An organization such as USPS must comply with many regulations, which includes the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB is responsible for guaranteeing the rights of employees in the workplace.
One of these rights is the right to form a union.
Although NCOA is not a compulsory union requirement, the USPS has recognized unions through its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). The CBA was signed in 1993 and covers approximately 220,000 USPS employees.
The NLRB has ruled that the CBA binds USPS and the unions, and that the unions have the right to collectively bargain with USPS. The CBA establishes the terms and conditions of employment for USPS workers, including wages, hours, and benefits.
In 2011, the NLRB ruled that the CBA required the USPS to recognize the NALC as the exclusive representative of its workers. The NLRB also ruled that the NALC could order USPS to cease certain actions that it considered to be unlawful labor practices.
In 2012, the USPS filed a petition with the NLRB to overturn the 2011 ruling. The NLRB has not yet ruled on the petition.
Although the NLRB has not ruled on the petition, it is likely that the NLRB will rule in favor of the NALC. This would mean that the USPS would have to recognize the NALC as the exclusive representative of its workers.
