Options after the Count

[Postaltexan]

The USPS achieved a slam dunk in this mail count.  As a result, this will leave regular carriers having to take the high option just to keep their salary.  It will also leave many of our leave replacements losing work hours.

This page is intended to show you some of the options you have and can take advantage of after this massacre of a mail count.

Click here

[manOman]

PT, thanks so much for your comprehensive overview of post-count options. Putting all this information together is a very valuable service for your fellow carriers. The many things you do for us are greatly appreciated.

One possible consideration on taking the "high" option might be if a carrier is close to retirement - the high option MIGHT be used to bump up the "high three" average salary used to compute the FERS retirement annuity.

A possible consideration for TSP participants might be to tweak their TSP contribution in light of their new salary.

A carrier faced with a large CUT in salary MIGHT consider cutting their TSP contribution to help make up for some of their loss. The downside to this, of course, is that they would have less $$ in their TSP at retirement (sort of like most of us do following the recent market meltdown). Because of the USPS match (up to 5%) of the TSP, it's advisable to try to get as much of that match as possible. My "gut feeling" is that the TSP match may not last that much longer - in that case, you're probably better off with a Roth IRA, but as long as the match is there, it's like "free money", so take it if you can.

For a carrier jumping to a HIGHER salary level, if your TSP contribution is a percentage of your salary, be aware that a larger dollar amount will be going into your TSP account. Again, the 5% level is desirable for the full USPS match, but if you are putting in a higher level, you might consider changing your contribution to a DOLLAR amount (perhaps matching your present contribution) so as to get a few more bucks each payday.

[Postaltexan]

Awwwww Mano, You are welcome...  Excellent tips...  I will add them to the page..

On Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 5:45 PM, manOman (via Nabble) <[hidden email]> wrote:

PT, thanks so much for your comprehensive overview of post-count options. Putting all this information together is a very valuable service for your fellow carriers. The many things you do for us are greatly appreciated.

One possible consideration on taking the "high" option might be if a carrier is close to retirement - the high option MIGHT be used to bump up the "high three" average salary used to compute the FERS retirement annuity.

A possible consideration for TSP participants might be to tweak their TSP contribution in light of their new salary.

A carrier faced with a large CUT in salary MIGHT consider cutting their TSP contribution to help make up for some of their loss. The downside to this, of course, is that they would have less $$ in their TSP at retirement (sort of like most of us do following the recent market meltdown). Because of the USPS match (up to 5%) of the TSP, it's advisable to try to get as much of that match as possible. My "gut feeling" is that the TSP match may not last that much longer - in that case, you're probably better off with a Roth IRA, but as long as the match is there, it's like "free money", so take it if you can.

For a carrier jumping to a HIGHER salary level, if your TSP contribution is a percentage of your salary, be aware that a larger dollar amount will be going into your TSP account. Again, the 5% level is desirable for the full USPS match, but if you are putting in a higher level, you might consider changing your contribution to a DOLLAR amount (perhaps matching your present contribution) so as to get a few more bucks each payday.

Be sure and visit my website!!

http://ruralinfo.net

[Slam Dunk'd Ernest]

Yes, my route was one ot the ones that was slam-dunked!!  I went from a 43J to a 21H  (Is there such a thing?).  We have a vacant route that is adjacent to mine that is supposed to be held as a buffer.  What can I do at this point to have an adjustment done to my route using the vacant route?   How long would such a process take?

[rsewell]

You can ask for the adjustment, but they don't have to give it to you. There is no contractual provision that requires them to rebuild you from a loss due to a count. What you may want to remind them of is that they will be paying you for 21 hours work at the 40 hour pay level until the end of the guarantee year and it would make sense to rebuild you to at least a 40 hour route.

As far as how long should it take, well there again, there is no specified timeframe for when it should get done. Also keep in mind that your district analyst has to approve the adjustment as well.

I feel for your loss. I wish you luck

[h again]

 slam dunk'd you sure did get screwed I'd call the state steward and just bitch about it. Maybe if you do that they'll help you out and push them to do it.

[nette]

You will still receive your guaranteed salary until they build your route back up.  That's the good news.  It really depends on how many adjustments need to be done in your area and how many people are qualified to make the adjustments.  It's good to hear there's a buffer for you to pull off.  What did that route classify after count?

[manOman]

HOLY CRAP!!

Ernest, could you give us an idea of how your route lost so much??

[PostalDrone]

[gjtrisa]

I am sure you have checked and rechecked everything but this sounds like a huge loss.  I would be going over everything to see what is missing because that is the largest loss I have ever heard of without an error causing the problem.  I would look at miles, box count, parcel lockers, dismounts first.  

I am so very sorry that this happened to you and any other carrier out there suffering this kind of loss.

[PostalDrone]

Your loss is shocking.      

  Best Wishes and Good Luck!

[kevnkel]

I remember last year a couple of examples of the difference between high and low options.  Some one shown the benefits by describing 2 routes; a new carrier 40K vs 44J and another one with a carrier with 12 years (or something like that).. .  Anybody got an example?

[AL_MAILADY]

My route came back 24:21 from a 46K ... check your 4241, they did not have my route mileage or boxes in count calculator ... once that was corrected my route was back at a 46K.  Double check those sheets !!

[gjtrisa]

We noticed that the withdrawal was marked no on the routes that had a
drop that disproportionate to the rest of the routes.  I am going back
through any sheets that have asked and it is amazing how many typos,
errors, math mishaps I have found.  It is your pay you need to protect
it.

[Tracy]

What are our options for taking a high option or low option? Another carrier told me I didn't qualify for High Option because I have only been here for two years? Is there a time frame or how does this work>

[don]

Tracy, one must be in a 20 day leave category in order to take the low option. You are in a 13 day leave category.

[Tracy]

They have me in a low option after the last count. I was  J route and went to a 41 H route, after this count I'm back up to 43.48 and the calculator said low option H route, high option K route. That is if I'm reading it correctly! So since I'm at a 13 dal leave, should I be in a Hig option or low Option?

[VAX]

    Your a 44 H, no option! smallest j starts at 44;11

[regular23]

How on earth did you manage to go from 47 hours (43J) to 21 hours. Are you sure all your numbers are right. Sounds more like something major wasn't added to them.