APWU NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE 
September 30, 2001

APWU has now completed six days presenting the union's economic case in the interest arbitration proceedings.  
On September 25 the arbitration panel reconvened in Washington, D.C., and the union continued to press its 
request for a significant wage increase and resolution of outstanding contractual changes.  
The union advocates presented testimony, evidence and witnesses in support of its request for upgrades of 
APWU-represented employees, changes to the Uniform and Work clothes program, changes to Article 19 which 
would limit USPS authority to modify handbooks and manuals, compensation for travel and changes to Article 30.

Arbitrator Goldberg expresses a clear understanding of the union's objectives and demonstrated clear control 
of the proceedings.  The hearings begin at 9 AM and conclude at 6 PM with one hour for lunch and necessary 
breaks during the day for attorney meetings.  In an important ruling made by the impartial chairman, 
he demonstrated his rejection of USPS ploys to deny the union a full presentation on the issues of upgrades 
and length of contract.  He also interjected his views as issues were being presented and showed a clear 
grasp of the subjects under consideration.

The major points were testimony from many officers, a retired officer, and members of 
allthree crafts.

There were three days of hearing this week.  The fourth day of hearing
began on Tuesday.  One key issue was  the USPS had voiced an objection 
on the issue of contract length and upgrades. The arbitration panel 
rejected the arbitrability issue and the union proceeded with the case.

Key points on this day were testimony related to wages of postal 
workers ascompared with the ECI (private sector).  There were witnesses comparing
postal workers with the airline industry.  Pay comparison and private
sector comparisons were expert witnesses.  This was followed by 
testimonyfrom all crafts and rank and file members on the uniform and work clothes program.  

The fifth day of hearing had two more expert witnesses and they 
compared the USPS pay to FED EX and UPS.  This was followed by expert testimony
about the changes of our jobs.  This was followed with an Article 19
presentation.

The sixth day of hearing began with testimony about automation and the
Level 4 to 5 issue and the change in mail processor duties.  This was
followed by a pay for travel presentation.  This was followed by and
Article 30 presentation.


The Interest Arbitration is unlike any other arbitration. We are 
seeking changes to the contract rather than an application or interpretation of
current contract language.  The key is to present all of your issues 
and back them up with reasons and justification for the change.

The next scheduled dates of hearings are October 9 and 10, to be held in Washington, D.C.  
At that time, APWU will continue the presentation of its case for a significant wage increase, 
including retroactive pay and modification of important working conditions.

(Compiled from APWU website & e-mail)