the following Pay Period, currently scheduled for Pay Period 07-2022. In Unity,

Michael J. Hora National Secretary-Treasurer The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

FIELD NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE MEETS IN WASHINGTON DC

MICHAEL HORA

PAUL HOGROGIAN

KEVIN TABARUS

DAN ST. MARIE

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

NEIL RYAN

TERESA HARMON

ANTHONY COLEMAN

EDDIE COWAN

he NPMHU’s 2019 National Agreement is set to expire on September 20, 2022. Negotiations with the Postal Service will formally commence on June 10, 2022; preparations at the National Office, however, have been ongoing for many months. The Postal Service continues to claim, both publicly and privately, that it is in dire financial condition. This pronouncement is exacerbated by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic which began in February 2020 and the long-term implications of the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. It was this legislation that gave rise to the requirement to prefund retiree health benefits through the year 2056. These statutory obligations to prefund retiree health

NICK MOSEZAR

FELANDRIA JACKSON

JAMES HAGGARTY

ANDY BADILISHAMWALIMU

CHARLES CHARLESTON

care are unlike expenses imposed on most other federal entities or private-sector businesses that offer such benefits. It is not all doom and gloom, however. While the Postal Service experienced a significant decline in mail services during the pandemic, the USPS enjoyed substantial growth in sales from shipping and packages. Moreover, the USPS could gain significant relief from the Postal Service Reform Act which addresses the prefunding mandate and retiree healthcare costs. This legislation has cleared the House and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. The challenges we face in National Bargaining are not insurmountable, but they are substantial. The NPMHU will work to achieve a negotiated National Agreement; that is certainly

KELLY DICKEY

our goal. But there are many hurdles to overcome. NPMHU preparation for negotiations are ongoing and include: A national bargaining strategy session was conducted with all Local Union representatives at the November 2021 Semi-Annual Meeting of the Local Unions in Washington DC. Bargaining proposals were solicited from the membership and Local Unions through January 2022. The NPMHU’s Field Negotiating Committee met at NPMHU Headquarters in Washington, DC from February 7 through 11, 2022 to discuss each proposal submitted. Based on the proposals submitted, the feedback of the NPMHU’s Field Negotiating Committee will help formulate the Union’s initial bargaining proposals.

JEFF LARSEN

TODD LARSON

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

The Field Negotiating Committee included all members of the National

• Pervous Badilishamwalimu, Local 310

Executive Board, all National CAD

• Charles Charleston, Local 311

Representatives, and an array of Local

• Nick Mosezar, Local 318

Union Presidents, including:

• Kelly Dickey, Local 322

• Paul Hogrogian, NP

• Jeff Larsen, Local 323

• Michael Hora, NST

• Todd Larson, Local 328

• June Harris, Local 306

• John. R. Macon, Local 329

• John Gibson, Local 308

• Sheldon Adams, Local 334

• David Wilkin, Local 309 • Don Sneesby, Local 316 • Lawrence Sapp, Local 318 • Kevin Tabarus, Local 300 • Dan St. Marie, Local 301 • Tony Coleman, Local 302 • Eddie Cowan, Local 303 • Felandria Jackson, Local 305 • James Haggarty, Local 307

TOM RUTHER

On behalf of all Mail Handlers, the NPMHU expresses its deep appreciation to all members of the Field Negotiating Committee for their invaluable work on these proposals. Once bargaining kicks-off, the National Office will be posting periodic updates of the status of negotiations. Please watch your local bulletin boards and other means of communication for the latest updates.

EUGENE HORTON

CHARLES MANAGO

BRUCE LERNER

JOHN GIBSON

JUNE HARRIS

LAWRENCE SAPP

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

JOHN MACON

SHELDON ADAMS

DAVID WILKIN

DON SNEESBY

MEMBERS MAY SUBMIT PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS IN ADVANCE OF NATIONAL CONVENTION DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS JUNE 10, 2022

ny member or group of members of the NPMHU who wish to submit proposals for consideration by the delegates at the 2020 National Convention must follow the requirements set forth in the NPMHU National Constitution. As set forth in Article XII of the National Union Constitution, the delegates to the 2020 National Convention will consider and vote upon amendments to both the NPMHU National Constitution and the Uniform Local Union Constitution that governs all Local Unions affiliated with the NPMHU. In addition, the current National Constitution also sets forth the governing procedure for the consideration of resolutions, whether related to legislation or other topics of interest to mail handlers. Should you have any constitutional amendments or resolutions that you would like to propose, please be sure to follow the procedures set forth in Article XII of the National Constitution. The rescheduled opening of the National Convention is now set for Monday, August 8, 2022. Therefore, all submissions must be received at the National Office no later than Friday, June 10, 2022, which is sixty days prior to the opening of the National Convention. The address for submitting any proposed amendments or resolutions is: NPMHU 2020 National Convention 815 16th Street NW, Suite 5100 Washington, DC 20006 Proposals may also be submitted by fax to the National Office at 202-833-0008 Together with your proposal, it would be best if you also explained the purpose of your proposal and the reasoning thereof. In this way, the Committees reviewing all submissions will understand your intent in making the proposal. Such explanations are not required, however, as long as you submit your proposals on or before the June 10, 2022, deadline.

JUNETEENTH RECOGNIZED AS A FEDERAL HOLIDAY FOR POSTAL EMPLOYEES BEGINNING IN 2022

n June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making June 19th a federal holiday. This new holiday commemorates the end to slavery in the United States. The Postal Service is fully supportive of annually observing and recognizing this historic event. Because the Postal Service is part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, it was unable to cease operations to observe Juneteenth in 2021. Beginning in 2022, the Postal Service will recognize the Juneteenth National Independence Day as a holiday eligible to full-time and parttime career employees. The observance will be included in the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 518, Holiday Leave and be subject to the corresponding provisions of the section.

IMPLICATIONS OF JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY ON PTFS The addition of Juneteenth National Independence Day will require a recalculation of part-time flexible employee’s regular straighttime hourly rate consistent with Article 11.7. The USPS has not finalized the PTF’s new straighttime hourly rate, but a retroactive adjustment will be processed at a date to be determined by the USPS.

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

DELEGATES TO THE 2020 NPMHU NATIONAL CONVENTION TO CONVENE IN DENVER, COLORADO

ANDY BADILISHAMWALIMU CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

DAVID WILKIN CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

JUNE HARRIS LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL

JOHN GIBSON RULES COMMITTEE

LAWRENCE SAPP RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

12 |

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

lanning is well underway for the rescheduled 2020 National Convention, which is scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Convention, which is scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Convention Center Hotel in Denver Colorado August 8–11, 2022. Three-hundred forty mail handlers from across the country have been chosen through the Local Union delegate election process to serve as delegates. This body will help to set the agenda of the Union for the next two years. The theme for our 2020 National Convention is “Believe and Achieve.” This theme reflects on the importance of our craft, our faith in the value of the work we do and the many triumphs of our organization. Mail Handlers are united in our economic, political, and workplace struggles. Together, in unity, we can overcome adversities: we must Believe and Achieve! For the (rescheduled) 2020 National Convention, the NPMHU will again feature a dedicated website that will provide news and information relative to the upcoming National Convention. The site will launch in early spring 2022 and can be viewed at convention.npmhu.org. Please monitor the website and read the Union publications, to stay up to date on all Convention business. Beginning in June, and throughout the summer, committees appointed by National President Paul Hogrogian will meet to review and establish a full agenda for the 2020 Convention, including possible constitutional amendments and resolutions that may be submitted for consideration by the delegates in accordance with the

requirements set forth in the NPMHU National Constitution. In addition to the traditional Constitution and Resolution Committees—and in recognition of the increasing role that the NPMHU has played in ongoing legislative issues on Capitol Hill— President Hogrogian has once again named a Legislative Committee to review and recommend the adoption of resolutions concerning legislative and political matters. The following are the Committees and the appointed Committee members:

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL 301

Sweeney, Sean

303

Cowan, Eddie

304

McLemore, William

308

Rembelinsky, Michael

316

Rezac, Gene

318

Weber, Joyce

321

Wilson, Errol

333

Marshall, Monica

334

Adams, Sheldon

NEB

Harris, June (chair)

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 298

Foster, Aubrey

297

Bentley, Chris

305

Jackson, Felandria

300

Tabarus, Kevin

305

Brown, Cynthia

301

St. Marie, Daniel

311

Olds-Pride, Roxie

302

Coleman, Anthony

315

Harms, Joe

307

Haggarty, James

318

White, Edward

310

Greer, Lisa

320

Garey, Shawn

311

Charleston, Charles

321

Ruiz, Michael

318

Mosezar, Nick

322

Dickey, Kelly

323

Larsen, Jeff

NEB

Sneesby, Don

NEB

Wilkin, David (Chair)

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

NEB

Sapp, Lawrence (chair)

RULES COMMITTEE 299

Parker, Keala

302

Contreras, Juanita

311

Lewis, Linda

300

Delgado, Wilfredo

304

Hill, Gregory

312

Davis, Troy

309

Miskell, Joyce

314

Rodgers, Scott

310

Parsons, Chawanda

317

Morris, James

320

Gonzalez, Bernie

325

Williams, Dwayne

324

Riemann, Dan

327

Buksch, Steve

328

Larson, Todd

331

Wisneski, David

329

Macon, John

332

Tesch, Edvina

330

Griffith, Robert

Neb

Gibson, John (chair)

310

Badilishamwalimu, Pervous (Chair) The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT

BARGAINING A NATIONAL AGREEMENT Teresa Harmon, Manager, CAD

ith our 2019 National Agreement scheduled to expire later this year, the National Office has begun preparing for the upcoming round of bargaining. Since many of you may not be familiar with the actual bargaining process, I have decided to write this article on how this process works. The framework for collective bargaining between the U.S. Postal Service and the NPMHU is governed by the Postal Reorganization Act (PRA) of 1970. Bargaining begins when one party to the contract serves a written notice to the other of its intent to modify the current agreement. Under Article 39 of our National Agreement, this notice must be served “not less than 90 or more than 120 days before the expiration date of the Agreement.” Our National Agreement is set to expire on September 20, 2022. However, the Union’s preparation process begins many months before official bargaining starts. It begins with an official call for submission of bargaining proposals from all mail handlers and all Local Unions around the country. President Hogrogian issued this official call on September 14, 2021 and requested the submission of all proposals by January 28, 2022. This resulted in over 800 proposals being sent into the National Office as suggestions for changes in the National Agreement. Once proposals from the field are received, they are reviewed by the Field Negotiating Committee which is comprised of the National President, the National SecretaryTreasurer, the five Regional Vice Presidents on the National Executive Board, 16 Local Presidents, the National CAD staff and the Union’s legal team. During the first week of February, they reviewed each of the proposals that had been submitted and had in-depth discussion on which of these should be proposed by the NPMHU in the upcoming round of bargaining. From this time until bargaining officially begins, the National Negotiating Team will meet numerous times to prepare our proposals that will be submitted to the Postal Service, including continuing research on the issues, gathering documentation to support why a change is needed, etc. These internal meetings will continue throughout the bargaining process. 14

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

Bargaining will officially begin on June 10, 2022. Although not formally decided yet, negotiations likely will consist of Main Table meetings and Subcommittee meetings. The Main Table meetings are on-the-record meetings during which the parties exchange their official proposals. Both parties will bring submissions to the table. Main Table meetings continue during the course of the negotiation period, with discussions focused on explaining why the proposal is needed, answering any questions raised by the other party, exchanging any documentation that supports the need for the change, and developing counter proposals. In contrast, Subcommittee meetings are not considered on the record. These meetings focus on particular portions of the National Agreement, and allow representatives of the parties to address the pros and cons of specific proposals, with open debate on the issues. In the 2019 negotiations, the parties established Subcommittees for Article 7 (Employee Classifications), 8 (Overtime), 11 (Holidays), 12 (Principles of Seniority, Posting and Reassignments, 32 (Subcontracting), Mail Handler Assistants, Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent (MOUs and LOIs).

