INTEREST ARBITRATION UPDATE

The NRLCA and Postal Service have concluded their introductory cases before interest arbitrator Jack Clarke and the two neutral arbitrators selected by the parties – Joey Johnson NRLCA and Bob Dufek USPS.  These “predicate cases” involved many days of witness testimony, presentations and direct- and cross-examinations that addressed a wide range of issues from the financial condition of the Postal Service to the makeup and value of the rural carrier craft and the evaluated compensation system.  The information presented in the NRLCA’s case will serve to bolster our arguments in support of our economic and other proposals in the coming weeks. The Postal Service has also concluded its case on its wage and benefits proposals.  Not surprisingly, it has attempted to convince the arbitration panel that the Postal Service’s financial condition requires dramatic actions to curb or reduce wages, COLA allowances, paid leave, health and other benefits that rural letter carriers and this union have worked hard to achieve.  These proposals seek significant changes that would directly impact current and future rural letter carriers alike.  Rest assured, your national officers are working hard to address each of the Postal Service’s arguments in turn and to make the best possible case in support of the NRLCA’s economic proposals as we proceed. Please stay tuned to this page for future updates on the interest arbitration proceedings.

via National Rural Letter Carriers Association.