1/23/02

Contract Update

Now that the final interest arbitration award governing the 2000 National Agreement between the American Postal Workers Union and the U.S. Postal Service has been issued, representatives of the NPMHU and the Postal Service have revived their discussions about the terms of the NPMHU's 2000 National Agreement. During the next few weeks, the parties will determine whether a bargained agreement is possible. At the same time, the parties also will implement the arbitration process so that their ongoing dispute can be arbitrated as promptly as possible if a negotiated settlement cannot be reached.

On the key economic issues, the arbitration award determining the pay for APWU-represented employees provided for a three-year agreement, with genera wage increases of 1.2%, 1.8%, and 1.4%. In addition, that award continued cost-of-living adjustments during the second and third years, and provided for a lump-sum payment of $499 to compensate in part for the loss of COLA during the past year. Finally, the award provided for pay upgrades for certain employees, based on their level of responsibilities and prior grievance arbitration disputes, and continued the current programs for night shift differential, Sunday premium pay, and employee healthcare contributions.

As required by the NPMHU National Constitution, any bargained agreement between the NPMHU and the USPS will be subject to membership ratification. An arbitrated agreement, however, will be final and binding if and when finally issued by the selected arbitration panel.

Please watch your bulletin bards for the latest information as it becomes available.