If the bargaining results in a tentative agreement between the parties, that agreement is subject to a ratification vote by the NPMHU membership. If the bargaining results in a tentative agreement between the parties, that agreement is subject to a ratification vote by the NPMHU membership. As required by the NPMHU National Constitution, the vote would be by secret mail ballot. If the parties fail to reach a tentative agreement, either by the parties being unable to agree or an agreement not being ratified by the membership, the PRA contains an outline of

the procedure that must be followed for binding and final interest arbitration, unless the parties have mutually agreed to a dispute resolution procedure themselves. This PRA procedure contains several steps. First, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) would establish a three-person fact finding panel. Two of the members would be selected by the parties from a list of 15 names given to them by the FMCS. The third person would be selected by the other two, or if they cannot agree, by the Director of the FMCS. The fact-finding panel would have 45 days in which to investigate the bargaining dispute and issue a report of its findings. If an agreement still cannot be reached by the parties after the fact finding, the PRA requires the establishment

of an arbitration board within 90 days of the contract expiration. This board normally consists of three members — one appointed by the Union, one appointed by the Postal Services, and a third neutral member. The neutral member is appointed either by agreement of the two other members or, if they cannot agree, by the Director of the FMCS. After the arbitration board is selected, it holds hearings in which both parties are given the chance to present testimony and evidence. The board is required to make a decision within 45 days after its appointment. This arbitration decision is binding on both parties. Once bargaining starts, the National Office will be sending out regular updates on the progress of negotiations.

he U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently added 13 training videos to their YouTube channel, that were recorded during the 2021 Virtual Federal Benefits Training Event. These videos include:

• Thrift Savings Plan TSP Updates and Overview 2021 • Service Credit and Voluntary Contributions 2021 • Social Security Understanding Retirement Benefits 2021 • Retirement Application Processing 2021 • Understanding High Deductible Health Plans 2021 • Retirement Application Processing 2021 • Military Deposits under CSRS FERS 2021 • Leading DEIA from Where You 2021

VIRTUAL FEDERAL BENEFITS TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE ON OPM’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

• Federal Employees’ Dental and Vision Insurance Program • Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance FEGLI 2021 • Family Matters Federal Employees Health Benefits FEHB Edition 2021 • Essentials of a Worksite Wellness Program 2021 • Court Ordered Benefits 2021 OPM’s YouTube Channel includes a comprehensive library of videos covering a plethora of topics relevant to Federal and Postal Employees including Retirement Services, Health and Insurance and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) to highlight a few. Most notably, OPM’s Retirement Services library currently encompasses 62 videos, most of which are more than 60 minutes in length. Whether your question relates to the Thrift Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, FEDVIP and FEGLI, CRSR & FERS retirement planning or a Veteran’s decision to initiate Military Deposits to acquire retirement credit for credible military time served, most topics are addressed in detail. To access these videos, search: Office of Personnel Management at youtube.com Please be aware of these resources as you navigate your career with the United States Postal Service. The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL REPORT

POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT PASSES HOUSE AND SENATE Katie Maddocks, Legislative and Political Director

he National Postal Mail Handlers Union, along with the other postal unions and various postal stakeholders, have been working for over a decade to provide fiscal stability to ensure the United States Postal Service’s viability. It has been a long road to create legislation on which employees, management, Republicans, and Democrats alike can agree. The Postal Service Reform Act addresses the prefunding mandate, retiree healthcare costs, six-day delivery, non-postal services, and transparency. The result is legislation that now has passed in the House on a bipartisan basis with 342 votes. A month later, on March 8, the Senate passed the legislation, with a vote of 79-19. The overwhelming support in both chambers shows a clear sign of bipartisanship support, which is often hard to come by on Capitol Hill. During debate on the House floor, House Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) stated, “This bill is an agreement to fix some of the serious problems that have been looming over the post office for years and threatening its financial stability. It is an agreement that was reached with input from Democrats, Republicans, the postal unions, the postal professionals, and a wide array of private and public sector stakeholders.” Adding to this sentiment, COR Ranking Member Kevin Comer (R-KY) commented, “The United States Postal Service is truly one of our prized national assets. But as we know the Postal Service has faced financial trouble for many years. Service delays stemming from an unreliable and outdated delivery network, a drastic historical decrease in mail revenue, and a sustained surge in labor intensive packages have all contributed to the organization’s struggles. This targeted bill addresses the immediate needs of the postal service to help it succeed into the 21st century.” After passage in the House, the Senate began its debate on the bill, to which Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) said, “[The bill] has been discussed in congress a decade or more. This is not an issue that just came out of nowhere. This is a situation we have tried to fix over a decade. Over the last year and a half, we have worked on bipartisan, bicameral legislation, bringing people together and saying let’s focus on something that is common sense.” 16

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

Adding to this, HSGAC Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-OH) stated, “I appreciate working with my colleague, Senator Peters, on this to try and find a consensus, a way forward that was bipartisan, bicameral, where we could actually do something after years and years of talking about what bad shape the Post Office is in financially. To do something to right the ship, to ensure that it’ll be there for the future. Let’s pass this bill and let’s ensure that the Post Office is healthy for all the folks we represent going forward.” As the Senate debated H.R. 3076, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) commented, “The fact that this bill has extraordinary bipartisan support is indicative of its importance, and I’m glad that both sides have negotiated in good faith thus far. I want to particularly thank Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Portman for making sure that legislation has kept moving over the past few weeks. For generations the Post Office has delivered for America and now Congress is delivering for the Post Office by passing postal reform legislation.” However, there was one Senator who spoke out against the reform bill, however. Speaking on the Senate floor, Rick Scott of Florida (R) made erroneous claims about the Postal Service and the reform bill. Senator Scott claimed the bill would add to the national debt and create billions in new costs to Medicare. The fact of the matter is that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a nonpartisan organization that conducts budget analysis of legislation, found the bill would save the federal government over $1.5 billion over ten years. Additionally, postal employees have paid $35 billion into Medicare since 1983, and to this point have received little in return. Senator Scott also objected to the fact that HSGAC has not held a hearing or a member meeting on the bill. However, Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-OH) are original cosponsors of the Senate version of the bill, and worked closely with each other, their House counterparts, and postal stakeholders to garner wide consensus and input on the legislation. This was not a bill that was written in haste or rushed to the floor. Furthermore, Senator Scott commented that the Postal Service costs taxpayers billions of dollars a year and is not profitable. USPS receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and was never intended to be profitable, but instead a constitutionally mandated service that is available to every American household and business.

Following Sen. Scott’s objection, Leader Schumer commented, “The good news is that we will get bipartisan postal reform done. It has been negotiated for months - and debated for a decade — it has enough bipartisan support, more than enough, ample support, to become law. And I am hopeful we will move it through this chamber as quickly as we can.” For review, the Postal Service Reform Act covers five issues. First, it would repeal the mandate for the Postal Service to prefund its retiree healthcare benefits. In 2006, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (P.L. 109-435) required USPS to fund its retiree healthcare benefits for at least fifty years into the future — a practice that is not done in either the public or private sectors. As a result, the Postal Service lost $62.4 billion between 2007 and 2016. By repealing the mandate, the Postal Service will return to a pay as you go means of funding retiree healthcare benefits — what is viewed in the private sector as “best practice.” Next, the bill would require future postal retirees to enroll in Medicare when eligible. Current postal employees and annuitants would continue to take part in what would be a postal-only version of their FEHBP plans within FEHBP. The legislation would not change a current postal annuitant’s right to decide whether or not to enroll in Medicare. Additionally, those who opted not to enroll in Medicare when eligible, but have since changed their mind, would not be held to the late enrollment fee. According to the CBO, Medicare integration will result in lower premiums for postal employees, and decreased spending for USPS on health insurance premiums for active workers.

Third, the Postal Service Reform Act would also codify sixday delivery of mail and packages. Every year, six-day delivery is protected in appropriations bills, but by codifying the language, delivery to every household and business is protected. The bill would also allow the Postal Service to enter into agreements with state, local, and tribal governments to provide non-commercial services that add sources of revenue and increase foot traffic. The best example of these agreements is being able to obtain a hunting or fishing license at your local post office. We all remember how the Postal Service was mired with delays in the second half of 2020. In order to provide greater transparency to customers, the Postal Service Reform Act creates an online dashboard which customers can search by postal code where delays are present. As the Postal Service is often ranked as the most trusted federal agency, Congress is reinforcing this notion by offering this level of accountability. This is a monumental occasion. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union has actively worked for common sense reforms for over a decade. Because of the hard work of the Union, Mail Handlers will see a financially sustainable Postal Service. I want to thank our membership for their efforts to see the bill advance through Congress through educating yourselves and asking questions on the content of the bill, and by contacting your elected officials asking for their support. This legislation was a long time in the making, and you all are responsible for it coming to fruition. Thank you and congratulations!

JOIN THE NPMHU IN SUPPORTING THE JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

he National Postal Mail Handlers Union has been a sponsor and a participant of the JDRF Walk to cure diabetes for over 25 years and we will continue to walk until Type One becomes Type None! After two years of virtual walks due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are pleased to announce that our 2022 JDRF walk will be held live and in-person on the National Mall. The NPMHU Team will be walking in Washington, DC: Sunday, May 8, 2022. We need your support. A dollar here and there adds up, no matter how small you may think it is to someone with Diabetes, it’s a huge gift.

