LOS ANGELES — Chanting “I believe that we can win,” over 100 members of the National Association of Letter Carriers held a rally in front of City Hall here Feb. 22 demanding an improved contract. This was one of at least 126 rallies the union held that day, as negotiations with U.S. Postal Service bosses are set to begin Feb. 25. Participants here came from several dozen branches of the union.
The union reports they deliver 376 million pieces of mail and packages to some 169 million locations every day.
“We are demanding better pay to be able to retain new employees. There is a high turnover rate so we need higher starting pay,” Keisha Lewis, president of NALC Branch 1100, told the Militant at the rally. The union says 55% of new hires have left the job each year. The work is getting more physical, NALC members explained, because the number of packages they’re expected to deliver has grown substantially. “Supervisors pressure us to go faster. That’s when accidents happen.”
“We want to be treated with dignity and respect,” Lewis said.
Gigi Estrada, a 27-year letter carrier and vice president of Branch 1100, added, “We want the cost-of-living increases to be equal for all employees. We want 100% cost-of-living increases for all career employees at all levels. And it is not right now.”
Other workers explained they’re fighting for workers to get full benefits from the first day they’re hired.
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MINNEAPOLIS — In frigid temperatures, some 100 NALC members from four regional locals and their supporters rallied at the main post office here Feb. 22, part of a national day of actions.
Patrick Johnson, Region 7 national business agent for the Letter Carriers union in Minnesota, welcomed members of Branch 9 in Minneapolis, Branch 28 in Saint Paul, Branch 2942 in Hopkins and Branch 440 in Rochester.
He explained the union’s central demands include all workers be post office employees and union members, instead of being contract workers; for an improved starting wage and a faster progression to top pay; an immediate wage raise; and a full uniform allowance with better coverage for winter gear.
Other speakers included representatives of the Communications Workers of America and the Minnesota Federation of Educators.
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SEATTLE — Some 50 members of the National Association of Letter Carriers and supporters held a protest in the rain here as negotiations start for the next national contract. Sponsored by NALC Branch 79, the “Fight Like Hell!” rally drew union members from throughout the greater Puget Sound region.
Speakers demanded higher pay, as package loads increase, and more hiring to alleviate the long overtime many are required to work because of short-staffing.
Washington State Labor Council President April Sims spoke in support, as did leaders of NALC and of the American Postal Workers Union.
Demands NALC is raising included: Higher pay, including higher starting wages; shorter time to reach the top of the pay scale; full benefits for every letter carrier as soon as they complete probation; and an increased uniform allowance.
The union handed out buttons for everyone to wear, saying, “NALC Branch 79 is fighting for respect, fair pay, the 8 hour day.”
The letter carriers deserve the support of all workers. In their last contract negotiations three years ago they overwhelmingly voted the bosses’ offer down, but they were forced into arbitration and got less than they deserved.