The U.S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers extended negotiations for a new contract which expired Nov. 20.
Because of the anthrax scare and the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, talks between the two sides had not developed as much as they might have done under ordinary conditions, NALC spokesman Drew Von Bergen said.
Much of the negotiations up to now have been taking place on the subcommittee level where such issues as employee seniority, work rules and health and safety issues were being hashed out, he said.
He estimated that talks would continue through the holiday season into January.
In any case, these negotiations will have no effect on the current rate case, according to industry observers.
