May 20, 2016
Following 90 days of bargaining over the terms of a new National Agreementâculminating in a week of intense negotiationsâNALC and the U.S. Postal Service announced tonight that the bargaining period would be extended beyond the midnight expiration of the 2011-2016 contract on May 20.
During the extended period of negotiations, the terms and conditions of the 2011-2016 contract will remain in effect.
NALC President Fredric Rolando issued the following statement:
The intensive discussions weâve had over the past three monthsâboth at the main table on key economic provisions, and among the numerous committees composed of NALC Executive Council members and management representativesâhave been productive and professional. Although we cannot say definitively that we will be able to reach an agreement without resorting to the lawâs mediation and interest arbitration procedures, there has been tangible progress and both sides remain committed to attempting to reach a mutually acceptable tentative agreement.
What is at stake in these negotiations?
Obviously, setting wages that reward all letter carriersâcareer and non-career alikeâfor their exceptional contributions to the Postal Serviceâs essential service to the people and businesses of the United States is the most critical issue. Years of hard work and dedication by Americaâs city carriers have positioned the Postal Service to meet the evolving needs of the nationâs mailers, shippers and citizens.
The inadequacy of city carrier assistant (CCA) wages and the need to improve career conversion rights for CCAs are glaring problems that must also be addressed.
Repairing and improving the work culture in carrier stations across the country also is a major focus of our contract talks.
We are negotiating at a time of great challenges and great opportunities for the Postal Service of the 21st century. The Postal Service must evolve to become an indispensable public utility for the internet age, and it is NALCâs responsibility at the bargaining table to shape that evolution constructivelyâboth to improve service and to assure the Postal Serviceâs long-term viability, while strengthening the terms and conditions of Americaâs city letter carriers, the nationâs most trusted workers. Our bargaining team is acutely aware of this responsibility and is committed to fulfilling it.
As long as we see a path toward success, we will stay at the table and work as hard as we can to reach a new National Agreement.