Postal News Archives May 2021

USPS raises stamp price to 58 cents under DeJoy’s 10-year plan
5.28.2021 – FOX Business reports: “The price increase is part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year plan, introduced in March, to reorganize the Post Office and avoid a projected $160 billion loss over the next decade. The initiative includes longer delivery times for some first-class mail, shorter hours for some post offices and more expensive postal rates.” – USPS News Release Comments (Count)
USPS Faces Preemptive Backlash to Expected Soaring Price Hikes
5.27.2021 – GovExec reports: “Constrained by inflationary caps, USPS has issued modest price increases of around 2% in recent years. This year, observers expect the hike could be as high as around 7% for First-Class Mail and higher for other products. In a recently released 10-year business plan, postal management said it expected to increase revenue by $35 billion to $52 billion over the next decade directly from rate increases.” – Comments (Count)
Senators reach bipartisan deal to reform USPS finances, tighten accountability requirements
5.19.2021 – Anchorage Daily News reports: “A bipartisan group of senators is expected to introduce legislation Wednesday to lift significant financial burdens off the ailing U.S. Postal Service while tightening accountability requirements for mail delivery, a major stride toward reform for the agency that has tussled with its balance sheet and reputation for the better part of a year. The bill, identical to a version that’s advanced in the House, would repeal $5 billion a year in mandatory retiree health care expenses and require future postal worker retirees to enroll in Medicare. Advocates say the measures will save the agency $30 billion over the next decade.” – CNN: Bill could actually pass Best shot at USPS reform gets better with 20 senators supporting Senators expected to announce deal Group of US senators backs $46 billion in relief for Postal Service Comments (Count)
New Postal Overhaul Measure Wins Support From Key Republican
5.12.2021 – GovExec reports: “The bill includes previously bipartisan provisions to shift more postal retirees to Medicare for their health care and require most postal workers to select postal-specific health care plans. The measure, like all recent attempts at postal reform, would take onerous payments toward health care benefits for future retirees off the agency’s balance sheets.” – NALC Statement Bipartisan USPS reform bill with a ‘good chance’ of becoming law passes House committee APWU Applauds Paid parental leave for USPS employees included in postal reform bills House panel advances bipartisan postal overhaul measure House committee moves ahead Postal-only health plan within FEHB that would be fully integrated with Medicare 2019: Concerns Raised on Compelling Retirees to Enroll in Medicare 2018: “Balancing the books of the USPS on the backs of postal retirees” Comments (Count)
USPS Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results
5.07.2021 – PR Newswire reports: “The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the 2021 second quarter ended March 31, reporting a net loss of $82 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $4.5 billion for the same quarter last year, as a pandemic surge in demand for package deliveries was not enough to offset increased operating costs and a decline in revenue from mail services.” – NALC Statement USPS Narrows Quarterly Loss DeJoy Charges Ahead Despite Beating Financial Projections Comments (Count)
USPS opts for a reduction in force for non-union employees in agency restructuring’s final phase
5.04.2021 – Federal News Network reports: “The Postal Service is moving ahead with a non-voluntary reduction in force of non-bargaining unit employees after sending voluntary early retirement offers to its eligible management workforce. Ahead of the layoffs and reassignments, USPS will send a second round of Voluntary Early Retirement offers to eligible employees working at its headquarters, headquarters-related facilities, area offices and district offices.” – USPS: Final Restructuring Phase GovExec: Postal Service to Issue Layoff Notices Later This Month Comments (Count)

5/31/21

Amazon driver yells from truck while delivering packages Comments (Count)
Residents of Springfield neighborhood speak out after no mail delivery for nearly two months Comments (Count)
‘It’s been a good ride’: Beloved mail carrier reflects on 36 year long career Comments (Count)

5/30/21

How the Postal Service Became Addicted to Secrecy Comments (Count)
Pickup truck spins out, slams into mail truck in Salina Comments (Count)
USPS worker uses music to drown out a ‘Karen’ who tries to interrupt his lunch break in viral TikTok video Comments (Count)
A beloved Virginia mail carrier could become one of the first covid victims to get a building named for him (subscription) Comments (Count)

5/29/21

After 15 years at post office, Buck retires – with many friends Comments (Count)
Senate OKs Biden Nominees to Postal Board Amid Mail Changes Comments (Count)
USPS sends first RIF notices to non-union employees Comments (Count)

5/28/21

Spain’s postal service receives backlash over stamps that cost according to skin tone color Comments (Count)
Chicago postal worker hurt in Rogers Park dog attack Comments (Count)
NALC: Contact your representative to support H. Res. 114, which continues six-day delivery Comments (Count)
Boston-based international cocaine ring busted by Postal Inspectors with help from Boston and State police Comments (Count)
Amazon Calls for Revitalizing the USPS Comments (Count)

5/27/21

USPS OIG: Spring 2021 Semiannual Report to Congress Comments (Count)
USPS Flouted Court Orders to Make Extra Trips, NY Says Comments (Count)
Biden Appointee to Postal Service Board Targets ‘Greatest Risk in Security’ For Elections Comments (Count)
Ruppersberger seeks audit of Baltimore-area post offices amid mail delays | Rodents eating undelivered mail items Comments (Count)
Postal mail service restored after 5 months when couple Turns to Ted Comments (Count)
Bellingham woman reportedly stole a USPS uniform and keys, then got in a post truck Comments (Count)
USPS OIG: Delayed Mail at the Santa Ana P&DC Comments (Count)

