Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Postal Service revises Criteria for Return to Work for Employees with Confirmed case of COVID-19

Postal Service revises Criteria for Return to Work for Employees with Confirmed case of COVID-19

Snippet of Article: "...For your information, per the CDC, options for decisions about return-to-work for individuals with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 include a test-based strategy or a non-test based strategy. The USPS is currently applying the non-test based strategy in the majority of cases...READ POLICY HERE (PDF Document)"

Source: USPS via NPMHU

Postal Service revises Criteria for Return to Work for Employees with Confirmed case of COVID-19,

Saturday, April 25, 2020

White House details how agencies should call back federal employees, resume ‘normal’ operations

White House details how agencies should call back federal employees, resume ‘normal’ operations

Snippet of Article: "...Agencies have new guidelines now from the Trump administration, which detail how, consistent with local conditions, they should gradually begin to reopen federal offices and call their employees back from mandatory telework programs during the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance, which..."

Source: federalnewsnetwork.com

M-20-23MEMORANDUM FOR HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Another Alabama Postal Worker Positive for Coronavirus After Recent Death in Montgomery

Second Montgomery postal worker tests positive for coronavirus

Snippet of Article: "...Another Montgomery employee of the United States Postal Services has contracted the COVID-19 respiratory virus, according to a USPS spokesperson. The news comes days after a night shift employee at Montgomery’s main processing center died of the illness. The latest case was confirmed in an employee at the Shakespeare Post Office located on Eastern Boulevard. USPS Spokesperson for the Alabama District Debra J. Fetterly says the employee is classified as a retail associate..."

Source: www.wsfa.com

Coronavirus, Clerk (Retail), COVID-19, Postal Service, Most dangerous jobs,

Postal Service 'Mail Handler' death attributed to complications from the coronavirus

Postal Service 'Mail Handler' death attributed to complications from the coronavirus

Snippet of Article: "...with regret and sorrow that the National Union announces the passing of Seattle P&DC Mail Handler Querubin “Sonny” Quitlong. His death is attributed to complications from the coronavirus..."

Source: National Postal Mail Handlers Union

Mail Handler deaths (Coronavirus), Coronavirus, Most dangerous jobs, COVID-19, P&DC Mail Handler, Querubin “Sonny” Quitlong, Seattle P&DC,

Alabama postal worker dies after COVID-19 illness

Montgomery postal worker dies after COVID-19 illness

Snippet of Article: "...A Montgomery postal service worker has died from COVID-19, United States Postal Service officials confirmed Monday. The employee worked night shifts handling letters, cards and packages at the processing and distribution center on Winton Blount Boulevard, according to Debra J. Fetterly, the USPS spokesperson for the Alabama District..."

Source: www.wsfa.com

Montgomery Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC), Coronavirus, Mail Handler deaths (Coronavirus), COVID-19, Death,

Bronx postal service letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

Bronx letter carrier passes away from coronavirus

Snippet of Article: "... 50-year-old letter carrier Rakkhon Kim, a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away Wednesday, March 25, from complications related to COVID-19..."

Source: www.nalc.org

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Most dangerous jobs, Postal Service, Death, Rakkhon Kim, NALC,

State Department leaked cables renew theories on origin of coronavirus

State Department leaked cables renew theories on origin of coronavirus

Snippet of Article: "...US sounded alarm on Wuhan lab studying coronavirus two years ago, report says State Department cables obtained by The Washington Post warned about the safety and security of coronavirus testing on bats in China in 2018; Gillian Turner reports...Despite evidence that points to dangerous practices inside the Wuhan labs, top U.S. military brass, as well as other senior officials, have told Fox News that the origins of COVID-19 did not come from a laboratory nor was it the result of a bioweapon. "And if I could just be clear, there is nothing to that," Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs told Fox News last week..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

State Department, Coronavirus, China, Wuhan lab,

11 Baltimore area USPS employees test positive for COVID-19

11 Baltimore area USPS employees test positive for COVID-19

Snippet of Article: "...The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among Baltimore area postal employees is up to 11, according to the Baltimore District spokeswoman..."

