The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) recently reached a new national agreement with the United States Postal Service (USPS). This agreement, which covers the period between 2021 and 2023, outlines a number of important changes to the way letter carriers work and receive compensation.
One of the biggest changes in the new agreement is an increase in pay for letter carriers. The agreement includes a 3.5% pay raise for all letter carriers in 2021, as well as a 2.25% pay raise in 2022 and a 1% raise in 2023. This increase in pay is designed to help compensate letter carriers for the important work they do delivering mail and packages to communities across the United States.
In addition to the pay raise, the agreement also includes changes to the way letter carriers are compensated for overtime work. Under the new agreement, letter carriers will receive a higher rate of pay for overtime work, which will help to ensure that they are fairly compensated for any extra hours they work.
Another key change in the agreement is the introduction of a new category of letter carrier called the City Carrier Assistant (CCA). CCAs are temporary employees who are hired to help deliver mail during periods of peak demand, such as the holiday season. The new agreement includes provisions to ensure that CCAs are treated fairly and have access to benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
Finally, the new agreement includes changes to the way letter carriers are assigned to routes. Under the new agreement, letter carriers will have more control over the routes they are assigned to, and will be able to bid on routes based on their preferences and seniority. This will help to ensure that letter carriers are able to work on routes that are well-suited to their skills and preferences.
Overall, the new national agreement between the NALC and USPS represents an important step forward for letter carriers across the United States. With its focus on fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions, the agreement recognizes the important role that letter carriers play in delivering mail and packages to communities across the country.