APWU Contract Negotiation News

APWU Contract Questions and Answers

2011-10-23T09:13:00.000-05:00

Questions and Answers on the Contract

The APWU and the USPS have agreed to a set of Questions and Answers [PDF] regarding the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU contract Q&A

Locations announced for 740 new Motor Vehicle Craft Jobs

2011-08-31T10:25:00.002-05:00

Locations announced for 740 new Motor Vehicle Craft Jobs

In accordance with the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the USPS has agreed to establish 740 new assignments in Vehicle Maintenance Facilities. A list [PDF | XLS] provided to the union on Aug. 30 specifies the locations for the new positions and indicates whether they are Level 8, 9, or 10 Automotive Technician or Lead Technician positions.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: Motor Vehicle Craft Jobs, MVS

Why Wisconsin's recall election matters to the rest of America

2011-08-08T22:27:00.002-05:00

Why Wisconsin's recall election matters to the rest of America

Since taking office last fall, Governor Walker has successfully passed several hallmarks of the Republican agenda, including tax cuts, limits on union collective bargaining powers, concealed-carry gun rights, harsher ID restrictions in the voting booth, and new political redistricting.

Reference Source: www.csmonitor.com

Tags: Wisconsin's recall election

2010-2015 Contract: Questions and Answers, Staffing Tool

2011-08-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

2010-2015 Contract:
Questions and Answers, Staffing Tool

The APWU has posted a series of Questions and Answers regarding the recently-negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement, Industrial Relations Director Mike Morris announced July 6. “We have been meeting with our counterparts at the Postal Service to resolve a number of issues that have caused confusion in the field,” he said. “We have agreement on 65 items and are continuing discussions on the remaining items.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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Implications of the APWU contract

2011-05-26T23:54:00.000-05:00

What does Postal Service-APWU contract mean for other postal unions?

"...Historically, unions have been leery of these kinds of arrangements because they risk driving a wedge between older and younger members. But with the Postal Service in undeniably awful financial shape, it’s easier to push the pain off on to people..."

Reference Source: federaltimes.com

Tags: APWU contract

APWU Contract now in effect

2011-05-24T10:30:00.000-05:00

APWU, USPS Sign New Contract

APWU President Cliff Guffey and Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe have signed the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Their signatures formalize the new contract, which was ratified by APWU members on May 11.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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APWU Contract is Ratified

2011-05-11T20:25:00.006-05:00

Union Members Ratify Contract

also includes several new concepts: The “full-time” designation will apply to any position of 30 or more hours per week and to any position of 48 hours or less per week. This will allow for the creation of a variety of full-time schedules, including four 10-hour days, three 12-hour days, and four 11-hour days.

However, no current employee can be forced into a full-time position of less than 40 hours per week or more than 44 hours per week. Furthermore, there will be no mandatory overtime for employees in non-traditional assignments or in functional areas that utilize non-traditional full-time assignments.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract, APWU Ratifies Contract,

APWU tentative contract attacked by government anti-union thugs during inquiry

2011-04-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

House Hearing Sets Troubling Precedent

Clearly, the Republican majority on the panel had an agenda: To change the law that governs postal bargaining in order to strengthen management’s position and weaken postal unions.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags:

APWU President Cliff Guffey sets the record straight on tentative agreement

2011-04-11T22:51:00.000-05:00

Clearing Up Confusion About the Tentative Agreement

A few provisions of the Tentative Agreement have been misunderstood by some union members. APWU President Cliff Guffey sets the record straight in video messages
Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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Postal Service Defends APWU Contract

2011-04-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

USPS defends union deal ahead of grilling in Congress

The deal, which still requires ratification by the union members after its eight-month negotiation, adopts a two-year pay freeze but then a wage increase of 3.5% over three years.

Reference Source: postandparcel.info

Tags:

Postal Announcement of March 25

2011-03-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

This post is courtesy of The Postal Newsgroup

The highly anticipated March 25 USPS announcement is referenced below as found on the USPS' website. The largest majority of the information was put out yesterday (March 24, 2011) detailing the district closings, the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), The financial incentive programs being offered to eligible career non-bargaining employees in targeted groups at Headquarters, Headquarters-related Field Units, Area Offices and Customer Service District Offices (Administrative). However, the additional information provided in the following announcement that stands out boldly is 'additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.' Read below to see the official release. Stay tuned and we will provide further internal information as it trickles out.

March 25 Postal Announcement

The Announcement
PMG ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF SEVEN DISTRICTS
I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure.

As part of the ongoing redesign of the Postal Service, PMG Pat Donahoe yesterday announced USPS will close 7 of its 74 district offices. This reflects continuing alignments within the organization to achieve core business strategies and, when fully implemented, will help realize approximately $750 million of annual cost savings (Link Extra, 3/23).

