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At the request of NAPUS, Postal Headquarters provided a list of nationwide Postmaster vacancies. The current list reflects substantial progress in filling vacant Postmaster positions, as the number of vacancies has been reduced from nearly 2,500 (six months ago,) down to a little more than 1,000 (present.) We are confident that continued progress in the filling of Postmaster vacancies will continue in the coming months.

A reminder that final PFP ratings will be available for review by evaluators on January 7, 2006 and they can then share the information with Postmasters.

From National League of Postmasters

"...President LeNoir attended a briefing from Eastern Area VP Al Lazaroff on a pilot program he intends to introduce in the Appalachian District starting October 1. The effort is being called “Post Office Resource Optimization” or PRO. The Appalachian District has approximately 950 post offices that will be divided into 234 teams.

2005 NAPUS NATIONAL CONVENTION

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

(August 20-25, 2005)

PRESIDENT OLIHOVIK PROMISES “SEAMLESS TRANSITION” AS NAPUS ELECTS DALE GOFF AS NEW PRESIDENT.

Editor’s Note: The recent disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast area is a primary concern of the NAPUS National Office.  We preface this convention report by reminding you that the latest information that we have on the storm’s impact on our postal family, including President Elect and Postmaster of Covington, LA, Dale Goff, can be found on the NAPUS Hotline.

 More than 1,500 attendees were on hand at the 101^st NAPUS National Convention in Long Beach California, as President Wally Olihovik gave his final speech to conclude an unprecedented 4 consecutive years in office (2002-2005.)  Olihovik spoke of the many accomplishments during the past 4 years, but cautioned that there were “extremely challenging” times ahead for both NAPUS and the U S Postal Service.  He pledged his full support and the promise for a “seamless transition” with President-Elect Dale Goff, who will take office on January 1, 2006. 

 President Elect Dale Goff, Postmaster of Covington, LA, has held many local and national positions in NAPUS, including National Secretary Treasurer (2001-2002.)  Goff said that too many Postmasters were not treated with dignity and respect and cited examples of abusive behavior towards postmasters by their managers.  He pledged to take these and other issues to the highest levels to get them resolved.

 National Secretary Treasurer Bob Rapoza announced that NAPUS membership was improving at an impressive rate, despite the loss of nearly 1,200 active NAPUS Postmasters to the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) earlier this year.  He reported that NAPUS was in “sound financial” condition.

 Other speakers included Tony Vegliante, USPS Chief Human Resources Officer and VP, Charlie Bravo, Senior VP Intelligent Mail and Address Quality, Rep.Robert Filner (CA), Lee Heath, Chief Postal Inspector, and Scott Wilson, Deputy Inspector General.

 A moving presentation was given by Dr. Ernie Bodai, Creative Force behind the Breast Cancer Stamp.

  Postmasters Retired President Janet Austen final speech included an impressive slide show of retirees attending NAPUS events during the last two years. 

 Charlie Moser announced his retirement as NAPUS Executive Director, which will become effective at the end of the Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. (March, 2006.)

 Government Relations Director Bob Levi provided a legislative update, including the current status of postal reform.

 Full coverage of all of the speakers and other convention events will be published in the October edition of the Postmasters Gazette.

 The following National Vice Presidents were elected to serve in 2006-2007;

 AREA 2 CT/MA/RI - David Ravenelle, New London, CT

AREA 4  PA - Sigmund Pehel III, Allison Park, PA

AREA 6 VA/WV – Randy Painter, Woodstock, VA

AREA 8 FL/GA/PR&VI – Hilda Carpena, Toa Baja, PR

AREA 9/10 IN/KY/OH – Debbie Ruffner, St Clairsville, OH

AREA 12 MI/WI – Kathy Horton, Schoolcraft, MI

AREA 14 MN/ND/SD – Renee Reede, Meadow, SD

AREA 16 KS/NE – Jerry Lewman, Ozawlie, KS

AREA 18 TX – Greg Nors, West, TX

AREA 20 MT/UT/WY – Sandra Mangelson, Levan, UT

AREA 22 CA/HI/NV – Craig Colton, North Las Vegas, NV

 The new President of the NAPUS Postmasters Retired will be Stan Ostwinch, Butler, PA.

 Thanks to an outstanding promotional event by the Texas Chapter, more than 800 people have already signed up for next year’s convention in Fort Worth, TX  (August 26-September 1, 2006.)  Registration information can be found on the NAPUS website at www.napus.org

• Steve Lenoir, National President, National League of Postmasters By Merrell Ponder
• Anthony J. Vegliante By Bernie Cook, FL Editor and Lori Grisword, VT
• John E. Potter By Judy Carroll, Virginia Editor
• Jim Price, Secretary-Treasurer By Starla Hines, Oregon Editor
• Walter M. Olihovik By Judy Miller, Georgia Editor

Steve Lenoir, National President, National League of Postmasters
By Merrell Ponder

Steve Lenoir spoke to the NAPUS National Convention on Wednesday morning, stressing the need for the two Postmaster organizations to work together for the betterment of Postmasters.

