Local Memorandum
Of
Understanding
Between
Elkins Park Post Office
And
Keystone Branch 157, NALC
Daniel Dugan William McKinney
November 1, 2006 November 1, 2006
Preamble
The parties recognize the need for improvement and of the constant necessity for
change and progress to achieve such improvement.
The N.A.L.C. will be permitted to review and discuss contemplated changes
affecting the working conditions of the Carriers of the Elkins Park Post Office.
While a number of specific items have been outlined, it is the intention of the
N.A.L.C. party to this Memorandum of Understanding to continue the good policy
that has already been in effect to the extent that the Officials of the N.A.L.C.
will always be welcome in the Elkins Park Post Office to discuss any matter.
Furthermore, the Postmaster agrees to review, discuss, and finalize with the
N.A.L.C. Officials prior to adopting any local procedure materially different
from existing practices or new practices that affect employee(s).
It will be the policy of the Elkins Park Post Office to provide equal
opportunities for all Letter Carriers in employment, promotion, training,
assignment, and job security.
Item 1
Article 8 Section 9
Wash-Up Time
Each Letter Carrier will be granted a reasonable amount of time to wash-up prior
to leaving for the street, lunch, and before their end of tour. A Supervisor may
grant additional wash-up time as necessary.
Item 2
Article 3
Full Time Regular Work Schedules
All regular Carriers will be on a fixed or rotating work schedule as presently
exists. Any contemplated changes, the Union will be notified and changes will be
made by mutual agreement.
Article 5
Item 3
Curtailment or Termination Postal Operations
Guidelines for the curtailment or termination of Postal Operations to conform to
orders of Local Authorities or as local conditions warrant because of emergency
condition.
It is recognized by both parties that on occasion emergency conditions may exist
which could cause the Postmaster to consider the curtailment of services such
as, but not limited to, weather extremes, civil defense alerts, bomb scares, no
heat in the winter, no lighting, or excessive temperatures. In such cases, the
Postmaster will take in to consideration the following factors in order:
A. The safety and health of the employee.
B. The degree of emergency as stated by and acted upon responsible governmental
authorities.
C. The Postmaster will make every effort to review and discuss with the N.A.L.C.
before implementation of any action.
Item 4
Article 10
Formulation Of Local Leave Program
The objective to be pursued is to grant annual leave whenever possible, as
desired by the employee at their request throughout the year. Employees will be
permitted to accumulate annual leave to suit their own convenience up to the
limit prescribed. Elkins Park Post Office will maintain a leave book/calendar
which will be made accessible to the Carriers.
1. Exchange of Vacation. Exchanges of approved vacation weeks
will be permitted only after all Carriers between the exchanges in the Office
have been offered said period(s).
2. Cancellations. Cancellations of approved choice vacation week(s) shall be
posted for five (5) days. If less than five (5) days remain before the beginning
date of the cancelled period, the vacation period shall be posted for the amount
of time remaining. Cancellations of choice vacation periods may only be bid by
Carriers junior to the Carrier who cancels his vacation. Posting of
cancellations is predicated on the basis that the person who cancels is in an
active work status during the cancelled period.
a. Approved cancelled leave period(s) of less than a week (forty (40) hours)
will be handled under the provisions outlined for "Short Term Leave".
3. LWOP Requests. Request for LWOP will be handled in accordance with ELM 514.
4. Leave For Religious Holiday/Special Occasions. The practice of excusing
employees from duty on religious holidays and other special occasions will be
granted to the fullest extent possible.
5. Emergency Annual Leave. An exception to the advance approval requirement is
made for emergencies. However, in these situations, the employee must notify
appropriate postal authorities as soon as possible as to the emergency and the
expected duration of the absence. As soon as possible, after the return to duty,
employees must submit a Form 3971 and explain the reason for the emergency to
their supervisor. Supervisors approve/disapprove the leave request. When the
request is disapproved, the absence may be recorded as LWOP or AWOL at the
discretion of the Supervisor (See ELM 512.4).
6. Employees Requesting To Attend Union Function. An employee requesting leave
to attend an Official Union function held by the NALC will be granted leave to
the maximum extent possible.
7. Administrative Leave/Blood Donation. Four (4) hours administrative leave for
blood donations will be given at the discretion of the Supervisor. Upon request
every effort will be extended. Carriers not able to donate blood for any reason
will be granted travel time to and from Elkins Park.
