Brian Renfroe, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union’s tentative agreement with the United States Postal Service. Renfroe also spoke about the NALC “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive and an increase in the number of letter carriers assaulted on the job.
NALC members worked for USPS for about 18 months under an expired contract before reaching a tentative agreement (TA) on Oct. 18. Renfroe explained the reason behind the extended contract negotiations and spoke about the TA, including what it means for workers - both new and old. He said the ratification process will take some time to be finalized due to the size of the bargaining unit. The NALC represents 200,000 USPS workers, which makes them the second-largest bargaining unit under a single contract in America and the largest unit of USPS workers.
Prior to a ratification vote, NALC will host four nationwide events to educate members on the agreement and allow for discussion. Renfroe explained that the NALC Executive Committee is a neutral bystander during the ratification process, as each bargaining unit member will receive a mail-in ballot to cast their vote. He said this process gives members a voice in determining their working conditions and benefits without worrying about potential influence from leadership.
Renfroe discussed the history of the country's largest single-day food drive, the “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive, which occurs every May. He also spoke about an increase in the number of letter carriers assaulted on the job over the past four years. He outlined the outreach NALC has engaged in to raise awareness of the crimes and legislation that could alleviate the assaults and punish those who commit crimes against letter carriers to the full extent of the law.
Listen to the show above for more from Renfroe on NALC and how to keep letter carriers protected on the job.