Attorney Joshua Javits appointed to mediate between the USPS and NALC

On February 13, 2012, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service announced that attorney Joshua Javits was appointed to mediate between the U. S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers.  The parties moved to the mediation phase of negotiations on January 20, when the USPS declared there was no advancement in the negotiations.  Javits will work with both sides in an attempt to help them reach a voluntary agreement. 

 

The law generally requires a sixty-day mediation period during which time the parties will try to negotiate a contract.  If, after the sixty days, there is no agreement, the parties will begin the arbitration phase.  During the arbitration phase, a three-arbitrator panel will be assigned to listen to testimony and arguments from both parties.  There is no time limit to the arbitration phase, and the arbitrators have the power to set the terms of the contract.