Focused on Negotiations

As this edition of The American Postal Worker arrives, the 2024 APWU/USPS Contract Negotiations will be underway. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires Sept. 20, 2024, with the Opening Day of negotiations on June 25, 2024. We, as always, will pursue the best possible outcome for the members of the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) Division regarding pay, benefits, and working conditions. Be mindful, this is not a one-sided process.

We negotiate with the Postal Service, who has goals and plans that are the opposite of the APWU’s. Often, their wants and needs are to take back wages and benefits that have already been won in the past. The first goal on everyone’s list is always “more money,” and rightfully so. A “fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work” is the cornerstone of the union. We must remember that the financial aspect, while it is a particularly important component of a fair contract, is not the only part of the contract that is negotiated and is often the last item that is agreed to in a contract. While a significant pay increase is always a goal during negotiations, it cannot be our only focus.

As we make gains in one area, the Postal Service will expect and attempt to gain concessions in others. We must attempt to achieve the best balance, as well as the best overall package. We still believe that our primary focus during negotiations must be “to protect and gain work.” You may ask how you can be involved in the negotiations process. Any member in good standing may submit a resolution to your local, state, or national union as prescribed by the APWU Constitution and Bylaws.

If we can come to an agreement on a tentative contract, then it will be passed on to the Rank-and-File Bargaining Advisory Committee to determine if it is acceptable to send to the membership for a ratification vote. If we fail to come to an agreement, then we would proceed with mediation, and then on to interest arbitration.

The MVS negotiating team will consist of MVS Director Michael O. Foster, MVS Assistant Director Garrett Langley, MVS Southeastern Sub Region National Business Agent (NBA) Bruce Amey, MVS Southwestern Sub Region NBA Dyrike Shaw, MVS Northeastern Sub Region NBA Rick White, and MVS Eastern Sub Region NBA Shana Parker.

While negotiations are taking place, it is imperative that you show your support for a fair and equitable contract by wearing your contract stickers and union gear. We hope that the Postal Service comes to the negotiating table and bargains in good faith, but we will be prepared if they don’t.

APWU Member Reaches 50 years of USPS Employment

In May, I traveled to San Francisco for the California Postal Workers Union Convention. While in attendance, I had the opportunity to meet with one of our Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) drivers who in March reached the milestone of 50 years of postal employment; Brother William T. Cooper. Brother Cooper, an APWU steward from the East Bay Area Local, recently celebrated 50 years as a Tractor Trailer Operator at the San Francisco Network Distribution Center (NDC). He started his career as a Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO) in Berkely in 1974 and was excessed to the San Francisco Bulk Mail Center (BMC) in 1975. Fondly called “Pops” by the MVS members, his main obligation has been to encourage the members to come to work and do the job right. Brother Cooper has been a proud member of the MVS Craft and the union. Brother Cooper would also like to thank MVS Director Ken Mitchell of the Oakland Local for his support over the years. We are grateful for the strong craft leadership. ■