8. Leave From Another Installation. Carriers transferring into
Elkins Park from another installation will granted any previously approved
leave. This will be done at no loss to the Carriers at Elkins Park.
9. Loss Of Annual Leave. Management will not be responsible for loss of annual
leave by Carriers who have annual leave in excess of the maximum amount of carry
over.
Item 4
Article 10
Formulation Of Local Leave (continued)
10. Notice Of Being Unable To Report. All requests for leave will be given
individual consideration. An employee who is unable to report for duty due to
illness, injury, or because of emergency, shall notify Elkins Park Post Office
as soon as possible.
11. Sick Leave/Medical Evidence/Balance. An employee who requests sick leave
will be carried on sick leave for pay purposes only, subject to later Management
approval/disapproval. There will be no blanket orders limiting or restricting
the use of sick leave. When medical evidence is required after the employees'
return to work, the employee must submit such evidence no later than three (3)
days after having returned to duty. Supervisors may accept proof other than
medical documentation if they believe it supports approval of the sick leave
application, such as notarized statements, etc. If the leave is disapproved
because the Supervisor feels the evidence is unacceptable, the specific reasons
for disapproval will be annotated on PS Form 3971.
a. A doctor's certificate will not be required from an employee for an absence
if such absence is at the request of or with the permission or advice of the
Post Office or its designed in writing, during their tour of duty unless
otherwise specified.
b. No minimum sick leave balance will be established below which an employee's
sick leave record is automatically considered unsatisfactory (ELM 513.371).
12. Restricted Sick Leave List. If Restricted Sick Leave List is utilized,
Management will review the list quarterly, in accordance with the provisions of
ELM 513.37. If there has been a substantial decrease in absences charged
sickness, the employee's name is removed from the restricted sick leave list and
the employee is notified in writing of the removal.
13. Advanced Sick Leave Refused For No Or Low Balance. Request for advanced sick
leave will not be refused solely because the employee has no sick leave or has a
low sick leave balance (ELM 513.5).
14. Blanket Orders/AWOL. There will be no blanket orders charging all absentees
with AWOL, no matter what day the absence occurs.
15. Revised Schedule. Full-time employees reporting late up to fifty (50) units,
(30 minutes), may be permitted to work their full eight (8) hour tour of duty in
accordance with the F-22 Section 215.1 by mutual agreement with their immediate
Supervisor or such Supervisor may approve the employees' request for leave to
cover their late arrival. When such accommodations are made, the employee will
not be charged AWOL.
16. Avoiding Payment Of OT. Retroactive changes will not be made on an
employees' leave entries for the purpose of avoiding payment of overtime.
Item 4
Article 10
Short Term Annual Leave
Short term annual leave outside of Prime Time selection period April 1 through
April 15 and regular scheduled Non-Prime Time selection periods, August 1
through August 7 and December 1 through December 7 are as follows:
1. Request(s) for annual leave submitted a minimum of seven (7) days in advance
of the leave request will be approved/disapproved based on the percentage of
Carriers permitted off at Elkins Park during either the non-prime time periods
or choice vacation period. Approval/disapproval will be made within twenty-four
(24) hours.
2. Leave request(s) not submitted a minimum of seven (7) days in advance will be
approved/disapproved within twenty-four (24) hours.
3. Leave request(s) submitted on the day preceding the requested
leave will be approved/disapproved as soon as possible or no
later than the Carrier(s) end of tour.
4. Same day short tour leave requests will be approved/disapproved within two
(2) hours of submission or as
soon as possible.
All short term leave request(s) will be approved on a first come, first served
basis, except where requests are submitted at the same time, at which time
seniority will prevail.
Approval/disapproval for category #1 will be based solely on the allowable
percentage (%) as provided for during the various periods (Non-Prime Time
Periods and Prime Time).
No automatic "Untimely Submission" or automatic "Service Needs" as a reason(s).
Approval/disapproval for categories #2, #3, and #4 may be based on service
needs. The reason must be defined as to what service needs, e.g., unscheduled
absences, overtime would be needed to cover this absence. Once annual leave has
been granted or approved on a PS Form 3971 by a Supervisor, the same may not be
rescinded by any Supervisor except in a serious emergency as declared by the
Vice President, Area Operations.
