News From Other Unions | Maintenance Division Wins Arbitration Award Protecting Employees in ‘Pending Qualification’ Status

  Maintenance Division Wins Arbitration Award Protecting Employees in ‘Pending Qualification’ Status

"...The APWU has won a major national arbitration decision protecting the rights of Maintenance Craft employees. On August 13, Arbitrator Margo R. Newman ruled that positions awarded to promoted employees who are in “pending qualification” (PQ) status to receive additional training are not vacant duty assignments and therefore cannot be unilaterally reverted by the Postal Service. The decision strengthens the contractual protections of Maintenance Division workers, as it requires management to follow Article 12 procedures, including saved grade and retreat rights, rather than cancelling promotions to avoid negotiated safeguards.

“This decision is a major victory for the Maintenance Division and the APWU crafts as a whole. ..."

Reference: apwu.org




 

News From Other Unions | House Passes Bill to Eliminate the FERS Supplemental “Bridge” Payment

  House Passes Bill to Eliminate the FERS Supplemental “Bridge” Payment

"...H.R. 1 would eliminate the FERS annuity supplement for certain employees, which would begin to apply on January 1, 2028. The FERS annuity supplement is an earned benefit that makes it financially possible for postal workers to retire before age 62, which is when Social Security benefits begin. Essentially, this supplement is a monthly payment that helps bridge the gap between an employee’s retirement and Social Security eligibility.

For example, a postal employee age 57 who has met their years of service requirement and is eligible can retire knowing they will receive a monthly payment until their Social Security benefits begin at age 62. If the FERS annuity supplement is eliminated, many postal workers aged 57 to 62 who are eligible to retire will have a choice — take less in retirement without this supplement or continue working years longer until they can collect Social Security.

Thanks to the pressure that postal workers, labor unions, and other allies placed on members of Congress through phone calls, letters, and even trips to Washington, DC, we were able to remove two other harmful provisions in the original version of this tax-cut bill. One provision would’ve increased the FERS employee contribution rate to 4.4% for all active employees, and the other would’ve replaced the high-3 FERS annuity calculation with a high-5 calculation, which would result in a reduction in annuity payments.

The APWU stands firm against the elimination of the FERS annuity supplement..."

Reference: APWU






 

News From Other Unions | 35% Pay Hike and $7,000 Ratification Bonus to End Boeing Strike, Assisted by Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su

  Boeing offers hefty pay increases to reach tentative deal with union amid weekslong machinists strike

"...The union said that the new deal was helped with the help of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and told the striking workers it "is worthy of your consideration." ...The corporation is also offering employees 12% in 401(k) contributions, plus a one-time contribution of $5,000 to workers' retirement accounts. ..."

Reference: www.foxbusiness.com




 

News From Other Postal Unions | Mail Carriers Reach Tentative Contract With USPS Garnering Annual Pay Increases of 1.3%

  Mail Carriers Reach Tentative Contract With USPS

"...As part of the agreement, all city carriers will get three annual pay increases of 1.3% each by 2025, some of which will be paid retroactively from November 2023. ..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com




 

News From Other Unions | Maintenance Division Secures $15 Million Part-Time Regular Settlement Agreement

  News From Other Unions | Maintenance Division Secures $15 Million Part-Time Regular Settlement Agreement

"...In 2021, the APWU Maintenance Division filed a National Dispute (USPS # 6X 18T-6X-C 21354335) regarding the Postal Service's violation of Article 7 section 3 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), specifically concerning the 2.5 percent cap on the total number of Part-Time Regular employees in the Maintenance Division. According to the CBA, the total number of part-time employees who “may be hired” should not exceed 2.5 percent of the total number of Maintenance Craft employees covered by the agreement...."

Reference: apwu.org