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March 18, 2022 Friday Message from Edmund Carley, UPMA National President

Posted by Frank Augustosky on 03/18/22

Membership:

THINK BIG – BE BIG! UPMA is growing! So far this month, we have processed 249 1187s; remember, the new membership incentive of 1 year of free dues expires on March 31st, so let's go "Do the work!"

Postal Reform:

On Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, the US Senate passed HR 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act, by a historic margin of 79 to 19. For years UPMA advocates on Capitol Hill have lobbied for comprehensive postal reform; now, it is a reality. As many of you know, this was a personal journey for me. Most of my UPMA career has one way or another, revolved around Postal Reform. Our thanks should go to Chairwoman Maloney (D-NY) and Ranking Member Comer (R-KY) in the house and Chairman Peters (D-MI) and Ranking Member Portman (R-OH). They carefully crafted a bill that corrected many of the issues that have plagued the Service for the last two decades and passed a clean version with substantial bipartisan support, 342-92 in the house. It was not without opposition, but their leadership and cohesion were instrumental in delivering it for us as we deliver for America.

NAPS Lawsuit:

On February 22nd, 2022, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit remanded back to the District Court a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Postal Supervisors following the 2017 Field Pay Package. UPMA had intervened as the lawsuit also addressed NAPS assertion that they represent all EAS, including Postmasters. The District Court dismissed the case in 2019. UPMA is reviewing the decision and consulting with legal counsel on the correct course of action going forward.

Chapter Conventions and other Meetings:

As of March 11th, 48 Chapters have shared the details of their Annual Conventions with the National office. Gerri compiles these and posts them to https://www.unitedpma.org/events/chapter-conventions-schedule Chapters need to set up these necessary meetings early and publicize them. Gerri is also available for assistance with hotel and meeting space/food and beverage contracts. Further, Chapters should consider 3-Digit type meetings for communication and potential recruiting purposes. Many Chapters have found these as effective as anything they do to reach members and grow the organization. Missing are NV-NM-WV-RI.

Proposed Changes to the UPMA Articles of Incorporation and by-Laws:

At your Chapter Conventions, you will vote on adopting six changes to UPMA Articles and Bylaws. The proposed changes will:

  •              Streamline the process of adopting the results of the votes cast at the Chapter conventions by formal announcement at the National Convention
  •              Require that active members from at least ten (10) chapters support any future proposed changes and amendments
  •              Better align UPMA National Vice-Presidential Areas with Postal Areas and Districts.
  •              Change the beginning date of the UPMA National Executive Board term and the UPMA fiscal year.

The Article and Bylaw committee reviewed and rendered recommendations on whether or not to adopt, and the National Executive Board also reviewed that recommendation and voted on concurrence. Please find the details here

https://www.unitedpma.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/state-conventions/2022-proposed-articles-bylaws-combined.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=34b0688d_6

Remember, UPMA structure is such that members at our Chapter Conventions get the loudest voice concerning how we word our governing documents. Get educated, review proposed changes, and vote your conscience.

National Convention Bid Sites 2024:

At our convention this year in St Louis, we will select a site for our 2024 Convention from the following list: Baltimore, MD, Portland, OR, Long Beach, CA, Indianapolis, IN, and Orlando, FL. Thanks to these cities and UPMA Chapters for their commitment to our organization, be on the lookout for more information in the UPMA Leader.

NPA FY22:

Finally, the NPA goals are out. UPMA successfully moved some indicators, and we believe we should have a good opportunity at better results this year. There will be individual scorecards. The training on the new NPA process is still available at

https://ltcpartners.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/ltcpartners/recording/1b37fa6656ff103abf9d005056848095/playback

 

"Together We Can"

Edmund A Carley
National President
United Postmasters and Managers of America
8 Herbert Street
Alexandria, VA 22305
703-683-9027
217-899-9256 cell