Videos

North Attleborough postal worker delivers Christmas cheer as ‘Buddy the Elf’

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WLNE) — For over a decade, a North Attleborough postal worker has delivered packages and Christmas cheer as Buddy the Elf.

Some North Attleborough residents know him as Scott the mailman, but others, know him as Buddy the Elf.

Since 2011, Scott Phillips has been delivering packages door to door as “Buddy.”

It all started when his son showed up on Christmas morning dressed in the green and yellow suit.

“All of a sudden, I see my son walking up with Christmas presents, and he’s in the window…I’m like, ‘This is so awesome!’”

Scott tried on the costume, and since then, has been suiting up as Buddy the Elf every Dec. 23 and Christmas Eve.

PMG, union leaders encourage CFC participation

A new USPS video highlights the importance of the Combined Federal Campaign — the federal government’s annual workplace giving program — and urges employees to make a difference in the lives of others.

The campaign, also known as the CFC, represents thousands of charities under one umbrella. It began Oct. 1 and continues through Dec. 31.

“Serving the public is the heart of our shared mission. The CFC gives us an opportunity to do even more for the communities we serve,” Postmaster General David Steiner says in the video.

“Together, we can make a difference — for our communities, our country, and the people who count on us,” he says.

Last year, USPS employees pledged more than $2.6 million in cash and more than 21,000 volunteer hours. The goal this year is $3 million.

In addition to Steiner, the video also features comments from:

• Ivan Butts, president of the National Association of Postal Supervisors;

• James Dunlap, national executive director of United Postmasters and Managers of America;

• Patrick Pitts, vice president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association;

• Elizabeth Powell, secretary-treasurer of the American Postal Workers Union;

• Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers; and

• Kevin Tabarus, secretary-treasurer of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

The online CFC Donor Pledging System has more information, along with a gateway page that allows participants to easily find a CFC-approved charity.

USPS carrier caught on camera tossing homeowner’s packages

The video was captured on Nov. 12 at Stephanie Rebeck’s home near Manchester Road in Kirkwood. Rebeck said she posted the video online, not knowing it would garner hundreds of comments from shoppers who resonated with her experience.

A survey by global packaging company DS Smith found that more than half of Americans who ordered online last year received a damaged package at some point. That totaled to an estimated 700 million packages worth approximately $48 billion.

Rebeck reported the incident to the Kirkwood Postal Store and received a positive response. She hopes other carriers will see the video and think twice before mishandling people’s property.

The USPS Postal Delivery Vehicle That (sorta) Came From the Moon

In the 1980s, the United States Postal Service sent out a detailed list of specifications for a new postal carrier vehicle.

This “Long Life Vehicle” would replace myriad of other vehicles with one, simplifying maintenance, repairs, and training — and because it had a lightweight aluminum skin, it would last longer and save fuel, too.

A defense contractor named Grumman, known to many as the designer and manufacturer of the Apollo Lunar Module, won the contract to produce the LLV with its design — combining the frame and running gear of a Chevrolet S-10 pickup with a bespoke, riveted aluminum body.

The Long Life Vehicle’s expected 24-year service life included provisions for one replacement of the 2.5-liter “Iron Duke” 4-cylinder halfway through its life, but set out to create a uniform delivery platform for USPS postal delivery workers — one specially designed for their needs, rather than a vehicle adapted from a regular car.

In this episode, automotive journalist Jason Cammisa takes us through the history of Postal Delivery Vehicles — from horse-drawn carriages, through military surplus Jeeps, to the purpose-built Jeep DJ, and Studebaker “ZIP Van,” with an up-close look at the LLV.

Jonathan Smith Takes Office as APWU National President, Promises Bold Leadership

Jonathan Smith officially assumed the role of national president of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) on Wednesday, delivering a passionate video message to members that signaled an aggressive stance against privatization and a commitment to transformational change.

