This week, we're taking a more national focus, and checking in with the National Association of Letter Carriers, who have been embroiled in a years-long contract negotiation with the US Postal Service.

In our episode today, I'm sitting down with Melissa Rakestraw, member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 825 in Chicago, IL, to discuss the state of negotiations with our nation's letter carriers, the unprecedented rejection of the recent Tentative Agreement and what happens next, and what would happen if the US Postal Service was privatized.

As a short editorial note before we begin, the interest arbitration process between USPS and the Letter Carriers began on March 17th, with Dennis R. Nolan set as the neutral arbitrator. This episode was recorded at the end of February, before those dates had been set.

Postal workers are also set to hit the streets this weekend–"Fight Like Hell!" rallies are scheduled for March 23 across the country to protest the proposed privatization of the US Postal Service.

Additional links/info:

• March 13, 2025: NALC statement on DeJoy's agreement with DOGE

• "Fight like hell! Say 'Hell No!' to a privatized USPS!" - Find a Rally Near You

• Joe Demanuelle-Hall: "Federal Workers Organize Against Billionaire Power Grab"

Permanent links below…

• Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show!

• Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter page

• In These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter page

• The Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter page

Featured Music…

• Jules Taylor, "Working People" Theme Song

Studio Production: Mel Buer Post-Production: Jules Taylor