5/26/21

Postal reform bill could raise premiums for federal workers, employee group warns Comments (Count)
FedEx commercial with Willie Nelson features an electric vehicle and delivery robot Comments (Count)
FedEx Still Struggling With Late Deliveries Comments (Count)
New Senate Postal Bill Mirrors House Measure Comments (Count)
Mail carrier charged with animal cruelty after allegedly running over dog with postal van Comments (Count)
Lawmakers request investigation into Postal Service’s covert operations program Comments (Count)
Do you want the USPS to deliver you your drinks? Comments (Count)
Baltimore Residents Complain About USPS Mail Delays Comments (Count)

5/25/21

Nike’s controversial ‘USPS’ Air Force 1 shoe finally drops this month Comments (Count)
‘Snail mail’ lives up to its name Comments (Count)
Postal Service is Hiring at Post Offices Throughout Orange County Comments (Count)

5/24/21

USPS, NRLCA extend contract negotiations Comments (Count)
Reed backs postal service reform plan aimed at financially saving the USPS Comments (Count)
Two USPS employees plead guilty in Los Angeles to EDD fraud Comments (Count)
USPS parade delivers hope to sick colleague Comments (Count)
Online Jewelry Retailer Fumes About Postal Delays Rooted in Problems at Elk Grove Village Facility Comments (Count)
Postal Service sees chance to turn the page after tumultuous year Comments (Count)
USPS trucks don’t have air bags or air conditioning. They get 10mpg. And they were revolutionary Comments (Count)

5/23/21

Live inside a 70s era post office for $180,000 in New York Comments (Count)
Normal Post Office mural dates to Great Depression Comments (Count)
Mailman keeps on trucking after 50-plus years Comments (Count)

5/22/21

Three Ashtabula postal retirees toasted at party Comments (Count)
Las Cruces: Police say they’ve recovered mail stolen after cluster boxes vandalized Comments (Count)
Baltimore: Some residents are upset after weeks, months of no mail delivery Comments (Count)
Haverhill Postmaster Deals With a COVID-19 ‘Gloom of Night’ by Making Mail Deliveries Himself Comments (Count)
Concerns Raised About Security of USPS Online Presence Comments (Count)
How the postal reform bill may help the Postal Service slow down the mail Comments (Count)

5/21/21

USPS Approved Jumbo Mailboxes to Fit all Those Online Orders | USPS: Fit More in Your Extra-Large Mailbox Comments (Count)
U.S. Rep Latta asks USPS to return mail processing to Toledo Comments (Count)
USPS Reportedly Uses Clearview AI to Spy on Americans Comments (Count)
Stolen USPS Master Keys Pose Continued Threat to Chicago Apartment, Condo Owners Comments (Count)

5/20/21

Echoing Amazon: Walmart, Target try local package delivery Comments (Count)
Senate approves two for USPS board of governors Comments (Count)
Beware Federal Employees: Mandatory Medicare First Step to Eliminating FEHB Coverage for Retirees Comments (Count)
La Pine post office reduces hours after postal worker tests positive for COVID-19 Comments (Count)

5/19/21

Wayne County asking “Where’s the mail” Comments (Count)
Complaints continue to pile up about local USPS service Comments (Count)
Postal bill advances with bipartisan support Comments (Count)

5/18/21

Douglas F. Carlson seeking USPS performance scores from 1998 to present (PDF) Comments (Count)
Local mail carrier set to retire after 54 years of delivering parcels Comments (Count)
Longtime Wacissa postal worker saying goodbye to job Comments (Count)
How a military vehicle contractor plans to make a USPS truck that lasts ‘almost forever’ Comments (Count)
Driver killed after striking postal truck, overturning in Brooklyn Comments (Count)
House lawmakers unveil bill to end ban on Postal Service shipments of alcohol Comments (Count)
New Heritage Breeds Forever Stamps Honor Genetic Diversity in Farm Animals Comments (Count)
Amazon pressed USPS to install mailbox used in unionization election Comments (Count)

5/17/21

Congress hints, Postal Service reform might be a real possibility this year Comments (Count)
A beloved post office in Hyde Park is closing. The Austin neighborhood wants to know why Comments (Count)
The USPS might actually get its $8 billion to electrify future mail trucks Comments (Count)
Hope for repairing Trump, DeJoy damage to post office as new board members are seated Comments (Count)

5/16/21

Amazon is seeking to hire 75,000 in a tight job market Comments (Count)
Cleveland U.S. Post Office sorting facility loses power Comments (Count)
USPS Lost Grandma Comments (Count)

5/15/21

Amid councilman’s protests, USPS opens mobile post office in Cleveland community Comments (Count)
USPS hiring in San Diego County – numerous vacancies available Comments (Count)
Amazon worker alleges security had keys to mailbox used in union vote Comments (Count)
USPS reveals Christmas, Otter in Snow stamps Comments (Count)