The district offices scheduled for closure — Columbus, OH, (Eastern Area); Southeast Michigan in Troy, MI, and Northern Illinois in Carol Stream, IL (Great Lakes Area); Southeast New England in Providence, RI (Northeast Area); South Georgia in Macon, GA, and Albuquerque in Albuquerque, NM (Southwest Area); and Big Sky in Billings, MT (Western Area) — house only administrative functions that will be assumed by surrounding district offices. The closures will not affect customer service, mail delivery, Post Office operations or ZIP codes.

“I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure. One that is fair to our employees and one that will meet the future needs of our customers and the mailing industry,” said Donahoe.

This organizational redesign builds on previous PMG announcements that include a 16 percent reduction in officer ranks, realigning revenue-generating business units, closing the Southeast Area Office, and further reducing the employee complement by about 7,500 positions.

While yesterday’s announcement focused on the administrative and executive corps, additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.

Reference: usps.gov
emphasis (bold-print) added by The Postal Newsgroup

March 25 Postal Announcement, USPS March 25 Announcement,

APWU Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement Online (members only)

2011-03-24T17:04:00.000-05:00

Tentative Agreement Available Online

The full version of the Tentative Agreement (PDF) between the APWU and the Postal Service is available for union members only at: full version of the Tentative Agreement (PDF) .
Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Tentative Agreement Online

Lawmakers question your tiny one percent pay increase next year

2011-03-23T18:43:00.000-05:00

Lawmakers question pay for USPS employees

the first 1 percent of which would take effect in November 2012, the agreement would protect APWU employees
Reference Source: www.govexec.com

Tags: Postal Pay

2011 Special Incentive Offer, but not for you

2011-03-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

USPS $20,000 Special Incentive Offer for targeted non-bargaining employees only

What are the basic details of the 2011 Special Incentive Offer?

On March 23, 2011, the Postal Service announced a Special Incentive offer for the following targeted groups:

Career non-bargaining employees assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Field Units, including PCES and attorneys
Career non-bargaining employees assigned to Area Offices, including PCES
Career non-bargaining employees assigned to District Customer Service Offices (the offer includes PCES in closing districts only)

Reference Source: usps.gov

Tags: USPS early retirement offer

Vote no, says former APWU President William Burrus

2011-03-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

Former APWU President Burrus comes out against tentative postal contract

Burrus’ opposition centers around provisions that—by his calculations–would cost future USPS employees more than $8,000 per year each

Reference Source: federaltimes.com

Tags: APWU contract

Highlights of the New APWU Contract (Tentative Agreement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement)

