Printer-Friendly Page
Cliff Guffey,
President |
Ask the President Archives
Below is a response by former APWU President William Burrus to a question posed online by a union member. Other questions cover a wide range of topics, from contract enforcement to union governance.
Question:
Why do national officers receive a percentage COLA, when all other craft members receive a lump sum? Why not show solidarity and receive what us craft workers receive?
Randy, Philadelphia PA Area Local
President Burrus:
Thank you for inquiry.
Your question asserts that national officers receive a percentage increase for cost-of-living adjustments, and implies that union officials are neglecting solidarity by doing so. This is simply untrue. How unfortunate that you would draw such a conclusion without knowing the facts.
Since 1986, when officers’ salaries were adjusted by delegates to the union’s national convention, national officers have received the same COLA adjustments as Grade 1 Custodians. If Distribution Clerks receive a $300 COLA adjustment, the president and all other officers also receive a $300 increase.
The subject of how to apportion COLA increases has been debated extensively within the union over the years. At issue has been whether all APWU members should receive an equal dollar amount or whether COLA increases should be applied on a percentage basis.
When I served as APWU Executive Vice President, I agreed with those who believed that COLA increases should be apportioned on a percentage basis. Through the democratic process, however, others voiced opposing views, and those who preferred retaining the fixed dollar-amount COLA increases prevailed. I have supported that position because it is the result of the democratic process.
Oct. 24, 2006
