September 2026 Update
We continue waiting for news on the scheduling of the arbitration hearing which will decide the terms of our next contract, the 2025 National Agreement. I say hearing; but really, there will be many days of hearings which may occur over a month or more. The most important thing at this point is to make sure that we present the best possible case.
Additional equipment is currently being deployed or is scheduled to be deployed in facilities throughout the Local Union. Following the deployment of the SIPS (Single Induction Package Sorter) in several locations, management has begun installing the PILS (Parallel Induction Linear Sorter). The first PILS is being installed in the St. Paul P&DC with a second one to follow shortly. The Local Union and Branch offices are paying particular attention to the implementation of new machinery at each location.
Following the hosting of the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Local Unions in Minneapolis last month, this month’s big-ticket item was our attendance at the convention of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). Vice President Aaron Kobes and I served as our Delegates. While the Mail Handlers division is a small part of LIUNA, they always make us feel welcome and the presentations are always inspirational. I’m proud to be a part of LIUNA.
As we prepare to head into the final quarter of the year there remain many tasks to be accomplished. Among them are Steward appointments, Branch and Steward Meetings, and training for your representatives. In addition, open season lies ahead and we’re waiting to see what the health insurance marketplace looks like this year. The Local 323 MHBP Marketing Team will be attending the MHBP Open Season Seminar in early October; so, we’ll know more soon.
Never forget that Local 323 is your Union and your Union works best when you’re involved.
JL