Negotiations Update: APWU and USPS “Stop the Clock” to Continue Bargaining for a New Contract

Updated September 21, 2021

The collective bargaining agreement (union contract) between the American Postal Workers Union and the United States Postal Service covers the wages, hours and working conditions of 200,000 postal workers. Our current contract was due to expire at midnight, September 20, 2021.

Over the last two weeks, the APWU and postal management have engaged in frequent negotiating sessions at both the “main table,” the “craft tables,” and in other committees. There has been modest progress on a number of issues affecting all our crafts, including on job security. There has also been a narrowing of the differences on important items including the economic package.

However, the union and management have been unable to secure a negotiated agreement by midnight September 20.

The APWU National Negotiating Committee (NNC) had two choices: Either start the process of mediation heading to interest arbitration, or with mutual agreement with postal management, “stop the clock” (meaning the contract does not expire at midnight) and continue negotiations for a period of time.

It is the unanimous decision of the National Negotiating Committee to “stop the clock” and continue bargaining. It is also the position of the NNC that we will reevaluate progress on a regular basis and invoke mediation if further negotiations are not productive.

“The entire APWU negotiating team is working together and working hard to secure the new contract that our members have earned and deserve,” said APWU Chief Spokesperson Vance Zimmerman. “Continued negotiations for a short period of time are in the best interests of the members.”

“The APWU is leaving no stone unturned. Based on progress thus far we have the possibility of reaching a negotiated union contract,” declared President and Lead Negotiator Mark Dimondstein. “It is vital we all stay union strong and union proud in our collective quest for workplace justice.”

The APWU will continue to keep the members updated, including regular messages on the negotiation “hotline” at 866-412-8061.