His speech was a mix of recollections, humor, history and where we need to go as organizations. He began by remembering his first appearance at a NAPUS convention at which he purchased a custom-made suit which he wore for several years, and also mentioned several other times he attended NAPUS functions. He then went on to talk about five issues: NPA, Work Service Credits, VERA, relations between NAPUS and the League, and Postal Reform.

NPA
He thanked Wally, Jim and Charlie for the work they have done on NPA in a joint effort with the League, saying that it had been a learning experience. The league and NAPUS had given USPS Headquarters a list of 21 items of concern with the top three being Revenue, Total Operating Expense and Mitigating Factors. The team feels that NPA is weighted too heavily on revenue and is working to correct that. On TOE, they want management to look closer at the things that Postmasters have no control over and adjust accordingly. As for mitigating factors, they have asked for a follow-up meeting to try and determine which is most fair — SPLY or Plan.

Work Service Credit
The current system is outdated, with the 1978 version of Form 150 still being used which does not take into account newer duties Postmasters have to perform such as spending so much time entering data into the computer and scanners. Whatever the new system will be, NAPUS and the League will insist that no Postmaster will be harmed.

VERA
The two organizations will continue to work toward the inclusion of higher level Postmasters in the early out process. They also will be watching to see how the vacancies resulting from the VERA are filled.

He said the number one question is, "Why are so many Postmasters wanting to get out, even with the penalties?" He thinks it is because of inadequate staffing, insufficient budgets, and micromanagement from the district level.

NAPUS-League Relations
Lenoir stated that the two organizations met six times and reached an impasse over the issue of representation on the executive board. The League wanted an equal number of members on the transition board while NAPUS felt that because it has more members NAPUS should have more representatives. He also stated that the League's only debt is a $1.8 million mortgage on their building that is valued at $5 million. He said that the joining of the two organizations will come about because of efforts at the local not national level.

Postal Reform
Lenoir thanked NAPUS' Bob Levi for the job he is doing on Capitol Hill, and that neither the House or Senate versions of Postal Reform will close Post Offices or affect Postmaster benefits. He said that the 10,000 smallest Post Offices cost less than 1% of the total postal budget, and that he feels that the role of small Post Offices should be expanded to include things such as voter registration and efforts to enhance homeland security.

Mr. Lenoir closed by again pledging that he and the League will continue, along with NAPUS to work for the betterment of all Postmasters.

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Using an armchair approach Vice President Anthony Vegliante (Labor Relations) answered questions from National President Wally O.

Q) What can you tell us about the National Pay for Performance Plan?

A) The good thing about the NPA Program is that all Postmasters know what is expected of them. They are given their goals and pay increases are based on reaching these goals. The program is doing very well and has been well received.

Q) What can you tell us about the VERA or early out?

A)The only Postmasters who are presently eligible are EAS 18's and below. These are the only levels that could be justified to OPM. It can be extended to 20's and above if necessary. There is no reason to do it at this time, but if numbers have to be reduced the option is available.

Q) Who determines which date a Postmaster might go?

A)The District Manager has this option. There are two dates for several reasons. VERAs need to be staggered due to the impact it will have upon the district. They want to make sure that they have a replacement in place so it will be less of an impact on the community and service.

Q) Where does Headquarters stand in relations to training our nation's Postmasters?

A)A new Postmaster's training program has just been developed and will be implemented at the first of the fiscal year. All postmasters will receive mandatory training in revenue during the first quarter of 2005. Customer Service employees and delivery personnel will also receive similar training. There will be no videos and the training will consists of hands-on computer and classroom training.

Q) Has the message changed on treating Postmasters with respect?

A)The message has not changed and will remain the same and that is all individuals must be treated with dignity and respect.

Q) Tell us when an announcement will come out concerning changes in Work Service Credits?

A)We are very close to making an announcement right now and Postmasters should expect to hear something by the beginning of FY 2005.

Q) What is the long-range challenge for the Postal Service?

Legislative changes will be the largest reform facing the Postal Service. The Postal Service must figure out where it needs to be to better serve the American public. We need change in order to support the best Postal Service in the world. We must also generate revenue. This will be our biggest challenge for the future and one that we must overcome in order for us to survive and meet these future challenges.

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Postmaster General Potter started out by thanking President Wally for his leadership and the way he works for the Postal Service. We've worked very hard to fix some of the problems. If we're not "on the same page" what signal are we sending our customers? He, also, thanked Postmasters for their service to their communities and for their leadership in the community. As an example, he talked about the re-establishment of service in Florida (after hurricane Charley) which was accomplished by everyone working together. "Our people are out there helping America", Potter stated, "That's what makes us strong".