Item 5
Article 10
Duration Of Choice Vacation Period
It is mutually agreed that the Choice Vacation Period of each year will be made
up of nineteen (19) consecutive weeks as follows:
May 17 - October 4,
2009
May 16 - October 3, 2010
May 15 - October 2, 2011
May 20 - October
7, 2012
May 12 - October 9, 2013
Item 6
Article 10
Beginning Day Of Vacation Period
All vacations will begin on Sunday and end on Sunday.
Item 7
Article 10
Employee Selection(s) During Choice Period
Carriers who are eligible for three (3) weeks vacation may, at their option,
request two (2) selections during the choice period in units of either one (1)
or two (2) weeks, the total not to exceed three (3) weeks; (i.e., three (3)
weeks in a row or two (2) weeks and one (1) week).
Item 8
Convention (National & State), Jury Duty and Military Leave
Carriers in need of these types of leave during the period(s) for either the
Non-Prime Time Selection Period(s) (August 1-7) of (December 1-7) or the Prime
Time Selection Period (February 1-15) are required to notify Management as soon as
practical. Carriers having the seniority to get the leave are slotted in based
on the applicable percentage (%) and the number of Carriers permitted off. In
the event they do not have the seniority to be scheduled off, the leave will be
granted over and above the percentage (%). This is at no loss to the Carrier(s)
other selection(s) during the choice period.
If a cancellation occurs involving the same period, then they move automatically
into that vacant slot. Jury Duty of less than a week does not apply to this
procedure. The above procedure also applies for requests made after the
selection periods.
Item 9
Number Of Employees Permitted Off During Choice Period
All full-time and part-time flexible Carriers having earned annual leave at the
time of their requested leave period will receive a vacation during the choice
period. The number of Carriers programmed at one time will not exceed 16%. This
percentage includes Carriers off on earned annual leave, military leave, jury
duty, and convention leave. Percentages will be determined by the "Active
Carriers" on the rolls as of February 1 of each year. Carriers on extended sick
leave, injured on duty, or leave without pay are not to be considered not
counted when calculating the percentages, provided they are out more than thirty
(30) consecutive days prior to February 1. Figures of .5 or more are to be rounded
up to the next highest number.
Item 10
Article 10
Official Notice Of Choice Selection Period
Supervisors, in cooperation with NALC Stewards, will announce and post notice to
all Carriers no later than January 1st of each year, that requests for vacations
will be taken during the period February 1 through 15, each year.
Item 10
Article 10
Official Notice Of Choice Selection Period
(continued)
When the number of Carriers off each week is determined, starting with the
senior Carrier, the Supervisor will fill in the leave calendar/book the vacation
period(s) selected. The Supervisor will contact individual Carrier and no
Carrier will be permitted to select until the Carrier senior to them has
selected.
Senior Carriers not prepared to select when contacted will be by-passed until
the next morning. In the event they are still not prepared to select, then the
selection process will proceed.
The senior Carrier will be permitted to make their selection using their
seniority at the time they make their selection of the available weeks left.
Leave slips submitted in duplicate will be signed by the Supervisor approving
the selected vacations as the Carriers make their selections. A copy of the
approved slip will be returned to the Carrier the same day. A vacation schedule
will be posted on the bulletin board.
Carriers off on leave without pay, OWCP Claims, and extended sick leave who
return to duty after the selections may select from available open weeks.
Item 11
Article 10
Notice Determining Beginning Of New Leave Year
Management will post a notice by November 1st of each year notifying Carriers of
the new leave year. This notice will be announced to the Carriers for three (3)
consecutive days.
Item 12
Article 10
Non-Prime Time (Leave)
On November 30th of each year, Elkins Park Post Office will determine the active
Carrier force. This figure will not include Carriers on leave without pay,
injured on duty, and those on extended sick leave, provided they are out more
than thirty (30) consecutive days prior to November 30th. Ten percent (10%) of
the active Carriers in Elkins Park Post Office will be permitted annual leave
consistent with the following guidelines:
A. Ten percent (10%) figure includes Carriers on Jury Duty, Convention Leave,
and Military Leave. Percentages of .5 or more will be rounded up to the next
highest number.
B. Leave will be approved on a first come, first served basis except where
requests are submitted on the same date at which time seniority will prevail.
Item 12
Article 10
Non-Prime Time Leave (continued)
On December 1st through December 7th of each year, Carriers will submit PS Form
3971 requests for annual leave. This will be for the Non-Prime Time Period,
January 1st to the beginning of Prime Time.
On August 1st through August 7th of each year, Carriers will submit PS Form 3971
requests for annual leave. This will be for the Non-Prime Time Period, from the
end of Prime Time to December 31st.
