Joint Route Inspections
It looks like the USPS and the NALC will be signing off on a joint route inspection process. That means both the Union and Management will complete the inspections together. Basically, here is what I have heard regarding the inspections and teams involved.
There will be 5 teams in this area which covers from Queens to the east end. The teams will consist of 2 members, one appointed by the union and one appointed by the USPS. There will be a lead team chosen to oversee the process.
Allegedly, there will be no need to do 3999’s or 1838C’s during this process. The process is using GPS, DOIS and scans as part of the program. They are only using the data from the regular employees on the route. If there is a vacant route or a long term hold down, the team working on that office will determine whose time will be used. The shop steward and the carriers will have input into the inspection.
Similar to a regular route, count and inspection, there will be a 7-week timecard analysis as part of the process. That means they will be looking at 7 PRIOR weeks as part of the program. As I am led to believe the team will not be looking at any time frame during the Covid MOU use. The MOU’s regarding covid expired at the close of business Friday, May 5, 2022. Any time after that can be used to set route hours. So, from this time forward I would suggest you follow the contract and work in a professional and safe manner. The office breaks should be taken in the office and not the street. Very important to understand that what you do from this date forward will be used in making your route an 8-hour assignment.
The use of GPS and scans and clock rings will determine your street. So once aging I urge you to do your assignments in a safe manner in conjunction with the contract and local agreement. You skip your break or run through the route; it will be considered when the final numbers come up. We are professional letter carriers and should know what is correct and what is not. There is no need to impress anyone on this job. You do your job correctly and safely you should be fine. You run and cut corners to impress management you jeopardize not only your job but also your health. Too many carriers have been injured while rushing to get the job done. Do not be one of those who put themselves in danger. Follow the rules in the contract and your local agreement. Management has this thing about giving improper information out and making idle threats to push you. Don’t be intimidated. If you have a question, ask it. Speak to your shop steward for clarification. If given an order or direction that you do not think is correct, follow that direction and speak to the shop steward and possibly file a grievance. If you believe that management’s actions or direction could cause you to be injured, you can refuse the order. Let management know you believe that the order could be injurious to your safety and health. Again, speak to you steward or call your full-time officer.
I do not have all the information regarding the joint route inspections at this point. I just thought that you should be ready for what may come. Be diligent and on guard while working. I put nothing past management in trying to coerce and manipulate the process. More information will be forthcoming once we have all the information.
Educate yourself to protect yourself.
