Web News Article #: 68-2017

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.

Steve Brooks

“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 negotiating 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.

Source: APWU