APWU

Updates to USPS Eagle Clean (e4776) Pilot Program in the Maintenance Craft

Posted in: APWU

October 9, 2024The Postal Service formally notified the APWU on June 20, 2024, that they believed the Eagle Clean (e4776) pilot program was a success and they would begin implementing Eagle Clean across the country. Maintenance Division leadership has been meeting with the Postal Service to discuss the program and any violations and unintended consequences that might result from its implementation.
USPS Policies & ProgramsMaintenance Division

The Postal Service formally notified the APWU on June 20, 2024, that they believed the Eagle Clean (e4776) pilot program was a success and they would begin implementing Eagle Clean across the country. Maintenance Division leadership has been meeting with the Postal Service to discuss the program and any violations and unintended consequences that might result from its implementation.
As reported during the recent Maintenance Division Conference in Detroit, MI and the previous Conference in National Harbor, MD, the Postal Service notified the APWU of its intent to pilot the Eagle Clean (e4776) program on May 30, 2023. The Postal Service’s reasoning behind the pilot program was to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of completing and submitting the PS Form 4776 using a Mobile Delivery Device scanner (MDD). Custodians would utilize the MDD scanner daily to record the time spent working on various custodial tasks. Once completed, the data would be reviewed by the supervisor and uploaded to be stored on the Retail and Delivery Application Recording platform (RADAR). The pilot program officially began on July 1, 2023, in five facilities in Maryland, and expanded shortly thereafter to facilities in Lexington, KY and Tampa, FL
As a brief recap, the APWU and the Postal Service have always had existing Step-4 agreements and national Questions and Answers that required the use of the PS Form 4776. The Postal Service claimed that the e4776 would contain the same information as the hard copy PS Form 4776, and that custodians would complete the e4776 in the same manner as the hard copy – the only thing that would change is that instead of using a pen and paper, custodians would now use a scanner with text input. PS Form 4776, also known as Preventive Custodial Maintenance Route, contains information detailing what, when, where, and how custodians should perform their work in different areas of each facility. Historically, management has failed to use these forms, but it now appears they are attempting to come into compliance, and then some.
Using the MDD, it appears custodians have several options after logging in, such as: begin tour, in and out to lunch, end tour, move to different operation numbers, move to travel operation, and track training. In addition, custodians can select daily routes (routine tasks) and track the time spent performing those routes. They can also select work orders (periodic tasks) for tasks required to be done on a monthly, quarterly, annually, etc. basis. Lastly, they can select odd-and-end tasks (Ad-Hoc) to track time spent performing work that is not necessarily contained within the custodial staffing package.
As always, we must reinforce the importance of the individual employee and the way they complete their paperwork (or, in this case, data). If custodians get pulled away from their daily tasks to perform something unanticipated and never get the opportunity to return and complete the original task, the original task should not be submitted as completed. If custodians find themselves in a situation where local management instructs them to falsify data, they should quickly request a steward.
To be clear, the APWU has not agreed to the Eagle Clean program, and we are still having meetings and discussions on this matter. There are several pieces of the Eagle Clean program that the APWU is concerned about and that we hope to resolve in a timely manner. Local and state unions should advise their custodians to keep a notebook and track all time they spend performing work not contained in the custodial staffing package (this includes time spent performing tasks above and beyond the estimated times and frequencies). Custodians should also be advised to keep track of all the work that, for a variety of reasons, they are unable to complete or even begin.
Contact us with your questions or comments via email at MaintStaffing@apwu.org

Updates to USPS Eagle Clean (e4776) Pilot Program in the Maintenance Craft0

2025 PSHB Premiums

Posted in: APWU

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/premiums/2025 PSHB Premiums

APWU President Mark Dimondstein Appears on PBS News Hour

Posted in: APWU

October 2, 2024
Postal workers are warning of what they call ‘substandard performance’ by the U.S. Postal Service. The American Postal Workers Union is calling for the public’s help in demanding improved staffing, better customer service and more opportunity for public input. It comes ahead of an election where millions will vote by mail. Geoff Bennett discussed more with union president Mark Dimondstein.
vote by mailBetter Postal StaffingA Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal ServiceLegislative and PoliticalPresidentyCpS6H7S0qUPostal workers are warning of what they call ‘substandard performance’ by the U.S. Postal Service. The American Postal Workers Union is calling for the public’s help in demanding improved staffing, better customer service and more opportunity for public input. It comes ahead of an election where millions will vote by mail. Geoff Bennett discussed more with union president Mark Dimondstein.0

Postal workers union sounds alarm about USPS staffing, service and election preparedness

Posted in: APWU

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/postal-workers-union-sounds-alarm-about-usps-staffing-service-and-election-preparednessTuesday, October 8, 2024StaffingBetter Postal StaffingPostal workers are warning of what they call ‘substandard performance’ by the U.S. Postal Service. The American Postal Workers Union is calling for the public’s help in demanding improved staffing, better customer service and more opportunity for public input. It comes ahead of an election where millions will vote by mail. Geoff Bennett discussed more with union president Mark Dimondstein.

