USPS Tentative Agreement Vote Rejected: NALC Members Say No to 2023-2026 Deal

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) has rejected the tentative 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement with the United States Postal Service (USPS). The vote was 63,680 to reject versus 26,304 to accept. NALC plans to reopen negotiations within five days and may proceed to interest arbitration if no new agreement is reached.

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) has made it clear that the tentative 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement with the United States Postal Service (USPS) is not acceptable. In a recent vote, NALC members overwhelmingly rejected the agreement, with 63,680 votes against it and 26,304 in favor.
This decision comes after months of negotiations between the NALC and USPS. The NALC has stated that the current offer does not fairly compensate and reward its members. NALC President Brian L. Renfroe emphasized that the union will negotiate in good faith but is prepared to fight for a better contract if necessary.
The NALC has notified the USPS of its intent to reopen negotiations within five days, as per the NALC Constitution. If no new agreement is reached within the 15-day timeframe, the union may proceed to interest arbitration. This process would involve a neutral third-party arbitration board making a final and binding decision.
The rejection of the tentative agreement highlights ongoing labor disputes within the USPS. The NALC represents over 200,000 employees nationwide, making this a significant development in the labor landscape.

1. What was the outcome of the vote on the tentative collective bargaining agreement?
   The vote was 63,680 to reject the agreement versus 26,304 to accept it.
2. What is the next step for the NALC after rejecting the tentative agreement?
   The NALC plans to reopen negotiations with the USPS within five days and may proceed to interest arbitration if no new agreement is reached.

3. How long will the NALC have to negotiate a new agreement?
   The NALC has 15 days to negotiate a new agreement.

4. What is interest arbitration, and how does it work?
   Interest arbitration involves a neutral third-party arbitration board making a final and binding decision on the contract terms if negotiations fail.

5. How many employees does the NALC represent?
   The NALC represents over 200,000 employees nationwide.

The rejection of the tentative collective bargaining agreement by the NALC marks a significant step in ongoing labor disputes within the USPS. The union’s decision to reopen negotiations and potentially proceed to interest arbitration underscores its commitment to securing fair compensation and benefits for its members.