News

Postal Service Eliminates Deepest Presort Discounts for Package Consolidators

November 19, 2024The Postal Service eliminated the deepest presort discounts used by package consolidators, returning work to the USPS and increasing revenue. magazineA Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal Service Since the creation of a Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal Service, the Alliance and our allies have opposed postal privatization in all its forms. One form of privatization that had largely gone unnoticed by the public is the Postal Service’s long-standing reliance on the “presort discount system.” That system effectively allowed large sections of the Postal Service’s transportation and processing work to be performed by private-sector companies for private profit, with the Postal Service accepting mail and packages “downstream” for last-mile delivery. This system incentivized private sector consolidators to aggregate mail and packages from many shippers into larger drop-offs into the postal network. They would bypass all or most of the postal processing network and rely on the Postal Service for last-mile delivery. In September, the Postal Service announced it was eliminating the deepest presort discounts that many package consolidators used (or abused) before turning their packages over to the USPS. The USPS estimates that as many as two billion packages enter the mailstream each year after being processed and transported by consolidators, which is roughly 25 percent of the Postal Service’s total package volume. By ending the presort discount for package consolidators, it is likely that much of that package volume will be returned to the USPS for end-to-end acceptance, transportation, processing, and delivery, which would increase the Postal Service’s overall revenue for shipping products. For too long, mail and package consolidators have relied on low-wage workers, and the steep discounts offered by the USPS to turn a profit from work that postal workers can rightly perform. The end of the discount program is shaking up the postal industry, with FedEx poised to eliminate its FedEx SmartPost product. Pitney Bowes has fi led for bankruptcy for its ecommerce division, and other package consolidators are likely to feel the impact soon. Supporters of a Grand Alliance to Save our Public Postal Service should welcome the change as an opportunity for the public Postal Service to claw back more of the work that the Postal Service was created to do, serving 167 million addresses, six days a week, with a commitment to quality, public service to the entire country. Upcoming Fight to Preserve Service Standards As this edition of The American Postal Worker was going to press, the Postal Service had just submitted before the Postal Regulatory Commission its proposals to once again change service standards. As we did in the 2021 service standards case, A Grand Alliance (AGA) will once again organize community resistance to the Postal Service’s proposal to slow down the mail. While this year’s proposal appears to be more complicated than the 2021 case, postal workers and AGA allies should stay alert for opportunities to promote the quality mail service that we are promised under the law. The proposal from the USPS appears to lengthen the delivery time for First-Class mail based on how far the destination address is located from a sorting facility; this is likely to have an outsized impact on customers in rural America. Readers should stay tuned to the APWU website and AGA channels for more information. We will analyze the Postal Service’s proposal in the weeks ahead, plan our response, and engage with postal workers and our allies to promote our vision for robust, quality postal services. ■ Postal Service Eliminates Deepest Presort Discounts for Package Consolidator0Continue reading→

NLRB Ruling Making Captive Audience Meetings Illegal is a Win for Workers’ Rights

Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), issued a statement today on the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) decision to make mandatory captive audience meetings illegal: “This is a major victory for workers across the United States. Companies use these meetings to pressure and mislead employees about The post NLRB Ruling Making Captive Audience Meetings Illegal is a Win for Workers’ Rights appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kassy McDowell

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kassy McDowell Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Kassy McDowell of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU). Kassy McDowell is a proud Indigenous woman who champions diversity and inclusion for all underrepresented groups in the trades. As a certified journeyperson, she passes on her skill and knowledge to help future generations on their path to a career in the insulation trade.  Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/19/2024 - 09:59Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rite Aid Workers Secure Tentative Agreement

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rite Aid Workers Secure Tentative Agreement Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Rite Aid workers in Southern California, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), secured a tentative agreement (TA) on Friday after months of intense negotiations with the drugstore chain.The deal covers more than 3,500 UFCW members across locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442. Workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike a month ago, building on months of strategic actions, rallies and community conversations. Their endurance has paid off—the Rite Aid TA includes improved wages, health care benefits protections and pension security.“This tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed during the bargaining process,” the UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee said in a joint statement. “We stood up to the company’s unfair labor practices and showed them we were willing to fight for the contract we deserved. The power we showed at our stores translated to power at the bargaining table. Our solidarity and this victory will send a strong message to workers everywhere – when we fight, we win! Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/19/2024 - 09:19Continue reading→

IAM Rail Division, Union Coalition Unite to Save Illinois Public Transit

Public transportation agencies across the country are facing a financial crisis, and the Chicago region is no exception. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which oversees Metra, CTA, and Pace, faces a $1.03 billion budget shortfall. This shortfall could lead to significant service cuts, impacting commuters and workers across the region. Recognizing the urgency of the The post IAM Rail Division, Union Coalition Unite to Save Illinois Public Transit appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Santa Clarita CA PVO Pilot Expansion

https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pvo_pilot_mou_-_santaclarita_-_2-14-2024_-_finalv2.pdfThe parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties have also agreed to include Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Level 8 assignments into this Pilot.Continue reading→