Annual leave requests will be returned to the Carriers within two (2) weeks of
the closing of the submission period indicating approval/disapproval. During
these periods all leave requests will be considered as being submitted on the
same day.
The following Non-Prime weeks (Easter Week & Christmas Week) 15% of employees
will be granted off. On Thanksgiving, Friday and Saturday, the percentages will
be 12%.
Easter week will be 15%
2009 Sunday April 15 through Sunday April 12th
2010 Sunday March 28 through Sunday April 4th
2011 Sunday April 17 through Sunday April 24
2012 Sunday April 1 through Sunday April 8
2013 Sunday April 1 through Sunday April 8
Thanksgiving weekend will be 12%
2009 Friday November 27 through Saturday November 28
2010 Friday November 26 through Saturday November 27
2011 Friday November 25 through Saturday November 26
2012 Friday November 23 through Saturday November 24
2013 Friday November 29 through Saturday November 30
Christmas week will be 15%
December 26 through December 31, no matter how the days fall.
Item 13
Article 11
Holiday Scheduling
The scheduling of employees for a holiday or designated holiday will be done in
the following order:
A. All casual and part-time flexible employees to the maximum
extent possible, regardless of the necessity to pay overtime premiums.
B. All full-time volunteers to work either their holiday or their non-scheduled
day will be combined in seniority order and
selected to work by this list.
Item 13
Article 11
Holiday Scheduling
(Continued)
1. During the polling Carriers may volunteer to work for premium (overtime) pay.
If additional scheduling is needed after the holiday schedule has been posted,
the volunteers will be selected by seniority.
C. All full-time regular employees who did not volunteer to work shall be
selected by inverse seniority (juniority).
D. If additional employees are needed and not filled by paragraph B-1 above,
they will be selected by inverse seniority (juniority).
Item 14
Article 8
Posting Sign-Up For
"Overtime Desired" List (ODL)
and "Work Assignment" List (WAL)
Overtime Desired List By Section/Tour
Overtime at the Elkins Park Post Office will be on an office wide basis
according to craft for all full-time regular Letter Carriers.
Two weeks prior to the start of each calendar quarter, Management will post the
appropriate sign-up lists by the time clock.
Each full-time regular employee may designate whether they wish to be on the ODL
or the WAL.
Full-time regulars may switch from one list to the other during the two weeks
prior to the start of each calendar quarter. The change will be effective
beginning the new calendar quarter.
Carriers remain on either list (ODL/WAL) until they officially remove their
name. This must be done in writing and will be effective the next day or after
the disputed overtime is worked. Carriers are permitted to remove their names
from the ODL as cited and be placed on the WAL during the quarter.
A copy of the ODL and WAL will be provided to the Steward at the beginning of
each quarter.
Calendar Quarter's
First Quarter - January, February, March
Second Quarter - April, May, June
Third Quarter - July, August, September
Fourth Quarter - October, November, December
Any employee may request to be excused from working overtime. All such requests
will be given individual consideration. When good and sufficient reason is
given, every effort will be made to excuse such employee. Such excused
opportunity will be considered an opportunity for equalization purposes and
included on the Overtime Desired List. Employees who are required to work
overtime can call home when and whenever possible. Full-time employees called in
ahead of their regular starting time for overtime will not have their regular
work schedule involuntarily curtailed.
Carriers absent during the sign-up period for the Overtime Desired List and/or
Work Assignment List will be permitted to place their name on either list, on
the day they return to duty.
Item 15 & 16
Article 13
1. Permanent light duty Carriers will be reassigned in accordance with Article
13 of the National Agreement.
2. If available light duty will be given to:
a. Carriers with non-occupational injuries or illnesses.
b. The number of temporary or permanent light duty assignments will be based on
available hours of work, the employees medical restrictions and good business
practices.
3. Carriers performing light duty work will do so within the installation when
available.
4. Light duty Carriers will be given consideration for all new
programs involving Carrier duties based on the employees'
medical restrictions.
5. When a Letter Carrier is assigned to temporary light duty,
they will work their own work assignment and perform other Carrier duties that
are available within their medical restrictions.
