Let's Continue Our Grassroots Engagement

Let’s Continue Our Grassroots Engagement
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

In my May column, I wrote that it’s always been said, “Don’t make it personal; keep it business.” I pointed out there are times when it needs to be personal. This is one of those times.

At the 2025 Legislative Training Seminar (LTS), over 500 attendees went to the Hill to see their elected officials or members of their legislative staffs to seek support on resolutions and bills that have a direct effect on their livelihood. We then had over 300 members attend the NAPS rally on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol, voicing their concerns over talks about privatization of the Postal Service.

I want to truly thank all those who attended. They spoke on behalf of over 47,000 EAS employees of the Postal Service and, even more importantly, the American people.

I want to truly thank all those who attended. They spoke on behalf of over 47,000 EAS employees of the Postal Service and, even more importantly, the American people.

Back in 2023, one of the bills for which we asked you to seek support was H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. As you know, your efforts paid off! The bill was signed into law on Jan. 5. This was personal to many as their well-deserved benefits finally were secured.

However, we cannot stop now and expect things to get done in Congress after leaving the LTS. As I have quoted Albert Einstein, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

We need you to keep pushing our legislative issues, even more so while back home. Schedule appointments and visit your elected leaders to explain, as one of their constituents, how important these bills are and how they impact your personal lives.

In this issue of The Postal Supervisor, you will find QR codes you can scan and directly send an email to your representative and senators, voicing your position and requesting their support. Use these QR codes and share them with others. There is one for each bill we need to keep pushing.

We need grassroots engagement! I am sure at least one of these bills affects you:

  • H.Res. 70/S.Res. 147—Resolutions expressing support to keep the USPS independent and not be privatized.
  • H.R. 1559—Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendment Act
  • H.R. 1560—Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act
  • H.R. 491/S.624—Equal COLA Act
  • H.R. 2095—Postal Police Reform Act
  • H.R. 2174—Paycheck Protection Act

In late April, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability approved legislation that would increase FERS contributions, eliminate the FERS supplement, change the retirement formula from high-3 to high-5, effective 2027, and charge a $350 fee for a case to be sent to the MSPB.

The legislation also stipulates that any new government employee (excluding the Postal Service) has a choice of being an “at-will” employee, meaning they could be terminated for no cause. If a new employee elects not to be at-will, they would be required to pay an additional amount into the FERS retirement system. That is extortion!

We all need to pay attention to these issues. Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore, Director of Legislative & Political Affairs Bob Levi and I are vigilant regarding our legislative agenda. We all must be; it’s personal!

Ivan, Chuck and I attended the National Postal Forum (NPF) in late April in Nashville. I found it to be quite educational compared to last year’s. The message I interpreted was the “Delivering for America” plan will go forward. There was no mention of any deviation.

The forum had the largest attendance than any other in the past 15 years, as well as the most vendors than any of the past 23 years. It was quite impressive.

While attending different seminars, I made it a point to attend those with major mailers in attendance and presenting. The major concerns voiced were about the recent rise in tariffs and how that is affecting their business.

The second-most-voiced concern regarded mailing costs. Many mailers indicated they are going back to using Every Door Delivery Mail
(EDDM). Major companies are finding the number of businesses using the internet for advertising has decreased. There appears to be a sense there is too much fraud on the internet. The Postal Service has seen a rise in the use of EDDM.

Another success story is Ground Advantage. Since 2023, this product has soared; mailers find it very useful, economical and are satisfied. Congratulations to the USPS on a successful National Postal Forum!

One of the biggest buzzes at the forum was who would be the next postmaster general. The rumor mill was at full force. I happened to bump into Benjamin Franklin, our first postmaster general. So, I asked him, “Benny, do you want the job one more time?” You will never guess what he told me, “Fuhgeddaboudit!”

Please stay safe and remember, “It’s personal!” Also, increasing membership demonstrates leadership.