The Case for an “All” Career Workforce

Presently, the National Union is in the process of either negotiating a “NEW” National Agreement or possibly going to Arbitration. I use the word “possibly” because in my opinion, we do not know what is occurring with the collective bargaining process.

Negotiations began at the end of February 2023 and continued through the end of May for 90 days. Once the parties (Union/Management) “failed” to negotiate a “NEW” agreement, they should have begun a “mediation” process which requires a “neutral party” to try to bring both sides together. That is supposed to continue for a 60 day period and if a solution is not found, the parties should then enter the phase of arbitration and with any “luck”, a decision (final and binding) should be rendered within another 60 days.

Unfortunately, the parties decided not to use a “mediator” and supposedly continued talks during the mediation period without success. The 60 day period of mediation should have ended on July 20th. If that is the case, as of the writing of this article (August 15th), we are still no closer to commencing arbitration nor do we have a “NEW” contract. That is the question! Why are we not in arbitration? If, however, we have an agreement, why are we delaying in providing its contents to the Membership?

Please remember, if there is an agreement, before the National Leaders can sign it, the Members must “approve” it. I personally do not believe we will have an agreement to “vote” on. I also do not understand what is causing the delay in scheduling arbitration. If there is an agreement and it is a “good” agreement, let the membership “vote.”

If, however, we do not have an agreement then we should expedite the process and not delay the arbitration procedure. Our rival, UPS, just settled their agreement with the “threat” of a STRIKE! We do not have the right to “STRIKE” but we have mandatory required arbitration. Why are we waiting? If we wait too long, we will probably not receive a September 2023 COLA! If we wait even longer, we might not receive a November 2023 “pay” raise.

Again, any agreement that is decided by “binding” arbitration is “final” and “binding!” You will not have a “vote” or a “voice” in the matter but if we “delay” much longer, a COLA increase and a pay raise may be jeopardized. What this means is that instead of receiving “hourly” increases for both the COLA and a wage increase, you will get a “LUMP” sum. Remember, COLAs and Pay raises will increase your “hourly” rate. This in turn increases your Overtime wages and affects your pension/social security and thrift saving benefits.

One final issue that I believe must be addressed is an “ALL” career work force! Over the last several years, the “turnover/resignation” rate of “new” employees has been disastrous not only for Management but also for the Union. Literally 40 to 60% of all “new” CCAs (city carrier assistants) leave voluntarily within 4 to 12 months. This “turnover” creates instability for both the Postal Service and the Union.

The constant cost of training and the turnover of “new” employees also creates instability for the work force and creates “excessive” overtime in some facilities. Many “NEW” CCA employees resign because they are sent repeatedly to work in other facilities because carrier complements are understaffed. There is no stability of employment in one facility. An “all” career work force would stop that but it would also increase wages and benefits which would be an inducement for “new” employees to continue their employment. I believe that Union could show that such statistics(high turnover of CCAs) would show an Arbitrator that a noncareer Letter Carrier work force in the Postal Service is causing a “CRISIS” not just for management but also for the Union. Presently, there are over 110 Post Offices on Long Island. Only 16 have “all career” work forces. Why?

When in the past this Branch and other Branches argued for Area wage and locality pay, we were told a “letter carrier is a letter carrier” and we should all receive the “same” pay for the “same” work.

Our National leaders must address the problems of future Wages, Benefits and Working Conditions but they must also address the concerns of our CCA fellow Letter Carriers and achieve “career” status for ALL!

Yours for the Union!