Item 17
Article 13
Light Duty Assignments
It is agreed that light duty assignments at the Elkins Park Post Office for
Letter Carriers may include, but are not limited to:
A. Casing and strapping out of a route or routes.
B. Casing curtailed and/or backlogged mail on other routes.
C. Any other Carrier duties which could be performed by a Carrier on light duty.
Item 18
Article 41
Determination Of Office As An Installation/Excess/Residual
It is agreed that Elkins Park Post Office is an installation. All Letter Carrier
Craft assignments are considered a section at the Elkins Park Post Office. When
it is proposed to reassign Carriers excess to the needs of the section,
Management will meet with the Union to discuss the facts; this will be done
prior to a final determination.
Excess Carriers from the Elkins Park Post Office must request retreat rights
when there is a residual vacancy.
Combining/Splitting Of Post Offices
In the event of a change such as but not limited to the combining of two or more
Post Offices or the splitting of an Office, the NALC and Management will review
and discuss the proposed changes.
Item 19
Article 20
Parking
Parking spaces, which are available for use, will be on a first come first serve
basis unless the Parking Committee determines otherwise.
Management will continue to strive to obtain the necessary parking spaces.
The Parking Committee will meet when mutually agreed to discuss availability,
seniority, etc.
Item 20
Article 10
Union Activities Prior To Determination Of Choice Period
Union Officials requesting leave to participate in Official Union activities
will not have said leave charged against the Union Officer's vacation period(s).
It will, however, be charged against the 16% overall allotment of leave.
Item 21
Article 17
Representation
The NALC and/or designee will be recognized by the Postmaster and other
Management Officials.
NALC Officials will be permitted to wear a pin approved by Management
designating them as National Association of Letter Carriers Representatives.
The parties agree to work on issues, grievances, and other matters and to pursue
amicable solutions.
Stewards and Supervisors will cooperate to the fullest extent possible. Any
change(s) in policy or procedure will be furnished to the President, NALC.
Periodic discussion will be used to inform the employees of such changes.
Management agrees that in situations where discipline could result from a
meeting between the Supervisor and employee, a request for a Steward will not be
unreasonably denied.
Item 21
Bulletin Boards
The NALC will be provided with at least one (1) glass enclosed bulletin board of
a suitable size with a lock and two (2) keys.
Item 21
Article 41
Notification Of Personnel Actions
The President of Branch 157 will be provided a list of all Personnel Actions,
when applicable. Such information will include but not limited to, such subjects
as hiring, transfers, terminations, promotions, retirement, etc.
The NALC will be notified of any contemplated changes in authorized complement.
The NALC will be notified at least two (2) weeks, if possible, prior to any New
Employee Training (NET) and will be provided with ample time to address such new
employee(s).
Item 21
Article 41
Notification Of Personnel Actions
(continued)
All available training opportunities will be posted. Employees requesting
promotion and/or reassignment to another craft will be given an opportunity to
take the appropriate examination, if necessary. Upon passing the examination,
the employee will be given consideration before any non-Postal employee, within
the installation.
Item 21
Article 16
Obligation To Inform Employee's Their Rights To File Grievances
Employee(s) must be informed of their rights to file a grievance including time
limits under the terms of Article 15 of the National Agreement when discipline
is issued.
No disciplinary action will be taken against an employee that was initiated by
an unsubstantiated customer complaint.
Item 21
Article 17
Labor Management Meeting
The NALC's Shop Steward will be paid by the USPS when attending Labor Management
Meetings.
The meetings will be scheduled quarterly between the parties.
The dates and time of meetings will be done by mutual consent.
Item 21
Social & Recreation Committee
An employee Social and Recreation Committee will be established. Meetings will
be held with the Postmaster or Designee on the clock with a Representative of
Branch 157. The meeting will be held by mutual agreement.
Item 21
Starting Times Changes
When starting times of full-time Carrier positions are to be changed, the NALC
will be informed of the reasons for the change.
A. If one (1) hour or less no posting will be required.
B. If more than one (1) hour the decision to post, or not to post, will be
determined after the NALC discusses the changes with the Carriers. The NALC will
then advise the Postmaster of the Carrier' decision.
Item 21
Article 14
Posting Of Local Doctors/Medical Facilities
The names of doctors and medical facilities where a Carrier can report in the
event of an accident, injury or dog bite will be posted in a prominent place in
the office.
When needing emergency treatment the employee will go to the nearest available
doctor or medical facility.
Item 21
Article 14
Rescheduling IOD Medical Examination On N/S Day
When an employee is injured on duty and is scheduled for treatment or
examination on their non-scheduled day, Management will when possible reschedule
an appointment during the employees' regular scheduled tour.
