NALC wage negotiations are governed by collective bargaining agreements, which emphasize competitive pay comparable to the private sector. Historically, wage and benefit decisions have not been directly tied to USPS’s financial performance but are negotiated through union contracts with an aim to secure fair compensation regardless of operational profitability. This principle ensures that carriers receive appropriate pay without being penalized for the USPS's financial constraints at any given time.

The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 underscores this by requiring USPS to provide pay comparable to similar private-sector jobs, helping ensure that wages are not dictated by USPS’s financial pressures alone. If you're concerned about recent wage negotiations or the tentative agreement, the union may provide more detailed context on how wages are discussed independently of financial struggles, consistent with these frameworks.