Source: yahoo.com

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Most dangerous jobs, Postal Service,

Winter Park Florida Post Office workers test positive for coronavirus: report

Winter Park Post Office workers test positive for coronavirus: report

Snippet of Article: "...Two U.S. Postal Service employees from Winter Park tested positive for COVID-19 Monday..."

Source: www.orlandosentinel.com

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Most dangerous jobs, Postal Service,

Monday, April 13, 2020

Postal Service fights for its life financially, 2,000 of its workers are in quarantine and dozens have tested positive for the coronavirus

Postal Service fights for its life financially, 2,000 of its workers are in quarantine and dozens have tested positive for the coronavirus

Snippet of Article: "...51 USPS employees had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday. On top of that, nearly 2,000 were in quarantine. "As the number of confirmed positive coronavirus cases have increased throughout the general public, so too have been the number of postal employees who have tested positive..."

Source: www.businessinsider.com

Most dangerous jobs, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Postal Service,

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Federal Workers, Union Sue for Hazard Pay

Federal Workers, Union Sue for Hazard Pay

Snippet of Article: "...Federal law requires agencies to provide a 25% increase in pay for duty involving “unusual physical hardship or hazard.” OPM regulations specifically list exposure to viruses as a condition that would make federal workers eligible for hazard pay. “The schedule of hazardous duty pay differentials set forth in [OPM’s regulations] provides that agencies shall pay a 25% hazard pay differential..."

Source: www.govexec.com

hazardous duty pay differentials, Coronavirus,

Saturday, March 28, 2020

The check from yourself (taxpayers) will soon be in the mail

The check from taxpayers will soon be in the mail for more than 120 million people

Snippet of Article: "...Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin has said checks of up to $1,200 per person and $500 per child will go out within three weeks of President Trump signing the legislation..."

Source: www.gopusa.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Privacy Concerns: Tips for working from home and video conferencing

Privacy Concerns: Tips for working from home and video conferencing

Snippet of Article: "...employer while working from home, Some have privacy concerns simply over the lack of privacy while video conferencing. We have a few tips to relieve some of the stress over your privacy concerns:

Hang a sheet from the ceiling around your work area to block the view of items in your home
Put some clothes on! You don't want to become the next porn star of the office
Don't pick your nose! Hey, it has taken you years to..."

Source: Rocket City News

Privacy Concerns: Tips for working from home and video conferencing

Monday, March 23, 2020

CDC says coronavirus survived in Princess Cruise ship cabins for up to 17 days after passengers left

CDC says coronavirus survived in Princess Cruise ship cabins for up to 17 days after passengers left

Snippet of Article: "...The coronavirus can survive on surfaces for up to 17 days, a study published Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says...on a variety of surfaces in cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers up to 17 days after cabins were vacated...” the researchers wrote"

Source: www.cnbc.com

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Former employee found guilty of scamming VA out of $19 million

Former employee found guilty of scamming VA out of $19 million

Snippet of Article: "...Prince’s referrals led to payments totaling about $20 million from the VA to the Prince-related home health agencies, which were run by associates including his wife, his brother-in-law, his half-sister an..."

Source: www.denverpost.com

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Department of Defense stops ALL domestic travel beginning Monday, with few exceptions

Department of Defense stops ALL domestic travel beginning Monday, with few exceptions

Snippet of Article: "...Beginning Monday, March 16, military members are required to stop all domestic travel, while family members and civilians are required to stop all government-funded domestic travel. DOD will onboard civilians in local commuting areas only, and military members are restricted to local leave only..."

Source: whnt.com

Department of Defense

Thursday, March 12, 2020

A US Customs officer is charged with smuggling nearly 40 pounds of cocaine

A US Customs officer is charged with smuggling nearly 40 pounds of cocaine

Snippet of Article: "...Ivan Van Beverhoudt was stationed in the US Virgin Islands and one of his duties was to inspect flights in order to prevent the importation of controlled substances, according to a news release from the US Attorney's Office in Atlanta..."

