National Postal Mail Handlers Union Contract: Everything You Need to Know
The National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) is a labor union representing over 45,000 USPS mail handlers across the United States. The NPMHU is responsible for negotiating the terms and conditions of employment for its members through collective bargaining with the USPS.
The current NPMHU contract was ratified in 2019 and will be in effect until September 20, 2022. The contract covers a range of topics, such as wages, benefits, and working conditions, and has important implications for mail handlers and the postal service as a whole.
Here are some key provisions of the NPMHU contract:
Wages and Benefits
Under the current contract, NPMHU members receive annual wage increases of 1.3%, 1.1%, and 1.1%, respectively, over the three years of the contract. The contract also guarantees cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
In addition to wages, the NPMHU contract provides comprehensive health benefits for union members and their families. This includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as life insurance and disability benefits.
Working Conditions
The NPMHU contract also includes provisions to improve the working conditions of mail handlers. For example, the contract limits the amount of mandatory overtime that can be assigned to mail handlers, creates a new scheduling option that allows for more predictable work hours, and establishes a task force to address the issue of workplace harassment.
The contract also includes provisions to protect job security and prevent the outsourcing of USPS jobs. This includes a ban on the subcontracting of work performed by NPMHU members and a requirement for the USPS to give preference to displaced mail handlers when filling new positions.
Conclusion
The NPMHU contract is an important document that sets the terms and conditions of employment for thousands of mail handlers across the United States. The current contract provides for annual wage increases, comprehensive health benefits, and improvements to working conditions.
If you are a mail handler or are interested in employment with the USPS, it is important to understand the provisions of the NPMHU contract and how they may impact your job. By staying informed and engaged, you can help ensure that the USPS continues to provide high-quality service to the American public for years to come.