"We are very close to changing the PMR pay scale so we can attract and retain people to help you", Potter told the 1500 plus attendees. "We will shortly be able to announce a new pay scale for PMRs. On the WSC issue he told us that they are working on the Zone of Tolerance so there is no Zone of Tolerance and to increase levels of Postmasters to help get them in line.

PMG Potter discussed the STAR. We need to hire the right people so we give good customer service. The VOE survey has gone up and grievances have gone down. "When I was new in this job it was SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE and now we need to get the word out that we need to SELL, SELL, SELL!", Potter said. We need to raise revenue through advertising. We need to educate our small businesses to use our mailboxes for advertising because today it takes 116 commercials to reach the public where in the '60s and '70s it took only 3 commercials to reach them. You need to let the small businesses know what we have to offer. We're counting on you to reach small businesses. Reform is important but we cannot lose sight of the business. We must make sure that reform is the right reform and we get what we need.

The Postal Service needs you to deliver the mail with integrity, treat people with dignity and get this message out: "If you want mail delivered six days per week, we need your business." We need flexibility so we can be competitive.

Mr. Potter thanked Postmasters for the job they do and asked us to carry his message back to our employees. He asked us to "set the table" for reform so people don't lose confidence in the Postal Service. "Let's go out there and generate revenue", was his closing statement.    

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In his final address, "There are a few moments in life that we will remember later in life; this will be one of them." One thing he will not miss is writing the monthly articles for the Postmaster Gazette. Trying to come up with the brain power to write it after you arrive back after a long trip on the road is not easy. He said he is very sentimental inside and he feels very honored to serve as our National Secretary-Treasurer.

In the treasurers report he stated that we have weathered the storm of decreased membership and are back on track.    Sandy Brown from the accountants' office worked with him on the records doing away with all of the misc. items. Very special thanks to Sandy for all the help.

After 20 meetings we have new pay-for-performance. It is a big improvement over the EVA. They are still working to improve it. With NPA, if the MPOO says no — use the NAPUS officers of your state to move forward with any disagreements. We brought home the Postmasters Equity Act, signed, sealed, and delivered. The long overdue changes in the Work Load Credit, they are working to finalize them.

Growing the business, will be part of the VOE training for postmasters in 2005. There will be hands on training for ADM.

They have an open line of communications with the USPS. They are recognizing that NAPUS and Postmasters are part of the solution, not part of the problem.

There are several people that he thanked:

President Wally, for his leadership — Charlie Mosier for his dedication to NAPUS and just for being there and for keeping things glued together. Bob Levi, for being the best in the business, his commitment is unparallel. The Executive Committee, for daring to be different and for the 3 day marathon board meetings. And to Warren Hardin and Janet Austin, retired past and present presidents for being model members.    To the office staff, for all the assistance to him either individual or collectively. To his aids, extended family and his children. And lastly to the state of Colorado NAPUS Chapter, that has inspired him to run for office weather it be state or national. THANK YOU!!!

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After the outstanding presentation of the slide show of our Napus family veterans, President Wally continued the patriotic theme having the vets in the room to stand. He asked that everyone remember all those who fought in the past and those currently serving in order to save our peace.

President Wally reported that revenue is down. We have experienced a decline in priority mail, express mail, first class mail, and periodicals. Business cannot be cost cut. The US Postal Service lost three billion pieces last year due to the Internet. UPS and FedEx are fighting for our business and we have to fight back.

Napus is a driving force for Postal Reform. It takes 16-18 months to make a change in our pricing now. More pricing flexibility is a MUST. We don't start at square one for postal reform. With the election year, we have to continue to push forward in order to see the bill passed.

President Wally recently had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with President Bush. He took the opportunity to let the President of the United States know that he represents 43,000 active Postmasters. As President Wally was leaving, President Bush took him by the arm and said he is aware that we are on the street day in and day out and that he appreciates what the Postal Service does.

Pay For Performance is allowing more Postmasters to be on the threshold to receive the largest increase ever. Napus got it done!

Early Outs or VERAs need to become an option for ALL Postmasters. Postmasters are getting the jobs done. For instance when the Postmasters in Florida that was faced with the effects of hurricane Charlie. They seen that the work was done and the safety of the employees and the mail was first priority.

Change affects our Postmasters. We want to see USPS and Napus to survive but we must change things such as long hours, Postmasters having to deliver routes because they're not allowed to hire, telecom and log after log after log. We have logs for logs and we do more logging than a lumberjack. This must change.

Give the Postmasters the tools they need to do their job. Keep things in perspective. We still work for the best employer. We don't get laid of or receive pink slips. Look at the glass as being half full instead of half empty. Look for the good in our jobs, not the bad.

The job is not finished. President Wally ended with the comment to make all things better for Postmasters no matter what it takes. Be proud of what you do.

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