APWU Members Overwhelmingly Ratify Historic CBA: What This Means for Postal Workers and the Economy!

BUY NOW! APWU members have spoken, and the message is clear: the 2024-2027 National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the APWU and the USPS is a resounding success! With an overwhelming 95% of members voting in favor of ratification, this contract is set to revolutionize the lives of nearly 200,000 postal workers. Let's dive into the details and see why this is a game-changer for both postal workers and the broader economy.

Why This Contract is a Big Deal!

1. No Givebacks, All Gains! This contract is a no-brainer for postal workers. With absolutely no givebacks, it protects the great gains achieved over many years of struggle. We're talking no-layoff protections, full COLA as a true buffer against inflation, regular step increases, the 50-mile limit on excessing, and the two-year automatic conversion from non-career to career. This is a contract that puts money in your pocket and security in your job!

2. Wage Increases and COLA! The contract includes general wage increases for the next three years, significant advances in bridging the divisive two-tier wage structure, and the first increase in night differential in 30 years. PSEs, who do not receive COLAs, will receive an extra 1% towards their GWI, for a total of 2.3%, effective Nov. 16, 2024. This is a massive win for workers and a clear signal that the USPS values its employees.

3. Economic Impact! The economic implications of these wage increases and COLA are significant. Higher wages for postal workers can lead to increased consumer spending, stimulating economic activity in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and local businesses. This is a win-win for everyone involved!

What This Means for the Economy!

The ratification of this CBA is not just good news for postal workers; it's a boon for the broader economy. With increased wages and job security, postal workers will have more disposable income to spend, driving economic growth. This is especially important in sectors reliant on postal services, where increased consumer spending can lead to job creation and economic stability.



The Road Ahead!

Now that the APWU has ratified the new National Agreement, one of the first items to address in its implementation are the retroactive pay increases due to employees. These include the first general wage increase (GWI) of 1.3% for career employees, effective Nov.16, 2024 and the $395 per year cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) due to career employees, effective March 8, 2025. PSEs, who do not receive COLAs, will receive an extra 1% towards their GWI, for a total of 2.3%, effective Nov. 16, 2024. This is a massive win for workers and a clear signal that the USPS values its employees.

Stay Tuned!

The APWU and the USPS are in the process of finalizing a print version of the CBA and updating the Joint Contract Interpretation Manual (JCIM). Once available, those publications will be posted on apwu.org. In the meantime, the summary terms of the Tentative Agreement can be found visiting apwu.org/tasummary. This contract, with no givebacks or concessions, provides a strong foundation for us to build on in the years to come. At a time when government workers are facing layoffs and attacks on their union rights, this contract will protect postal workers through the turbulent years ahead.

BOO-YAH! This contract is a game-changer for postal workers and the broader economy. With increased wages, job security, and economic stability, this is a win-win for everyone involved. So, let's celebrate this historic moment and look forward to a brighter future for postal workers and the economy as a whole!