Western States Conference 2027
Western States Conference 2026
Henderson Holdem – Charles Harper
There were two questions that were dealt to John Adams at the Western States Conference: Why hasn’t a step four grievance been filed on the lack of the “Grow as you Go” program; and does anyone know what the Amazon Contract was? What a tough hand to be dealt! Is he going to bluff? Is he going to fold? No, he went all in!
First question: No grievance because the Post Office is still working on the “Grow as you Go” program. After the first adjustments with RRECS, a clash was discovered. It was thought that the program would be able to handle route adjustments, but the program did not work correctly after adjustments (territory cuts, territory gains, and territory realignments). Those routes were frozen because the program was producing incorrect results: wrong mailbox factors and coverage factors. The program is being rewritten to allow more than one mailbox factor and more that one coverage factor just like the old 4003 worksheets incorporated. The Union expects “grow as you go” to be up and running in the fall—October. Presently, once a route is frozen, it cannot be adjusted or have the growth count. (Other sources say that only a grievance can have our hour growth increases added to our evaluations. These have to be figured out manually.) Article 9.2.C.10 “Service Changes” requires route adjustments. “When service changes occur, the Employer shall promptly adjust the route evaluation as determined by the formula below, and the compensation will be adjusted, as appropriate. Such interim adjustment shall be made by application of a formula based upon (1) the appropriate box factor for the route, added to the volume factor for the route, multiplied by the boxes added to or subtracted from the route since the last evaluation and (2) the change in miles utilizing the appropriate factors of the drive speed matrix to determine the time to be added or subtracted from the route evaluation.”
Second question: “Under the agreement, Amazon will cut the number of parcels it routes through USPS by 20%, a figure that most industry sources are referring to as a ‘dramatically good outcome’ for the financially strained agency. Reports suggest, at one point during talks, Amazon contemplated cutting close to two-thirds of its postal volume. The gap between that threat and the final number is hard to overstate. The contact runs through September 30, 2026, with formal talks having started in February 2025. Getting there was not a cakewalk. In fact, USPS walked away from the table in December before both sides came back and found a common ground. Under the final terms. USPS is set to handle more than 1 billion Amazon packages each year.” Amazon counts for $6 billion in annual USPS revenue, about 7.5% to 8% of the agency’s total operating budget.
There were several other questions for the National Officers, but I found these two the most intriguing.
There were two questions that were dealt to John Adams at the Western States Conference: Why hasn’t a step four grievance been filed on the lack of the “Grow as you Go” program; and does anyone know what the Amazon Contract was? What a tough hand to be dealt! Is he going to bluff? Is he going to fold? No, he went all in!
First question: No grievance because the Post Office is still working on the “Grow as you Go” program. After the first adjustments with RRECS, a clash was discovered. It was thought that the program would be able to handle route adjustments, but the program did not work correctly after adjustments (territory cuts, territory gains, and territory realignments). Those routes were frozen because the program was producing incorrect results: wrong mailbox factors and coverage factors. The program is being rewritten to allow more than one mailbox factor and more that one coverage factor just like the old 4003 worksheets incorporated. The Union expects “grow as you go” to be up and running in the fall—October. Presently, once a route is frozen, it cannot be adjusted or have the growth count. (Other sources say that only a grievance can have our hour growth increases added to our evaluations. These have to be figured out manually.) Article 9.2.C.10 “Service Changes” requires route adjustments. “When service changes occur, the Employer shall promptly adjust the route evaluation as determined by the formula below, and the compensation will be adjusted, as appropriate. Such interim adjustment shall be made by application of a formula based upon (1) the appropriate box factor for the route, added to the volume factor for the route, multiplied by the boxes added to or subtracted from the route since the last evaluation and (2) the change in miles utilizing the appropriate factors of the drive speed matrix to determine the time to be added or subtracted from the route evaluation.”
Second question: “Under the agreement, Amazon will cut the number of parcels it routes through USPS by 20%, a figure that most industry sources are referring to as a ‘dramatically good outcome’ for the financially strained agency. Reports suggest, at one point during talks, Amazon contemplated cutting close to two-thirds of its postal volume. The gap between that threat and the final number is hard to overstate. The contact runs through September 30, 2026, with formal talks having started in February 2025. Getting there was not a cakewalk. In fact, USPS walked away from the table in December before both sides came back and found a common ground. Under the final terms. USPS is set to handle more than 1 billion Amazon packages each year.” Amazon counts for $6 billion in annual USPS revenue, about 7.5% to 8% of the agency’s total operating budget.
There were several other questions for the National Officers, but I found these two the most intriguing.
Staying active – Jacob Lechner
2027 Western States Conference in Henderson, Nevada was a success, a huge turnout compared to the previous Western States Convention I attended. Meeting new carriers and catching up with some familiar faces. I do wish more carrier would attend as it’s the best way to stay active in our union. I am thrilled to be able to attend and support my union and learn of current events in our postal lives. Our union needs as much support as possible especially in these evolving times.
