The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been in the news lately due to its new contract with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). The contract, which was ratified on April 7, 2021, will run until May 20, 2023.

So, what does this new contract mean for USPS employees and customers? Let`s take a closer look.

Pay Raises

One of the most significant changes in the new contract is the pay raises that USPS employees will receive. Under the new agreement, letter carriers will receive three wage increases, with the first one scheduled for November 2021. By the end of the contract, letter carriers will have received a total pay increase of 3.5%.

Another significant change is that full-time, career city carrier assistants (CCAs) will receive a pay increase of 3.0% on November 20, 2021.

Benefits

The new contract also includes changes to employee benefits. For instance, employees will now have greater access to telehealth services, which will allow them to receive medical care remotely. Additionally, there will be no increase in the amount that employees will pay for their health insurance premiums during the length of the contract.

The contract also includes a new category of employee called the „City Carrier Assistant Rural (CCAR).“ This new position will be responsible for delivering mail in rural areas and will be compensated differently from other carrier assistants.

Work Rules

The new contract also includes changes to work rules. One notable change is that the USPS will be implementing a new Carrier Sortation System (CSS). This system will be used to manage mail delivery routes, and it is expected to be more efficient than the current system.

The new contract also includes provisions for better employee safety. For instance, the USPS will provide letter carriers with new training on how to avoid dog attacks. Additionally, the USPS will start using new technologies to improve safety on delivery routes, such as GPS-enabled scanners that can detect hazardous conditions.

Finally, the new contract includes a provision for employees to be reimbursed for up to $2,500 in tuition expenses per year. This benefit is intended to help USPS employees pursue further education or training.

In conclusion, the new contract between the USPS and the NALC will bring significant changes for both employees and customers. With pay increases, new benefits, and changes to work rules, the USPS is working to improve the experience for everyone involved. Time will tell how successful these changes will be, but for now, the new contract is a promising development for the USPS.