Santa Clarita CA PVO Pilot Expansion MOU

The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties have also agreed to include Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Level 8 assignments into this Pilot. The PVO position is intended to assign the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Craft to perform the transportation of bulk quantities of mail without driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). All other work rules remain in effect, including the prohibitions of supervisors performing bargaining unit work consistent with Article 1.6.b. except where explicitly changed by this agreement. The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties have also agreed to include Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Level 8 assignments into this Pilot. The PVO position is intended to assign the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Craft to perform the transportation of bulk quantities of mail without driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). All other work rules remain in effect, including the prohibitions of supervisors performing bargaining unit work consistent with Article 1.6.b. except where explicitly changed by this agreement.Wednesday, February 14, 2024No Pilot MOU https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pvo_pilot_mou_-_santaclarita_-_2-14-2024_-_finalv2.pdf Craft:  Motor Vehicle Service Document Type:  Memorandum of Understanding0Continue reading→

Richmond VA PVO Pilot Expansion

https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pilot_-_pvo_richmond_integration.pdfThe parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The PVO position is intended to assign the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Craft to perform the transportation of bulk quantities of mail without driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver's License (COL). All other work rules remain in effect, including the prohibition of supervisors performing bargaining unit work consistent with Article 1.6.b, except where explicitly changed by this agreement.Continue reading→

Richmond VA PVO Pilot Expansion MOU

The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The PVO position is intended to assign the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Craft to perform the transportation of bulk quantities of mail without driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver's License (COL). All other work rules remain in effect, including the prohibition of supervisors performing bargaining unit work consistent with Article 1.6.b, except where explicitly changed by this agreement. The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The PVO position is intended to assign the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Craft to perform the transportation of bulk quantities of mail without driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver's License (COL). All other work rules remain in effect, including the prohibition of supervisors performing bargaining unit work consistent with Article 1.6.b, except where explicitly changed by this agreement.Friday, June 16, 2023No Pilot MOU https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pilot_-_pvo_richmond_integration.pdf Craft:  Motor Vehicle Service Document Type:  Memorandum of Understanding0Continue reading→

Oklahoma City OK PVO Pilot Expansion

https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pilot_-_pvo_okc.pdfThe parties agree to pilot the establishment of a new career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the new PVO position that will be in effect during the Pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The union will be notified prior to any expansion of sites and the parties agree to discuss any necessary modifications to the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to the creation of new MOUs for any expansion sites.Continue reading→

Oklahoma City OK PVO Pilot Expansion MOU

The parties agree to pilot the establishment of a new career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the new PVO position that will be in effect during the Pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The union will be notified prior to any expansion of sites and the parties agree to discuss any necessary modifications to the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to the creation of new MOUs for any expansion sites. The parties agree to pilot the establishment of a new career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the new PVO position that will be in effect during the Pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The union will be notified prior to any expansion of sites and the parties agree to discuss any necessary modifications to the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to the creation of new MOUs for any expansion sites.Wednesday, November 30, 2022No Pilot MOU https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pilot_-_pvo_okc.pdf Craft:  Motor Vehicle Service Document Type:  Memorandum of Understanding0Continue reading→

Athens GA PVO Pilot Expansion

https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pilot_-_pvo_athens_ga.pdfThe parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO}, Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion.Continue reading→

Athens GA PVO Pilot Expansion MOU

The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO}, Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO}, Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion.Sunday, June 16, 2024No Pilot MOU https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/pilot_-_pvo_athens_ga.pdf Craft:  Motor Vehicle Service Document Type:  Memorandum of Understanding0Continue reading→

Little Rock AR PVO Pilot Expansion

https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/mou_pvo_pilot_-_little_rock_ar_6.24.24.pdfThe parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties have also agreed to include Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Level 8 assignments into this Pilot.Continue reading→

Little Rock AR PVO Pilot Expansion MOU

The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties have also agreed to include Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Level 8 assignments into this Pilot. The parties agree to expand piloting the establishment of the career bargaining unit position titled, Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Level 6. The parties have agreed to the job description and qualification standards for the PVO position that will be in effect during the pilot and any additional sites where this concept is determined to be feasible for expansion. The parties have also agreed to include Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Level 8 assignments into this Pilot.Monday, June 24, 2024No Pilot MOU https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/mou_pvo_pilot_-_little_rock_ar_6.24.24.pdf Craft:  Motor Vehicle Service Document Type:  Memorandum of Understanding0Continue reading→