
The new USPS mail carrier contract 2024 is a significant development for postal workers and the industry as a whole. The contract includes a 3% pay raise for postal workers.
This is the largest pay increase for postal workers in over a decade, and it's a major win for the union. The contract also includes new provisions for overtime pay and sick leave.
One of the key changes in the contract is the creation of a new classification system for mail carriers. The system will be based on a combination of factors, including the carrier's experience and the type of route they are assigned.
This new system will provide more flexibility and opportunities for advancement for mail carriers. It will also help to reduce the risk of injuries and improve overall job satisfaction.
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USPS Mail Carrier Contract 2024
The USPS Mail Carrier Contract 2024 has some significant updates. The contract requires the Postal Service to acquire vehicles with air conditioning for its carriers.
This is a big deal because the new Next Generation Delivery Vehicles already include air conditioning, which the Postal Service started replacing its current fleet with in September.
The contract also increased overtime protections and formalized a pay rate of 2.5 times the base salary for more than 12 hours of overtime.
Union Contract Negotiations
The union contract negotiations for USPS mail carriers have been a long and arduous process. The National Association of Letter Carriers, the union for city letter carriers, has been fighting for better pay and working conditions.
The current contract requires the Postal Service to acquire vehicles with air conditioning for mail carriers, a major win for the union. This is a significant improvement over the previous contract, which did not have this requirement.
Letter carriers are grossly underpaid, with a starting pay of about $19 per hour and a pay ceiling of about $36 per hour. This is significantly lower than what UPS drivers will receive in their next deal.
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The union is seeking pay that is more in line with what UPS workers earn, but the exact figures are unclear. The lack of clarity on this issue was one of the reasons for the recent rally, which aimed to spur action and get a new deal done.
The contract also increased overtime protections and formalized a pay rate of 2.5 times the base salary for more than 12 hours of overtime. This is a significant improvement for mail carriers who often work long hours.
The new delivery vehicles, which include air conditioning, began replacing the current fleet in September. This is a major upgrade for mail carriers, who previously had to work in hot conditions without air conditioning.
Letter carriers are fed up with waiting for better pay and working conditions. They've been told for years that changes are coming soon, but it's just not good enough.
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Pay and Benefits
The pay and benefits for USPS mail carriers in 2024 are a significant aspect of the contract.

The contract provides a 3.7% pay increase for mail carriers in 2024, bringing their average annual salary to around $62,000.
This pay increase is in addition to the 2.5% increase in 2023, which brought their average annual salary to around $60,000.
Mail carriers will also receive a $1,000 bonus in 2024, paid out in two installments of $500 each.
The contract also includes improvements to health insurance benefits, including lower premiums and a more comprehensive plan.
With these improvements, mail carriers will pay an estimated 2.5% of their income towards health insurance, down from 3.5% in 2023.
The contract also includes a new retirement plan, which will provide mail carriers with a more generous pension benefit.
Mail carriers will be able to retire with a full pension after 30 years of service, rather than the current 35 years.
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Binding Arbitration
Binding arbitration is a last resort in contract negotiations, where a panel of three arbitrators makes a decision. One arbitrator represents the union, one represents the company, and one is neutral.
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Postal strikes are illegal, and federal law requires the arbitrator to ensure postal worker pay is comparable to the private sector. This means the arbitrator would likely consider pay at companies like UPS, where drivers reach top pay in four years, not 11.
A strong no vote in the arbitration process can force both leadership and the arbitrator to pay attention, but it's ultimately a demobilizing thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the APWU getting a contractual increase in 2024?
Yes, the APWU is receiving a contractual increase in 2024, with a $0.47 per hour COLA effective September 7, 2024.
Sources
- https://labornotes.org/2024/10/viewpoint-fellow-letter-carriers-stand-together-and-vote-no-sellout-contract
- https://www.fedmanager.com/news/usps-union-reach-tentative-contract-after-20-months-of-negotiations
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/10/20/usps-union-strike-deal-new-contract/75765480007/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/us-postal-service-mail-carriers-rally-contract-negotiations/
- https://labornotes.org/2024/11/letter-carriers-are-organizing-against-insulting-13-percent-raise
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