The Postal Service and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union have signed a memorandum of understanding that would pay fulltime mail handlers who choose to leave before September a separation incentive up to $15,000. Part-time employees are also eligible for buyouts but they would be prorated.
The agreement also implements a moratorium on any excessing – rearranging work schedules, locations, shifts, etc. – that has not already been scheduled until at least August 11, something that could eliminate excessing in some facilities where vacancies open up due to retirements, and could provide openings closer to home for others, said NPMHU, which represents about 45,000 mail handlers.
The incentives will be available to employees regardless of whether they are currently retirement eligible and the deadline for a final decision is July 2.
