National Postal Mail Handler Union, Local 316
A Division of LIUNA-AFL-CIO
Don Sneesby
Don Sneesby, Western Region Vice President and Local 316 President Local 316’s headquarters is located in Seattle, Washington. The Local has 11 branch offices serving Mail Handlers in the states of Washington and Alaska. Our mission is to provide prompt, professional representation while protecting our member’s rights.
Breakthrough T1D Capitol Chapter’s “ONE WALK”
Dear Friends:
We are writing to solicit your financial support of Breakthrough T1D formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Back in 1997, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union adopted JDRF as its official national charity, and we have been a proud sponsor of the JDRF Capitol Chapter’s “ONE WALK” for each of the last 27 years – raising more than $550,000! This year our walk will be held in-person with our co-workers, friends, and family members on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
We encourage everyone to get registered and participate in the Miles Towards Mission challenges leading up to the walk. You can log any miles walked in your participant center. So sign-up and get your walk on.
http://www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/NPMHU
If you or your organization has any funds set aside for charitable contributions, we invite you to consider donating to the important research work of the Breakthrough T1D formerly JDRF.
If you are able to support this effort, please make your check payable to Breakthrough T1D and forward it to our attention at the NPMHU National Office. We have included a pre-addressed envelope for your convenience. All donations for this years walk must be received by May 31, 2025.
Thank you very much for your consideration. With your help, we will find a cure for this dreaded disease.
With warm regards,
NPMHU Statement on PMG Dejoy's Resignation
A month after announcing his intention to step down as Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy told the United States Postal Board of Governors his last day in the role was Monday, March 24, after almost five years of service.
As the Postal Service continues to be an intrinsic part of every American’s daily life, the Board of Governors should remain cognizant of this value and the work that Mail Handlers and all postal employees do as they work to find Mr. DeJoy’s successor.
The Board of Governors should look for a leader who understands it must remain a public entity that should not be subject to privatization at any level. A privatized Postal Service will do nothing but drive-up prices that make service unattainable for most and alienates those in remote areas. Mail Handlers are dedicated to fulfilling the constitutional mandate of the United States Postal Service, and our Postmaster General should be too.
The National Postal Mail Handlers Union thanks Louis DeJoy for his service, and we look forward to working with Acting PMG Doug Tulino during this transition.
NPMHU Statement on USPS/DOGE Agreement
On the night of Monday, March 10, the Postmaster General (PMG) and Deputy PMG met with members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the United States Postal Service Headquarters. Mail Handlers have seen the DOGE team dismantle federal agencies, impacting services provided to Americans across the country, and are therefore rightly concerned about the potential impact on the work of the Postal Service generally and the work of the more than 54,000 dedicated mail handlers across the country. Our response will be guided by the following principles.
First and foremost, the independence of USPS – and its governance by the Board of Governors – must remain.
Second, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) will fight any attempts to privatize our work. Our processing and distribution work is vital within the postal network, and privatization or subcontracting of our jobs would jeopardize not only the earned pay and benefits of mail handlers across the country, but also the flow of service that postal customers and the public at large rely upon every day. Privatizing the Postal Service will threaten customers’ ability to receive packages and letters ranging from Social Security checks, necessary medications, government correspondence, and mail from loved ones.
Finally, while we have been told that the Postal Service will not grant DOGE access to employee records and data, should this not be the case, the NPMHU stands ready, along with the other postal unions, to take all necessary action to protect the privacy of our members.
The NPMHU will remain cautious and vigilant and is prepared to fight against any ill-conceived attempts by DOGE to dismantle this American institution.
Memorandum of Understanding Re: One-Time Retirement Incentive Dispute Process
MOU Re: One-Time Retirement Incentive Dispute Process (pdf)
The Memorandum of Understanding – Re: One Time Retirement Incentive provides a process for handling any disputes that arise under this MOU. It provides that any disputes are to be referred to the National Administrative Committee (NAC) for discussion and resolution.