Item 21
Article 14
Injury Claim Forms
Management will provide any employee claiming an on the job injury with a CA-1
and any other pertinent or necessary forms. Management will also be responsible
for informing the employee of their rights under the law and to give the
employee the receipt portion of the CA-1 immediately following the completion of
the form. Employees who are unable to report to work as a result of a traumatic
injury will be carried "Continuation of Pay" (COP), if the employee has
requested COP in accordance with ELM 541.2K.
Item 21
Article 14
Accident Reporting Form 1769
PS Form 1769, Accident Report will be completed within twenty-four (24) hours in
compliance with the ELM 821.311.
Item 21
Article 14
Interference With Delivery
In order to ensure the safety of Letter Carriers, a Carrier may decide not to
deliver mail where dogs, other animals, etc., interfere with the actual
delivery; or where the Carrier feels their safety may be in jeopardy. The
Carrier shall notify Management of the incident as soon as possible. It shall be
their responsibility of Management to contact the owner of any animal or whoever
interfered with delivery for corrective measures to be taken prior to resuming
delivery.
Safety & Health
It is agreed the Safety and Health Program will be maintained as a cooperative
endeavor between the Elkins Park Post Office and the NALC.
All safety and health standards will conform to the Occupational Safety and
Health Act as administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through the (Williams
Steiger Act Section 19) or Postal Standards whichever is more stringent.
Both parties will cooperate to the fullest extent in their continuing objective
to eliminate accidents and safety hazards.
A Safety Captain will be appointed by the President of NALC and periodic
meetings may be scheduled when deemed necessary by either party.
Safety talks will be held by Supervisors for all Carriers on the clock at least
once a week.
Item 21
Article 14
Emergency Numbers/Fire Drills
Telephone numbers to call for particular emergencies such as medical, police, or
fire will be prominently posted.
There will be a fire drill for all employees at least once a year in accordance
with ELM 854.2. Report of drills will be furnished to the NALC Branch 157.
All routes to fire exits must be clearly marked and followed for fire drills.
All safety deficiencies discovered during such fire drills must be corrected as
soon as possible.
Item 21
Article 41
Vehicle Assignments
Assignment of vehicles to Letter Carriers will be by seniority to the extent
possible.
Item 21
Article 14
Appeal Rights Safe Driver Committee
Carriers will be informed of their appeal rights when notified of an adverse
decision of the safe Driver Award Committee in compliance with the ELM 842.
Item 21
Article 14
Vehicle Safety Check
All employees who drive vehicles will be required each day to make a safety
check of their vehicle.
Item 21
Article 41
Hand Trucks
Hand trucks where available will be supplied upon request.
Item 21
Article 41
Vehicle Cleaning
Postal vehicles will be cleaned as frequently as may be necessary.
Item 21
Article 14
Vehicle Accident Kits
All government vehicles and Carriers under contract agreements will be issued
accident kits.
Item 21
Article 14
Unsafe Vehicles/Repair Tags
No vehicle will be placed in service or permitted to be operated unless it is in
a safe condition. All government vehicles will meet the safety and inspection
standards established by the United States Postal Service. No employee will be
required to work with unsafe equipment.
Under no circumstance will any Carrier be required to drive an unsafe vehicle.
Carriers will be responsible for tagging vehicles for defects. Prompt repair
will be made to deficient parts and each newly repaired vehicle must be
carefully examined to ascertain its complete safety. The designated Supervisor
will be responsible in seeing that the repairs are made.
Item 21
Breaks
On July 21st of each year, the Union at Elkins Park Post Office will determine
when the two (2), ten (10) minutes breaks will be taken. Carriers who work only
a portion or portion(s) of a day will have their "breaks" implemented on a
pro-rata basis. The pro-rata basis will involve equal segments of two (2) hours
each in the eight (8) hour day.
1. A Carrier working two (2) hours is entitled to a five (5)
minute break.
2. A Carrier working four (4) hours is entitled to a ten (10)
minute break.
3. A Carrier working six (6) hours is entitled to one (1) ten
(10) minute break and one (1) five (5) minute break.
4. A Carrier working eight (8) hours is entitled to two (2) ten
(10) minute breaks.
Carriers who are required to work past their scheduled leaving time may at their
option elect to take their break in the Office with agreement from Management.
Item 22
Notice Of Hiring/Maximization/And Change Of Crafts
Management shall advise the NALC President of their intention of hiring new
personnel, intent to maximize, and change of crafts.