2011-03-15T10:09:00.000-05:00

APWU Contract Period: 2010-2015

Highlights of the New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Below are key components of the tentative agreement between the U.S. Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union for the 2010-2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The four-and-half year contract, which will expire at midnight on May 20, 2015, must be ratified by members of the APWU. Wages There will be across-the-board pay increases of 3.5 percent over the life of the contract. Nov. 17, 2012 – 1% increase Nov. 16, 2013 – 1.5% increase Nov. 15, 2014 – 1% increase Cost-of-Living Adjustments Cost-of-living increases will continue and will be “back-loaded.” COLAs for 2011 were waived, and COLAs for 2012 are deferred until 2013. A March 2012 COLA will become effective in March 2013, together with a March 2013 COLA. A September 2012 COLA will become effective in September 2013, together with a September 2013 COLA. Cost-of-Living Adjustments will be made in March and September 2013. Cost-of-Living Adjustments will be made in March and September 2014. A Cost-of-Living Adjustment will be made in March 2015. New Entry-Level Steps Additional steps will be added to the pay scale for new employees in Levels 3through 8, with lower starting salaries. Future employees will progress through the new steps onto the current pay scale, but will not be eligible to progress to the current top step. Health Benefits There will be no changes to the healthcare benefits of APWU members in 2012. Each year from 2013 through 2016 there will be a slight shift in employees’ share of contributions toward healthcare coverage. This will amount to an increase of several dollars per pay period each year. (Similar changes were made in the last contract.) Limits on Excessing The agreement limits excessing outside of an installation or craft to no more than 40 miles from the installation in most cases and to no more than 50 miles in any case. If management cannot place employees within 50 miles, the parties will jointly determine what steps may be taken. Employees will not be required to retreat to crafts they were excessed from if the crafts are represented by the APWU. There will be designated “moving days” no more frequently than once every three months for excessing from postal installations. This will strengthen seniority when excessing occurs in multiple installations within a geographic area. Jobs and Job Security Protection against layoffs continues for all career employees who were on the rolls as of Nov. 20, 2010. The language of Article 6, which governs layoffs and reductions-in-force, remains unchanged. New provisions on subcontracting give the APWU the opportunity to develop proposals to compete with subcontractors for work, and stipulate that if APWU-represented employees can perform the work less expensively than the subcontractors, the work must be performed by APWU-represented employees. The tentative agreement protects jobs with a provision that stipulates that the APWU will retain jurisdiction if the duties of union members are moved to facilities that are not currently represented by the APWU. Jobs in the Clerk Craft No fewer than 1,100 Call Center jobs that had been contracted out will be returned to the APWU bargaining unit. The Call Center locations will become part of the installation of the nearest Processing & Distribution Center, so that APWU members can bid on these positions. A minimum of 800 positions will be created in the Clerk Craft to perform administrative and technical duties that are currently performed by EAS personnel. Lead Clerk, PS-7, positions will be created in mail processing and in retail to perform administrative duties. At least one Lead Clerk position will be established in any office where there is no supervisor. At least one Lead Clerk position will be established in any Customer Service office with five or more Clerk Craft employees. Ratios for the establishment of Lead Clerk positions in mail processing will be as follows : # Clerks # Lead Clerks 5-49 1 50-99 2 100-199 3 200-499 4 500 or more 5, plus one for each 100 clerks 204Bs will be eliminated from offices with supervisors, except to fill absences of more than 14 days and vacant assignments of more than 14 days. Part-Time Regular positions will be eliminated from the Clerk Craft. Jobs in the Maintenance Craft There will be a joint audit of maintenance work currently performed by contractors to identify duties that can be assigned to the Maintenance Craft where it is cost effective. Custodial staffing will be established on an installation-wide basis rather than on a facility-wide basis. Initially 1,500 custodial positions that were contracted out will be returned to the bargaining unit. Help Desk positions at the MTSC (Maintenance Technical Support Center) in Norman, OK, will be assigned to the bargaining unit. There will be an audit of EAS positions to determine if non-supervisory duties are being performed. Bargaining unit duties derived from the audit will be returned to the bargaining unit and a minimum of 60 bargaining unit positions will be established. All in-craft promotions will be on the basis of installation seniority within a “banded” score. Jobs in the Motor Vehicle Craft Approximately 740 Vehicle Maintenance Facility positions will be created to perform work that is currently performed by subcontractors. The jobs will be created as follows: 219 Level 8 Technicians 459 Level 9 Lead Technicians 62 Level 10 Lead Technicians A minimum of 600 Highway Contract Routes (HCRs) will be converted to Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) routes, with a minimum of 25% of the duty assignments given to career employees The APWU will have the opportunity to review approximately 8,000 additional HCRs, and will have the opportunity to submit proposals for the work. There will be an audit of EAS positions to determine if non-supervisory duties are being performed. Bargaining unit duties derived from the audit will be returned to the bargaining unit and a minimum of 60 bargaining unit positions will be established. Part-Time Flexible and Part-Time Regular positions will be eliminated from the MVS Craft. New, Non-Traditional Positions The tentative agreement changes the definition of “full-time” in a way that gives the Postal Service and our members greater flexibility. The “full-time” designation will apply to any position of 30 or more hours per week and to any position of 48 hours or less per week No current employees can be forced into a full-time position of less than 40 hours per week or more than 44 hours per week. These provisions will allow for the creation of many non-traditional full-time schedules, including four 10-hour days, three 12-hour days, and four 11-hour days. There will be no mandatory overtime for employees in non-traditional assisgnments or in functional areas that utilize non-traditional full-time assignments. To provide the USPS with flexibility, the parties agreed to create a new position for Non-Career Assistants, who will comprise up to 20 percent of the workforce in most functional areas of the Clerk Craft and up to 10 percent in both the Maintenance and Motor Vehicle Crafts. These employees will be paid lower wages than career employees, but higher wages than Transitional Employees and Casuals. They will be part of the APWU bargaining unit and will receive raises, health benefits, and leave. Non-Career Assistants will have access to the grievance procedure, and they will have the opportunity to join the ranks of the permanent, career workforce by seniority. Transitional Employees and Casuals will be eliminated as workforce categories. Employees who are currently serving as TEs or Casuals will be eligible for conversion to Non-Career Assistants if they have passed the appropriate tests. Small Offices There will be no Part-Time Flexibles in Level 21 and above offices. Positions will be staffed with Full-Time Regulars (including non-traditional assignments) and Non-Career Assistants. In Level 20 and below offices, wherever the union can demonstrate the existence of 30-hour duty assignments, management must create them. Restrictions will be placed on the amount of bargaining unit work that may be performed by supervisory personnel in small offices. The formula is as follows: Level 20 offices and above - No bargaining work by supervisors allowed Level 18 offices - 18 hours per week Level 15 and 16 offices - 25 hours per week Many Contract Postal Units (CPUs) will be returned to the APWU bargaining unit; others will be closed, and a system will be established to evaluate additional CPUs for return to the bargaining unit or closure. Bidding Employees will enjoy unlimited bidding on jobs that do not require training or a deferment period. Such bids will not count toward an employee’s allowed number of bids. Light & Limited Duty The union’s proposals regarding light- and limited-duty positions will proceed to arbitration. Our proposals are intended to protect seniority rights and to provide fair opportunities for accommodation for employees that need it.
Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags:

