USPS, NALC union extend contract negotiations

Pleased with the apparent progress of their negotiations, the U.S. Postal Service and its second-largest union, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), agreed on Nov. 20 to extend their talks beyond Nov. 19, that date that the previous three-year contract expired. Both sides believe they’re nearing a negotiated settlement for a new contract.

“The talks have been very productive,” said USPS vice president of labor negotiations Tony Vegliante. “We’ve been distracted from the negotiating process, however, during the past several weeks as we’ve grappled with the challenges that have faced the nation.” Negotiations between the two sides began Aug. 21.

“We want the time to give the parties a chance to reach a negotiated settlement,” NALC president Vince Sombrotto said in a statement. “For obvious reasons, neither party has been able to devote full attention to the important issues remaining on the table.” He added that “substantial progress” has been made in some areas, although no definitive agreements have been reached. The two sides plan to continue negotiating through the upcoming holidays.