The LEAGUE Headquarters, state officials and your legal have received many inquiries about the reduction in grade being implemented for some Postmasters to reflect their change in status from exempt to non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Here are answers to possible questions: What happens to my pay under FLSA? Nothing except you are now eligible for overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 in a work week. Note: you do not receive OT for more than eight hours in a given day unless that puts you over 40 in the week. Will my grade be reduced and can I appeal to MSPB? Will I win such an appeal? Any reduction in grade or pay can be appealed to MSPB. Thus, although there is not reduction in pay proposed, the reduction in grade gives you appeal rights to MSPB. You will not likely prevail in any such appeal. That is because the action is taken to promote the efficiency of the service (non-disciplinary) and is required to comply with FLSA. The MSPB rights are conferred by law and USPS must give you those procedural rights but they only have to show that it's a non-disciplinary reduction to comply with the law (FLSA). Am I better off being non-exempt? Virtually all affected Postmasters will be better off. There's no reduction in pay and there's overtime for all the extra hours most of you have been working. The 1 grade reduction is not all that significant. You retirement is based on pay not grade. You can still be promoted to higher level positions. What about the fact that I've been incorrectly placed in exempt status when I should have been non-exempt (eligible for 40 + hours OT)? Do I have a claim for OT I've worked in the past? Obviously, each case is different. You would have to file a FLSA claim for hours worked in excess of 40 per week during the time you were wrongly classified as exempt. Unfortunately, because you weren't on a time clock, you would have to reconstruct your hours worked during the period of your claim. USPS is aware there is a potential liability for FLSA claims from formerly exempt Postmasters. Will a class action case be filed for all affected Postmasters? The LEAGUE will continue to review all options, but traditional class action litigation may not be available. Each claim may have to be pursued by the affected Postmaster. (FLSA claims are not adverse actions nor do you have any union rights, thus no right to file a back pay grievance as would a craft employee) What should I do if I have further questions? If it's regarding an adverse action response, contact your lead Adverse Action Counselor who will help you to get an AAC representative. If you have legal questions, consult Security Legal Services. If you have other questions regarding LEAGUE Headquarters policy positions and consultation activities with USPS, consult the LEAGUE website, call LEAGUE Headquarters, the National Officer for your area or your state president. The LEAGUE website has all the contact information for the above individuals. Remember, in terms of pay and benefit, this is an improvement for most affected Postmasters. You will eligible for the OT pay you have been working, your retirement, promotions, benefits, etc., are unaffected and you may have a back pay OT claim for prior USPS FLSA violations. Best of all you remain a Postmaster. Dear Leaguers, As you know, I have repeatedly suggested to the Postal Service that if they really want people to leave the Postal Service they need to offer a monetary incentive to go. Five minutes ago, I got word from Postal HQ that it will be offering a $15 thousand incentive to any clerk or mail handler who is either eligible for a VER, a normal retirement, or anyone who wants to resign from the Postal Service. This will be paid out in two installments; the first of $10 K in FY 2010 (October) and the second in FY 2011 (October). This is for clerks and mail handlers only because these are people that the PS does not plan to replace. I have asked for this for Postmasters and supervisors but have been told that loss of a Postmaster or supervisor would require a replacement. As always, I will keep you up to date on changes. Respectfully, Charley Mapa MANAGERS, HUMAN RESOURCES (AREA) SUBJECT: Pay-for-Performance Mid-Year Review and Interim Rating Process The FY 2009 PEP Mid-Year review process will open in the Performance Evaluation System (PES) on Monday, March 31. At that time, employees may begin to submit accomplishments toward the objectives for their position (permanent or detail) held on March 28, 2009. Evaluators' review of submitted accomplishments and Mid-Year discussions with all of their employees must be completed and documented in PES by Monday, May 12. As a reminder, evaluators are required to conduct one-on-one Mid-Year discussions with all of their employees. Prior to beginning the Mid-Year process, employees must ~ Review their individual profiles and assure that the profile is up to date and accurate ~ Pay special attention to the Finance Number, Unit, and Position Type on their profile ~ Add/Review any detail assignments ~ Complete any required actions in PES Please stress to employees and evaluators the importance of paying close attention to the information contained in their profiles. Profile information is used to map the employee's record to the NPA Unit at the end of the fiscal year. We are aware that a few employees have been disappointed by the NPA