President's Message

January 20, 2012
Mark Strong, President

League Members,

The LEAGUE is preparing for its 42nd Legislative Forum January 29-31. Timing could not be better as the House returned to the Hill this week from its holiday break and the Senate returns next week. Depending on who you talk to, there are over 20 bills having to do with post office legislation pending and many feel that postal legislation will take a front seat during this session of Congress.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) had an editorial Thursday that spoke of the need to act quickly to save the Postal Service from its current financial death spiral. Sen. Collins said, "The situation is dire, but not hopeless. With the right tools and action from Congress and the Obama Administration, the Postal Service can reform, right-size and modernize."

Senate Bill 1739, The 21st Century Postal Service Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, Joe Lieberman (I/D-CT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Scott Brown (R-MA) and Sen. Collins has been approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with amendments. This bill is rumored to be headed for a floor vote in the Senate in early February. It is likely that more amendments could take place during the floor vote. The LEAGUE is watching this bill closely and meeting with members of Congress to offer suggestions on possible amendments.

It is clear that the post office issues are coming to a head and this legislative session could bring changes in law that will impact every stakeholder in this country. The Postal Service is still a trillion dollar impact to the country's economy and employs some 7 million private citizens. It is our hope that our elected officials consider the important role the Postal Service has played and will continue to play to all Americans and that universal service does not fall victim to the unnecessary cuts in service.

On another note, LEAGUE and NAPUS continue to meet with Postal Headquarters on the 2011-2015 pay package. On January 11, 2012 LEAGUE President Mark Strong and NAPUS President Bob Rapoza met again with Labor and Compensations managers to discuss pay and benefit proposals to try and find a possible solution to our differences. NAPUS and the LEAGUE agreed to an extension to the pay talks until January 27, 2012. It is our hope that we can agree on a proposal that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.

This week LEAGUE, NAPUS and NAPS met with Labor managers to provide input into possible changes to part 650 of the ELM. This portion of the ELM deals with discipline, the use of mediators and appeal rights for non-bargaining unit employees. The meeting provided a lot of thoughtful input on ways we could improve the process and create an environment that is more positive to all parties involved. Decisions on any possible revisions will be made soon.

Mark Strong

President

National League of Postmasters