The negotiations process between the NPMHU and the Postal Service over the terms of the 2011 National Agreement is headed for arbitration, as the mediation stage of the dispute resolution procedures has ended without success.  Mediator Herbert Fishgold was unable to narrow the vast differences between the parties, especially because of the ongoing legislative uncertainty that currently faces the USPS before the Congress.

           The upcoming arbitration will be conducted under the supervision of a three-member panel, with a neutral arbitrator serving as chair of the panel.  The parties are currently discussing selection of the neutral arbitrator; if no agreement is reached, the parties will ask the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to produce a list of potential arbitrators, and the parties will strike names from that list until one remains.

           It likely will take several months to schedule, implement, and conduct the arbitration process.  To the extent possible, the National Office will keep all mail handlers informed of developments through the various modes of NPMHU communications, including monthly bulletins and Contract Updates.  Please continue to read these communications as they are distributed.