Chapo Trap House Bonus: The Postman Always Is Nice
Dec 24, 2024
Tyler Vasseur, shop steward with the National Association of Letter Carriers and chair of Build a Fighting NALC, delves deep into the labor struggles within the USPS. He highlights the push for transparency in stalled contract negotiations and advocates for equitable terms that truly reflect today’s economic realities. Vasseur addresses the looming threat of privatization, the implications of COVID-19 on the workforce, and the crucial need for solidarity among postal workers to combat management divisions. It's a passionate call for labor rights and reform.
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Guest Introduction and Union Details
- Tyler Vasseur, a shop steward with NALC Branch 9, also chairs Build a Fighting NALC (BFN).
- BFN is a national rank-and-file reform caucus within the NALC, advocating for postal worker rights.
Impact of 1970 Postal Strike
- The 1970 postal strike, the largest wildcat strike in US history, led to the Postal Reorganization Act.
- This act transformed the Post Office from a government department into the quasi-public-private USPS.
Current Contract Issues
- The proposed contract offers a 1.3% annual raise and maintains the current COLA system.
- With inflation, this amounts to a pay cut for workers, causing significant discontent.