March 2026 Update
The 2022 National Agreement expired six months ago, the negotiations which began in June of last year have yet to produce a tentative agreement, and the possibility of securing a negotiated agreement seems unlikely at best. While neither the Union nor the Postal Service have “officially” declared a bargaining impasse, everything we’re seeing appears to be pointing toward an arbitrated National Agreement.
Once again, we’re seeing media reports in which the Postal Service claims that it will be running out of money soon. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard the Postal Service make this claim and I’m sure it won’t be the last. To be sure, the Postal Service always seems to be facing some type of financial constraint when it comes time for negotiating a contract. In any case, the stage has been set for a bargaining impasse, an upcoming arbitration, and I expect that the primary matters in dispute will be general wage increases, COLA (particularly proportional COLA), night shift differential, and MHA wage rates.
The current circumstances leave us with more questions than answers. Of course, the initial question is when will things begin to move forward? Time will tell there; but once things do move forward, more significant questions will remain. Why won’t the Postal Service agree to grant Mail Handlers an appropriate wage increase; why won’t the Postal Service agree to eliminate proportional COLA; and why won’t the Postal Service provide a livable starting wage for MHAs? These are the big questions.
The Postal Service has placed an economic package on the table that your Union has found unacceptable. Your Union has found this package unacceptable because Mail Handlers across the country, including those in Local 323, had made their voices heard and their wishes known. The Postal Service refuses to put an appropriate economic package on the table, and your Union cannot and will not hesitate to fight this battle in arbitration.
The sun is setting on the day of diplomats and rising on the day of warriors. This column will delve into the specifics of the battle as things develop. For now, it’s hold fast and hang tough.
JL