National Association of Letter Carriers

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) is a labor union in the United States, representing non-rural letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service. It is one of the oldest and largest unions representing postal workers and has a significant presence in the labor movement across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

History

The NALC was founded on August 29, 1889, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when about 60 letter carriers from 18 states met to establish a national organization. This gathering was strategically timed to coincide with the annual reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic, allowing many veterans among the carriers to attend using reduced train fares[1][2]. On August 30, 1889, William Wood of Detroit was elected as the first president of the union, marking the beginning of a unified front for city letter carriers[1][2].

In its early years, the NALC focused on enforcing the eight-hour workday for federal employees, a law that was often ignored. By 1893, the union had won a Supreme Court decision and secured $3.5 million in overtime pay for its members[1][2]. Early attempts to organize had failed, but the NALC’s persistence paid off as it grew rapidly; by 1892, it had expanded to 335 branches[1][2].

Membership and Politics

As of recent data, the NALC has approximately 277,000 active and retired members, with a significant portion being active city delivery letter carriers[1]. The union is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Union Network International (UNI), reflecting its commitment to labor rights and international solidarity[1][3].

The NALC has traditionally been involved in lobbying efforts rather than traditional labor-management relations. Despite being an open shop where membership is voluntary, over 93% of city letter carriers are members of the union. This high participation rate reflects the organization's strong advocacy for its members' rights and benefits[1].

Activities and Community Involvement

Beyond labor advocacy, the NALC is known for its community service. A notable example is the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which the NALC sponsors across the U.S. This event is one of the largest one-day food drives in the country, highlighting the union's commitment to community welfare[1][4].

The NALC also operates a retirement community for its members in Nalcrest, Florida, and offers health and life insurance benefits to its members[1]. This comprehensive support structure underscores the organization's role as not just a labor union, but also a fraternal organization dedicated to the well-being of its members and their families[3].

Timeline of Major Events

• 1775: Benjamin Franklin appointed as the first Postmaster General.
• 1794: First letter carriers appointed by Congress.
• 1863: Free city delivery instituted in large cities.
• 1888: Eight-hour day law for carriers enacted.
• 1889: NALC founded in Milwaukee.
• 1890: Consolidation meeting with large city carriers in New York; first NALC Convention held in Boston.
• 1893: Supreme Court upholds eight-hour workday law; carriers awarded overtime.
• 1895: Executive actions aimed at postal unions begin.
• 1912: Lloyd-LaFollette Act grants postal workers right to organize.
• 1917: NALC joins the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
• 1960: NALC Health Benefit Plan established.
• 1970: Postal Reorganization Act passes; postal wildcat strike occurs.
• 1989: Union's 100th anniversary celebrated in Milwaukee.
• 2006: Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act signed into law.

Leadership and Affiliations

The NALC is led by its national president and operates through a network of local branches. It is affiliated with major labor organizations and has been a strong advocate for workers' rights in the U.S[1].

Today, the NALC continues to play a pivotal role in American labor history, advocating for the rights of its members and supporting communities nationwide.