The American Postal Workers Union and the U.S. Postal Service have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, APWU President Cliff Guffey announced on March 14.

“Throughout the bargaining process, the union sought to negotiate a contract that would protect jobs and strengthen the USPS so that we can better serve the American people,” he said. “The tentative agreement accomplishes those goals.”

The union president said that because the Postal Service is facing a severe financial crisis, negotiators had to be very creative.

“During negotiations, we were mindful of the need to preserve the great institution that supports our livelihood and feeds our families.”

The four-and-a-half year agreement includes innovative approaches to safeguarding jobs, returning outsourced work to APWU members, and limiting long-distance reassignments, Guffey said. It also increases workforce flexibility, and changes wages for new employees.

The contract provides for a three-and-a-half percent wage increase over the life of the contract, with the first raise taking effect in November 2012. It retains cost-of-living allowances and maintains protection against layoffs. The agreement runs through May 20, 2015.

In accordance with the union’s constitution, the tentative agreement will be reviewed by the Rank-and-File Bargaining Committee; pending their approval, every eligible APWU member will have the opportunity to vote on ratification of the new contract.

“I am hopeful and remain confident that both the committee and members of the union will endorse the agreement,” Guffey said.

“With workers across the country fighting to defend their right to collective bargaining, our tentative agreement is a testament to the value of a great American freedom – the right of workers to have a voice at work and to negotiate for a better life,” Guffey added. “We are grateful that we continue to enjoy this right, and we stand in solidarity with workers across the country who are fighting to keep it for themselves.”