Akron Letter Carriers to Rally for Fair Contract and Protection from Violence

AKRON, Ohio — Letter carriers across Northeast Ohio are preparing to take their contract grievances to the public sidewalk this winter. Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 148, along with several surrounding regional branches, have scheduled a rally for Feb. 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. outside the West Market Post Office at 1655 W. Market St. The demonstration comes at a time when the U.S. Postal Service faces growing scrutiny over its operational reliability and the treatment of its workforce. Union members say they are fighting for a contract that reflects current economic reality. According to statements from NALC Branch 148 leadership, the current pay structure for new hires does not keep pace with the rising cost of living in the Akron area, which has led to a persistent staffing crisis. When there are not enough carriers to cover every route, existing staff is often forced into mandatory overtime that stretches long into the evening. Safety is another primary driver for the upcoming mobilization. Ben Harris and Laura Cochran, representing the union’s interests, have highlighted a disturbing trend of violent crimes targeting mail carriers. These incidents often involve the theft of arrow keys, which are universal keys that open blue collection boxes and apartment mail panels. Union leaders are calling for modernized security protocols and a more aggressive response from the Postal Inspection Service to protect employees on the street. The rally is not just about Akron’s local needs: It is part of a broader push for a national agreement that addresses benefits and working conditions for thousands of employees. The location on West Market Street sits in the busy Wallhaven neighborhood, a high-traffic area where organizers hope to gain significant visibility from the community they serve every day. The public rally is scheduled to begin promptly at 3 p.m. and will feature speakers from various regional labor organizations. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.