2009 - A Challenging Time

With the downward trend in the economy and mail volume continuing to decline we will be starting rural counts on February 14, 2009. This year we will be counting all of the routes. It is necessary to save every dollar but not at your own expense. It has been brought to my attention that Postmasters have been told to take a day off during the week if they work on Saturday in order to prevent overtime. This is not an issue as long as you work all day Saturday. Non exempt Postmasters can not work a partial day and then take another day off to compensate. Recently in the past there have been several investigations involving Postmasters not being at work when they say they are. I know this is a different situation, however it can still bring the attention of the OIG. Some of you have been told you can cover the count in the morning and leave early on Saturdays, this is incorrect information. You must put in a full day on Saturday in order to be compensated for a day off during the week.

432.34 Postmasters
A full-time postmaster is scheduled to work a 40–hour workweek. Normally, this regular work schedule is set at 8 hours a day and 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. When a nonexempt postmaster is required to work on the sixth day because relief is not available, premium pay at 150 percent of the postmaster’s basic salary is paid for this time. Equivalent time off from work is not authorized to avoid the payment of this premium. Thus, either non bargaining rescheduling premium or the better of postal or FLSA overtime, as appropriate, is paid.

Many of us will be attending the National Forum in Washington DC, and will have the opportunity to visit our Congressional representatives. We will be discussing several issues that are very important to Postmasters. This year more than ever, we need to be talking to our Congressional Representatives. Visit our National website at www.postmasters.org where you can find the position papers. We need to make our voices heard.

Our State Convention at the Pechanga Hotel and Resort, 4500 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula CA 92592 is being held on April 20 – 22, 2009; number for reservations is 1-951-770-1819, Group Code SCL0409 or say California League of Postmasters. I hope you will all make an effort to attend; we have a full and exciting agenda which includes guest speakers, training, a District Manager question and answer panel, a Barbecue and Auction and elections for Board member vacancies. Some of the speakers will include our National President Charley Mapa, Mark Strong our National Executive Vice President who will be discussing NPA & CSV and Bob Brinkman our League Lobbyist. Our Barbecue and Auction is great fun for the entire family. Family members are encouraged to attend and are welcome to join the League Auxiliary which supports the National League of Postmasters. Being located near San Diego there is plenty to keep everyone entertained. Postmasters are given 5 days of convention leave each year which does not count against their annual leave so please join us for the networking, training and fun.

Steve Tomlins
President, California branch
National League of Postmasters

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