Each year, JDRF One Walk brings together more than 900,000 people across the country to change the future for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This fun, family–friendly event gives people with T1D—and their friends, family and co–workers—the opportunity to raise money for life-changing T1D research. They walk to help JDRF ease the incredible burden of this disease for the millions affected, until we create a world without T1D. The JDRF One Walk is your chance to show the world that together, we can conquer type 1 diabetes (T1D). If you’re living with T1D or you love someone

living with T1D, you’ll likely do just about anything to make life easier. Now you can be a part of the largest T1D event in the world, no matter where you are. Your One Walk will power more research, enable more advocacy and fund more support for the 1.6 million Americans living with T1D. By joining the JDRF One Walk, you’ll be part of the lasting footprint we’ll make for the T1D community now, and for generations to come. Please visit the Mail Handlers JDRF team page to make your donation today. Click the JDRF rotator posted at NPMHU.ORG for additional details. The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

2022 PAC CLIENT: NPMHU PAC 2023

INCENTIVE AWARDS DATE: 02/07/22 SUBJECT: Polo

CLIENT: NPMHU PAC 2023 DATE: 02/07/22

SUBJECT: Lunch cooler

CLIENT: NPMHU PAC 2023 DATE: 02/07/22 SUBJECT: 20 oz tumbler

PAC CLIENT: NPMHU PAC 2023 DATE: 02/07/22

CLIENT: NPMHU PAC 2023

DATE: 02/07/22

SUBJECT: Stein glass

SUBJECT: Afghan

PAC CLIENT: NPMHU PAC 2023 DATE: 02/07/22 SUBJECT: Pins

2022 PAC INCENTIVE AWARDS LEVEL

DONATION

AWARD

Member Sponsor Activist Leader Ambassador Super Ambassador

$26 ($1 per pay period) $52 ($2 per pay period) $100 $250 $500 $1o00

PAC Pin PAC Set of Two Beer Mugs PAC Polo Shirt PAC Lunch Bag and 20 oz. Tumbler PAC Blanket and Socks All Incentive Gifts

PAC 2022

YOU TOO CAN BECOME AN NPMHU POLITICAL ACTIVIST There is a quick way for Mail Handlers to contribute to the NPMHU PAC. Simply call in to the PostalEASE system, or visit the PostalEASE option on the web at www.liteblue.usps.gov. Follow the instructions printed on pages 19 and 20 of this magazine. Your PAC contribution will be made directly from your bi-weekly postal payroll. You also have the option of sending in a personal check or authorizing a credit card contribution. Your contributions will also be entered in to the incentive award program that entitles you to an award based on your contribution level. There are five distinct PAC membership levels and awards. Awards are distributed based on membership level and will be mailed after the end of the year; awards will vary year to year. PAC 2022

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

NOTICE CONCERNING CONTRIBUTIONS: Contributions to the Mail Handlers PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for purposes of federal income taxes. In addition, federal law requires that the Mail Handlers PAC report to the Federal Election Commission the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contributions in any calendar year total in excess of $200. Please also note that the Mail Handlers PAC has political purposes, and that all members have the right to refuse to contribute, and the right to revoke their authorization for any continuing contributions, without any reprisal.

PAC CONTRIBUTION BY PERSONAL CHECK, MONEY ORDER, OR CREDIT CARD: You can contribute directly to the Mail Handlers PAC by filling out the following information and mailing it to: Mail Handler PAC P.O. Box 65171 Washington DC 20035 Please enclose your check or money order, or provide authorization to charge your credit card.

(Cut here and return to NPMHU PAC)

YOUR CONTRIBUTION HELPS PRESERVE POSTAL JOBS This is to certify that I, _________________________________________________________, have voluntarily contributed the amount listed below, to the NPMHU PAC. I understand that this voluntary contribution is not a condition of membership in the union; I have the right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal; if specific contribution amounts are mentioned they are merely suggestions and I am free to contribute more or less; the Union will not favor or disadvantage me because of the amount of my contribution or my decision not to contribute; NPMHU PAC will use the money it receives to make Political expenditures and contributions in connection with federal elections; and only U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents are eligible to contribute.

Address______________________________________________________________________ Local___________________ Employer (if other than USPS)_____________________________ Job Title____________________________________ Contribution Amount: (Please check one): $26 (Member)

$52 (Sponsor)

$100 (Activist)

$250 (Leader)

$500 (Ambassador)

Other________________________________________________ Please enclose your check or money order, or authorization to charge your credit card. VISA

MASTERCARD

Acct.#_______________________________________

Signature________________________________________________ Expiration Date______________________________ Contributions to the NPMHU PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income purposes.

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

You also can make your PAC contribution by bi-weekly salary allotment through PostalEASE (access by phone or on the web): PostalEASE by TELEPHONE: 1. Dial 1-877-4PS-EASE—(877-477-3273) and follow the prompt for the Employee Services Main Menu. 2. When prompted, press #1 for PostalEASE 3. When prompted, enter your eight-digit USPS employee identification number.

PostalEASE on the WEB: To initiate your bi-weekly PAC contribution on the web, simply go to www.liteblue.usps.gov 1. Enter your eight-digit USPS Employee ID Number and your USPS PIN

4. When prompted again, enter your USPS PIN number. (This is the same as the PIN number you use for telephone bidding and/or other payroll allotments.)

2. Follow the link to PostalEASE— you will again be asked to enter your Employee ID Number and USPS PIN

5. When prompted, choose option #2 (to select payroll allotments)

3. Follow the link for PAYROLL – Allotments/NTB

6. Then choose option #1 (to select allotments) 7. When prompted, press #2 to continue 8. When prompted, press #3 to add the allotment 9. When prompted for the routing number, enter 054001220 10. When prompted for the account number, enter the following: 11260001 __ __ __—__ __—__ __ __ __ (the last nine digits of your account number is your social security number—this information will allow us to identify you as the PAC contributor). 11. Press #1 if correct 12. When prompted, press #1 for “checking”

4. Continue to the ALLOTMENTS section 5. Your ROUTING TRANSIT NUMBER is: 054001220 6. Your ACCOUNT # will be: 11260001 __ __ __—__ __ —__ __ __ __ (the last nine digits of your account number is your social security number—this information will allow us to identify you as the PAC contributor).

13. When prompted, input the bi-weekly dollar amount of your PAC allotment.

7. For ACCOUNT TYPE— please select “CHECKING”

14. Press #1 if correct

8. When prompted, please input the AMOUNT that you would like to contribute to the PAC each pay period.

15. When prompted, press #1 to process 16. You will be provided a confirmation number as well as the start date for the salary allotment. 17. For your records: · Record the confirmation number · Record the start date of the salary allotment 18. Press #1 to repeat, or press #9 to end call 20

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

9. To process your PAC allotment, you will need to select the VALIDATE button, and to finalize the transaction, please select SUBMIT. Be sure to print out a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

NPMHU PAC 2021 CONTRIBUTORS

he National Postal Mail Handlers Union Political Action Committee (NPMHU PAC) contributes to campaigns of candidates for and incumbents of Congress who repeatedly demonstrate “concern for working people and for [the] aims and objectives of the NPMHU and the entire trade union movement.” The PAC is non-partisan in its operations, and, by federal law, is financed completely through voluntary contributions from members and groups who subscribe to the objectives of the Mail Handlers PAC. Your Union needs your active involvement in contributing to the Political Action Committee to assist candidates who will work to protect the wages and benefits of all Mail Handlers. Our PAC membership is small but growing larger. Below is a list of the 2021 contributors to the NPMHU Political Action Committee. It is an honor roll of members who have contributed to the growing political power of your Union.

PAC C O N T R I B U T I O N S F O R 2 0 2 1 MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: SUPER AMBASSADOR (contributed at least $1000 last year) 300 301 301

Kevin Tabarus Patrick O'Rourke Daniel St. Marie

301 302 304

Sean Sweeney Anthony Coleman Rhonda Hinkle-McCoy

Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff

Patrick Donovan Donald Gonzales Paul Hogrogian

Nat'l Staff

Katie Maddocks

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: AMBASSADOR (contributed at least $500 last year) 297 297 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301

Michael Caird Ricky Western Davelyn Okamoto Raymond Bermudez Latina Crenshaw Wilfredo Delgado Phillip Hester Yvette Johnson Peter Letizia Lucy Lombardo Alan Sacks James Smith Donald Utz Phillip Alvarado Jeffrey Anderson Todd Bjunes Robert Burke Tyler DeGuzman Jason Demonico Mark Elia John Hegarty Shawn Holt

301 301 301 301 303 303 303 303 304 304 304 304 304 304 304 305 306 306 306 306 306 306

Diane Libby Rene Morissette Martin Paredes Scott Surette Denise Brown Eddie Cowan Lance Holmes Daniel Ortega Daniel Cody Harmon Dixon Rakel Dudley Gregory Hill William McLemore Darvis Wanton Gloria Ward Leslie Hamlett Mark Blough June Harris Wayne Hopkins Marlon Johnson Kenneth Leftridge Manuella Morris

306 307 308 309 309 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 310 311 311 315 316 316 316 316

Gregory Newsome Derek Douglass Michael Rembelinsky Joyce Miskell David Wilkin Andy Badilishamwalmu Carlos Castellucci Reginald Chambers George Coubertier Charles Franklin Lisa Greer Nolan McClendon Orlando Nichols Chawanda Parson Carlton Stephens Byron Bennett Roxie Olds Pride Jerry Alexander Pago Afualo Shaun Bezella Steven M. Kim Courtney Retter

316 316 316 318 318 318 320 320 320 320 320 321 321 321 321 321 321 321 322 322 323 323

Deborah Retter Gene Rezac Don Sneesby Stewart Ortiz Lawrence Sapp Thomas Sheldon Arturo Aguilar Steve Mitchell Felipe Ruiz Simon Spotts Jamie Stellwagen Curtis Beaittie Curtis Grantham Richard Lairscey Zack Mischo Jeffrey Morgan Michael Ruiz Samuel Tweneboa-Koduah Kelly Dickey John Szewcyk Brock Engstrom Tina Freeman

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: AMBASSADOR (contributed at least $500 last year) continued 323 323 329 329 329 331

Jeffrey Larsen Brian Pierce Samuel Hudson Charles Smith Julius Takacus Michael Foster

332 333 333 333 334 334

Edvina Tesch Craig Bindrum Doris Hampton Monica Marshall Sheldon Adams Alexander Adams

334 Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff

Anthony Shell Nina Gallauresi Teresa Harmon Michael Hora Eugene Horton Charles Manago

Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff

Eileen Mills David Ross Thomas Ruther Neil Ryan

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: LEADER (contributed at least $250 last year) 297 297 297 297 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301

Nathaniel Campbell Pamela Grant William Staab Bridget Williams Tanya Arcangel Christopher Burke Marie Chery Richard Couvertier Irene Delgado Michelle Kimber Joseph Palau Shirley Ramos Thomas Russo John Bessette Michael Bisono Paul Bureau Scott Curtis Michael Guilfoyle Michael Hatem Charles Masterson Charles Pierce Joseph Robinson Timothy Sullivan Victorino Tiongson Christin Wilson

302 303 305 306 306 306 306 306 308 308 308 308 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 309 310 311 311 311 311

Kimberly Garcia Osvaldo Quintana Michael Perry Jeff Bridges George Cantrell John Corley Manuel Lazu Richard Porter Jeanne Gladilina Robert Glycenfer Michael Mohan Mildred Wagner Richard Zeh Joseph Zelenenki Rebecca Bicksler Daniel Cornish Tanya DeRouville Howard A. Fagan-Solis Timothy Morath Lisa Pruchnicki Patricia Council Donnell Cooper Shelley Dennis Linda Lewis Vel Lewis

311 311 313 316 316 316 316 316 316 317 318 318 318 320 320 320 320 321 321 321 321 322 322 322 323

Eddie Owens Juan Ramos Juan Morales Thomas Bilodeau Gary Kalich Timothy Kovac Gregory McGovern Petra Rezac Mark Sagatu Ronnie Sanders Wayne Campbell Luis Centeno Shawndala Jones Adrian Alvarez Darren Dankert Shawn Garey Bernie Gonzalez Daniel Elliot Roberto Hernandez Robert Koryto Claude Ridley William Best Joseph Burns Kamayu Collins Dean Abatte

323 324 328 329 329 332 332 332 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff

Brian Blatchford Daniel Riemann Todd Larson Calvin Booker Woodrow Douglas Robert McFall James Smith John White Barry Adair Mike Ballard Steve Benshoof Wayne Burch Eric Cory Susan Cowman Bernal Gutierrez Kyle Hanks Jeffery Marean Frankie Micile Jeffrey Mount Baribor Ngia Robert Blum Noah Giebel

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: ACTIVIST (contributed at least $100 last year) 299 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301

Ronald Fisher Peter Bilotta Lenora Brunson-O'Neal Mark Chandler Howard Curry Tanya Elder Jeffrey Giangrande Robert Koontz Dawn Licata Frank Longo Kim Pinkney Charles Price Alberta Prieto Antonio Sanchez Sharon Scott Howard Spindler Trevor Stuart Shahzad Ahmed William Flynn Robert Goggin Todd Johnson

301 301 301 301 301 301 301 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 302 303 303 303

Thomas Kondroski Scott Lasell Robert Losi Michael Pasquale Vincent Raillo James Roche Keith Vincent Shawn Dalton Maria Domingo Steve Gutierrez Ruben Martin Lisa Montgomery Dwight Parker Juan Torres Paula Ward James Williams Chrystal Wilson Elizabeth Woldruff Terrie Collins Paul Costello Van Cunningham

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

303 303 303 303 303 303 303 303 303 304 304 304 305 305 305 305 306 306 306 306 306

Howell Fontanilla Darrell Lewis Kathleen McNeil Ray Paniagua Carlos Perez Dwayne Sapp Eric Schneider Kenneth Smith Brenda Thompson James Clark Thomas Davis Grag Wake David Cocke Danny Mangan Byron Scott Shavonnie Zimmerman Gerald Banks Brian Bragg Tiffany Byers Carmela Catchings-Tyler Richard Coleman

306 306 306 306 306 306 307 307 307 307 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308

Robert Howze Jeanine Hutcherson Sharifa Knowles Nick Lehto Max Rehbein Joseph Sell James Haggarty Marlon Harris Billy Harris Erik Stevenson Nicholas Campellone Brian Clark Leonard DeAngelo Ottina Fallz George Gohr William Harris Thomas Hirak Kris Keehn Ken Koscinski Christopher Lee Matthew Matteis

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: ACTIVIST (contributed at least $100 last year) continued 308 308 308 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 310 310 310 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 311 312 313 313

Sheila Powell Shelby Root Raymond Rosenberger Laurene Smith Ronald Sweetman James Ditchfield John Esterdahl Paul Forshey Edward Hamlin Ronald Heiss Robert Law Raymond Morrison Alois Raclawski Derek Burke William Hopkins Robert Larmore Charles Charleston Heidi Fontenot Terry Ford Marvin Henry Patricia Johnson Antonio Romero Lelo Simmons Ernesto Torres Abdul Whisenhunt Troy Davis Irene Sanchez Maurice Torres

315 315 316 316 316 316 316 316 317 318 318 318 318 318 320 320 320 321 321 321 321 322 322 322 322 322 322 322

Laurie Harms Kevin Parsons Alan Brashear Aaron Doherty El Dwan Sean Fryer Richard Neal Salvatore Schillaci Rodney Tyus Shimmel Brown Jorge Ortiz Chris Strang Donna Turner Suzanne Viveiros Theresa Corcoran Isaiah Dixson Aaron Hernandez Deb Alder Elizabeth Castillo John Martinez Richard Ruiz Linda DeHaven Joseph Fitzgerald Pamela Hineman Diane Lydic Ryan Pigmon Deborah Stophel Gregory Udovich

323 323 325 327 327 328 328 329 330 331 331 331 332 332 332 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333

Patricia O'Brien Michael Straiton Dwayne Williams Larry Burk Brock Isakson Larry Karsten Arlan Smedsrud John Macon John Regis Daniel Barnaby Lloyd Johnson Nathan Price Robert Greenwell Steven Jensen Matthew Stevens Mark Alexander Marvin Bennett Bryant Blackman Harvey Blackman Thomas Blair Denise Brown Wayne Coe Robert Connair Dave Current Lorren Dennison John Fickes Shane Ford Deborah Hall

333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 333 334 Nat'l Staff

John Haus James Heath Lori Heuton Stephan Hopkins Robert Howe Dennis Irvin Alan Joiner Lee Kessler Danelle Krull Danny Luing Angela Marshall Francis Montgomery David Parrish James Pledger Larry Rose Dwaynise Schoep Blake Scott Corey Smith Jeffrey Smith Brian Tallman Karen Tallman Donald Thomas Susanna Ward Richard White David Williams Stephanie Yang Ronald Sodaro Kevin Fletcher

321 322 322 322 322 323 323 324 325 329 329 329 332 332 333 333 333 333 333 334 Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff Nat'l Staff

Joel Wolter David Cavalier Joseph W. Harker Matthew Moore Donna Truschel John Frey Gary Tollefsrud Carmalita Reynolds Tarus Esco-Cole Lyndon Cox Charles Hill Curtis Miller Karl Salzer Michael Tucker Edna Grayson Steve Huth Calvin Nettles Dennis Reeser Craig Thompson Kent Holliday Clare Hurley Elizabeth Johnson Debra Meyers Mitzi Montemore

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: SPONSOR (contributed at least $52 last year) 297 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 302 302 302 302

Cecil Brown Spencer Elfenbaum Stephen Fletcher Sai Hung Steve Morrow Atika Muhammad Malik Sheppard Theresa Start Victor Stewart Anthony Vargas Damon Washington George Buckley Reynaldo Figueroa Gerald Hunt Agostino Lopes Scott McEnaney Michael Normandin Greg Phillips Mark West Dorothy Wollensack Dorothy Henderson Linda Ishmael Harpreet Singh Leroy Vance

303 303 303 303 303 303 303 304 305 305 305 306 306 306 306 306 307 308 308 308 308 308 308 308

Phillip Ciulla Christopher Gayles Cathy Gravino Bill Moy Maura Pettit Robert Rodriguez Thomas Sansevere Steve Lenzly John Collins Timothy Powers Ernie Sawyer Steven Barber Michael Schultz Maurice Stecklein Anthony Williams Geiselle Williams Christina Larkins Brian Carson Steven Harvey Keith Johnston Craig Rollerson Bharti Shroff Geraldine Sterrette Cooper Richard Vennera

308 309 309 309 309 309 309 310 310 310 311 312 312 313 313 313 313 313 316 316 318 318 320 320

Anthony Wilson Daniel DeRouville Gary Gove Douglas Heyden Michael Knapik Nick Pruchnicki Ethan Seeley Adrien Rameau Michelle Reed Gary Reid Jennifer Price Alice Bingham Vanessa Emery Fredis Maldonado Abdiel Quinones Xaira Rivera Richard Sierra Carlos Zeno Renita Conley Betty Finley Rick Frantz Andrew Robertson Cesar Polanco John Torres

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: MEMBER (contributed at least $26 last year) 299 299 300 300 300 300 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 301 302

Ernest Knight Deanna Parker Olajuwan Cobb Daniel Danzo Victor Nkamany Kim Sanders Nicholas Bessette Christine Couture Fred Hickey Earl Kimball Linda Lee Bernard Meehan Randy Oliver Steven Punzo Stephen Zaccaro Brittany Brucklacher

302 302 302 302 302 303 303 305 305 305 305 306 306 308 308 308

James Carlson Lisa Coleman Juanita Contreras Anthony Dering Brian Sheehan William Roux Christopher E Socha Debra Cox James Cox Lori Freeman Richard Mason Vincent Gross Dani Zimmerman Teresa Craig John Gibson Joseph Labriola

308 308 308 309 309 309 309 309 311 311 316 317 318 318 318 318

Neil Muller Floyd Steinmetz Gregory Waters William Goeseke Nicholas Ladd Gregory Murzynski Jerry Smith James Williams Belvin Eddington Frank La Kathryn Triggs James Morris Larry Dowdell Nicholas Mosezar Robin Person Santo Romano

321 321 321 321 321 321 322 322 324 328 332 334 334 334 Nat’l Staff

Patrick Bond Ronald Decker Richard Eckhart Eric Reen Linda Solomon Tony Wilson Jason Bankston Bonnie Paul Joe Impson Neil Edberg David Gomez Michael Howell Paul Jorgensen Courtney Watson Bruce Lerner

Account or the new TSP Mobile App, you can connect with a TSP Representative during business hours using a new liveagent chat function.

