The Postal Service is at a critical juncture in
its existence. There are financial cash challenges to the company. We have been informed
and, in my humble opinion, everything will be
worked out. Unfortunately, some things only
get done at the last minute.
The Postal Service is already at the $15 billion statutory debt limit. This means that the
company can’t borrow money. But this limit
is archaic. That limit has remained the same
since 1990. This borrowing ceiling has remained completely unchanged and has never
been adjusted for inflation or delivery point
growth. NALC and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) have long pushed for a repeal or increase of this cap.
The rigid limit on treasury borrowing heavily
restricts the agency’s ability to absorb ongoing deficits and fund necessary infrastructure
updates. Some infrastructure updates include electric stations, which will pay dividends in
the long run.
Current laws prohibit the USPS from raising
prices like its competitors.
However, NALC will fight to work out these
challenges with our friends in Congress.
We know how postal management reacts to
any stressors. They try to employ the “poop
rolls downhill” strategy (along with a fatalist “woe is me” take). Therefore, they think
squeezing the letter carrier until there is no
more breath is the answer. They can take
routes out, and intimidate those who are prone
to skip breaks, etc., but eventually those people will break down.
Please do not let anyone intimidate you into
forgoing your negotiated rights.
We will eventually secure a new contract
with more pay and benefits, but it only comes
from us fighting for it. Things don’t just appear.
So, as another challenging summer passes,
let’s look forward to all the B.S. that will surely come next. Just make sure that paycheck
comes!
#StayUnitedInTheFaceOfAdversity
