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Ask President Burrus

Question:

The one thing above all others that should be changed is to open up the bargaining sessions to the membership. I have paid dues for many years, and have never been privy to the discussions at the bargaining table. How can we judge the effectiveness of the negotiating team if we are kept in the dark?

Chuck, Minneapolis Area Local

President Burrus:

Thank you for your question, but I must admit I am somewhat confused. If your question is about observing negotiations, any APWU member is welcome to be present at the bargaining sessions, which are held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Washington DC. Not only do I invite the membership to attend, I encourage it.

If your question is about including details about negotiations in APWU News Bulletins or on the union’s Web site, it is my belief that it is not in our best interest to negotiate in a public forum. For that reason, I do not intend to publicize the specifics of our discussions at this time.

We are currently in the early stages of negotiations. The APWU and the Postal Service have submitted proposals and, to date, the meetings have focused on explaining the reasons either party is seeking change.

Before the union can finalize a contract, any tentative agreement we reach with management must be submitted to the membership for approval.

We will continue to post periodic updates on the progress of negotiations. All the important issues that have been discussed at the union’s national convention and other meetings have been or will be included in our proposals. We will secure the best possible agreement that the Postal Service will agree to.

Thank you for being a member.

Oct. 10, 2006

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