OPM GRANTS EARLY RETIREMENT AUTHORITY FOR MAIL HANDLERS

The Office of Personnel Management has now granted to the Postal Service the authority necessary to offer voluntary early retirement to eligible mail handlers. In the coming weeks, approximately 8,400 eligible mail handlers will receive a mailing from the Postal Service which asks them to indicate their interest in possible early retirement. To be part of this group of eligible employees, a mail handler must have either 25 years of federal/postal service, or have 20 years of service and be at least 50 years of age. Actual early retirements will not occur until some time after October 1, 2003. The Postal Service, in consultation with the Union, will determine the precise locations and dates at which voluntary early retirements will be allowed. If you are eligible, watch your mail and your bulletin board for additional information.