November 2025 Update
Peak season is upon us. At least, the peak season exception period set forth in the National Agreement. We have seen mail volume starting to increase, but the real surge in volume likely remains a week or two ahead.
Management has continued to hire MHAs and convert existing MHAs to career Mail Handlers. Consequently, the Mail Handler craft is heading into a peak season which is better staffed than in previous years. Also, management may employ an unlimited number of MHAs during this period.
We know what to expect during peak season. Mail volume could be extreme, hours may be long, and at some point, tempers will become short. Those who’ve been around this block a couple of times know that they must adjust their viewpoint. Each Mail Handler and MHA will need to develop a plan to weather the storm. Make the decision to protect your future and your livelihood by working safely. This is particularly important for people operating powered industrial equipment.
When things reach a boiling point, take a breath, remind yourself that it’s peak season at the Postal Service, and realize that things happen during peak season that don’t occur during the rest of the year.
Whether you’re working in a manual operation or operating powered equipment, working safely is the path to a long career. I’ve often said that the worst thing that can happen to a Mail Handler during their career is that they suffer an on-the-job injury. That statement rings truer every year. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of doctors, the workers’ compensation program, and a managerial culture incapable of properly handling your compensation claim.
Look out for yourself, your fellow Mail Handlers, and the newly hired MHAs. Helping someone through their first peak season embodies the spirit of Unionism.
JL