Item 22
Definition Seniority
Seniority is based on the length of service as a career Carrier commencing with
the dates of appointment, reinstatement, or transfer to within the installation.
Item 22
Seniority Lists
Seniority Lists will be posted and kept current. Copies of the Seniority Lists
will be furnished to the NALC. The lists will be updated in January and July of
each year.
Item 22
Article 41
Posting And Bidding
Carriers desiring to apply for a posted route, utility, reserve, router, or any
other position that in the future is determined to be a bid position in the
Letter Carrier Craft will submit their bid in writing to the Supervisor.
The bids will be examined after the specified period of posting in the presence
of a Branch 157 Shop Steward. The senior bidder will be assigned to the route,
utility, reserve, router, or other position. The notice of awarding of the bid
will show the seniority date of the successful bidder. The employee will submit
in writing a request to be notified of any vacancies that occur while the
employee is on vacation. The parties will notify all Carriers who are not on
vacation of any vacancy that occurs. All vacancies will be posted for bid a
maximum of ten (10) calendar days.
Item 22
Regular Working Their Non-Scheduled Day
In the event a Regular Carrier is requested to work on their non-scheduled day,
thy will work their own route and will report at their regular scheduled
starting time. When called in on the same day, the full-time regular will work
their own route from the time of report, excluding routers and during unusual
circumstances limited to Sundays and holidays (the intent of this language is to
schedule full-time Carriers in advance and to schedule PTF's at later starting
times when necessary).
If the utility is bumped off their scheduled assignment by the regular:
1. The utility selects an open assignment on their string;
2. If there is no assignment open on their string, the utility will bump the
junior PTF holding down one of the assignments on the utilities string;
3. If there is no PTF working on their string, the Utility will make a selection
of available open assignment(s) office-wide using their seniority;
4. If there is no open assignment(s) to choose from, then the Utility may bump
the junior PTF holding down an assignment or opt to select other work, which may
be available to make up the balance of their tour.
Item 22
Regular Working Their Non-Scheduled Day (continued)
Where the Utility bumps a PTF off a holddown, Management can reschedule the PTF
as needed on that day. However, the PTF will work eight (8) hours.
Upon conversion of a PTF to regular status, a holddown ends.
Item 22
Regular Working Their Non-Scheduled Day (continued)
A Utility working their non-scheduled day will choose their daily assignment
using their seniority and will report and begin work at their regularly
scheduled starting time.
Item 22
Article 41
Part-Time Flexible Seniority
Part-Time Flexible employees may use their seniority to bid for their vacation
period and for available temporary assignments of five (5) or more days. As
successful bidders, they assume the hours of duty and the schedule of work days
of the full-time Carrier whose assignment is being covered. PTF's are subject to
bumping procedures as established under Article 41 2.B.5. (Refer to regular
working his non-scheduled day.)
PTF Work Week
PTF's may be scheduled less than eight (8) hours per service day and less than
forty (40) hours in a service week.
PTF’s are guaranteed two (2) hours a day when they are scheduled.
Work hours for part-time flexibles will be made available to the Steward as
requested to ensure the hours are being assigned as equitable as possible during
a pay period.
Weekend schedules for part-time flexible employees will be posted to the maximum
extent possible no later than Wednesday in the service week preceding the
service week in which the weekend falls.
Abolishment Of Full-Time Carrier Assignments
When a Letter Carrier route or full-time duty assignment, other than the Letter
Carrier route(s) or full-time duty assignment(s) of the Junior employee(s), is
abolished at a delivery unit as a result of but not limited to, route
assignments, highway, housing projects, all routes and full-time duty
assignments at that unit held by Letter Carriers who are Junior to the Carrier(s)
whose routes(s) or full-time duty assignment(s) was abolished shall be posted
for bid in accordance with the posting procedures in Article 41. (Ref; Article
41.3.0.)
Addendum
Bargaining Unit Work
Supervisors are prohibited from performing bargaining unit work in accordance
with Article 1, Section 6 of the National Agreement.
Combination Work Assignments (Different Crafts)
Management will inform the NALC and other effected Unions where applicable in
advance of the reasons for establishing combination full time assignments within
different crafts in accordance with Article 7 Section 2 of the National
Agreement.
Lunch/Rest Period
No Carrier will be required to work more than six (6) continuous hours without a
meal or rest period of at least thirty (30) minutes.
