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Arbitration Reconvened Oct. 9-10
On National Agreement
Burrus Update #53, Oct. 11, 2001
The arbitration panel reconvened on October 9 and 10 in Washington, D.C., to continue the interest arbitration of the 2000 national agreement. The union continued the presentation of its economic and working-condition issues; and on the next scheduled date of hearings, October 25, the APWU will complete its direct case.
The union case includes the raising of APWU-represented employees= salaries to achieve parity with the letter carriers, selected upgrades, increase in night differential, modified uniform program and compensation for all travel. In addition, the union has presented changes to Articles 19, 32, 15 and 30 and other important working conditions.
Following conclusion of the union's presentations on wages and working conditions, the Postal Service will present its case consisting of the wages of employees and the continuation of the Memorandum permitting the reassignment of employees under Articles 7, 12 and 13. After completion of the USPS case, the union will follow with rebuttal. The final scheduled date of hearings is November 17, 2001, and it is expected that the parties will complete the presentation of evidence and arguments by that date. The parties have agreed to submit briefs no later than five days from the close of the hearings. Following the receipt of the briefs and the opportunity to review them and the record of the proceedings, the arbitration panel will convene and issue its award.
I am fully satisfied with the presentation of the union's case. We have presented compelling evidence that our modest objectives of wage increases and improved conditions of employment are justified and should be awarded. It is anticipated that postal management will present an economic case based on the threat of technology eroding hard-copy communications, a slumping economy and declining revenues. APWU is prepared to rebut these baseless arguments.
The remaining scheduled dates of hearings in the month of October are 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
Bill Burrus
Executive Vice President