APWU Contract Negotiated to an Agreement: requires ratification by membership

2011-03-15T01:09:00.001-05:00

APWU Contract Negotiated to an Agreement - requires ratification by membership

The APWU has reported a settlement of the National Contract. To view a synopsis of the settlement go to http://www.apwu.org/issues-cbanegots2010/index.htm. The link will take you to the APWU Contract Negotiations site. As we write this post, the site is experiencing downtime due to heavy traffic. Sites tend to pay for a certain amount of internet bandwidth and when that bandwidth amount is exceeded, you may get a "problem loading page", a connection timeout, or some other inability to load the page.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Tentative Agreement

APWU Contract Deal? Contract Negotiations Update for March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T10:33:00.002-05:00

No official news of a contract agreement

The www.postalnewsblog.com has reported "a tweet from the Mid Florida APWU Local claims the union and the USPS have reached a contract agreement." [Reference: http://www.postalnewsblog.com/2011/03/12/report-apwu-and-usps-reach-contract-deal/]. However the PostalReporter News Blog [Reference: http://www.postalreporternews.net/tag/apwu-contract-negotiations/] reports the "USPS Denies Contract Agreement Reached With APWU".

In an effort to investigate the report, we went straight to the most applicable source, the APWU. A search of the APWU "Contract Negotiations News" page has not posted an update, at least at the time of this writing, since February 24, 2011. Therefore there is no official news as of yet.
Reference Source: http://contractnegotiations.blogspot.com/

Tags: APWU Contract, APWU Contract Negotiations Update, APWU contract deal,

Postal Early Retirement Coming Soon

2011-03-10T01:05:00.000-06:00

Postal Service to cut 7,500 positions this month, 30,000 by end of year

early retirement offers to reach that number and is weighing whether to use buyouts as well.

Reference Source: postalearlyretirement.blogspot.com

Tags:

APWU Contract Update

2011-03-08T00:06:00.000-06:00

APWU Contract Update

What's going on with the APWU contract negotiations? No news to share here!

Reference Source: contractnegotiations.blogspot.com

Tags:

Bargaining continues, but no tentative agreement

2011-02-25T09:11:00.000-06:00

Rank-and-File Bargaining Committee to Meet But There is No Tentative Agreement, Union Says

APWU President Cliff Guffey has called the Rank-and-File Bargaining Advisory Committee to Washington, DC for a briefing on contract negotiations, but he said a tentative agreement has not been reached. The panel will meet on March 2 with members of the union’s negotiating team.

“We have been meeting with the Postal Service regularly,” Guffey said, “and although progress has been slow, we feel it is important to update the committee on our discussions.

“I know that all our members want to hear details about negotiations,” he said. “Unfortunately, it is not appropriate to disclose the specifics while talks are continuing.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags:

‘Business as Usual’ Isn’t Good Enough, Guffey Tells National Officers

2011-02-24T11:06:00.000-06:00

‘Business as Usual’ Isn’t Good Enough, Guffey Tells National Officers

Guffey’s message took on a sense of urgency, as news reports were filled with stories about the battle public employees in Wisconsin are waging to protect their right to bargain.

“You’re all good at persuading people,” Guffey told the group of experienced arbitration advocates. “We need you to use your persuasive skills to get members of Congress to support

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations

APWU Stands in Solidarity with Embattled Workers

2011-02-19T06:21:00.000-06:00

APWU Stands in Solidarity with Embattled Workers

As embattled state and local workers in Wisconsin protest legislation that would attack public employees’ rights to bargain collectively, the APWU urges members to stand in solidarity with those who would be affected by the bill.

Reference Source: Labor Contract News

Tags:

Total mail volume increases full 1.5%

2011-02-10T09:50:00.000-06:00

USPS ENDS QUARTER 1 WITH $329 MILLION LOSS

"...economic indicators suggest the dramatic decline in mail volume is over..."