Composite Summary that was calculated into their end of year rating because they did not pay close attention when taking profile actions that impacted their NPA unit. However, we have consistently held that it is the employee's responsibility to ensure that the information in his/her profile is correct at all times. I also want to share an enhancement in PES that changes the display of interim ratings. Employees who are eligible for an interim rating no longer need to wait until their end of year rating is displayed in PES to see the interim rating. This year employees will be able to view an interim rating as soon as it is finalized. The new 1-15 rating scale implemented this year for all performance pay programs will be used for any applicable interim ratings. If employees or evaluators have any questions, they should be directed to their PFP coordinator. A listing of PEP Coordinatorscan be found on the PFP website at http://blue.usps.qov/hrisp/ser/pfp/,elcome,htm, The PFP web site will be updated shortly to include guidance about the mid-year process. If you have questions regarding PFP, please contact Robin McLarney, Manager, Performance Evaluation Programs, at (202) 268-3951. Mangala P. Gandhi Manager Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition |
NEBRASKA LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS |
Click on Hero's Plaque to see slide show of Postmaster Installations |
This page was last updated on: November 14, 2009
Postmaster Dennis Schoenefeld made four presentations on behalf of the Butte community. TO: SPC George P Schulte SPC Jesse L Vogt SPC Michael A Roth SGT Timothy J Hansen Unit: 153rd Engineer Battalion Wagner South Dakota National Guard Unit. The following message was printed on the back of each Heor's Plaque presented: "A small token of appreciation from the community for the sacrifices you have made for your country, the community of Butte and most of all to your families, during the last year." |
Postmaster Sharleen Miller made a presentation of a Hero's Plaque on behalf of the Chambers community TO: SGT Christian R. Mueller 735 TC Company B. National Guard Unit. The following message was printed on the back of the Hero's Plaque that was presented: "This is a small token of our appreciation from the community for the sacrifice you have made for your country, the community of Chambers and most of all to your family during this year." |
Postmaster William Krejci presents American Red Cross Commemerative plaque to Grand Island Board President Ron Adams in appreciation of the humanatarian efforts for the victims and families of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The plaque features the 50 yr and 100yr American Red Cross Commerative mint stamps |
LEAGUE COMMUNITY SERVICE |
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Join the League: THE Organization that is WORKING for YOU! Words of wisdom from National Sec/Tres Linda Rumney Because I have been involved with League membership for some time, I am often asked the following question. "WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE LEAGUE?" There are many benefits that we as League members receive that we may take for granted or not even think about until we have a need for them. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS The League represents the "Voice of the Postmaster" in efforts to enhance the pay, benefits and working conditions of Postmasters. A registered lobbyist provides a direct line of communication with Congress on issues of concern to Postmasters, retirees and the US Postal Service. SECURITY LEGAL SERVICES AND ADVERSE ACTION The League is the ONLY Postmaster organization that includes legal services as part of it's monthly membership dues. The League is the nation's premier advocate for protecting the jobs and rights of Postmasters. We can feel secure in the knowledge that we have the best legal representation available should the need arise. Adverse Action legal services benefit offers representation by an attorney before the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit at significantly discounted rates. IMPROVED MANAGER'S PROCESS This program offers support for League members and their families to help them to cope with a wide range of medical, behavioral, psychological and addiction issues. A 24 helpline is available at 800-524-4771 LEAGUE PUBLICATIONS The Postmaster's Advocate, Advocate Express and in West Virginia, our award winning publication, Mountain League News. POST OFFICE CONTINUANCE CONSULTANT The League employs Mario Principe who was a former discontinuance coordinator with the USPS to deal with Post Office closings. A SENSE OF FAMILY AMONG YOUR FELLOW LEAGUE MEMBERS. This is only a partial list of the benefits available through the League. The list could go on and on. If you have any questions concerning benefits or membership, contact any member of the Board . Membership in the League is an honor and a privilege and we encourage every Postmaster, PMR and EAS employee to join. |
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Madison and Bill Krejci on the Postal float for the Marquette Heritage Days parade |
