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Rank and File Committee Recommends Extension
Membership to Vote on Proposed Contract

APWU Web News Article #30-05, July 7, 2005

The APWU Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee voted to approve a tentative contract extension agreement between the union and USPS today, clearing the way for a ratification vote by union members.

In accordance with Article 13.9.C. of the APWU Constitution, the committee must approve a tentative agreement before members are given the opportunity to vote on it. The panel is also responsible for supervising the vote.

Ballots will be sent to members as soon as they can be prepared, committee members said, along with the wording of each proposed contract change. Advance copies of the tentative agreement will be sent to state and local presidents.

“We gave careful consideration to every aspect of the agreement,” said Committee Chair Yolanda Elder. “We met with many officers, asked serious questions, and had in-depth discussions among ourselves,” she said. “We considered every opinion. In the end, we felt this was the best course of action.”

The advisory panel appointed a subcommittee to supervise the timing of the mailing, decide what material will be included, and monitor the vote count. The subcommittee consists of Elder, who is president of the Greater Los Angeles Area Local, Phil Thomas, committee secretary and president of the Omaha (NE) Area Local, Gregory Dixon, MVS Director of the Tampa Area Local/APWU of Florida, Cindy Martinez, president of the Texas Postal Workers Union, and Princella Vogel, president of the Houston (TX) Area Local.

“The ballots will offer a choice of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on extending the Collective Bargaining Agreement — with the proposed modifications — until November 2006,” said Elder.

The Rank and File Committee began its deliberations in Washington DC on July 6. APWU President William Burrus explained details of the agreement, responded to questions from committee members, and discussed the evolution of the tentative agreement.

The panel also met with Vice President Cliff Guffey, Director of Industrial Relations Greg Bell, Clerk Craft Director Jim McCarthy, Maintenance Director Steve Raymer, and Motor Vehicle Director Robert Pritchard.

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