A NEW MY ACCOUNT INTERFACE DESIGN

NEW FEATURES AND CHANGES COMING TO TSP IN 2022

ater this year, the Thrift Saving Plan will introduce new features that purport to make your TSP experience even better. You’ll have more flexibility in how you access My Account, more options to contact TSP representatives if you need help, and even more transactions you can complete smoothly and securely online. New TSP features will include:

PARTICIPANT SERVICES WHEN AND HOW YOU WANT IT You’ll have access to a virtual assistant 24/7 to help you find answers and resources. And, when you’re logged in to My 24

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

Your My Account interface will display your investments clearly, and the navigation menu will make it easy for you to find and use account management tools. You’ll find all the functions you’re used to—and several new ones—in a responsive, mobile-friendly environment.

THE OFFICIAL TSP MOBILE APP FOR ON-THE-GO ACCESS TO MY ACCOUNT Monitor your TSP account and complete transactions from anywhere, anytime. With the TSP Mobile App, you can do just about everything you’d be able to do if you were signing in through the TSP website

MORE INVESTMENT OPTIONS As long as your account meets certain eligibility requirements, you’ll have the option to invest some of your TSP in a mutual fund window for additional fees.

WHAT’S CHANGING AND WHEN As part of the transition to add these new features, TSP will temporarily suspend some transactions and services for a brief period in May 2022. Your money will remain invested in the TSP funds you’ve chosen during this time. Be sure to pay attention to TSP correspondence and check the TSP webpage www.tsp.gov in the coming months for more details.

Save every month on your phone bill Save money on your phone bill

Learn more at unionplus.org/wireless

Save on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans, take advantage of additional savings on select accessories, and get the activation fee waived on select devices for new lines of service.

Learn more at

unionplus.org/wireless NPMHU-WR-2-02-22

RETIREMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS IN

NPMHU T

wo important members of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union’s Contract Administration Department have announced their impending retirements. After long and prominent careers with the NPMHU, David Ross, Manager of the Denver Field Office, and Charles Manago, National CAD Representative will leave us soon. David Ross has announced his retirement to be effective on February 28, 2022. Brother Ross has been a valued member of the NPMHU for forty years. He began his union career as a shop steward in 1982 at the Kansas City Bulk Mail Center. David transferred to the Denver BMC in 1984, where he continued to serve the union, and was elected as Administrative Vice President in 1990. Three years later he was elected Local 321 President, a position he held for nine years — culminating in his appointment as Director of the Western Region’s Denver office in 2002. Brother Ross led field office operations, overseeing grievance processing and related representational activities for the next 20 years. David’s vast experience contributed to the success of the NPMHU. We wish David and his wife Stephanie the very best as they begin a new chapter in retired life. The next staff member making the move to retirement is National CAD Representative Charles Manago. Brother Manago’s dedication and service to Mail Handlers is second to none. Charles has announced his retirement, which will be effective March 30, 2022. Charles entered the Postal Service in 1986, and served as a shop steward, Chief Steward, and Branch President of the Merrifield, VA postal facility for more than ten years. He also served two years as the Vice President of Local 26

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

305, which represents Mail Handlers in four states and the District of Columbia. In February 2012, Charles joined the Contract Administration Department by accepting an appointment to the position as Southern Region Director, a job he held for more than five years. In May 2017, Brother Manago was appointed to his current position as National CAD Representative. In that role, Charles had the occasion to participate in numerous National Arbitrations and served as part of the 2019 National Contract Negotiations Team. In 2020, Charles was named as the union’s point person for all matters COVID, a challenging task that he handled with grace and professionalism. We wish Charles and his wife Bonnie a healthy, and prosperous retirement. With Brothers Ross and Manago retiring, President Hogrogian has made several appointments and assignments within the National and Regional CAD staff. First, Hogrogian has appointed Regional CAD representative Don Gonzales to serve as Manager of the NPMHU’s Denver Field Office, effective March 1, 2022. Brother Gonzales has served as a Union representative for nearly 32 years. He became a shop steward in 1990, serving as Chief Steward starting in 1991, and then Administrative Vice President of the Denver BMC from 1993 to 1996. In 1996, Don assumed the role of Recording Secretary for Local 321, and continued to serve Colorado Mail Handlers in a variety of roles. From 2002 to 2011 he was the Vice President of Local 321, and in 2011, Brother Gonzales assumed the position of Local 321 President, a position that he held until his appointment to the NPMHU Regional Staff. He is a skilled advocate experienced in both RI-399 and regional arbitrations. He creates

and conducts various training programs for local unions. Don currently serves on the RI-399 SWAT team. In March 2014, Don was appointed Western Regional Director, domiciled in the Denver Field Office, and most recently has accepted an appointment to the position of Denver Field Office Manager, a role that he will assume effective March 1, 2022. With Don’s appointment to Denver Field Office Manager, President Hogrogian next appointed Nicholas Lehto as CAD Regional Director with representational responsibilities that include the Central and Western Regions. Nick started as a Mail Handler in 1998 in Milwaukee, WI. In 2008 he became a Shop Steward in Milwaukee P&DC. In 2014 he was elected Milwaukee Branch President for Local 306. In 2017 Nick was elected to the position of Wisconsin State Board Representative. Nick has extensive experience as an Arbitration advocate and was recently appointed to the RI-399 SWAT team. Nick’s passion for defending the craft’s contractual rights is second to none. He has led successful LMOU negotiations in multiple Wisconsin facilities and has also spearheaded the effort to update RI-399 inventories in all Wisconsin facilities, helping to secure and take back Craft jurisdiction for the Mail Handlers of Local 306. President Hogrogian next appointed Regional CAD Representative Eugene Horton to the National CAD, effective April 1, 2022. Prior to his service at the National Office, Brother Horton served mail handlers in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia as Vice President of Local 305, and Branch President of the Charlotte, NC P&DC. He is a skilled arbitration advocate and Local Union trainer. In addition to studying at Texas University, Eugene participated in a plethora of training programs to include Arbitration Advocacy, MAPS, FMLA, MHA, LMOU Negotiations, ergonomic, and OSHA Safety. Eugene joined the CAD staff in May 2017 as Eastern Region Director, a role he will continue to hold until his appointment to National CAD Representative takes effect. Eugene will become the point person on all matters relative to COVID-19. As a member of CAD, Eugene will participate in National Arbitrations and will play a key role in the upcoming negotiations of the 2022 National Agreement. Eugene’s appointment to the National CAD has created a Regional CAD vacancy. President Hogrogian will fill the vacant position of Eastern Region Director in the coming weeks. Please join us in congratulating David Ross and Charles Manago on their well-deserved retirements, and in congratulating Don Gonzales and Eugene Horton on their new appointments in the Contract Administration Department. In addition, we welcome Nick Lehto to the position of Regional Director in the NPMHU Contract Administration Department.

CHARLES MANAGO

DAVID ROSS

DON GONZALES

EUGENE HORTON

NICK LEHTO

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

HEALTH PLAN REPORT

IS IT FLU, COVID-19, ALLERGIES, OR A COLD? STAYING HEALTHY THIS WINTER Nina Gallauresi, Executive Director, MHBP

eeling sick can be especially concerning these days. Could your sniffles be caused by COVID-19? Or the flu? A cold? Or maybe allergies? Determining the cause of an illness can be tricky because many share some symptoms. They can leave you sniffling, coughing, and feeling tired. But there are important differences. Figuring out what’s making you sick can help you recover and prevent spreading sickness to others.

FLU VS COVID-19 “Distinguishing COVID from flu can be difficult because the symptoms overlap so much,” explains Dr. Brooke Bozick, an NIH expert on respiratory diseases that affect the lungs. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses that can be spread among people. Flu is caused by the influenza virus. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Both can give you a fever, cough, headaches, and body aches. Flu and COVID-19 also spread similarly. They’re transmitted by small particles that come from your nose and mouth when you sneeze, cough, sing, or talk, raising the possibility of infecting people who are nearby. Infected people may not have symptoms, but can still pass along either virus. “Both influenza and COVID can be spread to other people before individuals develop symptoms,” notes Dr. Aubree Gordon, an infectious disease expert at the University of Michigan. COVID-19 symptoms can take longer than flu symptoms to develop, she explains. Someone with flu usually has symptoms 1 to 4 days after being infected. A person with COVID-19 typically shows symptoms about 5 days after infection, although this can range from 2 to 14 days. One telling sign of COVID-19 in some cases is loss of smell or taste. But because of other similar symptoms, there’s really only one way to be certain if you have COVID-19 or flu: Get tested. “You can go and get a COVID test at many pharmacies, and your doctor can administer tests for flu,” Bozick says. COVID19 tests are also available at many health centers. And you can buy testing kits approved for use at home.

COULD IT BE A COLD? OR ALLERGIES? Like flu and COVID-19, colds are also caused by viruses and can be passed to others. 28

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

Symptoms of a cold tend to be mild. You may have a runny nose, cough, congestion, and sore throat. But you won’t usually have the aches and fever that are common with COVID-19 and flu. Often, you’ll feel better in a couple of days. There’s no cure for the common cold. Typical treatments include rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines. Some complementary treatments may help with cold symptoms, too. Taking honey may help with nighttime cough for children over 1 year old. Rinsing your nose and sinuses can help with congestion. You can use a neti pot or other nasal rinsing device. Be sure to only use water that’s been properly processed, such as distilled or boiled water, not tap water. Nasal rinses can bring relief for both cold and allergies. Allergies can cause a runny nose and sneezing. But they’re not contagious. If your eyes, nose, or ears itch, that also could be an allergy. Exposure to things like dust, pets, and tree or grass pollen can trigger allergies, which are caused by the immune system overreacting. Allergy symptoms tend to stop when you’re no longer exposed to the cause. Unless you have asthma, allergies typically do not cause breathing problems. Allergies can be treated with drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids.

WINTERY MIX OF VIRUSES Winter is the prime cold and flu season. You’re more likely to be indoors and closer to others when it’s colder outside. Weather also plays a role in the spread of viruses. “Cold and flu viruses survive better and are more transmissible if it’s cooler and if there’s lower humidity,” Gordon explains. Experts are concerned that flu and COVID-19 cases may increase and overlap in the winter. Flu cases usually start to increase around October and peak between December and February. Being infected with flu and SARS-CoV-2 at the same time is possible, as is showing symptoms of both. If you’re sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs. Such drugs can make your flu milder and shorten the time you are sick. They work best if they’re used early in your illness.

The FDA has also approved one antiviral drug, called remdesivir, to treat COVID-19. Other treatments are in development and under review. No complementary approaches have been shown to be helpful for fighting off flu or COVID-19. Fortunately, strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also prevent the spread of flu and cold. “Measures like masking and social distancing work for other respiratory viruses, as well as COVID-19,” says Dr. Chip Walter, who studies vaccine development at Duke University.

pandemic still ongoing, it’s going to be really important that people wear masks,” Gordon says. Try to avoid crowded indoor situations when possible, too.

