07/12/2017 – The American Postal Workers Union reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with Salmon Companies, the largest ground transportation supplier to the United State Postal Service. Truck drivers for the private-sector company are members of the APWU Support Services Division. The contract covers locals from Dallas, TX, Shreveport, LA, Little Rock, AR, and Memphis, TN.
“We were able to strengthen language regarding job bidding, bumping rights and seniority classifications. We also overhauled language concerning the use of Extra-boards and dispatching procedures,” reported Support Services Director Steve Brooks. “Another highlight of the agreement is the expansion of authorized physicians for drug testing and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, and clarification on language regarding company-covered expenses.
The negogiating committee, made up of APWU Support Services Division leadership and drivers from each unit across the country, participated in several bargaining sessions with the company before and after the previous contract’s expiration on March 1, 2017.
“During negotiations, the high cost of health care premiums was a very controversial issue, as was layover pay and wages for non-DOT driving work,” Brooks continued. “Nevertheless, improvement in each was made.”
The ballots are in the mail for the membership to vote. Should the tentative agreement be ratified by the membership, it will be effective until May 15, 2020.
“All things considered, this contract is an improvement from the previous agreement. It will better the drivers’ lives and we will build on moving forward,” concluded Brooks.
As a contract driver for 12 years. Now a Usps driver for 22 years . I wish the time as a contract driver would of counted toward retirement. I guess the union only looks out for themselves. Lance Jacobs, Omaha Nebr.Pvs Driver
there’s no guarantee for OT hours based on staffing or work to be performed. If the hours were not equally divided by tour, to the otdl, if clerks were offered the hours, or if managers were doing the work themselves, that might be winnable. Right now it sounds like a simple article 3 case. Reduction in work force through normal attrition happens all the time.
If you weren’t in Federal Civil Service,why should you be entitled to those 12 years time you worked for a private contractor? You should have come to work for the Postal Service sooner if you didn’t like your previous employer’s retirement benefits.
Now perhaps the apwu can work on my grievance SN08-225 submitted 7/08. Third custodian left and was not replaced. I should be getting 2hrs ot everyday and in on my n/s. Approximate cash remedy due +110K. Come on apwu do something.
Maybe I can do something for you,Jimmy.