May 23, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Monica Suraci
(202) 268-2168
Release No. 45

USPS Web Site: http://www.usps.com

USPS, MAIL HANDLERS EXTEND CONTRACT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Postal Mail Handlers Union members have ratified a two-year contract extension with the United States Postal Service. This action results in a 1.3 percent wage increase for approximately 58,000 postal employees effective November 27, 2004, and a 1.3 percent increase effective November 26, 2005.

        Other terms of this contract extension – covering the period from November 20, 2004, through November 20, 2006 - provide for the continuance of employees’ current cost-of-living allowance and the establishment of a joint task force to discuss issues relating to repositioning employee. All other terms of the contract remain the same.

        Postal Service Vice President Labor Relations Tony Vegliante noted the contract extension “is fair to both parties” and will aid in the Postal Service’s financial security.

        This ratification follows a similar two-year contract extension between the Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union that was ratified in December 2002.

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