APWU Members Loud and Proud for Oct. 1 National Day of Action

Posted in: APWU

October 8, 2024Thousands of dedicated postal workers took to the streets for our “October 1 National Day of Action” to let the public know just how well we can move the mail when given the proper tools.
Fighting Today for A Better TomorrowBetter Postal Staffing

Thousands of dedicated postal workers took to the streets for our “October 1 National Day of Action” to let the public know just how well we can move the mail when given the proper tools.
Rallying in over 90 cities from the East Coast to the West – and beyond – thousands of postal workers from hundreds of APWU locals and states, with the support of community allies, came out in full force on Oct. 1 to promote Vote-by-Mail, advocate for a strong new contract with language to guarantee better staffing, and demand that postal management treat all mail, all year long, with the same care and attention that election mail and ballots receive during election season. This means increasing staffing at post offices, and providing better service, which the public deserves! The APWU also demands that the public have a voice in how the Postal Service runs by allowing public comments and making them available and accessible in the face of the network changes that affect us all.
Postal workers know just how well the public postal service can work. In 2020, postal workers delivered 97.9 percent of ballots to election officials within three days. In 2022, postal workers delivered 99 percent of ballots to election officials within three days. With signs that read “VOTE BY MAIL, WE WON’T FAIL” our message rang loud and clear. We want every piece of mail to be handled as well as election mail and ballots.
“Postal workers and the Postal Service are prepared to do an excellent job to ensure that ballots and election-related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “With the chaotic implementation of ‘network modernization’ combined with new management plans to slow down more mail, particularly as it relates to rural America, mail service is heading in the wrong direction. This must be reversed and fixed. Postal workers know what it takes to get back on track, and I hope management heard us loud and clear today!”
“We are proud to be able to show up for the people in every community to deliver their vital and sometimes life-saving mail,” said APWU Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell. “By rallying on the streets of over 90 cities, we showed that we are ready to take care of election mail and ballots this fall, and to do what it takes to provide high-quality, dependable mail service to every household in America.”
Hundreds of local news stations and newspapers covered the rally, and social media was flooded with photos and videos coming from workers on the ground at actions, ultimately reaching millions of everyday voters and postal customers. Those who could not get off work to participate sent in selfies with stickers and buttons on to show solidarity. At the end of the day, we sent the message to the public about the trustworthiness of election mail, and a message to management about the need to provide that same great service year-round with improved staffing and a good contract for APWU members.
Find our petitions, photos, and more from our National Day of Action at apwu.org/rally

Photos from our rallies:

Washington, DC

Dallas, TX

Hillcrest Post Office

Niagara Falls, NY

Maine Local 458

Washington, DC

Dallas, TX

Hillcrest Post Office

Niagara Falls, NY

Maine Local 458

Thousands of dedicated postal workers took to the streets for our “October 1 National Day of Action” to let the public know just how well we can move the mail when given the proper tools. 0

We Won’t Be Silenced: APWU Members Loud and Proud for October 1 National Day of Action

Posted in: APWU

Thousands of dedicated postal workers took to the streets for our “October 1 National Day of Action” to let the public know just how well we can move the mail when given the proper tools.
Rallying in over 90 cities from the East Coast to the West – and beyond – thousands of postal workers from hundreds of APWU locals and states, with the support of community allies, came out in full force on Oct. 1 to promote Vote-by-Mail, advocate for a strong new contract with language to guarantee better staffing, and demand that postal management treat all mail, all year long, with the same care and attention that election mail and ballots receive during election season. This means increasing staffing at post offices, and providing better service, which the public deserves! The APWU also demands that the public have a voice in how the Postal Service runs by allowing public comments and making them available and accessible in the face of the network changes that affect us all.
Postal workers know just how well the public postal service can work. In 2020, postal workers delivered 97.9 percent of ballots to election officials within three days. In 2022, postal workers delivered 99 percent of ballots to election officials within three days. With signs that read “VOTE BY MAIL, WE WON’T FAIL” our message rang loud and clear. We want every piece of mail to be handled as well as election mail and ballots.
“Postal workers and the Postal Service are prepared to do an excellent job to ensure that ballots and election-related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “With the chaotic implementation of ‘network modernization’ combined with new management plans to slow down more mail, particularly as it relates to rural America, mail service is heading in the wrong direction. This must be reversed and fixed. Postal workers know what it takes to get back on track, and I hope management heard us loud and clear today!”
“We are proud to be able to show up for the people in every community to deliver their vital and sometimes life-saving mail,” said APWU Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell. “By rallying on the streets of over 90 cities, we showed that we are ready to take care of election mail and ballots this fall, and to do what it takes to provide high-quality, dependable mail service to every household in America, while ensuring the public’s right to comment.”
Hundreds of local news stations and newspapers covered the rally, and social media was flooded with photos and videos coming from workers on the ground at actions, ultimately reaching millions of everyday voters and postal customers. Those who could not get off work to participate sent in selfies with stickers and buttons on to show solidarity. At the end of the day, we sent the message to the public about the trustworthiness of election mail, and a message to management about the need to provide that same great service year-round with improved staffing and a good contract for APWU members.
Find our petitions, photos, and more from our National Day of Action at apwu.org/rally

