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US Postal Service - Labor Disputes

One proposal deals with labor relations. It would change how collective bargaining disputes between the Postal Service and the labor unions that represent postal workers are resolved.

Currently, if the Postal Service and a union cannot reach agreement, after a certain period they are both required to present their cases to a federal arbitrator, whose decision is binding.

At present, arbitrators make their decisions based on what issues are raised by each side in the dispute, often including the long-term financial condition of the Postal Service. Arbitrators must weigh all factors raised by either side.

This proposal would require the arbitrator to take into account the current and long-term financial condition of the Postal Service in every case.