The 1970 Postal Strike In The 1970's

The 1970 Postal Strike In 1970 the postal strike was an action that crippled America’s mail delivery system. When the postal workers initiated the strike it hindered communication on a number of levels and impacted more than the angered post-office employees. The postal stoppage made history and placed a monumental strain on daily operations for society. During this time the mail delivery function was a key component of communication for the entire nation. At this time there were limited resources to communicate; this was during a time that the internet did not exist. The modern day communication delivery channel such as email was not available. Throughout this time frame, when the mail was not being sorted and delivered, it was difficult

Although the postal strike seemed to have caused a negative impact on society in 1970, it also brought about positive change for the future and it made working conditions for postal employees a more viable and desirable workplace. When union groups vote to strike it is vital to make sure it is done in a manner that is not going to jeopardize the workforces employment or job security. There are legal and just ways to go about organizing a strike that will allow one to return to their position once the grievances are presented, negotiated and agreed upon. All tactful negations have proper guidelines and steps to follow in order to resolve issues and to a good outcome for all parties involved. Once the proper steps are taken all parties involved generally go back to their position and perform their job duties under the new working conditions agreed upon. Often times the process can take more than a few days, it can take weeks are months to dispute and agree upon the grievance presented for negotiations. An example of a legal strike tactic is an economic strike; this is an allowable method in which employees can strike over wages, hours and less than ideal working conditions. Employees are

There were no wage increases granted to postal worker however government officials received a 41% increase during their request of a 8% increase (Shannon). The average mail carrier employed at the post office in 1970 earned an annual salary of approximately $8,440.00 (Rubio). This salary on average was of postal workers with at least 21 years of service. In New York the expenses and cost of living were on the rise however, the postal workers wages remained the same. In some cases postal workers qualified for welfare to supplement their income. In order to live a modest life style postal employees had to seek second jobs to make ends meet. The income needed to live unpretentiously was near $11,000.00 annually (Shannon). Without pay increases for 2 years as assured by union leaders, most of the staff was not going to be able to afford to live and feed their families under these circumstances. Working conditions at the post office during this time frame were much different than they are today in the mail industry (Rubio). There was a lack of growth and career opportunities within the organization. Postal workers stayed stagnant in the same position for years with little to no career advancement and no increases (History of the Working Class). In addition, all the while their working conditions were less