National Association of Letter Carriers

National Association of Letter Carriers is a labor union in the United States that represents United States Postal Service (USPS) city letter carriers. The union was founded in 1889 by a group of letter carriers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has since grown to become one of the largest labor unions in the country, with over 280,000 members. The National Association of Letter Carriers is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and has worked closely with other labor unions, such as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), to advocate for workers' rights and benefits. The union has also collaborated with organizations like the National Postal Mail Handlers Union and the American Postal Workers Union to address issues affecting the USPS and its employees.

History

The National Association of Letter Carriers has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, when letter carriers in Milwaukee formed the union to improve their working conditions and wages. The union's early leaders, including William H. Wood, played a crucial role in shaping the organization and advocating for the rights of letter carriers. Over the years, the National Association of Letter Carriers has been involved in various labor disputes and strikes, including the Great Postal Strike of 1970, which involved the American Postal Workers Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. The union has also worked with prominent labor leaders, such as George Meany and Lane Kirkland, to advance the interests of workers and promote social justice. The National Association of Letter Carriers has been a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Labor Standards Act, and has worked with organizations like the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union to promote equality and fairness in the workplace.

Organization and structure

The National Association of Letter Carriers is a democratic organization with a strong emphasis on member participation and involvement. The union is led by a National Executive Council, which includes the President, Executive Vice President, and other top officials. The union also has a network of State Associations and Local Branches, which provide support and representation to members at the local level. The National Association of Letter Carlers is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and works closely with other labor unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the United Auto Workers, to promote workers' rights and benefits. The union has also established partnerships with organizations like the National Council of La Raza and the Asian American Justice Center to address issues affecting diverse communities.

Political and legislative activities

The National Association of Letter Carriers is actively involved in political and legislative activities, advocating for policies and laws that benefit workers and promote social justice. The union has worked with lawmakers like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to promote progressive policies, such as the Raise the Wage Act and the Employee Free Choice Act. The National Association of Letter Carlers has also been a strong supporter of the USPS Fairness Act, which aims to address the financial challenges facing the USPS. The union has worked with organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association to promote education and training programs for workers, and has collaborated with groups like the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters to address environmental issues.

Collective bargaining and contracts

The National Association of Letter Carriers engages in collective bargaining with the USPS to negotiate contracts and agreements that benefit its members. The union has a strong track record of negotiating contracts that improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for letter carriers. The National Association of Letter Carlers has worked with other labor unions, such as the American Postal Workers Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, to coordinate bargaining efforts and promote solidarity among USPS employees. The union has also collaborated with organizations like the Economic Policy Institute and the Center for American Progress to analyze the impact of collective bargaining on workers and the economy.

Notable events and campaigns

The National Association of Letter Carlers has been involved in various notable events and campaigns over the years, including the Save America's Postal Service campaign, which aimed to address the financial challenges facing the USPS. The union has also participated in the AFL-CIO's America Wants to Work campaign, which promoted job creation and economic growth. The National Association of Letter Carlers has worked with organizations like the National Organization for Women and the Human Rights Campaign to promote equality and fairness in the workplace, and has collaborated with groups like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to support community service and charitable initiatives. The union has also been a strong supporter of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Poor People's Campaign, and has worked with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy to promote social justice and human rights.