As we have previously written, the NPMHU invoked the process under the Postal Reorganization Act so that the terms of the 2025 National Agreement can be determined through interest arbitration. We are writing because those proceedings will begin soon. We anticipate that hearing dates will occur during December of this year.
The neutral member and chair of the panel is Alan Symonette, a nationally known arbitrator with more than thirty years of experience. This experience has included substantial work as a third-party neutral in grievance arbitrations and in interest arbitrations covering both public and private sector collective bargaining agreements. Mr. Symonette is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and previously served as its President. He also is a fellow with the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and serves on the Advisory Board of the Cornell University School of Industrial Relations.
Joining Mr. Symonette on the panel as the USPS-appointed arbitrator is Thomas Reinert who previously served as outside counsel to the Postal Service. The third member of the panel has been appointed by the NPMHU, and he is former NPMHU General Counsel Bruce Lerner. The NPMHU will be represented by Bredhoff & Kaiser, which has operated as General Counsel to the NPMHU since 1992. Our current General Counsel Matthew Clash-Drexler and his colleague Josh Segal have represented the Mail Handlers during last year’s negotiations and will represent the NPMHU in the current arbitration proceedings.
We expect to begin hearings in December. To the extent possible, the National Office will continue to provide updates as the testimony and evidence are presented.
