Approximately 200,000 mail carriers have reached a preliminary contract agreement with the U.S. Postal Service, which includes retroactive pay raises and a commitment to providing workers with air-conditioned trucks.
The proposed contract, pending ratification by union members, is set to remain in effect until November 2026. Letter carriers have been operating without a new contract since the expiration of their previous agreement in May 2023, continuing to work under the old contract’s terms.
Both the union and the Postal Service expressed approval of the agreement, which was announced on Friday. Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, mentioned to The Associated Press that although neither side got everything they desired, the negotiations, conducted in good faith, led to an agreement that meets objectives and rewards members. He emphasized that the Postal Service acknowledged the significant contributions of its members to the service and the American public.
The agreement introduces various improvements, including an increase in top pay and a reduction in the time required for new employees to reach this pay level. Renfroe acknowledged Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and his deputy for their efforts in negotiating sincerely throughout the challenging discussions.
The Postal Service remarked that the agreement aligns with its 10-year “Delivering for America” strategy to modernize operations and address evolving customer needs. Doug Tulino, the deputy postmaster general and chief human resources officer, described the agreement as fair and responsible, serving the best interests of employees, customers, and the future of the Postal Service.
As part of the deal, all city carriers will receive three annual pay raises of 1.3% each by 2025, some retroactive from November 2023. Additionally, workers will receive retroactive and future cost-of-living adjustments.
The Postal Service has also committed to making every effort to equip mail trucks with air-conditioning. Recently, the Postal Service began deploying new electric delivery vehicles equipped with air-conditioning. Although not the most aesthetically pleasing, these vehicles were well-received by letter carriers familiar with older models lacking modern safety features and often suffering from mechanical issues.
Within a few years, the Postal Service’s fleet is expected to grow to 60,000 vehicles, primarily electric models, serving as the main delivery trucks nationwide. The tentative contract stipulates that the Postal Service must consult with the union on any plans to acquire new mail trucks without air-conditioning.
This marks the second contract negotiated since Louis DeJoy’s appointment in 2020. The ratification process by union members is anticipated to take several weeks. Rural mail carriers are not included in this contract as they are represented by another union.
