Postal Nurses Vote to Merge with APWU

In an overwhelming vote of 51 to 9, on Aug. 17 the National Postal Professional Nurses (NPPN) voted “YES,” in favor of merging with the American Postal Workers Union. Pursuant to the APWU Constitution, the nurses will become a part of the Support Services Division, which will be responsible for contract negotiations, interpretation, and enforcement. Postal nurses will continue to be covered by a distinct collective bargaining agreement.

In a telephone vote held Aug. 20 and 21, the APWU National Executive Board approved the merger.

“We welcome this group of dedicated professionals as an integral part of our union, and look forward to mutually beneficial activities on behalf of all APWU-represented employees,” said APWU President William Burrus. “Article 2 of the APWU Constitution lists as an objective that the ‘APWU affirms its belief in a single union of all postal workers in non-supervisory levels.’ The merger of the postal nurses is a positive step in that direction.”

The NPPN has had collective bargaining agreements with the USPS since 1978, with its latest contract expiring on Aug. 17. The APWU will represent the NPPN at negotiations, which are set to begin Sept. 18.