During the holidays everything is about family. Sometimes we forget a union is just that, a family. We must get back to that premise ASAP! Families love and respect one another, but sometimes they disagree and fight.
So many calls I get now are to “rat” on another carrier. What makes one think a union would be interested in interpersonal squabbles. But what happens is that someone is more interested in another person’s business and suddenly these junior high school practices balloon into criminal activity.
Things are real in this political climate. An anti-union environment exists that makes it essential for us to stop the bull$h*! and focus on ensuring the future of our families! It’s bad enough to have to fight the daily challenge that is postal management, but we play into their hands when we focus on fighting one another. Home is the place. So, let’s not fall for the okiedoke and play into the “crabs in a barrel” concept.
We are right around the corner for the negotiations for our next contract. NALC has transparently been preparing. We just received another raise effective November 15, 2025. But our competitors are laying off 35,000-40,000 employees. If not for the vision and incite of NALC leadership, we might be in that same predicament. If we fall for the divide-and-conquer, we will be in those groups. But we are the BEST for a reason!
If we focus on the big picture and get to the point where we can have a good work/life balance, we will be better off. The irony is we still have offices that are understaffed, while overtime has dried up in other offices. However, the complaints to the union are both as passionate.
Sounds like most families! Holidays, food, fun, and fighting.
