COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) Explained

Below is an important message from APWU containing information about COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment).

In accordance with the 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement, career employees represented by the APWU will receive a $0.12 per hour cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), or $250 annually, effective March 7, 2026. It will appear in paychecks dated March 27 (Pay Period 07-2026).

The adjustment is anchored to Consumer Price Index which sets the Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLAs) for the APWU contracts. This is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not negotiations, so numbers remain objective and consistent.

COLA is one part of your overall compensation, along with step increases and general wage increases. Together, those three pieces shape your long-term wage growth.

Want to learn more? Go to our newly launched webpage featuring a clear, straightforward 2-min video that tells you everything you wanted to know.

In solidarity,

APWU

P.S. What about PSEs? You can learn more here!