Where practicable, no Carrier's lunch period shall be more than thirty (30)
minutes.
Pay Location Badges
Employee's pay location badges will be handled only by authorized personnel. All
employee pay location badges must be in their designated areas at least five (5)
minutes before the beginning and ending of tour.
pay location badges must no be removed from their designated areas until at
least six (6) minutes after the start of the tour and the ending of tour.
Probationary Employee Evaluations
A probationary employee(s) work performance will be evaluated using appropriated
forms and copies provided to the employee(s) as specified in the ELM 378.
Inspection Of OPF
An employee will upon request have the right to inspect their Official Personnel
Folder (OPF).
The records of a disciplinary action against an employee shall not be considered
in any subsequent disciplinary action if there has been no disciplinary action
initiated against the employee for a period of two years.
Upon the employee's written request, any disciplinary notice or decision letter
will be removed from the employee's official personnel folder after two years if
there has been no disciplinary action initiated against the employee in that
two-year period in accordance with Article 16 Section 10 of the National
Agreement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The parties recognize their obligation under Article 35 of the collective
bargaining agreement and will continue their efforts.
Handbooks & Manuals M-39, M-41
It is mutually understood that Handbook M39 - M41 and other appropriate manuals
will be strictly adhered to.
The NALC will be notified as soon as possible when a route or route(s) will be
tested.
It is agreed, any comments the Route Examiner makes on PS Form 3999, "Inspection
of Letter Carrier Route", or attachments will be discussed with the Carrier and
the Supervisor on the day of inspection. In the event a meeting does not take
place on that day, a copy of the PS Form 3999 and attachments will be given to
the Carrier. Should circumstances necessitate additional time, it shall be
granted and the test will remain valid provided the Shop Steward and Carrier are
given the reason with a specific time and date not to exceed 48 hours.
A completed copy of the front of Form 1840 - reflecting totals and averages from
Forms 1838, day of inspection data, route examiner's comments, and analysis of
office work functions and actual time recordings - will be furnished to the
Carrier at least one (1) day in advance of consultation. Completed copies of
Form 1838 will be given to the Carrier at least five (5) calendar days prior to
consultation.
Route adjustments must be placed into effect within fifty-two (52) calendar days
of the completion of the mail count and no major scheme changes should be made
between the period November 15 and January 1. Exceptions must be approved by the
District Manager/Postmaster. The NALC will be notified promptly of any
exception(s) granted.
When a Carrier requests a special inspection and Management agrees it is
warranted, Management will take prompt action to make necessary arrangements for
the count and inspection in accordance with the M39.
The Carrier's 1571, Curtailed Mail Report, can be reviewed by the Carrier,
noting action taken by Supervisor. A copy will be furnished to the Carrier upon
their request.
One Day Mail Count
When a Supervisor desires to determine the efficiency of a Carrier in the
Office, a one (1) day mail count shall be conducted. In such cases Form 1838
will be used to record all office work and time items. The Carrier will be given
one (1) day advance notification that the mail will be counted the next day by
the Supervisor.
Elimination Of Junior Regulars Route(s)
When it is proposed to eliminate a route or route(s), the Office will be
adjusted where possible so that the route or route(s) to be eliminated may be
those held by the junior regulars.
Public Address System
The public address (PA) system must be properly designed so that it can be
clearly heard and understood. The Shop Steward will be permitted to make changes
to the radio station.
Working Off The Clock
No employee will be permitted to perform any duties unless they are on Official
time. No Supervisor will permit an employee to work off the clock.
Swing Room, Housekeeping, And Temperature Levels
Employees will be provided an ample amount of benches, stools, and/or chairs for
the employee swing and locker rooms. All employees will be assigned a locker.
Newly hired employees will be assigned a locker upon their assignment to the
Office.
Management will be responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of workroom
floors, drinking fountains, swing rooms, lavatories, and Carrier cases, and to
insure adequate light, heat, and ventilation.
Every effort will be made to balance air conditioning at a comfortable temperature.
Pursuant to Article XXX of the National Agreement, the Articles negotiated at
the Local Level and those Articles brought forward from previous Local
Memorandums of Understanding constitute the entire agreement (as contained in
this document) between the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Elkins
Park Post Office.
Daniel Dugan
William McKinney
Postmaster President
Elkins Park Post Office Keystone Branch 157
U.S. Postal Service N.A.L.C.
November 1, 2006 November 1, 2006