Union endorses contract terms through collective bargaining
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a new labor contract with the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association (NRLCA), effective immediately. The agreement, which was ratified with a final tally of 9,730 to 4,880, comes after a series of negotiations and rejections of tentative agreements in the past few months.
The collective bargaining agreement will last through May 20, 2027, and includes several key provisions. It offers annual general wage increases and semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to postal workers. The contract also includes new efforts to retain rural carrier associates, a crucial step towards ensuring the continuity of service in remote areas.
Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino praised the ratification of the contract, stating that it aligns with the Postal Service's mission to provide reliable, value-driven mail and package delivery service to all Americans. Tulino also highlighted the contract's focus on maintaining a skilled and dedicated workforce.
The NRLCA's rejection of a previous four-year tentative agreement in January was due to grassroots complaints about inadequate pay raises and adjustments. However, the new contract addresses these concerns, providing postal workers with more substantial wage increases and adjustments.
The contract was negotiated by a third-party arbitrator in March, following the rejection of the initial agreement. The arbitrator's deal includes three general wage increases and six COLAs.
Meanwhile, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is currently mailing ballots for members to vote on a three-year tentative agreement with USPS. The APWU's agreement contains no givebacks or concessions, a significant departure from the NRLCA's previous agreement. APWU President Mark Dimondstein has urged members to support the deal, citing annual wage increases, six full cost-of-living adjustments for career employees, no-layoff protections, and other benefits.
The post of the new Postmaster General has not been filled since the resignation of Louis DeJoy in March. However, David Steiner, longtime CEO of Waste Management and FedEx board member, was named as the next Postmaster General by the bipartisan USPS board of governors in May. Steiner is expected to assume the position in July and has pledged to maintain the postal agency's independence.
Despite calls from former President Donald Trump to remove USPS from federal control, Steiner has reaffirmed the agency's status as a federal entity. This commitment to maintaining the Postal Service's independence is crucial in ensuring the continuity of service and the protection of the rights of postal workers.
In conclusion, the new labor contract between the USPS and the NRLCA represents a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of postal workers and ensuring the continuity of service in rural areas. The APWU's tentative agreement, which is currently being voted on, also offers promising developments for postal workers across the country. With the appointment of David Steiner as the new Postmaster General, the future of the USPS looks promising.
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