Government affairs

Today, Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), David Valadao (R-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) introduced the Federal Retirement Fairness Act (H.R. 5995), legislation that would allow certain federal employees to make catch-up retirement contributions for time spent as non-career employees after Dec. 31, 1988, making it creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

The legislation would cover letter carriers who were employed as casuals, transitional employees, or city carrier assistants, providing them with greater retirement security.

“NALC is pleased to see the Federal Retirement Fairness Act reintroduced in the House,” NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said. “We urge the House to pass this bill that would benefit letter carriers and other federal employees who have devoted their working lives to public service. A significant number of active city letter carriers have worked in a non-career position, and that time is not currently creditable for retirement. This bill would change that, allowing letter carriers, and millions of other federal employees, to buy back this time and plan for their well-earned retirements.”

All letter carriers are encouraged to contact their representative and ask them to cosponsor the bill. Click here to take action.

NALC’s fact sheet on the bill is available here.