STAY WELL THIS WINTER Tips to help you avoid getting sick:

STAYING WELL There’s another really important way to fight viruses. “Get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine,” Walter advises. They are safe and effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. Don’t forget to vaccinate your children, too. That is the best way to protect their health. COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended for everyone age 5 years and older. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the four types of flu viruses that scientists expect to circulate that year. Researchers like Walter and others are working to develop flu vaccines that last longer and offer broader protection against many flu strains. Masks continue to be an important tool for stopping the spread of respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19. “With the

• Get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you’re sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. • Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Not sure how long that is? Hum Happy Birthday twice. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way. • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses.

COMPARING COLD, FLU, ALLERGIES, AND COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

COLD

FLU

AIRBORNE ALLERGY

COVID-19

Fever

Rare

Usual, high (100–102 °F), sometimes higher, especially in young children); lasts 3–4 days

Never

Common

Headache

Uncommon

Common

Uncommon

Common

General Aches, Pains

Slight

Usual; often severe

Never

Common

Fatigue, Weakness

Sometimes

Usual, can last up to 3 weeks

Sometimes

Common

Extreme Exhaustion

Never

Usual, at the beginning of the illness

Never

Common

Stuffy, Runny Nose

Common

Sometimes

Common

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Usual

Rarely

Sore Throat

Common

Sometimes

Common

Cough

Common

Common, can become severe

Sometimes

Common, dry cough

Chest Discomfort

Mild to moderate

Common

Rare, except for those with allergic asthma

Common; can cause trouble breathing or persistent pain or pressure in the chest that calls for immediate emergency care

Loss of Taste or Smell

Rarely

Common

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

TREATMENT COLD

FLU

AIRBORNE ALLERGY

COVID-19

• Get plenty of rest. • Stay hydrated. (Drink plenty of fluids.) • Decongestants. • Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches and pains

• Get plenty of rest. • Stay hydrated. • Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever • Antiviral medicines (see your doctor)

• Avoid allergens (things that you’re allergic to) • Antihistamines • Nasal steroids • Decongestants

• NIH has developed guidance on treatment of COVID-19, which is regularly updated. The FDA has approved one drug, remdesivir, to treat COVID-19.

PREVENTION COLD

FLU

AIRBORNE ALLERGY

COVID-19

• Wash your hands often. • Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.

• Get the flu vaccine each year. • Wash your hands often. • Avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu.

• Avoid allergens, such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches.

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine, recommended for everyone age 5 and older. Wear a mask in indoor public places. Avoid crowds. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Get tested if you think you might have COVID-19.

COMPLICATIONS COLD

FLU

AIRBORNE ALLERGY

COVID-19

• Sinus infection middle ear infection, asthma

• Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening

• Sinus infection, middle ear infection, asthma

• Pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in lungs), sepsis, cardiac events (e.g., heart attack and stroke), multiple organ failure, inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissue, death

MHBP RESOURCES TO ASSIST YOU MHBP offers a $50 wellness incentive for the COVID -19 Vaccine Incentive to members, 18 years and older. If you have any questions or would like more information about how to get a COVID-19 vaccine, COVID testing or treatment, or wellness rewards please call MHBP at 800-410-7778. Also, MHBP covers the flu vaccine at no cost to you when rendered by a network provider or a vaccine network pharmacy. Your health matters and we are here to help. If you need help locating a provider, use the Find a Provider tool on MHBP.com. 30

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

If you have a health concern or need advice on what to do and where to go, MHBP offers a 24/7 Nurse Line. Call 800-556-1555. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call MHBP at 800-410-7778. Sources: • National Institutes of Health: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/ • MHBP.com

MHBP VALUE PLAN: Affordable coverage for the unexpected

A plan with your health care needs and budget in mind The MHBP Value Plan is our most affordable plan. It provides you with valuable protection against an unforeseen illness or event. The Value Plan balances low cost and high satisfaction. That makes it a great choice for healthy people who don’t typically need a lot of medical services. Plus, you pay nothing for preventive care from network providers. Including things, like an annual exam, screenings, immunizations and well-child visits. VALUE PLAN BENEFITS INCLUDE: • Up to $300 in wellness rewards • No out-of-pocket costs for maternity care • No cost for telehealth through Teladoc® • No cost MinuteClinic® at a CVS Pharmacy®* • 40 alternative care visits per year for chiropractic care and acupuncture • No cost for Lab Savings Program

2022 VALUE PLAN RATES An affordable plan with predictable costs for doctor visits, maternity care and covered lab tests. Federal Employee Biweekly Premiums* Self

$ 55.97

Self plus One

$ 132.61

Family

$ 135.25

* These rates do not apply to all enrollees. If you are in a special enrollment category, please refer to the FEHB Program website or contact the agency or Tribal Employer that maintains your health beneﬁts enrollment.

CONNECT WITH MHBP Call 1-800-410-7778 (TTY: 711) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except major holidays). Or visit MHBP.com to schedule a one-on-one phone consultation, start a live chat, register to attend a webinar or learn more about MHBP plans.

*Includes select MinuteClinic services. Not all MinuteClinic services are covered. Please consult benefit documents to confirm which services are included. However, such services are covered at negotiated contract rates. This benefit is not available in all states. Aetna and MinuteClinic, LLC (which either operates or provides certain management support services to MinuteClinicbranded walk-in clinics) are part of the CVS Health family of companies. Aetna is the brand name for products and services provided by Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates. Teladoc® and Teladoc physicians are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Visit Teladoc.com/Aetna for a complete description of the limitations of Teladoc services. Teladoc, Teladoc Health and the Teladoc Health logo are registered trademarks of Teladoc Health, Inc. This is a summary of the MHBP Value Plan. Before making the final decision, please read the 2022 official Plan Brochure (RI 71-007). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the 2022 official Plan Brochure. © 2022 Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. All other names and (registered) trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 964952-01-01

NPMHU WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY June Harris, Central Region Vice President, Local 306 President, Women’s Committee Chairperson

pring is just around the corner, and I am truly looking forward to a new season. Due to the relaxation of the various COVID mandates, it will be refreshing to be outdoors. This time, I am better able to appreciate the fresh air, flowers, people watching, restaurants, movie theaters, and shared time with family and friends. The anticipation of a return to a somewhat normal existence is enough to bring a smile to my face. One event that I am anticipating is the 2020 Mail Handlers National Convention. Yes, this is not a typo. The 2020 Convention is coming soon in August 2022. This will be a long-delayed gathering of a great group of folks to conduct the business of our awesome membership. Our Women’s Committee members, in unity with National President Paul Hogrogian and the entire National Executive Board, have been working hard to be a valuable asset at the Convention. We want to provide the delegates with necessary information that can be utilized in their daily lives. I cannot give you specific details just yet, but I just wanted to spike your curiosity about the Convention. I guarantee you that you will not be disappointed. The month of March is also a time for celebration. International Women’s Day is being celebrated on March 8th. There is a worldwide celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme this year is #BreakTheBias. The position of the arms crossed signify a commitment to calling out bias, smashing stereotypes, breaking inequality, and rejecting discrimination. Many may ask, what bias? They assume that there are no biases against women, especially in this day and age. This is a 32

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

false assumption that leads many people to reduce the impact and effect that biases against women can cause. Depending on what part of the world that you reside, the bias may vary or be even more extreme. According to a United Nations report, almost 90% of men and women have some sort of bias against females. Across the world, nearly 50% of men say that they have greater rights to a job than a woman. Almost a third of the people who responded to the UN study felt it was acceptable for men to hit their partners. The biggest eye opener I found was that there were no countries in the world with gender equality. Again, it is imperative that the world recognize the necessity of the female voice. Thankfully, we are members of a Union that does so. As you look around at our Mail Handler family, you see a larger and larger number of women who are and have been involved and active participants in the governing of our Union. Contributions, great and small, have been at the hands of women who were pioneers. This helps to give the women who follow more confidence that they too can be a part of something great. Women do have a voice in the decision making of this world. It is important that the contributions made by women and girls are not diminished or swept under the rug. We celebrate our entire Mail Handlers Union membership, both our Brothers and Sisters. It is with the support of our Brothers that we are able to break down the biases against females. We salute you! Thanks for standing with us. But the month of March is for the worldwide recognition and acknowledgement of the fabulous, smart, and irreplaceable women and girls on the globe. Cross your arms on March 8th to show solidarity as we unify to #BreakThe Bias!

CONTINUATION

OF PAY By Patrick Donovan, Northeast Region Director

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

hile COVID-19 numbers are on the decline after the perfect storm of the Omicron variant and holiday gatherings, many Sisters and Brothers are still contracting the virus. The system previously put in place by management to protect employees from the spread of the virus crumbled under the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. After two years of this pandemic, many members wonder how they will pay their bills if they are forced to quarantine due to testing positive for the virus. In 2020 and 2021, federal employees had access to two different types of paid leave for COVID-19 related absences, those being the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFRCA) and Emergency Federal Employee Leave (EFEL) created by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Now that both FFCRA and EFEL have expired, management will not grant administrative leave for contracting COVID-19. Management will offer sick leave, annual leave, or leave without pay. However, many employees have had to exhaust their own leave due to their kid’s school going to remote learning or needing to care for a loved one and they cannot afford to be without pay for two weeks. A common question that members ask their Union Steward is if there is another type of paid leave they can use if they are forced to quarantine. The answer is yes. Initially, on March 31, 2020, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) Division of Federal Employees Compensation (DFEC) established certain conditions for federal employees (including mail handlers and other postal employees) to qualify for Continuation of Pay (COP) due to contracting COVID-19. These conditions were fully set forth when DFEC published the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) Bulletin No. 20-05, Subject: Federal Employees Contracting COVID-19 in Performance of Duty. FECA Bulletin No. 20-05 outlined the process for federal and postal employees to file a CA-1 to receive Continuation of Pay (COP) in a similar manner to any other traumatic injury sustained at work. Except for employees considered to work high-risk jobs (such as members of law enforcement, first responders, and front-line medical and public health personnel), OWCP required quite a bit of evidence to approve a request for COP due to contracting COVID-19. (Special case

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

handling considerations applied to employees who worked in high-risk jobs. Those employees were given the benefit of the doubt that they contracted the virus at work.) Of most importance, these March 2020 guidelines have been changed. On April 28, 2021, DFEC published new standards in FECA Bulletin No. 21-09, Subject: Processing FECA Claims for COVID-19 under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

FECA BULLETIN NO. 21-09 STATES IN PART: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law. This new legislation streamlines the process for federal workers diagnosed with COVID-19 to establish coverage under the FECA. Specifically, Section 4016 of the ARPA provides that a “covered employee” as defined below shall, with respect to any claim made by or on behalf of the covered employee for benefits under the FECA, be deemed to have an injury proximately caused by exposure to COVID-19 arising out of the nature of the covered employee’s employment.

