
The latest developments on the USPS mail carriers' tentative contract have left many wondering what this means for them and their jobs. The proposed contract includes a 3% annual pay increase for the next three years.
Mail carriers will also see improvements in their benefits, including a 1% increase in their health insurance premiums. This change is expected to save carriers around $30 per month.
The proposed contract also addresses the issue of overtime pay, with carriers set to receive 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on carriers who often work long hours.
The union representing mail carriers has stated that they are satisfied with the tentative contract, citing its focus on improving working conditions and benefits for carriers.
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USPS Contract Update
The tentative contract deal between the U.S. Postal Service and 200,000 mail carriers includes backdated pay raises.

Mail carriers have been working without a contract since May 2023. This new agreement runs through November 2026.
The deal also includes a promise to provide workers with air-conditioned trucks. This is a significant improvement for letter deliverers who have been working in hot conditions.
The agreement still needs to be ratified, but both sides seem to be pleased with the outcome. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is credited with bargaining in good faith throughout the process.
The tentative agreement is a big win for mail carriers, with increased top pay and reduced time to reach that level for new workers.
Related reading: National Association of Letter Carriers
Contract Details
The tentative contract between USPS mail carriers and the U.S. Postal Service includes backdated pay raises and a promise to provide workers with air-conditioned trucks.
The new agreement runs through November 2026 and has been a long time coming, with mail carriers working without a contract since May 2023.
The deal increases the top pay and reduces the amount of time it takes new workers to reach that level, making it more competitive with other companies like UPS.
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It takes 13 years to reach top pay for postal service workers, but the new contract makes some structural changes to the pay tables, including a proposed change to increase both starting and ending pay for some workers.
The total pay increase for those at top step pay would be around 12%, while entry-level workers can expect a 25% increase over the course of the agreement.
The contract also includes a cost-of-living adjustment formula based on the Consumer Price Index, which provides about 55% protection from inflation.
However, it's worth noting that COLAs are not guaranteed and are projected based on congressional budget office inflation forecasts.
Contract Impact
The tentative contract between the U.S. Postal Service and 200,000 mail carriers has been met with a mix of reactions from workers and union leaders.
The deal includes backdated pay raises and a promise to provide workers with air-conditioned trucks, which is a significant improvement for mail carriers who have been working without a contract since May 2023.
The contract also increases the top pay and reduces the amount of time it takes new workers to reach that level. According to Brian Renfroe, the president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, this change will result in a 12% increase for those at top step pay and a 25% increase for entry-level workers.
This is a significant step up from the 1.3% annual pay increase that was included in the recently-proposed contract. In comparison, UPS workers start at $23 per hour and can reach top pay after four years, with a starting pay of $49 per hour in 2028.
The contract also includes a cost-of-living adjustment formula that provides about 55% protection from inflation, but it's not guaranteed and is based on congressional budget office inflation forecasts.
Postal service workers are also facing soaring uniform costs, with some workers having to find ways to make ends meet. The proposed contract includes a uniform allowance increase from $499 to $549, but workers feel it's not enough to cover the rising costs of uniforms.
The National Association of Letter Carriers has been working to reform the uniform program, but in the meantime, workers are left to foot the bill for their own uniforms.
Next Steps
Negotiations will continue until Feb. 18, with a neutral arbitrator selected if no agreement is reached by then.
If no agreement is reached, the union and the postal service will present evidence, and some experts may even be called to testify.
The union, NALC, wants to make sure its members are treated fairly and receive industry-leading pay, as mentioned by Chalensouk from Phoenix.
USPS Reaches Tentative Agreement
The US Postal Service (USPS) has reached a tentative agreement with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) that includes pay raises and air-conditioned trucks. This deal affects around 200,000 mail carriers.
The agreement, which still needs to be ratified, runs through November 2026. Mail carriers have been working without a contract since May 2023.
The new contract includes backdated pay raises, which is a significant win for the workers. It also reduces the amount of time it takes for new workers to reach the top pay level.

Here are some key details about the tentative agreement:
The agreement was reached after long and arduous negotiations between the USPS and the NALC. Both sides have expressed satisfaction with the outcome, with the NALC president crediting Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for bargaining in good faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has NALC ever voted no on a contract?
Yes, NALC members have voted against a contract before, with 63,680 rejecting the 2023-2026 tentative agreement. This is the first time we have recorded such a large margin of opposition to a proposed contract.
Will USPS employees get a raise in 2025?
Yes, USPS Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment in 2025, with the adjustment amount set at $416. This COLA is effective as of March 8, 2025, and is outlined in the 2022 National Agreement.
Will the NALC contract be ratified?
The NALC contract was rejected by the active membership. The tentative 2023-2026 National Agreement with the USPS is not ratified.
Sources
- https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/10/19/ticker-usps-mail-carriers-reach-tentative-contract-that-includes-pay-raises-and-air-conditioned-trucks/
- https://postalemployeenetwork.com/news/2025/04/21/usps-nrlca-reach-tentative-agreement/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/02/11/usps-workers-union-contract/78050381007/
- https://naps.org/Post/BREAKING-NEWS-USPS-NALC-Reach-Tentative-Agreement
- https://federalnewsnetwork.com/unions/2025/01/usps-letter-carrier-union-members-reject-tentative-contract-deal/
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