LA County Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers Holds Contract Rally Ahead of Contract Negotiations

The LA County Branches of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) rallied together at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles to demand a fair contract just days before the NALC is scheduled to open contract negotiations with USPS in Washington, DC, on Feb. 25.

Letter carriers are asking for what's fair: higher pay and improved working conditions.

Letter carriers uphold USPS's universal service obligation. Without their work, the delivery of 376 million pieces of mail and packages to nearly 169 million delivery points every day nationwide would not be guaranteed. Every year, their work becomes more challenging and physically demanding, requiring them to lift and deliver heavy packages and to deal with threats on the job. Working longer hours in all elements and conditions, including blizzards, heat waves, and global pandemics, they continue to get the job done.

Currently, 55 percent of non-career letter carriers leave the job within the first year. A fair contract with better pay, benefits, and improved working conditions means less turnover, with experienced letter carriers more likely to stay on the job. Across the nation, letter carriers help keep rural, urban, and suburban communities connected. Their deliveries are crucial to small businesses and have a vital economic impact. High letter carrier retention is important for the consistent, quality, and reliable service that Americans count on.

Letter carriers and allies are delivering the message: First-class service deserves first-class pay!