Improving Educational Opportunities

Cliff Guffey, President
Telephone: 202-842-4250

About the APWU President

APWU Past Presidents

Veterans Issues

Recent Magazine Articles

Do You Know Where
Your Legislators Stand?

USPS Financial Crisis Deepens;
Union Members Must Be Active

USPS Financial Crisis Looms;
APWU Members Must Take Action

Standing Together
For the Battles Ahead

Collective Bargaining Works:
We are Proof!

Difficult Contract Talks Continue

Related Links

APWU Testimony

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.

[more questions and answers]

Question:

Has the union ever negotiated for college tuition reimbursement for APWU members? A better educated workforce would be an asset to the union and the Postal Service. What is your view on this?

Joe, Lubbock (TX) Area Local

President Burrus:

I enthusiastically support improving educational opportunities for our members, and I have addressed this issue in four negotiations, beginning in 1984. Unfortunately, so far, we have not won agreement from management on this subject.

We have explored several options, including:

The Postal Service offering online courses for higher education;
The USPS paying for courses, and
Establishing an education fund.

I intend to continue to pursue USPS involvement in providing opportunities for higher learning for postal employees. To achieve our goal, however, postal management must agree.

Feb. 21, 2007

[more questions]

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