If you believe that you have an issue/dispute regarding the One-Time Retirement Incentive/VER, you should:
- Contact your local union official regarding the issue/dispute.
- The union will have you fill out the 2025 One Time Retirement Incentive/VER Appeal Form.
- The Appeal Form along with any supporting documents will be emailed by your local union to Tharmon@npmhu.org at National NPMHU Headquarters.
- Once the dispute is received at the National NPMHU, a copy will be forwarded to the USPS Headquarters representatives on the National Administrative Committee which will meet expeditiously to discuss the dispute.
Join our Postal Brothers and Sisters Across the Nation on March 23rd to Protect our Jobs and our Service
Fight Like Hell!
On Sunday, March 23, NALC branches are hosting local rallies to say “Hell no!” to dismantling the Postal Service. With branches holding events nationwide on the same day, we are sending a clear, unified message: Hands off USPS!
Visit the official website here.
2025 Workers Memorial Day Message from Liz Shuler, President AFL-CIO
This year on Workers Memorial Day, April 28, we will remember workers killed, injured or made ill on the job while we “Fight for Our Lives” and demand “Safe Jobs Now!” (pdf)
Nearly 55 years ago, we won worker safety laws because of the tireless efforts of the labor movement. Since then, unions and allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality—winning protections under the law that have made jobs safer and saved lives. But all of that is in serious danger as elected leaders threaten to cut staff, defund or outright eliminate federal job safety agencies.
The situation is dire. EACH DAY, more than 340 workers are killed and more than 6,000 suffer injury and illness because of dangerous working conditions that are preventable. Job safety agency resources already are critically underfunded.
Many of our hard-won workplace safety and health rights are under threat. Funding and staffing cuts by the Trump administration will make oversight on businesses nearly impossible, preventing OSHA and MSHA from issuing protections and enforcing the law.
Our job is not finished. Together on this Workers Memorial Day, we are fighting for our lives and confronting attacks on safety and health agencies that keep our workplaces safe—and we are demanding action for independent oversight. We are holding employers accountable to keep workers safe.
We will fight for our lives in the halls of government and on the shop floor. We will fight to protect our fundamental right to a safe job. Our nation’s strength depends on safe workplaces and workers who can return home to their families at the end of each shift.
We urge you to get involved this Workers Memorial Day: Organize observances to remember those who have been killed and injured on the job, and take action to demand safer working conditions, protect the right of every worker to a safe job, and fight until that promise is fulfilled.
Materials for your event, including posters and stickers, can be ordered from the AFL-CIO website at aflcio.org/WorkersMemorialDay, and a digital toolkit will be available for download in the coming weeks. Please let us know what you are planning by submitting your event on our website. If you need additional information, please contact the AFL-CIO Safety and Health office at oshmail@aflcio.org.
Statement of National President Paul V. Hogrogian, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, on Potential Executive Order
The Washington Post has reported that the Trump Administration is contemplating issuing an Executive Order firing the Postal Board of Governors and placing the United States Postal Service under the control of the Commerce Department.
Such a change would be the first step in destroying the Postal Service – an institution central to more than 166 million households and businesses. The Postal Service, through the work of its 640,000 employees, is responsible for ensuring that every American receives packages and mail ranging from Social Security checks, necessary medications, government correspondence, packages, and mail from loved ones. The Postal Service is an institution that is ingrained in our Constitution and older than the United States of America itself.
On behalf of the more than 54,000 mail handlers across the country, we will not stand by while the Trump Administration attacks this critical public resource. Firing the Board of Governors and seeking to privatize the work of the Postal Service will do nothing other than harm the American people who rely on the Postal Service every day.
The reported Executive Order does not serve the United States Postal Service and it does not make America great.
One Time Retirement Incentive
The NPMHU and the USPS have reached an agreement on the terms of a One Time Retirement Incentive. The parties have agreed that the Postal Service will make lump sum incentive payments totaling $15,000 (less applicable taxes and deductions) to eligible full-time career employees who choose optimal retirement or retire pursuant to a Voluntary Early Retirement (VER). Part-time career employees shall be eligible for a prorated amount based on their paid hours. Attached is the January 13, 2025, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which sets forth the terms of this agreement.
