Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 3076) on Tuesday with bipartisan support by a vote of 342–92. This crucial legislation will eliminate the pre-funding mandate for retiree health benefits that has financially harmed the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), maintain six-day delivery, provide more frequent reporting on service performance and maximize Medicare integration for USPS workers and retirees.
For years, union members have been demanding reforms to the USPS that will strengthen our vital postal service and support the workers who process, handle and deliver America’s mail. That’s why this bill is strongly supported by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) and the entire labor movement.
“With House passage, we are one step closer to dramatically improving the financial stability of the Postal Service. We call on the Senate to debate and pass H.R. 3076 as soon as possible—and then to send it to President Biden for his signature,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.
APWU President Mark Dimondstein said, “After 15 years of fighting for much-needed and long-overdue reforms, we are one step away from securing a critical victory for postal workers, the Postal Service and the public who rely on us.”
“Because of dedicated and collaborative work between and among stakeholders, we are now one step closer to fiscal stability for the United States Postal Service,” said NPMHU National President Paul Hogrogian. “This bill does not fix every problem with the Postal Service. But it shows the dedicated work of elected officials, recognizing the value of the Postal Service and its dedicated workforce.”
“On Feb. 8, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed postal reform legislation to ensure America’s Postal Service remains viable well into the twenty-first century. I would like to personally recognize Chairwoman [Carolyn B.] Maloney and Ranking Member [James] Comer for their tireless effort to get postal reform legislation passed in a bipartisan manner,” said NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts. “H.R. 3076 includes many provisions the NRLCA has advocated for years that we feel will allow the Postal Service to achieve financial stability. I want to thank all of the members who took the time to speak in favor of this bill on the House floor and who voted ‘yes’ to pass this meaningful postal reform legislation.”
In the days ahead, America’s unions will help lead the joint campaign to ensure the U.S. Senate passes this bill as quickly as possible so that President Biden can sign it into law. Keep an eye on this publication for upcoming actions to mobilize all of our members.