Talks Continue, But Union Instructs Lawyers to Prepare for Arbitration

Although a voluntary agreement is still possible, APWU President William Burrus has instructed the union’s attorneys to make initial preparations for arbitration. In a telephone message to union members on Nov. 29, the union president said, “We must move forward to achieve a new contract.”

The full text of President Burrus message is below:

This is Bill Burrus, president of APWU, reporting to the membership on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006. Negotiations have continued following the holiday weekend, but we have yet to find agreement on important issues of wages, benefits and working conditions. The parties are in general agreement on the provisions that must be resolved, but to date we have been unable to find common ground. 

Important issues are at stake as we address the fundamental subjects of employment, and final agreement has been difficult to achieve. I have avoided setting artificial deadlines as long as we are engaged in positive discussions, but I have now directed our legal counsel to take the initial steps to prepare for arbitration. 

A voluntary agreement is still possible, but we must move forward to achieve a new contract. 

Thank you for calling in, and keep the faith. 

The toll-free number for the APWU Contract Negotiations Hotline is 800-992-APWU (or 800-992-2798).