5/14/21

The remains of a Holocaust survivor lost in the mail Comments (Count)
COVID continues to have an impact on mail delivery, USPS says Comments (Count)
USPS OIG: Delayed Mail at the Phoenix P&DC Comments (Count)

5/13/21

USPS Names Chief Human Resources Officer Tulino as Deputy Postmaster General Comments (Count)
Detroit Postal Workers Push to Dump DeJoy and His Ten-Year Plan Comments (Count)
Moorhead police disable Facebook page after post office “First Amendment” confrontation | Video Comments (Count)
Final delivery: Patti Hobgood retiring from USPS Comments (Count)

5/12/21

USPS OIG: How Do Employees Absent Without Leave Affect the Postal Service? Comments (Count)
Cleveland residents frustrated by no reopening date of closed post office Comments (Count)
MAGA-Hat Wearing White Ex-Postal Worker’s Reverse Bias Claim OK Comments (Count)
USPS worker reveals why some mail carriers are leaving dryer sheets in mailboxes Comments (Count)
Over 50 Democrats Support $8 Billion Fund for USPS to Electrify Its Fleet Comments (Count)

5/11/21

Democrats’ Postal Reform Bill Would Give DeJoy a Free Hand Comments (Count)
Postal worker assaulted while delivering mail in San Tan Valley Comments (Count)
John Oliver on why the Postal Service is on ‘the brink of collapse’ Comments (Count)

5/10/21

House panel to take up Postal Service reform measures Comments (Count)
Detroit: As frustration grows over delays, USPS looks to hire more workers Comments (Count)
CBS News: On-time delivery plunges at USPS Comments (Count)
Military Appreciation Month: USPS to Honor Veterans With a Tumbler and Letter of Appreciation Comments (Count)
NALC: Emergency Federal Employee Leave Update Comments (Count)
The UK’s Postal Service Launches Drone Deliveries to Remote Islands Comments (Count)
Democrats Want $8 Billion to Electrify US Postal Service Deliveries Comments (Count)

5/09/21

My beloved mother died. Then she got lost in the mail Comments (Count)
COVID: Out-of-work Bay Area bartenders turned to delivering mail during pandemic Comments (Count)

5/08/21

Japan Post Office to release commemorative Pokemon stamps based on original trading cards Comments (Count)
DFW: Arlington mother and son shipped meth across the U.S. in the mail Comments (Count)
Detroit woman says her apartment complex hasn’t received mail in three weeks Comments (Count)
Postmaster General Vows to Consider ‘Critiques’ as USPS Announces Tanking Performance in Recent Months Comments (Count)

5/07/21

Former postal worker fined $200 for failing to deliver over 700 pieces of mail Comments (Count)
Despite promises to stop parking in public spaces, Postal trucks still clog spots in Belmont Cragin Comments (Count)
USPS Turns to AI at the Edge to Boost Package Processing Comments (Count)

5/06/21

Mapping out the changes in USPS service standards Comments (Count)
How the pandemic reignited my love affair with the USPS Comments (Count)
Downtown Topeka Post Office has chipped paint, cracked windows and broken elevators. That’s just what we can see, so what can be done? Comments (Count)
Canada: Post Office to expand ‘financial services’ Comments (Count)
Residents living in 8th fastest growing county in US say Postal Service is overwhelmed Comments (Count)

5/05/21

eBay CEO Makes Case for USPS Reliability, Reduced Regulations Comments (Count)
USPS settles with Nike over its Postal Service-inspired Air Force 1 shoe Comments (Count)
GAO questions sustainability of USPS Comments (Count)
USPS OIG: Negotiated Service Agreement Price Tables Sent Unsecured to Vendors Comments (Count)
Detroit protest held over mail delivery struggles by postal service Comments (Count)
Federal investigation underway into dumping of undelivered mail in Ferguson Comments (Count)

5/04/21

One Memphis community has not received a single piece of mail in month Comments (Count)
Woman details sexual harassment at Corpus Christi postal facility Comments (Count)
USPS has supply of cooling neck gaiters for employees Comments (Count)

5/03/21

Police cruiser, postal truck involved in crash Comments (Count)
USPS truck involved in 3-car crash in Wake Forest Comments (Count)
USPS Defends Slower Mail Proposal Before Its Regulator Comments (Count)
French Reunion: the postmen of the peaks Comments (Count)
Raw Story: Louis DeJoy ordered postal inspectors to monitor Americans social media posts Comments (Count)

5/02/21

About 40 percent of post offices operate in the red. Could banking services bring in more money? Comments (Count)
USPS Cleveland seeks to hire 200 at Sunday job fair Comments (Count)
‘Disrespectful’ Cresskill postal clerks to get mandatory retraining after complaints Comments (Count)

5/01/21

Post Office halts delivery to Theodore neighborhood, blaming dogs chasing after mail truck Comments (Count)
Gaetz, House Republicans introduce bill to defund Postal Service covert operations program Comments (Count)
USPS OIG: International Election Mail Observations for the 2020 General and 2021 Georgia Senate Runoff Elections Comments (Count)