The new union argument is a moot point at this juncture because I remember jon frum posting that once the contract is ratified the APWA has to wait 2 years before they can try to organize UPS. Keep holding onto that pipe dream, as that is all it ever will be.
Brett,
The APWA would actually have to wait about
3 years. Here's a summary of the confusing NLRB rules from their website:
When Can A Petition Be Filed?
The NLRB has established certain rules relating to the filing of petitions affecting employees who are covered by an existing contract. Generally, under these ‘‘contract-bar’’ rules, a valid contract for a fixed period of 3 years or less will bar an election for the period covered by the contract. However, in such situations, a petition filed more than 60 days but not more than 90 days before the end of the contract will be accepted and may bring about an election.
In addition, the NLRB will not hold a representation election in any collective-bargaining unit in which a valid election has been held during the preceding 12 months. This rule does not apply, however, to a withdrawal of union-security (UD) election conducted within 12 months of a representation election (RC, RM, RD), or to a representation election conducted within 12 months of a withdrawal of union security election.
If an election is held and a union is certified by the NLRB, that certification is normally binding for 1 year and a petition for another election in the same unit will be dismissed if filed during the 1-year period after the NLRB’s certification.
http://www.nlrb.gov