The APWU Maintenance Division and USPS reached two significant agreements addressing the Promotion Pending Qualification dispute that was remanded by Arbitrator Margo Newman and the implementation MOU of the new Skilled Maintenance Assessment (SMA).
Promotion Pending Qualification Settlement
- Employees covered by the agreement will be returned to their promoted positions as soon as possible.
- Employees will receive all applicable out-of-schedule payments and step increases due under the settlement.
- Employees who decline to return to their promoted positions will have retroactive payments cease 90 days after the agreement is signed.
- The agreement provides a clear path toward resolving the longstanding promotion and qualification issues.
Skilled Maintenance Assessment (SMA)
The second agreement establishes the framework for implementing the new Skilled Maintenance Assessment (SMA):
- MSS ratings remain at the top of the promotion process.
- RMSS and SMA ratings will operate together as a hybrid system.
- The assessment will initially be on the clock for the first two years and three examinations.
- There will be no line H deduction for taking SMA.
- The traditional interview requirement will be eliminated, with an interview retained only for NST-11.
- The parties will issue additional information regarding the effective date and implementation of the new assessment.
Maintenance Division Director Idowu Balogun stated that these agreements represent a significant step forward in protecting employees, protecting the Maintenance Craft’s promotion process, and ensuring that the Postal Service continues to recognize and develop highly skilled maintenance employees.
Maintenance Webinar
A webinar will be held upon returning from National Convention on Tuesday August 25, 2026, at 2pm EST.
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