New Article 8 Overtime Desired List (ODL) Changes

There are important new Article 8 Overtime contractual changes in the new 2023-2026 National Agreement as it pertains to the Overtime Desired List. As of the deadline to publish this article there has not been an official date that these changes will be implemented, however, it has been widely suggested that it will start the beginning the 3rd Quarter of 2025 which is July 1, 2025. Official news on this should be released soon by the NALC.

The major change to the Overtime Desired List (ODL) is that it has been split into two (2) separate lists. Previously, if you were on the ODL, you were required to work up to 12 hours in a single day, including coming in on your non-scheduled day if deemed necessary. The new contract splits these overtime requirements into two separate lists, and the employee may choose to be on either list of their choice, or both lists.

This change gives more flexibility to the carriers if they desire to work up to 12 hours per day on their regularly scheduled day(s) but do not want to work on their non-scheduled days, or if they desire to work up to eight (8) hours on their non-scheduled days but no additional overtime on their regularly scheduled days. If any carrier wants to work overtime on their regularly scheduled days, as well as on their non-scheduled days, they may sign up for BOTH lists. Signing up on both ODL lists would be the equivalent to signing up to the 12-hour ODL in the previous contract. Please see the language below from Article 8.5.A of the 2023-2026 National Agreement:

1. Full-time letter carriers, including those on limited or light duty, may sign up for either one or both of the following regular Overtime Desired Lists:

• Employees desiring to work up to twelve (12) hours per day on their regularly scheduled day(s). Employees signing only this list are not on the Overtime Desired List on their non-scheduled day(s). However, employees signing both regular Overtime Desired Lists are eligible to work up to twelve (12) hours per day on their regularly scheduled day(s) and their non-scheduled day(s).

• Employees desiring to work eight (8) hours per day on their non-scheduled days. Employees signing only this list are not on the Overtime Desired List on their regularly scheduled days or beyond eight (8) hours on their non-scheduled days. However, employees signing both regular Overtime Desired Lists are eligible to work up to twelve (12) hours per day on their regularly scheduled day(s) and their non-scheduled day(s).

Another common question is how will overtime opportunities be distributed equitably if there are 2 separate lists? Simple. Each ODL list will have its own separate equitably list. If you are on both lists, then each individual list should have its own equitable breakdown and either one, or both, could be grieved at the end of the quarter if management failed to provide equitable distribution. Each steward should make sure that management posts an updated list of overtime opportunities each week. Article 8.5.C.2.c of the National Agreement states:

In order to ensure equitable opportunities for overtime, overtime hours worked and opportunities offered will be posted and updated weekly.

In addition, another change to the ODL rules is there is no more option to sign up for the ODL with a 10-hour preference. If you choose to be on the ODL, you are letting management know that you are available for up to 12 hours of work each day.

The “Work Assignment” list, for carriers who only want to work overtime on their own assignment on regularly scheduled days, did not change. The new contractual provisions above do not allow carriers to be on the Work Assignment list as well as the ODL for non-scheduled days.

If there are any additional questions or concerns, please contact your Full-Time Officer for clarification or advice.