National Postal Workers Day

Happy postal worker delivering mail in the rain, wearing a yellow raincoat, surrounded by autumn leaves.. — National postal workers day illustration

Saddle up, everyone, because you're about to take a deep dive into the fascinating world of National Postal Workers Day. Yup, you heard it right — it's a day dedicated to those who battle rain, sun, and the occasional overly chatty neighbourhood's dog to get us our mail.

When is Postal Workers Day?

It's national postal workers day on the 12th December.

The Origins of National Postal Workers Day

Did you know National Postal Workers Day (try saying that five times fast!) didn't just sprout up overnight? It's an event that has been steadily growing in popularity since we started seeing mentions crop up online. Our trusty detective work tells us we can trace its origins back to 2012, all thanks to exorbitantly online chatters who turned it into an annual appreciation moment for our hearty postal workers.

Peak Popularity in 2016

On the 12th of December 2016, National Postal Workers Day hit its peak popularity. As our stats show — a roaring 9781 mentions of it online. No, we haven't made a typo — that's nine thousand, seven hundred and eighty-one mentions! Now that's what we call a lot of postal worker love!

The Role of Postal Workers

Postal workers, as one would rightly guess, do a lot more than just delivering letters and packages. They are the unsung heroes who connect us to our loved ones, help online businesses thrive, and even act as the 'unofficial watchdog' of the neighbourhood. Rain or shine, they're out there living a real-life game of Frogger, dodging obstacles and making sure that your mail gets to you.

Celebrating National Postal Workers Day

So, how best to celebrate these unsung heroes? Words of gratitude are always a good start, or perhaps a small token gift. But remember, our postal workers are on a schedule — so maybe skip that 3-hour monologue about your stamp collection for now.

History behind the term 'Postal Workers'

1789

The Birth of the U.S. Postal Service

In 1789, the United States Postal Service was established, becoming the essential communication network of the nation. Post offices were set up across the country, and workers known as 'postal carriers' were responsible for delivering mail to individuals and businesses. These early postal workers played a crucial role in connecting people and facilitating communication in a growing nation.

1863

The Introduction of City Letter Carriers

In 1863, during the American Civil War, the U.S. Postal Service introduced the position of City Letter Carriers. These carriers were responsible for delivering mail within cities and urban areas, ensuring that letters and packages reached their intended recipients efficiently. This marked the first specialized role within the postal service and further highlighted the importance of postal workers in the rapid exchange of information.

1870

The Formation of the National Association of Letter Carriers

In 1870, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) was founded. The NALC aimed to improve working conditions, wages, and benefits for postal workers, advocating for fair treatment and representing the interests of its members. This marked a pivotal step in the recognition of postal workers as a distinct group within the workforce and their collective efforts to secure better conditions.

1896

The Introduction of Rural Free Delivery

In 1896, Rural Free Delivery (RFD) was introduced in the United States. This initiative aimed to bring mail delivery services to rural areas, often inaccessible or underserved by traditional postal systems. Rural letter carriers were hired to traverse vast distances, making deliveries to farmers, isolated communities, and remote regions. The introduction of RFD expanded the role of postal workers and ensured that mail reached even the most remote corners of the country.

1970

The Birth of the United States Postal Service as an Independent Agency

In 1970, the United States Postal Service (USPS) was transformed into an independent agency, no longer directly controlled by the federal government. This shift provided greater autonomy for the USPS, granting it the ability to make decisions regarding operations, pricing, and labor negotiations. Postal workers became employees of the USPS, distinct from civil servants, solidifying their role as essential contributors to the nation's communication infrastructure.

Did you know?

Did you know that it's not strictly illegal to hug your mailman? But for their convenience and everyone's safety, maybe just stick to a friendly wave!