“Buckle up because this ride is going to be one of the greatest rides that you have ever gotten on,” Smith declared in his inaugural address to the APWU family, emphasizing his readiness to fight for postal workers’ rights.

Smith, who thanked members for their support and votes, immediately outlined the challenges ahead, including combating privatization efforts and resisting Post Office closings and consolidations.

The new president stressed that success would require collective action, stating, “I cannot do this alone. This has to be a ‘we’ and not a ‘me.’” He pledged to lead with integrity while fighting with everything he has to protect postal workers and the services they provide to the American people.

Smith paid tribute to his predecessor, Mark Dimondstein, who served 12 years as national president. “Twelve years of blood, sweat, and tears that he gave the American Postal Workers Union. And we want to honor him for that,” Smith said, while noting that “the battle continues.”

Invoking the words of legendary APWU President Moe Biller, Smith emphasized that “the struggle continues” and committed to fighting “to the very end.” He expressed pride in leading the union and maintaining its tradition of service to the American people.

The new president also invited members to share their concerns and ideas for improvement, promising a “transformation of organization” and expressing barely contained excitement about the union’s future direction under his leadership.

Mark Dimondstein Retires as APWU President

Mark Dimondstein, the outgoing president of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) delivered an emotional farewell message to members on Monday, reflecting on over a decade of labor victories and preparing the union for new leadership under President-elect Jonathan Smith.

In his final video address, the Dimondstein highlighted key achievements during his 12-year tenure, saying that it has been “the honor of a lifetime.” Among the union’s most significant victories under his leadership was defeating a controversial partnership between postal management and Staples that threatened to eliminate thousands of post offices and tens of thousands of APWU jobs.

He also made substantial progress in reversing concessions from the 2010 contract. Over multiple negotiating cycles, APWU successfully bridged the two-tier wage gap, converted more than 100,000 Postal Support Employees (PSEs) into career positions, and secured job security protections, pay increases, and full cost-of-living allowances for members.

Beyond the bargaining table, APWU positioned itself as a leading defender of the Postal Service against privatization efforts and committed to organizing unorganized workers while championing social justice causes, in accordance with the APWU Constitution.

Dimondstein credits the union’s success to members’ fighting spirit and willingness to stand up for themselves, their families, coworkers, and the public they serve. “While I was your president, none of it would have been possible without you, the member, standing up for what’s right and playing a part in building union power,” he said.

Looking ahead, he expressed full confidence in incoming leader Jonathan Smith, with who he has worked to ensure a smooth transition. Despite leaving office, he pledged to remain committed to the ongoing struggle for justice, closing with the labor rallying cry: “Solidarity Forever!”

No reindeer, no problem: Wichita’s postal workers prepare to sleigh the holiday

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Christmas rush is heating up, and postal workers are hard at work making sure gifts arrive in time for the big day.

Watch in the video player above as photojournalist James Heier gives us a look at a typical day at Wichita’s processing facility.

Don’t forget to track your package this holiday season. You can do so online at usps.com and even sign up for updates!

PMG addresses employees in new video

Postmaster General David Steiner discusses the Postal Service’s financial and performance expectations and his hopes for the organization’s future in his latest video message to employees.

He also shares thoughts and observations after his first 100 days in office and previews this year’s holiday delivery season.

The video, released Nov. 6, is available on Link and other postal websites and will be shown to employees throughout the organization this week.

After dog attack, former postal worker wins fight for greater protections, consequences

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Postal carrier Rebecca Flanders was making a delivery to a home in Onondaga County Dec. 8, 2018.

With the home’s usual mailbox knocked down from a snowplow, she approached the porch. The door was open, and the homeowner greeted her — along with a 70-pound dog.

The dog leaped on her, biting into her upper body.

“She was fortunate to get her right shoulder up, to keep it from going for her neck,” said attorney Duane Schoonmaker from William Mattar.

Schoonmaker said the attack left Flanders with injuries requiring two surgeries.