APWU, USPS Sign Agreement For Offices Without a Local Union Structure

The APWU signed an updated agreement December 22, 2016, for Members-at-Large who work in small post offices that are not represented by a local union.

The agreement outlines the rules for these small offices on topics that are typically the subject of negotiations at the local level between USPS managers and local union officers.

“The memorandum is important,” said President Mark Dimondstein. “It continues to provide the protection of a local contract to thousands of union members in small offices who would not otherwise be covered by a local agreement. It provides additional benefits particularly for the PTFs and PSEs who staff these small offices.” The agreement covers approximately 15,000 workers.

The Local Memorandum of Understanding (LMOU) updates a previous agreement signed Oct. 12, 2012, following negotiations for the 2010 - 2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The decision of Arbitrator Goldberg setting the terms of the 2015 – 2018 provided the opportunity to negotiate changes and updates to this memorandum.

“We made progress concerning the major complaints received by members not represented by local unions” said Industrial Relations Director Vance Zimmerman. Some of the changes:

• For purposes of administering this LMOU, stand-alone Associate Offices as well as Administrative Post Offices (APOs) and the Remotely Managed Post Offices that report to the APO will be considered one installation.
• For choice vacation period no less than one person, but at least 15% of all APWU bargaining unit positions in the installation by craft will be allowed off.  
• Excluding the month of December, for incidental leave requested during the leave year no less than one person, but at least 15% of all APWU bargaining unit positions in the installation by craft will be allowed off at one time.  These numbers include employees off on choice vacation.
• Any request for incidental leave will be acted upon and returned to the employee within 72 hours of receipt by management. The leave is to be considered approved if not acted upon and returned to the employee within 72 hours of receipt by management. 

“I want to thank Vance Zimmerman, Industrial Relations Director and lead negotiator, and the other negotiating committee members: Lamont Brooks, Clerk Craft Assistant Director; Omar Gonzalez, Western Regional Director, and John Dirzius, Northeastern Regional Director for bringing these negotiations to a quick and successful conclusion,” said Dimondstein. “They addressed some key concerns of members. We should also thank Clint Burelson, Clerk Division Director; Lynn Pallas-Barber, Assistant Clerk Craft Director, and Steve Raymer, Maintenance Division Director, for their input and insight.”

Click here for a comparison chart of the agreements.