Reference Source: usps.gov

Tags: mail volume, sply

USPS RIF and VER Informational Website Announced

2011-02-04T10:04:00.001-06:00

USPS HR Organizational Changes Website Announced

In the event of RIF and/or VER, all relevant information – including timelines and guidance - will be posted on the Organizational Changes Website as soon as details are finalized. Watch for internal communications such as LINK articles and stay tuned to this website for any and all HR-related updates.

Reference Source: USPS HR Organizational Changes Website

Tags: USPS HR Organizational Changes Website, USPS Voluntary Early Retirement Information, USPS Reduction in Force Information,

The new postmaster general speaks out

2011-01-31T09:35:00.000-06:00

The new postmaster general speaks out

Negotiations are underway with two of your largest unions. There are some concerns with "excessing" - moving people to new positions or to a new town. You've said that one of the biggest concerns to the whole program that there's a big fear about change. Talk a little bit about how you're trying to allay those fears.

Reference Source: washingtonpost.com

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations

Other union contract negotiations in the news

2011-01-30T10:52:00.001-06:00

UPS and aircraft mechanics agree on contract

The agreement includes “an industry-best” top wage rate, retroactive pay, continued free health benefits, and “company concessions that will bring vendor work in-house,” the international said in a statement.

Reference Source: Labor Contract News

Tags: contracts with free health benefits

APWU Negotiations Continue

2011-01-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

With Slow Progress, Contract Talks Continue

One of the union’s top priorities is to regain duties that have been contracted out or given to supervisory personnel. “The proposals we have submitted to achieve these objectives also would benefit the Postal Service,” Guffey said. “They would reduce USPS costs, because our members can perform the work more efficiently and at a lower cost.”

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags:

A little union humor...

2011-01-10T20:06:00.000-06:00

Kramer is still on strike! Watch the Kramer 'Scab' clip

Kramer is still on strike in this episode and he calls for a walkout on the Bagel Shop. Unfortunately Elaine fails to support him by not walking out with him. In turn, Kramer calls Elaine a scab.

Reference Source: Labor Contract News

Tags: Labor Contract Humor

APWU Contract Negotiations Update

2011-01-10T19:59:00.000-06:00

Despite Mounting Frustration, Contract Talks Continue

"... members of the union’s negotiating team held discussions with their management counterparts on Jan. 6 and 7. ..."

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Update

APWU Union Contract Negotiation News

2011-01-03T21:43:00.000-06:00

Union Frustrated by Lack of Progress in Contract Talks

"... The union president and other members of the APWU negotiating team plan to update members of the Rank and File Committee on the status of negotiations on Jan. 4. The committee is expected to remain in Washington through Jan. 6. ..."

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiation News

Contract Negotiations Guide

2010-12-30T11:11:00.000-06:00

The Contract Negotiation Handbook: An Indispensable Guide for Contract Professionals

Reference Source: The Contract Negotiation Handbook: An Indispensable Guide for Contract Professionals

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Postal strike of 1970 - a history

2010-12-29T23:11:00.000-06:00

While we await the latest news relating to the ongoing APWU Contract Negotiations, let's take a look back at the evolution of the contract by visiting the Wikipedia for The Postal Strike of 1970.

Tags: Postal Strike

APWU Contract Negotiations

2010-12-29T00:15:00.000-06:00

No updates on the APWU Contract Negotiation conversation. Stay tuned for more news and updates.

APWU Contract Negotiations Update for Dec. 21, 2010

2010-12-21T22:10:00.000-06:00

The APWU provided a contract negotiation update today. The update offered very little insight relative to negotiation commentary. The update does provide language describing arbitration and states, "If a settlement is not reached within 60 days of the expiration of the contract, both parties submit all outstanding issues to binding arbitration."

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags:

APWU Contract Negotiations Update

2010-12-15T21:03:00.000-06:00

APWU Contract Negotiations Continue

In the latest APWU Contract negotiations update, President Guffey announces a Freeze on Excessing. APWU: "In addition to job security and alleviating the pain of excessing, the parties are discussing wages, benefits and issues related to workforce structure."

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract, Negotiations

APWU Contract Negotiations Remain Mum

2010-12-14T22:27:00.001-06:00

No news to report on the continuing APWU Contract Negotiations

The APWU has not announced any contract negotiation news or updates since December 9. They have reported that union membership is extremely strong with 83% of eligible employees being members of the APWU.

Reference Source: Contract Negotiation News, APWU Contract Negotiations, APWU Contract

Tags: APWU Contract

APWU Contract Negotiations Update

2010-12-09T18:09:00.000-06:00

Bargaining Continues

From the APWU: President Cliff Guffey has reported. “We are pursuing our goals,” he said. “We want job security for our members, and we want to lessen the disruption our members suffer as a result of excessing.” The parties also are discussing wages, benefits, and issues related to workforce structure.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: contract negotiations, APWU contract negotiations, APWU 2010 Contract Negotiations, APWU contract negotiations Update

A moment of silence for a fallen postal employee: Bruce Parton Shooting

2010-12-07T19:57:00.001-06:00

Search continues in postal worker shooting

MIAMI -- Authorities in Miami continue to search for the person who fatally shot a postal worker.

