The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) recently announced a new contract agreement with the United States Postal Service (USPS) that includes significant pay raises for its members. This is great news for the thousands of postal workers represented by the NALC, who have been working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that mail is delivered to all corners of the country.
Under the terms of the new contract, NALC members will receive three pay raises over the next three years. The first pay increase will be a 1.3% raise that goes into effect on November 21, 2020. This will be followed by a 1% raise on November 20, 2021, and another 1% raise on November 19, 2022. These pay raises are in addition to annual cost-of-living adjustments that are already built into the contract.
It is important to note that the pay raises outlined in the new contract only apply to NALC members and not to all USPS employees. However, the NALC represents the largest group of postal workers, so this contract is significant.
The new contract also includes other important provisions, such as protecting the jobs of Full-Time Regular (FTR) carriers and creating more career opportunities for City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) who have been working for the USPS for at least two and a half years. Additionally, the contract includes new provisions aimed at improving workplace safety and reducing the number of temporary assignments that postal workers have to perform.
While the pay raises outlined in the new contract may not seem substantial, they are a step in the right direction for NALC members who have been feeling the financial strain of working during the pandemic. The pay raises will help to ensure that postal workers are fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication to serving their communities.
In conclusion, the new NALC contract agreement with the USPS is a positive development for postal workers. The pay raises and other provisions included in the contract will help to protect the jobs of NALC members, create new opportunities for career advancement, and improve workplace safety. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we recognize the essential work being done by postal workers and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their efforts.
