Cost of Living Adjustments

A Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is an automatic pay increase that happens twice a year. It is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). COLAs come on top of general wage increases and compound over time, protecting the purchasing power of our wages.

See the Latest COLA

Why COLA Matters

  • Compounding gains: Because we have full COLA, general wage increases we fight for are real gains.
  • Negotiated for and Won: COLA only exists because members have the power and unity to win it—and to keep it.
  • APWU Exclusive: We are the only postal union that retains full COLA.

Full COLAs have been negotiated into every APWU National CBA since 1970. This is one of our most important benefits, as APWU is the only postal union that has fought for, and won, full COLA benefits. Another key reason the solidarity and strength of APWU members is so important.

While Postal Support Employees don’t receive COLAs while non-career, every accrued COLA is folded into their hourly rate the moment they convert to career status.