APWU - Lima Local #438

About the short postage(duplicates) parcels.

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Big news for postal employees broke this morning.

The USPS announced it is suspending its employer contributions to FERS, roughly $400 million a month, citing a cash crisis that could see the agency run out of funds within 12 months without congressional intervention.

Here's the breakdown:

✅ Employee FERS contributions — continuing
✅ Employee TSP contributions — continuing
✅ USPS employer automatic and matching TSP contributions — continuing
❌ USPS employer share of FERS pension contributions — suspended

Whether you're a postal employee trying to understand what this means for your retirement, or a financial professional helping clients navigate it — this is exactly the kind of development that underscores why understanding your federal benefits inside and out matters.

Questions? That's what we're here for. ffeba.com/about

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APWU Statement on USPS's Temporary FERS Suspension | American Postal Workers Union The APWU is aware of the Postal Service’s actions announced this morning related to temporarily suspending USPS’s contributions to the FERS retirement system. APWU members should rest assured that this will have no immediate impact on any current or future retiree. Your benefits are earned and t...

Every day we move essential mail for our communities—rain, snow, or shine.
But who's looking out for US?
Management has failed to do their part for too long.
Join our APWU LIVE with President Smith on Feb 10, 7pm ET
Learn your rights. Hold management accountable. Protect your coworkers.
RSVP: apwu.org/apwu-live/?utm_campaign=2026_02_10-Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook-0129

❄️ Returning to Work After a Level 3 Weather Alert

Once a Level 3 Weather Emergency has been officially downgraded or lifted, employees are expected to resume normal reporting requirements when it is safe to do so.

Under Article 14 of the APWU–USPS Collective Bargaining Agreement (Safety and Health) and ELM 814/815, employees remain responsible for working safely and for assessing their ability to report without unreasonable risk.

If local authorities have downgraded conditions and travel routes are reasonably passable, employees should make a good-faith effort to report to work and follow any reporting instructions issued by management.

If individual travel conditions remain unsafe despite the downgrade (such as impassable roads or ongoing closures), employees should promptly notify management, explain the specific safety issue, and maintain communication until conditions improve.

Safety remains the guiding standard.

APWU Local 438 President
Michael McKitrick II

❄️ Level 3 Weather Alert – Safety Guidance for Employees

When a Level 3 Weather Emergency is declared by local authorities, travel is restricted to emergency services only.

Under Article 14 of the APWU–USPS Collective Bargaining Agreement (Safety and Health) and applicable ELM safety provisions (ELM 814/815), employees are not required to place themselves in unsafe conditions or violate official safety directives in order to report to work.

If reporting would require you to travel through a Level 3 area, and you notify management that your absence is based on official travel restrictions and safety concerns, that decision aligns with established safety standards, not attendance misconduct.

Employees should notify management as soon as possible and clearly reference the Level 3 alert and safety risk. For questions or concerns, contact your steward or local union leadership. Below are a few of the counties that have been placed under Level 3 advisory.

Your safety comes first. If you have other counties that have went under a level 3, post the image from the counties sheriff's office page.

APWU Local 438 President
Michael McKitrick II

We had our meeting on Sunday, January 18th. Unfortunately the church was locked so we had it in the basement at the Lima Post Office in our union office. (I kind of like having it there!) I let everyone know that our Local 438 member party is still on for Sunday, March 15 from noon until 4pm at Westgate Entertainment Center. I have all of our 4th quarter and yearly taxes 2025 done (for now!) so we are good!
Michael has been working hard on the website and the LMOU!

Our website has been updated with a new layout and more information presented. An updated calendar of the year. Postal holidays, our Local meetings, and even our upcoming Member appreciation dinner coming up in March. More detail on the site and a post here.

www.lal438.org