Friday, July 11, 2025
American Postal Workers Union approves new contract with USPS
The agreement runs through Sept. 20, 2027
The American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, membership has ratified a new three-year labor contract with USPS that will run through Sept. 20, 2027.
Highlights of the agreement include annual general wage increases, semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments, measures designed to assist with postal support employee recruitment and retention, and continued operational flexibility through the use of postal support employees.
“This agreement is fair and balanced. It addresses both parties’ bargaining objectives in a financially responsible manner, and importantly, supports our mission to modernize postal operations to better serve the needs of our customers and provide first-in-class service,” said Acting Postmaster General and Chief Human Resources Officer Doug Tulino.
The union, also known as the APWU, represents more than 190,000 clerks, mechanics, vehicle drivers, custodians and employees in administrative positions.
People
They feel the need for speed
Employees network at an event, a postmaster focuses on her community and Owney gets his own day
A recent USPS career conference in Minneapolis took a page from the matchmaking practice known as speed dating.
In “speed networking,” attendees and Postal Service leaders from across several departments asked each other questions and found out more about their respective roles in three-minute round-robin exchanges.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I walked away feeling more confident and inspired,” said Tiffany Decker, a retail associate in Excelsior, MN. “I got to speak directly with managers and learn about career paths I never even knew existed.”
Gregory Tate, the St. Paul, MN, Processing and Distribution Center’s plant manager, is a fan.
“Speed networking breaks down barriers,” he said. “It’s about connection, encouragement and opening doors for these employees. It’s powerful.”
USPS has scheduled more than 50 career conferences this year on the theme “Delivering a Brighter Future.” The conferences run through August.
Ties that bind
When Darby Keels was an ironworker, she spent her days welding steel bars together. Now, as the new postmaster for Eugene, OR, Keels focuses on uniting people and places.
“The Postal Service plays a vital role in every community, and being part of that mission provides a sense of purpose,” she said.
Keels began her postal career as a retail associate in Royal City, WA, in 2015 after leaving her career as a journeyman ironworker in Seattle. She steadily climbed the ranks in USPS, including serving as postmaster in several communities in Washington and Oregon.
In Eugene, Oregon’s second most populous city, Keels oversees 295 employees in four stations.
“I take pride in ensuring that every piece of mail — whether it’s a package, a letter, or a prescription — reaches its destination safely and on time,” she said.
On our Owney
The Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury, CT, will hold Owney RPO Day on Saturday, July 12, to honor Owney, the mascot of the Railway Post Office.
Children in attendance will receive a postcard that they can address so USPS can deliver it to their home. All postcards will be stamped with a special Owney postmark.
The museum’s website has more information.
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News Quiz
Boston blues
How much do you know about all the upcoming World Stamp Show release?
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end.
1. When and where will the Boston 2026 World Stamp Show stamps be released this year?
a) Aug. 14 in Schaumberg, IL
b) Sept. 19 in Danville, IN
c) Oct. 4 in Bismarck, ND
d) Nov. 3 in Boston
2. What does Columbus, OH, Mail Handler Chance Sweazey do to boost morale among employees as part of his role as a group leader?
a) Jokes with employees
b) Recognizes birthdays
c) Sings songs
d) Springs for lunch once a month
3. How did an older customer get Rural Carrier David Wyman’s attention after he fell down the stairs inside his home?
a) He called the carrier’s cellphone.
b) He rapped the door with his cane.
c) He screamed as loudly as he could.
d) He threw a shoe through the bay window.
4. True or false: A new interactive map allows customers to check service standards and expected delivery times by entering the mail class and ZIP Codes.
a) True
b) False
5. In 2024, how many investigations involving customer attempts to send hazardous materials through the mail, including fireworks and other explosives, did the Postal Inspection Service open?
a) 900
b) 1,450
c) 1,700
d) 2,100
Answers: 1) a. 2) a. 3) b. 4) a. 5) c.
Postal Bulletin reports on heat illness prevention
Postal Bulletin’s latest edition, published July 10, provides information about the USPS Heat Illness Prevention Program.
Updates to the organization’s policies, procedures and forms are also included.
Employees can go to usps.com to read and download the latest Postal Bulletin, along with past issues.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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American Postal Workers Union approves new contract with USPS
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People
They feel the need for speed
Employees network at an event, a postmaster focuses on her community and Owney gets his own day
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News Quiz
Boston blues
How much do you know about all the upcoming World Stamp Show release?
-
Brief
Postal Bulletin reports on heat illness prevention