Source: www.cnn.com

Ivan Van Beverhoudt, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP),

Monday, March 2, 2020

Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

Snippet of Article: "...A U.S. Postal Service employee at a Federal Way distribution center has tested positive for the coronavirus. A USPS spokesperson confirmed with media that the employee works at the Seattle Network Distribution Center at 34301 9th Ave. S. in Federal Way..."

Source: www.seattleweekly.com

Postal Service employee, Coronavirus, Federal Way Postal Distribution Center, Seattle Network Distribution Center (NDC),

Monday, February 24, 2020

Coronavirus Tests Europe’s Open Borders as Italy Death Toll Rises

Coronavirus Tests Concept of Open Borders as Italy Death Toll Rises

Snippet of Article: "...Italy reported a sixth death from the coronavirus Monday, as authorities imposed quarantines and other restrictions in the country’s economic heartland to fight what is now the world’s third-biggest national outbreak after China and South Korea..."

Source: www.wsj.com

Open Borders: Why it's a horrible idea, Money vs Health of Americans, Coronavirus,

TSA stops using TikTok for official social media posts

TSA stops using TikTok for official social media posts

Snippet of Article: "... Transportation Security Administration said Sunday it has stopped allowing employees to use the China-owned video app TikTok to create social media posts for the agency after the Senate’s top Democrat raised concerns about potential national security issues..."

Source: www.marketwatch.com

TSA, TikTok, Security Risks,

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

President Trump Gives Fed Workers Largest Pay Raise in a Decade

President Donald Trump Signs Bill Raising Federal Wages 2.6%

Snippet of Article: "...president Thursday, gives all federal employees at least a 2.6% raise – the largest federal increase in a decade. The pay hike will go into effect during the first full pay period of 2020 – Jan. 5 for most employees..."

Source: www.usnews.com

Best President for Federal Workers, 2020 Federal Pay Increase, Trump Legacy,

Friday, December 27, 2019

Sad letter to Santa prompts postal worker to take action: 'Dear Santa, last year you didn’t notice me'

Sad letter to Santa prompts postal worker to take action: 'Dear Santa, last year you didn’t notice me'

Snippet of Article: "...Melissa Stinsman, a worker for the Bloomsburg Post Office, helps answer letters written to Santa...One child’s message to Santa, however, really stood out to her. Inside the envelope, which contained three letters, she found a note that read, “Dear Santa, last year you didn’t notice me, so I hope this year you notice me and this year I will be good..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Executive Order on Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2019

Executive Order on Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2019

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, the day before Christmas Day.

Sec. 2. The heads of executive departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations, or parts thereof, must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty on December 24, 2019, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need.

Sec. 3. December 24, 2019, shall be considered as falling within the scope of Executive Order 11582 of February 11, 1971, and of 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b) and other similar statutes insofar as they relate to the pay and leave of employees of the United States.

Sec. 4. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement this order.

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
December 17, 2019.

Source: www.whitehouse.gov



Executive Order December 17 2019,

Monday, December 9, 2019

Schumer: Federal employees to get 12-weeks of paid parental leave

Schumer: Federal employees to get 12-weeks of paid parental leave

Snippet of Article: "...Under current federal law, federal civilian workers are only eligible for three months of unpaid leave. When passed, the bill would secure paid parental leave for all federal employees for the first time..."

Source: www.syracuse.com

parental leave

Friday, December 6, 2019

TSP Two-step authentication mandatory before the end of 2019

TSP Two-step authentication mandatory before the end of 2019

Snippet of Article: "...(December 4, 2019) All TSP participants must have validated contact information and use two-step authentication to log into My Account before the end of 2019. You can avoid interruption to your account access by adding these security features in your My Account Profile Settings now. Download instructions (pdf)PDF file. Two-step authentication helps protect your account against fraud. This login process is more secure because it means that online access to your account requires something you know (your account number or username and password) and something you have (the one-time code you receive in your email or on your phone). Someone who tries to log into your account fraudulently won’t be able to gain access without the code. We recommend that you include at least one contact method on your account that will stay with you through career, such as a personal email...."

