The Industrial Relations Department plays a major role in our organization's ongoing struggle for better wages and improved working conditions and benefits.
Resources from the Industrial Relations Department
Coronavirus disease 2019 Resources
Previously Adopted Labor Management Resolutions 2012-2018
The previously adopted labor management resolutions passed the delegates to the national conventions up through 2018 has been posted. This resource should be used by state and local organizations when preparing convention resolutions for submission.
Preparing for Opening Day of Contract Negotiations
(This article first appeared in the May/June 2021 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine)
A little over one year ago, the 2018-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement was finalized when arbitrator Stephen Goldberg issued his interest arbitration decision establishing our contract. His award established that the contract would expire in September of 2021. With the expiration of the contract coming up, it is time again for contract negotiations.
The Industrial Relations Department has been preparing for upcoming negotiations since the fall of 2020.
Latest News from the Industrial Relations Department
June 10, 2021
New Resources Available for Veterans
On June 7, the APWU posted three new resources compiled for APWU members who are Veterans of the Armed Services.
May 21, 2021
Now It Is Easier to File FECA COVID Claims
The recently signed American Rescue Plan of 2021 makes it easier to file Federal Employee Compensation Act (FECA)...
May 21, 2021
PSEs to See Pay Raise
On Saturday, May 22, 2021, Postal Support Employees (PSEs) will receive a pay increase of 20 cents per hour. The...
May 10, 2021
Industrial Relations Director Zimmerman Writes to Acting OPM Director for Clarification on EFEL Guidelines
On May 7, Industrial Relations Director Vance Zimmerman wrote a letter to Kathleen McGettigan, Acting Director of the...
About the Industrial Relations Department
The Director of Industrial Relations is charged with responsibility for labor management, national negotiations, mechanization, safety and health for all divisions of the union, and the administration of the collective bargaining agreement.
The Industrial Relations Department's responsibilities and duties include the following activities:
- Administration of the contract negotiation process
- Interpretation and application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (specifically Articles 1 through 36)
- Appointment and payment of arbitrators
- National-level grievances and disputes
- Compliance with arbitration awards
- Safety and Health
- Appeals to the "Administrative Dispute Resolution Process" (e.g., Step Promotion, Lump Sum, National Level Settlement)
- Family Medical Leave Act appeals and related issues
- Unfair Labor Practice charges
- Legal issues such as Privacy Act, Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) law and procedure, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Veterans Preference Act
- Collective Bargaining Reports (CBRs)
- Administration of computerized systems concerning the grievance-arbitration process and other provisions of the National Agreement through APWU Search, the Arbitration Payment and Scheduling System (APSS), the Step 3 Case Administration System (Step 3 CAS) and the Step 4 Case Administration System (Step 4 CAS)
- Tracking and reporting on the Consumer Price Index
- Research of arbitration, court and administrative decisions