News from Your Ohio Chapter

PMG ADDRESSES STATE OF USPS TO CONGRESS:

PMG David Steiner testified before the House Oversight Committee with a warning that the USPS faces a critical financial crisis and could run out of cash by early 2027. To read the prepared statement: 

https://news.usps.com/2026/03/18/pmg-testimony-to-house-committee-available/

Artificial Intelligence (AI) summarized the PMGs statement to Congress:

As of May 2026, Postmaster General David Steiner has warned Congress that the USPS faces a critical financial crisis and could run out of cash by early 2027. Testifying before the House Oversight Committee in March, Steiner urged lawmakers to consider financial assistance, increase the $15 billion borrowing limit, and enact pension reforms. Key Takeaways from 2026 Testimony:

---Cash Shortage: Without legislative intervention or significant changes, the Postal Service projects running out of cash by February 2027.

---Legislative Requests: Steiner is seeking to increase the USPS's $15 billion borrowing limit, which has not changed since the 1990s.

---Pension Reform: The USPS urges a recalculation of Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) obligations and changes to retiree health benefit funding to save an estimated $\$6.3$ billion in FY 2026.

---Operational Changes: Steiner indicated the need for ongoing cost reductions in transport and labor, alongside potential increased pricing.

---Sustainability: Steiner stated the "status quo is not sustainable," and that the agency is moving away from "short-term band-aids" toward long-term solutions.

---Steiner highlighted that despite the financial challenges, the agency continues to meet the mandate of six-day delivery to over 170 million addresses. He also questioned whether the public is aware that USPS services they rely on could fail without action. As a public institution with obligations that differ from those of private carriers, he said he is “not sure that the American public is aware that the Postal Service is at a critical juncture.”

Social media policy reminder

The Postal Service wants employees to remember they're prohibited from speaking on behalf of the organization on websites, blogs and social media without permission. Under the organization's policy, 363 Social Media Policy, employees must receive written permission from the Postal Service social media team and the appropriate vice president before establishing any online accounts that represent the Postal Service. Failure to follow this policy could result in corrective action, including removal from the Postal Service. The policy does not infringe on employees' ability to have their own social media presence or personal accounts. However, it is recommended that employees note in their personal account profiles that they don't speak on behalf of the organization. Employees also should not post while on the clock. This includes videos and "selfies" in the plant, Post Office, vehicle or other official workplace area. Employees are expected to conduct themselves during and outside of working hours in a manner that reflects favorably upon the Postal Service. The social media team conducts routine audits of sites that claim to represent the Postal Service. Unverified sites are routinely removed, and employees conduct addressed. 

THERE’S AN APP FOR US! 

President Louise confirmed it, and I finally got it! UPMA/UPMAR has an app in the APP Store, any you can add it to your iPhone! Created by Earl Husbands in the UPMA National Office, it is designed for all mobile phones. Just search for UPMA in your App Store, scroll down until you find our icon, download….. and there it is right on your home screen and useable with just a swipe or two! 

Often time we receive calls at the UPMA National office from members asking how to create an account on the UPMA National website to have full access that only your UPMA membership will bring. To make this process easy and straightforward for everyone, I have put together simple instructions that will guide you step-by-step.  Please follow these instructions:

1) Click on this registration link Registration

2) Enter your first and last name

3) Enter any 1 of the following 3 things.  Either your USPS Employee ID Number (EIN) if you are an active member, your Civil Service Annuity (CSA) if you are a retired member, or your UPMA Member ID number which is listed below.

We appreciate your UPMA membership! Your involvement is very much appreciated. Please feel free to contact your National Office with concerns, questions or ideas to enhance our website.  

Earl Husbands
UPMA National Membership Director
(703) 683-9027 (Office)

Dear Member, UPMA

,

As we embark on a new fiscal year, a question I have been repeatedly asked is…any idea what the NPA payout will be for last year?  Sadly, I have been unable to answer that, as we went through the entire fiscal year without having a decision on what the payouts would be. That in and of itself, is unacceptable. However, on September 30th I did receive notification from the Postal Service regarding this and other issues.
    Since we are in ongoing “pay talks,” I cannot discuss specifically what the offer is at this point. What I will say is that the overall pay package was disappointing and inadequate.  After my initial reaction, on October 1st the Service has asked to keep pay talks open. I have agreed to an extension in hopes that a reasonable pay package will be offered. Rest assured, I want you to know I understand how much you sacrifice, and I am hopeful, even with the climate on Capitol Hill, we will be able to get a fair pay package that reflects your dedication and hard work.

Tony Leonardi
UPMA National President