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USPS News: Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2001
Release No. 01-108
AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION CONTRACT SETTLED
WASHINGTON - The neutral arbitrator of a three-member interest arbitration panel announced today a new three-year agreement between the Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, the largest union of the Postal Service.
The arbitration decision, which affects approximately 340,000 postal clerks, maintenance employees and motor vehicle operators, provides:
- for a 4.4% general wage increase over three years: 1.2% general wage increase retroactive to 11/18/2000; 1.8% general wage increase effective on 11/17/01 and a 1.4% general wage increase effective on 11/16/02
- continuation of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA); but lump sum cash payment of $499 in lieu of COLA payments for the first year
- several one pay level upgrades affecting about 50,000 employees
"We always prefer to reach a negotiated contract with our unions," says Anthony Vegliante, Vice President, Labor Relations. "However, we're pleased this decision is behind us so that we can move forward and concentrate on delivering superior customer service for our customers. As always, we are interested in continually improving our relationship with the APWU, and all of our unions."
The three-member arbitration panel was selected through a negotiated process by the Postal Service and the APWU, with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The arbitration decision is final and binding on the parties.
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