Investigators say 60-year-old Bruce Parton was shot Monday afternoon. His body was found in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The shooter took off in the mail truck...

Reference Source: www.miamiherald.com

Tags: Miami Postal employee shooting,

APWU Contract Negotiations Continue Over the Weekend

2010-12-04T11:17:00.000-06:00

APWU Contract Negotiations Continue Over the Weekend

Union contract negotiations continue over the weekend as the APWU and the postal service discuss wages,workforce structure and excessing. APWU President Guffey continues to believe a settlement is possible.

Reference Source: http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2010/10-144-negotiations-update-101203.htm

Tags: APWU contract negotiations, APWU contract negotiations update, APWU contract,

APWU Contract Negotiations Continue Past Deadline

2010-12-01T23:42:00.000-06:00

APWU Article Title:
Contract Talks to Continue

"...“We will be working late tonight and early tomorrow. We have agreed to ‘cover the clock,’” he said, adding that the parties would continue working until they reach agreement or it becomes clear that an agreement is not possible...."

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations Update

APWU Contract Negotiations Update

2010-11-30T23:54:00.000-06:00

Contract talks continue

The APWU contract negotiations deadline is December 1, 2010. Contract talks continued this today. The Postal Service extended the timeframe for bidding under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Reference Source: APWU

Tags: APWU contract negotiations

APWU Contract Negotiations Resume

2010-11-30T00:32:00.000-06:00

The APWU reports that contract negotiations resumed on November 29, 2010, after the Thanksgiving Holiday. The negotiations conversation focused on returning subcontracted work to postal employees, as well as discussing issues related to workforce structure, and pay and benefits.

Reference Source: http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2010/10-140-negotiations-update-101129.htm

Tags: apwu contract negotiations, apwu contract negotiations update, apwu contract 2010, apwu contract negociations for 2010, apwu contract,

Tags:

APWU says 'Operating Services Agreement Extended through Nov. 30"

2010-11-22T23:40:00.000-06:00

Operating Services Agreement Extended through Nov. 30

The Operating Services contract is modeled on the national Collective Bargaining Agreement, and covers 90 postal employees working at USPS Headquarters in Washington, DC, and at a facility in nearby Merrifield, VA.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags:

Contract Extended to Nov. 23; Union, USPS to Continue Talks

2010-11-20T23:38:00.000-06:00

Contract Extended to Nov. 23; Union, USPS to Continue Talks

"...“We do not have a new contract,” Guffey said, “but we believe there is still potential to negotiate an agreement. ..."

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Update

Shouldn't we return worksharing to the Postal Service?

2010-11-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

Shouldn't we return worksharing to the Postal Service?

the controversial issue of worksharing. Postal unions claim they can do it less expensively, while mailers want to continue the large discounts they receive

Reference Source: Mailing Industry News

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APWU Contract

2010-11-18T16:34:00.001-06:00

Guffey: USPS Will Have to Do Better

At a morning bargaining session, management representatives re-hashed their previous oral statements, he said.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations Update, Contract Negotiations,

USPS Answer: More job cuts?

2010-11-15T11:04:00.000-06:00

More USPS red ink to lead to bloodletting

The announcement of impending job cuts comes as the Postal Service is in contract negotiations with two of its unions, with two more scheduled to be negotiated next year.

Reference Source: www.federalnewsradio.com

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations, Contract Negotiations Update,

APWU Negotiators Meet With Rank and File Committee

2010-11-15T10:57:00.001-06:00

APWU Negotiators Meet With Rank and File Committee

“Until now, the Postal Service has not been serious about negotiating. We hope to change that,” Guffey said. It’s not unusual for bargaining to take on a sense of urgency only as the deadline nears, he noted.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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Rep. Darrell Issa (R - CA) to Push for Postal Service Changes

2010-11-12T17:15:00.000-06:00

Rep. Darrell Issa (R - CA) to Push for Postal Service Changes

Rep. Darrell Issa, Republican of California, who is set to become chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee in the next Congress, said on Friday that he would push for major changes at the Postal Service

Reference Source: nytimes.com

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Contract Negotiations Update