Photos from our rallies:

Washington, DC

Dallas, TX

Hillcrest Post Office

Niagara Falls, NY

Maine Local 458

Washington, DC

Dallas, TX

Hillcrest Post Office

Niagara Falls, NY

Maine Local 458

Thousands of dedicated postal workers took to the streets for our “October 1 National Day of Action” to let the public know just how well we can move the mail when given the proper tools. 0

PICO RIVERA ARTICLE 12 AREA REGIONAL MEETING SUMMARY

Posted in: APWU

Wednesday, September 25, 2024Western AreaWestern pico_rivera_article_12_area_regional_meeting_summary.pdfPICO RIVERA ARTICLE 12 AREA REGIONAL MEETING SUMMARY

Postal workers protest in downtown Milwaukee; ‘No closures, no cuts, no ifs, no buts!’

Posted in: APWU

https://www.cbs58.com/news/postal-workers-protest-in-downtown-milwaukee-no-closures-no-cuts-no-ifs-no-butsTuesday, October 1, 2024Day of ActionBetter Postal StaffingPostal workers protest in downtown Milwaukee; ‘No closures, no cuts, no ifs, no buts!’

Postal Workers Hold Nationwide “Day of Action” Oct. 1 in 90 Cities to Promote Vote-by-Mail, Demand First-Class Service Year-Round

Posted in: APWU

October 1, 2024WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu.
A Grand AllianceBetter Postal Staffing

WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu.
“The postal service is doing an excellent job ensuring that ballots and election related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein.
With the exception of the special provisions being applied to election mail, mail service has been noticeably slower for millions of customers due to postal management’s poor implementation of its plan to modernize mail facilities and its move to ship much of the nation’s mail and packages to distant processing centers. Pressure from members of Congress and the collective efforts of postal workers has caused a rethinking of elements of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan. But it isn’t just postal management that is at fault; the Postal Board of Governors has limited public comments in its meetings and has made many of its decisions that slow service behind closed doors, including a recent decision that will further slow rural mail beginning in 2025 if allowed to take effect. The APWU is demanding greater transparency.
This week, APWU members, joined by community and labor allies, are calling for the public’s help in demanding improved staffing for postal workers and improved customer service along with more opportunity for public input. While some elements of the Delivering for America plan are necessary for the postal service to modernize, it makes little sense to take mail being sent within the same city, county or Zip Code to locations sometimes hundreds of miles away by truck and then transported back.
The APWU is advocating for the USPS to invest more in its workforce. Recruiting and retaining a dedicated workforce is key to reliable service. While the USPS has converted thousands of temporary, non-career positions to career track over the past couple years, it has not proven sufficient to address turnover problems and short staffing.
“Staffing is an issue that needs to be addressed. It’s not just new hires and retention. We need more staff. The public sees the long lines at postal counters, where we handle more packages today than ever before, but while the number of packages handled has dramatically increased, the number of clerks has declined over the past two decades by over 10,000,” said Dimondstein.
In 2006 the USPS handled 1.2 billion packages. In 2024 that number of packages processed has risen to more than 8.5 billion annually, 23.5 million packages every day.
The public is not blind to the problems. While a majority of Americans maintain a favorable impression of the USPS, according to polling released by the Pew Research Center in March 2023, the number of Americans viewing the USPS favorably dropped from 91 percent in 2020 to 77 percent in the latest poll.
This decline in confidence has likely dropped further this year due to false claims made by former President Trump and others about the reliability of election mail. Postmaster General DeJoy in a recent news conference debunked those claims. The USPS is taking “extraordinary measures” to deliver mail-in ballots. In postal facilities, election monitors are working to ensure election mail has been sorted and moved out for transportation or delivery. Ballots and other election mail is moved ahead of other mail. The USPS also authorized extra deliveries, collections, transportation, and overtime for this purpose.
USPS took a similar approach to election mail in the 2020 and 2022 elections and in the state primaries earlier this year, it worked extraordinarily well. In 2020, 97.9 percent of ballots were delivered to election officials within three days. In 2022, 99 percent of ballots were delivered to election officials within three days.

The American Postal Workers Union represents 200,000 employees of the United States Postal Service and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. For more information on APWU, visit www.apwu.org
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Postal Workers Hold Nationwide ‘Day of Action’ Oct. 1 in 90 Cities to Promote Vote-by-Mail, Demand First-Class Service Year-Round

Posted in: APWU