Postal union endorses its contract negotiation accord

U.S. Postal Service Signs New Labor Contract with National Rural Letter Carriers' Association

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association (NRLCA). The ratification of the contract was announced by the union on Monday, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing negotiations.

The tentative national agreement contains annual wage increases and six full cost-of-living adjustments for career employees. It also provides no-layoff protections, including for members with less than six years' service. The agreement restores one more top step in pay grades 4-7 on the lower tier pay scale and eliminates some entry level steps.

The agreement increases uniform allowances and includes annual general wage increases and semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments. It also includes new efforts to retain rural carrier associates. The contract aligns with the Postal Service's mission to provide reliable, value-driven mail and package delivery service to all Americans.

APWU President Mark Dimondstein urged members to support the deal, while Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino praised the ratification of the contract. Tulino stated that the contract is economically responsible, fair to employees, and serves the best interest of customers. David Steiner, the expected next Postmaster General, has pledged to maintain the postal agency's independence.

The contract has a 50-mile limit on excessing and was ratified by 67% of NRLCA postal workers. A total of 9,730 NRLCA postal workers voted to approve the contract, while 4,880 voted against. The membership of the National Association of Letter Carriers rejected a four-year tentative agreement in January.

The bipartisan USPS board of governors named David Steiner as the next postmaster general in May. Steiner, a longtime CEO of Waste Management and a FedEx board member, is expected to assume the position in July. Louis DeJoy resigned as postmaster general in March, following a bumpy rollout of his 10-year plan to overhaul USPS that received bipartisan pushback.

Ballots for members to vote on the three-year tentative agreement with USPS are being mailed out by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). Ballots are due by July 10. The collective bargaining agreement will last until May 20, 2027. The new contract marks a positive step forward in the ongoing negotiations between USPS and its unions, providing stability and assurance for postal workers and customers alike.