2027 Western States Conference in Henderson, Nevada was a success, a huge turnout compared to the previous Western States Convention I attended. Meeting new carriers and catching up with some familiar faces. I do wish more carrier would attend as it’s the best way to stay active in our union. I am thrilled to be able to attend and support my union and learn of current events in our postal lives. Our union needs as much support as possible especially in these evolving times.
A Great Opportunity – Liz Land
This was my first time attending the Western States Conference, and it definitely won’t be my last. It had a similar feel to Nationals with the board members present, but on a much smaller scale. That said, it created a great opportunity for carriers to ask questions directly to the national board.
A few takeaways:
This was my first time attending the Western States Conference, and it definitely won’t be my last. It had a similar feel to Nationals with the board members present, but on a much smaller scale. That said, it created a great opportunity for carriers to ask questions directly to the national board.
A few takeaways:
- If you’re planning to retire in the near future, give yourself plenty of time. Processing is currently taking up to 8 months due to high volume of retirees.
- If you’re seeing growth on your route, make sure you’re getting proper credit. There’s a known issue with the system that’s expected to be fixed by October. If you’re not receiving credit, get with your local steward and file a grievance.
Safety, Safety, Safety – Magdalena de los Santos
Good day to all of my rural family. I hope that this article finds you all in good health and with
many blessings. I was one of the lucky ones to attend this year's Western States Conference in
Henderson. One of the many things that were emphasized the most in my opinion would be the safety of all carriers.
What is safety you ask, I just so happen to have the definition right here: Safety is the state of being protected from harm, danger, or risk encompassing physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The types of safety we as the Postal Service emphasize the most on is physical safety, protection from tangible harm, injuries, or accidents.
All of us should know by now, we are required not only by law but as policy of our employer, to wear our seatbelts at all times. You just never truly know if that accident will one day sneak up on you. Ask yourself if your life or job is really worth that click. I hope that we will all be taking that pledge to buckle up. I know my pups are always excited to see me when I come home; therefore, my safety is my priority.
Another type of physical safety to be aware of is your surroundings at all times. Listen, watch, and just be aware. Someone could be watching either to steal those packages from doors, take your arrow keys when you aren’t watching, or try to steal your mail. Stay vigilant in your own safety, the safety of the mail and to the safety of your coworkers.
Another type of safety is emotional/psychological safety, freedom from mental harm, fear, and harassment. We have EAP. Where else can you receive free therapy sessions and be guided to a good therapist if you decide you or your family members need more than just those six free sessions. Your physical and mental health is important and that begins with you.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Good day to all of my rural family. I hope that this article finds you all in good health and with
many blessings. I was one of the lucky ones to attend this year's Western States Conference in
Henderson. One of the many things that were emphasized the most in my opinion would be the safety of all carriers.
What is safety you ask, I just so happen to have the definition right here: Safety is the state of being protected from harm, danger, or risk encompassing physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The types of safety we as the Postal Service emphasize the most on is physical safety, protection from tangible harm, injuries, or accidents.
All of us should know by now, we are required not only by law but as policy of our employer, to wear our seatbelts at all times. You just never truly know if that accident will one day sneak up on you. Ask yourself if your life or job is really worth that click. I hope that we will all be taking that pledge to buckle up. I know my pups are always excited to see me when I come home; therefore, my safety is my priority.
Another type of physical safety to be aware of is your surroundings at all times. Listen, watch, and just be aware. Someone could be watching either to steal those packages from doors, take your arrow keys when you aren’t watching, or try to steal your mail. Stay vigilant in your own safety, the safety of the mail and to the safety of your coworkers.
Another type of safety is emotional/psychological safety, freedom from mental harm, fear, and harassment. We have EAP. Where else can you receive free therapy sessions and be guided to a good therapist if you decide you or your family members need more than just those six free sessions. Your physical and mental health is important and that begins with you.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
You are not alone – Rosie Coria
The Western State Conference can help you think collectively and educate you regarding navigating the Post Office and make you understand that you aren’t alone. This conference brought to you a diverse group of people who were able to explain not only local issues but National issues that the Union and Post Office face.
At this conference we were given the opportunity to meet with your Union President Don Maston. Members of our board, insurance specialists, retirement specialist and many other relevant people who addressed ongoing issues. Topics covered were postal strategies in regard to changing legislation. New vehicles and written resources; the RCAM, PO603, M38, as well as the grow as you go agreements with the post office. This conference was very informative and could help educate carriers and makes our union stronger. Don’t go at it alone. Attend meetings, conferences, vote, you are the Union.
The Western State Conference can help you think collectively and educate you regarding navigating the Post Office and make you understand that you aren’t alone. This conference brought to you a diverse group of people who were able to explain not only local issues but National issues that the Union and Post Office face.
At this conference we were given the opportunity to meet with your Union President Don Maston. Members of our board, insurance specialists, retirement specialist and many other relevant people who addressed ongoing issues. Topics covered were postal strategies in regard to changing legislation. New vehicles and written resources; the RCAM, PO603, M38, as well as the grow as you go agreements with the post office. This conference was very informative and could help educate carriers and makes our union stronger. Don’t go at it alone. Attend meetings, conferences, vote, you are the Union.
2025 Western States Conference