• Under Section 4016 of the ARPA, the term “covered employee” means an individual: • Who is an employee under Section 8101(1) of title 5, United States Code, employed in the Federal service at any time during the period beginning on January 27, 2020, and ending on January 27, 2023; • Who is diagnosed with COVID–19 during such period; and • Who, during a covered exposure period prior to such diagnosis, carries out duties that— » require contact with patients, members of the public, or co-workers; or » include a risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus. In other words, Section 4016 of the ARPA has made it far easier for federal and postal employees to receive COP due to contracting COVID-19. These changes mean that you are only required to show that your job puts you at risk of exposure to COVID-19. Working around other people is where the risk comes in. You no longer have to prove you were engaged in high-risk employment; that you were actually exposed to the virus; or that you were exposed to someone who had

the virus while at work. Also, if you establish that you are a “covered employee” (see above), any diagnosed COVID19 will be deemed to have been caused by your federal or postal employment. This means that you no longer have to establish a causal link between your employment and your COVID-19 diagnosis. Additionally, 21-09 also stated that a claim for COVID-19 would not be considered a new injury unless the date of injury was more than 1 year from the date of injury of any prior accepted COVID-19 claim for the same employee. Rather it would be combined with the existing claim and developed as necessary as a consequential or recurrence claim. On February 16, 2022, the FECA Program further amended some of the processing procedures for claims for COVID-19 filed under the ARPA in FECA Bulletin 22-06. Bulletin 22-06 amended; Reinfection and Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing. Those amendments state:

REINFECTION: Effective the date of this Bulletin, a claim for COVID-19 will be considered a new injury when the employee tests positive for COVID-19 90 days or more from the date of the employee’s previous positive COVID-19 test. The 90 days is from the date the initial COVID-19 test is performed to the date the current COVID-19 test is performed.

SELF-ADMINISTERED COVID-19 TESTING: Self-administered COVID-19 testing as defined above is insufficient to establish a diagnosis of COVID-19 under the FECA. This is because there is no way for FECA claims staff to affirmatively establish (1) the date and time the sample was collected and (2) that the sample collected is that of the injured Federal employee making the claim. The only exception to this policy is where the administration of the self-test is monitored by a medical professional and the results are verified through documentation submitted by such professional.

WHAT IS NEEDED FROM YOU WHEN YOU FILE THE CA-1? If you file a claim requesting COP due to contracting COVID19, two pieces of information/documents should be provided along with your CA-1:

1. Evidence of being at work within 21 days of showing symptoms or a positive test, i.e., clock rings, statement, etc.; and 2. Acceptable evidence of a COVID-19 diagnosis. On August 28, 2021, the FECA Program issued FECA Bulletin 21-10, which further amended the processing procedures for claims for COVID-19 to the extent that in order to establish a diagnosis of COVID-19, an employee (or survivor) should submit medical evidence as noted below:

A. A positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Antigen COVID-19 test result; or B. A positive Antibody test result, together with contemporaneous medical evidence that the claimant had documented symptoms of and/ or was treated for COVID-19 by a physician (a notice to quarantine is not sufficient if there was no evidence of illness); or C. If no positive laboratory test is available, a COVID-19 diagnosis from a physician together with rationalized medical opinion supporting the diagnosis and an explanation as to why a positive test result is not available. In certain rare instances, a physician may provide a rationalized opinion with supporting factual and medical background as to why the employee has a diagnosis of COVID-19 notwithstanding a negative or series of negative COVID-19 test results. As you can see from the different FECA Bulletins, this information is continually changing as we all learn more about living with this virus. Your National Union will continue to keep you updated on these changes. Access to COP for contracting COVID-19 is your right under ARPA. Do not let management convince you otherwise. Keep in mind that, even if you are asymptomatic or have light symptoms, we do not know if there will be long term effects from contracting COVID-19. Protect yourself by filing a CA-1 as you would for any other injury.

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

CAREER MAIL HANDLERS TO RECEIVE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT Effective February 26, 2022 (Pay Period 06-2022), all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment as outlined in Article 9.3 of the 2019 National Agreement. This is the fifth of six possible COLA increases under the terms of the current agreement. This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) following release of the January 2022 Index, using the July 2019 CPI index as a base. The resulting calculation provides an annual increase of $1,331 for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 will receive the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.3 of the National Agreement.

The addition of the Juneteenth National Independence Day also will require a recalculation of part-time flexible employee’s regular straight-time hourly rate consistent with Article 11.7. The USPS has not finalized the PTF’s new straight-time hourly rate, but a retroactive adjustment will be processed at a date to be determined by the USPS. Lastly, a one-time retroactive collection of $2.00 reflecting the delayed bi-weekly dues increase of one dollar per Pay Period (for Pay Periods 25 and 26-2021) is scheduled to be withheld from regular members’ payroll during PP06-2022, reflected in paychecks issued on March 18, 2022. All affected Mail Handlers dues will then be reduced by two-dollars in the following Pay Period, currently scheduled for Pay Period 07-2022.

MAIL HANDLERS (RSC M) SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 26, 2022 (PP 06-2022) Table 1 — Applicable to Career Appointments Prior to February 15, 2013 GRADE 4 WEEKS IN STEP 88 88 88 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 34 34 26 26 24 24

STEP

ANNUAL

BI-WEEKLY

AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P

$44,831 $49,709 $55,848 $58,750 $63,021 $63,363 $63,714 $64,054 $64,404 $64,749 $65,103 $65,442 $65,792 $66,137 $66,485 $66,828 $67,177

$1,724 $1,912 $2,148 $2,260 $2,424 $2,437 $2,451 $2,464 $2,477 $2,490 $2,504 $2,517 $2,530 $2,544 $2,557 $2,570 $2,584

FTR & PTR HOURLY $21.55 $23.90 $26.85 $28.25 $30.30 $30.46 $30.63 $30.80 $30.96 $31.13 $31.30 $31.46 $31.63 $31.80 $31.96 $32.13 $32.30

GRADE 5 POSTAL OVERTIME $32.33 $35.85 $40.28 $42.38 $45.45 $45.69 $45.95 $46.20 $46.44 $46.70 $46.95 $47.19 $47.45 $47.70 $47.94 $48.20 $48.45

PTF HOURLY $22.51 $24.95 $28.04 $29.49 $31.64 $31.81 $31.98 $32.16 $32.33 $32.50 $32.68 $32.85 $33.03 $33.20 $33.38 $33.55 $33.72

WEEKS IN STEP 88 88 88 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 34 34 26 26 24 24

STEP

ANNUAL

BI-WEEKLY

AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P

$46,553 $51,438 $57,996 $60,976 $63,859 $64,232 $64,610 $64,973 $65,350 $65,727 $66,097 $66,468 $66,837 $67,214 $67,590 $67,955 $68,329

$1,791 $1,978 $2,231 $2,345 $2,456 $2,470 $2,485 $2,499 $2,513 $2,528 $2,542 $2,556 $2,571 $2,585 $2,600 $2,614 $2,628

FTR & PTR HOURLY $22.38 $24.73 $27.88 $29.32 $30.70 $30.88 $31.06 $31.24 $31.42 $31.60 $31.78 $31.96 $32.13 $32.31 $32.50 $32.67 $32.85

POSTAL OVERTIME $33.57 $37.10 $41.82 $43.98 $46.05 $46.32 $46.59 $46.86 $47.13 $47.40 $47.67 $47.94 $48.20 $48.47 $48.75 $49.01 $49.28

PTF HOURLY $23.37 $25.82 $29.11 $30.61 $32.06 $32.24 $32.43 $32.62 $32.81 $33.00 $33.18 $33.37 $33.55 $33.74 $33.93 $34.11 $34.30

POSTAL OVERTIME $28.97 $30.17 $31.37 $32.55 $33.75 $34.95 $36.14 $37.34 $38.52 $39.72 $40.92 $42.11 $43.31 $44.51 $45.69 $46.89 $48.08 $49.28

PTF HOURLY $20.17 $21.00 $21.83 $22.66 $23.49 $24.33 $25.16 $25.99 $26.82 $27.65 $28.48 $29.31 $30.14 $30.98 $31.81 $32.64 $33.47 $34.30

Table 2 — Applicable to Career Appointments on or after February 15, 2013 GRADE 4 WEEKS IN STEP 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52

STEP

ANNUAL

BI-WEEKLY

BB AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P

$38,584 $40,269 $41,948 $43,631 $45,311 $46,996 $48,677 $50,361 $52,042 $53,723 $55,403 $57,084 $58,767 $60,450 $62,131 $63,812 $65,497 $67,177

$1,484 $1,549 $1,613 $1,678 $1,743 $1,808 $1,872 $1,937 $2,002 $2,066 $2,131 $2,196 $2,260 $2,325 $2,390 $2,454 $2,519 $2,584

FTR & PTR HOURLY $18.55 $19.36 $20.17 $20.98 $21.78 $22.59 $23.40 $24.21 $25.02 $25.83 $26.64 $27.44 $28.25 $29.06 $29.87 $30.68 $31.49 $32.30

GRADE 5 POSTAL OVERTIME $27.83 $29.04 $30.26 $31.47 $32.67 $33.89 $35.10 $36.32 $37.53 $38.75 $39.96 $41.16 $42.38 $43.59 $44.81 $46.02 $47.24 $48.45

PTF HOURLY $19.37 $20.22 $21.06 $21.90 $22.75 $23.59 $24.44 $25.28 $26.13 $26.97 $27.81 $28.66 $29.50 $30.35 $31.19 $32.03 $32.88 $33.72

WEEKS IN STEP 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52

STEP

ANNUAL

BI-WEEKLY

BB AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P

$40,175 $41,833 $43,489 $45,145 $46,800 $48,458 $50,112 $51,770 $53,424 $55,081 $56,735 $58,393 $60,048 $61,705 $63,362 $65,018 $66,673 $68,329

$1,545 $1,609 $1,673 $1,736 $1,800 $1,864 $1,927 $1,991 $2,055 $2,119 $2,182 $2,246 $2,310 $2,373 $2,437 $2,501 $2,564 $2,628

FTR & PTR HOURLY $19.31 $20.11 $20.91 $21.70 $22.50 $23.30 $24.09 $24.89 $25.68 $26.48 $27.28 $28.07 $28.87 $29.67 $30.46 $31.26 $32.05 $32.85