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NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS NEBRASKA BRANCH 2009-2010 OFFICERS VICKI OZENBAUGH President 515 Road 18 Ohiowa, NE 68416 Home 402-295-2505 Cell 402-759-0411 vozenbaugh@windstream.net Exeter Post Office 402-266-5171 Victoria.L.Ozenbaugh@usps.gov TRACY BONDEGARD Secretary-Treasurer 4370 Road S Oak, NE 68964-8214 Home 402-225-5299 Cell 402-224-1420 riverviewt@hotmail.com Beatrice Post Office 402-228-3361 Tracy.L.Bondegard@usps.gov REUBEN SCHMALE Executive Vice President and Membership Chairman 108 S 2nd Seward NE 68434-2104 Home: 402-641-7075 Work: 402-549-2223 Ulysses NE 68669 rschmale@neb.rr.com TOM RIGGS Vice-President 4580 N Pawnee Ave Hastings, NE 68901-8306 Home 402-463-8097 Cell 402-984-8549 rplace@gtmc.net Glenvil Post Office 402-771-2528 Thomas.M.Riggs@usps.gov MICHELE STOLTENBERG Vice-President 1000 W Edith St Sargent, NE 68874-4141 Home 308-527-3451 Cell 308-214-1013 stoltenberg@nctc.net Sargent Post Office 308-527-4100 Michele.M.Stoltenberg@usps.gov SHERRI HELMAN Vice-President 1741 33rd RD David City, NE 68632 Home 402-367-4663 Cell 402-367-8692 shelman@wildblue.net Brainard Post Office 402-545-3721 Sherri.A.Helman@usps.gov PEGGY ROIT Vice-President 608 Road 20 Ohiowa, NE 68416 Home 402-295-2340 pjroit@yahoo.com Ohiowa Post Office 402-295-2222 Peggy.J.Roit@usps.gov KAREN MERRYMAN Immediate Past President 808 Road P Geneva, NE 68361 Home 402-759-4865 McCool Junction Post Office 402-724-2333 Karen.S.Merryman@usps.gov KEVIN COTTAM State Coordinator 5727 Road N Hebron, NE 68370 Home 402-365-4538 Cell 402-460-6932 kevinCottam@diodecom.net Carleton Post Office 402-356-2341 Kevin.L.Cottam@usps.gov WILLIAM KREJCI National Legislative Chairman P O Box 1 Marquette NE 68854-0001 Home: 402-694-5619 wkrejci2@yahoo.com Marquette Post Office 402-854-2498 BEVERLY ZINK Convention Site Chairman 90368 474th Ave Naper NE 68755-3021 Home: 402-775-2206 zink@inebraska.com Naper Post Office 402-832-5977 Beverly.A.Zink@usps.gov SHIRLEY STOLTENBERG Editor 807 N Collins Atkinson NE 68713 Home: 402-925-5507 Cell: 402-340-2579 pmstuart65@yahoo.com CHARLOTTE ZIEG Chaplain 401 Martin Ave Beaver Crossing Ne 68313 Home: 402-522-5170 Dorchester Post Office 402-946-2411 Western II Area Coordinator Richard Wendt 2540 Nancy Dr. Lincoln, NE 68507 (402)325-0862 rwendt@neb.rr.com KS District Coordinator & Kansas President: Judy Raney PO Box 1113 Lawrence, KS 66044-1113 Office: (785) 843-8777 Home: (785) 841-0259 Email: judyraney@att.net NEBRASKA RETIREE BOARD Retiree President Jean Roemer 1482 County Road M Blvd Hooper NE 68031-2066 Home: 402-654-2272 mdandthe3ts@hughes.net Vice President Cleo Peterson 508 Waldo Avenue Grand Island NE 68803 308-382-7313 PCLPeterson@q.com Retiree Secretary-Treasurer Thurlow Noble P O Box 277 Valparaiso NE 68065-0277 Home: 402-784-6441 tpmenoble@aol.com Historian Pat Huffman 2002 Road Q Waco NE 68460-8828 Home: 402-362-3443 pattyanne@windstream.net Editor Elaine Knoell 655 N 23rd #615 Fremont NE 68025 NEBRASKA AUXILIARY BOARD Ron Schropfer, President PO Box 247 Fairmont, NE 68354-0247 PH: (402) 268-6261 Gerald Roemer, Exec. Vice President 1482 County Rd M Blvd. Hooper, NE 68031-2066 PH: (402) 720-1528 Ashley Moyer, Vice President 22712 Havelock Ave Eagle, NE 68347 PH; (402) 781-2444 Charlene Wendt, Sec/Treas 2540 Nancy Dr. Lincoln, NE 68507 (402)325-0862 rwendt@neb.rr.com |
Brett Miller presented Richardson Scholarship by Chair Kim Steider |
House to Move Amended H.R. 22 To Floor For Final Passage Hr 22 passes. 388 to 32 As the window to provide relief to the Postal Service starts to close, the House Government Reform Committee has decided to act and will amend H.R. 22 on the floor of the House next week, and (hopefully) pass it. The bill, as it will be amended, will provide the Postal Service with one year's relief. As amended, the bill should have noscore, which is to say that its score will be zero. While not perfect, given the multiple billion dollar "score" that CBO gave the bill andstubbornly refused to change, the one year bill may be all we can realistically get rightnow. Thus, the League is urging all its members to call their Congressmen and urgeimmediate passage of H.R. 22 as it will be amended on the floor by the Chairman of theGovernment Reform Committee. Since the score was the chief roadblock to passage of H.R. 22, the League is hopefulthat the bill will pass the House this week. H.R. 22 was specifically designed not to use any taxpayer dollars, but rather to providerecession relief to the Postal Service through refinancing its obligation to prefund itsretiree health benefit obligation. The Congressional Budget Office, however, ended upscoring the bill at multiple billions of dollars even though it will cost the government andthe taxpayer absolutely nothing. CBO did so using a rare and "unusual" behavioralapproach to scoring, that concluded that if the Postal Service got the relief from H.R. 22,it would refrain from making several billion dollars worth of cuts that it would otherwise make, thus creating a "score" of several billion dollars. Passing a bill that provides one year of FY 2009 relief in the final weeks of the Postal Service's FY 2009 fiscal year would provide the Postal Service relief so late in the year that it could not refrain from making the cuts that it otherwise would have made. Thusthe score should be zero, under CBO's logic. If nothing is done by the end of September, the Postal Service must pay the full $5.4 billion for pre-funding its retiree health benefits. The League is optimistic that that will not happen, and that relief will be provided before the end of the month. |