To be eligible to retire under a Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), there are minimum age and service requirements. The requirements are:
- At least age 50 with at least 20 years of creditable Federal service OR
- Any age with at least 25 years creditable Federal service.
- An employee must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service to be eligible for an early voluntary retirement.
More detailed information will be widely circulated to all eligible mail handlers, directly from the Postal Service, during the coming weeks.
Although we are pleased to provide this opportunity to the membership, please be advised that the NPMHU neither encourages nor discourages anyone from taking this opportunity. Retirement is a very important and personal decision, and mail handlers should proceed very cautiously to evaluate what this offer means to them personally.
USPS will send all eligible employees a retirement letter by First-Class mail during the week of Feb 3th.
RE: One Time Retirement Incentive (pdf)
NPMHU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (2025-2026)
NPMHU ARTHUR S. VALLONE
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
The National Postal Mail Handlers Union is pleased to offer the opportunity for career craft members of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and members of their immediate families, to apply for scholarship assistance from the NPMHU Arthur S. Vallone National Scholarship Program. Specific eligibility requirements for the program are detailed below.
This scholarship program has been providing assistance to deserving recipients since 2001. In February 2005, the program was renamed in honor of Arthur S. Vallone. Arthur had served the NPMHU with distinction for over twenty-five years at his untimely passing in January 2005. Arthur was a true believer in the Union Movement, and a tireless advocate for Mail Handlers and all working people. His list of accomplishments and contributions to the NPMHU is lengthy. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union is proud to honor the legacy that Brother Vallone has left behind.
The purpose of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Arthur S. Vallone Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to career Mail Handlers and/or their family members who are seeking to further their education beyond high school. The program will award a minimum of 15 scholarships (3 per Region) in the annual amount of at least $1,000, renewable for up to four (4) years or until the completion of the undergraduate degree, whichever occurs first (for a maximum of $4,000 per recipient over 4 years). Additional scholarships may be awarded, depending upon the number of applicants and the number of renewals each year.
Scholarship eligibility details and application instructions are now available. Applicants must submit complete applications and the related materials listed at the link below to the Scholarship Committee on or before March 15, 2025.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY DETAILS AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (PDF)
NORTHWEST PASSAGES
THE OFFICIAL NPMHU LOCAL 316 NEWSLETTER FOR MAIL HANDLERS OF ALASKA AND WASHINGTON
October 2024
May 2024
Passport
First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.
REAL ID
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestics flights.
The TSP Mobile App
With the TSP Mobile App on your personal device, you can access your TSP information anywhere, anytime. Download the TSP Mobile App from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, the only authorized sources for our app.
Mail Handler Assistant (MHA)
In this role you will load, unload and move mail and packages. You will also perform other duties incidental to the movement and processing of mail. If you enjoy staying active in a team environment that emphasizes safety and ergonomics this could be a great fit for you.
Job duties include:
- Loading, lifting and carrying moderate to heavy mail from trucks and sorting equipment
- Separate outgoing bulk mail and load onto mail trucks for distribution
- Operate machinery and carry mail to distribution area
- May perform a variety of duties such as rewrapping damaged parcels and weighing mail
Free Covid-19 Test Kits
Order of 4 free at-home tests from USPS
The new L 2070 Fund
Like all Lifecycle Funds (L Funds), the L 2070 offers simplicity and diversity and is designed to grow with you over time.
2024 PAC
You too can become a NPMHU political activist. Your contributions help preserve and save job.
Wage Charts Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025)
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $416
Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025) all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment as outlined in Article 9.3 of the 2022 National Agreement. This is the fifth of six possible COLA increases under the terms of the current agreement. This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) following release of the January 2025 Index, using the July 2022 CPI index as a base. The resulting calculation provides an annual increase of $416 for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 will receive the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.3 of the National Agreement.
