Operational Changes

September 4, 2004                                               

The recent operational changes implemented by management have caused some disruption to the mail handler craft. As all of you are probably aware the removal of trays from the sack sorters has resulted in a trickle down affect that has impacted virtually every area in the facility. It is clear that management did not anticipate nor properly plan for this impact and is adjusting their operation on a daily basis. The Union has previously discussed the posting of additional duty assignments in the areas involved and the re-positioning of vacated duty assignments and continues to address this issue. There will obviously be a period of adjustment as positions are vacated and new duty assignments are created. The Union will make every effort to move this process along as quickly and as painlessly as possible. 

In the meantime the Union would like to reiterate its position on the temporary movement of mail handlers from their bid duty assignments.  As defined by Article 12 of the National Agreement a duty assignment is: “A duty assignment is a set of duties and responsibilities within recognized positions regularly scheduled during specific hours of duty.” (Page 32)

          More than one duty assignment can exist in an area or pay location. For example, a level 5 equipment operator and a level 4 mail handler can be assigned to the same pay location or area but occupy separate and distinct duty assignments. With the daily movement of mail handlers, Article 12.3E3 and the Local Memorandum will be controlling but will be influenced by the requirements of Article 7. For example, if a level five equipment operator is temporarily reassigned outside of his bid duty assignment management must find him level 5 equipment operator work. This may affect a level 4 employee on a higher-level detail. The Union has discussed this issue with management and the following procedures are to be applied. If it is necessary for management to reassign a bid level 5 equipment operator outside of his area and subsequently return a detailed level 4 back to his/her level 4 duty assignment, the order of this return should first be the most junior level 4 detail who is performing equipment operator duties outside of his bid work location. For example, a level 4 mail handler bid to the N. Inbound performing level 5 equipment operator duties on the common containers. After exhausting the above, should management still find it necessary to reassign a bid level 5 equipment operator outside of his/her area and into an area in which a level 4 mail handler (within his area) is detailed to a level 5 equipment operator assignment, these level 4 detailed employees will be returned to their level 4 bid duty assignment by juniority installation wide. Further, it is the Union’s position that should a sack sorter operator be temporarily reassigned from the sack sorter to the floor he/she cannot displace a level 4 mail handler performing level 4 work within his/her bid duty assignment. However, the sack sorter operator will be considered a part of the Inbound, retaining his/her relative seniority with respect to the detailing of employees to powered equipment operations. The Union recognizes that the movement of mail handlers from their bid duty assignments can be disruptive and very frustrating at times, our job is to ensure that management respects the contractual rights of all affected. Any questions regarding the movement of mail handlers or any other issues that arise should be directed to ANY Union representative.

                                                          Yours in Solidarity,

                                                          John Gibson