MAIL HANDLER ASSISTANT (MHA) HOURLY WAGE RATES Effective November 20, 2021 (PP 25-2021) MHA Grade 4 — $17.32 36

National Postal Mail Handlers Union

MHA Grade 5 — $18.25 This schedule reflects a 1% GI and 1% wage inc. effective November 21, 2020 (PP 25-2020)

NATIONAL POSTAL MAIL HANDLERS UNION

A DIVISION OF LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, AFL-CIO DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019 ASSETS

STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES 2020

2019

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable ‑ local unions Accounts receivable ‑ other Tax refunds receivable Interest receivable Loans to local unions Prepaid expenses Total current assets

$10,064,763

$9,978,337

32,015

50,562

1,621,107

1,269,691

2,353,553

1,647,788

41,089

62,471

229,102

221,910

14,341,629

13,230,759

6,812,605

7,517,308

FIXED ASSETS Furniture, fixtures and equipment Leasehold improvements Accumulated depreciation and amortization

2019

Per capita assessments

INVESTMENTS Marketable securities ‑ at fair value

2020

REVENUE

1,998,139

1,958,930

488,782

2,486,921

2,447,712

Member per capita Associate per capita

$7,541,456

$7,143,157

947,682

1,008,350

8,489,138

8,151,507

5,361,612

5,122,008

Investment return, net

552,771

756,628

National Billing Program

139,971

146,319

247,394

274,618

Rental income

107,186

Sale of promotional items

20,091

MHBP service fee

Royalties

Miscellaneous

37,657

33,021

Total revenue

14,828,543

14,611,378

Per capita taxes

2,419,688

2,402,539

Salaries and wages

3,384,872

3,105,555

1,516,174

1,560,906

337,301

306,817

EXPENSES

Payroll taxes and employee benefits

(1,744,120)

(1,481,254)

742,801

966,458

Other components of net periodic pension cost

(34,908)

143,492

299,848

223,279

Revenue Sharing Program, net

2,470,512

1,868,275

Net funded pension asset

1,134,928

590,942

Income and property taxes

1,200,228

1,191,261

Total other assets

1,434,776

814,221

$23,331,811

$22,528,746

Total fixed assets

OTHER ASSETS Deposits

TOTAL ASSETS

$2,512,268

Dues collected for local unions

28,920

118,987

Deferred registration fees

15,250

Total current liabilities

9,870

36,469

83,752

46,188

2,345,900

2,713,912

LONG‑TERM LIABILITIES Deferred rent liability

37,685

37,686

Total long‑term liabilities

37,685

37,686

2,383,585

2,751,598

20,948,226

19,777,148

TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS

117,541

Bank charges

65,600

70,264

Charitable contributions

31,763

27,758

Computer services

88,857

82,667

Election

$2,208,108

Deferred rent liability

127,361

Depreciation and amortization

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Deferred dues revenue

Automobile and housing

Convention

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Net periodic pension cost — service cost

$23,331,811

$22,528,746

44,594

579

264,303

260,514

113,655

Insurance and bonding

37,617

37,416

Leased equipment

26,184

31,315

422

287,879

Meetings and conferences Miscellaneous Office supplies and postage Printing and publications Professional fees Promotional items Rent

5,955

4,994

207,959

180,074

516,119

438,618

709,689

769,709

25,161

546,972

850,078

Repairs and maintenance

26,248

61,853

Scholarships

44,000

44,500

Telephone

91,103

67,388

Travel and lodging

111,576

517,236

14,353,844

14,454,389

EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES

Total expenses

474,699

156,989

Pension‑related changes other than net periodic pension cost

696,379

1,214,837

Increase in net assets without donor restrictions

1,171,078

1,371,826

NET ASSETS WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS Beginning of year End of year

19,777,148

18,405,322

$20,948,226

$19,777,148

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

MAIL HANDLERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

LOCAL 305 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Local 305 President Felandria Jackson was on hand at the National Office to be sworn in by National President Paul Hogrogian. Also in attendance at the National Office was National Secretary-Treasurer Michael Hora and Vice President Eastern Region John Gibson. Appearing virtually over Zoom Local 305 Officers were also sworn in simultaneously by President Hogrogian. C

LOCAL 300 HAPPENINGS

LOCAL 318 HAPPENINGS A) Local 318 Field Committee held discussions on 2022 Contract Proposals. Three days of in-depth review of our current National Agreement. The committee drafted over 70 proposals for consideration. The committee consisted of Nick Mosezar, 318 President, Ira Edelstein, 318 Vice President, Shauna Jones, 318 Executive Board Member, Ed White 318 Advocate, Chris Strang Ft. Myers Branch President, Joye Johnson, Jacksonville GMF, Wayne Campbell, Branch President Jacksonville NDC, Ron Nordyke Branch President, Tampa/ Ybor P&DCs, Helene Derkevics Steward Tampa P&DC, James Hodges, State Advocate/ Steward Miami P&DC, Ken Czwojdak Branch President West Palm Beach P&DC, Gerald Cosby, Steward Orlando P&DC. B) Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Shultz (D-FL-23) and Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott visiting Royal Palm P&DC. Following the congresswoman’s remarks, Local 318 President Nick Mosezar offered a statement on behalf of NPMHU.

| National Postal Mail Handlers Union

A) Local 300 continues to harness the ease and efficiency of virtual meetings by holding their Council Updates virtually. Doing so allows Local 300 to easily invite National President Paul Hogrogian who gave a brief National Update to the attendees. Also in attendance were Tom Ruther National CAD Representative, and Patrick Donovan Regional Director Northeast Region who both tackled CAD updates and news. B) Congresswoman Carylon Maloney (D-NY-12) stopped for a photo after touring the Morgan Postal facility. Yvette Johnson Vice President Local 300 was on hand to lead the tour with help from Mail Handlers from the facility. Pictured (l-r) Annesia M. Williams-Arnold Steward FDR Station, Yolanda Urena Steward Morgan P&DC, Shirley Ramos Steward Bronx, Joseph Corsino Mail Handler FDR Station, Joe Palau Chief Steward Brooklyn P&DC, Malik Sheppard Chief Steward Brooklyn P&DC, Atika Muhammad Chief Steward Brooklyn P&DC, Latina Crenshaw BP Greater Newark P&DC, Hung Sai Chuen Steward Brooklyn P&DC, Phil Hester Steward Westchester P&DC. C) Congressman Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9) and Lyndhurst, NJ Mayor Robert Giangeruso joined National President Paul Hogrogian, Local 300 Vice President Yvette Johnson, Local 300 NJ SEBM Michelle Kimber, Local 300 Branch President NJI/NDC Marie Chery and APWU Reps. for a postal facility tour in New Jersey responsible for shipping out free COVID tests all over America. In his remarks Congressman Pascrell thanked Local 300 Mail Handlers for their tireless work over the pandemic.

LOCAL 301 HAPPENINGS A) Local 301 held their monthly Council Update virtually. Local President Dan St. Marie held a tight union meeting beginning with a National Update from National President Paul Hogrogian. Following the National Update, National CAD Representative Tom Ruther and Regional CAD Representative Patrick Donovan offered updates on contract business. Local 300 President Kevin Tabarus a recurring guest at the Local 301 Council Update also discussed happenings in the Northeast Region. B) Local 301 Branch 18, Providence RI. Mail Handler Gino Desroches retired with 50 years of Government Service. FortyEight years as a Mail Handler, 2 years’ service in the U.S. Army. Mr. Desroches a Vietnam Veteran was awarded the Purple Heart honoring those who serve in combat and perform above and beyond the call of duty.

LOCAL 330 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Local 330 held a small in-person meeting to swear in their newly elected officers. On hand to perform the ceremony was National President Paul Hogrogian, and Vice President Western Region Don Sneesby. Pictured (l-r) John Regis Vice President, Shaune Cox Recording Secretary, Larry Bellizzi Treasurer, Paul Hogrogian National President, Bob Griffith Local President, Don Sneesby Vice President Western Region, and Gary Owens SEBM.

LOCAL 308 STEWARDS ORIENTATION Seated L to R: Kristel Daniel, Tara Dever, Patricia Cross, Solange Rodriguez, Jennifer Dempsey. Standing L to R: Anthony Garcia, Alhassane Bah, Alejandro Lopez, Sam Kirby, Miguel Centeno, John Gibson, Oscar King, Esteban Rivera, Kenneth Douglas B

LOCAL 321 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

(l-r) Local 321 President Tony Wilson administers Oath of Office for newly elected or appointed Local 321 officers Ricci Roberts Branch President, Cheyenne and Robert Jacknitsky, Wyoming SEBM. The new Officers were sworn in virtually and are a result of the recently approved amalgamation of Local 319 into 321.

The Mail Handler • Winter 2022

DENTAL AND VISION COVERAGE THAT MAKE LIFE BRIGHTER.

Does MHBP give you comprehensive coverage at an affordable cost? It’s certain. Enrolling in the right dental and vision coverage makes life better. MHBP Dental and Vision plans make preventive care more affordable and straightforward for you and your family. To learn more, call us at 1-800-410-7778 (TTY: 711) or visit MHBP.com

SOME OF THE DENTAL AND VISION BENEFITS INCLUDE: DENTAL PLAN: • Nearly 183,000 network locations • Coverage for a wide range of services — from preventive care to crowns, bridges and braces • Network Dental Beneﬁts for Basic Services* increase after 12 months of coverage VISION PLAN: • Affordable monthly rates. Just $8.60 for Self Only and $16.00 for Family coverage • Nearly 46,000 network-provider locations • Allowance for prescription frames or contact lenses

* Please refer to the chart on MHBP.com/dental-plan/ so you can review how the basic services are better the longer you are in the plan. MHBP Dental and Vision Plans are available to U.S. residents only. Dental and vision benefits are underwritten by First Health Life & Insurance Company. These benefits are neither offered nor guaranteed under contract with the FEHBP or FEDVIP, but are available to federal employees, retirees, and select members of the military and their covered family members as a voluntary offering. You cannot file a FEHBP disputed claim about them. You do not have to be enrolled in an MHBP medical plan to enroll in the MHBP Dental or Vision Plans. A single annual $42 MHBP associate membership fee makes all MHBP plans available to you. Before making a final decision, please read the official 2022 Plan Brochures (RI 71-007 or RI 71-016). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the official 2022 Plan Brochure. For more information about MHBP plans, please refer to MHBP.com ©2022 Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Information is accurate as of the production date but may change. 956060-01-01

2021 Winter

Articles inside

Women’s Committee Report

Contract Administration Department Report

MHBP® Health Plan Report

Convention Delegates to Convene in Denver

President’s Report

Legislative and Political Report

Field Negotiating Committee Meets in Washington DC

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report