Temporary Light Duty

There may come times when a letter carrier becomes temporary unable to perform their normal duties because of an injury or illness suffered off the job. This could sometimes cause a carrier to use much of their accumulated leave balance if a carrier believes that because they are unable to perform their normal duties they are unable to come to work. However, depending on the severity of the injury or illness this may not be the case because Article 13 of The National Contract allows employees recuperating from a serious illness or injury to request a temporary reassignment to light duty or other assignment. This could be of great benefit to any letter carrier temporary unable to perform their normal duties because of an injury or illness because light duty may save a carrier from having to use earned leave that they had accumulated since on the job.

The provisions of Article 13 govern voluntary requests for light duty work by employees who are temporarily or permanently incapable of performing their normal duties as a result of illness or injury. The term “light duty” should not be confused with the term “limited duty.” (Limited Duty is a term used when an employee is hurt while performing on the job duties.)

In addition, Article 30.B.15, 16 and 17 allow for the identification of light duty assignments during local implementation. However, the fact that no agreement has been reached in a particularity installation during local negotiations would not prevent an eligible employee from requesting available light duty.

The following requirements apply to an employee seeking temporary reassignment to light duty work:

Any full-time regular or part-time flexible employee may request temporary light duty, regardless of length of service;

The request must be submitted in writing;

The request must be supported by a medical statement from a licensed physician or by a written statement from a licensed chiropractor;

The employee bears any cost connected with the statement required under this section;

The employee must agree to submit to a further examination by a physician designated by the installation head, if requested;

The Postal Service will be responsible for any costs when it requests a second medical examination;

The employee may specifically seek light duty or may seek “other assignment” within his/her medical limitations.

Please note that the request must be submitted in writing. When doing so the request should be submitted to the installation head. It is recommended that when submitting any such written request, that one does so with a form of conformation that the written request was made. (For example certified letter) Remember to keep all copies for your records. Be sure also to contact the Shop Steward

Executive Vice

President’s Article

(Continued from Page 1)to make them aware of your request for light duty and let them know when your written request was made to the installation head.

Please also note that the above requirements state that the request must be supported by a medical statement from a licensed physician or by a written statement from a licensed chiropractor. In addition, Article 13 also notes that when “possible,” that the notes show the anticipated duration of the convalescence period.

Management will normally supply a light duty request form that list a carriers activities that the doctor may use to list any restrictions that are being placed on the injured or ill carrier. These forms are normally very useful for management to determine what duties a light duty carrier can perform. This will help make any light duty work accommodation clear and defined.

Once an employee request is submitted to the installation head Article 13 requires that the installation head make a Bona Fide effort to identify light duty work. Article 13 further requires management to give the matter “the greatest consideration, and careful attention.” Disputes concerning the failure to provide light duty work may be addressed through the grievance arbitration procedure. Any letter carrier who request a temporary reassignment to light duty work and is not provided any work (Including the maximum number of hours the doctor allows you to work) or management fails to respond back to your written request (Including in a timely manner) should see their shop steward immediately so that an investigation may be conducted and a grievance filed if necessary.

In closing, I would like to remind and encourage all registered letter carrier to go out and vote on Election Day November 3, 2020. In addition, as Veteran Day is celebrated this year on November 11 I would like to thank and acknowledge all those brother and sisters who served in the military for their contributions to our national security and the sacrifices they made in doing so. Lastly, I would like to wish all my Brother and Sister Letter Carriers and their family a Happy Thanksgiving.