Negotiations Update

Contract talks between the USPS and the APWU continued Sept. 14, 15, 21, and 22, with the union presenting non-economic issues for discussion.

Topics included protecting craft work, safety and health concerns, travel issues, and matters affecting deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.

Specific contract language was not offered; instead, the union identified problems with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and suggested a framework for correcting them. Additional discussion may take place on these items, and additional non-economic issues may be introduced.

Discussion of economic issues, including upgrades, will take place in the weeks to come. Negotiations will resume on Sept. 26, when management will present proposals.

“Our bargaining team has made persuasive presentations,” APWU President William Burrus said, “but we are still in the early stages of our discussion. We will not elaborate on specific proposals at this time, but as contract talks progress, more information will be made available.”