Source: www.tsp.gov

TSP, Two-Step Authentication Requirement,

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Census Fails Key Recruiting and Hiring Tests as It Gears Up for 2020 Count

Census Fails Key Recruiting and Hiring Tests as It Gears Up for 2020 Count

Snippet of Article: "...The failures were so severe they “present a risk to the successful completion of the 2020 Census program,” according to the Commerce Department’s inspector general..."

Source: www.govexec.com

Census 2020

Monday, October 21, 2019

Postmaster General Megan Brennan Announces Retirement

Postmaster General Megan Brennan Announces Retirement

Snippet of Article: "...The NPMHU congratulates Postmaster General Megan Brennan on her pending retirement and thanks her for her 33 years of service to the United States Postal Service..."

Source: NPMHU 317

Postmaster General Megan Brennan

New Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) withdrawal options now available

New Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) withdrawal options now available

Snippet of Article: "...all participants now have more options when seeking to withdraw retirement savings from their TSP accounts. For a detailed summary of the new withdrawal options, read our updated fact sheet, Questions and Answers about Changes to TSP Withdrawal Options PDF file. For information about in-service withdrawal options, visit the “In-Service Withdrawals” section of tsp.gov and download our updated booklet, In-Service Withdrawals PDF file. For information about post-separation withdrawals, visit the “Withdrawals After Leaving Federal Service” section of tsp.gov and download our updated booklet Withdrawing from Your TSP Account PDF file...."

Source: www.tsp.gov

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP),

Friday, October 18, 2019

2020 Social Security Benefits to Increase 1.6%

2020 Social Security Benefits to Increase 1.6%

Snippet of Article: "...recipients of Social Security benefits, is a downgrade from the 2.8% increase some federal retirees received in 2019, and the 2% boost they saw in 2018. The annual COLA is based on the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W)..."

Source: www.govexec.com

COLA (Social Security), COLA (FERS Retiree vs CSRS Retiree),

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Federal Workers Face Another Huge Health Insurance Increase in 2020

Feds face 5.6% health insurance hike

Snippet of Article: "...Feds are facing a steep increase in insurance premiums under the Federal Employees Health Benefits plan in 2020. The Office of Personnel Management announced Oct. 2 that federal workers and retirees enrolled in the FEHB program..."

Source: fcw.com

Bankrupting Federal Retirees, Healthcare Costs, Destruction of America's working class, FEHB 2020,

Local, federal officials conducting law enforcement operation across North Alabama

Local, federal officials conducting law enforcement operation across North Alabama

Snippet of Article: "...The Huntsville Police Department says it is working with federal authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Agency and FBI, on part of a federal law enforcement operation..."

Source: www.waaytv.com

DEA, FBI,

College professor spends nearly $190K in federal grants on strip clubs, sports bars

College professor spends nearly $190K in federal grants on strip clubs, sports bars

Snippet of Article: "...Dr. Chikaodinaka D. Nwankpa misused $189,062 of government grants from July 2007 through April 2017 while working at Drexel University, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The university has agreed to pay back the money..."

Source: www.usatoday.com

Federal Grants,

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Sen. Warren wants to increase Social Security benefits my making wealthy pay fair share

Expanding Social Security

Snippet of Article: "...We need to get our priorities straight. We should be increasing Social Security benefits and asking the richest Americans to contribute their fair share to the program. For years, I’ve helped lead the fight in Congress to expand Social Security. And today I’m announcing a plan to provide the biggest and most progressive increase in Social Security benefits in nearly half a century. My plan: Increases Social Security benefits immediately by $200 a month — $2,400 a year — for every current and future Social Security beneficiary in America. Finances these changes and extends the solvency of Social Security by nearly two decades by asking the top 2% of families to contribute their fair share to the program..."

Source: medium.com

Monday, September 2, 2019

Retirement News: When Do I Stop Paying Social Security Tax?

When Do I Stop Paying Social Security Tax?

Snippet of Article: "...Whether you're salaried or self-employed, you must generally contribute throughout your entire working life. There are, however, a few exceptions..."

