As Deadline Passes, Parties Agree to Continue Talks

APWU President William Burrus has told union members that progress toward an agreement had been made, but that “important issues remain that have not been finalized.” The parties will continue discussions on Nov. 21. “The terms of the new contract are too important to rush agreement because of an artificial deadline,” he said.

President Burrus’ message is below:

The hour is 12 midnight, Nov. 20, and we do not have a new contract. We have agreed to continue application of the expiring agreement and to continue the discussions tomorrow, Nov. 21. We have made progress, but important issues remain that have not been finalized. The terms of the new contract are too important to rush agreement because of an artificial deadline. I am committed to leaving no stone unturned to seek an agreement that is fair to APWU members. 

The Rank-and-File Committee has been requested to return to their homes to enjoy Thanksgiving and to return to Washington upon my call that agreement has been reached or we determine that it is not possible to reach agreement. 

Important issues are at stake, affecting the lives of 270,000 APWU-represented employees. The national officers are committed to giving their best effort to achieve a contract that is worthy of your service.

I will be meeting with management representatives tomorrow morning to revisit the issues that separate us, and will report the results of those discussions via the hotline 

Be strong, and keep the faith.

The toll-free number for the APWU Contract Negotiations Hotline is 800-992-APWU (or 800-992-2798).