The National Association of Postmasters of the United States

Greetings from your National Vice-President. I apologize for missing your state chapter convention and not keeping in touch with the Maine membership regarding NAPUS issues. I was dealing with a health issue concerning my wife but things have turned out well, so far, so I am able devote the time needed to serving the membership in my tri-state area. I have just returned from the national convention in Albuquerque with mixed news. As you all know, a pay package was agreed to by our  NAPUS national leaders with the USPS. I will put this as diplomatically as I can: This package was a slap in the face to all Postmasters. It seems to me that the USPS had a "senior moment". They forgot the 60 hour work weeks, delivering routes, and doing far more craft work than is in their job descriptions. It is easy for the USPS to target Postmasters as the "fall guy" whenever anything goes wrong, but when things are going right and the Postal Service come s out smelling like a rose equitable compensation for Postmasters is denied.  Keep in mind that NAPUS is not, and I repeat, not a union.

We are a management organization that enter into consultative talks with the USPS. Basically, we are at the mercy of the USPS in the hopes that they will recognize the contributions put forth by Postmasters. With that said, I believe that the pay package is the best our national officers could due under the circumstances. To keep this article short and sweet, I will refer you to your state chapter president for details of the negotiations. Other issues that were addressed at our executive board meetings was the postponement of increasing dues to cover the Legal Defense Fund. In fact, the NAPUS national budget is doing so well, all NAPUS members who are first timers attending the 2008 national convention in St Louis MO will have their registration fee waived. Again, check with your state chapter President for details.

There will be no change in term limits for our national officers. There were other house keeping items taken care of at our meetings concerning the NAPUS fiscal policy and family policy. I will brief you in future articles and at your state convention. As always, contact me with any questions or concerns. My contact information is listed on the NAPUS web page and in the PINECONE.

Thank you for you patience, take care of your health, keep your finances above reproach, and "Let Us Do Together What We Cannot Do Alone".

 

Bob