Mail Handler Wage Charts Effective March 8, 2025 (PP 07-2025) PDF
New Annual Leave Carryover for Leave Year 2024 and Annual Leave Exchange Option for Leave Year 2025
The first MOU allows for additional Annual Leave Carryover for the 2025 Leave Year. In the 2022 National Agreement, the MOU on Annual Leave Carryover allows regular work force employees to carryover 440 hours of accumulated annual leave. The new MOU on Annual Leave Carryover for Leave Year 2025 expands that limit and allows regular work force employees to carryover 520 hours of accumulated leave from leave year 2024 to leave year 2025.
The second MOU deals with the Annual Leave Exchange Option for the 2025 Leave Year. The Annual Leave Exchange Option MOU for Leave Year 2024 will allow career employees to sell back a maximum of 80 hours of annual leave prior to the beginning of the leave year provided the following criteria is met: 1) The employee must be at the maximum leave carryover ceiling (440 hours) at the start of the leave year and 2) the employee must have used fewer than 75 sick leave hours in the 2024 leave year.
Mail Handlers to Receive Night Shift Differential Increase
May 10, 2024– As provided for in Article 8.7 of the NPMHU 2022 National Agreement, effective May 18, 2024 (PP12-24); the flat dollar amount at Steps A through P at each pay grade for night shift differential in Tables Three and Four shall be increased by 1.5%, the flat dollar amount at Steps A of Table 3 and Steps BB and AA for Table Four through P at each pay grade for night shift differential in Tables Three and Four shall be increased by 2.0%. All increases will be applied to the most recent night shift differential table preceding the increase. The increase is applicable for time worked between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This is the second of three Night Shift Differential increases negotiated in the 2022 National Agreement.
Wage Charts Effective November 16, 2024
Effective November 16, 2024 (PP 25-2024) – For career Mail Handlers, the basic annual salary for each grade and step of Table One and Table Two shall be increased by an amount equal to 1.3% of the basic annual salary for the grade and step in effect on September 20, 2022. This is the third of three scheduled general wage increases as outlined in the 2022 National Agreement. MHAs will receive a 2.3% general increase effective November 16, 2024 (PP25-2024).
Mail Handler Wage Chart — Effective November 16, 2024 (Pay Period 25-2024) PDF
Combined Federal Campaign / Postal Employees’ Relief Fund
Overseen by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the official workplace giving campaign for Federal, Postal, Military employees and retirees. Since its inception, the CFC has raised more than $8.5 billion for charities and people in need.
The CFC 2023 contribution solicitation period runs from September 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024.
USPS Issues Craft Determination, High Output Parcel Sorter (HOPS)
As set forth in the attached letter, the Postal Service has determined that all jurisdictional assignments on the HOPS will be awarded to the Mail Handler craft except for the function of Keying or Facing on the Reject Lane.
RE: Craft Determination, High Output Parcel Sorter (HOPS) PDF
Members Resource
Uniform and Work Clothes Annual Allowance Carry Over
Re: Uniform and Work Clothes Annual Allowance Carry Over (pdf)
Unused portions of an eligible employee’s annual allowance for uniform and work clothing will be carried over and available for use beginning twelve (12) months after the end of each anniversary year. An eligible employee’s uniform and work clothing allowance balance may not exceed the sum of two (2) years of the employee’s annual allowance entitlement. This uniform and work clothing program adjustment will be implemented no later than twelve (12) months from the ratification date of the 2022 Agreement.
MOU: Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DC) Staffing
RE: MOU: Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DC) Staffing (pdf)
Enclosed is a copy of a recently signed MOU on the Staffing of the Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DCs) between the USPS and the NPMHU. The S&DCs are a new facility from the Deliver for America Plan that will create large carrier stations by consolidating smaller offices.
As set forth in the MOU the parties agree to allow management to exceed the MHA and/or PTF cap for a period of 120 days from the activation of an S&DC. During this period a jurisdictional inventory per the RI-399 process should be completed. At the end of the 120 days the USPS and NPMHU will discuss the staffing of the S&DC.
