USPS to take contract negotiations with the NALC

The U.S. Postal Service has decided to take contract negotiations with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to a federal mediator.  Under the law, parties must work with the mediator in an attempt to resolve differences and reach a negotiated contract.  If mediation fails to produce a contract, the parties will submit the matter to arbitration.  There, a panel of three arbitrators will be chosen.  One arbitrator is chosen by each side.  After each party selects its arbitrator, the two sides work through a list of arbitrators to select the third and final arbitrator.  This three-person arbitration panel will hear testimony and consider the surrounding facts in order to decide the specifics of the NALC and U.S. Postal Service contract.  The final decision from the arbitration will be binding and final.  Much is riding on these negotiations.  We wish the best to all involved.