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USPS Mandatory Stand-Up Talk: Heat Illness Prevention

April 27, 2020 The USPS has issued the below Mandatory Stand-Up Talk for employees. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–   Because COVID-19 can spread between people in close proximity to each other, employees should adhere to social distancing guidelines (at least 6 feet apart) whenever possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wear cloth … Read more

Tell Congress to Save the USPS

The Postal Service is at a critical juncture. In the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act passed on March 27, Congress only included $10 billion in borrowing authority for the USPS to cover operating expenses and other costs incurred. The $10 billion loan will only be offered if undisclosed conditions are met … Read more

USPS Mandatory Stand-Up Talk: Face Covering and Mask Update

The USPS has issued the below Mandatory Stand-Up Talk for employees. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– The USPS in an effort to maintain employee’s safety and wellness, strongly recommends the use of face coverings per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. As a result, the USPS modified their policy on face coverings to require all employees to wear … Read more

APCU Offers Assistance to NRLCA Members During COVID-19 Crisis

May 28, 2020 UPDATE: APCU has revised its offerings. It will no longer offer the special assistance loan. The Skip-a-Pay program is still in effect, but will return to the normal fee structure. NRLCA members wishing to take advantage of these opportunities will need to do so before June 1, 2020. Please click here for … Read more

NRLCA and USPS Sign MOU Concerning Temporary Workplace Changes to Promote Social Distancing – COVID-19

Your National Board and NSS representative(s) have received numerous concerns pertaining to carriers working in close proximity in offices across the country. Your National Board agrees that the social distancing recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are important measures which should be practiced as much as possible to slow the spread … Read more

NRLCA and USPS Sign MOU Concerning Regular Carriers Working Other Routes and on Sundays

The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) and the U.S. Postal Service have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding two temporary modifications to the USPS/NRLCA National Agreement regarding work assignments for regular rural carriers due to safety concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19). During the period beginning Monday, April 6, and continuing through Friday, June 5, … Read more

Members of Congress Call for $25 Billion in Emergency USPS Funding

In a letter sent to House leadership yesterday, seven members of Congress asked for increased funding for the USPS in the next piece of COVID-19 stimulus legislation. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Donald McEachin (D-VA), Andy Levin (D-MI), and Donna Shalala (D-FL)  emphasized how critical the USPS … Read more

Rep. Grijalva Asks for Postal Employee Hazard Pay in Next COVID-19 Bill

In a letter sent to fellow lawmakers yesterday, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) asked for signatures supporting mandatory hazard pay for many front-line workers during the pandemic, including postal employees. “Eligibility for the additional pay should include, but not be limited to, health care workers along the spectrum of care, grocery workers, restaurant workers, child care … Read more

Rural Route Inspections Temporarily Suspended

With the COVID-19 potential health threat, effective immediately the USPS will temporarily suspend physical inspections of rural routes. At this time they are planning to resume inspection activities on Saturday, May 2, 2020. During this period, management should continue to ensure Edit Books and 4003s are kept updated as needed to enhance preparedness for RRECS … Read more

Three Steps to Work Through Government-Imposed Travel Restrictions

The following Mandatory Stand-Up Talk and accompanying “Essential Service Provider” letter should be provided to you by your manager: March 27, 2020 The Postal Service is continuing normal operations while the nation deals with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation. Our customers are depending on us, and we are taking unprecedented precautions to stay safe … Read more

FAQ: Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The below document answers questions you may have related to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. [embeddoc url=”https://www.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-04-01-COVID-FAQ-Final.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google”]

USPS Urges All Employees to Sign Up for Direct Deposit

The Postal Service has requested that employees sign up for direct deposit service as a safeguard against possible disruptions due to COVID-19. While no service disruptions are expected, this is a precautionary request as the situation may change unexpectedly. The NRLCA asks members who currently receive hard copy paychecks to follow the instructions below to … Read more

NRLCA and USPS Sign MOU Expanding Scheduling of Assistant Rural Carriers (ARCs)

On Thursday, March 26th, President Stutts signed an MOU temporarily expanding the scheduling and utilization of Assistant Rural Carriers (ARCs). For the period beginning Monday, March 23, and continuing through Friday, June 5, 2020, ARCs may be scheduled, on a volunteer basis, on non-holiday weekdays to provide auxiliary assistance for package delivery and for casing … Read more

USPS Mandatory Stand-Up Talk: Staying Vigilant – Customer Interactions for Carriers

As the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to rise, the Postal Service recognizes the challenges of your work under these circumstances and appreciates your efforts in continuing to provide essential mail service to all communities. Some customers–including nursing homes and other facilities with individuals considered to be high risk for … Read more