Bargaining Begins: The High-Stakes Showdown Between NPMHU and USPS

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up! The bargaining season is here, and it's going to be a wild ride. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are at the table, and the stakes couldn't be higher. This is the first Contract Update of 2025, and it's packed with drama, intrigue, and high-stakes negotiations. Let's dive in!

THE PLAYERS ARE SET

The opening session kicked off on June 25, with the main table session following on June 26. The NPMHU Negotiations Team, led by President Paul Hogrogian, and the USPS, represented by Vice President of Labor Relations Michael Elston, are ready to rumble. The team from the NPMHU includes Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Tabarus, Manager of the Contract Administration Department Teresa Harmon, National CAD Representatives Neil Ryan, Thomas Ruther, and Eugene Horton, and their legal team from the NPMHU General Counsel’s office. The USPS brings in chief spokesperson Michael Faber and legal counsel to the table.

THE PROPOSALS ARE IN

The Field Negotiating Committee and the National Executive Board have been hard at work, producing a final series of proposals. These proposals, submitted by members from across the country, aim to amend or create new provisions throughout the NPMHU National Agreement. The goal? To improve the lives of mail handlers everywhere. Over the next three months, these proposals will be presented and discussed.

THE ECONOMIC PROVISIONS ARE KEY

The economic provisions are where the rubber meets the road. Articles 9 and 21 are the key players here, with a specific emphasis on problems resulting from the 2013 proportional COLA provision. This is where the real money talks, folks. Wages, benefits, premiums, and differentials are all on the table. The USPS will need to be ready to negotiate in good faith, or they could face some serious backlash from the NPMHU.

THE NON-ECONOMIC PROPOSALS ARE ALSO CRUCIAL

But it's not all about the money. The non-economic proposals are just as important. These proposals cover a wide range of issues, from work conditions to job classifications. The NPMHU has submitted a series of non-economic proposals that could impact operational efficiency. For example, changes to work conditions, job classifications, or training requirements could affect how the USPS manages its workforce and delivers services.

THE BATTLE PLAN

The current National Agreement is set to expire on September 20, 2025. The goal is to obtain a tentative National Agreement by that date, but previous rounds of bargaining have often been extended. If no final agreement is reached, alternative dispute resolution procedures, such as interest arbitration, could determine the changes to the National Agreement. This process could introduce additional uncertainties and delays, affecting both financial planning and operational strategies.

THE MARKET'S REACTION

The market is watching closely. Any changes to the National Agreement could have significant impacts on the financial stability and operational efficiency of the USPS. Investors need to be ready for the potential investment opportunities or risks that could arise from these changes. The USPS will need to carefully navigate these negotiations to ensure that any agreed-upon changes support its long-term financial health and operational effectiveness.

THE FINAL WORD

This is a high-stakes showdown, folks. The NPMHU and the USPS are at the table, and the future of mail handlers everywhere is on the line. Stay tuned for more updates as the negotiations unfold. This is one battle you won't want to miss!