2010-11-12T07:23:00.001-06:00

Rank and File Bargaining Committee Scheduled to Arrive in Washington, DC

From the APWU site: The union’s Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee is scheduled to arrive in Washington, DC on Nov. 14 to be on hand in the event of late-breaking developments at the negotiating table. With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire Nov. 20, union leaders remain optimistic about the possibility that an agreement can be reached. “Final bargaining will be challenging,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey, “but the union is determined to negotiate a contract that benefits both the members of the APWU and the Postal Service.” In accordance with the APWU Constitution and Bylaws, any tentative agreement between the union and management must be approved by a majority of the Rank and File Committee before it can be submitted to members for a ratification vote. Each member of the union’s National Executive Board names one person to the committee; a 14th member is appointed from the union’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing Task Force. Committee members will be available around the clock to discuss proposals and any agreements reached between the union and the Postal Service.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: 2010 APWU Contract Negotiations, Contract negotiations, contract negotiation news,

USPS Management Proposes Wage Cuts

2010-11-02T00:21:00.000-05:00

APWU President Burrus reports that management has proposed wage cuts. President Burrus states, "There is zero possibility that the union will agree to wage cuts."

Reference Source: USPS Wage, Benefit Proposal: An Insult to Postal Workers; Burrus Update #19-2010, Nov. 1, 2010

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APWU President Burrus Shocked, Disappointed By Retirement of PMG Potter

2010-10-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

Burrus Shocked, Disappointed
By Retirement of PMG Potter

Contract negotiations must now be viewed in a different light: It is highly unlikely that Potter will commit the next PMG to contractual provisions that are acceptable to the union. As I have said in many forums, in 2010 a negotiated agreement will require innovation and new ideas. I am very disappointed that Jack Potter will not have the freedom to join Cliff Guffey in finding the pieces that can lead to such an agreement.

The APWU has interacted with Pat Donohoe over the years and we begin the new relationship with an open mind. He should be judged by his decisions as Postmaster General, and that story has yet to be written. He faces major challenges, but I can assure him that APWU will be a strong ally if workers’ concerns are included in his agenda.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations, APWU Contract news

Postmaster General Announces Retirement

2010-10-26T06:48:00.000-05:00

A LETTER TO ALL EMPLOYEES FROM POSTMASTER GENERAL JACK POTTER

Pat Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer, will become our new Postmaster General when I “end tour” Dec. 3.

I’ve worked with Pat for many years. His commitment to service excellence and his confidence in you are unparalleled. There’s no one better qualified to lead our organization during a time that will require new levels of flexibility, innovation, performance and change.

Reference Source: usps.gov

Tags: Postmaster General Announces Retirement

APWU Grows Impatient With Pace of Contract Talks

2010-10-26T05:23:00.000-05:00

APWU Grows Impatient With Pace of Contract Talks

...to date, management has not presented its proposals on the central contractual issues of wages, benefits, protection against layoffs, seniority, and workforce structure. ...

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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Contract Negotiation News

2010-10-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

Ask the President

You have said it is not in the union’s best interest to negotiate in a public forum and that you do not intend to publicize the specifics of the union’s discussions with management at this time.

It is my belief that I am entitled to know what is going on.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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New APWU National President Elected

2010-10-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Guffey Elected President, Bell Wins as VP

Newly-elected officers take office effective Nov. 12 and will serve three-year terms.

Cliff Guffey was elected the new president of the American Postal Workers Union... Newly-elected officers take office effective Nov. 12 and will serve three-year terms. ...

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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What if the APWU contract expires without an agreement?

2010-10-13T10:32:00.002-05:00

When the Clock Ticks Down

The APWU site explains it this way:

If the contract expires without an agreement, we will be prepared to move ahead with “interest arbitration.” Under the terms of the Postal Reorganization Act, if the parties fail to reach agreement on a successor contract and do not agree on an alternative procedure, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) appoints a mediator. If agreement is still not reached within 60 days of the expiration of the contract, both parties submit all outstanding issues to binding arbitration.

If arbitration becomes necessary, the APWU will appoint an arbitrator, as will the USPS. These two party-appointed arbitrators will then agree upon a neutral arbitrator to serve as chair of the panel of arbitrators. If the party-appointed arbitrators are unable to agree upon a neutral arbitrator to serve as chair, he or she will be selected from a list provided by the FMCS. The union will review the history of each of the potential arbitrators, and, after completion of the review, the parties will alternately strike names from the list in order to select the neutral arbitrator who will decide the terms of the National Agreement.

