Time Line Set for Early-Out Eligibility

Burrus Update #14-03, July 2, 2003

I have been provided a draft copy of the letter to be sent to all APWU-represented employees who have been identified as eligible for voluntary early retirement. The initial letter is not an offer for Voluntary Early Retirement, but a means for employees to indicate their interest in early retirement.

An employee will be eligible if he or she:

• is or will be age 50 or older as of Nov. 1, 2003, with at least 20 years of creditable service as of Oct. 31, 2003, or,has or will have at least 25 years of creditable service as of Oct. 31, 2003.
• the effective date for retirement will be no sooner than Oct. 31, 2003.

Depending on the number of employees who elect to retire with this opportunity, an additional opportunity for retirement may be set for February 2004. If a supplemental opportunity is established, the date for computing creditable service will be moved beyond Oct. 31, 2003, to the last service day prior to the date of retirement. For example: If Feb. 1, 2004, is established as a date for termination of employment, the eligibility date will become Jan. 31, 2004.

Accompanying management's letter to all eligible employees will be a "Statement of Interest for Voluntary Early Retirement." This form will require the signature of an interested employee, but will not represent a commitment to retire. Interested employees must sign and return the form indicating their interest and a request that their eligibility be validated.

Upon receipt of the Statement of Interest form, the Postal Service will begin the process of validating employees' age and years of service to verify eligibility. Employees who are found eligible will receive an early retirement package that will include a retirement application, an annuity estimate, a service history report, and filing instructions.

The agreement to offer voluntary early retirement applies to all APWU-represented employees. I am aware that postal management has informed some employees that they will not be eligible. The union intends to enforce the agreement that all APWU-represented employees will be afforded the opportunity for Voluntary Early Retirement. It is not necessary to call or write the union's national office; the issue will be discussed at headquarters with the Postal Service, and if we do not reach agreement, appropriate action will be taken.

William Burrus,
President

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