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House Passes Bill to Credit FERS S/L
The House of
Representatives passed a bill July 30 that would grant
postal workers and other federal employees covered by
FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) credit for
unused sick leave when calculating their retirement
annuities. Employees covered by CSRS (Civil Service
Retirement System) already receive credit for unused
sick leave. The measure, was introduced by House
Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman
(D-CA). Under the provision (Title IV, Sec. 407),
federal employees who retire within three years from the
date of enactment would receive credit for ...more...
USPS
Releases VERA Details
This offer is
open to clerks in those positions who meet the OPM
conditions, and who are at least 50 years of age with 20
years of creditable federal service or any age with 25
years of creditable federal service.
On Aug. 18, an
annuity estimate will be mailed to all VER-eligible
employees from Eagan, MN. In addition, on Aug. 22 a VER
offer packet will be sent to all eligible employees
containing a cover letter, an application and a list of
questions and answers. Interested employees will have
from Aug. 25 to Sept. 30 to submit their application.
It’s important to note that Sept. 30 is the date when
an employee's voluntary choice to retire becomes
irrevocable.
By mid-November,
the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) will
notify employees as to the status of their VER
application. At that time, retirement counseling will
become available. Employees receiving approval will have
an effective retirement date of Dec. 31. As a reminder,
a voluntary early retirement is just that — voluntary.
New
Member
The
Lehigh Valley Area Local would
like to announce Anita Strohl as the newest member of
the local. Anita is a clerk at the Lehigh Valley
P&DC. Anita realizes the importance of union
membership and the benefits, and responsibility, of
being an APWU member. The Lehigh Valley Area Local
is 97% organized and as we all know, there is strength
in unity. When you see Anita, say "Hello" and
welcome her as a sister of the local.
Sign Up a
Member - Receive $100
There
are still a few USPS employees within
the Lehigh Valley area that, for whatever reason, do not
understand the value of union membership (see list).
If you work with one of these people, talk to them, let
them know that the APWU is the only thing standing
between them and the unemployment line. The APWU
was able to negotiate their pay upgrade, their COLA and
the retention of the Article 6 no-layoff clause, which
is the only thing that is stopping the USPS from
enacting a reduction in force. You will receive
$100 for each non-member you bring into the Local.
Remember, there is strength in unity and we are only as
strong as our weakest link.
VERA:
Who Will Be Eligible?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
approves requests by federal agencies and the USPS to
offer Voluntary Early Retirement. According to OPM, to
be eligible, employees must be at least 50 years old and
have at least 20 years of creditable service, OR may be
any age provided they have at least 25 years of
creditable service.
more...
Ask
President Burrus: USPS Driving Customers Away From The
Window?
What do you do to shake off all the
negativity you encounter by the members? Of course, I
understand the passion, but it sometimes baffles me how
people can seem so unhappy about the good pay and
benefits that the union has gotten us over the years?
President Burrus responds: "Although
the challenges we face may be emphasized over our
accomplishments, this pessimism does not detract from
our determination. More often than not, those who
complain the loudest have made little or no contribution
to these many accomplishments and have no plans to lend
their efforts to solving future problems..."
Read the rest of
President Burrus' response
T-2
Excessing at the Lehigh Valley P&DC
Management has notified us that they
will soon begin the process of placing Unassigned FT
Regulars into residual positions. There are
currently 17 UFTR clerks, six on T-1, eight on T-2 and
three on T-3. This assignment process will most
likely result in the excessing of some employees from
T-2.
If excessing occurs, Article 37.3.B.2
says "any duty assignments remaining within the
section occupied by clerks junior to the senior clerks
whose duty assignment was abolished will be posted for
bid to currently qualified clerks within the section".
The Clerk Craft LMOU defines "the section" as Tour and
Level.
Once the excessing has occurred and
the jobs posted, any T-2 Level 06 Clerk would be
allowed to bid on the reposted jobs. T-3 clerks,
T-1 clerks, T-2 Level-07 clerks, Window clerks, and Bulk
Mail clerks would not be permitted to bid the reposted
jobs because those employees are not from "within the
section". This T-2 Level 06 closed bidding
will continue until all excessed clerks have an
opportunity to return to T-2.
If you have any questions about this
process, NOW is the time to ask, not afterwards.
See your steward, or stop by the office.
Employee
Claim for Personal Property - PS Form 2146
This form is now
available on-line for employee who have suffered damage
to personal property while on duty. The form must
be submitted (in triplicate) to your supervisor within
14 days of the loss / damage. To access this form,
click the FORMS button (left)
Flexible Spending Claim Forms
Are available
via the FORMS button (left). Completed forms can
be mailed or faxed to the FSA Office. For on-line
information concerning your FSA account, go to
www.myuhc.com
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