It has now been more than 30 days since the 2022 National Agreement expired. At that time, we were informed that the Union and the Postal Service had agreed to extend the bargaining process. Since that last announcement we’ve heard nothing.
So, when should we expect to hear something? That’s a tough question to answer. Let’s look at the situation.
Your Local 323 MHBP marketing team has been recognized for outstanding performance and awarded Union of the Year for our efforts in promoting the 2025 Mail Handlers Benefit Plan. Pictures from the MHBP Seminar have been posted to the photo gallaries.
By the way, open season for health insurance is quickly approaching. An open season health fair will be held in the Postal facility where you work. Take a look at the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan and compare the rates with your current health plan. You will be amazed (really amazed) at how much you can save on the cost of your health insurance. Keep an eye on your bulletin boards for more information.
The Local Executive Board has extended the 2025 Local 323 Organizing Drive. The additional $50.00 on top of the $50.00 already provided for in our Bylaws will continue to be paid for the duration of the drive. Consequently, any Member who signs up a non-member will receive a check in the amount of $100.00. A list of Mail Handlers and MHA’s who are not Members of the Union as well as an 1187 form to sign them up is available from your Branch Union office or your Steward. An 1187 form is also available here on our website. Use this form to enroll a non-member and provide the completed form to your Branch Office or the Local Office. You will receive a $100.00 check along with a thank you letter from the Union for each non-member you enroll once the dues withholding commences.
There is no good reason for not belonging to the Union!
Following the expiration of the 2022 National Agreement on September 20th, the Union and the Postal Service agreed to continue negotiations. This extension of the bargaining process seems to suggest that the national parties still believe that a negotiated agreement is still possible. Negotiations will continue informally until such time as either party concludes that further negotiations are pointless. Should that end up being the case, the provisions of the Postal Reorganization Act will be utilized to resolve the bargaining impasse. This may involve the submission of all remaining disputes to an interest arbitrator for a final and binding decision.
Summer is drawing towards its conclusion, and many changes are underway in the facilities represented by Local 323. New equipment is being deployed, additional staffing in coming onboard, and many MHA’s are being converted to full-time. All these things are occurring simultaneously and at a rapid pace. To be sure, everyone is seeing changes on the workroom floor.
The biggest change currently underway is the continuing implementation of the Terminal Handling Services (THS) “in sourcing” into the St. Paul P&DC. This change has been a long time in the making. For several years I’ve been working with the National Union to have this work, which was previously performed by a third-party subcontractor, in sourced into the St. Paul P&DC. This is the first time that Local 323 has seen such a large amount of work returned to Postal Operations and to the Mail Handler Craft. The first couple of weeks were quite shaky, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to having a couple of “be careful what you ask for” moments.
Pictures from the 2025 Metero Area Picnic have been posted to the photo gallaries.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Local 323 Office
1602 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
Saturday, November 8, 2025
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Ultimate Sports Bar & Grill
1101 Division St.
Waite Park, MN 56387
Beginning November 10th and running through December 8th - 2025