Source: www.investopedia.com

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Possible Relief from Social Security cuts for certain retirees (WEP)

Social security relief for federal retirees, and other bills to watch after August recess

Snippet of Article: "...Lawmakers have been trying for more than a decade now to address the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), a complicated relic from a 1983 law that reduces Social Security benefits for..."

Source: federalnewsnetwork.com

Monday, July 29, 2019

Thrift Savings Plan User? This is the Only Cheat Sheet You’ll Need

Thrift Savings Plan User? This is the Only Cheat Sheet You’ll Need

Snippet of Article: "...because you have access to a great investment program: the Thrift Savings Plan. This TSP Cheat Sheet covers your investment options and costs, and provides helpful tips in guiding your very own 401(k)-style investment plan to success..."

Source: www.doughroller.net

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP),

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Federal, military, social security retirees inching toward 2020 COLA

Federal, military, social security retirees inching toward 2020 COLA

Snippet of Article: "...For most retirees, the COLA is a big deal. For some it is financially critical. Health insurance premiums paid by most federal, postal and military retirees are almost certain to go up next year. The new premiums will be made public in November and retirees will have the option to switch to less expensive, but in many cases equally good, plans. But the fact is most don’t. Only a small percentage of workers or retirees change plans each open season. Even though experts say 30% or more should. For retirees the picture is grim. While many should be in less expensive HMOs or the standard option of a plan with multiple choices, most avoid HMOs. Many, if not most, are still in the high option of the plan they were in when they retired, even though its premiums — because it is top-heavy with older, sicker customers — have gone through the roof..."

Source: federalnewsnetwork.com

2020 COLA, FERS, CSRS, federal health insurance,

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Pentagon May Have Released Weaponized Ticks That Helped Spread of Lyme Disease: Investigation Ordered

Pentagon May Have Released Weaponized Ticks That Helped Spread of Lyme Disease: Investigation Ordered

Snippet of Article: "...The amendment was put forward by Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, who was "inspired" by several books and articles claiming that the U.S. government had conducted research at facilities such as Fort Detrick, Maryland, and Plum Island, New York, for this purpose. One of the books that Smith refers to—called Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons..."

Source: www.newsweek.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Corporate Welfare is Destroying the Working Class Taxpayer

Welfare for the Well-Off: How Business Subsidies Fleece Taxpayers

Snippet of Article: "...Some of the most subsidized recipients of public assistance are not welfare queens housed in public tenement apartments. They are not even poor or ailing at all. Far from it. America's most costly welfare recipients today are Fortune 500 companies. In 1997 the Fortune 500 corporations recorded best-ever earnings of $325 billion, yet incredibly Uncle Sam doled out nearly $100 billion in taxpayer subsidies. These welfare payments come in every conceivable shape and size: government grants, sweetheart business deals arranged by the Commerce Department, cut-rate insurance, low-interest loans, a protective wall against foreign competition, exclusive government contracts, and a mind-boggling maze of special interest loopholes in the tax code. Table 1 lists the 1997 appropriations for fifty-five of the most unjustified federal business subsidy spending programs as compiled by the Cato Institute. Their combined price tag came to $38 billion in 1997..."

Source: www.hoover.org

corporate tax rate, Corporate Welfare, Destruction of America's working class, business subsidy spending programs,

Friday, July 5, 2019

Secure the Border: Hear it from those living the nightmare of illegal invasion


The Wall: Violence on ranchers' land

Border Wall Image
Click to hear Youtube video
Ranchers dealing with 300+/- illegals per day. The problem is drug smuggling and human trafficking. Ranchers dealing with theft, murders, rapes, etc. Ranchers need more Border Patrol agents. America needs more border protection as it is out of control with 600,000 per year illegally crossing. Ranchers said with Trump in office it's been the best it's been in 30 years. He has made a difference in slowing the invasion. If you don't like Trump, just make sure you vote for someone that will fix this problem.
Source: Youtube

Illegal Immigration, Smugglers, Drugs, Border Security, Rapes, Human Trafficking,