NALC Call for Special Convention
It is about people working together for the good of all of us.
Members of the NALC are calling a special convention regarding the NALC contract negotiations for 2026. Lead by Stephanie LaGreca and Jenna Morin, this is a nonpartisan movement that is dedicated towards following the NALC Constitution and enforcing members’ rights. In order to establish and enforce checks and balances for the future of our union, the membership must collectively request a special meeting via Article 3, Section 2 of the NALC Constitution.
Sec. 2. Special meetings shall be called by the President upon the written request of not less than one-half of all the Branches representing not less than two-thirds of this membership of this National Association of Letter Carriers. The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify by letter each Branch entitled to representation in the National Association of Letter Carriers, and also every member by a general notice printed in The Postal Record stating the object of the call. No other business shall be transacted at said special meeting.
The purpose of this special meeting is to present proposed resolutions and constitutional amendments for immediate consideration by the Executive Council and for a vote by the delegates. These proposals pertain to the process of collective bargaining as it relates to the National Agreement and the respective duties of the National President and Executive Council under Articles 9 and 16 of the Constitution.
The purpose of hearing such amendments and resolutions is to put protections in place to ensure the confusion, disappointment, lack of communication, dissention of the membership, and lack of faith in our leaders that resulted following our most recent National Agreement is fully rectified, and solidifying language in the Constitution that is ambiguous – language is vitally important within our union, and ensuring that any language that the National Association of Letter Carriers is subject to is concrete and unwavering will strengthen the union as a whole and reform the checks and balances that a group should hold leaders accountable toward.
It is anticipated that President Renfroe will begin preparing for the 2026 Contract Negotiations in early 2026 – which could be as soon as January. Thus, it is vitally important that the special meeting is held prior to the preparations of Contract Negotiations, to ensure that the will of the membership is enacted and followed. Hearing items such as those regarding transparency in contract negotiations, involvement of National Business Agents, utilization of surveys, methods and means of ensuring the membership is heard regarding their needs and wants, and the accountability of those who play a part in negotiations (to name a few) will strengthen the bond between the membership and leadership, help to communicate the membership’s opinion and help to take a step toward healing the despondency and animosity that is plaguing our union today.
In order to hold a special meeting, no less than one-half of all the branches (1,542) representing no less than two-thirds of the membership (294,904) must request such meeting. This means that about 776 branches representing 190,000 members must send this letter.
Regardless of your opinion toward collective bargaining, current leadership of the NALC, our current state of affairs, and our union as a whole, it is our duty as a union to ensure that no voice is left unheard, support our brothers and sisters in unity and solidarity notwithstanding our perceived differences, and fight for the rights of every city letter carrier in the face of adversity. Our membership is our strength, and our passion is the fair treatment of all, in all walks of life, all colors and creeds, all religions and political views. An injury to one is an injury to all, and it shows true strength of character to stand in support with those who may differ from you, than to diminish the suffering of others based on the opinion that they may be wrong or misguided.
Why We Must Act
This is a non-partisan, rank-and-file effort to establish checks and balances for the future of our union.
- This isn’t about politics—it’s about preserving democratic structures.
- Just because we’ve never had to use certain checks doesn’t mean we never will.
- Look at what’s happening in the broader world: constitutional norms are being tested, laws overridden, and courts politicized. We need safeguards.
The supreme authority in our union is when delegates convene at a national convention or special meeting.
- That’s where official bargaining positions and policy decisions are made.
- We were supposed to resolve this in Boston, but that convention was impacted by unprecedented timing. We can’t afford to wait another cycle.
There is no downside to sending a request.
- If we don’t ask, we lose the opportunity to be heard.
- A simple letter costs nothing but postage.
- We don’t know if it will work—but silence guarantees failure. Why let others speak for us?
Just because our branch isn’t experiencing major issues doesn’t mean we ignore those who are.
- “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
- Solidarity is the foundation of unionism. If the roles were reversed, we’d want the same support.
Every branch matters in this effort—because we need 776 branches representing 190,000 members.
- That’s two-thirds of the entire membership—more than usually votes in national officer elections.
- This is a moment in history. When Vincent Sombrotto stood up during the wildcat strike, it was risky—but it changed everything. We owe our gains to that boldness.
The workforce and society have changed since pre-COVID and the 1990s.
- Newer generations have different expectations: work-life balance, job satisfaction, and meaningful careers.
- They want to fight for better—but we need to empower them to do so.
- The reaction to the last tentative agreement proves the energy is there.
Yes, it costs money—but so does everything else. Let’s be honest.
- We’re all figuring out how to stretch 1.3% raises. Branches can too.
- Cut dinners. Host potlucks. Fundraise. Or send fewer delegates—only a quorum is needed.
- Sacrifice now could mean strength later.
How can you help?
In order to ensure a special meeting can be called prior to the beginning of drafting contract negotiations (which we anticipate Renfroe will begin in January/February), branches need to try and send the letters by JULY, with the goal to have the special meeting in the Fall in conjunction with the National Rap Session.
Branch Presidents
We humbly request that you bring the proposal to a vote to send this letter at your next branch meeting. It is vitally important that every branch, big or small, participate in the request of a meeting. It is times such as this that solidarity is vitally important to the future of our union. The only cost to the branch will be the cost of postage to send the letter – there is no harm in sending the request, and even if you may not agree with the proposed resolutions, there are brothers and sisters out there who are passionate and inflamed, with perceived wrongs and fundamental grievances with the NALC Constitution. It is the will of the supreme body to have voices heard who wish to be heard, and giving those a voice who request it is a fundamental principle of leadership and integrity.
Rank and File Members
Any member in good standing (dues paying) can make a motion at their branch meeting during “New Business” that the branch will then discuss and vote on, per Robert’s Rule of Order. If the branch elects to table the vote, the tabling of the item has to have a second, and a vote by the quorum. In such instances, the tabled item must be brought up at the next branch meeting under “Old Business”. If the branch fails to bring up the tabled item, it’s essentially dead. You must hold the branch accountable to following Robert’s Rule of Order.