April 2026 Update
As noted in the most recent issue of the Mail Handler magazine, the clock continues to tick on contract negotiations. I’m starting to get a little impatient; so, I’m sure that some of you are as well. I’ve been watching the negotiations currently underway between the Postal Service and the National Associations of Letter Carriers; and reading between the lines, it appears to me that they’re running up against the same wall when it comes to wages. In any case, I remain convinced that we will be declaring impasse and heading to arbitration soon.
We’ve recently heard that the Postal Service will be running out of money and that the USPS Board of Governors has decided to temporarily suspend employer contributions for Federal Employees Retirement System annuities effective April 10th. Although, the Postal Service states that there will be no immediate detrimental impact on current or future retirees. Neither of these things are unprecedented. Isn’t it amazingly convenient that this occurs during contract negotiations?
This is known as "crying poor mouth" and it means to habitually complain about a lack of money or resources (often to avoid expenses). This is not an unknown Postal Service claim during contract negotiations, and it is the collective bargaining equivalent of pleading poverty. Regardless, the National Union remains focused on fixing the inequality in the M7 pay scale; particularly the issue involving the proportional COLA.
Many things loom on the horizon as this year continues to proceed at a rapid pace. The 2026 Matt Lopez Local 323 Scholarship will be announced in a couple of weeks, and the planning of the Metro Area Picnic on July 12th is well underway. Keep an eye on your bulletin boards and on our website for more information. As always, as soon as we know, you’ll know.
JL