The party-appointed arbitrators will serve alongside the neutral arbitrator to ensure that each side’s interests are clearly understood by the neutral arbitrator.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

Tags: APWU Contract Negotiations, postal contract negotiations,

More attacks on working class wages and benefits. Bill introduced by Carper

2010-09-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

Postal Operations Sustainment and Transformation (POST) Act of 2010

Sen. Carper's legislation seeks to reform the way in which Postal employees' wages and benefits are determined. Wages and benefits currently account for roughly 80 percent of the Postal Service's expenses. On top of this, the Postal Service is required under the law to pay its employees wages and benefits that are comparable to those paid in the private sector. At times, arbitrators have awarded postal employees what they believe are comparable pay and benefits without taking the Postal Service's financial condition into account. Recognizing that this situation cannot continue in a world where the Postal Service operates under a rate cap and faces stiffer competition from electronic communication, the bill requires arbitrators to take the Postal Service's financial condition into account along with other factors such as the comparability requirement and the details of the rate system.

Reference Source: carper.senate.gov

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Senator Carper introduces legislation addressing current financial problems with U.S. Postal Service

2010-09-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Senator Carper introduces legislation addressing current financial problems with U.S. Postal Service

For educational purposes, a clip of the article:

the Postal Operations Sustainment and Transformation (POST) Act of 2010. The POST Act addresses the current budget issues plaguing the U.S. Postal Service by proposing a series of provisions including: easing postal employee pension and retiree health costs; addressing postal employee wages and benefits; allowing partnerships with state and local governments; and giving the Postal Service leeway to close post offices, market certain non-postal items, and eliminate Saturday delivery.

Reference Source: www.wgmd.com

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Follow the Contract Negotiation conversation

2010-09-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

What will the new contract bring 2010 APWU?

Follow the conversation amongst employees and those interested in the current APWU contract negotiations at What will the new contract bring 2010 APWU?Federal Soup.

Reference Source: www.federalsoup.com

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Union Denounces USPS Attempts to 'Work the Refs' Says Contract Negotiations Are Ill-Served by Public Misstatements

2010-09-08T23:39:00.000-05:00

Union Denounces USPS Attempts to 'Work the Refs'

Says Contract Negotiations Are Ill-Served by Public Misstatements

“It is troubling that the USPS has chosen to recite the false and misleading claim that the pay and benefits of postal employees amount to 78 percent of total revenue – as though that figure is relevant to APWU negotiations. Contract negotiations are ill-served by such public misstatements,” he said.

Reference Source: http://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2010/10-092-negotiations-pr-100908.htm

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Postal Service wanting more union concessions?

2010-09-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

The Postal Service has a strong case for union concessions

the law gives unions a veto over any reduction in their fringe benefits. Disputes go to binding arbitration, in which a panel essentially decides what would be a fair settlement. It does not have to take into account the impact on the Postal Service's financial condition.

Reference Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/06/AR2010090603087.html

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Contract Negotiations Begin

2010-09-01T10:51:00.005-05:00

Postmaster General John E. Potter said the parties have a joint interest in the viability of the Postal Service for the future, and promised to “work across the table to find an agreement that benefits both the USPS as an institution and postal employees.”

However, he cautioned that the Postal Service would put proposals on the table that would be “unpleasant.”

Reference Source: http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2010/nsb05-100901-contract.htm

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APWU Preparing for Negotiations

2010-08-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

APWU Preparing for Negotiations

Here is an update from the APWU National Convention relating to the upcoming 2010 contract negotiations. The following is an excerpt from President Burrus:
Preparing for Negotiations

Burrus reminded delegates that the next round of contract negotiations is set to begin just days after the conclusion of the convention, and said the union’s goals are to restrict excessing, gain access to information from the Postal Service without cost, win more opportunities for upward mobility, limit subcontracting, and increase wages.

While 2010 bargaining will be difficult, Burrus assured delegates that the union expects to achieve more gains in these negotiations.

“We expect a contract that adequately rewards members for maintaining the best postal system in the world.”

Reference Source: http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2010/nsb-conv-2010-1-080824.htm

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Major Mailers Make Billions, But Demand Postal Worker Pay Cuts

2010-08-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

Major Mailers Make Billions,
But Demand Postal Worker Pay Cuts

In their ongoing effort to shift wealth to the richest Americans, conservatives continually attack the pay and benefits earned by average workers. Over the past 20 years, the transfer of wealth has been dramatic. Despite significant increases in productivity, workers’ real wages have declined, while salaries, bonuses, dividends and “golden parachutes” for executives have skyrocketed.

Reference Source: www.apwu.org

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APWU Contract Negotiation News

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No official news of a contract agreement

Postal Early Retirement Coming Soon

Postal Service to cut 7,500 positions this month, 30,000 by end of year

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APWU Contract Update

Bargaining continues, but no tentative agreement

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‘Business as Usual’ Isn’t Good Enough, Guffey Tells National Officers

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APWU Stands in Solidarity with Embattled Workers

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Total mail volume increases full 1.5%

USPS ENDS QUARTER 1 WITH $329 MILLION LOSS

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Contract Talks to Continue